Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Very Important you take this Community Survey
Sean Mimnagh writes on Social Media that “Longford Co. Co. and himself have now reached the stage where your input and ideas are needed to help move the proposed Lanesboro Community Centre forward”.
You are invited to go on his Facebook page and follow the link to take the County Council survey.
This is a very important survey with the opportunity to express your views on Lanesboro and your vision for the town and the more that take the survey the more insight into some of the needs of Lanesboro.
First Chapters – Early Years Service
First Chapters – Early Years Service will be opening its doors in the townsland of Clonbonny (on the Longford Road), with their brand new custom built early years service. The building will house 3 purpose –designed rooms for different stages of development.
You are invited to register your interest for; Baby Room, Toddler Room and Preschool Room. With place being limited you are advised to make early bookings by contacting Úna today by emailing firstchapters@hotmail.com
Tremendous work is on-going in preparation of the opening by Michael Hanley and his wife Úna and there is no doubt that it will be a state of the art facility for all the young children using First Chapters.
Michael and Úna are also opening A First Chapters in Roscommon Town in the new Oldwood Housing Estate.
Recruiting
Úna is recruiting Lead Early Years Educators, Early Years Educators and a Crèche Cook. If you are available for any of those positions you are asked to email Úna at firstchapters@hotmail.com
Lanesboro Reconnection Bord na Mona and ESB
Since the 1950 right up to this very day Bord na Mona and ESB have been playing a very vital part in our community and the surrounding communities.
Irrespective of whether we worked or our family member worked in either company we grew, played and made some wonderful friends and we created so many memories.
With the continual prompting from Harry Hennessy and the amazing reaction of the meeting between Cecil Keaveney and Richard Farrelly it was decided to make a call country and worldwide for everyone that lived, worked, for no matter how short or long a time, to come to Lanesboro and Ballyleague for a Reconnection on Saturday 26th September.
The group is asking anyone with any old or new photographs relating to their times on Bord na Mona or ESB or social and family events to forward them on to us so that they may be used in the photographic exhibitions. It would be made all the better if you could include name of the people in the photographs. Please put your name on anything you leave in as we want to credit your input and be able to return them to you.
New week we will furnish you with an address to forward the photographs online or you can leave them in to O’Brien’s for collection.
Junior Infants Open Day
Lanesboro Primary School is inviting all prospective new junior infant children to their Open Afternoon in the school at 1pm on Thursday 4th June.
There will be the opportunity to meet their new teacher, see their new school, see their new classroom and to become familiar with the school.
Lough Ree Access For All
The Lough Ree Access For All is running accessible and able bodied boat tours 3 times daily during the summer months. The services supplied are a Riverside Café, Sensory Shed, Virtual Reality experience, Powerboat training courses, and Lake Boat hire. You can see the full facilities on the website www.loughreeboattrips.com ; email info@accessforallboatrips.com or phone 089 262 5505.
Fabulous 50th Celebrations in Clonbonny
On Sunday last the sun shone brightly at the Rathcline GAA grounds in Clonbonny when the rathcline club hosted the 50th celebration of the 1976 team winning the county final. The damper of the occasion, as with all anniversary celebrations, was that time had taken five of the panel to their eternal rest. The names of Owen Harte, Danny O’Brien, Sean Kilroy, Pat Mullooly and Brendan Fayne were fondly remembered and it was great to see and have their family members in attendance. Pat Maguire, Albert Fayne, Jerry Kiernan and Tommy Connor were unable to make the celebration. The lasting memories that the above mentioned lads created to the team, the club and community as well as those present were well spoken about and respected.
If I may, on behalf of the entire panel, club management of the time, thank the Rathcline club executive and their excellent subcommittee for a magnificent day and presentation. I cannot let the occasion pass by by not thanking Fr. Turlough for his beautiful Mass and also Fran Deffew for making the trip from Dublin to serenade us with a beautiful and stirring rendition of ‘Rattlin Rathcline’ written by Grattan’s man James Gorham. This rousing song will be recorded and released in a few weeks’ time. To finish, the food for the meal was excellent and was provided by local chef Stephen Dowd and a meal to fit any occasion.
EY Entrepreneur of the Year Ireland – Not just any nomination
Previously, I congratulated Tom Kearns on his nomination for EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO and expected that it would just be an announcement of the winner at a gala function but after reading Tom’s social media I have learned that it is much more than that.
It is fascinating to read what the EY Entrepreneur of the Year CEO nomination entailed and as part of the award the nominees were brought for a Boot camp Retreat to Toronto for five days.
For the nominees this was a learning experience that I would say is like no other with a range of some of the most successful professional people in the world brought in to offer their insight into the developing world of business. The retreat was not only a learning experience but the nominees had also to make presentations to these world business leaders.
When you are in the room with, to name a few, David Walmsley, Editor in Chief of the Globe and Mail. General (Ret’d) Rick Hillier OC, CMM on Leadership & War very relevant today, Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, Astronaut and bestselling author Chris Hadfield, Mark Matthews , Global Chief Economist at Julius Bär, Denis O’Brien the founder and Chairman of Digicel Group and a number of other businesses in a variety of sectors along with many other world achievers you realise that you are indeed on a wonderful learning experience and in the presence of world greatness.
Two take away quotes from Tom’s learnings in Canada are from Prof. Walid Hejazi landing the line that stayed with everyone: execution strength can increase vulnerability. The better you get at what you do today, the more blind you become to what’s coming and the quote from the poem by poet Maya Angelou – “People will forget what you said. They will forget what you did. But they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Again, we congratulate Tom on his nomination and we really hope that he will be announced EY Entrepreneur of the Year later in the year for his tremendous work with his company Xtremepush..
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
Shine Relatives and Supporters Group
A monthly support group for individuals supporting people living with mental health challenges. The support group occurs on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm – 8.30pm in REGARI Recovery College, Roscommon Town. Email support@shine.ie or call 086 040 7701.
Hospice Coffee Morning
A Coffee Morning in aid of the Roscommon/Mayo Hospice will take place in Gleeson’s, The Square, Roscommon on this Friday, 29th May from 10 am – 1 pm. You support will be greatly appreciated.
€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 26th 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 19th May were 6, 15, 19 and 29. The winners of the €50 prize were Carmel O’Donoghue, Ballyleague, and three €20 prizes went to Mary Rhatigan, Fermoyle, Chris Moran, Colehill, and Joe Browne Ballyglass.
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.
Rathcline 50/50 Draw
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 18th May for a prize of €701. The winning ticket was in the name of Keith Curran, Ballyleague, who was the recipient of the cheque for €701. 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.
All-Ireland Men’s Rosary Rally
The Men’s Rosary groups from all across Ireland are meeting up together with the National Rosary Rally in Knock on Saturday week, 6th June at 1pm at the Plaza (opposite the Knock Shrine).
Ballinamuck Social Dancing
The next Social evening is Sunday, May 31st from 5-7 pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1). Music will be supplied by Sean Kerrigan – White Lightening
A great opportunity for a dance, a cuppa, and a catch-up with friends old and new – looking forward to welcoming everyone! Newcomers are always welcome! For more info contact: Aisling 086 3663901
Thank You
Re: George Lunny R.I.P. The Vestry members of Drumshambo C.O.I. would like to thank all members of the public and different churches who supported George’s wife Teresa and extended family on George’s anniversary service on the 17th May. They would like to thank Arch Deacon Hazel Hicks, the readers on the day, a special thanks to Dr. Richard Kennedy, Cllr in C,H,A,E for taking the service. Richard outlined the history of churches and convents in Drumshambo. George was and still is a part of all this. Still it was gratifying to see so many members of the community who have worked down the years for the good of our church.
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.
Mixed sporting week for Lanesboro Community College
Over the past week Lanesboro Community College had mixed fortunes on the GAA fields of Leinster and Roscommon. The junior girls team had qualified for Leinster Junior final on Wednesday last and went into the final against Bridgetown College, Wexford with great hopes of being the first school team to win a Leinster Final. Unfortunately, it was not to be but the girls acquitted themselves with a great spirit and showing that there is a great future in this team.
On Thursday the first year team travelled to Castlerea where they won the Roscommon Post Primary final. A great win for those young men starting to pave their academic and sporting career in LCC. A feature of the presentation was the excellent acceptance speech by a young Tyler Murray.
On the athletic fields Oisín and Andrew continued their march towards Connacht titles and the lads were joined in the finals in the Walk by Karol who was competing in the walking race for the very first time. We wish the lads the very best in the upcoming finals.
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.
Alzheimer Café
The Café will run on the last Wednesday of every month, with a different speaker and topic each month. The Alzheimer Café will provide a safe, warm and welcoming space for people with dementia, their family and friends, along with social and health care professionals to meet and exchange ideas and learnings. For Further information you can contact Eileen on 085 8724475 .The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341. and The Website is: www.alzheimer.ie
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
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.
Good Luck Teresa
With the annual VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, the 10km Charity Road Race, taking place next Sunday31st May, through the streets of Dublin. 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.
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 survives again
The Joker is on the rise once again and on Saturday night last the Joker was not cut from the deck of cards and another €100 will be added to the jackpot for next week. The Joker stands at €2,400 from the remaining 48 cards on Saturday night next 30th May in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners were Carl Nerney and Micheál O’Donnell.
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.
Short Breaks Scheme
Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children & adults who have an intellectual disability? Corlann West, Homeshare Roscommon is recruiting host carers. Training and support will be provided. Tax exempt/Allowances paid. For further information email www.Homeshareroscommon@corlann.ie or phone Catherine on 090 6628500 / 087 2126607.
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
Bloom In the Park
We will be running a bus to bloom in the park on Saturday next 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 next monthly meeting takes places Wednesday 10th June in the Hub at 8pm. If you’ve ever been curious about ICA this is the perfect opportunity to 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.
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 and you are asked to be generous in your support.
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.
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.
Longford County Choir: The Longford County choir celebrated the 25th anniversary of their founding this year and a celebratory concert”25 Years of Harmony” will take place in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Sunday next 24th May at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Denniston’s, Farrell Stationery or from the presbytery. Tickets cost €15 each, €30 for a family of 2 adults + 2 children.
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.
Ballagh Church Group: A member of the Ballagh committee group will be calling to all the homes in the parish. This is to drop an envelope seeking support for the upkeep and maintenance of Ballagh church. They will call from this Monday and would appreciate the envelopes to be returned by mid-June.
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
Short Breaks Scheme: Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children/adults who have an intellectual disability? Corlann West, Homeshare Roscommon is recruiting host carers. Training/support provided. Tax exempt allowances paid. Email: Homeshareroscommon@corlann.ie call Catherine on 090 6628500 / 087 2126607.