Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
Sudden death can be the cruellest and this week we were all stopped dead in our tracks when one of the most personable amongst us was taken from this life at the young age of 55 years. The sudden death of Jeaffrey McGann, The Green and Mullingar at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar on Sunday 28th September really brought home to us how fickle live can be. Born the eldest son of the late Jim and Barbara McGann Jeaff, as he was most commonly known, was also predeceased by his brother James. Growing up he was an integral part of our community, involving himself in all the sporting activities of Shannon Gaels, Rathcline GAA, and Boro Celtic and he was, weekly, an avid 5-a-side man with his friends. What can you say about Jeaff, he was a warm, witty and cheerful character, a man of great charisma with a caring concern for everybody he knew, generous to a fault, and he was a most considerate and loyal friend to all his friends and to his community. Following a brief sojourn to London in his 20’s he returned to work with James Irwin Construction where he proved to be a most valuable member of the company right up to the time of his passing. Being with Jeaff you knew were in for a lot of fun as that wonderful warm and permanent smile guaranteed that there was always a funny story or a bit of fun to be created, if not on himself but on someone. Jeaff was an avid reader, a lover of music and regular concert goer to many parts of the world, an enthusiastic follower of Liverpool FC and a regular visitor to support the team in Anfield. He was recognised by many as a walking encyclopaedia such was his knowledgeable in all aspects music, sport and world affairs.
Family meant everything to Jeaff and he clearly displayed his kind-heartedness and love with all those very close to him. He always enjoyed the company of people and when he conversed with you you were left with lasting impressions of the huge amount of memories he had created in his well lived and varied life. As we remember Jeaff we cannot but be led to share the example of support, loyalty, caring and love he displayed throughout his all too short lifetime. His hearty laugh and warm smiling face will always be remembered and our hearts will continue to shudder at the memory of his sudden and great loss. The huge attendance at the reposing of his remains in his sister Collette and brother-in-law’s Aaron’s home on Wednesday and again at his Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church bore ample testimony to the high esteem that Jeaff was held by everyone. Following his Funeral Mass he was laid to rest in the family grave in Clonbonny Cemetery
We extend our sincere sympathy to his sister Colette, brother-in-law, Aaron Wyse, partner and best friend Caroline, nephew Oran, nieces Leah, Holly, Sienna, Megan and Poppy, his cousin and great friend Pearse, his relatives and many friends. .
Remarkable Sculpture
The old adage tells us that ‘seeing is believing’ and when you see this meticulously crafted sculpture, commissioned by Ballyleague Tidy Towns, you will be awestruck by the craftsmanship of Tommy Keenan from Chainsaw Carvings, Cong, Co. Mayo. A feature for the Shannon bank was suggested a time ago to Ballyleague Tidy Towns chairman Gerry Trimble by Ciaran Mullooly. Never one to let grass grow under his feet Gerry, along with the Tidy Towns committee put their heads together and decided to use a fallen tree from one of the recent storms and have a chainsaw carving expert work his magic on a seat for this particular area. The result was this ‘Biodiversity Seat’ that was unveiled on Sunday last and it is a spectacular work of art. It is a wonderful addition to the beauty of area and it is sure to draw huge attention. As Gerry said “the committee is deeply grateful to everybody that helped in any way, no matter how small a part they feel they played in making this project come to fruition”. The seat was financially supported by Ciaran Mullooly and Roscommon County Council Municipal District fund and Ballyleague Tidy Towns and everybody in our community must express our huge gratitude to every one of them for this wonderful creation.
I.C.A. Guild
The ladies enjoyed a great evening last week slate painting with Stephanie from Hanlon Artworks. Check out the Lanesboro ICA Facebook and Instagram pages to see the finished results.
Our October meeting takes place Wednesday 8th at 8pm in the parish hub. If you have ever wondered what ICA is all about then pop in. It’s a great way to make new friends and try new things. We always end out meeting with tea and cake.
Thank You
The St Faithleach’s GAA club would like to say a big thank you for the success of our recent coffee morning for Mayo Roscommon Hospice. We would like to all who dropped off food, supported the event and made a financial contribution. We were able to lodge €1540.00 to this worthy cause.
Are you game to take part?
Search for a Star has been a hugely successful event organised by Rathcline GAA over a number of years and this year the Search for a Star night will take place on Saturday night 13th December. Search for Star introduces everyone with a bit of excitement and adventure to the community and it gives the community to acknowledge their abilities. We have seen some fantastic acts and characters taking the stage over the years and the club is looking for you to be some of the new stars. This is truly a spectacular night and the club is asking everyone to that may be interested in taking part to express their interest. They can do so by going out to Clonbonny on this Friday night 10th October at 9pm or to contact any of the club executive.
New book launched
Back at the beginning of August Dan Magan launched his book of poetry Songs of the Sesh. Last weekend just 12 later Dan has just published his new book Odyssey –Summary to Skitzpathic Diaries. This is a very frank story by this young 31 year who “went all they on every drug, and I saw the light”. The book is on sale in O’Brien’s priced €20
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly Sunday night card game that took place on Sunday night 5th October weekly in Lanesboro Parish Hall are 1st Petey Donlon and Brendan Hanley. There was a three way tie for 2nd place between P.J. & Bridie Glennon, Tom Skelly & Jack Bannon and Tom Fox & Annie. The last game winners were Kay Featherstone and Anne and the raffle winners were Ann, Jim Horan, Kevin McDonagh and Johnno.
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.
Clarkes Bar closes its doors
Last Sunday night 5th October seen that last pints being poured by Steve and Teresa Ormsby, who after 22 years called time as proprietors of Clarke’s Bar. Steve and Teresa have been wonderful occupants of this iconic pub and their absence on the Main Street will be greatly felt. Having a large and loyal clientele they introduced what was internationally recognised as the best music session on the River Shannon every Wednesday night and it drew the finest of musicians to join in the weekly sessions. The Monday night’s with Joe Duffy and friends also drew a great support and those weeknight sessions were a great draw and boost to the town’s economy. As neighbours and friends we cannot speak highly enough about this couple and their family for their friendship and loyalty. We wish Steve and Teresa Ormsby a long, happy and healthy retirement,
Charity Tractor Run
In memory of a dear friend and former Oran club player, Ian Conlon, a Charity Tractor Run will take place on Sunday next 12th October travelling from the Racecourse Rd., Roscommon to Ballintubber village. The roll out will start at 2pm and it will start from Ballyboughan Industrial Park on the Racecourse Rd. The proceeds of the day’s events will go to the Jigsaw Project. The Jigsaw Project is a youth mental health charity in Ireland offering free therapy and support to children and young people aged 12 to 25. The support for Ian’s memory and Jigsaw will be greatly appreciated.
King of the Lake
The weekend of Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September saw the annual King of the Lake pike fishing competition take place on the Shannon and Lough Ree. A maximum of 70 boats took part with tremendous fishing through the two days in what were excellent conditions to be on the river and lake. Winning was calculated by the length of the top 4 pike caught on each boat. The top 5 winners were 1st Brian Connaughton and Daniel Nesbitt – total length 395.5cm, 2nd Jacek Gorny and Wioleta Hejna – total length 382cm, 3rd David Roche and David Fagan – total length 373cm, 4th Joe McDermott and Pat Healy – total l length 368.5cm and 5th Stephen Gibbons and Al Rawlings – total length 368cm.
The weekend competition organised by the Access For All Centre was once again an outstanding success bring so many people to town over the weekend. It created a great buzz in the community and with increased accommodation in town it was great to see the anglers availing of the opportunity to stay locally.
PTAA Night Out
What is always a great night out is the annual PTAA Dinner Dance and it will be held on Friday 17th October in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule. The dinner will be served at 7.30pm and the night’s music will be provided by Magic moments. Tickets, this year, are priced at €35 and they can be bought from Breda Moran or from O’Brien’s Corner Shop.
Pizza Boy Returns
Young man Harry Kenny, a son of Paul and Amanda Kenny, Cloonadra and a student of Cloontuskert National School continues to produce new issues of his Pizza Boy series. Last week the new issue Demension Doom appeared on O’Brien’s counter. The comic has proven to be very popular and with a limited number printed it is essential to buy your Pizza Boy comic that costs just €1.
Blessing of Animals
The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind invite you on Saturday 11th October, in the grounds of The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 3.30 p.m. for a blessing of animals. All are welcome.
2nd Annual Heaney Boy Pool Tournament
The 2nd Annual Heaney Boy Pool Tournament will take place in the ’98 Bar, Ballinamuck on Sunday 26th October. Registration starts at 2:30pm and the draw takes place at 3pm. The entry fee €20 for adults and €10 for juniors (13 & Under).
There will be two tournament tables. Due to last year’s numbers, this year’s numbers are limited so first come first served plus waiting list. There will Heaney Boy trophy and prize money for the winners.
There will be a raffle on the night along with a Crepe and Coffee trailer, Pizza and snacks provided. All monies raised, will go to the brilliant charity – The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
For registration text (087) 1252240
‘Let’s raise another glass and play some pool in memory of our beloved Colin Heaney’.
Seeking Safety
Seeking Safety is a free coping skills program for women affected by trauma, mental health and /or addiction. Learn new ways to cope safely with your own triggers, impulses and symptoms and gain a more compassionate understanding of yourself and “take back your power from the impacts of trauma, mental health and/or addiction. The program is funded by the HSE and is being delivered in Castlerea, Boyle and Roscommon town. For more information please contact Lorraine in complete confidence. 094 96 21690 or email lcampbell@rwn.ie.
€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 7th October, 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 30th September and there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 7th October. The numbers drawn were 6, 8, 11 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize was Johnnie Duffy, Mahoraveen and the three winners of the €20 prizes were Kieran O’Dowd, Rathcline Road whose two of his three envelopes were drawn out and Phil Carroll, The Green. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 7th October and every Tuesday morning. 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.
Heritage Homes in South Longford
In the past week a very interesting man called into the shop enquiring if we would sell his newly published book. His book is entitled Heritage Homes in South Longford and he has only printed 250 which will make this book very unique going forward. Eamon Hughes has concentrated his book in the barony of Abbeyshrule and he finely and extensively details in great depth the story of the 18 Heritage Homes in the barony. Upon reading the book you will appreciate that Eamon’s years of collecting information was indeed a labour of love. Avery limited number of books are available and for the discerning eye and those interested in the history of these homes this book should be on your table. The cost of this hardback book is €60 and it is available in O’Brien’s.
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.
Yin Yoga Sessions
Six weekly sessions of Yin Yoga Sessions will take place at Strokestown Park commencing from Saturday 1st November at 11.30am. This is a great opportunity to ease into winter and reset your nervous system. The sessions will be facilitated by Marianne Fallon, Chartered Psychologist and functional Yin Yoga instructor. You can see full details, times and availability at www.strokestownpark.ie or you can scan the QR code on posters locally.
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 this 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.
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.
St. Faithleach’s semi-final
On Saturday evening last everyone travelled to Kiltoom with great hopes that St. Faithleach’s would repeat their victory of earlier in the championship and emerge victorious over Padraig Pearses. Unfortunately this was to be the case with Padraig Pearses emerging victorious and dashing our last remaining hope of a county final following Rathcline’s defeat the previous week. Well done on an excellent championship run and let’s hope that St. Faithleach’s and Rathcline will go further steps next year.
Minor Final
On Sunday last the Western Gaels Minor football were looking to create their own little piece of history by winning their first ever county minor final. Western Gael made up of under 18 players from local Shannon Gaels and Grattan Óg clubs were right in contention through the first half and going in at half time for the second half by being just 1 point behind but the stronger Clonguish side pulled away and ran out victorious. Well done to the young men of both club who in their own right made history by reaching the minor A final. Theere are definitely bigger and better days ahead for all of those young men.
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.ie
About the Presidential Election
The Irish Presidential election will be held on Friday 24th October 2025.
We hope you are planning to exercise your right to vote.
Things to know about the election: you can vote if you are over 18, an Irish citizen and registered to vote. If you are unsure if you are on the voting register you can check on www.Checktheregister.ie
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.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 29th September for a wonderful jackpot of €687. The winning ticket was bought by Basil Mitchell, Lehery, who won the pool of €687 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.
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.
Lanesboro Library
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.
.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 on Thursday week 16th Oct 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
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.
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.
Pioneers Dinner Dance: The annual PTAA Dinner dance will be held on Friday 17th October in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule. The dinner will be served at 7.30pm and the night’s music will be provided by Magic moments. Tickets, this year, are priced at €35.
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 7th November.
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
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland: The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is open six days a week Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The society provides an opportunity for all of us to stand together and support people with dementia. Their phone number is 1800 341 341 and their website is www.alzheimer.ie
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Ballagh Church Meeting: It is intended to hold a meeting on Tuesday next 14th October in the Parochial House at 7.45. It is intended to get Ballagh Church painted in early Spring as it is in poor condition. With this in mind there is a need to do some fundraising to cover the cost. The parishioners of the Ballagh Church area are urgently requested to attend this meeting as your attendance, opinion and support is required to ensure that this work will get done.
Thank You: The St Faithleach’s GAA club would like to say a big thank you for the success of our recent coffee morning for Mayo Roscommon Hospice. We would like to all who dropped off food, supported the event and made a financial contribution. We were able to lodge €1540.00 to this worthy cause.
Thank you: Ballyleague Tidy Towns wish to thank everybody who contributed to their recent Church Gate collection. The sum collected was €320.
Ballagh N.S, Clothes Collection: A clothes collection in being organised by Ballagh N.S. on this Wednesday 8th October. All funds raised will go to the school. If you have any unwanted clothing, footwear, belts, handbags, hats, linens or household textiles, please put them in a bag and bring them to the school. All donations will be gratefully received.
Volunteering: The parish is seeking out collectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Prayers of the Faithful readers, people to help keeping the churches clean and Altar Society members for the three churches in our parish. A new rota is being drawn up at the end of the month and new volunteers are needed to help with all the vital elements of maintaining a great parish community. Some of the current people involved have retired from some of the duties and we wish them well and thank them for their contribution. If you can be part of the new groupings you are asked to contact Brenda Reynolds 086 8896969.
KPPC Resolution: Parishioners are reminded that a decade of the Rosary will be recited before all Masses in all three churches of our parish at weekends and everyone is asked to be in the church 20 minutes before mass times.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
County semi-final
Hard luck to our senior team who were beaten in the semi-final of the Hodson Bay Senior Championship in Kiltoom on Saturday. A great run came to an end but the players can hold their heads high after the great season they had and the enjoyment they brought to our supporters.
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.