Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Winter Time/ Clocks go back
On Saturday night next Winter Time will come in as we face into the longer evenings and shorter day light hours. Clocks will go back one hour Saturday night and on Sunday morning you will be well rested and prepared for the winter having gained the extra hour of sleep overnight.
Death
A lifetime spanning 90 years with most of it spent working the soil with Bord na Mona and later with his own Mushroom business in Ballyleague his demise will leave a great emptiness in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew Bill McEvoy, The Green on Thursday last 15th November in Sonas Innis Ree Nursing Home Ballyleague.
Bill arrived in Lanesboro along with his late wife Carmel and young family when he got work with Bord na Mona. There he worked for so many years and he was a very diligent and respected workmate until his retirement. Bill was a proud Laois man and settled into the ways of his new community very easily where his gentle nature and easy going style endeared him to everyone. He was a man with a great strength of character who never could stay idle hence his transition from Bord na Mona to his mushroom business. He was a man who loved nature and gardening and also had a great love of animals. As Bill had a deep faith it was fitting that his home was just opposite the church that he visited regularly. He was a great family man and he had a great dedication to his family of Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bill’s remains reposed at his residence on the Green on Friday last 18th October, with his removal taking place on Saturday to St. Mary’s Church for his Funeral Mass followed by burial in Clonbonny Cemetery alongside his beloved Carmel.
To his daughter s Marie and Colette, his son John, grandchildren, extended family and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Fundraising Evening
In conjunction with the Sweaty Yeti Sauna and Wellness Centre, local schoolteacher Brián Sheils is hosting a fundraising evening in aid of Féileacáin as he prepares to run in the Dublin City Marathon in memory of his son Oisín. The fundraising evening will commence on Thursday 22nd October from 5pm.
Local primary school teacher, Brían Sheils, will be running the Dublin Marathon on Sunday 25th in memory of his son Oisín who died in September last year. Brían, who teaches in Lanesborough Primary School, lives across the bridge in Ballyleague with his wife Mary Rooney. They are fundraising for Féileacáin who are a not for profit charity that provides support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy. In the lead up to the marathon this week the Sweaty Yeti are hosting a fundraising evening on Thursday from 5pm onwards with entry fees being donated to Féileacáin. You can book your place at thesweatyyeti.ie/book selecting any of the sessions Thursday the 22nd.
Similarly, if anyone would like to support Brían’s marathon fundraiser directly, the donation page can be found at tiny.cc/foroisin
Brían & Mary would like to thank the local community on both sides of the bridge for their overwhelming generosity and support.
If you want to add anything extra, there is more information on the donation page.
At this point the couple have raised close to €21,000 and have a couple of fundraising events which will help increase this amount further including the fundraising evening at The Sweaty Yeti on Thursday evening and fancy dress days in Lanesborough Primary School and Newtowncashel primary on Friday.
Former local passes away
Facing and overcoming early challenges in life was something that gave him the strength and character to achieve whatever he set his mind to. Sean Connaughton, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, known locally as Seanie passed away after a brave and very spirited battle with illness over the past few years. Seanie, formerly of Main Street, was predeceased by his parents Bernadette and Mike, his sister Mary, his twin brother Mickie and his brother Noel (Dolie), Deckie and Lorcie. In his very early life he lost his mother and his sister and it was a brave battle for all the family as they were very young men and had to grow into manhood without the care of a loving mother. Determination was always to the fore in Seanie’s character and he continued his education until he met his lifetime goal of becoming a civil engineer. Like his twin brother Mickey, he had a fascination for motor cars and especially classic and vintage cars. He was always recognised as being a quietly spoken man and someone that would do anything for anyone that was in need of help or support. When he met and married his wife Maireád and they set up their forever home in Newbridge where they both became popular figures.
Seanie passed away at St. Brigid’s Hospice surrounded by his family. His remains reposed at Glennon’s Funeral Home, Newbridge on Sunday 11th. On Monday his remains were removed to Newlands Cross Crematorium for cremation.
To his wife Maireád, his daughter Neasa, his sons David and Brian, his brother Josie, his grandchildren, Cillian, Darcy, Alex, Declan, and Brea extended family and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
ESB book still selling very well
“ESB Lanesborough Station; the people who powered it”, is now on sale in O’Brien’s and it is selling extremely well. The vast array of photographs included in the book is bringing back memories to many people whether they worked in the station or not. The cost of the book is just €20.
Former local passes away
Following a lifetime of doctoring and caring for people there was great sadness throughout our area and in Roscommon when we learned of the death of Dr. Noel Farrell, Ardsallagh, Roscommon Town and formerly of the Anchor hotel in Ballyleague at his residence on Sunday 11th October. Noel was predeceased by his parents Margaret and Cathal and his brother Joe. Noel’s education took him from Ballyleague N.S. to Summerhill College in Sligo and UCD where he qualified as a doctor. Noel worked and gained his experience in the main hospitals in Dublin before coming to Roscommon Town where he set up his practice as a GP in Abbey Street before moving to the Primary Care Centre on the County Home Road. He proved to be an excellent doctor with a great empathy towards his patients – he was well known for going above and beyond in terms of his care for his patience. As a person Noel was very much a family oriented man with an extremely thoughtful and caring manner and was renowned for his kindness and sincerity. He had a great love of the game of golf and spent many a happy day at his local Roscommon Golf Club. He retained a great interest in his home community and was very regularly back in the community and catching up on all happenings.
The attendance at Noel’s remains reposing at his residence in Ardsallagh on Tuesday 13th and again at his Funeral Mass in the Sacred Heart Church on Wednesday bore ample testimony to the high esteem Noel was held. Following Mass a private cremation took place.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife Susan, his daughters Gillian, Sinead and Darina, his son David, his brothers Charlie and Paul, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
St. Mary’s Secondary School Ballyleague
This week’s information comes courtesy of Olive Ginty who passed me on “The Abbey Chronicle”. Olive is sister of the late Sean Sweeney who travelled from Newtowncashel to attend the St. Mary’s. It appears that the magazine came out for Christmas of each year.
The school was operational from 1958 to 1967.
The teaching staff of the school year 1964/65 was Mr Brennan, Mr Murray, Rev. T. Foy and Rev. H. Tonra.
The curriculum in the school covered an amazing total of 17 subjects; Christian Doctrine, Irish, English, Latin, French, Mathematics, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Physiology and Hygiene, Agricultural Science, Woodwork, Drawing,. That was truly amazing with such a small number of teaching staff and it showed the talent of the teaching staff to cover so many subjects.
The student roll for the year 1964 was the highest on record: First Year – L. Cassidy, B. Connor, P.J. Delaney, S. Farrell, G. Healy, J. Healy, O. Harte, S. Lindsay, F. Regan, M. Sweeney, T. Murtagh, K. Harney, and J. Killian.
Intermediate – T. Connolly, P. Carroll, S. Fayne, H. O’Donnell, L. Rollins, S. Sweeney, P. Dalton, B. Dowd, M. Fallon, P. Farrell, K. Flynn, P. Gibbons, J.P. Kilcline, P. Lindsay, J. Murphy, K. Murray, G. Regan, and T. Sweeney.
Leaving Certificate – P. Fallon, D. Owens, P.J. Cox, T. Bannon, O. Gavigan, C. Hussey, P. Gibbons, M. Conway, L. Gibbons, M. Kelly, J.J. Regan, J. Mc Cormack, F. Nolan, O. Harte.
In 1964 there were one hundred applications for eight positions as trainee technicians in the power station and remarkably 6 of the eight positions were filled by students from St. Mary’s and they were B. McCormack, M. Byrne, P. Shea, M. Connaughton, O. Carroll, and S. O’Donnell. M. Murray obtained a position as a technician in the Agricultural institute, Dublin. James Leavy had gone to St. Kieran’s College Kilkenny, to study for the priesthood while A. Moran obtained a scholarship to Multyfarnham Agricultural College and J.J. Monahan had entered the Novitiate of the Legion of Christ for the Mexican Mission.
This was the year that J. J. Murray, Neary and J. Cuffe, all trainee technicians, passed the G.C.E. examination of London University in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
St. Mary’s wished every success to three students that finished their studies the previous summer.
LCC Open Day
Lanesboro Community with its new Principal and Vice-Principal will host its Open Day on this Thursday 22nd October for prospective new students. This is an ideal opportunity for parents and prospective students to go along to the school and witness what is happening class wise and talk to the students and the teachers on the benefit of attending Lanesboro Community College.
Roscommon Association London Dinner Dance
The Roscommon Association London, Annual Dinner Dance that will take place on Saturday week 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
Load of Turf to be won
With the weather beginning to close in for the Autumn and Winter there will be a great need for heating your home. The ideal opportunity to heat your home for just €5/€10 is waiting for you with the opportunity 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. Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s and the winner if within 10k of Strokestown can have it delivered to their home.
Morning Bridge
A call to all bridge players that have time for a morning game. The Morning Larks Bridge Club has resumed on Friday’s, in Hannon’s Hotel at 10 am. New members welcome.
The Joker reaches €4,500
The excitement of the St. Faithleach’s Joker fundraiser in continuing to grow as the money for the cut of the Joker on Saturday night next will rise to €4,500. Again, the cut misses the Joker on Saturday night last 17th October 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 still rising, this is a great time to be taking your chance of winning the growing pool. The Joker will now stand at a rising €4,400 from the remaining 28 cards on Saturday night next 24th October in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners of last Saturday’s draw winners, 17th October were Padraig Kenny and John Loughlin
Be in with your chance to have a cut for the Joker by buying tickets online on the ClubSpot portal and entering St. Faithleach’s
A few notes from Roscommon County Library
Social Creative sessions: Thursdays 22nd and 29th October at 2pm. Music sessions for older adults – no experience needed – booking required. www.roscommoncoco.ie Tel.: 090/ 6637277.
Drop-In Digital Skills Sessions for Adults: on Wednesdays 2 – 4pm. Do you need help with your smartphone, tablet or laptop? Come along to Roscommon County Library where you can get help & advice from a tutor from Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB). Bring your own device (phone, tablet, and laptop).
Rathcline 50/50 Draw
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 12th October was for a pool that amounted to €722. The winning ticket was in the name of the Edel Boardman, . 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 still there and you have a chance of being the winner of the €15,000. The next draw takes place on next Tuesday 27th October for the jackpot of €15,000 that is if the jackpot is not won on the 20th October. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to get hold of the full €15,000 or share in the money. The numbers drawn in the last draw on Tuesday 13th September were 17, 11, 12 and 26. The winner of the €50 prize was Mary Casey Curreen, Rathcline Rd., and the three winners of the €20 prizes were Eileen Plested, Ballyleague, Martina Irwin, Main St., and Caroline Ginty, Curraghrua.. 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.
Retreat
Medjugorje Weekend Retreat led by Fr. Jason Lewis (Medjugorje Chaplain) in St. John’s Day Care Centre, Knock Shrine, from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th October. Booking is essential, for more info contact Nicola 087 9622800.
Lanesboro ICA
Sympathies
On Tuesday evening last the sad news broke of the passing of one of Longford Federation ICA’s greatest members Esther Casey. Esther was a long term member of Ballymacormack Guild and she was what ICA is all about, she was a friend to all and we are all the better for knowing her, no craft was too much for her and she was always ready to help out whenever and wherever she was needed, Esther will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing her. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to her son and daughters, her fellow guild members in Ballymacormack guild and to all who had the pleasure of knowing her, Esther is now reunited with her beloved husband Anthony who passed away very recently and we have no doubt they are enjoying the reunion , may Esther and Anthony rest in heavenly peace, heaven has gained a very special lady.
Lotto
Our lotto was held on Wednesday last the 14th October for a jackpot of €1,850, numbers drawn were 8, 9, 11, 15 and we had no jackpot winner. The three €20 winners were Rachel Murphy, Theresa Dooner and James McKenna, congratulations to all and thank you for supporting our lotto. The next draw will be held on Wednesday 28th October when the jackpot will be €1,900; envelopes can be purchased from Bell’s shop Newtownforbes or from any guild member.
Knit and Stitch Show
This year’s knit and stitch show takes place from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th November. ICA will run a bus on Saturday 14th , if you are interested in attending please let Virginia Quigley know by text only please on 086 2036542 as always you book your own entry ticket to the show.
Classes in HQ
Please note there is no crochet class on Saturday 24th October
Tuesday Pilates with Regina 6pm
Thursday Chairobics with Regina 12.30 to 1.30pm
Friday Craft class 11am to 2pm
Guild
We had our guild meeting last Wednesday which was well attended. Our guest speaker was physiotherapist Maria Weaver, who gave us a very informative talk about our bone health and exercises needed to help.
We had 3 new ladies at our meeting who were made to feel very welcome. Tea was provided by Mary, Kathleen and Rita who provided a nice end to the evening. Our next meeting takes place on Wednesday 11th November.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing & Community Gathering
Our next Social evening is Sunday, October 25th from 5-7 pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1). Music will be supplied by Glen Flynn
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
Windsong Music
Windsong Music is presently enrolling for the new academic year just starting. Windsong is offering lessons for all ages and levels in piano, singing, violin, cello and harp. They are also offering individual grinds for Junior and Leaving Certificate Music written papers and practical exams. You are invited to reach out to Windsong by phoning 089 4974865 or 087 3649005 or email windsongmusiclessons@gmail.com
October Services for St. John’s and St. Coman’s
Sunday 25th October St. John’s, Lanesborough Holy Communion Service at 11.30am.
Advance notice – 18th Oct in Boyle Church of Ireland – Agricultural Chaplaincy Harvest Celebration from 4pm – Panel Discussion with Special Guests – food, music and a warm welcome!
Combo fit class with Regina
The Combo Fit class continues on Thursday’s in St. Marys Hall, Lanesboro. 7.30pm.. The class will incorporate low impact Pilates Movements, using body weight, light hand weights, resistance bands. This will improve posture, balance, bone density, and will enhance joint mobility.
Be strong, steady, and straight.
For further information please contact Regina at 087 2485822.
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.
TAI CHI
TAI CHI and CHI KUNG is a well-recognised movement for health and fitness and classes for both disciplines has commenced in Ballyleague Hall on Wednesday evenings from 8 to 9pm. If you want to register or find out further information you are asked to phone 087 9925816
French and German Grinds
Private one-to-one grinds in French and German in preparation for the Leaving Cert are available locally. Individual lessons will be tailored to each student with exam focused preparation and practice. Adult, children and teenagers – all levels welcome and the grinds will cover speaking, grammar, vocabulary, and writing.
Enrolment is now open for the new academic year. There are a limited number of places available with an experienced foreign language teacher. To enrol or to have any other question answered you are asked to phone, WhatsApp or text 089 488 5679.
Alzheimer Café
The Longford Alzheimer Cafe will hold their September Cafe on Wednesday 28th October at 7.00pm in their office on Earl Street, Longford, opposite Mollaghan’s Furniture Store. Guest speaker on the night will be Martina from The Memory Technology Room and her topic will be ‘Memory Technology ‘ 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
Citizens Information Service
Our Age Friendly drop-in clinic is available weekly on Tuesdays from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please note the time change to 2pm-4pm weekly. No appointment is necessary. Should you require further details, please telephone 0818 07 5890.
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.
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.
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
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.
Lanesboro Library
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 6th November.
OCIA: Order of Christian Initiation for Adults – Do you want to be baptised? Do you want to enter full communion with the Church? The OCIA is a programme of formation in the faith. Classes for over-18 year olds who would like to be baptised, OR who are baptised and would like to make their First Holy Communion or Confirmation, will commence early November. Please contact the Parish Office.
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
New hall caretaker: Adrian McCaffery is the new caretaker of Ballyleague hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Adrian on 085 7836 509 or email: caff5311@yahoo.ie
Memorial Mass: The Annual Memorial Mass for all deceased parishioners of Kilgefin parish who died between November ’25 and November ’26 will take place on Sunday 8th November at 11.30am in Ballyleague church. All families and relatives of the deceased have been invited. After Mas there will be light refreshments served in Ballyleague Hall. Everyone is invited to join in the mass and the refreshments.
The Holy Rosary: Every Saturday at 12 noon for the month of October the Holy Rosary will be said at the statue of Our Lady of Fatima in Cloontuskert cemetery. October is the month of the Rosary and everyone is welcome to go along and join in.
Senior Citizens Party: The Kilgefin Parish Senior Citizens Christmas Party is scheduled to take place once again this year. A meeting of the committee and those interested took place on Monday and details of the date and arrangements will be released in the near future.
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.
In-Service Meetings: New and existing Ministers of the Word: Elphin Diocesan In-Service Meetings for New and Existing Ministers of the Word (those who proclaim the readings at Mass) will take place Divine Word Retreat Centre, Donamon Castle, Donamon, F42V250, 7.30 – 9 pm on Thursdays 22nd and 29th October. All are welcome.
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
Retreat: Medjugorje weekend Retreat led by Fr. Jason Lewis (Medjugorje Chaplain) in St. John’s Day Care Centre, Knock Shrine, from Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th October. Booking is essential, for more info contact Nicola 087 9622800.