Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
LCC Open Day
Lanesboro Community College will host their annual College Open Day on Thursday week 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.
Death
At the very mention of the name Eileen Banahan, Cappagh, Curraghroe, what springs to mind is style, elegance and warmth and it is with great sadness we no longer will meet this warm and friendly lady as she passed away at the Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon on Friday 31st October. Eileen was predeceased by her husband Packie in 1997, her baby Paula, and she was sister of the late Michael, P.J. and Stella Collins. She was warm and friendly lady whose ability to converse and make people feel at ease was renowned. Eileen will be remembered by people as having worked for many years in Rattigan’s in Kilrooskey. She was first and foremost a family woman that encouraged her family to be the best they could be in life and she was a wonderful supporter in the development of youth which was something that kept her young at heart. She liked nothing more than the outdoor life, was an avid gardener and would always be seen out tending to her garden where no job was too big to challenge. Reading was one of her favourite pastimes as she was a very well read lady, she was a lover of music and a particular favourite of hers was Irish music. Her religion meant so much to Eileen and she was a regular visitor to Lourdes with her sister Bernie. Eileen was a lady of great style she dressed with great elegance, was a very progressive lady that never let time stand still: she was always ready for the next adventure and trip. As a neighbour and friend she was superb and nobody went neglected in their time of want. Eileen was a founding member of the Kilgefin Graveyard Committee and a very active of the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day where she sold daffodils each year.
Eileen reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home on Saturday 1st November and on Monday she was removed from her daughter Bernie’s home in Ballyleague to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh for the Mass of the Resurrection. Burial took place afterwards to Cloontuskert cemetery. To her son Padraig, her daughters Bernie and Helen, her brother Peadar, her sister Bernie, grandchildren, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Ever reason for Eulogising our community
Over the past number of weeks I have been extoling the virtuesof our community and thispast weekend goes to show that we have a community worth praising and to be extremely proud of.
On Friday night last 7th November the Pride of Place winner announcements were made at a function in Limerick city hosted by Co-operation Ireland in association with IPB Insurance.
Pride of Place is an annual all-island competition that recognises and celebrates community efforts to improve their own area. With the support of their local authority, groups are encouraged to demonstrate their pride of community through their activities and culture. The community has to demonstrate through an oral presentation as well as a tour of their area.
‘The Abbey’ Cloontuskert as we know it were the local entrants in this year’s competition. It was fitting that they represented our community as well as the county of Roscommon as their continued development and consistently high marks and award winners in the SuperValu Tidy Towns competition is nothing short of remarkable. Their pride of place is a model for everyone and following its continued development we see how the community advance and grows from one week to the next such is their work ethic, their passion and forward vision for their area.
Friday last brought another accolade to this tremendously hard working community when they were crowned the outright winner from the entire 32 counties in the ‘Urban Neighbourhoods & Housing Estates’ category.
Their presentation and continued progress in both competitions starts with an acknowledgement of the people that came to work with Bord na Mona back in the 50’s, made ‘The Abbey’ Cloontuskert estate their home and they embraced their new community as if it were there from the start. The legacy of those families still resonates throughout the community and the newcomers that have bought some houses in the estate since embrace and enhance the continued development. The entire community rightly basks in the glory of this fabulous award and it is a wonderful recognition of those at the helm at the moment driving it forward and all those that are remembered for giving so much to the ‘The Abbey’ Cloontuskert community from the very outset.
‘The Abbey’ Cloontuskert committee and community take a bow as you are worthy All-Ireland Champions.
Triathlon Ireland held their annual awards night in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin on Saturday night last and once again out local Lough Ree Triathlon Club were again nominated for an award, this time in the ‘Race of the Year’ category.
Lanesboro Triathlon club was formed in 2010 just 15 years ago and since their inception they have been one of the most progressives clubs in the country along with hosting the wonderful Two Provinces sprint triathlon every year. For a club that is such a relatively short time in existence they were nominated and awarded Club of the Year in 2019 and on Saturday night last 8th November they were awarded the Triathlon Ireland ‘Race of the Year’. Lanesboro Tri club is a community sporting group like no other with extensive membership from many parts along with a massive community support.
The Two Provinces Triathlon every July is a massive event in the community and the support it receives from the community is nothing short of unbelievable. People year on year have been taking time from their work and other chores to help steward the race, to give of their time to creating a warm, welcoming and safe competition. As a steward nobody moves from their post until the last swimmer is out, the last cyclist is back at transition and the last runner crosses the finishing line. Not only the stewards but the people living on the route of the cycle and the running race offer their support to those unfortunate to experience problems. This race is truly a community event and it is testimony to the Tri Club that they are held in the highest regard.
This year has been a momentous year for the club as it is in the midst of it preparation to move into its new premises, the old tomato shed, that was donated to the club by ESB. Presently there are refurbishments being made to the building that will be their new home in early 2026. To have put 15 years behind them, having a new central training centre base, Club of the Year 2019 and Race of the Year in 2025 is an acknowledgement to the young men and women that started the club, who are still an active presence in and around the club, and to those that have since taken the mantle of continuing to create such a successful, growing and vibrant club we salute you on your tremendous achievement.
What we have shown from the awards of last weekend is that we continue to display every reason to come to live, work, play, create employment in a community that for so many years has been so welcoming, progressive and continues to develop with the support of all its community members. Our community shows we have the best of people and we have proved to be very resilient in the face of the adversity that we had befall us with the closure of the Power Station and the negligible work force remaining in Bord na Mona. We are determined not to be left behind and with the remarkable abilities and fortitude of so many people of great intellect and perception who have the determination to create our community into a vibrant and thriving community and we are sure to prosper.
The actions of these two successful groups on an All-Ireland stage along with the many other progressive groups within our community shows we are the place to be.
Clarke’s Pub
A few weeks ago I mentioned that there was a strong possibility of Clarke’s Pub coming up for sale. Earlier last week the pub that has been in the Clarke’s family name since 1824 was officially put on the market with an asking price of €350,000. This is a unique opportunity for someone to avail of a wonderfully located business with a 4 bedroom residence and a wonderful backdrop of the Shannon.
An accident beyond belief
When three young men decide to go for a coffee during a work break you think nothing of it or so we thought. Last week in Sydney, Australia three young men went off casually for their coffee and while returning they were chatting while waiting for the pedestrian lights to change so that they could cross the road. At that very time two vehicles crashed with one of the vehicles being turned on its side and it careered into the three young men at a high speed. Seeing it on screen it made you fear for the lives of the three who were seriously injured and thankfully not dead. It was as bad an accident as you could wish to witness and the fact that they are still alive is due to the quick response of an onlooker, his immediate emergency call and the rapid response of the medical service.
One of the young men was the son of local man Padraig Mullooly and his wife Margaret. Padraig has been in Australia for many years and along with Margaret they have three children Laura, Emmet and Daniel all who are regular visitors to Lehery. As it happens Padraig had only gone back to Sydney as he was home in Lehery just a few weeks ago for a holiday. It is a terrible traumatic time for the family in Australia but also for local Mullooly family of Margaret, Louis, Brigid and Mike (NY) and their extended family.
While the injuries to Emmet are bad, thankfully the prognosis is that he will make a good recovery from his injuries. To come through such an ordeal is truly frightening and we wish Emmet and his two workmates a full recovery that, in time, will allow them to go forward to lead a long and full life.
ICA
The ladies enjoyed a lovely evening last week learning about scrapbooking with Virginia. There was great and unique creativity and the time passed quite quickly with the ladies creating lovely page layouts to start the scrapbooking journeys.
The next federation walk will take place on Sunday next 16th November when the destination will be Derrycassin Woods. The walk is open to all so feel free to join the ladies. The walk will begin at 2pm.
The next guild meeting takes place on this Wednesday 12th November in the Parish Hub at 8pm. The ladies of the guild would love seeing new faces so if you would like to attend please feel free. There’s no pressure to join and you can join in the tea and cake afterwards.
ESB Annual Mass
The Annual Mass for deceased staff members of ESB Lanesboro will be held in the Parish Hall, beside the bridge), on this Wednesday 12th November at 8pm. All are welcome to go along and celebrate the memory of all those that worked there and made the community a richer place.
TAI CHI
Longford Westmeath TAI CHI and CHI KUNG – Movement for Health and Fitness will commence in Lanesboro Parish Hall on this Wednesday 12th November at 7pm. This hour long class will be a 4 week course. For information and booking please phone 087 9925 816
Festival Folk returns
Last year Roscommon Cancer Support hosted Festival Folk in Roscommon and it was a resounding success and proved to be a fabulous support to Roscommon Cancer Support. The support last year from our local community was excellent and it is hoped that it will be even greater this year.
This year, Roscommon Cancer Support group, have put together another fantastic line up to perform at the Abbey Hotel on Thursday 11th December at 8pm. Featuring will be national and international artists, Mike Hanrahan, Pat Shortt, Mary Coughlan, Ultan Conlon along with the Roscommon Men’s Choir, Michael Banahan & Bill Shanley, Vincent Pierce and the Shannon Academy School of Dance. The compere will be Deirdre Kelly. Tickets, priced at €25 are available from the Abbey Hotel (09066 26240), Vita House (090966 25898) or online at Eventbrite.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Eamon and Bernie Sheridan, Ballyglass and Carmel and Tommy O’Donoghue, Strokestown Road and their extended families on the sudden death of Eamon and Carmel’s brother-in-law Eddie Martin, Rush, Co. Dublin. Eddie was married to Margaret Sheridan from Cloontuskert to whom we extend our sincere sympathy to her and her sons Eddie and Gary.
Bord na Mona Mass
The annual Mass for retired, deceased and current workers of Bord na Mona will take place in St. Mary’s Church on Thursday 26th November at 10am
Find the Joker arrives in Ballyleague
It was only a matter of time that this fun and novel way of fundraising, Find the Joker, would arrive and it arrives on Saturday night next 15th November in the St. Faithleach’s GAA clubhouse. This game has been hitting the high spots in so many places with outstanding success and we look forward to it been as successful for the St. Faithleach’s club.
The idea of the game is that a standard pack of cards (52) add in the joker to make 53. Each entry is €5, you can enter as often as you like before the lucky envelope is pulled out on the Saturday night with the owner of the envelope having the opportunity to cut the cards once and if they turn the joker then they win the jackpot. If they do not turn the joker then that card is omitted from the next draw, the pool will have an added €100 and so on until the jackpot is won. There will also be two tickets drawn on the night for €100 each but it is only people that are in attendance that can win these 2 prizes.
This game promises to be great fun and it will create great excitement every Saturday night in the clubhouse where there will be music every Saturday night starting with Seamus Farrell on Saturday night. Tickets €5 will be on sale on line on the club app and in local shops.
Join in the fun and the frolics of this new draw.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Freda and Josie Connaughton and family, on the death of Freda’s brother Peadar (Peter) McDonagh, Leixlip, Co. Kildare who passed away on Saturday 8th November.
Lough Ree A.C.
Ballinrobe was the venue for the Connaught Uneven Cross Country Championships 2025. What a difference from the wild Atlantic wind and torrential rain of two weeks ago, we arrived at Ballinrobe Racecourse to a blast of beautiful bright winter sunshine and perfect cross country conditions. First up were our under 11 Girls, new member Farah Flynn had her first taste of cross country at this level and finished well despite having a stitch for most of the race. Katie stood in for Aoife who was out sick, she ran a great race to finish well up the field and was fourth finisher in the Roscommon County team just losing on medals with the county finishing fourth team position . In the under 11 Boys Rhys Mulvhill was our only competitor with Conor out with an ankle injury. This was Rhys first venture into cross country and he ran a great race and enjoyed the course and the experience but missed the support of team mates. Next up were our stalwarts, our under 13 boys, Harry Kenny and Hugh Creedon were out again and were joined by newbie Eoghan O’Duaill in his debut at Connaught level. All ran to form finishing well up the field; unfortunately they missed out in the team event as Anton was another casualty of the winter flu. Well done to all our competitors, you are a credit to yourselves, your parents and your club, we are so proud of you. Thanks to Connaught Athletics and Lake District Athletic Club for organising such a well-run and enjoyable event.
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.
Set Dancing Classes
A Set Dancing class for beginners will commence in The Hill, Newtowncashel on Monday next 17th November from 7.30pm to 8.30pm for four weeks.
Alternatively, Set Dancing classes have commenced on Wednesday nights in the Rugby Club Longford. The class is from 7.30 to 9.30.
Everybody is welcome and no need for a partner and all levels are catered for.
Dancing is an excellent exercise for the mind and body. Get fit while having great fun.
Come along and give it a try and if you require more info 0868546433
Craft Fair and Cake Bake
On Sunday 30th November, Kilgefin Women’s Shed is holding a Craft Fair and Bake Sale from 1pm to 4pm in the Parochial House Ballagh, F42YN61. There will be lots of handmade crafts and home baked goods on sale. There will also be stalls from guest crafters including Tom Gill, Strokestown Women’s Shed, Kiki Art and Ballyleague N.S. There is free entry to the Craft Fair and Bake Sale and tea and coffee will be served. There will be a raffle on the day with lots of prizes. You are encouraged to go along and support the Women’s Shed.
A Calm Christmas Moment: Sensory Santa is for Everyone!
Skip the noise and the long lines for Santa this year. The Access For All Sensory Santa experience is designed to be calm, quiet, and wonderfully slow-paced and a chance to forget the usual holiday rush!
Whether you have sensory needs, a shy child, a busy toddler, or just prefer a relaxed atmosphere, this is your perfect photo opportunity. Everyone deserves a stress-free Santa visit and this is the ideal opportunity locally
Book your quiet moment today at the Access For All as there are limited slots available for a magical visit to Santa that will take place on Saturday 20th December from 10am to 3.50pm.
When you book you secure your 10 minute slot with Santa for up to 3 children. Each child will receive a gift and you are welcome to take as many pictures as you like. The cost of the visit to Santa is just €5 per child
Volunteer with SVP
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, you should contact the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at 1800 677 777.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly Sunday night card game that took place on Sunday night 9th November in Lanesboro Parish Hall are 1st Barney Kenny and Eugene Kelly. There were five tied for second place: Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley, Tom Rock & Tommy Fox, Pat Joe Fallon & Tom Nohilly, Anne Corcoran & Kay Featherstone and Peggy Moran & Noreen Gibbons. The last game winners were Tom and Annie. The raffle winners were Joe Dolan, Anne Corcoran, Kitty Feeney and Noreen Gibbons. New card players will always be welcome to join in for a great night of card playing and friendliness. Light refreshments as always are served.
Pilates with Regina
Mat Pilates classes (with Regina) takes place every Thursday evening at St. Mary’s Hall Lanesboro 7.30pm The classes incorporating balance, resistance, and weight bearing exercises. For further information call Regina at 087 2485822.
Line Dance Classes
Beginners Line Dance Classes comes to the Temperance Hall Longford (N39 R9X8) every Monday night at 7.30pm. This popular dance continues to grow rapidly countrywide and this is you opportunity to learn the steps and join in at all the dances and functions. The tutor is Christopher Beirne and if you require further information please call 086 847 4744
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.
Book is selling very well
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 said “went all the way on every drug, and I saw the light”. The book is on sale in O’Brien’s priced €20 and it has proved to be a very popular book.
Coffee Morning
A coffee morning supporting Radio Maria will take place this Wednesday 12th November following 10am Mass. All are welcome to come along and support in the Parish Hub.
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 began on Wednesday last and it will run through until 21st January.
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.
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 3rd November for an excellent jackpot of €546. The winning ticket was bought by Paddy Clyne, Ballymahon who won the €546 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.
St. Faithleach’s Lotto reaches €10,000
The St. Faithleach’s GAA draw has reached €10,000 following nobody having the correct numbers. The next draw will take place on this Thursday 13th November. Tickets are on sale at all local outlets or from club members.
Craft Fair & Bake Sale
On the last Sunday of the month, Sunday 30th November, the Kilgefin Women’s Shed is holding a Craft Fair and Bake sale from 1pm to 4pm in the Parochial House Ballagh, F42YN61. There will be a great selection of handmade crafts and home baked goods will be on sale. There will be stalls from guest crafters such as renowned creative artist Tom Gill, Strokestown Women’s Shed, Kiki Art and Ballyleague N.S. there is free entry with tea and coffee served. There will be a raffle on the day with lots of prizes.
Carers Support Group
The Carers Group for families and carers of people living with Dementia will take place each Tuesday between 4th November and 2nd December from 2-3pm in the Conference Room, Primary Care Centre, Flancare Business Park, Athlone Road. No registration required, free parking, tea/coffee provided. For info – contact Jeena Thomas, Clinical Nurse specialist on 087 474 0529.
€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 4th November, 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 28th October and there was no winner of the draw and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw on 4th November. The numbers drawn were 4, 15, 19, and 25. The winner of the €50 prize was K&S McGovern, Rathcline Road and the three €20 prizes were won by Tom Gill, Ballyglass, Kathleen T. Kelly, Carraroe and Alan Hanley, Ballyleague. The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 4th November 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.
Lend me a Tenor
Roscommon Drama Group is delighted to be taking to the stage once again, with their production Lend Me A Tenor written by Ken Ludwig and directed by Kieran Madden of Roscommon Drama Group. The play is guaranteed belly laughs, not to be missed on Thursday 27th, Friday 28th and Saturday 29th November at 8 p.m. Tickets available from Roscommon Arts Centre – €18.
Self-Care Program
A Self-Care programme for men and women over 18yrs will be held in Roscommon Town on Fridays 10am – 1pm, starting on Friday 14th November. This programme is aimed at people who are affected by their own or another person’s drug and/ or alcohol use. Activities include cookery classes, art, pottery, exercise and much more. Call Maria on 087 1030493 for more information and to register.
Security Course
This is an opportunity to get your Security Officer Licence in Longford. This course is conducted with a PSA approved trainer; the course satisfies QQI level 4 and those competing the course will receive a Certificate in Static and Retail Security. The course takes place in the EDI Centre, Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford; Eircode N39 Y0F4.
The course will commence on Wednesday week 19th November over duration of 4 weeks – one class per week. The cost of the course is €390 (DEASP (Department of Social Protection) payments accepted and there are also payment plans available). All enquiries by phone to 085 125 3260 or by email at info@assuredsecurityacademy.ie
Simon Casey in St. Brigid’s
A fundraiser for St. Brigid’s Church parish Funds, Ardagh, will take place in St. Brigid’s Church on Sunday 14th December. Christmas Time with leading vocalist Simon Casey will offer an evening of Christmas cheer with songs of hope and inspiration. Tickets are available in O’Brien’s Lanesboro or you can pay by REVOLUT to Betty 086 3855 424.
Fundraising Raffle
The Ballyleague National School Parents Association is holding a Fundraising Raffle and they are encouraging everyone to support their raffle. The prize structure is 1st €1000 voucher for Wildlands, Galway or the cash equivalent, 2nd A Galaxy tablet donated by The Lunch Bag, 3rd €200 donated by Duggan’s Bus Hire and Midlands Sports Surfaces, 4th 3 months membership at Roscommon Leisure Centre, 5th €100 Abbey Hotel Roscommon Voucher donated by Gary’s Gardening and 6th Electric Heater donated by Keogh Electrical Ltd. Tickets are priced at 1 – €10; 3 – €25; 8 – €50. The draw will take place on Thursday 18th December. You can buy tickets online https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/BallyleagueNSFundraiser
Fundraising Table Quiz
Killashee Cemetery committee is holding their annual fundraising Table Quiz to raise funds for refurbishment and maintenance of the graveyard. The Table Quiz will be held in the Chestnut tree, Killashee on Friday week 21st November. Tables of 4 will cost €40. With a good number of families from the east side of our parish buried there we would encourage excellent support from the parish.
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
Retreat
The Youth 2000 Connaught retreat takes place on November 21st – 23rd in Summerhill College, Sligo. Workshops, music, talks, testimonies & more. Donation only. Register online at Youth2000.ie, contact connaught@youth2000.ie for more information.
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 Fire 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
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.
Spirit Lifter: A November Spirit Lifter is the ‘Abide in my Love’ Women’s Conference that will take place in the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd November.
Coffee Morning: A coffee morning supporting Radio Maria will take place this Wednesday 12th November following 10am Mass. All are welcome to come along and support in the Parish Hub.
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
Kilgefin Christmas Party: The Kilgefin Parish Senior Citizen and retiree Christmas party will take place in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse on Sunday 7th December at 3pm. The afternoon will include dinner, music, spot prizes and fun. As the parish has not hosted the Christmas Party for a few years and with a small number of committee members the intention is to hand deliver invitations but if they do not get to you, you are asked to take this notice as your invitation and if everyone could state their intentions of attend on or before 20th November so that the committee can make preparations for a definite number. RSVP have to be made to Helen Wallace 086 0886981Gerry Donlon 086 8221924 or Marian Murphy 089 4303169. Alternatively a box will be left at the back of the three churches if you wish to leave your reply and details in the box.
Ballyleague Church Rota: Copies of the updated rota for Ballyleague Church are available in the church porch.
Volunteers wanted for Ballagh Church: Presently, Fr. Dan is looking for volunteers to open Ballagh Church on a rota basis. If possible, he would like to set up a group of 12 people; therefore it could be done on a monthly basis. At the moment Fr. Dan would like to have the church open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday with the heat turned on before Mass. If you are interested please contact Clement Collins 086 805 4205.
Save the Date: On Sunday 30th November, Kilgefin Women’s Shed is holding a Craft Fair and Bake sale from 1pm to 4pm in the Parochial House Ballagh, F42YN61. Lots of handmade crafts and home baked goods will be on sale. Also stalls from guest crafters: Tom Gill, Strokestown Women’s Shed, Kiki Art and Ballyleague N.S. there is free entry with tea and coffee served. There will be a raffle on the day with lots of prizes.
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.
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!
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.
Newsletter inclusion: Any items you want included in the newsletter you must email the contents to kilgefinparish21@gmail.com on or before the Wednesday of that week.
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.
Lottery: The lottery draw took place last week and there was no winner of the jackpot of €9,900. The jackpot for Thursday 13th November will now be €10,000. Congratulations to Leo Tully, who was drawn as the winner of the draw for €200. Tickets on sale at the usual local outlets or online https://member.clubspot.app/club/st-faithleachs-gaa/fundraisers
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.
Minor Club AGM: The Minor Club AGM takes place on Monday 10th November in the clubhouse at 8pm
Club AGM: St. Faithleachs GAA Club AGM takes place on Saturday 29th November in the clubhouse at 7pm; all members are invited to attend.
The JOKER: Starting on Saturday night and every Saturday night, THE JOKER comes to St. Faithleachs. A chance to win €2000 if you pick the right card, and two prizes of €100 if not. Tickets are available on our club app or in person on the night. You have to be in it to win it, so come along on Saturday night, music by Séamus Farrell.
Condolences: The club would like to express our Condolences to the family and friends of the late Eileen Banahan. May she rest in peace