Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
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.
Community Games Winner
On Saturday last two local young men travelled to Carlow for the Cairn Community Games Finals. Niall Morgan and Andrew Nolan had made the cut and on Saturday both lads did their county and community proud with outstanding performances.
Niall was taking part in the 200m and following his first round qualification was only run out of it for a place in the final.
Andrew, known for his Shot Put exploits during the year was taking part in the Boys Discus competition took the gold medal and added to his incredible list of achievements over the past athletic season. Andrew’s achievements throughout the athletic season have to be seen to be believed. His record is 6 Connaught titles, 4 Connaught records, 1 silver national medal, 5 national gold’s and 3 national records.
At the time of writing I don’t have any final information on the final outcomes of the three youngsters representing the other half of our community Kilgefin and Roscommon other than the word was that all three representatives performed above and beyond their own expectations. Congratulations to Donal Cox Track – 80m Hurdles U14, Conor Heslin Track – 200m U10 and James Murray Track – 100m U12.
Going into the Cairn Community Games you never know what to expect with age groupings being different from other competitions and it is particularly exciting to have so many from our small community performing on an All-Ireland stage and performing so brilliantly.
We are so proud of you all and we look forward to you going into the years ahead and achieving your sporting dreams.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Patricia and the extended McGann family on the death of Frank McGann, Terlicken, Ballymahon who passed away on Wednesday last 19th August. Following his Funeral Mass on Saturday Frank was laid to rest in Shrule cemetery.
A unique and Memorable Occasion for Lanesboro
A very Special Celebration in St. Mary’s Church where our community will welcome Most Rev. Paul Connell, Bishop of Ardagh & Clonmacnois, and Most Rev. Kevin Doran, Bishop of Achonry and Elphin to the parish to concelebrate Mass for a most unique and very special occasion. We are delighted to announce that St. Mary’s Church; Lanesboro will host the Admission to Candidacy for the Permanent Diaconate on the Vigil Saturday Mass, on Saturday week 5th September at 6:30pm. This is an important step in the journey towards the Permanent Diaconate for three candidates: local man Steven Donohoe – Diocese of Ardagh & Clonmacnois Wilker Antonio Da Costa – Diocese of Achonry & Elphin and Richie O’Brien – Diocese of Achonry & Elphin.
Steven Donohoe, Knock Manor and formerly of Rathcline Road, is son of Martin and Fiona Donohoe, Rathcline Road is married to Sarah Marie (Mannion) and they have three children Kai, Rhys and Ada. Steven is grandson of the long-time deceased Dr. Tom Donohoe and the recently (March 24) departed Maura Donohoe.
What does Candidacy mean? Admission to Candidacy is a formal stage in which the Church recognises a candidate’s commitment to continue his journey of formation, prayer, study, pastoral service and discernment towards the possibility of ordination as a permanent deacon. It is not ordination, but it is a significant step on the journey.
The Mass will be celebrated by Most Rev. Paul Connell, Bishop of Ardagh & Clonmacnois, and Most Rev. Kevin Doran, Bishop of Achonry and Elphin.
We warmly invite our parishioners, families, friends and the wider community to join us for this special celebration. Please keep Steven, Wilker and Richie in your prayers as they continue their journey towards the Permanent Diaconate.
Citizens Information Service
Our Age Friendly drop-in clinic is available weekly on Tuesdays from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please note commencing September 1st 2026 the time will change to 2pm-4pm weekly. No appointment is necessary. Should you require further details, please telephone 0818 07 5890.
Former resident passes away
After a lifetime of living in Manchester the move to live in county Longford 30 years ago and setting up home in Pat home townsland of Clontumpher, in the parish of Killoe, proved to be a move when herself and her husband Pat McNally set up their home. It was sad to hear on Wednesday last 19th August of the death of Rose McNally in Mullingar Regional Hospital. Rose, daughter of the late Pat and Mary Rooney, Rathcline, who was one of the greatly respected Rooney families of Rathcline and Manchester. Rose was predeceased by her husband Pat only 20 months ago and by her brother Packie, and her sisters Mary and Kathleen. You were always sure of a warm and cheery welcome anytime you met Rose and she loved to chat and hear all the local news from all the local families – she had a smile to light up the darkest of day.. She always prided herself in her appearance and her style of dress was always very suitable to every occasion. She was a real homely woman with a great love of family, she loved to bake and her generosity knew no bounds. Never far from her presence was her phone where she kept up to date with friends and family home and abroad. She was a lady of great generosity and faith and she share it equally with everyone she found in need of support.
Rose reposed at Connell’s Funeral Home on Friday last; she rested her final night in her family home before she was removed to St. Mary’s Church, Ennybegs, on Saturday for her Funeral Mass from where she was laid to rest alongside Pat in St. Emer’s cemetery, Ballinalee.
To her daughter Jacqueline, her sons Sean, Greg and Paul, her brothers Tom, Joe and John, Rathcline, her sisters Bridie, Strokestown, Anne and Frances, Manchester, Margaret, Clonterm, grandchildren relatives and extended family we extend our deepest sympathy.
Brown Bread Competition
With her brother performing so well in the Community Games last weekend Sinéad Murray, daughter of Paddy and Olive Murray, Cloontuskert, proved that she too can perform on the national stage when on the days of the Ploughing Championship she will put her brown bread baking skills to the test in the All-Ireland finals. The very best of good luck and great baking Sinéad.
Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival
This year the running of the third annual Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday 20th September at Lismehy. Featuring at the festival will be Vintage Threshing, Vintage Corn Grinding, Vintage Saw Mill, Stationary Engines, Vintage Tractors, Vintage Cars, Butter Churning, Boxty Making, Wood Turning, Blacksmith and Farrier, hay making and free horse and carriage rides. Music on the day will be provided by the very popular Billy Garvan. The entry fee is just €10 while children are free.
Further information can be obtained by calling 087 907 4869.
Win a load of Turf
Here is your opportunity to be in with the chance to win a 15 x 7ft trailer load of turf in the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club’s fundraising draw. Tickets are priced at €5 for one or a book of 3 for €10. The draw will take place in the Central Bar, Strokestown on Friday 27th November.
Cemetery Sunday in Cashel Cemetery
Next Sunday the parish of Cashel and surrounding areas will celebrate the memory of the dead in Cashel cemetery on Sunday 30th August at 1pm.
Championship Updates
Next Saturday evening we see supporters going in different direction. In county Roscommon all roads will lead to Orchard Park in Elphin for the final group game in the Hodson Bay Roscommon Senior Championship where the home side will entertain our own St. Faithleach’s with a throw in time of 6pm. In this game a win or a draw will see St. Faithleach’s through to the knockout stages of the Championship. In Longford the Rathcline senior team and supporters will turn to Michael Fay Park for the final Peter Hanley Longford Senior Championship where they will meet Ardagh Moydow. A victory in this game from a point of view will not save Rathcline from the relegation playoff but a victory will be a great morale boost going into these very crucial final two games. The Rathcline game will throw in at 7pm and it is hoped there will be a great vocal support for the team.
Unique Donlon Family Gathering – Silver Anniversary Celebrations
Last week witnessed a unique event in Co. Roscommon – the 25th Anniversary of the Annual
International Gathering of the Donlon family. This was marked by a range of social events
and activities taking place over 10 days, with many travelling from far and wide – from the
USA, Australia and the UK, to join their domestic relatives and friends. The Silver
Anniversary celebrations were kindly sponsored this year by Roscommon County Council,
with over 150 people participating in these unique festivities.
The main Donlon clan was a family of 16 siblings living on a small farm with their parents in
Moher village, near Ballyleague within 10 miles of Roscommon town. As they grew older the
farm was not big enough to sustain the entire Donlon family. Some stayed locally and took
up employment especially with Bord Na Mona and ESB, whilst one was a well-known
teacher in the Community (Technical) School in Roscommon town. However, typical of the
time in the 50’s and 60s, others moved further afield – a few settled in Dublin with several
venturing beyond Irish shores, mainly to England and the USA, in search of better
opportunities.
However, with a fondness for home, members of the extended Donlon family have been
formally meeting up back in Co. Roscommon in August every year for the past 25 years,
centred around the original family home in Moher. Upwards of 100 people from across 4
generations have been gathering like this to partake in a range of social events, as part of
family holidays and to catch up with loved ones, with numbers growing every year. This year
saw a large group coming from the USA, led by the eldest living Donlon sibling, Betty, in her
91st year.
The Original Irish Gathering
Of note, the national government Gathering Ireland 2013 initiative is believed to have been
rooted in this model. A former Minister for Tourism, through regular contact with members of the Donlon family at the time, became aware of the annual get-together, which had been
on-going for a few years at that stage. Not long later, after various consultations seeking to
boost Irish tourism, the national Gathering Ireland Initiative was launched in 2013, with many families building on the original concept, loosely based on the annual Donlon Street Party!
Record breakers
The Donlon’s had quite a large family, even for that time, but thankfully many continue to live long and healthy lives. Just a few years ago the family was reputed to have held the world record for the highest cumulative age of 15 living siblings, totalling almost 1,050 years, stretching from 57 to 81 years old at the time. However, in the process of gathering original birth certificates to confirm the official record, one of the siblings passed away and the rest have been trying to catch up, with some surpassing the 90-year milestone since.
This special annual event allows them time to reminisce over times past and look forward to
new adventures for the international Donlon family in the years to come.
Join the Women’s Choir
Roscommon Women’s Choir ‘Cór Comáin’ wants to invite you to experience singing in harmony and to join the choir.
They will hold an Open Day on Thursday week 3rd September and they would like to invite you to go along and be part of a very exciting day.
To find out more about singing with Cór Comáincheck corcomain@gmail.comand you can also follow them on Facebook @roscommonchoir
No better time to step aboard and create lasting memories.
Don’t let this beautiful weather pass without availing of 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.
On the trip you will hear about the history of Upper Lough Ree.
This trip is perfect for families, couples, and groups.
Check John out at https://www.loughReeBoatingandWalkingTours.ie
Portrunny Bay Lakeside Storytime
You are invited to go along and join the Portrun Development on Sunday next 23rd August at 2.30pm. As part of Heritage Week Portrun Development group is holding a storytime for children aged 4-10years. Theme is based around our natural heritage, what it is and how to respect and protect it. It will be a fun interactive session.
Mother & Baby 4 Week Reflexology Course
Miriam Burke will work with new mums over four weeks teaching reflexology and promoting its benefits for mother and baby bonding, sleep, digestion, stress reduction and immune response. The course will run September 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th from 11am – 12pm. Spaces are limited, please contact us on lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie to book your place now.
Recent Books
Back in Stock Following a great run of sales of the Fr. Pat Lennon’s ‘Journey Through Priesthood’ “Come here a second Till I tell You” has just come back on the shelf and it available at €20
Daniel McGann, Killashee has become a prolific writer and his latest publication ‘Uniting Ireland’ has just reached the shop shelves this weekend. I am sure that the book will be another bestseller.
Paddy Egan has just launched ‘Rambles in Kilcommock’ volume VIIII – A collection of poems of local interest.
The book is on sale in O’Brien’s coasting €10
The Joker continues to evade the cut
The Joker is on the rise once again and on Saturday night last 22nd August the Joker was not cut from the deck of cards and another €100 will be added to the jackpot for next week. With the cards getting fewer and the jackpot rising this is a great time to be taking your chance of winning. The Joker will now stand at a rising €3,700 from the remaining 35 cards on Saturday night next 29th August in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners of last Saturday’s draw winners, 22nd August were Eamon Bolger and Orla Irwin.
Be in with your chance to have a cut for the Joker by buying tickets online on the ClubSpot portal St. Faithleach’s
New Spa experience
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 of a further addition to the accommodation available at the Canal View Lodges luxury accommodation with 6 x 3 bedroom houses sleeping up to 6 people at Foigha between Lanesboro and Ballymahon. There is a brand new Spa experience just opened adding greatly to the excellent accommodation already on offer. A new opportunity to stay locally along the canal for cycles or walks and with a restaurant and bar only a few minutes’ walk it is an ideal location.
To make bookings you should phone 086 170 0361
Roscommon Association London
We received a reminder last week to begin making preparation for the Roscommon Association London, Annual Dinner Dance that will take place on Saturday 24th October in the Clayton Hotel, Chiswick, London. The drinks reception will take place at 6.30pm and the dinner will be served 7.30pm. Further information and books can be made by contacting roscommonassoclondon@gmail.com
Athlone and Midland Samaritans
Athlone Samaritans need additional volunteers to maintain their 24Hr free befriending service. Could you be a Samaritan volunteer? No experience or qualification needed as we will train, mentor and support you. If you think you might be interested please call or text John 087 7176168 or email athlone.branchrecruitment@samaritans.org. Samaritans provide 24hr emotional support on Freecall 116123.
St. Joseph Men’s Camino
Along the Boyne Valley, St. Joseph’s Men’s Camino will undertake a 25km one-day Catholic pilgrimage for men, including Mass, Adoration, Confession and fellowship, with the Camino taking the Boyne Valley Camino route in Drogheda. Saturday, 12th September. The speaker will be Fr. Mark Quinn. Cost €65 (includes lunch & dinner). Full details Dominicans.ie
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.
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
Book now to secure your place
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.
Rathcline 50/50 Draw
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 17th August was for a pool that amounted to €875. The winning ticket was in the name of the Kelly family, Cullentra. 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.
€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 there is still a chance that you can be the winner. The next draw takes place on Tuesday 1st September, for the jackpot of €15,000 if not won on the 25th. 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 18th August were 3, 11, 13 and 19. The winner of the €50 prize was Freda Kilbride, Strokestown Road, and the 3 x €20 prizes were won by Johnny and Caroline c/o The Yacht Bar, Cían O’Brien, Corner Shop, and Pat Connerton, Aughamore, c/o XLNTEE.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 18th August 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.
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The St. Faithleach’s bi-weekly lottery took place in the clubhouse on Tuesday last 18th August for a jackpot of €2,700. There was nobody with the correct set of numbers and the jackpot will now rise to €2,800 for the next draw on Tuesday 1st September. The winner of the €200 prize draw was Katie Curran.
, from any of the organising committee or in the clubhouse on Saturday night.
Lanesboro Library
Mother & Baby 4 Week Reflexology Course
Miriam Burke will work with new mums over four weeks teaching reflexology and promoting its benefits for mother and baby bonding, sleep, digestion, stress reduction and immune response. The course will run September 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th from 11am – 12pm. Spaces are limited, please contact us on lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie to book your place now.
Killashee & Clondra Parish History
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.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing & Community Gathering
The next Social evening is Sunday next 30th August from 5-7 pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1). The music will be provided byHughie Turner and Sean Moran
This is 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
Ballinamuck Bingo
The next monthly Mega Bingo will take place in the ’98 Hall, Ballinamuck on the 1st Tuesday in September (1st September) at 8:30pm.
All the usual prizes with extras added – including a €500 jackpot! Go along and bring a friend! The usual Bingo continues on each of the remaining Tuesdays of the month.
Prize money each week of €1,290.
Your support would be greatly appreciated!
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.
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 return after their Summer break on Wednesday 26th August at 7.00pm in their office on Earl Street, Longford, opposite Mollaghan’s Furniture Store. Guest speaker on the night will be Trisha from Vision Ireland and her topic will be ‘Supporting A Person with Sight Loss and Dementia ‘ The Café will then 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
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
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
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.
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.
Gambling Anonymous
Meetings for those with problems with gambling take place in in the Family Centre, Longford (at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral) on Tuesdays at 8pm.
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 Friday 4th September.
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.
Jubilee of Marriages: Couples celebrating their Silver, Ruby, Golden, Diamond, Platinum or other wedding anniversaries are invited to attend one of two Jubilee Masses, along with their families and friends on either Sunday 4th October at 2.30pm in Ballaghaderreen Cathedral or Sunday 11th October at 2.30pm in Kiltoom Church. Bishop Kevin will celebrate both Masses. Light refreshments will be served afterwards for all in attendance. As each couple celebrating an Anniversary will receive a certificate from Bishop Kevin, they are asked to register their details at www.achonryelphin.ie
St. Joseph’s Young Adult Community: The Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin invites applications from young people aged 18 to 30 years who wish to live at St. Joseph’s Young Adult Community, an international faith community in Sligo town, while going about their regular work or study in Sligo. To apply, email Sinead: youth@achonryelphin.ie For further information search www.achonryelphin.ie
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). 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.