Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Wedding
The marriage took place on Saturday last 20th April at St. Bridget’s Church, Laragh, Co. Cavan of Mary Rooney, daughter of Emily and the late Gerry Rooney, Ballyleague and Brian Sheils, son of Marian and the late Benny Sheils, Laragh, Co. Cavan. Chief bridesmaid was Claire Anne O’Reilly, sister of the bride, Bridesmaids were Keeva Cribbin friend of the bride, Sandra Mc Clean, friend of the bride and Tara O’Connor friend of the bride. Best man was Lónan McKenna and Groomsmen were Padhraic Sheils, brother of the groom, Darragh Brady friend of the groom and Cormac Rowe, friend of the groom. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Martin Gilcreest. The wedding reception took place in the Hotel Kilmore, Cavan.
We wish the happy couple the very best for a long and healthy life together.
Driving at the Crossroads
On a daily basis there are more and more close shaves at the corner. The traffic coming in the Longford Road although it stops at the stop sign seem to think that they have the right to pull out in front of the traffic coming up the town and indicating to turn up the Rathcline Road. This has led to so many near accidents at the corner. Allied to that there are so many cars coming off the Longford Road and slowly turning down the street in front of cars coming up and down the street.
I know the stop sign is there at the junction but the road markings have but all disappeared and whoever is in charge of the upkeep of road management and road markings should be made aware and make visible lines at the corner. It might even be worthwhile to have a solar powered lit stop sign at the corner to further reinforce the fact that cars have to stop and give way to others that have the right of way at this junction.
A number of times I have also put forward the idea of table tops along the street area from the Community College right over to Ballyleague church. No, not speed ramps but the table tops would do the very same in terms of slowing down traffic. As a tourist town we should be encouraging greater convenience towards street walking for locals and tourist alike and the table tops would do this with great affect.
New Defibrillator location
Following the completion of the building at the premises at Rathcline Crossroads (Eircode N39 NN73) it is with great delight that let you know that once again the defibrillator has been put back on the gable end of the building.
In recent days a new defibrillator location has been found. It has been installed at the gable end of O’Brien’s shop (Eircode N39 W8C1).
It is great to see defibrillators growing in numbers around the community as we all know how vital they are towards the saving of the lives of people.
Defibrillators look for and deliver (or instruct someone else to deliver) an electric shock to the heart through the sufferer’s chest wall. They are battery powered and portable. The battery life, if the machine is not used, can be up to five years. The device will check itself on a daily basis, and use flashing lights or a noise to show it’s not ready to use.
It is very important that many people in our community avail of training in the use of the defibrillator.
You may never have to use your training but in the unlikely case you are in close proximity to a person that is in urgent need of a defibrillator it is very important that you have the necessary training.
Family Fun Day
Lanesboro and Ballyleague Tidy Towns groups have decided that this year they will hold the Family Fun Day will take place on Sunday week 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 that continue on a daily basis to help in their work of creating and making our community such a beautiful place. So many people when visiting or stop when passing through are always quick to acknowledge the beauty of our community.
On the day 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.
Ballyleague Tidy Town 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 this Wednesday evening 24th April at 8pm to both hear the plans and provide you the public an opportunity to share your ideas as to how the committee 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 great 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.
County Finals in Athlone
The Roscommon Children’s Athletic Games finals took place in the TUS indoor arena in Athlone on Sunday last. There was a great turnout from the County and from our own Lough Ree Athletic Club. Many thanks to all the parents for ensuring all their children arrived on time and ready for action. The full results were not available as we write but there were some notable performances particularity from some of our new younger members.
In the under 9s Cían McTiernan and Shannon Harrison both impressed on the track. Medals were won across all age groups and all four events. The day finished with club relays which all athletes enjoyed, with the cheering raising the roof. We also like to commend our athletes on their exemplary behaviour and the County Board for a very well-run event. We will have the full results next week.
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”
Graceful Baby Massage
A new five-week consecutive course, suitable for new-born to crawling children, is being run in Lanesboro Parish Hub, from Friday 3rd May until Friday 31st May with a starting time of 11am. To enrol or if you need further information you can contact @gracefulbabymassage or phone 089 2383697.
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.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing
The next Social evening takes place this Sunday, April 28th from 5-7 pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1). The music will be provided by Sean Brennan.
This is a great opportunity for a dance, a cuppa, and a catch-up with friends old and new – looking forward to welcoming everyone! New faces always welcome.
For more info contact Aisling 086 3663901
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.
Learn Line Dancing
They say that Line Dancing, stimulates the brain, reduces stress, reduces risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, increases mental capacity, improves posture and balance, tones the body, strengthens bones and muscles, provides opportunity to socialize and meet people and its suitable and popular for all ages and all abilities.
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.
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 16th April for the €15.000 jackpot were 6, 8, 16 and 17. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €50 prize was won by €50 Anne & P.J. c/o Mags and the three €20 winners were Leah Flynn c/o XLNTEE, Mags & Anne c/o Mags and Anne & P.J. c/o Mags.
The next draw will take place on Tuesday morning 23rd 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.
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 15th April the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in Adie’s Bar. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name of Brian Hanley. The jackpot for the draw on Monday night was almost €700 with Brian being the proud recipient of a cheque for €694.
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
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.
Ballyleague Pioneers: We will be enrolling any pupil who recently made their Confirmation from Ballyleague and Cloontuskert national schools at a special Mass celebrated by Fr. Dan. The Mass will take place in St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe on this Thursday 25th April at 7pm. All are welcome.
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.