Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
Tragedy throws a community into the depths of despair and such was the case when we learned of the devastating death of a true son of Lanesboro, Jimmy Farrell on Sunday 31st March. Jimmy in his 20th year was son of Gaye and Ann Farrell. He was a lovely young man with a heart of gold and a confident way about him that warmed the heart of everyone he encountered. He was extremely interested in farming and had great thoughts and plans for his future and travels to further enhance and educate himself in the developing ways of farming into the future once he finished his course in Mountbellew Agricultural College. He would equally be at home chatting much older people as he would be with amongst contemporaries such was his relaxed manner and personality. One of the stand out and constant comments from everyone about Jimmy was how mannerly and warm he was. He was a most obliging and helpful young man who always went above and beyond for anyone in their time of need. Jimmy was an excellent footballer and excelled with the Shannon Gaels club throughout his underage career and Longford County where he was a Fr. Manning Cup winner in 2021 and he played all grades with local soccer club Ballyboro. He was a young man with boundless energy who really enjoyed life. Jimmy’s matchless and genuine smile was always to the fore from the moment you met him. His warmth, energy and cheerfulness will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him and his passing will darken the hearts of all of us that had the pleasure to know him. Jimmy’s life was much too short but he left us all with lasting memories of his goodness and wonderful times together. The reverence his peers showed Jimmy throughout his reposing, funeral and burial was a heart wrenching and deeply symbolic of the esteem in which they held him.
Jimmy’s reposed at his mother’s residence in Cnoc na Gaoithe on Thursday. His remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church on Friday for his Funeral Mass that was followed by his interment in Clonbonny Cemetery. To his mother Ann, father Gaye, brother, Conor, girlfriend Aoife, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Jimmy, you are gone too soon, you lit up our lives and may you now rest in eternal peace.
Darkness into Light
Never before has the annual Pieta House Darkness into Light sunrise walk taken a greater significance in our community than it has this year. The walk will take place at 4.15am on Saturday 11th May at the Mall in Longford Town and from Ballymahon Vocational School; In county Roscommon the walk will take place from the Convent Gym, Roscommon Town and from Strokestown Community & Sports Centre.
It is very important that those that feeling down or depressed that they talk to someone and tremendous work in this respect continues to be done by Pieta House. We are reliably informed that men are the least likely to seek help or talk about the problems that is affecting them and talking does not create a stigma but a clarity of mind.
Statistics shows us that suicide was the most common cause of death among people aged 15 to 34. The statistics also show that the ratio is more than twice the number of males as against females commit suicide.
It is vitally important that everyone reading this should always be encouraging people that they feel may be vulnerable to talk of their concerns with, family, friends or use the excellent and professional services of Pieta House.
In 2022 Pieta delivered 50,000 hours of intervention and bereavement counselling. Pieta received almost 100,000 crisis support calls and texts over that same period and they directly supported over 700 households devastated by the loss of a loved one by suicide.
All the services of Pieta House are private, free of charge and all the staff are fully qualified, providing a profession one-to-one therapeutic service.
“We all have one common goal where no-one should feel alone or so afraid that suicidal ideation of self-harming becomes an option they choose”
Inauguration
Last week I mentioned that the inauguration of Brian Molloy as the first male President of the Camogie Association was taking place in Clane, Co. Kildare at the Annual Congress of the Camogie Association. It was a really historic day for Brian, his wife Vivienne and daughters Ciara and Aisling, his present club Ballindereen, Co. Galway and his original club of Rathcline that after 120 years of the Camogie Association he was the first male elected to the office of President.
In what was an excellent and considered acceptance speech encompassing his career in getting to his position as President and his future view of the direction the Association should take under his leadership over the next three years. It was very detailed speech and he highlighted what will be exacting time for him and the Association as they strive to grow and develop. The integration of the Camogie Association with the GAA and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association is presently being undertaken and the next few years will be a vital time for all Associations as they merge into one unit.
Brian, when detailing his career began highlighted his home club of Rathcline from where it all began. He acknowledged the terrible week that the club and community had endured with the tragic death of Jimmy Farrell. He extended his own personal sympathy and the sympathy of the Camogie Association to Jimmy’s mother Ann, his father Gaye, brother Conor, girlfriend Aoife, family and friends. He also sent his and the association’s sympathy to the Rathcline club.
Pictured following Brian’s inauguration is Joe O’Brien, Brian Molloy, Sinead and Michael Finn, Rathcline Road.
Parkinson’s Sponsored Walk
The Roscommon Branch of Parkinson’s Ireland is holding a Sponsored Walk on Sunday next 14th April. The walk will begin at Oran GAA grounds at 2pm. Please support with your attendance.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Symptoms start slowly. The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also may cause stiffness or slowing of movement.
You are invited to go along and support the walk whose aim is to create an awareness of Parkinson’s and also to have a great day. For any other information contact Eddie 086 1011438 or Joe 087 9283752
Roscommon Parkinson’s Association is a support group for people in Co Roscommon and surrounding areas who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. They provide classes in Physiotherapy and Speech and Language.
Confirmation
Confirmation for the pupils of Lanesboro Primary School and Fermoyle National School will take place this Wednesday 10th April when Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Paul Connell will confirm around 40 pupils in St. Mary’s church at 3pm
Family Fun Day
Last summer the planned Family Fun Day had to be cancelled on a number of occasions due to the awful weather conditions. Lanesboro and Ballyleague Tidy Towns groups have decided that this year they will hold the Family Fun Day will take place in a few weeks’ time on Sunday 5th May at the car park. There will be lots of activities for young and old and a great day of fun is assured.
Running for election as an MEP
Ireland’s newest political party, Independent Ireland, has just announced local man Ciaran Mullooly as their candidate for the upcoming European election.
Ciaran will be running in the Midlands-North-West constituency and in that it will elect 5 MEPs from the election to be held on Friday 7th June. From what I can gather there appears to be a big field of candidates for this constituency with close to 15 candidates for the 5 seats.
With Ciaran’s name appearing on the ballot paper I am sure that his high profile as Midlands correspondent with RTE for 27 years before his retirement and his recent work with Roscommon and Longford County Councils will see him amongst the frontrunners for one of the 5 seats.
Ciaran has a wide experience of the constituency be it as a journalist with the Longford Leader, the Cavan Leader and RTÉ for many years. His valued work in helping communities has reaped great rewards for the communities and his expertise will; I have no doubt, be of major assistance to the constituency if elected. A major example of his great work is clear to be seen locally with the Access for All boat and centre that he was part of creating and it continues to flourish.
The very best of luck Ciaran.
Lough Ree Athletic Club Medal
It was a wonderful day of Athletics at the Indoor Track in Athlone, where Andrew Nolan won the club’s first All-Ireland medal of the new Track and Field season.
Andrew while still aged 11 competed in the Boys under 13 Shot Putt finishing in second place and winning a silver medal. As you know, All-Ireland medals are extremely hard to come by as there are only six awarded in each event every year (3 for the indoor and 3 for the outdoor competition). Andrew’s success at this event is a credit to all the training and practise he has done over the winter months and the support from his parents Enda and Martina and his coach Željko.
Women’s Midsummer Retreat
Rest, Recover, Reconnect.
The retreat will be facilitated by Chartered Health Psychologist Marianne Fallon on Saturday 22nd June from 10am to 4pm at Strokestown Park.
The expectations of modern life are constant and demanding. Research shows women offer the most emotional support to others, repeatedly giving beyond our limits. When do we make time to rest, receive and recover?
Join the Women’s Midsummer Retreat in the beautiful grounds of Strokestown Park House and invest in a day of rest and recovery. Open yourself to a different way of being, through engaging all of your senses in the woodlands and gardens. Learn how to develop a relationship with natural allies and make connections between your inner and outer landscapes.
Immersion in nature can support you to slow down and emotionally regulate. Move from ‘ego’ to ‘eco’ and experience a deeper, more embodied way of moving in the world. Step into the brightest time of the year with a renewed sense of self and well-being.
This women’s retreat will be led by two experienced chartered psychologists. We are passionate about the benefits that nature can offer women in moving towards a more authentic and embodied sense of self.
The link for booking and further information is https://strokestownpark.ie/event/womens-midsummer-retreat-in-nature/
The registration fee for the retreat will be €79. Spaces are limited and early booking is advisable.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €15,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 9th April stands at a very exciting jackpot limit of €15,000. With the jackpot having reached its maximum this is a wonderful opportunity to win the €15,000 for just €2 or 3 envelopes for €5.
The draw took place in O’Brien’s Shop and the numbers drawn on Tuesday 2nd April for the €15.000 jackpot were 5, 15, 17 and 25. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €50 prize was won by Caroline Dooner c/o O’Brien’s and the three €20 prizes were won by Mae Casey c/o Mags, Pam Farrell c/o XLNTEE and Thomas Dennigan, Newtowncashel, c/o O’Brien’s..
The next draw will take place on Tuesday morning 26th March and every Tuesday morning in O’Brien’s Shop.
Thank you for your continued excellent support and we continue to try and make a difference for Lanesboro.
Crochet for Children
Crochet classes for children is resuming in the Parish Hall on Friday evening from 3pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 30 am to 12 30 pm. Enquiries to Virginia on 086 2036542.
Learn to play Guitar
Have you ever thought of learning to play the guitar? Complete beginner guitar lessons are now available in the Lanesboro area. For booking and further details phone 087 7774203.
Weekly Card Game
The weekly card game takes place every Sunday night in St. Mary’s hall. The results of Sunday night last 7th April was 1st place seen a tie P.J. & Bridie Glennon and Tom Rock & Tommy Fox. Last game winners were Jim & Kitty. Raffle winners were Noreen Gibbons, Eugene Kelly, Annie Maguire and Kay Featherstone.
The game takes place every Sunday night at 8.30pm and light refreshments will be served.
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.
Access for All boat
The Access for All boat is for everybody. The boat can cater for three large wheelchairs, but you don’t have to be a wheelchair user to avail of the excellent trips. Sailing times daily are 10am, 12 noon and 2pm. 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.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 1st April the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in the Pier Inn, Lisnacusha. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name Elaine Dunphy, Church View. The jackpot for the draw on Monday night was almost €700 with Elaine being the proud recipient of a cheque for €670.
As always, the winning cheque can always be collected in O’Brien’s.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night in one of our local bars at 7.30pm. Your continued generous support is greatly appreciated, and your support is highlighted by the large pools every week.
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.
The Employability Service
is an Employment and Recruitment Service to assist people with a disability or health issue to pursue and maintain employment in the open labour market. If you are over 18, have a disability or health issue and would consider working part-time then you should contact Employment Services Roscommon support to help find you a job in your area. This is a confidential and free individualised service funded by the Department of Social Protection.
Are you managing mental health issues? There is the opportunity for Individual Placement and Support (IPS) that is funded by the HSE and offers a range of tailored personalised supports to people using mental health services who wish to work. For further information you should phone 090 66 28608 or call/text 087 3745307. They can also be contacted via email at info@rosemp.ie
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
Dance classes takes place in Kilbride, Four Mile House every Tuesday 7pm followed by:
Jive & Waltz classes 8 45pm.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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 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.
Trócaire: A very big thank you to everyone that contributed so generously to the Trócaire Lenten Campaign. The total of your contributions so far has amounted to €3,120. If you have forgotten to make tour contribution you can do so by dropping it into the collection box at any of the weekend masses or drop it in through the letter box at the presbytery.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Ardagh & Clonmacnois Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Friday 31st May to Wednesday 5th June. The cost of the pilgrimage is €929 per person. Booking to be made with Joe Walsh Tours by phoning 01 2410800 or email: www.joewalshtours.ie
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 5th April
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 interested, 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@alone.ie or phone 086 0145 829.
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Ballagh Church Updating: The files of the Readers and Eucharistic Ministers are being updated and all Readers and Eucharistic Workers are asked to forward their phone numbers l18282
Ballyleague PTAA: The local Ballyleague PTAA will hold their annual pioneers church gate collection on Saturday and Sunday next 13th and 14th April. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Bowel Cancer Awareness: April is Bowel cancer Awareness month and as part of the Community Health Initiative an information meeting will be held in ‘Ballagh House’ on this Wednesday 10th April at 7pm. It will be facilitated by Healthcare West. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Medjugorje Youth Festival: The Diocese of Elphin invites young adults in the diocese aged between 18 and 35 on pilgrimage to Medjugorje this summer for the Youth Festival from 31st July to 7th August led by Bishop Kevin. The cost per person sharing is €650. For more information and further details please go to the diocesan website www.elphindiocese.ie/madjugorje or contact the diocesan office 071-9150106 or youth@elphindiocese.ie
Tap Machine in the Porch: All parishioners and friends are advised that there is a tap facility available in the church porch in Ballyleague church. Your generous donation goes towards the welfare and maintenance of the parish.