Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Festival Time is Here
The Gaelforce Great River Swim and ReeFest will draw huge numbers to Lanesboro and Ballyleague over next weekend. A local community committee has been working with Tourism Longford and Gaelforce and have developed a wonderful array of events. The 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.
Water, Waves, Words and Music concert will take place in St. John’s Church and tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s costing just €10 or if not sold out on the door on the night.
Saturday 16th May
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
The now annual Lanesboro and Ballyleague Family Fun Day will take place from 12.30pm on Saturday at the Green area behind the car park. There will be a host of activities for all including a climbing wall, trampoline, hang tough with a cash prize, an obstacle course, football target shots, bouncing castle and face painting to name some of the activities. This is a fundraiser for both the Lanesboro and Ballyleague Tidy Town’s committees to assist in the the funding of the great work that continues to be done on both sides of the bridge. Your fullest support will be greatly appreciated.
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 first ever junior busking championship with the winners being announced at the prize giving on the Lanesbrew Outdoor Stage at 3pm. You are urged to toss show your appreciation of these youngsters by making a contribution to their collection box.
The Busking will be followed by live music entertainment 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 evening with a relaxed beginner friendly paddle on the River Shannon at 6.30pm and 7.30pm.
The afternoon and evening will conclude with a Barbeque and live music from 6.30pm at the Yacht Bar.
Sunday 17th May
The day commences with a free car show at the Duck Pond Car Park and Marquee Area from 11am until 4pm, bringing us plenty to see on the final day of the festival. From 12 noon until 4 pm there will be an Art Camp in the marquee and a number of Craft Stalls will be there where you and your young people can browse local craft stalls and enjoy a free creative space for children and families.
From 5 until 7pm there will be a Kids Disco organised to give all the youngsters of the community the opportunity to bring a great weekend of events to a close.
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, the renowned pianist Daren Lane will be performing in St. John’s Church from 7.30 pm. Joining Daren for the evening will be our local choir and they have a beautiful array of music ready.
Daren has a particular affinity with the music of Mozart, Schubert and Schuman and he will be including Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Debussy in his performance.
The local writers group have now got their programme of words and poetry and they are looking forward 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
First Ever Street 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
Amazing victory in Roscommon
The old adage of ‘cometh the hour cometh the man’ was never truer than in Roscommon’s Hyde Park on Sunday last in the Connacht Championship Final. With just 9 minutes to go Galway already leading by three points, scored a great goal that most likely tore the heart out of the most ardent Roscommon supporter but the steely determination of the Roscommon team did not ponder on what might be but they went on to create their own piece of history by staging a magnificent comeback to win..
Following his brilliant performance in the semi-final victory over Mayo, Galway had identified Diarmuid Murtagh for close marking but at a time of crisis one always looks for a leader and the Roscommon captain Diarmuid Murtagh showed his true metal by bringing Roscommon to the point of victory scoring a two pointer followed by a single pointed free as Roscommon emerged victorious on a scoreline of 3-21 to Galway’s 2-22.
Diarmuid, in lifting the J.J. Nestor Cup is following in the illustrious St. Faithleach’s footsteps of his brother Ciaráin in 2017, Danny Murray in 1980 and Paddy Lindsey in 1979 as Roscommon Senior Championship winning captains.
It was a memorable day and victory for Roscommon and Diarmuid capped it all with an absolutely wonderful acceptance speech.
Roscommon now move on to playing Tyrone in King & Moffatt Hyde Park on Sunday 24th May at 2pm.
Congratulations Diarmuid, your teammates, team management your family and club on a fabulous occasion. Hopefully it won’t be the only cup you raise this year – a bigger one awaits.
Photograph by y Ben McShane/Sportsfile.
Former Cloontuskert resident Passes away
Recognised as a man of great vision for business and a keen eye for enterprise the sudden death of Pat Carberry, Annaly Park, Longford, on Thursday 30th April, came as a big shock to us all that knew him. Pat, along with his late parents, John and Mary, moved from Carrickedmond to live in Cloontuskert with his brothers and sisters when his father John got work with Bord na Mona.
In his younger years Pat served his apprenticeship at Paddy Kenny’s garage on Lanesboro’s Main St., where he qualified as a diesel mechanic. His multitalented technical skills and enterprise were such that they led him to build and create his own engineering business on the Longford Road. He was renowned for his abilities as a technical genius and people travelled far and wide to avail of his expertise. He had the vision for creating the hopper that created sausage turf that was a monumental forward step from the hand held sláne and barrowing of turf and this took his business to national acclaim. As time went by he sold his business and concentrated on his family and his pastimes of game hunting, darts and clay pigeon shooting. He always had a great interest in farming and this took him out on the land that he worked so well and gave him time to exercise his dogs. If you knew Pat you knew you had to be always wary of him as he was a prankster and loved to get a laugh on you. He was a man of easy-going nature and his kindness and assistance of anyone in need was legendary.
Pat was predeceased by his wife Patsy, his three infant children, his parents and his brother Johnny. His remains reposed at Glennon’s funeral Home on Sunday 3rd May. Mass of the resurrection took place in St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford before being interred in Ballymacormack Cemetery.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his daughter Patricia, his sons Padraic and Brian, his sisters Maureen Curley, Bridie Kelly, Nuala Malone, Kitty Murphy and Ita Reynolds, his brother Barney (Canada), relatives and many friends.
Sound & Song Circle
A Sound and Song Circle will commence for 6 weeks from this 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.
Ballyleague PTAA
Ballyleague Pioneer Abstinence will be holding a Church Gate collection on Sunday next 10th May at Ballyleague church. Your usual generous support will once again be greatly appreciated.
New Tennis Coaching Opportunity
Are you interested in taking up tennis? Do your tennis skills need developing or honing? Tennis Coaching Longford has just been set up to help in Adult coaching, Junior coaching, 1:1 coaching and Schools coaching. If you are interested in learning more of this new coaching opportunity then you should phone 087 796 4553 or go online to www.crowetennis.com
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 Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June. 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, our local Lanesboro man, 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.
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”.
The 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 in the Roscommon Arts Centre.
The shows will take place on Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June at 8.00pm with admission €20. Booking can be made at Roscommon Arts Centre, (090) 6625824, or www.roscommonartscentre.ie
Maneuvers at the Power Station
Over the past few weeks the Defence Forces have been carrying out manoeuvres in the Power Station and the sights of people on the station and the sounds of gunfire was heard in the immediate area.
Other sectors of the Justice and Defence forces will be carrying our further manoeuvres over the coming weeks so we can expect to hear more noises coming from the station area.
This will all finish soon and the relative quietness of the community will again be reinstated.
It was great to see the power station being put to good use and while the facility remains hopefully others will avail of training there.
€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 12th 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 5th May were 8, 19, 24 and 27. The winners of the €50 prize were Ciara and Freda, c/o Lanesboro Post Office, and the three €20 winners were Ciara, Emma, Saoirse and Freya, c/o Lanesboro Post Office, Karen Ward c/o Mags and Ciara, Freda, Lisa and Aoife c/o Lanesboro Post Office
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 12th May and every Tuesday morning afterwards. 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.
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.
School Open Evening
Cloontuskert National School will host an ‘Open Evening’ for all new entrants and for families interested in enrolling in the school. The ‘Open Evening’ will take place on Thursday 14th May between 6 and 7pm. The school management warmly invites everyone to go along, meet the teachers, see the school and learn all Cloontuskert N.S. has to offer.
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.
Thank you
With the annual VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, the 10km Charity Road Race, nearly upon us, will take place on the streets of Dublin on Bank Holiday Sunday 31st May. Teresa Kiernan, Gurteengar, will be taking part in this sold out event and she is taking part to raise vital funds for the County Longford Hospice Homecare CLG. To date there has been a tremendous generosity shown by the people of the community for which Teresa is deeply humbled. If you have not yet contributed you can do so at local shops.
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.
The schedule of events is as follows:
12 noon guests and parish start to arrive in Clonbonny
12 to 1pm Meet and chat in the marquee
1pm Club Mass
1.40pm Presentations to the 1976 team
2.30pm A three course meal for the 1976 team and invited guests in the clubhouse.
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
Very popular books back on the shelves
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 times 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. Daniel’s debut book is on sale in O’Brien’s at €20.
The Joker
The Joker returns at its lower level having being won for the first time two weeks ago by David Healy. There were no winners over the past two weeks and the Joker stands at €2,200 from 51 cards on Saturday night next 16th May in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners were Martina Dunne and Maggie Curley.
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
Lotto
Our lotto will be held on Wednesday 13th in Lanesboro where the jackpot will be €1,550. Envelopes can be left in Bells shop or Whyte’s in Legan for collection on Tuesday please, thanks to all who continue to support the lotto and to the guilds for hosting.
Brown Bread Competition
The Federation final of the brown bread competition will be held on Tuesday 26th May at our gardening evening. The competition is sponsored by Euronics and the winner from the Federation final will go on to the ICA final which will be held in An Grianán on Tuesday 28th July. Any ingredients can be used but bread must be baked in a 2lb loaf tin, good luck to all and we hope to see a large entry on the night.
Gardening evening
Our gardening evening will be held on Tuesday 26th May and a lovely evening is promised. The evening will begin at 7pm and a full agenda will be sent out next week. Can we ask all guilds to supply a plate of goodies for the cuppa please.
May Walk
Our May walk is on Sunday 24th May at the Floating Boardwalk, Drumshambo, we will carpool from Fresh Today at 12 30pm and commence the walk at 1.30pm. We hope lots of members and non-members will attend, a nice lunch follows at the beautiful Distillery Cafe.
Bloom In the Park
We will be running a bus to Bloom in the park on Saturday 30th May, the bus is open to all and the cost is members’ €10 non-members €20. The bus is filling up fast so if you would like to book a seat please contact olive on 086 8368277, you must book your own ticket to Bloom.
Trip to the Lost Valley
Our trip to the Lost Valley takes place Sunday 21st June and we welcome non-members to join us for a lovely day out. The bus will leave Fresh Today, Longford at 8am. We will stop at Durkin’s Ballaghaderreen at 9am for tea, coffee and scones, costing €7 per person. We depart at 9.30am from Durkin’s to travel to The Lost Valley as our tour starts at 12pm, tour costs €30 each and lasts 3 hours, with a break half way for a cuppa and biscuits.
We then return to the Castlecourt Hotel Westport, for dinner at 4.30pm costing €42.50 per person, for a 3 course meal, including tea /coffee.
We depart Westport at 6.30pm and should arrive back in Longford approx. 8 30pm.
We hope as many as possible are able to come, on what should be a beautiful summer outing. You are advised to bring a bottle of water and an additional snack if you feel that you might need something to keep you going until dinner. Also, wear comfortable shoes and bring a rain jacket.
Total cost for ICA members is €89.50 which includes €10 bus charge.
Total cost for non ICA members is €99.50.
Members wishing to travel can arrange to pay the full amount at their June guild meeting, by putting the money in an envelope with their names clearly marked on the outside. Each guild president will collect these envelopes at their meeting and Olive will liaise with them thereafter. Alternatively, you may give your envelope to Olive at the Gardening evening in H Q later this month. Non Members please contact Rita Greene on 087 9772715 to book your seat and arrange payment.
Guild meeting
Our monthly meeting takes places tonight , Wednesday 13th in the Hub at 8pm . If you’ve ever been curious about ICA this is the perfect opportunity to avail of 2 complimentary meetings and meet the vibrant members of our guild . You’ll be treated to a cuppa and cake afterwards.
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 4th May for a prize of €729. The winning ticket was in the name of Kieran Healy, Cloonadra, who was the recipient of the cheque of €729. 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.
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.
Get Well: We would all like to extend our very best wishes for a full and healthy recovery to Fr. Merlin Kenny who will undergo surgery this coming week. We look forward to seeing you out and about in the near future.
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
Ballyleague PTAA: Ballyleague Pioneer Abstinence will be holing a Church Gate collection on Sunday next 10th May at Ballyleague church. Your usual generous support will once again be greatly appreciated.
Open Evening: Cloontuskert National School will host an ‘Open Evening’ for all new entrants and for families interested in enrolling in the school. The ‘Open Evening’ will take place on Thursday 14th May between 6 and 7pm. The school management warmly invites everyone to go along, meet the teachers, see the school and learn all Cloontuskert N.S. has to offer.
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