Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Proud Mary
Mary Kenny, Cloontuskert was nominated for the annual AIB club person award and following adjudication Mary was selected for a very special day out on All-Ireland Football Final Day. This day made Mary a very privileged lady as the AIB Volunteer VIP for the day and it gave her a behind the scenes from early morning to the very end of the final it offers a “money-can’t-buy” experience, including a behind-the-scenes tour of Croke Park and tickets to the All-Ireland Senior Football final.
The tour started with a tour of the dressing rooms and the pitch and presentation area along with seeing all the preparations that have to be put in place for All-Ireland Final day. Along the way Mary exchanged stories with the Kerry legend Pat Spillane and the teak tough legendary Donegal footballer Eamon McGee– see attachments. Mary enjoyed the full hospitality packages from AIB. It was an award and day never to be forgotten. It was an accolade that was fully merited for her untiring and dedicated work with St. Faithleach’s. Well done Mary.
Former resident passes away
When one of your contemporaries passes away it always hit hard and this was indeed the case when on Friday 18th July Brendan Fayne, Drumcooley, Edenderry, Co. Offaly passed away at Tullamore Regional Hospital. Brendan a son of the late John and Bernadette Fayne, Cullentra, made his mark wherever he went in his life. He was a corner back on the history making Rathcline Championship team in 1976 and represented Longford with a great pride at different grades; he also won a Leinster with his college St. Mel’s. I vividly remember Brendan calling into me in the shop coming home after receiving his Leaving Cert and he said “that’s it I am off to the Gardaí now”. Brendan always had the ambition to join the Gardaí and as it transpired the Gardaí got one of the very best when they got him. He had a wonderful personality for the job and his intuitive hands on approach in dealing with people as well as his crime correction rather than punishment approach meant that Brendan took many a person off the wrong path before they got caught up in wrongdoings. After he graduated he was stationed in Arklow for a short but very lucky time as that is where he met Moyvane, Co. Kerry lady, Mary, who would later become his wife. In 1975 Brendan was transferred to Edenderry that was to become his and Mary’s home for the past 50 years until he retired as a Detective Garda – he was a highly respected and treasured member of the Garda force in Edenderry. As a kid cycle trips to the Fayne family home was always a joy where fun and banter and roaming the fields was done with true childish exuberance and everyone joined in and there were many happy memories. Brendan was one for fun and craic no matter where you travelled with him and his great personality ensured that he always left a lasting memory. He was a true friend; one that was always there when you needed an arm over the shoulder or to lift a gloomy situation with one of his memorable quips. Following on from Rathcline he went on to play with Edenderry and become very involved with the club before taking up golf. Brendan, no matter where he went held legendary status such was the quality of the man. He was a real family man and his life centered around Mary his family, grandchildren his garden and their dog.
The attendance of Lanesboro people at his reposing at his home on Monday and again at his Funeral Mass on Tuesday showed the respect Brendan and the Fayne family are held in our community and this was deeply appreciated and commented on by his family. Brendan was laid to rest in the cemetery adjoining St. Mary’s Parish Church on Tuesday. To his wife Mary, his daughter Miriam, his sons David, Derek and John, his sister Teresa, his brothers Paddy, Jack, Albert and Joe, grandchildren, extended family and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Thank You: Owen Kelly Memorial Tractor and Truck Run
A Heartfelt Thank You from the Kelly Family:
The Kelly family would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported the Memorial Tractor and Truck Run for Owen Kelly. We are truly overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown in Owen’s memory. To all who donated money, bought raffle tickets, contributed raffle prizes, helped organise, and showed up on the day, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your support, presence, and goodwill meant the world to us. From the impressive turnout of tractors and trucks to the shared stories, laughter and moments of reflection, it was a fitting tribute to Owen and a day we will never forget.
Special thanks also to everyone who helped with planning, stewarding, refreshments, entertainment, to Rathcline GAA for the use of their facilities and to Lorraine and Gerald Farrell for hosting the event in Adie’s Bar. A special thank you to the incredible committee of friends and family who organised the event, your time, dedication, and love made it all possible, and we are truly grateful. We would also like to thank Owen’s friend, Kate Jackson, for her amazing photography and stunning drone footage, capturing the spirit and special moments of the day so beautifully.
Thanks to your generosity, we are proud to share that we raised an amazing €15,000 in Owen’s memory. These funds will be donated between the two causes close to our hearts – the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire and the Beaumont Hospital Foundation – Head Injury Unit. We will always remember this day and the incredible community spirit behind it.
Unveiling of refurbished Altar
Sunday, 10th August, will mark the 40th Anniversary of the Cemetery Committee and Cemetery Sunday.
To mark this fitting occasion, we will be unveiling a fully refurbished Mass enclosure.
A new permanent all-weather glass enclose with a new Marble Altar will be unveiled and blessed by Fr. Daniel Udofia.
The interior of the new enclosure will be adorned by a glass plate of the image of the Divine Mercy.
A light of remembrance will be placed on the Altar with a suitable inscription to remember all our loved ones who are interred in the cemeteries.
We would be delighted if everyone could join us on the 10th August at 6pm to celebrate the occasion.
Defibrillator Group in Ballyleague
Maciek Koczur is a Supervisor Paramedic at Roscommon Ambulance Station with 20 years’ experience in the Emergency Services. Maciek’s phone number is 085 1581419.
Along with his family he moved to Ballyleague just over four years ago where he has become a very popular figure and valuable member of the community. He is now setting up a defibrillator group for Ballyleague. The goal is to develop it into a Cardiac First Responder (CFR) Group to provide fast help during cardiac emergencies in the village.
Maciek is looking for a few people who might be interested in joining a committee to help making the project work.
He is anxious to hear from anyone interested and he would also like that everyone that reads this would share it on their Social media platforms.
Lough Ree Boating & Walking Tours
Over the past number of weeks I had been speaking to John Sorohan about a new venture that he was in the process of developing. Last Saturday, while both of us were on Triathlon duty, John told me that the licencing of his boat had just come through and he was now in a position to advertise his new business. John is launching Lough Ree Boating and Walking Tours. His new boat is a silent electric boat and I believe it is an incredible boat to be in that not even the ducks on the river can hear it coming. The trips on the boat will take place north of Lanesboro Bridge and the boat has the capacity to hold 6 people. The meeting point will be at the Lough Ree Distillery office at the turn into the car park. If you would like to go on this exciting and historical trip you can contact John at 085 838 8484. We wish John every success in this his new venture and I am sure it will on to be a great success.
Championship Time
Last weekend Rathcline continued their great start to the Pert Hanley sponsored Senior Championship when they had a very convincing victory over reigning county champions Abbeylara in Ardagh on Friday evening. Following two excellent victories they have a free weekend and return to action where they will meet Drumlish on Saturday 9th in Dunbeggan (Stonepark) in an effort to cement their place in the quarter final.
St. Faithleach’s on Friday evening next 1st August open their championship campaign when they will host Padraig Pearses in Ballyleague at 7.30pm. We hope that they too will also make a great start to their campaign and emerge victorious. We expect that the community will turn out in huge numbers to support St. Faithleach’s. The very best of luck lads.
Visit Corlea this summer
As we are deep into the holiday season and visitors arriving on our doorstep there is one jewel in particular in our crown that should be availed of and that is the true wonder: the Corlea Iron Age Roadway and Visitor Centre. 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 first place to start with your 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. The knowledge and time given by the local guides at the centre is an experience in itself.
MSc in AgInnovation.
The University of Galway is offering a unique, one-year Master’s (Level 9) for people with fresh ideas to transform rural Ireland. Open to all ages – no formal education required. Format: 2 hours/week online (Zoom) and one Saturday/month on campus. The funding is 100% for unemployed or 90% for the employed via Springboard. The deadline for application is Thursday 31st July at 5pm. There are 30 places available. To apply visit www.universityofgalway.ie and search for “Springboard”, then select MSc AgInnovation and complete registration. Those in Springboard and UCG are looking forward to receiving your application
Lyons Den After-School
Lyons Den After-School service at Ballyleague National School provides a well-balanced inclusive programme of activities for play, rest and recreational opportunities to support children’s health, well-being, learning and development. The service will run from Thursday 28th August 2025 to Friday 26th June 2025 from 2pm until 6.30pm. The service offers a Breakfast club, Arts and crafts, Sorts and games and hot food. For further information please call 01 621 5790 and applications can be made at applications@kidsinc.ie
Kilgefin Cemetery Sunday
The annual Cemetery Sunday with the Blessing of the Graves at Kilgefin cemetery will take place on Sunday 24th August at 6pm.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 27th July weekly card game held in Lanesboro Parish Hall is: 1st Josie and Freda Connaughton. Joint 2nd were Pat Rock & Harry Skelly and Peter & Mary Gregg. Last game winners were Barney Kenny and Eugene Kelly. The raffle winners were Gerry Leavy, Kitty Feeney, Sean Cox and Billy.
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.
What would you do with €15,000?
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery draw takes place every Tuesday morning. For the past number of months the jackpot has reached it upper limit of €15,000 and with nobody having the correct numbers it continues to be available for the person that will have the correct numbers. The draw for this week will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, for the wonderful prize of €15,000. Don’t miss your opportunity to get hold of the full €15,000 or share in the money.
Last week the draw took placed in O’Brien’s on Tuesday 22nd July and there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 29th July. The numbers drawn were 7, 11, 16 and 29. The winner of the €50 prize was Michael Kavanagh, Rathcline Road, and the three €20 winners were Gavin Tucker, 3 Cloontuskert, Jean Fallon, Kilrooskey and Sinead Farrell, Lehery. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 29th July. 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.
A great opportunity to visit New York
New York 2026 will welcome the Roscommon senior team travel to play New York GAA in the first round of the Connacht GAA Championship. Each year a Connacht team travels and it has become a huge social event for so many supporters and a golden opportunity for people to avail of group rates for a special trip to the Big Apple and next year it is Roscommon’s opportunity.
As part of the county trip, the St. Faithleachs GAA club is organising a trip to New York for the Roscommon/New York Connacht Championship game in Gaelic Park. The timing of the game is perfect as it will take place on the week ending Sunday, April 2nd (Easter Sunday). Flights would most likely be going out on the Thursday morning prior to the game and returning on the Monday night after. The club have received provisional prices for the trip from a travel agent and the prices are coming in at approximately €1400 per person sharing. Other prices for more than two in a room will also be available to those requiring same. The price will include flights, centrally located hotel and transfers from and to the airport. Match tickets are not included. Booking this special trip would involve paying a deposit directly to the travel agent and the remainder closer to the flight date.
The club is looking for approximate number of people that are intending to go. If you are considering travelling or intend going you are asked to contact Jimmy Mangan on 086 8177915 or Michael Cleary on 087 2238293 with your name and the names of your intended travellers. More details will become available when the game date is confirmed.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 21st July for a jackpot of €725. The winner of the draw was Lucy and mark Corcoran, Donamon, Co. Roscommon who were the winner of the €725. 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.
A Career in Nursing
Start your journey with Galway and Roscommon ETB’s Access Route to Nursing, in partnership with Atlantic Technological University. The course takes place at GRETB Castlerea Training Centre, Co. Roscommon – with expert educators supporting you every step of the way. Join others who’ve taken this path – and access nursing with GRETB today. Tel: 1800 140 242 or Email: guidance@gretb.ie
Adventure Races
Bóthar na Naomh Adventure Races will take place in Cloone, Co. Leitrim on Saturday next 2nd August. This is an adventure race with a difference. It’s a race where fun and pure hardship are guaranteed, and the aim is to provide a high standard race that should attract beginners to elite racers. This will be an ideal way to challenge yourself against the challenges of the race. There will also be a Duathlon as part of the day’s events. Registration will open at 9am on the day with the Youth 5k Adventure Run (7-16 years) starting at 10am. The adults 5km Adventure Run will commence at 11am with the Duathlon commencing at 11.30. The Duathlon is for those over 18 years. The entry fees are: Duathlon €50, €25 for the adult 5km race and €10 for the U16 race.
Pilgrimage to Lough Derg
The annual one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Sunday 24th August with a bus leaving Kenagh at 6.30am and picking up passengers en route to Lanesboro and Ballyleague arriving at 7am. All enquiries and bookings should be directed to Mary at 043 33 21969.
Lanesboro Library
Summer Stars
There is still time to register for the Summer Stars Reading Challenge. Visit the library to join and be in with the chance to win lots of wonderful prizes before the summer ends!
Celebrated Writers Return to Lanesboro Library for Special Book Launch Evening
Lanesboro Library was proud to welcome back two of its most distinguished literary voices on Wednesday evening for a special night of readings and celebration. Colin Carberry unveiled his poetry collection Ghost Homeland: Selected Poems, while Jack Harte introduced his latest novel In The Foul Rag‑and‑Bone Shop.
Both authors treated the packed audience to poignant and powerful readings, drawing from their extensive bodies of work. Their words resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom were long-time admirers of their writing.
Colin captured the audience with evocative readings from his new book and some earlier poems, his lyrical voice resonating with themes of identity, family and the Irish Landscape. Jack read passages from his plays and his newest novel, weaving reflections on rural Ireland, social change and human nature. The audience was charmed by their words, resonating with the familiar characters and themes.
Following the readings, the atmosphere remained warm and lively as the crowd lingered to chat, reconnect with neighbours, and have their books signed by the authors.
We would like to thank Colin, Jack and everyone who helped to make it a wonderful occasion celebrating literature, community, and home-grown talent. It was a very proud evening for Lanesboro Library, a place that has long championed the arts and nurtured literary talent.
We look forward to welcoming both authors back again with new work in the years to come.
New Opening Hours
We’re happy to announce that from August 11th we are increasing our opening hours. We will no be open Mondays from 10am to 6pm. We look forward to seeing you then!
Thank You
We would like to thank all the children that have participated in our Summer Stars events so far. We hope you have enjoyed them as much as we have!To keep an eye on upcoming events, you can visit the library or online on longfordlibrary.ie and searching for library events. All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Join the local Fire Service
There is a great need for the numbers employed as local fire-fighters at Lanesboro Fire Station. If you work or live locally and feel you can be at the fire station with a short reaction time then come along and enrol for the training programme and assessment. The training is wide and varied and following the intensive training your qualification will be recognised as a medical responder where they can provide first aid until medical support arrives and the training enables you to be capable of making lifesaving interventions. Some can even go forward for training to be recognised as first responders. The training can be a springboard to many great things. Looking at the development of the local brigade staff over the years you see a remarkable comradery and their abilities continue outside of the fire station environment.
Living in the parishes of Rathcline and Kilgefin or the western side of Killashee you should be within the required time.
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 or work within a quick response time from time alert from the fire station on the Longford Road means there are lots of younger and stronger young men and ladies well capable of doing this great community work. 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
Smart Recovery Ireland
You are invited to contact Darren O’Brien at 086 1715334for the nearest location as meetings are no longer held in Roscommon.
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
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 11:30 am 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.
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.
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 Knock: The annual Ardagh Clonmacnois Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Sunday 7th September, The ceremonies commence with the Anointing of the Sick at 2.30pm followed by Pilgrimage Mass at 3pm.
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 1st August
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.ie
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Kilgefin Cemetery Sunday: Cemetery Sunday with the Blessing of the Graves at Kilgefin cemetery will take place on Sunday 24th August at 6pm.
Vincentian Lay Missionaries Appeal: Fr. Dan would like to inform everyone that the Vincentian Lay Missionaries will be attending the Kilgefin parish for an appeal on the weekend 9th /10th August. You are invited to greatly support and donate generously.
Certificate in Religious Education: Atlantic Technological University St. Angela’s, Sligo, is offering a part-time Certificate course in Religious Education for Primary School level with online delivery. Applications are invited for this programme commencing in Autumn 2025. The closing date for applications is Friday 15th August. Further details can be obtained by contacting mary.kearns@atu.ie or on the www.atu.ie website.
Elphin and Achonry Diocesan Pilgrimage To Knock Shrine will take place on Sunday, 17th August 2025. There will also be a Family Day on the same date offering various activities for families with children of all ages. For more details visit https://www.knockshrine.ie/family-day-at-knock-shrine/
The Legion of Mary: The legion of Mary organising a day trip to Lough Derg on Saturday 6th September 2025. The bus will be leaving the Sacred Heart Church car park at 6.30 am. For bookings please contact Teresa 087 1206343 or Noreen on 086 3529916 (090 6625209).
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. For all enquiries regarding the pilgrimage contact Joe Walsh Tours at 01 2410 800 or email info@joewalshtours.ie
St. Faithleach’s GAA
New York 2026:
St. Faithleachs GAA Club is organising a trip to New York for the Roscommon/New York Connacht Championship game in 2026. The game will take place on the week ending Sunday, April 2nd (Easter Sunday). Flights would likely be on the Thursday morning prior to the game and returning on the Monday night after. We have provisional prices for the trip from a travel agent of approx. €1400 per person sharing. Other prices for more than two in a room will be available. The price will include flights, centrally located hotel and transfers from and to the airport. Match tickets are not included. Booking would involve paying a deposit directly to the travel agent early on and the remainder closer to the flight date.
At this stage, we are looking for approximate numbers of people who are likely to go. If interested, please contact either Jimmy Mangan on 0868177915 or Michael Cleary on 0872238293 with names of intended travellers. More details will be available when the game date is confirmed.
Cards: The weekly card game continues every Tuesday evening with the first deal at 8pm. New players always welcome. Refreshments will be served on the night.
Clubhouse If any members wish to use the clubhouse please contact Gerry Donlon or any committee member.
1965 Reunion
On Friday 1st August at the opening of the Senior Championship game v Padraig Pearses representatives from our 1965 Championship winning team will be in attendance. The team will be presented to the crowd before the game. Please come along to support the lads and to see our heroes from the past.