Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Correction
In last week’s notes we extendedour deepest sympathy to Áine and Micheál O’Sullivan and their family on the death of Áine’s father. Inadvertently, I referred to his name as Cathal Moore, Tirkeenan, Monaghan Town, Monaghan and it should have read Cathal Murray, who passed away on Friday 26th June. This a particularly hard time on Áine as in the space of 5 short months she has seen both her parents pass away.
Triathlon Weekend
Once again, we are at Triathlon weekend when the Kidathon takes place on Friday evening 10th and the Two Provinces Triathlon takes place on Saturday 11th July. All preparations by the Lanesboro Triathlon Club are now well underway and the starting/finishing area of the car park right down to the small harbour will be totally transformed for the races. The days leading into and after the weekend always creates a great excitement locally with everybody preparing the transition area and car park for the races as well as everyone else doing their bit to make sure that the area is looking spectacular.
The race will once again feature the National Series and the work put in by Race organiser: Andrée Gallagher and her team have ensured that nothing has been left to chance. The Lanesboro Triathlon’s Club’s Two Provinces Triathlon has been highly acclaimed by Tri Ireland and the awarding the race to be part of the National Series tells us the recognition the club has built up over the years.
The popularity of both events has never been greater with both events totally sold out meaning that on Friday and Saturday we will see in the region of almost 900 competitors taking part in what is the most successful local organised event ever to take place in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. Adding in the supporters travelling with the competitors and the usual huge turnout of supporters from the general area there will surely be in excess of 2,000 in the community and as usual we will welcome everybody and hope they have a wonderful time in our community.
We can only stand back and admire Lanesboro Triathlon Club for their ability to continue to grow this marvellous festival from one year to the next. A true sense of the respect that the local community has for the Triathlon Club and the event is that a huge number of local volunteers continue to turn out to support from one year to the next.
This is a fabulous occasion for the local communities of Lanesboro, Ballyleague and all the way to Scramogue who marshal their areas as well as supporting all the athletes.
If you are not taking part of stewarding we encourage you to turn up and support all the athletes taking part.
This is a magnificent event for the club and our community and we urge everyone to turn out and play their part.
Please heed the notice below regarding road closure.
Road Closure
Two Provinces Triathlon ran by Lanesboro Triathlon Club is on Saturday 11th July with a road closure from 11 am to 2 pm between the Sliabh Bawn Ballyleague – Scramogue and Rathcline Road between O’Brien’s and Harold’s Cross.
The Kidathon will take place on Friday 10th July with traffic restrictions from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, between O’Brien’s Corner and Harold’s Cross.
The Club wishes to thank the community for its continued support in running the race and apologies for any inconvenience caused.
New Accommodation
Over the time we have noticed that the Lanesboro Ballyleague area has become more and more popular with many people wishing to spend some time here. We have noticed the great and growing influx of campervans on a weekly basis and a great growth in inquiries for accommodation in and around the area.
I was delighted to be informed during the week of further accommodation availability when the Canal View Lodges came on the market offering luxury accommodation with 6 x 3 bedroom houses sleeping up to 6 people at Foigha between Lanesboro and Ballymahon. With a spa coming on stream in the near future this new accommodation is a Godsend for those that are looking to stay locally.
To make bookings you should phone 086 170 0361
Cemetery Sunday arrangements for next weekend
The weekend of Saturday 11th July and Sunday 12th July will see the Blessing of the Graves at the three cemeteries in the parish of Rathcline.
On Saturday 11th July there will be Mass in St. Mary’s church at 6.30pm and the Blessing of the Graves in St. John’s, Lanesboro Cemetery will take place following Mass.
On Sunday 12th July weather permitting there will be Mass in Clonbonny Cemetery at 1.30pm followed by the Blessing of the Graves.
The final Blessing of the Graves will take place following Mass in Rathcline Cemetery at 6pm.
Everybody that has a family grave in the three cemeteries are asked to be diligent in tending to the graves and ensuring that they are in great condition as we remember and honour all those from our families that have passed away. When working on your family graves you are reminded to take away all your weeding, old flowers and leave the cemetery in pristine condition.
Wedding
The marriage took place in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday 27th June of Kevin McKenna son of Bernard and Carmel McKenna, Barnacor and Karina Narolska, daughter of Czeslaw and Renata Narolska, Church View. Bestman was Bernie McKenna brother of the groom and groomsman was Mark Geoghegan a friend of the groom. Chief bridesmaid was Joanne Byrne friend of the bride and bridesmaid was Amy English friend of the bride. The flower girl was Emily Jane McKenna, daughter of Kevin and Karina. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Turlough Baxter. The wedding reception took place in the Cavan Crystal Hotel, Cavan.
We wish the happy couple many years of happiness.
Tidy your family Grave
With Cemetery Sunday and the Blessing of the Graves just over one week away everyone with family plots in St. John’s/Lanesboro, Rathcline and Clonbonny cemeteries are asked and encouraged to tend to their family graves and have them in pristine condition for the ceremonies.
When cleaning up the graves you are asked to bring home all the excess and dispose of it through your bin system. There is no facility for disposing of excess at any of the cemeteries. Thank you.
Andrew wins again
Day 2 of the 123.ie National Juvenile Track & Field Championships took place in Tullamore on Sunday week last. Local lad Andrew Nolan who already had a great season with the Shot Put continued his winning ways and this time it was not with the Shot but with the 1kg Discus. Andrew threw the Discus almost 44 meters finishing almost 4 meters ahead of the second place competitor.
Well done once again Andrew on a magnificent season.
Continued High Praise continues
Following on from the comments to Longford County Council regarding the beauty, friendliness and suitability of Lanesboro for campervans, the area once again got further observations from two ladies this week. Two ladies were in the shop at and they were loud in their praise for the area and its amenities. The first lady was so loud in her praise that she said she was going to recommend Lanesboro on the Campervan Ireland social media pages. The second lady stopped by chance on her was from Sligo to Cork she said that she was delighted to stop at such a wonderful place. She was pleasantly surprised with the whole area and she would be returning and telling all her campervan friends about us.
Both were delighted to hear that we had plans to develop a new campervan park and they looked forward to the completion of that project.
Club Longford Car or €50,000 Cash Draw
The annual Club Longford GAA draw will once again take place at the end of July. The first prize this year will be a brand new Hyundai Tucson Platinum PHEV or alternatively you can opt for the €50,000 cash prize. 2nd prize is €1,500 sponsored by O’Hara Dolan, N4 Axis Centre, 3rd prize is €1,000 sponsored by Peter Hanley Motors and 4th prize is another €1,000 sponsored by Elgin Energy.
For those that buy their tickets early they will be in for the 3 early bird draws of 2 tickets for the upcoming Manchester United and Leeds United match in Croke Park on 12th August; 2 tickets for the All-Ireland Hurling Final with the inclusion of an overnight stay in the Castleknock Hotel and the third draw is 2 tickets for the All-Ireland Football Final with the inclusion of with an overnight stay in the Croke Park Hotel.
Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s, they are priced at 1 for €20, 3 for €50, 7 for €100 or 12 for €150.
Sympathy
Many years ago when Lanesboro had a good number of Gardaí stationed the local Garda barracks there were two member of the force with the same name Tom Egan. One of them lived in Knock where John and Barbara Ferguson now reside. Tom, his wife Evelyn and young family were here for a short number of years before he was transferred to Athlone.
It was with great sadness that we learned last week of the sudden death of T.J. Egan, Athlone. T.J. followed in his father’s footsteps and became a member of the Garda Siochana
T.J’s remains reposed at Flynn’s Funeral Home on Thursday last and following his Funeral Mass in in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Coosan cremation took place privately.
To his children, Leah, Tom, Claire, Ciara and Mark and their mother Anne, sisters Maura, Anne and Catriona (Kate), brother Gerard, and extend family and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Lanesboro Gun Club
Annual membership is now due for the forthcoming season. Please contact the committee to assist with same.
Clays: Practice continues every Saturday and Sunday. The very best of luck to the teams that are participating in next week’s All Ireland in Esker.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Margaret Vesey and her family, Marie, Laurence, John, Patrick, James and Thomas, Ballyleague and their families on the death of Laurence’s wife Ethna on Friday last 3rd July following a long illness. Laurence, Ethna and their family live in Abbeyleix, Co. Laois.
Ethna’s remains reposed in the Chapel of Rest, adjoining the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, Abbeyleix on Sunday and following her Funeral Mass on Monday she was laid to rest in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Laurence and his sons David and Mark, their daughters Laura and Sarah, Ethna’s parents John and Martha, and their extended families..
Step aboard and create lasting memories.
This summer why not take a trip on John Sorohan’s electric boat? Experience the peaceful lapping waters of the river without the noise of an engine. View the environment of Lanesboro from a different perspective.
Hear about the history of Upper Lough Ree.
This trip is perfect for families, couples, and groups.
Check us out at https://www.loughReeBoatingandWalkingTours.ie
Solstice Choir in Backstage Theatre.
Following on from their huge success in the Roscommon Arts Centre the Roscommon Solstice Choir will present “Songs that Built a Nation” in the Backstage Theatre Longford on Wednesday and Thursday, 9th and 10th September.
With a script by well-known Roscommon Playwright and Historian Tommy Murray the choir will present “Epic moments of Irish History as told in Ballads, Songs, Poems and Music”. Beginning with the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798 the show tells the story of this traumatic and tumultuous time in our history up to and including the War of Independence 1920/21.
This show which has been described as “a very moving production, which immediately takes its place as one of the outstanding highlights of this choir’s distinguished ‘body of work’ is definitely not to be missed.
Booking. Can be made by telephone to Backstage at: (043) 3347888 or admin@backstage.ie
Get Ready for the Galway Races
Once again the Rathcline GAA Club’s annual day at the Galway Races Day will take place on Monday 27th July. The Race Day will once again be proudly sponsored by Keane’s SuperValu on the Main Street.
As always a great day out is guaranteed with plenty of racing, food, music and laughs on the day!
As we are closing in on this fabulous occasion and tickets are in great demand it is time to book your ticket to avoid disappointment. to go tickets are flying out!
Tickets cost €150 per person and the package includes:
Racecourse admission, Complimentary car parking, Champagne reception on arrival, Race card & pen, Racing tipster, four course gourmet meal, Complimentary wines with meal, Full bar facilities, Afternoon tea, Tote betting facilities, Reserved table for the day, there will a be prizes for the Best dressed lady and gent
Music and entertainment will be supplied by Sum Antics
A bus will be provided subject to sufficient demand
For bookings or more information contact the Race Committee:
Stephen Rooney – 0863176301
Liam Connerton – 0868776405
Seadna Ryan – 0851595512
Lorraine Farrell – 0876827966
Pat Connerton – 0861617501
Book now to secure your place
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
Sympathy
We extend our deepest sympathy to Frank and the Cafferty family, Rathcline Road on the death of his late wife Geraldine’s brother Johnny Gallagher, Coolmeen House, Fuerty, Roscommon who passed away on Saturday 27th June.
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.
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 now stands at €3,000 from the remaining 42 cards on Saturday night next 11th July in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners of last Saturday’s draw winners, 4th July, were Derek Thompson and Mike Frank O’Grady
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.
Killashee & Clondra Parish
The process of collating the historical records of Killashee and Clondra Parish has just begun and the first publication sees a very detailed account of the history of faith in the parish subtitled ‘A History of Faith ‘is now available.
The faith history and records of the parish is phenomenally detailed so much so that the list of the clergy that served both the Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic Church were comprehensively recorded to the extent that there is a record going back to 1411.
The communities of St. Paul’s Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic churches of St. Patrick’s (Killashee) and St. Brendan’s (Clondra) has and continues to play a major role in the parish for such a long time.
This book is launched to coincide with a momentous occasion that is presently happening in the parish where Fr. Shea Casey and Fr. Jimmie McDonnell are both celebrating the Golden Jubilee of their ordination into the priesthood.
This Killashee& Clondra Parish – A History of Faith is available in O’Brien’s costing just €25.
One–Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg
The annual one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place this year on Sunday 23rd August. The bus will leave Ballyleague at 7am and booking is essential. Bookings can be made by contacting Mary 043 33 21969.
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.
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 hit 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 place on Tuesday 7th July, 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 30th June were 3, 18, 20 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize was Geraldine Skelly, Aughamore and the three winners of the €20 prizes were Mags, c/o Mags, Mike Mullooly c/o mages, Barbara Ferguson, Knock.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 7th July 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 29th June was for a guaranteed €1,000. The winning ticket in the name of Jennifer Connell, Killashee, who was the lucky recipient of a cheque that reached a total pool of €1.017. As usual the winning cheque will be left in O’Brien’s for collection and can be usually collected on Wednesday evenings.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night in one of our local bars at 7.30pm. Your continued generous support is keeping the pool at a wonderfully high figure and it is greatly appreciated as it is making a great difference to the winner each week.
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.
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.
Shared Reading
A gentle and welcoming shared reading group takes place in the Roscommon library, open to people living with dementia and their carers. Come along to relax, enjoy listening to stories of local history or any topic, and share a cup of tea in a friendly, supportive setting. There is no pressure to read – simply listen and enjoy the company. Every second Wednesday at 11am and continues every Wednesday at Roscommon Town Library Contact: 09066 37277 library@roscommoncoco.ie New members are always very welcome. If you or someone you know might enjoy this relaxed social gathering, please feel free to come along.
Shine Relatives & Supporters Group
A monthly support group for individuals supporting people living with mental health challenges occurs on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7pm – 8.30pm in REGARI Recovery College, Athlone Road, Roscommon Town. Email support@shine.ie or call 086 040 7701.
REGARI Recovery College is the single story building on the immediate right past the cemetery on the grounds of the Roscommon Hospital
Alzheimer Café
The Longford Alzheimer Cafe 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
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 joining a number of Jack’s other publications.
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.
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.
Chit Chat
The local ‘Chit Chat’ group that meets between 10am and 12pm in Adie’s bar every Friday from 10am until 12 noon.
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
The Irish Conversation Group that met in the library every Thursday has called a halt to the ‘Comhrá’ for the summer months and the conversations will recommence in September. 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 evenings 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.
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 this Friday 7th August.
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
Thank You: The Lourdes Church Gate Collection took place recently and the organisers would like to thank sincerely everybody that contributed so generously and also those that helped with the collection at each church. The amount collected was Ballagh Church €102.40; Ballyleague Church €198.86; Curraghroe Church €241.15, totalling €542.41.
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.
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.