Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
From Newtowncashel via London and finally making her forever home in Cullentra, Claire Ward along with her late husband Paddy, 21 years ago, settled into our community and created a lasting memory. Claire’s passing on Saturday 30th May at Innis Ree Nursing Home, Ballyleague just a week before her 90th birthday was received with a great sadness by everyone. Claire, formerly Claire Bawle, Portanure, Newtowncashel came from a farming family and right up to the very end she never lost the love of the land and farming so much so that she was a weekly reader of the Farmers Journal. Until the passing of her husband Paddy both of them farmed their family farm with a great diligence and she continued to farm assiduously until her reduced mobility took its toll and she had to stop. She was the typical Irish mother with a great love of rural life, loved cooking, was a keen gardener and also loved sewing. Claire first and foremost was real family woman and strove for the very best for her sons and grandchildren. She was a wonderful lady to meet as her big warm welcoming smile drew you towards her; she was a great conversationalist on all aspects of life. Big in stature Claire was also big in heart and she will be greatly missed by all that knew her and her passing will leave a great emptiness in all our hearts and minds but the pleasant memories she created will forever be remembered.
Claire reposed at her residence in Cullentra on Sunday 31st May. Her remains were removed to St. Mary’s church, Lanesboro on Monday and following her Funeral Mass she was laid to rest in Cashel cemetery.
To her sons Gerry and Pat, her sister Tess Dowd, daughters-in-law Dee and Mary, grandchildren Daniel, Aidan, Laura, Rachel, Andrew and Abby, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
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.
Cemetery Sunday in Killashee
On Sunday next 14th June Mass will be celebrated in Killashee cemetery at 10am. Mass will then be celebrated in Clondra cemetery at 12 noon and this will be followed with mass in Ballinakill cemetery at 4pm.There will be a clean-up in Killashee cemetery on this Thursday 11th June at 7pm. All help will be greatly appreciated.
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
Echoes of BnM and ESB: The Grand Lanesboro & Ballyleague Reunion
We are endeavouring to make a magical trip down memory lane for all the families that came to Lanesboro and Ballyleague communities when they came to work with Bord na Mona and ESB since the mid 1950’s. We are remembering their parents and all the families that grew up going to school in the all the schools around the three housing estates of The Green, Cloontuskert and Derryhaun. We are also remembering all the families that came to work from all the surrounding parishes. There were also a number of years of apprentices that came to Lanesboro Vocational School now Lanesboro Community College and the committee would love to welcome them back too.
To help with the reconnection of everyone we would like that everyone that reads these notes and that have connections to anyone that comes from the above mentioned families that they would pass the word around of a giant gathering in Lanesboro on Saturday 26th September where we will all reconnect with Bord na Mona and ESB.
It is fitting and a right time to do this as the power station has been closed for seven years now and the Bord na Mona works is rapidly come to its life end and we should all celebrate what both companies and the people that it brought to work here and bring families and former workers back to the community that they made so great.
The organising group is asking you to share the news with old school friends, send vintage photos with names to lanesbororeconnection@gmail.com or drop physical copies into O’Brien’s. It would be made all the better if you could include names of the people in the photographs. Please put your name on anything you leave into O’Brien’s as we want to credit your input and be able to return them to you.
If you wish to scan them yourself you can send then to lanesbororeconnection@gmail.com The committee would love to receive all your memories.
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 list of facilities and activities on the website www.loughreeboattrips.com ; email info@accessforallboatrips.com or phone 089 262 5505.
Lanesboro ICA Guild
Sympathies
We would like to offer our heartfelt sympathies to our member ,Mary McGowan ,on the death of her brother Val Kenny .May he rest in eternal peace.
Lotto
Our next lotto draw will be held on Wednesday 10th June at 8pm in Lanesborough for a jackpot of €1,650 , tickets can be purchased from any guild member or in Bells Newtownforbes , please ensure all tickets are in on time to be included in the draw. Thanks to all who continue to support our lotto and to the guilds for hosting.
Lost Valley Trip.
The last few remaining seats for this trip are now available and if anyone would like to avail of them please get in touch with Rita Greene on 087 9772715 before Friday the 12th of June , first come first served and once the trip is sold out that’s it, cost to members is €89.50 and non-members is €99.50, this promises to be a very enjoyable day out so get booking with Rita asap and thanks to Rita for organising.
Federation meeting
Our summer federation meeting will be held in ICA HQ on Tuesday 23rd June hosted by the ladies from Ennybegs Guild, numbers for suppers to Bernie Campbell on 087 1236752 directly after your meetings please. Competitions for the night are Art, Promotion poster for ICA, Craft, Decorate a clay flower pot and Produce is A window box with any 3 herbs labelled. Michelle will also be taking entries on the night for the gardening competition which is a window box so get planting ladies.
Activities in HQ this week
Friday 11am to 2pm Craft Morning
Guild meeting
Our next meeting takes place in the parish hub on this Wednesday June 10th at 8pm. A warm welcome will greet you and cuppa with cake will be served afterwards.
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
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.
€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 9th June, 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 2nd June were 3, 11, 14 and 15. The winner of the €50 prize was Pearse McGann c/o The Yacht Bar, and three €20 prizes went to Tom Gill, Ballyglass, Kevin Murray, Derrygeel, c/o Mags and Ronan Glennon c/o The Yacht Bar.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 9th June 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 1st June for a prize of €676. The winning ticket was in the name of Seamus Ginty, California, c/o 6 Knock who was the recipient of the cheque for €676. 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.
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.
Lanesboro Community College
Lanesboro Community College was thrilled to discover that Friday last 29th May was a momentous and historic day for LCC. The news arrived that one of our students who just completed his first year, namely Andrew Nolan had just won the Minor Boy’s Shot Putt Gold medal at the 123.ie All-Ireland Schools Championship Finals in Tullamore.
This was a proud day for Lanesboro Community College, for Andrew and his family.
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
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 €2,600 from the remaining 46 cards on Saturday night next 13th June in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners were.
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,
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.
Get Well: We are led to believe that Fr. Merlyn is recovering very well from his recent surgery. We wish him the very best for a full recovery and we look forward to seeing him out and about in the near future.
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 3rd July.
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
Graveyard Mass: The 33rd annual Kilteevan graveyard Mass will be celebrated in the new section of Kilteevan graveyard on Saturday 4th July at 7pm. If the weather is inclement the Mass will take place in the church.
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 this Thursday 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.