Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €13,600
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 6th June stands at €13,600. This is a wonderful opportunity to win a large amount of money for just €2 each envelope or 3 envelopes for €5.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday 30th May for a jackpot of €13,500 were 10, 15, 28 and 30. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the €50 prize was Freda Kenny, Blenavoher c/o O’Brien’s, and the three €20 prizes went to Kieran O’Dowd, Rathcline, Joe O’Brien, Corner Shop and Marc c/o Mags.
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns committee would like to thank you for your continued generosity and this support is ensuring that Lanesboro continues to look beautiful.
Support for the Honda 50 Run on Sunday
The annual ‘Honda 50 Run’ will take place on Sunday next11th June starting at St. Mary’s Hall. Registration will be from 11am with the Run starting at 12.30pm. The coast of registration is €20. There will be refreshments before and after in St. Mary’s Hall. This event is in support of the Longford Branch of MS. There will a raffle and spot prizes and your support will be greatly appreciated
Can you help with some sponsoring the Run and/or a spot prize for the raffle on the day.
If you have a suitable donation you can leave into O’Brien’s for collection by a member of the organising committee.
Death
It is with great sadness we record the unexpected passing at Galway University Hospital of Marie Hawthorne, (formerly Loftus), Meadowbrook, Ballyleague on Sunday 28th May. Marie was born and spent her young life in Castlerea, later residing in Roscommon Town before her move to Meadowbrook. She was a friendly and outgoing lady always with the helpful and encouraging words; she had a very caring nature and as carer she was outstanding. Marie had a great sense of humour and was very witty in her comments. Her passing will leave a great void in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew her. Marie was always referred as a lovely and helpful lady by her neighbours and all that knew her.
Marie’s remains reposed in Smyth’s funeral Home on Tuesday last. Her removal took place to the Sacred Heart church, Roscommon on Wednesday for mass of the resurrection. Burial took place afterwards in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Castlerea. Marie will be sadly missed by her family – Gerry, Francis, Mark, Niall and Karen, her brothers Michael and Declan, relatives and many friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Tracing Roots
The student visit of the Notre Dame Students studying in Ireland to Fermoyle every year for the past 9 years was a time always looked forward to by students and locals alike. It created a great sense of excitement in our community. The organisational skills and creative programming of Joan Killian Gallagher shone through year on year and the news of the event not happening again this year as was the tradition on June Bank Holiday weekend leaves us with a great sense of sadness.
Joan is truly a creative and intrepid lady and she has now created ‘The Killian Homeplace Family History Centre’, based in Fermoyle that will specialise in creating a centre for the diaspora wanting to find their Longford roots as well as people wanting to trace back to their own family roots in Ireland.
Joan has assembled a wonderful and exceptional board, a who’s who of the very best of talent from the Longford such as Mary Carleton Reynolds, Martin Morris and Maeve Killian. The director is Killashee native and now Roscommon town resident Eilish Feeley who has a wealth of experience and who in her own right is a professional genealogy expert. The researchers are a lady with local connections Sheila O’Donnell; a grandniece of the late Bill Rhatigan, Fermoyle, Sheila has eight years’ experience at the world renown ancestry.com, Sr. Margaret Farrell a Newtowncashel native and Co Longford genealogy expert and Gerard Brennan, another from Newtowncashel.
The Killian Homeplace Family History Centre is now live on the internet and you can visit www.thekillianhomeplace.com to begin to search your family roots.
It is a massive undertaking and we wish Joan and her team every success and the very best of good luck.
Death
Following a few short years of illness bravely borne with strength, spirit, character and dignity it is with great regret that we record the death on Wednesday 31st May at the Roscommon Palliative Care Support Unit of John Martin, Mount Cashel. John was predeceased by his parents John Joe and Margaret, sister Bridie, Mary Tucker, brothers Michael and Malachy and his nephew Paul. He was from one of the oldest and most respected families in our community led a lifestyle that endeared him to everyone that had the pleasure to know him. By nature John was a quiet spoken man who loved the game of golf and he represented Roscommon Golf Club on teams over the years. He will be long remembered for his time with Connaught Motors on the Lanesboro Road in Roscommon where his knowledge on cars was second to none. John loved a game of cards, going to matches and he loved music especially the late Big Tom. He was always referred to as a gentleman with great caring and kindness. The loss of John’s own inimitable greeting and smile will sadden the hearts of everyone that had the pleasure to know him but his memory will live for a long time to come.
John’s remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home on Friday followed by his removal to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh. Following the Mass of the Resurrection on Saturday he was laid to rest in Kilteevan Cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathy to his brothers James and Dominic, his sister Anne, relatives and many friends to whom we extend our sincere sympathy.
Good Luck
We would like to wish all the students sitting the Leaving and Junior Cert the very best of luck. The exams commence on Wednesday and may all your hard work guide you through the exams.
Support for Enda
The Rathcline senior team manager Enda Lyons undertook a 24 hour walk to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation. In times gone by there were fundraisers locally for the Irish Heart Foundation that was greatly supported and we hope that you will once again support Enda for this essential fundraiser. If you wish to donate you can do so by logging on to https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/Enda Lyons732 Thank you in advance of your donation.
Fabulous Weather
The great weather of the past few weeks has heralded the start of the holiday season and it was clearly evident this past Bank Holiday weekend when huge numbers descended on the area creating a vibrant atmosphere. From schools closing, farmers getting their first cut of silage and the banks of the Shannon lined with huge numbers enjoying great weather and yoga at the sand beds, all lead to a busy and exciting times in our community. The whooping of all the young people as they jump into the Shannon and the Orcas numbers increasing for their daily swim creates an exciting atmosphere. Straw hats, peaked hats all keeping the heads from sunburn with others going into the Commons North Woodland Walk to enjoy the walk and get some shade from the glorious sun.
The Access for All boat very busy taking people for trips out to the islands on Lough Ree and the many cruisers manoeuvring their way to and from the lake making it all feel so idyllic. Especially in summer and in these weather conditions it is really a great privilege living here in the Lanesboro and Ballyleague community and able to avail of the beauty and scenery our area has to offer.
Pictured is Eamon Skelly making silage for Peter Skelly in Rathcline with the magnificent Lough Ree as a sublime backdrop and not a cloud in a beautiful clear sky. Where else would you get it?
Kayaking Camps for the Summer
As is the norm every year Junior Hannon will be organising the youngsters summer camp at Ballyleague. This is always a very popular camp and the youngsters always have a great time. The first camp will commence on Monday 26th June until Thursday 29th June. The camp caters for youngsters from 10 years to 17years. All gear will be supplied apart from the wetsuits. The cost of the camp is €70, with the second child from the same family €65. To book your place contact you should phone 087 2977769 and for further details.
Best Wishes on 100th Birthday
We wish a happy birthday to Mary Conway, Tullamore, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Mary was formerly Mary Donlon, Aughaloughan, Lanesboro, sister of the late Nancy Mc Grath, Derrygeel, and the late Jim and Tim Donlon Aughaloughan. She married the late Matt Conway, Tullamore and has two daughters Mary and Siobhan and five sons Padraig, Joe, Matt, Tadgh and Aidan.
Mary, although gone from the community for such a long time she still has a strong family connection still in the parish with the extended Mc Grath and Donlon families.
Community Games Finals
As usual the county Longford Community Games Finals took place at Leo Casey Park, Ballymahon on Sunday last. Lanesboro as usual was very well represented and they came away with four gold medals and one silver medal. Gold medal winners were Oisín Dillon in the U14 800m, Leo Donnellan in the U10 80m, Ethan Donnellan in the U12 Long Puck and Andrew Nolan in the U12 Ball Throw. Donncha Farrell won a silver medal in the U12 600m. Very well done to all of our representatives for giving it your all in the sweltering conditions.
Book Launches
On Wednesday 24th May in the Irish Writers Centre, Jack Harte launched his latest novel Uneasy Bedfellows. Jack is a prolific writer of novels and plays and has had some of his work translated to other languages. Set in Dublin and time framed by the Northern Troubles Jack used his experiences of the North to write this novel. There is no doubt that all his writing is very special and his books are truly well worth reading.
Jack always loves to visit the home of his youth and visit his sister Loretta and brother in law Manus and reacquaint with the locals.
On Friday night 26th Jack one again visited Lanesboro, this time to launch the debut collection of poetry by local lady Margaret Nohilly. ‘The Overlap of Things’ is a collection of Margaret’s work and it contains 79 poems of outstanding quality each once, as all great writer’s do, create a mindful debate one poem after the other.
A number of Jack’s writings are available in O’Brien’s including Uneasy Bedfellows costing €14 while Margaret’s The Overlap of Things is also available in O’Brien’s priced at €15
Annual Day at the Races
The Annual Day at the Galway Races will once again be hosted by the Rathcline Club on Monday 31st July. This is a wonderful day out and a wonderful opportunity to partake in the style and spectacle that is the famous Galway Races. The package will include Racecourse Admission, complimentary car parking, Champagne reception on arrival, Race card and pen, a racing tipster that may be able direct you in the right direction when searching for winners, a Four Course meal, complimentary wines with the meal, Afternoon Tea, Reserved table for the day, Best Dressed lady & Gent competition, after meal entertainment. There will also be full bar facilities and Tote betting facilities.
A bus will be provided if there is sufficient demand.
Tickets cost €150 and for bookings and further information you should contact: Liam Connerton (086) 8776405, Stephen Rooney (086) 3176301, or Kevin Hanley (086) 8908436.
As this event has proven to be hugely successful over the years it is very important that early booking is made to ensure your place at this traditionally fabulous day out.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 29th May the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in the Adie’s Bar. This week was another week of successful selling and the winning pool remained high with a great pool of €663. The winning ticket drawn out was in the name of Keith Brady, Cloontuskert.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night at 7.30pm and your continued generous support is greatly appreciated.
Access for All boat
The Access for All boat is for everybody. The boat can cater for three large wheelchairs but you don’t be to be a wheelchair user to avail of the excellent trips. Guided fishing excursions can also be organised. Advanced booking is recommended. You can contact by email www.loughreeboattrips.com or phone 089 2625505 or 043 33 84175.
The summer sailings are 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm.
Ballyboro
A hectic season of action for Ballyboro FC came to a conclusion on Thursday last when the under 13s contested the Clarke Cup Final with Kenagh United. Unfortunately for the under 13s they went down 5-2 to their near neighbours. Kenagh were deserving winners on the day as the Ballyboro boys did not play with their usual fluency though there were periods when they were in the ascendancy. Kenagh went two goals ahead early in the first half but Tim Kenny gave the Ballyboro players hope when he had a well taken goal just before half time. Kenagh were largely on top in the second period and they scored three further goals before Oisin Dillon concluded the scoring for Ballyboro with an opportunistic goal. Though defeat was there lot on this occasion the Ballyboro lads can take heart from the fact that they had many fine performances over the season and they can look forward to the future with confidence. Ballyboro: Stephen Farrell, Leah Kenny. Charlie Moynihan, Jack Cassidy, Josh Curran, James Bolger, Shane Farrell, Alfie Murphy, Darragh Donlon, Tim Kenny, Oisin Dillon. Subs: Cathal Hanley, James Carroll, Alfie Brehon, Ivan, Hayden Smyth. Thanks are due to team manager Dennis Dillon for his commitment to the team over the season.
Places for the two Summer Camps are rapidly filling up. The first camp takes place from 24th to 28th July while the second one will be held from 14th to 18th August.
Ballyboro FC wishes all its players who are commencing State Exams on this Wednesday the very best of luck.
Gaelic4Mothers and Others
What was a resounding success last year is once again back at Clonbonny on Wednesday evenings. Training will recommence at the Rathcline club grounds on this Wednesday and continue every Wednesday evening at 7.15pm.
It matters not if you played football before this is a wonderful opportunity to make a start or to take up playing again. If you are new to the area this is a fabulous way to integrate into the community, make new friends and enjoy the fun that Gaelic4Mothers and Others provide.
Roscommon Group of Parishes
The Services for the Roscommon group of Parishes are: Sunday next 11th June here will be Morning Prayer in St. John’s, Lanesboro at 11.30am. On Sunday 18th June there will be Service of Holy Communion in St. Coman’s Roscommon at 11.30am.The final Service of June will be the Service of the Holy Communion in St. John’s church, Lanesboro.
Killashee Parish Cemetery Sunday
Cemetery Sunday masses will take place in the three parish cemeteries on Sunday next11th June beginning with Killashee at 10am, Clondra at 12 noon and Ballinakill at 3pm.
If you have families buried any of the three cemeteries please tend to your family plot in advance of the celebration mass of their lives.
Lough Ree AC
We are delighted to report that the number of children attending the Tuesday evening training session from 6pm to 7pm at the track behind the Community Collage continues to grow. The track is always alive with activity with upwards of 50 children taking part in various age appropriate activities. The great advantage of Athletics is that is covers, running, jumping, throwing so each child can find an individual event that suits them.
Note to Parents, please remember to register your children with Athletics Ireland via their website www.athleticireland.ie and select option – join a club.
If you have any problems, let us know and we can assist.
Local notes inclusion
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 coming weeks notes.
Weekly 25 Drive
The results of the 25 Drive held on Sunday night last in St. Mary’s Parish Hall are: 1st Eugene Kelly & Barney Kenny. 2nd Jim & Kitty. Last game winners were Petey Donlon & Pat Rock. Raffle winners were Annie, Noel McDermott, Petey Donlon and Pat Rock. The game continues every Sunday night at 8.30pm sharp with light refreshments served.
Line Dancing
Line Dancing classes take place every Friday morning 11am at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town.
Line Dancing classes every Sunday at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town for beginners from 6pm to 7pm and Improvers from 7pm to 8pm
Dancing classes takes place in Kilbride, Four Mile House every Tuesday 7pm followed by:
Jive & Waltz classes 8 45pm.
All Ireland Rosary Rally
The All Ireland Rosary Rally will take place in Knock on Saturday next 3rd June from 1pm.
There will be Holy Mass, the Holy Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and a talk by Bishop Oliver Doeme in the Basilica at 1pm.
The main celebrant will be Archbishop Eamon Martin
Day with the Stars extended
Yes, the wonderful and hugely enjoyable Day with the Stars once again returns to Roscommon Racecourse this year only this year it comes with an extension of another day making it a Midsummers Weekend with the Stars. The show will take place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June and it promises to be one of the main attractions countrywide this year.
Saturday will see The Tumbling Paddies topping the bill that will also include Ruaile Buaile, Rhythm & Sticks, One for the Road and Paul Kelly Music.
Sunday will feature Derek Ryan Music, Philomena Begley, Jimmy Buckley, Mike Denver, Patrick Feeney, Robert Mizzell, Cliona Hagan, Claudia Buckley, Gerry Guthrie Music, David James Music, and Brendan Jermyn Music along with the award winning Shannonside/Northern Sound Orchestra
Tickets can be bought for either day and there are a limited number of weekend tickets available and they can be bought in O’Brien’s, phone 043 3321107 or email Joe at joeaobrien@outlook.com.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of those addicted to alcohol are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral. The meetings take place every Tuesday evening at 7pm.
Advance Farmers Notice
Farm Plastic Recycling will take place at the St. Faithleach’s GAA grounds on Friday 7th July from 9am until 1pm. The full list and prices are available online at www.farmplastics.ie
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 continued tremendous support.
Bee Safe Driving School
Congratulations to Vicki Riley who recently set up her new Bee Safe Driving School. Call Vicki on 083 8434538
ALONE
ALONE is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home.
Our work is for all older people and aims to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. We have a National network of staff and volunteers who provide an integrated system of Support Coordination, Practical Supports, Befriending, a variety of Phone Services, Social Prescribing, Housing with Support and Assistive Technology.
We use individualised support plans, to address health, financial benefits and supports, social care, housing, transport and other arising needs using technology and through harnessing other services.
We work to empower the whole sector of community support for older people through our Community Impact Network that provides Training, IT support and resources to other organisations.
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are 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.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of alcoholics are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre building at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on St. Mel’s Road, any Tuesday evening at 7pm.
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. 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.
Smart Recovery
SMART recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery support group where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour.
There is a meeting every Friday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm in Vita House, Roscommon. For information you should phone Conor 086 1702912 or info@smartrecovery.ie
GROW
Grow is a Community Mental Health Movement which meets every Monday at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Rd., Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated or suffering from stress, please feel free to attend. You can call Assumpta for any further information on 086 8114135.
St. Mary’s Church
Our New Bishop: Rev. Paul Connell will be consecrated as Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, in St. Mel’s Cathedral, on Sunday 18th June at 3pm.
We wish him every blessing in his new role as Bishop of the Diocese.
Alcohol Anon Meeting: Relatives and friends of those addicted to alcoholare welcome to attend this meeting in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on any Tuesday evening at 7pm
Communion for Coeliacs: Gluten free hosts are available for all those who need them. Just make it known to the priest that you wish to receive a gluten free host at Holy Communion.
The Parish Hub: Maireád, the Parish Secretary is in her office on Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm. If you want to contact her by phone you can do so during the aforementioned working hours at 3321166. She will help you with any questions or booking related matters.
Speak with a Priest: if you wish to talk with any of the priests you can call into the sacristy after any Mass.
All Ireland Rosary Rally: The All Ireland Rosary Rally will take place in Knock on Saturday next 3rd June from 1pm.
There will be Holy Mass, the Holy Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and a talk by Bishop Oliver Doeme in the Basilica at 1pm.
The main celebrant will be Archbishop Eamon Martin
Talk to the Samaritans: Are you struggling to cope with life? Do you think it would help to talk about your problem in confidence? It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what happened to you. If things are getting you down you can turn to the Samaritans for help. The Samaritans are available on Freephone 116123, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Alone Volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make calls to older people once a week? Alone is seeking volunteers in the area. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interest you are asked to sign up at the following address https://alone.ie/volunteers.
For more information you are invited to contact Helena at Helena.madden@aloone.ie or phone 086 0145 829
Parish contacts
Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
Kilgefin Parish
There will be just 3 Masses in the parish for the duration of Fr. Dan’s holidays until 8th June.
Mass in Ballagh on Saturday at 8pm. Mass in Curraghroe on Sunday at 10am. Mass in Ballyleague on Sunday’s at 11am.
For all other enquiries and adjustments on Anniversary Masses please contact parish secretary, Vivienne Barry at kilgefinparish21@gmail.com
Parish Webcam: After deliberation within the Parish Finance committee and the Pastoral Council there is consideration given to the switching off of the Parish webcam in a few months’ time. The decision has been taken due to financial consideration into paying €1,332 annually. Your suggestions and possible solutions will be appreciated.
Jubilee Mass
Fr. Michael Kiernan, a brother of Martha Byrne, Ballyleague, is celebrating his Golden Jubilee in the priesthood. He will be celebrating his Anniversary mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Tuesday next 6th June at 7pm. All are welcome.
Ballagh Church: The altar society for Ballagh need people for the month of June if you could spare a few hours to clean the church please email Vivienne Barry on kilgefinparish21@gmail.com or phone 0862626639.
Ballyleague Pioneers: We will be enrolling to the pioneers; anyone interested who recently made their confirmation from Ballyleague, Ballagh and Cloontuskert National Schools at a special mass. This will take place on Friday 16th June (Feast of the Sacred Heart) at 7pm in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague. We will also be making presentations to golden jubliarians and full pioneers at this mass. There will be refreshments available immediately after the mass in the hall. All family and friends are welcome.
Kilteevan Graveyard Mass: The 30th annual graveyard Mass will be celebrated in Kilteevan Graveyard on Saturday 1 July at 7:30 pm; weather permitting, otherwise, Mass will be celebrated in the Church. The annual maintenance collection will also be held with a donation box available. Sunday Mass as usual on 2nd July at 10:00am the last Saturday of the month.
Shannon Gaels
Many congratulations to the Fermoyle National School on their brilliant victory in the Division 1 schools Championship Final on Thursday last in Pearse Park. The beat a very gallant Drumlish NS in what was an enthralling game of a very high standard. We must offer a special word of congratulations to the panel and their management team of Sean McCormack, Ruairí Matthews and Tina Dowd for making this huge breakthrough with their fabulous victory.
Cúl Camp: The Cúl Camps will take place in Clonbonny this year from Monday 17th July to Friday 21st July. Presently this camp is sold out.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Underage Training
Underage training takes place every Thursday evening at 18:30 at the pitch. Kids must be over 4 years of age on January 1st 2023. New members and all levels welcome.
Cúl Camps
Cúl Camps return to St. Faithleachs on Monday 3rd July. Book your place now to avoid disappointment.
Volunteers
With the new season underway for our underage teams, the club is seeking volunteers to give a helping hand at trainings and managing teams. If you wish to help out you can contact Tanya O’Rourke or Katie Carberry.
Clubhouse
The Clubhouse will be open every Saturday night from 7pm. Why not come on in for a chat and a bit of craic. Thank you for your continued support.
Waste Metal Collection
The club are carrying out a waste metal collection over the next few weeks. If you wish to have anything collected just contact any club committee member. Any donations greatly appreciated.