Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Family Fun Day
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. This is the first Family Fun Day collaboration between the two Tidy Towns committees which is wonderful to see in our community. The support of everyone in Ballyleague, Lanesboro and the two parishes would be a wonderful acknowledgement of support for both hard working committees.
There will be lots of activities for young and old and a great day of fun is assured. Some of the events include Tug-of-war that will have teams of people. It will be a knockout competition with a perpetual trophy for the wining team. Advance booking is advisable and to book you should text your entry to 0877636260.
There will be a Hang Tough competition with a trophy for the winner. Have you ever tried Football darts? If not this is you opportunity to display your footballing skills. There will be an Obstacle Course for teams of 2 featuring climbing, crawling, ski walking and much more. There will also be a football competition and all the time you are there you and the kids will have the opportunity to have your face painted for free while the kids can have fun on the bouncy castle too.
Community Games
Down through the years the Community Games in our community has always been a big thing. It creates a wonderful outlet for youngsters as they grow and develop in the many disciplines that the Community Games offers..
The most important thing in Community Games is primarily not the youngsters but the parents/guardians to become part of the Community Games committee locally. Without the input of parents/guardians there is no committee hence no opportunity for your youngsters to develop and grow in the spirit of our community.
The AGM of the Lanesboro Community Games will take place on Monday night next 22nd April in the Parish Hub, formerly the priest’s house beside the church, at 8pm. It is extremely important that parents and guardians attend to be part and support the committee.
There are so many different events be they individual and team. Some of the opportunities on offer are Art, track athletics, Ball Throw, Discus, Gymnastics, Handwriting, High Jump, Javelin, Long Jump, Long Puck, Model Making, Shot Putt, Solo Dancing, Solo Music, Solo Recitation, Solo Singing, swimming, Hurdles, Basketball, Chess, Culture Corner, Draughts, Gaelic Football, Group Dance Modern and Disco, Group Drama and Comedy, Group singing, Indoor Soccer, Rugby 7’s, Tag Rugby, Projects, Outdoor Soccer, &-a-side Soccer, Quiz team and Relays to mention a number.
A lot of parents/guardians have the skills to help develop the youngsters in some of the list above and they must attend to offer their support and train the youngsters for the local, county and national finals.
Unique Launch
On Saturday morning last Gerald Farrell who this local election is running as an Independent candidate held a Breakfast/Coffee Morning in Adie’s. The pub was filled to the brim from early in anticipation of a great morning. Those in attendance were not to be disappointed as Gerdie had invited two celebrity speakers for the event. Now retired, former Senior Planning Officer at Longford County Council Donall Mac an Bheatha and former Dublin player and winner of 8 All-Ireland medals who indeed had an incredible story to tell spoke eloquently when relating their own stories. Both men recalled their lifetime experiences and then afterwards took part in a Q&A session with those in attendance.
All in all it was a unique and very special occasion for Lanesboro and a well thought out plan for a launch by Gerdie.
In this picture are Adie Farrell, Philly McMahon and Gerdie Farrell.
Ballyleague TT AGM
Over the past number of years we have consistently increased our points in the Tidy Towns competition culminating in us coming first in our population category in 2023. In 2024 we hope to increase our points once again and to this avail we would like to extend an open invitation to the public to attend our AGM in Ballyleague Hall on Wednesday 24th April at 8pm to both hear our plans and provide you the public an opportunity to share your ideas as to how we can continuously improve our Village. All executive positions are currently filled unless there are proposals to the contrary at the meeting, so you can attend without fear of being asked to take up a position/job
The Committee will be making a small presentation to retiring councillors Kathleen Shanagher and Orla Leyden in appreciation of their work for Ballyleague over the past ten years, or so, at the meeting. The committee wishes to take this opportunity to wish both ladies a happy retirement from public life.
Sympathy
Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mick and Phil Carroll and family, the Green on the death of Mick’s sister Kathleen (Kay) Keating, Derryadd, Killashee who passed away on Monday 8th April.
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. I hear on the grapevine that there may even be Darkness into Light Walk in Lanesboro. More information as it becomes available will follow.
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”
Sympathy
Former local Ballagh resident Frank Madden passed away at Tallaght Hospital on Monday 8th April. Frank, brother of the late Pat Madden Rathcline Road and later Cloontuskert is survived by his wife Máiread, family Frank, Órla and Thomas, his sister Mary, Ballincurry, Kilrooskey and his brother Luke, Ballagh, and their extended family to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
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 16th 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 9th April for the €15.000 jackpot were 13, 18, 20 and 27. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €50 prize was won by Joe Gilmore, Blenavoher, c/o O’Brien’s and the three €20 prizes were won by Tommy McCarthy, Longford Road, c/o The Yacht Bar, Niall Donlon c/o The Yacht bar and Bridie c/o Mags.
The next draw will take place on Tuesday morning 16th April 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 Michael & Paul Finnan and 2nd place Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley. Last game winners were Barney Kenny & Eugene Kelly. The raffle winners were Noreen Gibbons, Joe Dolan, Seamus Casey & Jack Bannon.
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 8th April the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in the Yacht Bar. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name Geraldine Hand. The jackpot for the draw on Monday night was almost €600 with Elaine being the proud recipient of a cheque for €597.50.
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.
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 3rd 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
Local Health Service: Local Heath Service is available at Roscommon University Hospital. The service will deal with urgent and routine health problems. The Freephone phone number to ring is 1800 700700.
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
New appointment: Last week Pope Francis appointed Bishop Kevin Doran as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Achonry. This is in addition to being Bishop of Elphin. As well as carrying our his duties as Bishop of Elphin he will be carrying out the responsibilities of a Bishop of Achonry and exploring in both Dioceses how he might work towards a closer union between the two Dioceses. Bishop of Achonry Paul Dempsey is wished every blessing as he has been moved to the Archdiocese of Dublin as Auxiliary Bishop.
Annual Holidays: Fr. Dan wishes to inform all the parishioners that he will be taking his annual holidays to Nigeria from the month of May. Consequently there will be no weekday masses but the weekend masses will remain as they are. All arrangements have been made for priests to cover the masses, baptisms and all other emergencies. Fr. Dan solicits your usual support, love, care, concern and prayers for his holidays.
Ballyleague PTAA: The local Ballyleague PTAA would like to thank everyone that contributed to their Church Gate collection last weekend.
Sacrament of Confirmation: Bishop Kevin Doran will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation in Ballagh Church on this Thursday 18th April at 4pm. You are asked to pray for the boys and girls that the Holy Spirit will give them the gift of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, right judgement, courage, reverence, wonder and awe in God’s presence through the help and support of their parents. Amen.
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.