Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Looking to create extra and new accommodation
Last year the events ran in Lanesboro and Ballyleague drew in thousands of people taking part, spectating or supporting in the events. There were three main draws in particular that brought people from all over the country and that was the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Monday 17th March, the Gaelforce Great River Swim on Saturday 17th May and again at the Lough Ree Tri Club’s Two Province Triathlon on Saturday 12th July. The entire summer was the best weather in years drawing in greatly enhanced numbers to the area. Every year our community in Lanesboro and Ballyleague makes themselves available for stewarding and this tremendous voluntary effort adds greatly to the running of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Gaelforce swim and the Tri Club Two Provinces Triathlon.
In 2026 we are looking forward to welcoming the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Tuesday 17th March, the Gaelforce Great River Swim on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May and the Two Provinces Triathlon on the weekend of Friday 10th and 11th July.
There is a great shortage of accommodation locally to accommodate many of the participants and their supporters who want to come to Lanesboro/Ballyleague for these weekends. Indeed, there is a constant shortage of accommodation in the area to satisfy the needs of everyone that wants to stay in our beautiful area throughout the year.
At a recent meeting it was suggested that to help alleviate the accommodation problems that we should ask people that may have spare rooms for B&B or empty properties to make them available for the weekends at the going rates for those extra people that need to be accommodated and want to stay locally.
Presently, there is a register of available properties and accommodation being drawn up and if you have a spare room, an apartment or a house available could you please get in touch with Nuala to express your willingness to be involved. The contact number is 043 33 21977 up to 2pm daily or email your information to lanesborotourismcoop@gmail.com
Rathcline Ladies Celebrate on Sunday
2025 was a wonderful year in the annals of Rathcline Ladies Football Club. Their first team were crowned county champions with a great win over Clonguish and the underage structure went from strength to strength with more and more young ladies taking to the field with great results reaching the final stages of most competitions winning at U14 and U16 level.
To mark the great success of the past year the ladies will hold a ‘Rathcline Ladies Dinner Dance’ in the Longford Arms Hotel on Bank Holiday Sunday 1st February.
Dinner Dances are a wonderful community event and a great club night. The entire community are encouraged to make a special effort to glam up for the night and come along and help acknowledge the great efforts of the Ladies throughout the year. This should be a wonderful community night in celebration of our own. Music will be provided by Blacksticks with special guest Patrick McHale followed by a disco.
Tickets costing €40, are available by contacting the Rathcline Ladies Facebook or Instagram page or contacting 087 9629 197 or 086 8153 439 and they are also available in O’Brien’s.
Getting ready for St. Patrick’s Day Parade
We are just seven short weeks away from the Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballyleague and Lanesboro. For us in the community and the surrounding parishes this is a wonderful occasion with so many clubs, associations, local groups and individuals getting into the spirit of the occasion. There are many well thought out floats and the creativity and ingenuity of people is what brings thousands to the streets every St. Patrick’s Day.
This year we are again hoping for a huge parade with more participating floats making the parade the best in the midlands area.
At the recent AGM of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee the following were elected for the coming year. Chairperson –Teresa Costello, Vice Chairman – Gerald Farrell, Secretary – Katie Adams, Treasurer – Lorraine Farrell, and committee members Hughie, Smyth, Chris Cullen, and Denis Crinigan.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly Sunday night card game that took place on Sunday night last 25th January in Lanesboro Parish Hall and the winners were 1st Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley and Josie & Freda Connaughton. Last game winners were Tom Rock and Tommy Fox. Raffle winners were Joe Dolan, Pat Joe Fallon, Tom Rock, Barney Kenny, Harry Skelly and Kitty Feeney. 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.
Ballyleague Hall get new caretaker
Congratulations to Liam Garvey who was recently appointed as caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
St. Patrick’s Day Fundraiser
In an effort to help finance the costs of running the St. Patrick’s Day Parade the St. Patrick’s Day committee are holding a Table Quiz in Adie’s bar on Friday night 20th February. Put the date in to your diary as your full support for this event will be greatly appreciated.
Former resident passes away
There are times that the mention of a family name brings back golden memories and for me when the news broke of the death of Brendan Keigher those memories came flooding back. Growing up at the back of the Garda barracks where Dominick Keigher was local sergeant and along with his wife Mae and his family lived in the attached Garda accommodation was fabulous as the lads in the family were so creative and inventive for a kid like me. Going into their garden when they were out playing was a wonderful memory as they let their creativity and inventiveness flow and I was in total awe of all their creations. They were young fellas long before their time without doubt. I have memories of Brendan playing with the Shannon Gaels team at underage. Their mother Mae passed away when the five children were very young and it is a testimony to the resilience and dedication of their father that all the children went on to be very successful. When Dominic retired the family then moved to live in Roscommon Town. For their time in Lanesboro the Keigher family are still fondly remembered.
Brendan went on to become an engineer where he lived and reared a family in Oranmore, Co. Galway along with his wife Margaret.
Brendan’s passed away suddenly at his home on Friday 16th January and his Funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, on Tuesday 20th with burial taking place in Renville Cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Margaret, his children Don Mairéad and Aoife, his sisters Angela and Marie, his brothers John and Donal, and to the extended Keigher family and friend.
The Joker rises to €2,500
The Joker in the St. Faithleach’s fundraiser is proving to be very elusive as once again on Saturday night last the pool of €2,400 was not won as the turn of the cards showed the Jack of Spades. The pool for Saturday night next rises to €2,500 and the cut will be from a reduced deck of 46 cards. Tickets for the Joker are priced at €5 each or 3 for €10 and they can be bought from club members, from the clubhouse or on the St. Faithleachs ClubSpot website. The two winners of the €100 winners of the draw were Alan McCormack and Chris Glennon.
Ballagh N.S. Open Evening
There will be an open evening on Ballagh National School on Tuesday 3rd February from 6 until 7 pm. Parents are invited to go along, view the school and see all the school has to offer potential students. For further information please contact the school 09066 25884.
St. Faithleach’s Clubhouse
You are invited to join in the Saturday night celebration of the first Bank Holiday of the year in the clubhouse where music will be provided by the extremely popular Carmel McLoughlin.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Tony Hutchinson and his son David, his family and the extended Shedwell family on the death of George Shedwell, St. Michael’s Road, Longford Town who passed away on Saturday 17th January. George, a former employee of ESB in the power station, was brother of Tony’s late wife Mary
Diarmuid appointed Captain
When the new manager of the Roscommon Senior team decided on picking his captain he went to the one player on the panel that not only has outstanding football abilities but one that is a leader of men in Diarmuid Murtagh. We wish Diarmuid and the Roscommon team the very best for the coming season as we do for the Longford team that includes 3 Rathcline players on the panel, Iarla O’Sullivan, and brothers Oran and Oisín Kenny.
Sustainability and Biodiversity
You are invited to join a workshop with Tidy Towns Adjudicator, Sharon Eastwood, and SEAI Mentors focussing on the Sustainability and Biodiversity categories of the Tidy Towns application.
If you are interested in Biodiversity and Sustainability, a member of a Tidy Towns team or part of a Sustainable Energy Group then you should attend this workshop.
Information will be received on the key tips for Tidy Town application and what adjudicators consider in the Sustainability and Biodiversity categories. Insights and advice on developing Sustainability and Biodiversity projects, grants and supports. Details of the REVAMP circular economy project at EDIC, it is ideal for groups who want to focus their long-term plans for Tidy Towns activities.
The workshop will take place at the EDI Centre, Longford, where the Eircode is N39 Y0F4 on Tuesday 10th February from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.
To attend or for further details please register at https://forms.office.com/e/D4FJQM6Agx or phone 087 2222543.
Roscommon Community Challenge 2026
The annual Roscommon Community Challenge will take place this year on Friday night 6th March with a moonlight 5k and 8k trip around the beautiful surrounds of Roscommon Town.
Every year more and more people from the Lanesboro and Ballyleague community are participating and this year it is hoped that there will be many more.
To help in advance of this event, the usual and extremely popular twice weekly training sessions will take place. The planned start date for this training was halted this week due to the inclement weather, but training started on Monday 12th January.
Training comprises of sixteen structured evening sessions, held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7pm from Roscommon Community Sports Park with expert – led support for walking and running,
The training programme provides a dedicated plan for walkers which will build safely towards a 5k, it also ensures gradual progression which is suitable for all fitness levels. Everyone is training and preparing alongside each other with the same end goal, getting fitter, healthier, and completing The Roscommon Community Challenge on Friday 6th March. Total cost of this training programme is only €30. Register for the event on Eventbrite (online only) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1963970007160
If you are a complete beginner with little or no experience, if you are a walker, a jogger, a runner or indeed if you want to set yourself a challenge to improve your health and fitness this training is the place for you. Children (must be accompanied by an adult), grannies granddads……everyone is welcome to what is a fun and challenging experience No matter what level of fitness you are currently at there is a place for you on our training programme.
This year special emphasis will be placed on our walking group with additional supports being provided to them to enable them to reach their highest potential.
So, register now to be part of something special, improve your health and fitness and at the same time know that you are helping a wonderful cause in Roscommon Special Olympics and Roscommon Community Sports Park. Further information can be had on 0861721181. The organisers are hugely indebted to Noel and his staff at Roscommon Sports Partnership; without their help we would not be able to provide such quality training by fully qualified expert tutors.
The Joker
So far nobody was turned over the Joker in the card cut in the St. Faithleachs GAA club fundraiser and Saturday night saw a jackpot for €2,500 go unclaimed. The jackpot rises to €2,400 for Saturday night next where the odds of turning the Joker is now one in 50. Go along; enjoy a great night of fun and craic in the clubhouse and be in with a chance to win the €2,400 jackpot. Saturday night winners in the draw were Ann Galvin and Michelle Brehon who both won €100.
Your opportunity to be part of the Fire service
Generally they are first on the scene of emergency calls, the training that the Fire Brigade members receive, teaches them to respond and deal with the tragedies unfolding as well as stabilising those that are in need of help until the medical services arrive.
The training the fire service team receives covers a wide range of emergencies, including fires, road traffic collisions, floods, and incidents involving hazardous materials. They are also involved in rescue operations, such as water rescue, general rescue, and extrications from vehicles. Beyond emergencies, fire services work in prevention, community education, and can act as first responders for medical situations.
Long gone are the days of just putting out fires and the training received shows that the training is for all eventualities.
Working on the local fire brigade service is not just something taken lightly by the local team; it is a commitment by all its members to our local community and they give up their valuable time to be at the ready to help any one of us in our hour of need. The local team is one of remarkable comradery with people from all walks of life giving of their time for us in their catchment area.
At present there are a few vacancies for men or women at the Lanesboro Fire Service and if you feel you would like to be part of this remarkable team you should apply at www.hrrecruitment@longfordcoco.ie
There are a few requirements in relation to response time but it should be no problem for those in the Lanesboro, Ballyleague, east Killashee and Derryhaun, Cloontagh area. For the younger generation there is a great trend for them to be in the gym and this physical fitness regime makes them ideal candidates to become members of the fire service.
Full and intensive training will be given to the successful applicants and even though this is a part-time job the remuneration is excellent with excellent opportunities for advancement to other opportunities.
Help build a new athletic track
Athletics speaks a universal language and gains universal support and we hope that a huge number of people of this area, that will have the opportunity to avail of the facility, will support this huge undertaking of the Roscommon Athletic Club.
Roscommon Athletic Club based in Roscommon Town has embarked on a huge project to create Roscommon’s first athletic track. The track will be a competition standard, 8 lane 400 metre track and will help greatly in the development of runners and sports people in the wider hinterland. When it is completed it will be of great benefit to the many athletes from our wider area that will be able to use the facility.
The club is seeking your support for their fundraising draw as they have to fundraise €1millon to see the project to it conclusion. With an identified site readily available in Lisnamult they are urging everyone with an interest in athletics to support their upcoming draw.
There are two incredible top prizes up for grabs, sponsored by two of the leading Irish companies based in Roscommon Town. Lidan is dedicated to providing high-quality modular buildings and they will supply a €65,000 stunningly designed and crafted Garden Room and nationally and internationally acclaimed Mark Lohan Kitchens will supply a €25,000 Bespoke Kitchen.
Tickets, locally, are available locally in O’Brien’s Corner Shop. Tickets are priced at €30 each, 2 for €50 or 5 for €100 or they can be bought online at www.winagardenroomkitchen.ie
Longford Association Dinner Dance
The Longford Association in London will be hosting its 70th Dinner and Dance on Saturday night next 31st January in the Clayton Hotel Chiswick and they are inviting everyone from home in Ireland and all over London and England, Scotland and Wales to come along and join them for what should be a huge night of celebrations. Music will be supplied by Longford’s finest, the one and only Declan Nerney and his band.
This will be a big night out, dry January is over and a bank holiday weekend in Ireland and no rugby games, so this is a free weekend to enjoy and dance the night away celebrating 70 years of memories and friends in London and Longford. Get in touch via email to longfordassociationlondon@outlook.com This email address can also be used for further information and also for the booking of tickets.
If you would like to support or help in any way, big or small sponsorship is always welcome , any money raised on the event is shared throughout the year with various charities in both London and Longford .
Lanesboro Library
Parent & Toddler Morning
Join us on Wednesday February 4th from 11am – 12pm for the launch of our weekly parent and toddler morning.
Tea & Coffee provided and plenty of books, toys, and space for the little ones to enjoy.
Ciorcal Comhrá/Irish Conversation Group
Ciorcal Comhrá ag tosú i leabharlann Bhéal Átha Liag, Déardaoin, 12 Feabhra, 5 – 5.45pm ar feadh ocht seachtaine.
Irish Conversation Group is starting in Lanesboro Library on Thursday 12th February, 5 – 5.45pm for eight weeks.
My Open Library
My Open Library gives patrons extended, staff-free access to the library from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year using their library card. Call into the library to learn how the system works, see a demonstration, and sign up for extended access. Whether you want to use the library to study after hours, pick up a book on the way home from work or get out of the house with your little ones on a rainy day, My Open Library can provide you the access you need!
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.
Upcoming Events at the Abbey Hotel
The Furey’s Farewell Tour will take place on Sunday next 1st February
Tina Turner Proud Mary Tribute Act on Saturday 21st February
Tickets and gift vouchers are available from the hotel reception. Tel 090 6626240.
€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 with the correct numbers. The next draw takes on Tuesday 27th January, for the wonderful jackpot of €15,000. Don’t miss your opportunity to get hold of the full €15,000 or share in the money. The numbers drawn in the last draw were 1, 7, 13 and 18. The winner of the €50 prize was Kieran O’Dowd, Rathcline, and the three €20 winners were Joe Browne, Ballyglass, Jay Flynn c/o XLNTEE and Kevin McKenna, Killashee.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 27th January 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.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 19th January for a prize of €692. The winning ticket was in the name of Oisín Farrell c/o Gerdie who was the recipient of the €692 cheque. As usual the winning cheque will be left in O’Brien’s for collection.
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.
The Joker
The St Faithleach’s find the Joker fundraiser took place last Saturday night in the clubhouse for a winning pool of €2400. The winner of the pool must cut the Joker from a pack of cards to claims the money. After each cut the cut card is taken out and the chances of turning it increases each week that the Joker is not turned over. The winners of the €100 for Saturday 17th January were Michelle Brehon and Anne Gavin. The winners of the draw on Saturday night 24th January were ………
Next week the cut will be from 47 cards for a pool of €2,500. Tickets can be bought online on the club portal
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The St. Faithleach’s lottery took place on Tuesday last in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 9, 13, 17 and 28. There was no winning envelope and the jackpot will stand at €10,600 for the next draw that will take place on Tuesday 3rd February in the clubhouse. The winner of the draw for a prize of €200 was Eamon Gallagher.
Enrolment at Newtowncashel N.S.
Enrolment is now open for St. Marys National School, Newtowncashel.
You should email office@stmarysntc.ie for application and enrolment.
Phone 04333 25433
Music Lessons
If you would like lessons in the Banjo, Fiddle, Tin Whistle, where beginners and improvers are welcome in Roscommon Town you should contact 0892769614 for all information. Classes can be 1 to 1 or small groups. The rates are quite reasonable.
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.
Living Well
Living Well is a free HSE programme which helps people living with a long-term health condition to manage their condition and improve their overall wellbeing. Anyone with any chronic illness such as diabetes, arthritis, COPD, cardiac illness, anxiety, etc. can benefit from these workshops. The next programme commences on this Thursday 22nd January at 10.30 a.m. in the Cube Building Roscommon Town.
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
Roscommon Drama Festival
The full programme has been drawn up for the very successful Roscommon Drama Festival will take place in the Arts Centre, Roscommon from Friday 6th to Saturday 14th March.
Once again the premier Festival of amateur drama will play host to many of the leading groups in the country as they present what can only be described as a “wonderful feast of entertainment.”
The Festival kicks off on Friday 6th with Ballyturk written by Enda Walsh. This will be performed by Kilmeen Drama Group. Saturday night 7th sees New Heritage Theatre Group on stage with Deirdre Kinehan’s play Outrage described as a “theatrical hurricane of emotion, empathy, action and truth.
On Sunday 8th The Nenagh Players present their interpretation of The Salvage Shop by Jim Nolan, “a compelling tale of familial recrimination, regret and rebirth” This is followed on Monday 9th with Dunmore Amateur Dramatic Society’s production of An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen (a version by Rebecca Lenkiewicz).
On Tuesday 10th we see Upstage Players from Claremorris take to the stage with the John B Keane classic The Year of the Hiker while on Wednesday 11th Corofin Dramatic Society will entertain us with Wit written by Margaret Edson. This has been described as a play in which ‘you will feel both enlightened and in a strange way, enormously comforted”
On Thursday 12th Glenamaddy Players introduce us to Chapatti by Christian O’Reilly This poignant and extremely funny play ‘shows us that love and romance can happen again after many years”.
Kilmuckridge Drama Group will present The Communication Cord by Brian Friel on Friday 13th and the Festival will draw to a close on Saturday 14th with the John B Keane play Sive. This will feature Dalkey Players on the final and awards ceremony night with the play commencing at 7.30pm.
The adjudicator for the Festival is Paula Dempsey who is very well known and respected in Irish drama circles.
Booking can be made at Roscommon Arts Centre at 090 662 5824 or online at www.roscommonartscentre.ie
Tickets cost €20 nightly with a five night ticket at €90 and a season ticket at €135.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing & Community Gathering
The next Social evening is Sunday next 25th January from 5-7 pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1)
Music will be provided byTom Moran
This is a great opportunity for a dance, a cuppa, and a catch-up with friends old and new – looking forward to welcoming everyone! Newcomers are always welcome!
For more info contact: Aisling 086 3663901
ALONE
Would you be willing to provide companionship to an older person locally? ALONE are seeking volunteers in your area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please apply via the ALONE website at www.alone.ie or for further information please contact us on volunteer@alone.ie or call 0818 222 024. If you are over 60 and would like to know more about the services ALONE can offer you, please call 0818 222 024.
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
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.
Time to be booking the trip to New York
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.
Church Gate Collection: Mary’s Meals annual church gate collection will take place on Saturday next 31st January and again on Sunday 1st February. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Offertory envelopes: Boxes of envelopes for Church offerings 2026 are available for collection in the church.
Rathcline Parish: The parish is allowed to benefit from families who contribute more than €250 to parish accounts each year. All parish donors have to do is to complete a form that is available on the table beside the donation boxes in the church. If you need any assistance please contact Maireád at the parish office or phone her at
3321166.
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 6th February.
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
Caretaker: Liam Garvey is now caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
Ballagh N.S. Open Evening: There will be an open evening on Ballagh National School on Tuesday 3rd February from 6 until 7 pm. Parents are invited to go along, view the school and see all the school has to offer potential students. For further information please contact the school 09066 25884.
Annual MSP Envelopes: At the request of Bishop Kevin Doran, everybody is encouraged to support and contribute generously to the religious order of Fr. Daniel, the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP) in their missionary activities in different parts of the world especially in areas ravaged by wars, famine, hunger and lack of basic human infrastructures. For more information into MSP you should visit www.mspfathers.org The envelopes will be distributed very soon and you are asked to return the envelopes by the weekend of 10th and 11th February. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Thank You: The ‘Table Quiz’ held in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse on Friday last proved to be an outstanding success. The organising committee were raising funds for the painting of Ballagh Church and they would like to sincere everyone for their tremendous generosity.
Support for ALONE : 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.
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.