Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Ballyleague Tidy Town Community Orchard Project – Ballyclare Court
Ballyleague Tidy Towns is helping to plant community orchards as part of a project funded by the Community Climate Action Programme. We are currently working with residents in Ballyclare Court to arrange planting of fruit trees and shrubs in September and would welcome the involvement of any residents of Ballyclare Court – all ages welcome. For details, please phone 087 222 2543.
Ballyleague Tidy Towns is also welcoming new volunteers to help in any of our activities. If you have a couple of hours to spare, your support in keeping up the appearance of our village would be greatly appreciated. To get involved, please phone: 087 647 4832.
Sustainability & Biodiversity Workshop in St Mary’ Hall on 20th September
The Midlands Sustainability & Biodiversity Network is organising a FREE workshop for Tidy Towns groups and Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC’s) in St Mary’s Hall, Lanesborough on Saturday the 20th of September from 9.30 to 1pm. The workshop will include presentations on the Tidy Town’s Biodiversity and Sustainability adjudication categories and site visits to local projects.
All are welcome to attend and the event is free-of-charge; to help confirm your attendance, please register for the workshop at this link: https://forms.office.com/e/e8MeH3TV7S
For further information, please phone: 087 2222543.
The Midlands Sustainability & Biodiversity Network is led by the EDI Centre in Longford and funded by The Wheel’s Training Links programme. The workshop will be delivered by
Woodrow Environmental Consulting and SEAI Mentors – and is supported by Longford County Council, Ballyleague Tidy Towns, Lanesborough Tidy Towns, and Longford Renewable SEC.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Shauna Bergin, her partner Michael Neilan, their daughter Kayla, her sister Nicole, her brother Michael and their extended families on the death of Shauna’s father Michael Bergin in Cambodia on the 7th August.
Remembering one of our own
On Tuesday last I received a message from Mark McGann, son of Patricia and the late Harry McGann, Ballyleague, informing me that he was on his way to the official opening of the recently renovated park in the city of Somerville, Massachusetts. Kenneth (Ken) Kelly, son of Kathleen and the late Tommy Kelly, Carraroe left Lanesboro for a future in the US and it was in Somerville that he settled with his wife Kim and built up a number of businesses. He quickly built up a respected reputation as a leader of a number of businesses in the city. In 2014 Ken received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Somerville Chamber of Commerce. Ken was a young man who had achieved so much in his all too short life before his death took place on 15th December 2015. He was always a forward thinking and creative man and from our conversations he had many more ideas and plans for his adopted city. In a reference to Ken it was said his commitment to Somerville “is one of service, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his community”. Ken’s name lives long in Somerville and the official opening of the park in his name and his honour ensures that he will be remembered for ever more. Lanesboro/Ballyleague was represented by Mark and his lifelong friend and President of the Camogie Association Brian Molloy.
Pictured in the photograph taken by Mark McGann at the official cutting of the tape and the opening of the Ken Kelly Park are Ken’s wife Kim, Mayor of Somerville Katjana Ballantyne, Brian Molloy, Alan Kelly, Ken’s brother, and beside Alan is Ken’s son Michael.
Return of Bridge Club
The return of the Wednesday night Bridge club will take place on Wednesday 17th September at 7.15pm.
Leaving Cert Results
The Leaving Certificate results came out last week and we congratulate all the students on their remarkable results. The future looks bright for you all and your exciting future is all in front of you and we wish you every success in whatever career path you choose to follow.
Back to School
The summer is drawing to an end and the signs of that is traditionally the return to school for all students at all levels of education. We wish all the young students and their teachers a wonderful year ahead.
Kids Photography Competition
A new and exciting kids photography competition is currently in play encouraging children between the ages of 6 and 13 to ‘Explore Longford’ and submit one high quality photograph of a scene, attraction, town or village in the county Longford. The completion will run until Saturday next 30th August and it is strictly one photograph entry per child. Entries should be emailed to photocompetition@longfordcoco.ie
The 1st prize-winner will receive a Guided Electric Bike Tour for a family of 5 with Ethical Tours, Ballymahon (€225 value) 2nd prize-winner will receive a Supervised Kayaking Pass for 4 with Alan’s Yippee Kayaking on the Royal Canal (€100 value) and the 3rd prize-winner will receive a national Book Token.
With the excellent weather and light that we are currently having this is an ideal opportunity for all our budding photographers to get out and get great photographs of all the beauty that surrounds us.
Tom Wins
The annual Iverk Show in Kilkenny is the oldest Agricultural Show in Ireland and it draws competitors from all over the country. The show is held in Piltown every year and this year was a memorable one for one of our most creative artists when Tom Gill’s entry won the Irene Purcell Perpetual Cup for the Best Overall Adult entry. Tom is forever thinking and creating some spectacular creations and this year is no exception with his winning entry ‘Money Laundering’ see attachment. Creativity is what we have come to expect and there in neve time that he disappoints.
Poetry book almost sold out
The new book of poetry Songs of the Sesh – Poems to be made music by Dan Magan brings to life the life experiences and tribulations of a young man just breaking through the 30 year age. Dan, a vibrant young man spent some time in preparing this book and it is a fabulous achievement for one so young. It is unique to have the younger generation delving into poetry and perhaps it is a book that his contemporaries should explore into and experience the craft of Dan’s writing. Going deep into his mind and thoughts Dan creates a wonderful book that will be very much worth reading and interpreting. Dan’s success is due to his undoubted talent as can be seen with his book and we look forward to much more to come from him. Dan’s Songs of the Sesh – Poems to be made music is on sale in O’Brien’s costing just €10.
Guided tours on Land and Water
Tourism is a growing business countrywide and with the great summer we are having the town is presently doing a great tourist trade. Lanesboro has been doing much better this year than for many a long year. Be it the foreign tourists on their boating trips along the Shannon or those on day trips to the Shannon there have been great vibes in and around the area making the town quite busy. Honestly, there is no place better to be on the warm dry summers we are having than in Lanesboro and Ballyleague and enjoying all the beauty it has to offer.
A new and exciting venture has just been launched in the community and it offers just another tourism opportunity and an added attraction to the town. Many a time I have written about the great entrepreneurial spirit of our local people and the great ideas they have for the town and this new business will add greatly to what is available and it will also compliment the great work being done by Access for All.
We wish John Sorohan the very best of luck with his undertaking and we look forward to many people availing of John’s business.
Some exciting guided tours are now being offered to anyone that would like to explore Lanesboro.
The first is a ‘Town Walk’ where you will discover Lanesboro through time, including its industrial heritage. The duration of this tour is 45 minutes and there is a capacity from 2 to 10 persons.
The second walk is the ‘Commons Woodland Walk’ where there is a 2km or 4km option through our semi-native woodland with a local guide. The duration of this walk is 1 hour and it can cater for 2 to 10 people.
The third tour is the ‘Electric Boat trip’ that will be a short cruise north or south of the bridge, getting close to nature on the silent electric boat. This tour can accommodate 2 to 6 people and it will last for 1 hour.
Bookings can be made by phoning 085 838 8484.
Ballyboro Masters
Well done to the Ballyboro masters team who last weekend beat Glenamaddy Masters and won the Masters Shield final.
Picture attached shows Alan and Martha Farrell of the Yacht Bar, team sponsors, along with the player Derek Murray with winning Shield and management team Joey Horgan and Mick McKeown.
New bus Stops and Timetable
The outstanding success of the daily number 426 Rural Link bus between Longford and Roscommon and vice versa has seen a new timetable being produced with additional stops being added on to the route. The bus will now commence at the railway station in Longford and stops from now on will be Specsavers, main St., Longford, Aldi on the Lanesboro Road, Mastertech just past the railway bridge, Megabowl on the Lanesboro Road, Ballymacormick Crossroads, Killashee at the soccer pitch, Clonfower Crossroads, Curraghrua estate in Lanesboro, Lanesboro, outside Ciaran Mullooly MEP office in Ballyleague, Ballyleague hall, Cloonadra, Moneen Cross, Beechwood crossroads, Emoe Crossroads and the Mart Road, Roscommon. The bus from Monday to Saturday will pass through Lanesboro up to 17 times a week with a slight change on a Saturday so you will have to familiarise yourself with the new timetable. Sunday will see the 426 go through Lanesboro 8 times and again the new timetable must be checked.
The new timetable is available, free of charge, from O’Brien’s Corner Shop and there should be a copy in everyone’s house.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 24th August weekly card games held in Lanesboro Parish Hall seen a three way tie for first between Tom Skelly & Jack Bannon, Tom Rock & Tommy Fox and Jim Horan & Kitty Feeney. The last game winners were Peggy Moran & Billy. The raffle winners were Annie Corcoran, Brendan Hanley and Jim Feeney.
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.
€15,000 can be yours
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 26th August, for the wonderful prize of €15,000. If the draw is not won 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 19th August and there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 26th August. The numbers drawn were 4, 8, 21 and 29. The winner of the €50 prize was Carmel McKenna, Barnacor and the three winners of the €20 prizes were Peter M c/o Mags, Kieran O’Dowd, Rathcline and Thomas Dennigan, Newtowncashel. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 26th August. 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.
Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival
Last autumn the first running of the Sliabh Bán was an outstanding success and on Sunday 21st September the second annual Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival will once again take place at Lismehy, Strokestown.
Some of the highlights at this year’s festival will include vintage Corn Trashing, a vintage tractor display, vintage Stone crushing, vintage car display and vintage timber sawing. These attractions should bring a big crowd but the supplementary attractions will make a wonderful day at the Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival. The festival will commence at 12 noon and admission is €10 for adults with free entry for children.
Championship starting to boil up
Next weekend will see the culmination of the group sections of the championship when St. Faithleach‘s and Rathcline bid to cement their places in the quarter finals of the Roscommon and Longford championships.
St. Faithleach’s will be the first team out on Friday night when they travel to Strokestown to take on Clann na nGael in a very important game. Clann with one win and one loss will be fighting hard to secure their place and with St. Faithleach’s having two wins they need to ensure the best possible position for the quarter final.
On Saturday 30th in Cashel Rathcline will take on Clonguish to see who comes out top of the league section. With both teams assured of the top two positions it promises to be an intriguing game with both unbeaten teams meeting to see who will emerge as table toppers. The throw-in in Cashel is at 7pm.
We look forward to both teams getting huge support for their games and we look forward to both teams emerging victorious.
On Sunday last the Rathcline Ladies travelled to Ballinalee to challenge the local Sean Connolly’s team. The ladies emerged winners and they now face Carrickedmond with a victory ensuring a semi-final place. The game against Carrickedmond will take place on Sunday week 7th September in Clonbonny with an 11am throw-in.
Win €1,000 on Saturday
The St. Faithleach’s club are once again hosting their annual club fundraiser ‘Where will the MOOPOOP’ on Saturday next 30th August at the club grounds in Ballyleague. Each year this has been a tremendous and valuable fundraiser for the club and is again hoping to maximise their sales in an effort to help further developments and promotes games. Everyone in the community is encouraged to be very supportive of the initiative. Tickets cost €10 each or 3 for €20. You can buy your tickets to win €1,000 online at www.stfaithleachsgaa.ie or from members of the club.
Athlone and Midlands Samaritans Information Meeting
Could you be a Samaritan volunteer? No experience or qualifications required as we will train, mentor and support you. If interested, please come to an information meeting at the Samaritan Centre, 3 Court Devenish, Athlone on Sunday 14th September at 11am or call John 087 7176189 or email Athlone.branchrecruitment@samaritans.org
A Healthy, Greener You Course –
A little self-care, shopping tips, reducing waste tips, minding our community and our planet. FREE Six weeks course, starting Mid/End of September in Castlerea. Places limited. More info/book a place please contact RWN on 094 9621690, text on 086 8099154, email info@rwn.ie or PM on Facebook page.
STEPS Course (Subject to funding)
This pending course will be free of charge to anyone in receipt of a social welfare payment. Would you like to improve your personal relationships, raise your confidence and build up your self-esteem, help with setting and meeting goals, learn how to think positively? Then our STEPS course is for you! The course will be starting in September/October in Castlerea. Registration is essential. Call 094 9621690 or email us on info@rwn.ie
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.
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!
Extended Opening Hours
Lanesboro Library is delighted to announce their new opening hours!
Monday: 10-6, Tuesday: 10-6, Wednesday: 10-6, Thursday: 10-6, Friday: 10-5, Saturday: 10-2
The library will close weekdays from 1-2pm for lunch.
Digital Library Offering
Your Library Card can get you further than you realise, make the most of it!
The library has many online offerings that are free with your library card: Borrowbox – Ebooks, Audiobooks, Magazines and Newspapers, Press Reader – International and Local Newspapers and Magazines. Lote4Kids – Children’s Bedtime Stories in over 90 languages, Transparent Languages – Learn a language for free, there are 120 courses to choose from.
Universal Class – Online Learning Courses which will help you up skill professionally, Freegal Music – Stream Music Ad-Free.
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
Mayo Roscommon Hospice
The Mayo Roscommon Hospice Care team are calling for people to host a coffee morning, evening with family, friends or work colleagues on National Coffee morning for Hospice Thursday 25th September or on another date if suits you better. Please register for your free pack online at https://www.hospice.ie/coffee/ – email info@hospice.ie or call 0949388666. Donations welcome online at www.hospice.ie. Please support. Roscommon Dementia Alliance
The 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, September 17th from 2 – 4 p.m. and will include music, song, advice and a chat. Please note there is no Café in August. If you would like to attend please visit www.roscommondementia.ie or contact Teresa Keegan on 087 7061183 for more information.
Visit Corlea
As we are nearing the end of 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 wonder of 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.
Continued interest in the New York trip
There has been a wonderful response shown by so many people expressing their interested in taking advantage of the Roscommon trip to New York next March/April.
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 still 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 18th August for a wonderful jackpot of €1242. The winning ticket was bought in the name of Clodagh Martin, Blenavoher who became winner of the magnificent pool of €1242 on Monday night. 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 as it is keeping the winning money at a high and exciting level 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
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
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 Health Services are available at Roscommon University Hospital. Roscommon Hospital is providing an outstanding service for the entire area with short waiting times and excellent care offered. 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.
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.
Jubilee Year Celebrations: You are all invited to visit three shrines in the diocese: St. Manchain’s Church, Boher, Ballycumber, Co. Offaly to celebrate the heritage of our faith; St. Mel’s Cathedral which reminds us of the hope which is the cornerstone of our lives; The Poor Clare Convent, Drumshambo, Co. Leitrim where the love of the Lord’s presence is ever near in the perpetual Adoration which is held there.
Pattern Sunday: will take place in Clonmacnois on Sunday 21st September with prayers commencing at 2.45pm.
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 5th September
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.
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).
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 and todate there has been a great interest shown in the trip. 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.
Senior Men All roads lead to Strokestown on Friday night next for the final group game in our section. We play Clann na nGael at 8pm and a result for us will ensure progress in the championship. Come along and support.
Moo Poo Fundraiser
Tickets are readily available for our annual MooPoo fundraiser that takes place on Saturday next 30th August.. Tickets are €10 each and are available online or from any club members. Keep an eye out for us selling tickets in local shops too. Thank you for your support.