Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
New Garda
Congratulations to Conor Casey, son of James and Mary Casey Curreen, Rathcline Road, on passing out as a Garda on Friday last. Conor will be stationed at Mullingar Garda Station.
Conor pictured at the passing out with his wife Julie and their triplets Jack, Holly and Lauren.
Wonderful Lotto win
On Tuesday of last week 28th April the St. Faithleach’s GAA lotto draw took place at the clubhouse for a jackpot of €11,200. The numbers drawn were 11, 13, 15 and 17 and it proved to be the significant numbers for Pat Rafferty, Lisnacusha who was the sole winner of the jackpot. We congratulate Packie and hope he enjoys his great fortune.
The jackpot reverts back to starting at €2,000 for the next draw that takes place in the clubhouse on Tuesday 12th May.
Remarkable Sporting Times in the Community
Local connections in sporting achievements have come in multiples over the past couple of weeks for families in our community and we wish those in the coming days and weeks the very best of luck in extending their season.
Diarmuid Murtagh will lead his Roscommon team to the Connacht Final in Hyde Park on Sunday.
The ladies of Lanesboro Community College (LCC) continue to make school sporting history and in the coming days they will take on Bray in the Leinster Final. From what I can gather there is the first full Leinster Final that the school has been in and we wish them every success in the final.
The LCC senior boys were very unlucky to lose in the A championship and showed their undoubted class by convincingly winning the Leinster Shield Final.
Representing the Community College in athletics Andrew Noland and Oisín Dillon continue their tremendous exploits when both qualified for their respective Connacht Schools Finals following great victories in the North Connacht’s.
Roscommon Gardaí made history last week when the won the All-Ireland Inter firm final and featuring on that historic panel were local lads Darragh Hussey, John Hanly and James Quigley. Congratulations lads on a fabulous victory.
Longford Ladies had a wonderful Leinster Final B win in recent days and it was wonderful and with great pride we seen four members of the panel from the Rathcline namely Emma Feeney, Emma Dowd, Lauren Killian and Leah Kenny.
John Clyne, Rathcline Road did not know what road to take to support his daughters and grandchildren over the past couple of weeks, such were their achievements over the past few weeks. John and his late wife Hannah produced great sporting athletes in our community and the bloodline is continuing as you will see below. Their daughter Gillian, a former star of the Lough Ree Athletic club has never let her training go to waste and in recent times she recently won the Kildare Masters and finished in third place last weekend in the Leinster Seniors. John’s son David’s daughter, Emily Clyne was acknowledged as one of the rising stars of Irish athletics at the 2025 Juvenile All-Star Awards, Emily, a member of the Reeside Athletic Club, Knockrockery, got her award for her exploits over the past year in the High Jump. Not to be outdone, John’s other daughter Louise and her husband Shane Hanly had two daughters playing in Leinster finals where Kate helped her Dublin team win the Leinster Minor Final and her younger sister, Lucy, was unfortunate to lose their Leinster Juvenile final. Pictured with Kate after the Dublin win was her grandfather John and uncle Ronan – a sterling performer for Rathcline over the years. Last weekend the local Ballyboro FC Under 13 team were crowned Premier League champions after a wonderful season.
Congratulations to all and to those still remaining in competition we wish them the very best of luck.
Are you coming to the Festival?
The Gaelforce Great River Swim on its own attracts well over 1000 contestants, supporters and spectators to the area and this is an incredible opportunity for the community to show their great strength and friendliness in welcoming so many to our community for what promises to be a wonderful weekend of events. A local committee has been working with Tourism Longford and Gaelforce to develop a weekend for all around the activities of the Gaelforce events and they have come up with a weekend for all in and around Lanesboro and Ballyleague. This week we publish a fuller programme of events and the complete list will be available next week.
The opening day Friday 15th May
The weekend kicks off on Friday with free walking tour of the area at 4pm. Even though the walking tour is free you must pre-register at info@loughreeboatingandwalkingtours.ie .
‘Try a Kayak’ is a beginner friendly kayaking experience in the bay area of the River Shannon organised by GaelForce. The cost of the experience is just €10 and you must book on the GaelForce website for the 6.30pm or 7.30pm slot.
Sweaty Yeti Sauna and Pizza evening will take place between 6.30pm and 9pm. Relax into the festival weekend with a sauna and pizza and the cost is €17 per person.
You must book your sauna time at bookings@thesweatyyeti.ie
From 9pm until late there will be a Traditional session in Adie’s (The Swan Tavern) where loads of our talented traditional musicians will display their amazing talents.
You will see in the note below of the Water, Waves, Words and Music concert taking place in St. John’s church which is a ticketed event and a limited number of tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s costing just €10
Saturday 16th May is the day of the Great River Swim with staggered starts for the 12km, 5.8km, 3.5km and the 800m swims. The prize giving will take place at the finishing area from 11:00am for 12km and 800m, 12:00 pm for the 5.8km and at 2:00pm for 3.5k
For those interested in a history/down memory lane walk through the area John Sorohan will be doing one at 11.30am and bookings must be made at info@loughreeboatingandwalkingtours.ie.
John will also be doing boat tours throughout the weekend and you can make your bookings at info@loughreeboatingandwalkingtours.ie
The ReeFest Festival will continue throughout the day with the family Fun Day at the duck pond area 11:45 am to 4:00pm where you will be able to enjoy market stalls, games of skill and chance, family activities, a trampoline and climbing wall, and plenty of festival atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
On the Main Street from 1.30pm there will be a junior busking championship with the winners being announced at the prize giving on the Lanesbrew Outdoor Stage at 3pm. Live music entertainment will continue with the up and coming local group The Raths from 3.30pm on the Lanesbrew Outdoor Stage.
Try a Kayak will return again on Saturday with a relaxed beginner friendly paddle on the River Shannon at 6.30pm and 7.30pm.
The afternoon/evening will conclude with a Barbeque and live music from 6.30pm at the Yacht Bar.
Sunday 17th May the day will commence with a free car show at the Duck Pond Car Park and Marquee Area from 11am until 4pm, bringing plenty to see on the final day of the festival. From 12 noon until 4 pm there will be an Art Camp alongside and a number of Craft Stalls where you and your young people can browse local craft stalls and enjoy a free creative space for children and families.
If you would like to volunteer over the weekend you should leave your name on the volunteer sheet in O’Brien’s
Water – Waves, Words and Music
St Johns’ Church, is one of the most spectacular, beautiful and iconic buildings in our community and we are delighted to announce that the church will be hosting a spectacular evening “Water-Waves, Words and Music” concert.
On the opening Friday evening, 15th May, of the ReeFest/Great River Swim Festival the renowned pianist Daren Lane will be performing in St. John’s from 7.30 pm. Joining Daren for the evening will be our local choir and our local writers group with their share of music, words and poetry.
Daren career led him to attend the Junior Academy of the Royal Academy of Music, London. Following this, he attended a specialist music school, the Purcell School of Music, studying piano, organ and guitar. He achieved his B Music Performance degree, specialising in piano from the Royal Academy of Music. Daren also studied organ, obtaining an ARCO diploma. He later gained an M Music degree in Performance from London College of Music. In addition to performance, Daren has experience teaching piano in London, Roscommon Town, Athlone and Ballyforan. He has a particular affinity with the music of Mozart, Schubert and Schuman and will also be including Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Debussy in his performance.
On Thursday last the choir and Daren had a rehearsal on Thursday last and it proved to be excellent creating a wonderful anticipation for all those lucky patrons that will be in attendance on the night.
The local writers group is actively preparing their words and poetry with a great excitement and anticipation.
This promises to be one of the finest evenings ever in our community and with spaces limited early booking is essential.
Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s costing just €10
Junior Busking Competition
This is a call for all young musicians to enter in the Junior Busking competition that is taking place on Saturday 16th May as part of the Lough Ree FlowFest alongside the Family Fun Day and the GaelForce Great River Swim. More events will be announced as we get closer to the days of the festival. If you want to enter junior contestants in the busking competition entries can be made to reefestbusking@gmail.com
Annual Tea Day
The Longford branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will hold their annual Tea Day in their office on 2 Earl Street, Longford, on Thursday 7th May from 10.00 to 2.00pm. All support will be greatly appreciated.
Sound & Song Circle
A Sound and Song Circle will commence for 6 weeks Tuesday, 12th May at 6.30pm in Roscommon Town. The Circle is facilitated by singer song writer Anne Marie Hynes (www.soundyoursoul.ie). The workshop will explore meditation and emotional expression through the voice. Booking essential and as this course is funded by SICAP programme eligibility criteria may apply. No singing experience or capacity required. For more info/to book your please call Teresa O’Brien 086 0291215, Roscommon LEADER Partnership Company.
Community Games
Lanesboro Track and Field will take place in Clonbonny (Rathcline GAA grounds) on Sunday next 10th May at 3pm
Events include – Running: Under 8/Over 6 up to Under 16, Distances start at 80m up to 1500m for U16 category.
Hurdles: Under 10/over 8 (60m), Under 14/over 12(80m)
Discuss Under 16/over 14, Javelin Under 14/over 12, Shot putt, Under 14/Over 12 and the Long Puck, Boys Under 12/over 10;Long Puck for Girls,U14/Over 12.
We will also have an Under 6 Fun run for all the younger children.
It is always a great community event, we look forward to seeing lots of children taking part on the day, just a reminder that children must reside in Lanesboro to take part in these events.
Songs that built a Nation.
The Roscommon Solstice Choir will present a very special show entitled “Songs that built a Nation” in the Roscommon Arts Centre in June 2026. This award winning Choir which has performed nationally and internationally has teamed up with well local playwright and historian Tommy Murray to perform a number of Concerts on June 4th, 5th and 6th. Under the title “Songs that built a Nation” the Choir will present “Epic moments of Irish History as told in Ballads, Songs, Poems and Music.” Based on an original script by Tommy Murray it will begin with the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798 and conclude with the War of Independence 1920-21.
During this traumatic and tumultuous time in our History, Ireland alternated between physical force and constitutional method in seeking Independence and Freedom. However in the midst of all this the Irish People composed music, wrote poetry and songs which helped to keep the flame of Rebellion and Resistance alight and lifted the spirits and morale of the nation. One must never underestimate the power of our musicians, poets and singers as they “fought” in their own way to keep the spirit of freedom alive.
These concerts promise to be a wonderful musical and historical experience set against the rich tapestry that is Ireland’s History during this period. This is a show not to be missed.
Venue: Roscommon Arts Centre.
Dates: 4th, 5th and 6th June at 8.00pm. Admission €20. Booking at Roscommon Arts Centre. Tel (090) 6625824, or www.roscommonartscentre.ie
Connacht Final in Roscommon on Sunday
Roscommon supporters travelled in huge numbers to Castlebar to support the team against Mayo but on Sunday next they just have to travel to Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon Town to support the team where they will take on Galway in the Connacht Final.
Roscommon’s form going into the final gives them a wonderful opportunity of bucking the trend against Galway in the Hyde.
Diarmuid Murtagh in the form of his life, the panel getting stronger and the St. Bridget’s players returning from injury, all strengthening the team, to a point where no opposition is feared by them.
We wish the Diarmuid led team the very best on Sunday and it would be great if on Sunday evening they are crowned Connacht champions. The game will throw in at 4.15pm.
Tailteann Cup
On Sunday the Longford senior team will embark on their travels when they make the relatively short journey to Brewster Park in Enniskillen for the first round game. We wish our three representatives on the panel Oran, Iarla and Oisín and their team mates the very best of luck. The game will throw in at 3pm.
Maneuvers at the Power Station
The Defence Forces currently have a Training exercise planned in the Lough Ree Power Station, on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th May. This exercise is to train personnel in the conduct of offensive and defensive operations in an urban environment. There will be approximately 80 troops taking part in the exercise.
This notice is just ensuring that nobody is alarmed if they hear gun fire coming from the vicinity of the Power Station. An Garda Siochana in Lanesboro has also been informed of the exercise.
The exercise is due to commence at 11am on the Tuesday 5th and finish at approximately 12 noon on the Wednesday 6th May. All weapons firing will cease by 10pm on the 5th and not commence again until 7am on the 6th during the withdrawal from the area.
While the power station is still standing it is great to see that all our national essential services are collaborating with ESB to avail of the station as a training site.
Darkness into Light
Electric Ireland once again stands tall when they support the annual Darkness into Light 2026. Pieta House, the charity for suicide and self-harm prevention, will again host the Darkness into Light walk at 4:15 a.m. on Saturday morning next 9th May. The funds raised through Darkness into Light goes towards supporting Pieta’s lifesaving free services to people in your community that have been affected by suicide or self-harm.
There are many ways to get involved. Purchase a ticket and join one of the official Darkness into Light walks or be creative in taking part in your own fundraising way.
In Longford you can take part at the Mall Sports Centre.
In Roscommon Town: The walk starts and ends at the Convent of Mercy Secondary School Gym, Convent Road, offering a 5km route through the town.
In Strokestown the walk will begin at the Strokestown Community & Sports Centre.
You are advised to register online www. https://www.darknessintolight.ie/
Hurlers/Camógs and coaches required
The resurrection of hurling has continued to grow in the Rathcline club with young players coming from many areas to learn the skill of hurling.
The club is open to accepting many more youngsters from under 8 upwards and their parents with an interest in hurling.
The number of girls turning up to learn the skills of Camogie is very encouraging and it is hoped that with a few more numbers there will also be a very active number of Camogie teams. With the President Camogie Association, Brian Molloy, in his final year of National President it would be a tremendous boost to have his home club in Rathcline having teams representing both him and the area.
National Heritage Week
As previously mentioned in these notes The Shannonside Heritage Society will be holding a photographic exhibition to coincide with Irish Heritage week, which this year runs from the 15th-23rd August.
The theme this year is ‘Heritage at Risk’ and the exhibition will be held in St Mary’s hall.
We are looking in particular for any old photographs relating to: Bord na Mona, varies versions the Power Station, any domestic bog workings – cutting, harvesting, footing etc., any other photographs relative to other industrial works such as the Quarry, Tomato Farm, Windmill etc. etc.
Also, photographs of any lost buildings, buildings that have changed their use over the years, i.e. shops, pubs, hotels and any photographs of land and areas prior to development.
We are particularly keen to have any pictures that might show the river as a working environment, including any photos of the river banks packed with fishermen and boats as was often the case.
If you have any such photographs that you think will fit nicely with our exhibition then we would ask you to please:
Mark the back of the photograph with your name and phone number so that we can return them to you.
Leave them in an envelope with O’Brien’s Corner Shop marked for the attention of Andrew Knowles at Shannonside Heritage Society.
Please submit your photographs by 1st July 2026
Farm Plastic Collection in June
Following a meeting last week to organise the annual ‘Farm Plastic’ collection for the coming season created their calendar dates. The St. Faithleach’s GAA grounds was once again nominated as one of the nationwide bring centres. The date scheduled for the local collection is Thursday 25th June.
The Material Type and the prices at the Bring centre are:
Silage Wrap / Pit covers – €60 per Half Tonne with Label Code
Small Fertiliser/ Feed Bags/ Liners from Bulk Bags/ Pallet plastic wrap – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag)
Bulk Fertiliser /Feed Bags (Liners Removed) – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag)
Chemical Drums (Triple rinsed/ NO OIL DRUMS) – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag)
Net/Twine – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag).
For any further information you are asked to check the www.farmplastics.ie website
Reconnection Day
Come a Saturday in the latter end of September, Saturday 26th September it is anticipated that we will have a ‘Reconnection and Recollection Day’ of the time, the workers and their families of all those, county, countrywide and worldwide, that worked with Bord na Mona and ESB and those that lived in the community. From the 50’s right up today there are many hundreds of workers and their families that have worked with Bord na Mona and ESB
There are a lot of old photographs and memorabilia floating around with former workers and their families in many photo albums and attics and we would love to get our hands on them for an exhibition for the day. If you have such photos and would prefer to hold onto them we can have them scanned and you treasure will never leave your presence. Your help and support will be hugely appreciated.
This is just an opening salvo in the search for all pictures, stories and memorabilia and we will give you a chance to do a family search over the next week or two before announcing ways and means of making your contributions.
Songs that Built a Nation
The Roscommon Solstice Choir launched their upcoming series of concerts “Songs that Built a Nation” in Gleeson’s Townhouse Restaurant on Friday night last.
This Community choir has teamed up with very well-known local playwright and historian Tommy Murray to present a show that will give “a dramatic insight into important moments of Irish History as illustrated by our ballads, songs, poems and music”.
The show will begin with the important United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798 and conclude with the War of Independence in 1920-21. Featuring many of the great ballads, speeches and music of the time it promises to be an emotional roller- coaster as we highlight the victory of the unquenchable spirit that rose Phoenix- like from the ashes of many a conflict in Ireland’s struggle towards independence.
Speaking at the launch, the Chairperson of the choir, John F Hanley spoke of this “exciting new challenge for the choir and highlighted their willingness to innovate and adapt to the new format of the show”. The choir was now availing of the opportunity to display its various talents of acting and singing and he was fulsome in his praise of Tommy Murray who he said had written such a script and entrusted it to us to present and interpret. He particularly thanked Roscommon County Council for “their continuous support of the choir and their generous support of this exciting and new project” and said that it deserved to be a great success because of the huge commitment and dedication of everyone involved.
Eimear Reynolds, the musical director of the choir noted “this year we have taken a step away from our usual format of travelling nation-wide in support of various charities. Instead, we are excited to present a very special collaboration with local playwright Tommy Murray.” Together” she said “we are going to bring you a powerful and moving journey through Irish History, told through a compelling blend of narration and song”.
She particularly thanked Tommy for his advice and support to her during the preparations for this project, and said that she was more than thrilled at the various talents of the choir members as they embraced their roles with enthusiasm and entered into the real spirit of the project.
Tommy Murray expressed his delight to be involved with the choir on this project and was looking forward to a wonderful production in June.
Jimmy Hoban, PRO of the choir said that the show in June marked “a new and exciting adventure for the choir and displayed their willingness to innovate and experiment”. He noted that the choir had been involved in Historical Drama before with their participation in Tommy Murray’s’ production of “A Nation once Again” in 2016. He had particular praise for Tommy Murray whom he said “was synonymous with Drama in the midlands, both as an actor and a playwright with the ability to capture the very essence of the important moments of History, and present them in a dramatic and engaging way”. He said that the period of History covered in “Songs that Built a Nation” moved through the constitutional and physical force movements of that tumultuous and dramatic time ” as our poets, songwriters and musicians were busy keeping the flames of Independence and freedom burning in their own unique way”.
Thanks were expressed to Roscommon County Council for their invaluable support and to Áine Butler, Creative Communities Engagement Officer for the Commemoration Funding towards the event, also Darragh Kelly communication officer of the Council, members of the press, radio and photographers present. A thank you to Nollaig Feeney the Heritage Officer for her sponsorship of the launch and the wonderful staff of Roscommon Arts Centre and all who attended the launch.
The show, “Songs that Built a Nation” will be in the Roscommon Arts Centre on the 4th 5th and 6th June.
Booking at Roscommon Arts Centre. Tel: 0906625824 or roscommonartscentre.ie
Month of Mary: May Devotion
For the Month of May the Rosary will be recited in Cloontuskert Cemetery each Saturday at 12pm in honour of our Lady of the Rosary and to commend our loved ones to her care.
Continued great support for Teresa
The annual VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, the 10km Charity Road Race, will, this year, take place on the streets of Dublin on Sunday 31st May. Teresa Kiernan, Gurteengar, will be taking part in this sold out event. Teresa is taking part to raise vital funds for the County Longford Hospice Homecare CLG. There are sponsorship cards throughout the local businesses and your generosity is called upon for such a very worthwhile organisation that does so much great work.
50th Anniversary
Rathcline GAA invites you to their 50th anniversary of the club’s 1976 County Senior Football Championship success. This celebration will take place in the club grounds at Clonbonny on Sunday 24th May. You are invited to join the club and parish as they recognise this historic achievement of the great team, players and management. The club looks forward to welcoming you and the club heroes of 1976. More details of times and event schedule from the club will follow.
Sunflower Days for Hospice
Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation would appreciate your kind assistance in helping them raise funds on National Sunflower Days for Hospice on Friday and Saturday 12th and 13th June. Sunflowers will be on sale at local stores in Roscommon on both dates. Any time you can give on any of those dates would be most appreciated. Contact 0949388666 or email info@hospice.ie
Books back selling well
The long awaited copies of the very popular ‘In the Wake of the Bagger’ by Jack Harte have just arrived back on the shelves and they are on sale at just €14.
Kieran Feeney’s first book of poetry – Opaque sold out very quickly and in recent days more books have become available. The book of poetry is on sale in O’Brien’s costing €15.
Likewise with Daniel Mc Gann’s first book Odyssey, it has been a resounding local success and new stock arrived in the past week. Daniel’s debut book is on sale in O’Brien’s at €20.
The Joker
The Joker back at €2,100 on 52 cards on Saturday night next 9th May in the clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners were Mary Mangan and Paul Duffy.
Be in with your chance to have a cut for the Joker by buying tickets online on the ClubSpot portal St. Faithleach’s, from any of the organising committee or in the clubhouse on Saturday night.
N. A Meetings
N.A. physical meetings on Tuesday nights from 8 – 9 p.m. in Room 13 at St. Coman’s Club,
Lanesboro ICA Guild
Monthly Walk
Sunday 26th April saw the ladies take to Leebeen Park Aughnacliffe for the monthly walk on a beautiful day with glorious sunshine. The ladies enjoyed a lovely walk in good company. As always the afternoon ended with a cuppa and a chat and the ladies are already planning the May walk which will see them travel to the floating boardwalk in Drumshambo. The walks are open to all and all are welcome to join us, please see our Facebook page for photos of all our walks.
Lotto
Our lotto was held on Wednesday 29th April for a jackpot of €1,500, numbers drawn were 2,10,12,24 and we had no jackpot winner. Congratulations to the three lucky dip winners , Nicola O’Connor, Tara Sweeney and Anne Marie Edgely, thanks to all who continue to support our lotto and to the guilds for hosting. The next draw will be held on Wednesday May 13th in Lanesboro when the jackpot will be €1,550.
Bloom 2026
It is proposed to run a bus to bloom again this year, we had great interest last year and if we get enough interest we will run one on Saturday the 30th May, the bus is open to all, if you are interested please let olive know on 086 8368277 to book your place,as always you book your own ticket to bloom.
Activities in HQ.
Pilates, Chairobics and Line dancing have now finished for the summer and we thank Regina and May for hosting these classes for this term, hopefully we will resume all in September. The Friday craft morning will continue from 11am to 2pm as will Crochet with Viriginia on Saturday from 4pm to 6pm.
Local guild meeting
If you are interested in joining our Guild of the ICA, please feel free to come along to our next meeting on Wednesday 13th May at 8pm in the Parish Hub. This will give you a chance to avail of two complimentary meetings before we resume in September (the May and June meetings). Should you wish to join in September, we can address the issue of membership fees, from September to April 2027, at that time. Looking forward to meeting new potential members. We always end our meetings with a cuppa and sweet treat
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
The club is extremely grateful for your on-going tremendous support.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 27th April for a prize of €726. The winning ticket was in the name of Shanice Carty, Cloontuskert who was the recipient of the cheque of €726. As usual the winning cheque will be left in O’Brien’s for collection.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night in one of our local bars at 7.30pm. Your continued generous support is greatly appreciated as it is keeping the winning money at a high and exciting level every week – thank you.
Your link to support the new Ballyleague Community First Responder
We’re excited to announce the birth of Ballyleague Community First Responder (CFR), a collaborative effort led by Maciek Koczur, a paramedic and supervisor with the Roscommon Ambulance Service, who lives in Ballyleague. Last summer, Maciek issued a call to the community to form a volunteer group, and together with a local committee, we’re turning that call into action.
Key milestone: 12 dedicated volunteers are ready to train and serve as first responders in our community, with training coordinated by Miriam Burke, our Training Officer.
What we’re aiming for:
The installation of 6 new defibrillators at strategic locations around Ballyleague to ensure rapid access during cardiac emergencies.
Build a trained, ready team that can bridge the gap until advanced medical help arrives.
Why this matters:
An invaluable resource for Ballyleague, potentially increasing survival rates from cardiac events.
A community-driven approach to emergency readiness and neighbourly care.
How you can help:
Donations will go directly to equipment, training, and clothing for our responders.
All funds will support the on-going development of the CFR and the safety of our community.
Your link for supporting the Go Fund me campaign is https://gofund.me/ad43f1a20
Chit Chat
The local ‘Chit Chat’ group that meets between 10am and 12pm in Adie’s bar every Friday from 10am until 12 noon.
Cúl Camps advance notice
Longford GAA’s Kellogg’s sponsored Cúl Camp will take place at the Rathcline GAA club’s grounds in Clonbonny on Monday 29th June. As places for the camps are limited it is very important that parents register their youngsters early to be sure of a place.
Ballyleague Hall caretaker
Liam Garvey is caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
Lanesboro Library
Parent & Toddler Morning
Join us Wednesdays from 11am – 12pm for our weekly parent and toddler morning.
Tea & Coffee provided and plenty of books, toys, and space for the little ones to enjoy. All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie or 0433321291
Ciorcal Comhrá
Irish Conversation Group holds their meeting in Lanesboro Library on Thursdays from 5 – 5.45pm. To keep an eye on upcoming events, you can visit the library or online on longfordlibrary.ie and searching for library events. All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie or 043332129
My Open Library
My Open Library gives patrons extended, staff-free access to the library from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year using their library card. Call into the library to learn how the system works, see a demonstration, and sign up for extended access. Whether you want to use the library to study after hours, pick up a book on the way home from work or get out of the house with your little ones on a rainy day, My Open Library can provide you the access you need!
To keep an eye on upcoming events, you can visit the library or online on longfordlibrary.ie and searching for library events.
All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie or 0433321291.
€15,000 still remains to be won
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery draw takes place every Tuesday morning in O’Brien’s at 10.30am. For the past number of months the jackpot has been static at its upper limit of €15,000 and with nobody having the correct numbers that €15,000 is still there to be won. The next draw takes on Tuesday 5th May, for the jackpot of €15,000. Don’t miss your opportunity to get hold of the full €15,000 or share in the money. The numbers drawn in the last draw on Tuesday 28th April were 4, 6, 22 and 26. The winner of the €50 prize was Phil Carroll, The Green and the three €20 winners were Mary Kenny, Cloontuskert, Mary O’Neill, Knock and Sharon Brady, Rathcline Road.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 5th May and every Tuesday morning. The brown envelopes cost €2 each or you can buy 3 envelopes for just €5.
We would like to encourage everyone in the community to join in the playing of this very vital weekly draw. Tickets are on sale throughout the town.
One further talk by Paddy Joe
There will be one further talk by the legendary Paddy Joe Burke, and the talks will conclude on Thursday 21st May with the topic ‘What can I do?’ The talk will begin at 7.30 p.m. in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Tickets are available at www.percyfrench.ie or call 090 6663794.
Coping Skills Program
“Seeking Safety” is a free coping skills program for women affected by trauma, mental health and/or addiction. Learn new ways to cope safely with your own triggers, impulses and symptoms and gain a more compassionate understanding of yourself and “take back your power from the impacts of trauma, mental health and/or addiction. The program is funded by the HSE and is being delivered in Castlerea and Boyle with a new group starting in Roscommon Town. For more information, please contact Lorraine in complete confidence. 094 96 21690/lcampbell@rwn.ie
Talk to the Samaritans
Are you struggling to cope with life? Do you think it would be a help to talk about your problem with a member of the Samaritans in total confidence and confidentially? It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what has happened to you, a private chat with the assurance of confidentially can mean a lot. The alternative to getting down is a chat with a member of the Samaritans and that facility is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year so do not hesitate calling the Freephone number 116123 for your support.
ALONE
Would you be willing to provide companionship to an older person locally? ALONE are seeking volunteers in your area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please apply via the ALONE website at www.alone.ie or for further information please contact us on volunteer@alone.ie or call 0818 222 024. If you are over 60 and would like to know more about the services ALONE can offer you, please call 0818 222 024.
Notes inclusions
Anybody that wants items included in the local notes is advised that they have their note with me on a Sunday night at the very latest. This is to ensure inclusion in the notes of the following week.
Lanesboro Garda Station
Lanesboro Garda Station has just posted a notice telling of its opening times where the station will have a member of the force in attendance for the public. Lanesboro station will be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 11am. The station will be open at those times unless the local Garda is dealing with a situation that requires their attendance.
Co. Longford Citizens Advice Centre
Co. Longford Citizens Information Service has recently been restructured and is currently under new management.
They continue to provide free, impartial, and confidential information, advice, and advocacy services to the public on social services, rights, and entitlements. The range of areas covered by the citizens information centre are extremely wide including social welfare rights and entitlements and other social issues such as employment, health services, housing, education, family matters and consumer rights, all where people need access to information.
The way people access the services changed during Covid and now they currently deal with a large number of queries over the telephone, however, they continue to provide our drop-in times and welcome people to their face-to-face service five mornings a week from the Longford office. The services are provided by experienced trained Information Officers who are there to help you.
The centre is located on level 1 within Longford Shopping Centre and direction can be obtained at the reception desk from Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 5.00pm. The office closes for lunch from 1pm until 2pm.
Support Group
Relatives and friends of anyone who has an alcoholic problem are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral. The meetings take place every Tuesday evening at 7pm.
ALONE
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are still facing difficulties relating to Covid-19. Professional staff is available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm. Text TALK to 50808 to begin.
Local Health Service
The health service is here for us all, from routine to urgent calls. HSELive is here 7 days a week to answer questions. The number to ring is Freephone 1800 700700.
Roscommon University Hospital Injury Unit is available from 8am to 8pm seven days, a week and the contact number is 09066 32212.
Emergency Department deals with serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies if you need urgent medical help. They are open 24 hours a day and can be contacted by phoning 999 or 112.
St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro
Priest contacts: If you have a need to contact any one of the priests you can do so by phoning Fr. Merlyn Kenny 086 0603433 or Fr. Turlough Baxter 087 9972259.
You can also contact parish secretary Maireád Rooney by calling into the presbytery from Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm.or she can be contacted on the phone at 3321166.
Mass reading reflections: A short reflection on the weekend mass readings will take place in the church after 7pm mass on Friday evenings.
Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage: The Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 30th May to 4th June and it will be led by Bishop Paul Connell. Flights are from Knock International Airport with fares beginning from €989 and rising to €1049. For more details contact JWT Pilgrimage Travel website or phone 01 2410 800. For those wishing to travel as Assisted Pilgrims, please contact Ann O’Reilly, 086 8312 785.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confession time in the Prayer Room takes place on the first Friday of each month from 6.30pm to 7pm.The next opportunity is on Friday 5th June.
Smart Recovery: Smart recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery group, where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour. There is a meeting every Friday evening in Vita House in Roscommon Town from 7pm to 8.30pm. For information contact Conor at 086 1702919 or info@smartrecovery.ie
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is open six days a week Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The society provides an opportunity for all of us to stand together and support people with dementia. Their phone number is 1800 341 341 and their website is www.alzheimer.ie
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Caretaker: Liam Garvey is now caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
Newsletter inclusion: Any items you want included in the newsletter you must email the contents to kilgefinparish21@gmail.com on or before the Wednesday of that week.
Spring Clean in Ballagh: Distribution of bag, gloves and litter pickers will be available at Frank Fallon’s, for the Ballagh clean-up. You can phone Frank on 087 2656 401 to arrange collection of the equipment. The full bags can be left inside the wall at Franks house for collection Everybody is encouraged to help make the clean-up a great success and this cannot happen without you.
Medjugorje Pilgrimage: The Medjugorje Pilgrimage will take place from the 21st – 28th October, from Knock €915 (Single Supplement €170). There is limited availability so early booking is advisable. Spiritual Director for the pilgrimage is: Fr. John Keane. The costs include flights/ accommodation/meals/programme. For information and bookings please contact Christina 0861546099 or Carol 0879581495
Dioceses of Achonry And Elphin Pilgrimage To Lourdes –
Assisted Pilgrim Section: The Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 28th August – 2nd September inclusive, under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Doran. Pilgrimage highlights includes Mass at the Grotto, Torchlight and Blessed Sacrament Processions, Anointing of the Sick, Water Ceremony. Flights are ex Knock Airport. The Pilgrimage includes the Assisted Pilgrim Section. Those who travel as part of the Assisted Pilgrim Section will stay in Accueil Notre Dame, which is situated near the Grotto and Sanctuary area. They will be cared for by the Diocesan Pilgrimage Care Team whilst in Lourdes. Application forms for the Assisted Pilgrim Section and full details are available from Very Rev. Ray Milton, P.P., Pilgrimage Director, St. John’s, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. (Tel: 090 666 1115). Closing date for receipt of completed Application Forms is 11th June. All other enquiries in relation to the Pilgrimage can be directed to Joe Walsh Tours (JWT) at 016852244 or email info@joewalshtours.ie
St. Faithleach’s GAA
● Senior League: Topline Wards O’Gara Cup (Division 2)
Round 6 will take place against St. Croan’s on Wednesday 6th May at 7.30pm in Ballyleague.
● Junior League: Cryan’s Hotel (Division 4)
Round 4 Results: St. Faithleach’s (0-11): Boyle B (0-11)
Round 5 will take place against Tulsk B on Friday 8th May at 7.30pm in Abbey Park.
● Ladies Junior League (Division 4) League concludes
● U-16 Ladies League (Division 2B):
Semi-Finals Fixtures – to be confirmed.
● U-14 Boys League (Division 3):
Round 5 Results: St. Faithleach’s (2-03): Roscommon Gaels (2-03)
Round 6 will take place against Oran/Croan’s on Thursday 7th May at 7.30pm in Ballyleague.
● U-14 Ladies League (Division 3):
Round 3 Results: St. Faithleach’s (7-07): Four Roads (4-06)
Round 4 will take place against Michael Glavey’s on Thursday 14th May at 7pm in Ballyleague.
● Social Dancing – continues on Monday 11th May at 8.30pm for Class 3 of 4.
● Cards: 25 continue every Tuesday evening in the clubhouse
● Joker Draw: No Joker was found this weekend. The new Jackpot is €2,100, with 51 cards plus the Joker. The draw takes place every Saturday night in the clubhouse. Tickets available on the night, on our ClubSpot App or online (https://member.clubspot.app/club/st-faithleachs-gaa/fundraisers). *Last Jackpot winner was bought online