Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival
Last autumn the first running of the Sliabh Bán was an outstanding success and on Sunday next 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.
Death
Small in stature but remarkable as wonderful lady of our community was Nancy Rhatigan, Mahoraveen, who passed away on Sunday 7th September in the care of Innis Ree Nursing Home, Ballyleague. Nancy was in her 91st year and was predeceased by her husband Christy, her parents Michael and Mary, her sister Mary and her brother Micky. For so many years you could not pass the road but she would always appear with her warm and welcoming smile and a big wave. If you had the time she would always love you to stop, have a cup of tea and a chat. She always entertained the open door home policy where everyone was welcome and was royally entertained on each and every visit. Nancy was a kind, gentle and caring lady; she always had concern for those falling on difficult times. Nancy had a great faith and lived her life accordingly. She was a far seeing lady and embraced all the changes that life brought and she was a great encourager of being the best you could be. Her loss will be greatly felt by everyone that knew her but every time we pass her house we will fondly remember her with great memories.
Nancy reposed at the home of her niece Marie Farrell on Monday last 8th September. On Tuesday her remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church for the Mass of the Resurrection and burial took place afterwards to Clonbonny Cemetery. To her niece and nephew Marie and Michael Farrell, Clonfower, Michael Junior and Ethan, niece-in-law Aoife relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Hospice Coffee Morning
St Faithleach’s GAA club is hosting a coffee morning in aid of Hospice in their Clubhouse on Saturday 27th September from 10.00am to 1.00pm. You are all invited to come along and enjoy a coffee and a chat and support this worthy cause.
Death
Born in Fermoyle and married into Aughamuck, Kilrooskey, was the short journey that Lucy Gibbons made and it was with great sadness we learned of her passing on Tuesday 9th September in the care of Roscommon Hospice. Lucy the last of that generation of the Fermoyle Rhatigan family was predeceased by her brother William (Bill), sisters Bridie, Margaret, Kathleen and Betty. In the late 70’s Lucy was predeceased by her husband Bertie, leaving her with a young family of five young lads. As was the spirit of the lady she farmed the land with a great intensity and reared her family while doing so. Generosity of her time was always clearly seen as she helped out in many causes and was a leading figure with Daffodil Day for a number of years along with Ballyleague/Kilgefin Senior citizens group. She had a great love of golf and for many years she was a member of Strokestown Golf Club. Lucy loved to bake and indeed hers was an open house with many visitors sampling her quality baking while enjoying her company. She was a woman of great style and she also loved to travel and her travels took her far and wide to many far flung places. Lucy had a warm and welcoming smile that would light up any room and there was nothing better to be greeted by her great warmth and friendliness.
Lucy’s remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home on Friday 12th before being removed to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh. Mass of the Resurrection took place on Saturday and burial took place to Kilgefin cemetery. To her family, Joe, John, Paul, Raymond, and Aidan, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Solstice Choir invites you
Following the summer break the renowned Roscommon Solstice Choir will resume practice in the Kilbride Community Centre on Sunday 21st September at 7pm.
If you have a singing voice and would be interested in joining the choir you should go along to the Kilbride Community Centre on Sunday 21st and Sunday 28th September for ‘new member nights’.
Coffee Morning
The local branch of Longford Hospice is hosting a Coffee Morning on Sunday 12th October in Lanesborough Parish Hall from 11am until 1 pm. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
AGM
The St. Marys Parish Hall AGM will take place on Wednesday 1st October at 7pm in St. Mary’s Hall. You are invited to attend.
Former resident passes away
The Gallagher family lived on Main Street for many years and were a staple Lanesboro family. Guard Gallagher and his wife had a family of eight children who were well respected in our community and they involved themselves in all the events of our community. Ronald Gallagher, a resident of Mount Merrion, Dublin, passed away on Sunday 7th September. As with the Gallagher lads Ronald played with the Rathcline underage teams until a knee injury cut his footballing career short. Following his schooling in Lanesboro and St. Mel’s he went on to join the army and rose through the ranks to become Lt. Colonel. Within the army his expertise was in Ordinance corps where his expertise was in explosives. This specialised training was not wasted as when he retired from the army he successfully went into business in the importing and selling of munitions. Ronald was predeceased by his parents, his sister Olive (Cahill), his brothers Joe, Noel, Louis and Paddy.
His remains reposed at Massey Bros. Funeral Home, Goatstown on Tuesday 9th September and later at his home. His Funeral service took place at Newlands Cross Crematorium Chapel on Wednesday.
To his children Niall, Maeve, Eimear, Aoife, Kevin, Michael and John, his brother Val, his sisters Judy and Mary, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Double Champions
On Sunday evening last the Shannon Gaels Under 16 team completed a remarkable double when they won the Under 16 B Championship in Pearse park with a win over Grattan Óg in a very exciting and entertaining game. With both sides giving their all there was nothing between the two teams until the final few minutes when the Shannon Gaels lads pulled the few points clear to win. This is a remarkable achievement with a very limited number of players available hence playing in Division 3. The victory in the league gave them great confidence and they went from strength to strength to win the Division 2 championship. It is another fabulous win for our community and the togetherness is simply outstanding. Full credit must go to team manager Stephen Rooney and his trusty selectors of Barry Hogan and James Casey for getting the lads to this high level.
Volunteer
Do you think that you can find the time to do some voluntary work for St Vincent de Paul? If you would like to assist, please contact St Mel’s Conference at 043 33 42084 and leave a message.
Give Blood
Do you or have you ever considered donating blood? There is always an urgent need for blood donors and locally the next clinic will take place at the Longford Arms Hotel on Tuesday 7th, Wednesday 8th and Thursday 9th October. The Irish Blood Transfusion Board clinic will take place each day from 3.50pm until 8.10pm. regular donors can book their appointment online at contactus@ibts.ie or if you need further information you can phone 1800 731 137 or Google search Irish Blood Transfusion Board.
Introducing Pope Leo
A talk by Michael Kelly will be held in the Abbey Hotel on Tuesday September 23rd at 8pm followed by refreshments. If you would like to book your seat you are invited to email info@ionainstitute.ie or phone 01 6619 204. Admission is free.
Family Fun festival on Saturday
The Brothers of Charity Services in Roscommon are hosting a Family Fun Festival Saturday next 20th September in Lisnamult Sports Park from 1-5pm. Special guests include Roscommon Mens Choir and Country singer Stacey Breen. Friendly soccer showdown, Food & Craft stalls, Sensory friendly area, Non-stop games/fun & skills demos with some county stars. All welcome. The Brothers of Charity Services support adults with an intellectual disability to live full lives as valued citizens in their local communities, enjoying ordinary experiences and strong connections with family/friends. Hosting a Family Fun Festival is a meaningful way to celebrate this mission. The event provides a joyful, inclusive, and accessible space where individuals can proudly showcase their talents and skills. Crucially, public participation plays a key role in making this event a success, fostering inclusion, building meaningful connection and breaking down barriers around disability. It is an opportunity for everyone to come together in support, celebration and shared experience.
Dance with Shelly
Absolute beginners Social Dance classes where you will learn the Jive, Foxtrot, Waltz, Quickstep and Social Line Dancing will be available in Lanesboro Parish Hall for four weeks commencing Tuesday 7th October from 8.30pm until 10pm.
No dancing experience needed and no dance partner required. All are welcome where you can ‘Dance for Fun and Fitness’
The cost is €40 per person for four weeks payable on the first night. Spread the word and learn to dance while having great fun. For information you can contact Shelly at 086 8690001.
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 pm until 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 next 20th 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.
The Rise and Shine Trust
On Friday night next 19th September at 8pm in St. Brigid’s GAA Club, Kiltoom, there is a special charity concert supporting The Rise and Shine Trust. This is the charity that provides memorable holidays for people with additional needs and respite for their families. This unique event brings together three local choirs: Athlone A Cappella/Athlone Choral Society/St. Brigid’s Community Choir. This event is organised by a group of local cyclists: Alastair Gray, Alan McNeice, Richie O’Hara, Brendan Finnegan, and Gerry McInerney. The group hope to raise €20,000 for the cause. Join the community for music & fun. Admission is just €15.
Bridge Lessons
Learn to play Bridge now
Bridge is a game for life and it’s never too early or too late to start. Classes are starting in Lanesboro on Thursday 25th September. To register your interest you are asked to phone 086 2350161 as soon as possible,
Return of Bridge Club
The return of the Wednesday night Bridge club will take place on this Wednesday 17th September at 7.15pm
Morning Bridge
The Morning Larks Bridge Club resumes play on Friday week 26th September at 10 am in Hannon’s Hotel. New members welcome.
Grinds in German and French
If you are preparing for your leaving or Junior Certificate exams, at any level, there is no better time to get that extra bit of help in making the subjects easier. If this is of interest to your students then you should make contact at 089 488 5679.
Championship weekend
St. Faithleach’s will play their quarter-final game on Sunday next 21st in Rockfield home of the Oran GAA club. The game has a scheduled 4.30pm throw in time and their opposition is Michael Glaveys. Faithleach’s will go into this game with a great deal of confidence and we look forward to another victorious evening and a place in the semi-final. Good luck to the panel and management.
Saturday last saw Rathcline take on Carrickedmond in the quarter-final of the championship in Pearse Park. The weather conditions of a swirling wind and showers did not prove to be conducive to good open fast football. Throughout the 60 minutes it was nip and tuck and it was only in the dying stages of the game that Rathcline went into the lead and never relinquished it going on to win by two points. They will now play Killoe in the semi-final on Saturday 27th or Sunday 28th September.
The Ladies team had a home semi-final of their championship on Sunday morning in Clonbonny against Sean Connolly’s. The girls emerged victorious and qualified for their third championship final in a row. They are running into great form and there is no better time than being at their fittest for a final. Great credit goes to the panel and management who have made a wonderful effort this year and they are now getting their due reward. The final is scheduled for Saturday 27th. More final details will follow next week. Well done ladies.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga for older people is commencing in Roscommon Town on this Thursday 18th September at 11am and 25th at 1pm for 10 weeks. Booking is essential and further information can be got by contacting Teresa O’Brien, Roscommon LEADER Partnership Company on 086 029 1215.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place from the 1st to the 31st October. For further information, please log onto www.breastcancerireland.com and find out full information.
Guided tours with John
Tourism is a growing business countrywide and with the great summer we are having the town is presently slowing down after a busy 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.
Culture Night 19th September
The annual Culture Night is almost upon us once again and this year Culture Night will be celebrated on this Friday 19th September countrywide as well as in our neighbouring counties of Longford and Roscommon. This is the twentieth edition and as usual there are a host of events taking place throughout both counties with a huge array of events and there is no doubt but there is one to suit everybody. It is very important that we all get out and support some of those wonderful events. It is always very special to see creativity and development from artists and your backing can give confidence to the artists to continue their creativity into the future.
The promotion of Culture Night states: ‘Culture Night/Oíche Chultúir is brought to you by the Arts Council; it is a national moment, celebrating culture, creativity, creativity and the art and seeks to actively promote that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day’ and it gives us every reason to be supportive of all those creative artists.
€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 16th September, 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 9th September and there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 16th September. The numbers drawn were 8, 14, 19 and 27. The winner of the €50 prize was Jimmy Tarmey, Cloontuskert, c/o O’Brien’s and the three winners of the €20 prizes were Gemma Douglas, Main Street, c/o O’Brien’s, Jay, Leah and Becky Hanley, Corrigeen and Lauren, Lily and Molly O’Brien, Kildare, c/o O’Brien’s. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 16th September. 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.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 8th September for a wonderful jackpot of €646. The winning ticket was bought by Marty Parker, Doughill, who won the pool of €646 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
Seeking Safety:
Would you like to learn new coping skills to handle the daily impact of trauma/mental health and/or addiction? Seeking Safety is a free therapeutic program for women which are funded by the HSE. It is being delivered through Roscommon Women’s Network in different locations around the county. For more info, please call 094 96 21690 or email lcampbell@rwn.ie in complete confidence.
The Alzheimer Society monthly meeting
Alzheimer Café: The Longford Alzheimer Cafe will hold their monthly Alzheimer Café on Wednesday 24th September at 7.00pm in their office on Earl Street, Longford, opposite Mollaghan’s Furniture Store. Guest speaker on the night is Holly Foley from Sage Advocacy, and her topic is ‘The Fair Deal ‘ The Café will then run on the last Wednesday of every month, with a different speaker and topic each month. The Alzheimer Café will provide a safe, warm and welcoming space for people with dementia, their family and friends, along with social and health care professionals to meet and exchange ideas and learnings. For Further information you can contact Eileen on 085 8724475 .The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341. and The Website is: www.alzheimer.ie.
Lanesboro Library
Culture Night
We would like to invite you to Lanesboro Library on September 19th from 6 – 8pm for our Culture Night where you will be treated to an evening of music, dance, poetry and song. We would love for people of all ages and backgrounds to attend and share a piece of your culture also.
Board Game Battles
Every Friday from 3 – 4.30pm, Lanesboro Library will host a drop-in session where you can come along after school to play board games and challenge your friends!
Kids Movie Club
The library staff is continuing our Kids Movie morning on Saturdays from 11am-12.30pm. Free colouring sheets and activity pages with each movie. Parental Supervision is required.
Meditation with Melissa
Life is now more stressful; we need to take a sidestep and slow down the everyday hustle and bustle of life and meditation is a simple way to do just that. Join us for a free workshop September 26th from 2.30 – 4pm by booking your place in library or online.
Toddler Time with Sarah Sparkles
Children aged 0-4 will be treated to an hour of interactive storytelling, songs and puppetry on Thurs, Oct 2nd from 2-3pm.
Clever Little Handies – Introduction to Baby Sign
As part of the children’s book festival, we are hosting a baby sign workshop for new parents and their babies. Join us Oct 16th from 10.30 – 11.30am
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
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 week 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 next, 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 you are invited to 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.
New York game fixed for Sunday 12th April
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 April. Last week the Connaught Fixtures for 2026 were announced and New York will host Roscommon in Gaelic Park on Sunday 12th April at 3pm (8pm Irish time)
It is five years ago since Roscommon played New York and the memories of that wonderful week in the Big Apple are still remembered and talked about.
This is a golden opportunity to join with the big numbers from the St. Faithleach’s club and avail of a fabulous few days in the city that never sleeps. It was hoped that the game would be on Easter Sunday but alas it is the Sunday afterwards 12th April.
Nonetheless the flights will 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 and you have to too them off the Connaught GAA website.. 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.
The local Fire Service – an ideal opportunity
There is an on-going need for the numbers employed as local fire-fighters at Lanesboro Fire Station to be increased. If you work or live locally and feel you, consistently, can be at the fire station with a short reaction time, when your pager goes, then come along and enrol for the training programme and assessment. There is great training offered and it is wide and varied and following this 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 choose to go forward for medical training to become a recognised as first responder. 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 to be shared outside of the fire station environment.
Living in the parishes of Rathcline and Kilgefin or the western side of Killashee you should be capable of reaching the Fie Station 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 very satisfying work. This is a wonderful opportunity for so many people living on both sides of the bridge and the hinterlands to avail of and one that should be appealing to so many.
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.iee
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.
Outstanding 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.
Support Group
Relatives and friends of anyone who has an alcoholic problem 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
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are still 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.
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 next 21st September with prayers commencing at 2.45pm.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confession time in the Prayer Room takes place on the first Friday of each month from 6.30pm to 7pm.The next opportunity is on Friday 3rd October.
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
Legion of Mary Pilgrimage: The Legion of Mary will hold their Annual Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine on Sunday 28th September. A bus will leave from Lanesboro church at 9.55am and from Ballyleague church at 10am. For bookings you should contact Ursula 087 9016062 or Kitty 086 0405621.
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Introducing Pope Leo: A talk by Michael Kelly, will be held in the Abbey Hotel on Tuesday September 23rd at 8pm followed by refreshments. If you would like to book your seat you are invited to email info@ionainstitute.ie or phone 01 6619 204. Admission is free.
Hospice Coffee Morning: The St. Faithleach’s GAA club is hosting a ‘Coffee Morning’ in aid of the Hospice in their clubhouse on Saturday 27th September from 10am to 1pm. You are invited to go along and enjoy a coffee and a chat while supporting this worth cause.
Jubilee of Marriages: Couples celebrating their Silver, Ruby, Golden, Diamond, Platinum or other wedding anniversaries are invited to attend a Jubilee Mass, along with their families and friends, Sunday 5th October at 2.30pm in Sligo Cathedral or Sunday 19th October at 2.30pm in Strokestown Church. Each couple will receive a certificate from Bishop Kevin, please register at www.elphindiocese.ie/jubileeofmarriages
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 to date there has been a great interest shown in the trip. The game will take place on Sunday, April 12th April. Flights will be most 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.