Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
A lady of great strength of character who suffered many setbacks during her lifetime but her unquenchable spirit was the shining light and story of Maura (Mary) Dunne, Curraghroe and most recently Doughill who passed away in the care of the staff at Mullingar Regional Hospital on Thursday 1st May. Maura was sadly predeceased a number of years ago by her husband Pat Joe and a fate that no mother should have to go through of burying her infant daughter Majella, her young daughters Bríd and Maggie and her young son-in-law Mark Fallon.
Maura was well-known as a woman with a great spirit and she has a unique competency in farming their land while Pat Joe worked with ESB in the power station. She was renowned for her work ethic particularly having to raise a big family of seven children, ensuring all housework was done and having meals on the tale for the coming and goings of her children to school all that on top of her farming in a time when machinery was not as freely available as it is today. Maura was a woman who always enjoyed reading the newspapers and keeping abreast with all the happenings of the world. Remembered as a great and helpful neighbour and woman of a great disposition, Maura will be sadly missed by the great number of people who had the pleasure to know her. She was a woman of great faith and she always enjoyed her trips to Knock with the family and her pilgrimages to Lourdes. In latter times when her health failed she moved to Innis Ree Nursing Home where she made new friends took to the game of bingo and she continued with her reading habits.
Maura’s remains reposed at McHugh’s Funeral Home, Strokestown, on Sunday 4th May before being removed to St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe. On Monday her Funeral Mass was followed by burial in Scramogue Cemetery. To her daughters Deirdre, Dolores and Catherine, her sons Declan and Padraig, her grandchildren, Nicole, Aisling, Michael, Tara, Ciara and Francis, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Charity Tractor and Truck Run
Next Sunday 18th there will be a Tractor and Truck Run acknowledging the death of one of our own young men. Owen Kelly, son of Eugene and Mary Kelly, Rathcline Road passed away following an accident 20 years ago. To celebrate Owen’s memory on this the 20th Anniversary of Owen’s passing the Tractor and Truck Run is creating a great interest amongst all the friends of Owen. The event will start from Clonbonny on Sunday next 18th May at 2.30pm. It will be particularly poignant when we see all Owen’s friend and their friends turning up to join in the Tractor Run. They plan to make it a memorable and a spectacular day. All the proceeds of the day will be shared with the National Rehabilitation Centre and the Head Injury Unit at Beaumont Hospital.
The Run will be starting from Clonbonny pitch, Lanesboro, N39TN93 and finishing in Lanesboro. The route of the run will be from Clonbonny to the town and up the Ballymahon Road to Tullyvrane cross when a right turn is made that will take the Run through Killinure, Lisnacusha, Newpark, Clonmee and onto Cashel, right through the village and past the home of Owen’s mother Mary (nee Delaney) in Carrowbeg before turning right and coming back through Leab, Aughavadden, Fortwilliam, Lismacmanus, Carraroe, Rathcline and back to town. Registration will take place from 12.30pm and the roll out will happen at 2.30pm. The entry fee is €20 per vehicle and upon return to Lanesboro there will be a raffle, entertainment and refreshments in Adie’s Bar, Lanesboro.
New Accommodation in Town
Many congratulations to Gerald Farrell who on Monday next 19th May will officially open his new development on the Main Street of 5 separate ensuite Airbnb rooms. This is a fabulous addition to the accommodation needs of Lanesboro and to have it situated in the town gives it a greater boost. The very best of luck and continued success to Gerald.
Family Day/Gaelforce next weekend
All the preparation is now in place for what should be a fabulous occasion in Lanesboro/Ballyleague on Friday and Saturday next. St. Faithleach’s club have really come to the fore in aiding the committee by providing parking for cars and camper vans, providing showers and opening the clubhouse at an extraordinary hour to facilitate check-in’s.
Lanesboro and Ballyleague Tidy Towns committees joined forces with Gaelforce, the adventure racing company, to create what should be a magnificent occasion when they host an enormous day in the area between the car park and marina where there will be a Family Fun Day happening at the same time as the Gaelforce Great River Swim over four open water distances.
The Family Day is creating its own excitement and its day will commence at 11am with activities for all the family. Featuring and creating wonderful excitement will be the Trampoline, the Climbing Wall, Darts Football, Obstacle Course, Return of the Hang Tough competition – who can last the longest and much more happenings. Cash and cards will be accepted at the payment kiosk. Local and visitors will be welcomed to the green area where there will be great excitement and fun.
The area includes the spectator viewing area for watching the swimmers as they finish their swims. There will be a host of Artisan and Food stalls, camping area, face painting, live music and a playground.
The events of the two day will commence with a gentle series of events on Friday evening from 6.30pm with Sunset Kayaking and riverside Sauna followed at 9pm where there will be a great night of live music and entertainment at the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse. On Saturday the day will commence at 8am with one of the Gaelforce Great River Swims and at 10am the Festival Area will open with Food and Artisan stalls, Riverside saunas from will host their events in the green area from 11am with live music from 12 noon.
The events of the two day will be celebrated in Clarke’s Bar on Saturday evening with a Barbeque and live music from 8pm. There is no doubt that this will be one of the biggest days ever in Lanesboro and Ballyleague and a couple of days of wonderful celebration.
Last year we saw the Tidy Towns committees of both Lanesboro and Ballyleague come together to stage, with outstanding results, at their inaugural Family Day in the area between the car park and small marina. This year the two committees have developed and added great sprit and enthusiasm joining with Gaelforce in collaboration with fabulous organisations such as Longford and Roscommon County Councils, Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and Access for All, St. Faithleach’s GAA club for what should be an absolutely fantastic day on the banks of the Shannon. As you can see above this is a day that is being embraced by all local community groups, the Lanesboro/Ballyleague Collaboration group and by the Roscommon and Longford County Councils and other organisations.
Together, as one very strong community we welcome everyone from far and wide to come along and join with us in Lanesboro and Ballyleague for this very special day and a fabulous day of welcome to all our visitors.
For those that don’t know about Gaelforce; it is a family-owned Irish company, based in Leenane, Co. Galway and a company to be celebrated for all their tremendous work in promoting great outdoor activities. Their mission is seeking out new challenges to bring the best of adventure racing to Ireland and we are privileged that they have selected Lanesboro/Ballyleague to be a part of their great challenges for the past two years. They design, build and run all their own events. You just won’t find challenges or locations like this anywhere else! They have come back to Lanesboro/Ballyleague this year for the Great River Swim that, looking at their entry list, is attracting swimmers of all abilities from all over the country for this Gaelforce Great River Swim.
For the Gaelforce Great River Swim there will be four swims over distances of 800m, 3.5km, 5.8km and the extreme distance of 12km.
With everybody coming together this will be, without doubt, another extraordinary day and one of the very best events to be hosted in Lanesboro/Ballyleague on the banks of the glorious Shannon and there should be something to interest everybody.
Make sure you come along with your family and friends to the banks of the Shannon for what is sure to another marvellous day in Lanesboro.
The Sweaty Yeti
Many things are happening and beginning to come to Lanesboro and none more so than the exciting announcement by Eugene Maguire of the opening of his new Sweaty Yeti business in the Distillery Yard on Friday 23rd May. Eugene is a very young man but he is no novice when it comes to business as he owns and runs the hugely successful EBarbers on the Main Street, building it from nothing to the huge success it is now. Eugene is son of Ollie and Breda Maguire Rathcline.
Sweaty Yeti is a new Wellness and Recovery centre that will include a Wood Burning Sauna, Hot Tub, Ice baths and Compression Boots etc. Initially the business will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Bookings can be made online only at bookings@thesweatyyet.ie
We wish Eugene many more years of successful business in his new venture.
Coffee Dock to Open
Regina and the Lanesbrew Coffee Shop team are expanding their wings when next weekend they will open the Lanesbrew 2 Coffee Dock in the Distillery Yard right beside the forthcoming Sweaty Yeti for the Gaelforce event. Renowned for their expertise and great tasting coffee this will be a huge addition to Regina’s expanding business and also for the community. We wish her and her team continued success.
Work Completed
A few months ago I wrote in these notes that Cllr Sean Mimnagh had told me that he was pressing for the roadway from the car park down to the small marina to be resurfaced. This stretch of roadway was in a very bad state of repair and was in bad need of resurfacing. Last week, the resurfacing was completed and the workmen must be complimented for the great work. Thanks, also, must go to Sean for his great work in getting this work completed.
Updated Triathlon News
Kids Triathlon Recognised as one of Ireland’s best triathlons the Lanesboro Tri Club will once again host its Two Provinces Kids Triathlon on Friday 11th July. Acknowledged as ‘The Family-Friendly Triathlon’ Lanesboro Tri Club will as is the tradition on the evening before the main Two Provinces Triathlon they host the Two Provinces Kids Triathlon. Youngsters come from far and wide to take part in this race of a 100m swim, 5k cycle and 1k run and when you see their efforts through the race and their sheer delight at the finish you realise what a fantastic event the Kids Triathlon is. Entries can be made online at www.triathlonireland.com
Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon: Entries are now open for the 2025 Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon. The event of the year in Lanesboro and Ballyleague will take place on Saturday 12th July.
International Performers
Celebrating Bealtaine Corlea Trackway Interpretive Centre will host a concert featuring International performers Eimear on this Friday evening at the Corlea Trackway Interpretative Centre. Admission is free and the concert will start at 7pm. Light refreshments will also be served.
Wear your Bealtaine Bonnet and win an OPW heritage card
ATM Problems
In recent weeks I have been getting many complaints from people about what is almost a weekly occurrence of the ATM machine not working. If I am getting so many complaints it must be horrendous for the management and staff of Keane’s SuperValu. I do not know who is responsible for the maintenance of the ATM machine but hopefully someone does and draws attention to the issues. With the community getting busier and busier especially going into the summer months it is incumbent on them to ensure that there is ample cash in it and that is in working order.
Ballymahon Convent Celebration
The Convent of Mercy Ballymahon invites all past pupils to celebrate their 100th anniversary at a special reunion day on Saturday 17th May from 1pm until 4pm.
Lanesboro Primary School Fundraiser
For all locals of my generation and many other generations of boys and girls we have all been a part of Lanesboro Primary (Lanesboro Girls National School) and the school always brings back happy memories for us all. For many males reading this we will remember doing junior and senior infants there before moving to the Boys school on the Green while the girls continued there for their further six years. The Parents Association of the school is now seeking support from the huge numbers that has gone through and are still going through the school.
A lack of Government school funding sees an urgent appeal from the Parents Association of Lanesboro Primary School for support in their efforts to raise funding for the repainting of classrooms, make repairs, refresh the interior of the school along with other school future projects.
The Parents Association is appealing to everyone that has or had a connection to the school over the years to offer their support by taking part in the school draw that will take place on Sunday 15th June.
The Parents Association is launching an iDonate Raffle to raise the much needed funds. The prizes are 1st €1,000 voucher for Center Parcs or cash equivalent; 2nd Apple Ipad – sponsored by anonymous donor; 3rd Samsung Galaxy tablet A9+ sponsored by The Lunch Bag; 4th €100 One4all voucher sponsored by Anthony O’Haire Bus Travel; €100 One4all voucher sponsored by KSNPM Project Management and 5th €75 voucher for Swimming classes sponsored by Roscommon Pool and Leisure Centre.
There are two options to buying you tickets. The ticket prices are 1 ticket €10, 3 tickets €25 and 8 tickets for €50 and you can buy your tickets on www.idonate.ie/cause/LanesboroPrimarySchool or scan the QR code where you see the poster s advertising the draw.
Alternatively, you can buy your tickets in O’Brien’s shop where you can buy your tickets without going online.
Local Fire-fighters required
The career as a fire-fighter attached to the local Lanesboro Fire Station may be part time but the training you will receive is second to none where you will learn a whole new set of skills. These skills will stand to you through your life and it will take you to a new and extreme level in terms of fire-fighting, rescue and first aid.
Lanesboro Fire Station is looking for a number people male and female to make applications to Longford County Council Fire Department. The stipulation is that you live and work within a maximum of 8 minutes response time from time alert from the fire station on the Longford Road. This is a wonderful opportunity for so many people living on both sides of the bridge and the hinterlands.
Full training will be given to all those that pass the interview and a warm welcome will be given to all the new recruits. The job of as a fire-fighter requires those applying to be adaptable and those selected will receive a good remuneration and as well will be part of a dedicated team of local fire-fighters.
To apply you should email hrrecruitment@longfordcoco.ie
Songs for a Summer’s Evening
Cantando Chamber Choir will present ‘Songs for a Summer’s Evening’ in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Saturday 7th June at 8pm.
Cantando is a mixed voiced chamber choir founded 30 years ago by their director Órla Barry
A highly accomplished and versatile group, as well as being good friends, Cantando sing in a variety of styles and genres, always expertly guided by their enthusiastic and talented director.
They have performed in numerous concert locations around Ireland including The National Concert Hall, Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, St. Patrick’s College Chapel, Maynooth and the 3 Arena Dublin and many more. They were the first Irish Choir to achieve a gold award at the Verona International Choral Festival.
Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s priced at €15 and as seating is limited early booking is advisable.
Thank You
Maireád Casey and Longford set dancers would like to thank all the people who supported their recent Ceili in St. Mary’s hall in memory of the late Michael Carroll. A total of €2850 was raised for County Longford Hospice Homecare.
A special thanks to the Carroll family, Rise the Dust Ceili band who gave of their time and music for free and all the set dancers who provided the food.
Your generosity has helped some family in their hour of need.
Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns
Work Evening
The committee is having a work evening this Wednesday 14th May commencing at 7.30 pm. The group will be meeting outside the Sliabh Bawn and hope to engage in a general tidy up such as sweeping, weeding, painting etc. The group would really welcome any support from the community as they prepare for the tidy towns judging commencing in May.
Family Fun Day/ Gaelforce
Ballyleague Tidy Towns along with Lanesboro Tidy Towns have joined together for a second year for another Family Day in the green area below the car park on the Lanesboro side. This year both committees have joined forces with Gaelforce who are hosting the Great River Swim. Everyone is encouraged to come along and support the Tidy Towns teams and enjoy a great day on the Banks of the Shannon.
Three year Plan
As part of our annual competition entry we are encouraged to submit a three year plan of aspirations in relation to future projects or on-going activities in Ballyleague. We would very much welcome and appreciate comments or ideas that you the public have in relation to Ballyleague and its immediate hinterland. Email keepballyleaguetidy@gmail.com
New Community Volunteers sought
Ballyleague TT has been a catalyst for much of the development and improvement around the village for the past number of years. In order to further enhance/maintain future development we need to be a strong voice in order to be on the radar of the decision makers. In order to be that strong voice we need new blood as many of our existing team have reached their hang up their Gloves/high viz jackets time. The physical workload in general is quite small and over the summer months we aim to meet up for approx. an hour every second week or so to maintain the village over the summer months.
One of the most important and vital duties during the year is attendance at meetings. During the year we have approximately 8 scheduled meetings and those meetings are the fulcrum for planning, development and updates on on-going projects and work. For urgent/pressing matters we meet accordingly. As you can see the tasks are not onerous and a little often saves timer rather than a lot of time done seldom.
Please give of your time to your community and help make Ballyleague a brighter and tidier village as we close in on major awards in the Tidy Towns competition.
Friday Coffee Morning
A new initiative of a Coffee Morning commenced in Clarke’s bar on coming Friday mornings and it will continue every Friday morning for 10am to 12 noon. For the price of a cup of tea/coffee you can enjoy chatting, getting to know new people, reminiscing with old friends and generally having a grand morning out. Everybody is invited to come along and join the group.
Cloontuskert Cemetery Update
Cemetery Sunday will take place on Sunday 10th August at 6pm.
The landscaping of the new cemetery is now complete and it is looking beautiful in the evening sunshine. A lot of hard work has gone in over the past few weeks to get all the work completed. The shrubs when mature will really enhance the cemetery. The final phase is the replacement of the internal roads for which the community are currently seeking funding. 40 years ago on 5th May is when all the work started – the cemetery and its environs have come a long way since then. Due to a recent fundraiser and very donation to the cemetery committee the committee finds itself in a position to bring forward the plan for a complete refurbishment of the Mass enclosure that was earmarked for 2027. It will be a fitting tribute to mark the 40th Anniversary.
Meanwhile work began on Saturday last to replace the old cracked floor which is required to enable the erection of the permanent structure and the plan is also to replace the limestone altar, which has cracked, with a new granite altar. The current target is to have all completed in time for Cemetery Sunday on the 10th August.
Annual Day with the Stars
The Annual Shannonside/Northern Sound annual Day with the Stars will take place on Sunday 22nd June at Roscommon Racecourse. This is an outstanding musical event that draws huge crowds from all over the country. If you have not ever been there then this is a must and especially if you have country sounds and dancing running through your veins.
Again, top artists from the country music scene Nathan Carter, Jimmy Buckley, Mike Denver, Philomena Begley, Michael English, Patrick Feeney, Brendan Shine, Claudia Buckley, Robert Mizzell, David James and Jack Keogh have already committed to making this another memorable day in Roscommon. Tickets can be bought locally in O’Brien’s and they are priced €35 each. Accompanied children under 12 will be allowed in free. Free parking will also be available.
Rathcline off to the Galway Races
This week it was announced that the annual Rathcline Race Day, supported by Keane’s Supervalu, Lanesboro, at the legendary Galway Races will take once again take place on Monday 28th July. This is a really fabulous day out and a day full of entertainment. Full details of the day will follow in next week’s notes.
The Great Ball Run
Rathcline GAA will host a novel Great Ball Run on Saturday 7th June. The balls will be released on the Main Street from the church and the owner of the first ball at the winning line will receive €1,000. Balls cost €5 and can be bought from club members or from local shops.
The Sperrin Choir
The Sperrin Choir formerly known as the Regan Sisters is presenting Sperrin Gold in St. Coman’s Church of Ireland, Roscommon on Saturday next 17th May at 8pm. Donations can be made at the door and the proceeds are towards the Church funds.
Volunteers Wanted
You are invited to be a volunteer for a very interesting piece of work as Roscommon Community Tourist Office is looking for volunteers to help with providing information to tourists/visitors to Roscommon town. A good general knowledge of the County would be helpful, but training will be provided. If you can spare 3/4 hours per week and are interested in joining their small team please call 090 6625613 between 10am – 4.30pm Monday – Friday or email touristvolunteers@gmail.com
Visit Corlea in 2025
Hidden deep in Longford’s boglands, near Kenagh, lays a true wonder: the Corlea Iron Age Roadway. Built in 148 BC, this remarkable Togher—Europe’s largest discovered—was part of a significant route way, possibly connecting the ritual centre of Uisneach to the royal site of Rathcroghan. Crafted from solid oak planks, peat quickly swallowed the Trackway, perfectly preserving it for over 2,000 years.
Step inside the visitor centre to see an 18-metre stretch of this ancient road up close! Discover our ancestors’ stories, mysteries, and incredible craftsmanship.
Right on our doorstep the fabulous Iron Age Trackway situated in Corlea just 13km (7m) from Lanesboro is beginning to gain its rightful acknowledgement as a wonderful and unique place to visit. This very unique Trackway has an 18m long section of original Trackway the largest ever discovered in Europe and it is on display at the Visitor Centre. You learn how people lived at the time and murals depict implements of the time.
This is one of Ireland’s most famous hidden treasures and it is a place that should be visited hugely and it is an ideal place to bring visitors to this wonderful experience.
Visiting the centre is free of charge and the excellent and knowledgeable local facilitators will bring you though the experience and leave you in awe with the history of the Trackway.
Pictured above is the interior of the Interpretive Centre
VHI Mini Marathon
On Sunday 1st June the Ladies Mini Marathon will take place in Dublin. A bus is being organised from Lanesboro in memory of the late Pam Farrell, who for many years organised a bus taking locals to the Mini Marathon and funds raised will go to the Cancer Society. If you would like to avail of the bus you are asked to contact Martha on 087 2638593 or Una on 086 8929402 for further details.
Nursing Staff for Lourdes Pilgrimage
Those interested in joining as a nursing staff member for the Diocesan Pilgrimage are asked to contact Maireád in the parish office (3321166) or contact the nursing director Margaret McDonald at 086 3918577.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Ardagh/Clonmacnois annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from Friday 30th May to Wednesday 4th June. This is an ideal way to treat your mother to a very special trip and you can use the gift as a Mother’s Day present. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 30th March. For details you should contact JWT for flight details. Those who need assistance, contact 0863918577.
Defibrillator Course
Ballagh/Curraghroe defibrillator committee would like to invite anyone in the Kilgefin parish to complete a defibrillator course and if they could contact Danny Cox 086 8142112 or Jean Fallon 086 8320019 to be added for the course. The list, for this vital and potential lifesaving ability, will be compiled with your support over the coming weeks.
Tidy Towns lottery
Your continued support is a great encouragement to the committee who can now plot and plan greater improvements in and around the town for 2025.
There was no winner of the Lottery draw on Tuesday 6th May and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw. The numbers drawn were 8, 10, 18 and 23. There was nobody with the good fortune to have the correct four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remained for the next draw on 13th May. The winner of the €50 prize was Mike Greene, The Green and the three €20 prize winners were Joe O’Brien, Corner Shop, Michael Kelly, Colehill, and Theresa Collins, Fairymount, Kilrooskey. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 13th May. The brown envelopes cost €2 each or you can buy 3 envelopes for just €5.
We would like to encourage everyone in the community to join in the playing of this very vital weekly draw. Tickets are on sale throughout the town.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 11th May card game held in the Parish are joint 1st Martin and Noel McDermott & Pat Joe Fallon and Tom Nohilly. The last game winners were Niall and Liz Hughes. The raffle winners were Johnno, Bridie Glennon, Noreen Gibbons and Peter Gregg.
The 8.30pm start will be the start time for the summer.
New card players will always be welcome to join in for a great night of card playing and comradery. Light refreshments as always are served.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 5th May. With the winner guaranteed a minimum €1,000 the winning pool reached an amazing €1490. The winner of the draw was Gabrielle Stooks, Gurteengar. As usual 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 great support is highlighted by the large pools every week – thank you.
Notes inclusions
Anybody that wants items included in the local notes is advised that they have their note with me on a Sunday night at the very latest. This is to ensure inclusion in the notes of the following week.
Access for All boat
Have you availed of the wonderful experience on our doorstep? The Access for All boat is for everybody and it takes you on a 90 minute trip out onto the lake as see its beauty and some of the islands on Lough Ree. The boat can cater for three large wheelchairs, but you don’t have to be a wheelchair user to avail of the excellent trips. Winter sailing times daily for the 90 minute trip are 11.00am and 1pm until the end of March. 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
Memory Café
Roscommon Dementia Alliance hosts a monthly café in Lough Key, Forest Park, Boyle to help support people affected by dementia, their families and carers. This month’s event takes place on Wednesday the 16th of April, 2 – 4pm and will include music, song, advice and a chat. If you would like to attend please visit www.roscommondementia.ie or contact Teresa Keegan on 0877061183 for more information.
Céilí Dancing
Are you interested in perfecting your Céilí Dancing or just want to learn the Céilí steps? Ceili Dancing will take place in Cloonycolgan Community Centre, Donamon every Tuesday evening at 8.30pm under the guidance of Kevin Kelly. Traditional Irish dances are taught from beginners to completion. Everyone is welcome. Beginners get special attention.
Cemetery Sunday – Very Important Advance Notice
I have just been informed there will be significant changes to the dates and times of the Blessing of the Graves (Cemetery Sunday) at our three cemeteries in 2025.
On Saturday 12th July there will be 6.30pm Mass in St. Mary’s Church followed by the Blessing of the Graves at St. John’s cemetery.
On Sunday 13th July there will be NO 11am Mass in the Church. Mass in Clonbonny Cemetery will take place at 1pm. Later in the day 14th Mass will take place at Rathcline Cemetery at 6pm.
The Sunday schedule is weather dependant and if the weather is inclement Masses will take place in St. Mary’s Church.
Dementia Memory Club
The Roscommon Dementia Memory Club is designed for those that are living with dementia and their carer or friend or plus one! A café-like set up, followed by activities, storytelling, reminiscence, music, song and dance. The club offers a great opportunity for persons living with dementia & their carer to socialize and promote improved mental and physical wellbeing, and more importantly to have fun! You don’t have to dance, you can watch and enjoy and contribute in other ways! Come along and see for yourself at Roscommon Music Social Club, the Quad Youth Centre, Circular Road, Roscommon Town. F42 CH70 every Thursday 11:30am to 1pm. Contact Irene on 087 108 0650 or email IreneTabb@westernalzheimers.ie
Brothers of Charity seeks support
Volunteers needed: Are you interested in supporting someone with an intellectual disability, to be part of the community in which they live? Volunteers provide a valuable contribution by connecting people to their local communities and enrich the lives of the people we support, by bringing friendship and fun in to their lives. Volunteers can do this by attending local social activities or sporting events together, going walking, swimming, or just sharing interests and chatting over a cup of coffee/tea. Volunteers will be supported in their role by the Volunteer Coordinator. If you are interested in volunteering in the Brothers of Charity Services in Roscommon please contact Edel Crehan on edel.crehan@bocsi.ie or 0874887314 for more details.
Short Breaks Scheme: Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children and adults who have an intellectual disability? Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, Homeshare Roscommon are recruiting host carers. Training and support provided. Tax exempt Allowances paid. For further information email Homeshareroscommon@bocsi.ie or phone Catherine on 090 6628500 / 087 2126607.
Lanesboro Garda Station
Lanesboro Garda Station has just posted a notice telling of its opening times where the station will have a member of the force in attendance for the public. Lanesboro station will be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 11am. The station will be open at those times unless the local Garda is dealing with a situation that requires their attendance.
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.
Line Dancing For All
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.
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.
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.
Cemetery Sunday changes: On Saturday 12th July 2025 there will be 6.30pm Mass in St. Mary’s Church followed by the Blessing of the Graves at St. John’s cemetery.
On Sunday 13th July there will be NO 11am Mass in the Church. Mass in Clonbonny Cemetery will take place at 1pm. Later in the day 13th Mass will take place at Rathcline Cemetery at 6pm.
The Sunday schedule is weather dependant and if the weather is inclement Masses will take place in St. Mary’s Church.
Come Follow Me: Come Follow Me is a programme of parish/home based faith formation for children aged 7 to 12 years. There will be an Introduction and Information evening held in the Parish Hub on this Wednesday 14th May from 7pm to 8pm. Come and see! Everyone is welcome.
Ballymahon Convent Celebration: The Convent of Mercy Ballymahon invites all past pupils to celebrate their 100th anniversary at a special reunion day on this Saturday 17th May from 1pm until 4pm.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Ardagh and Clonmacnois Lourdes Pilgrimage 2025 will be led by Bishop Paul Connell, is open for booking now. It will take place from May 30th – June 4th costing from €969. For more details contact Joe Walsh Tours at 01-2410800 or email – info@joewalshtours.ie . Pilgrims who would like to travel with the Special Assisted Section should apply to Margaret McDonald on 086 3918577. Those interested in joining as a Nursing Staff Member for the Pilgrimage are asked to contact their local parish or the Pilgrimage Matron – Margaret McDonald on 086 3918577.
Adoration: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues on Tuesday’s in the Prayer Room
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confession time in the Prayer Room takes place on the first Friday of each month from 6.30pm to 7pm.The next opportunity is on Friday 6th June
Smart Recovery: Smart recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery group, where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour. There is a meeting every Friday evening in Vita House in Roscommon Town from 7pm to 8.30pm. For information contact Conor at 086 1702919 or info@smartrecovery.iee
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Elphin and Achonry Diocese Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Friday 29th August to Wednesday 3rd September. Application forms for the Assisted Pilgrim Section are available from Fr. Ray Milton, P.P. Pilgrimage Director, St. John’s Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon (090 666 111 5). The closing date for receipt of Assisted Pilgrimage applications is 16th June. Nominations for the Youth section are being sought from parishes for young people between the ages of 17 to 20 years to participate in the pilgrimage. Youth must be nominated through their priest/Chaplin. Forms are available from the local parish office. The closing date for completed applications is Saturday 24th May. For all enquiries regarding the pilgrimage contact Joe Walsh Tours at 01 2410 800 or email info@joewalshtours.ie
Ballagh Church: As some would have noticed, the gateways have been widened to make it safer and more convenient to enter or leave the church grounds. Unfortunately, because of this, the gates are no longer fit for use. We have enquired about trying to add on to the to the original gates, but this will not work out and would not be cost effective. Therefore, we are suggesting selling the original gates and putting the money from this sale towards some other work that needs doing in the church. If anyone has any objection or other suggestions they are asked to contact Fr. Dan.
Thank you: MS Ireland wishes to thank the Kilgefin Parish for the recent collection for MS Ireland Roscommon branch held on the weekend of the 29/30th March. Ballyleague collected €101.68, Ballagh collected €167.50 and Curraghroe collected €136.77. Thank you to everybody that donated so kindly to the Roscommon branch.
Diocesan Advisors in Primary Schools: The Diocese of Elphin seeks to recruit two part-time Diocesan Advisors at Primary School level to support the Catholic ethos and ‘Grow in Love’ programme in the catholic schools throughout the diocese. Those interested in applying should contact Fr. Michael Drumm as soon as possible at 083 8833585.
New Choir Members: Kilgefin/Scramogue choir is currently recruiting new singers and musicians as they continue to develop their popular choir. You are asked to contact Amanda 086607 1281 or speak to any of the current members of the choir to express your interest.
Young Adult Pilgrimage to Italy: The Young Adult Pilgrimage to Italy will take place from 29th July to 8th August with Bishop Kevin Doran. The pilgrimage is open to 18 – 35 year olds. The cost is €995 pps.
Defibrillator Course: Ballagh/Curraghroe defibrillator committee would like to invite anyone in the Kilgefin parish or surrounding areas to complete a defibrillator course and if they could contact Danny Cox 086 8142112 or Jean Fallon 086 8320019 to be added for the course. The list, for this vital and potential lifesaving ability, will be compiled with your support over the coming weeks.
ALONE needs volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make friendly calls to an older person in your community? The commitment is for one hour per week. ALONE is seeking volunteers and if you can give just one hour we encourage you to do so. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interested please sign up at https://a lone.ie/volunteers/ For more information contact Helena: Helena.madden@alone.ie phone 086 0145829
St. Faithleach’s GAA club
Junior Ladies
Out Junior Ladies had a wonderful victory in Ballyleague on Sunday morning. Some wonderful football played and they thoroughly earned their victory. Well done to the ladies and their management. Final score St. Faithleachs 1-06 Michael Glaveys 1-04.
Senior Men
Cora Systems Division One fixture. Our Senior Men will take on Oran at 8pm in Ballyleague on Friday night May 16th. Please support. Best of luck to the lads and their management.
Roscommon Men
The very best of luck to Diarmuid and Ciaráin Murtagh and the Roscommon men who take on Kerry next Saturday 17th May at 2:30 in Killarney in the opening fixture of the 2025 All Ireland Series. Safe journey to all the Rossie’s making the trip to the Kingdom.
Condolences
We wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the late Maura Dunne, Doughill, Curraghroe. Beloved wife of the late Pat Joe. Maura is predeceased by her husband, her infant daughter Majella, daughters Bríd & Maggie and her son-in-law Mark Fallon. Maura will be very sadly missed by her adored family, daughters Deirdre, Dolores and Catherine, sons Declan and Padraig, cherished grandchildren, Nicole, Aisling, Michael, Tara, Ciara & Francis, son-in-law Tom, daughter-in-law Martina, sister-in-law Beatrice Power, relatives, neighbours and friends. May Maura Rest in Peace.
Cúl Camps
Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps 2025 take place from 7th July to 11th July 2025 at St. Faithleachs GAA, Ballyleague. Online booking is advised on the Cúl Camp website. Any problems please make contact with our Coaching Officer, Jerome Kelly.
Membership
All membership is now due. Please contact Ursula Kenny if you have a problem with your Foireann account. If you are not registered, you’re not covered to play.
Underage
Underage training is starting back this Thursday at 6.30pm for U6s, U8s and U10s. U6 is for children born in 2019 and 2020. All levels welcome and new members welcome. Please contact and committee member for further information.
Cards
Card game continues every Tuesday evening with first deal from 8pm. Refreshments served. All welcome.
Clubhouse
For members looking to use the clubhouse, please contact Gerry Donlon or any committee member.