Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Residential Energy Surveys – Lanesborough & Ballyleague
Longford and Roscommon County Councils, supported by SEAI, have approved funding to develop Energy Master Plans for Lanesborough and Ballyleague. Climate 23 Energy Consulting has been selected to develop the Plans which will identify energy-saving and cost-saving opportunities and potential grant aid sources for homeowners, businesses, and community groups.
Climate 23 is conducting a residential survey of homeowners and renters and your responses to the survey will provide valuable inputs to the Energy Master Plans. By submitting a response to the survey, you can choose to be entered into a draw to receive a FREE Building Energy Rating (BER) Certificate and Technical Energy Retrofit Assessment of your home – worth €500.
All information gathered will be treated with strictest confidence, in accordance with GDPR.
For residents of Lanesborough, please complete the survey at this link: https://s.surveyplanet.com/sturwrjnn
For residents of Ballyleague, please complete the survey at this link: https://s.surveyplanet.com/e759xt3z
Please complete the survey as soon as possible and before by 9th November, 2025. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. For more information, please contact: Gerard@climate23.com
Death
When someone with a vibrant personality and very active in the community passes away it leaves a great emptiness in the area and this was the case when news broke of the sudden death at her residence on Saturday 11th October of Patricia Manning, St. Mary’s Terrace, Ballyleague. The sense of shock brought a great darkness to the community. A native of Coole, Westmeath she moved to Ballyleague with her husband Tony when he came to work with ESB in the power station. Patricia was an extraordinary community activist and she involved herself greatly for many years in the Ballyleague community. For Patricia her family came first and foremost and she was thoroughly dedicated to their care and wellbeing. Patricia expected and demanded the same 100% that she was putting in herself from everyone involved and her efforts generally were very successful. She was a lady of great faith and belief and spent a lot of time cleaning in and around the church in Ballyleague. She was involved with St. Faithleach’s ladies football for a number of years and along with her management team brought ladies football to the highest peak. At the time of her death Patricia was highly respected member of staff in the Innis Ree Nursing Home where she was renowned for her hard work and caring nature. A lady with a word for everyone and she was always had the time to stop and chat with anyone seeking solace or just a friendly bit of banter. In recent years the Thursday night bingo in Ballyleague Hall got all her attention where she ensured that everything was organised properly and running smoothly and nothing was left to chance. In the past week many words of praise were uttered for her dedication and her great community spirit. Patricia’s passing will leave a great void in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew her.
Patricia reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Tuesday 14th and removal took place from her home to the Church of the Holy Rosary Ballyleague on Wednesday for the Mass of the resurrection. Burial took place afterwards to Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her husband Tony, sons Andrew, Michael and Alan, daughters Miriam and Carol, her sisters Marie, Teresa and Ita, her brothers Liam, Joe, Patrick, Gerry and Richard, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
College Open Day
Lanesboro Community College will host their annual College Open Day on Thursday 13th November. During the day, primary school students are invited, giving them the opportunity to explore the school’s facilities and meet the teachers and experience life attendance at school. In the evening students and their parents are invited to join tours, presentations and to avail of an opportunity to meet and chat with staff members. This is a wonderful opportunity to experience life at the growing and progressive Lanesboro Community College.
Steve and Teresa says Thank You
Steve and Teresa Ormsby would like to thank everyone who supported us over the past 22 years while we were in Clarke’s Bar. Our loyal customers, friends, family and neighbours on Main Street.
We were overwhelmed by the support we received during our final week. To the musicians who supplied wonderful entertainment, Stephen Dowd who supplied beautiful food for our final weekend. Of course, our customers and our wonderful staff throughout the years
Thank you to Mark and the Clarke family who worked with us along the way.
To all of you who sent good wishes, we appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Thank you for the memories of 22 years in Clarke’s Bar.
Sympathy
It is with great sympathy we record the death of Mary Bohin (nee Dennigan) France and formerly from Mahoraveen who died peacefully in France on Thursday last 16th October. Mary was predeceased by her husband Jean-Claude, her parents James and Brigid Dennigan and her brother John. Mary is sadly missed by her sons Marc and Kevin, daughters-in-law and grandchildren, her sister Chris Moran, Colehill, her brothers Paddy, Tom, Séamus (Offaly), Mike and Willie and their partners, her nieces, and nephews, grandnieces and nephews. Burial is taking place in France on Tuesday 21st October. May Mary rest in peace.
Give Blood
I know I keep on about the need to give blood and at the moment it is more crucial than ever as the supplies of blood for those in need is at an all- time low with only a 3 day back up supply and as we go into busier times in hospitals the need for blood will only keep growing. No matter where you located and reading these notes are please look up the blood service website and find a clinic close to you and donate. In Ireland the website for checking your nearest clinic is www.giveblood.ie There is also a great need for those from other countries living in Ireland to donate blood as the service also needs diversity in the donor base.
Make sure you vote in the Presidential Election
The Presidential election will be held on this Friday 24th October. It is very important that everyone exercises their right to vote. There has been great turmoil leading into the election and since the withdrawal of Jim Gavin the list of candidates is down to just two Catherine Connolly and Heather Humphries. No matter how we feel about our choices it is still imperative to everyone that possibly can goes out and exercises their constitutional right by voting. May the best lady win.
Christmas Lights
Speaking to Gerry Trimble on Sunday last he jokingly told me that rumours of his demise are very much exaggerated and he assures me that in a few weeks’ time he will be rattling the donation box in front you in support of the Ballyleague Tidy Towns Christmas Lights appeal.
ESB Annual Mass
The Annual Mass for deceased staff members of ESB Lanesboro will be held in the Parish Hall, beside the bridge), on Wednesday 12th November at 8pm. All are welcome to go along.
ICA
Remembrance Mass
A Remembrance Mass will be celebrated for all deceased Lanesboro ICA members on Friday next 24th Oct at 7pm. The guild warmly invites any family and friends of the deceased to attend. Past members are more the welcome also. There will be light refreshments in the Parish hub afterwards. It should be a nice evening catching up with friends and remembering those no longer with us.
Christmas shoebox appeal
The guild has decided to take part in the worthy cause. It’s amazing how little things that are taken for granted daily that can bring such joy to children affected by poverty.
Scrapbook Evening
We have arranged an evening where we will learn how to preserve and arrange our photos in a scrapbook album.
Monthly Meeting
The next meeting takes place on Wednesday 12th November and new members will be warmly welcomed.
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 to any of the club executive.
Creative Minds Workshops for Children
A Creative Minds Workshop for Children including storytelling, messy play and crafts, mindfulness and fun! Will take place during the midterm break – Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th October (2 days); 6 – 9 yrs. From 10 – 1pm and 10 + yrs. from2 – 5pm. The venue is the Athlone Artists’ Studios, Abbey Road (near the Radisson Hotel). The cost is €50 per child and there will be small groups. You are asked to contact Niamh by phone at 086 3623971.
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.
Age Friendly Halloween Event
You are invited to join an Age Friendly Halloween Event in Kilbride Community Centre on Tuesday, 28th Oct., from 10a.m. – 2p.m. Guest Speakers: Dr. Martin Daly TD and a Seanachaí. Music will be provided by Jimmy Kearney & Friends. Hot food and refreshments will be provided. A fun-filled day of music/stories and community connection awaits! This event is free and open to everyone, so come along and enjoy a great day out. For any queries, contact Linda on 086 780 7438 or lindadevine@ridc.ie The event is organised by Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Roscommon Age Friendly, and Roscommon County Council – working together to celebrate community and connection
New book launched
Back at the beginning of August Dan Magan launched his book of poetry Songs of the Sesh. Last weekend just 12 weeks 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
Lanesboro Library
1-to-1 Digital Skills Classes
We are delighted to announce that Lanesboro Library will host 1-to-1 Tutor Led Digital Skills classes every Wednesday from 10am to 12.30pm. Classes are 30 minutes each. Please contact the library to book your place. Classes begin on October 29th and run through until January 21st.
Mid-Term Activities
Wednesday Oct 29th at 2pm – Spooky Print Workshop- Ages 4 and up
Friday Oct 31st at 11a.m. – Minecraft Halloween Arts & Crafts – Ages 6 and Up
Friday Oct 31st at 3pm – Spooktacular Family Movie – All ages
Board Game Battles
Saturdays from 10.30am-12.00pm, Lanesboro Library will host a drop-in session where you can play board games and challenge your friends! Parental supervision is required.
Longford Libraries Design a Bookmark Competition
Longford Libraries are inviting young readers to unleash their creativity in our annual ‘Design a Bookmark’ competition as part of our Children’s Book Festival, which runs throughout the month of October. Winning entries will be professionally printed and distributed across all six branch libraries.
The competition is open to two age categories: 4–8 years and 9–13 years. Each category will have one winning design, giving young artists the chance to see their work shared with the community.
Entry forms are available at all local libraries. Participants are encouraged to create bookmarks inspired by their love of reading, with ideas such as “I love books!” or “I love reading!”. Completed entries should be returned to a local library by 8 November 2025.
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 or 0433321291
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 13th October for a wonderful jackpot of €662. The winning ticket was bought by Stacey McGann, Carrowroe, who won the €662 pool 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.
€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 21st 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 14th October and there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 21st October. The numbers drawn were 1, 3, 9 30. The winner of the €50 prize was Eithne Clyne, Lanesboro, and the three winners of the €20 prizes were grace Rhatigan c/o Mary Rhatigan, Fermoyle, Alan Hanley, Community Enterprise scheme, and Johnny Hanley Corrigeen. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 21st 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.
Cloontuskert N.S.
Cloontuskert NS is currently accepting applications for admission to junior infants for September 2026. Application forms are available from the school of available for download at www.cloontuskertns.ie The school would appreciative if you could register your interest on or before Friday 21st November.
Thank You
The local branch of Longford Hospice would like to thank everyone who supported their coffee morning last Sunday in the Parish Hall. Thanks to Bernard Keane and Mike Casserly for donations of cakes, buns and biscuits. Thanks to Vinnie McGowan for the heart lifting back ground music, Pauline Casey for managing monies, Mary Kelly, Nadine and Mary McGowan for keeping teas and coffees flowing.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly Sunday night card game that took place on Sunday night 19th October weekly in Lanesboro Parish Hall are 1st Pat Rock & Tommy Fox. Joint 2nd were Tom Rooney & Joe Dolan and Kate & Mick Maguire. Last game winners were Eugene Kelly & Barney Kenny. Raffle winners were Gerry Leavy, Tom Mulvihill, Pat Rock and Johnno Beirne. 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.
Pizza Boy almost sold out
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.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing & Community Gathering
The next Social evening is Sunday, 26th October from 5-7 pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1)
Music will be supplied by the excellent Stuart Moyles
A great opportunity for a dance, a cuppa, and a catch-up with friend’s old and new – looking forward to welcoming everyone!
Newcomers are always welcome! For more info contact: Aisling 086 3663901.
Christmas Fair
The annual Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday 7th December in St. Marys Parish Hall. To make a booking or enquiries you should contact Mags on 0863600419. More details will follow in the coming weeks.
Pool Tournament
The 2nd Annual Heaney Boy Pool Tournament will take place in the ’98 Bar, Ballinamuck on Sunday next 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults: The classes for over-18 year olds who would like to be baptised, are baptised and would like to make their First Holy Communion or Confirmation, continue on Friday next 24th October at 7.30pm in the Family Centre behind St. Mel’s Cathedral. Please contact the Parish Office and leave your details.
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
Retreat:The Youth 2000 Connaught retreat takes place on November 21st – 23rd in Summerhill College, Sligo with workshops, music, talks, testimonies and more. Register online at www.Youth2000.ie or contact connaught@youth2000.ie for more information.
Derrane Graveyard: Prayers will be recited in Derrane graveyard on Sunday 2nd November at 3pm. All welcome.
Memorial Mass 2025: People of the area are reminded that a Memorial Mass for all the deceased over the past year will take place in Ballyleague church on All Souls’ Day 2nd November at 11.30am. All families, relatives and friends of the deceased are invited. After Mass there will be light refreshments in the Parish Hall, Ballyleague.
Religious Magazine: If you would like to get the religious magazine ‘The Messenger’ you should call Mary Ó Dúill at 3321969
Cloontuskert N.S: Cloontuskert NS is currently accepting applications for admission to junior infants for September 2026. Application forms are available from the school of available for download at www.cloontuskertns.ie The school would appreciative if you could register your interest on or before Friday 21st November.
Conference You are invited to ‘Abide in His Love’ Women’s Conference 21st to 23rd November in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran Co. Donegal. Guest speakers will include Sr. Mary Madeline Todd OP (USA), Megan Madden from ‘A Mother’s Lace’ (USA/UK), Fr. Barry Braum, Fr. Mark Wharton (UK), Fr. Francesco Mary Gavazzi, CFR, Nashville Dominican sisters, and Mass with Archbishop Eamon Martin. Check out Eventbrite for tickets and more information. This is an event not to be missed!
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
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.