Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
Leaving his native Portumna at a young age, he stopped to work in Athy where he met and married his wife Una, and we were very fortunate that they made his forever home with us when he came to work with Bord na Mona in the 60’s and they initially lived on the Green. The death of John Lawlor, Rathcline, a day short of his 88th birthday, on Friday 20th March at the Midlands Regional Hospital following a short illness was met with universal sadness throughout the community and further afield. He worked with Bord na Mona right up to his retirement age and not only was he extremely popular with his workmates but his unique personality warmed everyone he met and a meeting with John Lawlor was never ever forgotten. He was renowned as an excellent fitter but it was in his garden that John really bloomed. He had an extensive garden that he was extremely proud of and he knew everything about every flower and shrub in the garden. He was always welcoming when anyone enquired about his garden and invariable they left with cuttings for their garden and instructions on planting. John had a matchless sense of fun and devilment and even enjoyed when it backfired on him. He was a community man from his arrival to the very end. He involved deeply himself in the Rathcline club as secretary and the Community Games as well as other community groups who could always depend on his support. He had a great kindness and gentleness and generous to the tip. Pride of place was a very significant thing in John’s life – the glory years of his native Portumna (2003-2013) along with the achievements in Lanesboro made him very proud. He was a very determined man and one day, when living on the Green, he arrived home with a door knocker and Una asked him what he was going to do with it and his response was that he was going to build a house and over the next seven years he practically built his new home in Rathcline singlehandedly. John will be forever remembered and sadly missed but with a smile rather than a frown for all the marvelous memories he left behind.
John reposed at his home on Sunday 22nd and on Monday his remains were removed for his Requiem Mass at St. Mary’s Church. Following Mass he was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery.
To his wife Una, his sons Shane, Ronan, Odie and Evin, his brothers Noel and Brendan, his sisters Kathleen and Marie, relatives and many friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Irish Conversation Group
An enthusiastic group to encourage the speaking of Irish has begun in Lanesboro Library and will continue every Thursday from 5pm to 5.45pm. Everyone with an interest in speaking Irish are invited to attend and even those with an interest but have not the language, yet, are invited to attend.
Annual Stations of the Cross Procession
You are all invited to join the congregations of Lanesboro, Ballyleague and St. John’s for the Annual Stations of the Cross procession on Good Friday morning starting at 10.30am. The procession will commence from St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro and end at Ballyleague church.
Everybody is invited and welcome to join as they walk prayerfully with Jesus as he embraced his suffering and death at Calvary for our salvation.
Easter Monday Walk
Ballyleague Tidy Town committee is hosting an Interactive Nature/Biodiversity/Memorial WalkonSalmons Lane (Ballyleague) Easter Monday 11.30 AM
The walk will be led by a professional versed in Horticulture and Biodiversity and will seek to identify plants and wildlife along the route. To aid this process a limited number of electronic devices will be provided to participants Photographic/drone footage of the walk will also be taken as part of the Creative Roscommon/Ireland Initiative
Walk which will be approximately Two KM in length will commence at top of Salmons lane to the junction of Kilnacarrow. Return transport provided for those feeling exhausted to the starting point.
The walk will also be used to remember former Tidy Towns volunteers and deceased residents of Salmons lane.
Easter treats for kids on the day also.
A great way to enjoy Nature, explores the environment, get some exercise and have an enjoyable, interesting and fun family day.
Cake Sale
Lanesboro Primary School Parents Association will be holding their Annual Bake Sale on Easter Sunday 5th April after Sunday Mass from 12 noon until 2pm in the Parochial House, also known as the hub. This is the main fundraiser of the year, so all the support you can give and encouragement would be greatly appreciated.
Support for Teresa
The annual VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, the 10km Charity Road Race, will, this year, take place on the streets of Dublin on Sunday 31st May. Teresa Kiernan, Gurteengar, will be taking part in this sold out event. Teresa is taking part to raise vital funds for the County Longford Hospice Homecare CLG. There are sponsorship cards throughout the local businesses and your generosity is called upon for such a very worthwhile organisation that does so much great work.
Do you shop in Tesco Roscommon?
If you shop in Tesco Roscommon your support is required for Ballagh National School who were delighted to be nominated as one of the 3 groups to benefit from the Tesco Community Fund. The school committee would like to encourage everyone from all over the local area who is shopping in Tesco Roscommon over the next few weeks to drop a blue token into the Ballagh NS box. Thank you in advance for your support.
Walk in the Park
Longford Parkinson’s Branch is holding a ‘Walk in the Park’ at the Mall grounds, Longford, on Saturday week 11th April at 11am. This is the group’s annual fundraiser and you are asked to be generous in your donations. For further details you are invited to contact 087 7640 409.
Ready for Integration
At this weekend’s Camogie Association’s Annual Congress Brian Molloy said the Camogie Association is ready for integration and that it should be a fait accompli in 2027. The Camogie Association have done their due diligence in preparation for the integration of the Camogie Association, the GAA and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA).
No doubt every club and county ground will have to reassess their facilities with many having to upgrade them to a level suitable level for accommodating of the ladies and their organisations.
The integration is a natural progression towards an inclusive organisation, one that the ladies have played a major role in for years when the GAA was a men only playing organisation. Integration was happening in a way in clubs with ladies playing a major role in the executives off the field and now they will all be together playing their part both on and off the field.
Brian’s term of office that began in 2024 will finish in 2027 and we hope that integration can be completed in time for next year’s Camogie Associations Congress.
Roscommon Fleadh
The Roscommon Fleadh is hosted by CCÉ Bhaile Ros Comáin and it is taking place in Roscommon Town from this Friday 3rd to Monday 6th April. A Ceilí with The Pipers Cross Céilí Band; An inclusive Ceilí with Rise The Dust; U.18 Busking Competition; Tráth na Gceist; Historical Walking Tour; Music workshops; A fantastic Session Trail featuring top class musicians from Roscommon and beyond. And so much more! Go along and enjoy all the events, Celli’s and sessions over what should be a wonderful weekend just in the road from us.
Liturgies for Holy Week
Liturgies at St. Mary’s Lanesboro
Reconciliation service on Tuesday 31st at 7pm.
Liturgy on Wednesday 1st April at 7pm.
Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7pm
Good Friday at 10.30am the Station of the Cross will take place on the street between Ballyleague Church, St. John’s and St. Mary’s
Celebration of the Passion at 3pm
Taize Prayer around the Cross will take place at 9pm
Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Celebration of the Resurrection at 9pm – There will be no 6.30pm Mass
Easter Sunday Mass at 11am.
Kilgefin Easter Liturgies
Holy Thursday – “Mandatum Thursday” in Curraghroe Church at 7pm.
Good Friday in Ballyleague Church Celebration of the Passion at 3pm
Holy Saturday – Easter Vigil in Ballagh Church at 7.30pm
Easter Sunday Mass in Ballyleague Church at 11.30am
St. Mel’s Cathedral
Wednesday; Chrism Mass will take place in St. Mel’s Cathedral at 7pm.
Holy Thursday; Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7.30pm followed by Adoration until 10pm. Good Friday; The Lord’s Passion at 3pm. Stations of the Cross at 7.30pm. Taizé Prayer around the Cross at 9pm
Holy Saturday; Vigil 9.30pm (Confessions 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm).
Easter Sunday; Dawn Mass at 6.15am, 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 6pm
Sacred Heart Church Roscommon
Holy Thursday; 7.30 pm – Mass of the Lord’s Supper followed by Adoration until 9.30 pm
Good Friday; 12 noon – Stations of the Cross in St. Coman’s Cemetery 3 pm – Solemn Ceremony of the Passion – followed by Confessions. At 7.30 pm – Stations of the Cross in the Church
Holy Saturday Confessions: 10 am- 11 am and 2 pm – 3 pm
At 8pm the Easter Vigil.
Easter Sunday Mass in the Church at 9 am and 11.30 am
Call for Accommodation
Can you provide accommodation?
If you would like to create another income stream you are being offered the chance to do so by entering into the accommodation sector be it as a B&B, renting a house or renting room in your own home.
The Gaelforce Great River Swim on Saturday 17th May and the Lough Ree Tri Club’s Two Province Triathlon on Saturday 12th July offer great opportunities and potential. The entire summer with the best weather in years drew in huge numbers to the area with a huge number seeking to stay locally.
In 2026 we are looking forward to welcoming the Gaelforce Great River Swim on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May coupled with a local festival added in and the Two Provinces Triathlon on the weekend of Friday 10th and 11th July.
As you are fully aware 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.
It was suggested that we should ask local 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.
This is a wonderful chance for people that were toying with the idea of providing accommodation to do so over the weekends and they can use the opportunity to see if it is suitable for them and what they can do to tweak it to make it better for all and with any luck it will provide a new income stream and business.
At present, and for a week or two more, 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
Community Games 2026
We had our Lanesboro Community Games arts and handwriting competition on Sunday last 29th March.
There were some amazing pieces of art and handwriting. Many thanks to Stephanie and Kevin Hanlon who had the difficult job of judging the entries.
The Art pieces will be kindly displayed by Martina and Joe O’Brien in O’Brien’s shop over the next few weeks.
The Lanesboro winners are
Handwriting U10 Girls: 1st Emma Curran, 2nd Sophie Murphy, 3rd Sophie McKenna Cosgrove
Handwriting U10 Boys: 1st Sean Casey
Handwriting U12 Girls: 1st Aoife Chapman, 2nd Ruth Johnston
Handwriting U14 Girls: 1st Annelisa Casey
Handwriting U14 Boys: 1st Brían Rumley
Art U8 Girls: 1st Samara Hurson, 2nd Kayla Murray, 3rd Ella Gilmore
Art U10 Girls: 1st Zara Curran, 2nd Sophie McKenna Cosgrove, 3rd Ella Cáit Hurson
Art U10 Boys: 1st Joe Gilmore, 2nd Robin Donnellan,
Art U12 Girls: 1st Isabella Makieh, 2nd Ruth Johnston, 3rd tie between Aoife Chapman/ Queevah Quain
Art U14 Girls: 1st Annelisa Casey, 2nd Zoe May Shortall
Art U14 Boys: 1st Brían Rumley
Thanks to the hall committee for the help with the hall. Many thanks to Siobhan Curran for coordinating the Lanesboro event where the children had a great afternoon of creativity and fun.
Community Games Social Media Coordinator,
Lanesboro Community Games is looking for a volunteer to help out with updating the Lanesboro Community Games Facebook page. If you are over 18 years of age and could spare some time to help promote the Lanesboro community games on the social media, please contact Serena on 0879176525.
A book of poetry for your Coffee Table
Kieran Feeney’s first book of poetry – Opaque has been a resounding success with excellent sales to date. The feedback from those that have already read the book of poems to the book has been superb and it is very pleasing to see the strong sales continuing.
The book of poetry is on sale in O’Brien’s costing €15.
The Joker escapes again
The Joker in the St. Faithleachs GAA club fundraiser continues to be very elusive and Saturday night last 28th March saw the jackpot pool of €3,3300 go unclaimed and now it is getting very interesting as the odds continue to grow in the players favour.
The pool continues to rise and the number of cards gets fewer and the odds of turning the Joker are increasing by the week, so get your tickets for Saturday night next and you may the lucky one.
The jackpot rises to €3,400 on Saturday night next 4th April where the odds of turning the Joker are now one in 38. Go along to the clubhouse enjoy a great night of fun and craic in the clubhouse and be in with a chance to win the growing €3,400 jackpot pool. The odds are continuing to grow in your favour as the pool continues to rise and who knows that the €3,400 can be yours on Saturday night next. On Saturday night last the winners in the draw were Alan McCormack and Padraig Hoare who both win €100. Be in with your chance to have a cut for the Joker by buying tickets online on the ClubSpot portal St. Faithleach’s, from any of the organising committee or in the clubhouse on Saturday night.
Just 4 weeks to go
The Roscommon Athletic Club is determined to develop the very first athletic track in the county of Roscommon and it will be situated in Lisnamult as part of the Lisnamult Community Sports Park.
Their ambitious plan is to create top class athletic facilities of national competition standard comprising of an 8 lane 400 metre track and field event area. 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 delighted to see the amount of support it is receiving from the Lough Ree Athletic club’s catchment area.
The club is currently running a draw where two excellent prizes can be won. The prizes are sponsored by two 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
N. A Meetings
N.A. physical meetings on Tuesday nights from 8 – 9 p.m. in Room 13 at St. Coman’s Club, Abbey St., Roscommon
Lanesboro ICA Guild
Walk
A very enjoyable was held on Sunday 22nd March when the ladies took to Corn Hill, the weather played fair and the walk was enjoyed by all who attended, thanks to Rita for organising the walks and to the ladies from Ennybegs guild for providing the refreshments after, check out our Facebook page for some lovely photos of the day.
Lotto
Our lotto will take place tonight Wednesday in Lanesborough for a jackpot of €1,400, envelopes can be purchased from any guild member or from Bells shop Newtownforbes, thanks to all who continue to support our lotto and to the guilds for hosting.
Federation AGM
Our federation AGM will take place in ICA HQ on Tuesday April 21st and will be hosted by Coolamber Guild, numbers for suppers directly after your meetings to Sinead Butler on 087 9968138 please. The competitions for the meeting are Art; Decorate an old boot, Craft: Needle felted picture A5 size and Produce; 4 potato cakes round. We will also have the federation final of the Tea Cosy competition, the winner on the night will be sent forward to the national AGM, and details of same have been sent to your presidents.
Activities in ICA HQ this week,
classes are open to all.
Wednesday 6 to 6.50pm Pilates.
Thursday 12.30 to 1.30pm Chairobics
8pm to 9pm Line Dancing
April meeting
Our next guild meeting takes place in the parish hub on Wednesday 8th April at 8pm. New faces are always welcome and you’ll be treated to a lovely cuppa and a sweet treat .
Easter Greetings
Lanesboro ICA would like to wish all our members and the community a very happy and peaceful Easter .
National Heritage Week
As previously mentioned in these notes The Shannonside Heritage Society will be holding a photographic exhibition to coincide with Irish Heritage week, which this year runs from the 15th-23rd August.
The theme this year is ‘Heritage at Risk’ and the exhibition will be held in St Mary’s hall.
We are looking in particular for any old photographs relating to: Bord na Mona, varies versions the Power Station, any domestic bog workings – cutting, harvesting, footing etc., any other photographs relative to other industrial works such as the Quarry, Tomato Farm, Windmill etc. etc.
Also, photographs of any lost buildings, buildings that have changed their use over the years, ie shops, pubs, hotels and any photographs of land and areas prior to development.
We are particularly keen to have any pictures that might show the river as a working environment, including any photos of the river banks packed with fishermen and boats as was often the case.
If you have any such photographs that you think will fit nicely with our exhibition then we would ask you to please:
Mark the back of the photograph with your name and phone number so that we can return them to you.
Leave them in an envelope with O’Brien’s Corner Shop marked for the attention of Andrew Knowles at Shannonside Heritage Society.
Please submit your photographs by 1st July 2026
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.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 23rd March for a prize of €593. The winning ticket was in the name of Claire Murphy, Cloonadra, who was the recipient of the cheque of €593. 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.
Chit Chat
The local ‘Chit Chat’ group that meets between 10am and 12pm in Adie’s bar every Friday from 10am until 12 noon.
Cúl Camps advance notice
Longford GAA’s Kellogg’s sponsored Cúl Camp will take place at the Rathcline GAA club’s grounds in Clonbonny on Monday 29th June. As places for the camps are limited it is very important that parents register their youngsters early to be sure of a place.
Ballyleague Hall caretaker
Liam Garvey is caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
Lanesboro Library
Easter Arts & Crafts
Art & Craft workshop for kids aged 6-12 on April 2nd from 12 -1pm.Ukelele Workshop with Music Generation
We will host a Ukulele Workshop for kids aged 6-12 on April 8th at 2pm
Lego Workshop for Kids
We will host a Lego Workshop for kids aged 8-12 on April 10th from 3.30 – 4.30pm
Mindful Art for Adults
Beginning Saturday 11th April, we will host an hour of mindful art every Saturday from 1-2. No experience necessary, no equipment needed.
Please book online or in library for any of the above events. All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie or 0433321291
Parent & Toddler Morning
Join us Wednesdays from 11am – 12pm for our weekly parent and toddler morning.
Tea & Coffee provided and plenty of books, toys, and space for the little ones to enjoy. All Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie or 0433321291
Ciorcal Comhrá
Irish Conversation Group meeting in Lanesboro Library on Thursdays from 5 – 5.45pm. 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 043332129
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.
€15,000 still remains to be won
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery draw takes place every Tuesday morning in O’Brien’s at 10.30am. For the past number of months the jackpot has been static at its upper limit of €15,000 and with nobody continuing to have the correct numbers that €15,000 is still there to be won. The next draw takes on Tuesday 31st March, for the 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 on Wednesday 25th March were 3, 4, 13 and 20. The winner of the €50 prize was Dolores Mc Cabe, Church View and the three €20 winners were Kathleen Kyne, Rathcline, Seamus Reilly, Ballyleague and Síle Delaney, Newtowncashel, c/o Mary Kelly.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 24th March 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.
Age Friendly Easter Event
Join us for an Age Friendly Easter Event in Kilbride Community Centre (F42 N277) on Wednesday, 8th April, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On the day: Dr. Martin Daly TD, music, storyteller, chair yoga, and the launch of the Roscommon Age Friendly Directory. Hot food and refreshments will also 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, please contact Linda on 086 780 7438 or lindadevine@ridc.ie This event is organised by Roscommon LEADER Partnership, Roscommon Age Friendly, and Roscommon County Council — working together to celebrate community and connection.
Two talks
There will be two further talks over the next two months by the legendary Paddy Joe Burke, Thursday 23rd April the topic will be ‘Courage in the Crisis’ and the talks will conclude on Thursday 21st May with the topic ‘What can I do?’ The talks will begin at 7.30 p.m. in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown. Tickets are available at www.percyfrench.ie or call 090 6663794.
Coping Skills Program
“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 and Boyle with a new group starting in Roscommon Town. For more information, please contact Lorraine in complete confidence. 094 96 21690/lcampbell@rwn.ie
Talk to the Samaritans
Are you struggling to cope with life? Do you think it would be a help to talk about your problem with a member of the Samaritans in total confidence and confidentially? It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what has happened to you, a private chat with the assurance of confidentially can mean a lot. The alternative to getting down is a chat with a member of the Samaritans and that facility is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year so do not hesitate calling the Freephone number 116123 for your support.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Lotto Not Won
The St. Faithleach’s Lottery draw take place on Tuesday last 31st March a jackpot of €10,900 was not won. The draw will take place on Tuesday 31st March in the clubhouse.
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.
Annual Stations of the Cross Procession: you are all invited to join the congregations of Lanesboro, Ballyleague and St. John’s for the Annual Stations of the Cross procession on Good Friday morning starting at 10.30am. The procession will commence from St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro and end at Ballyleague church.
Everybody is invited and welcome to join as they walk prayerfully with Jesus as he embraced his suffering and death at Calvary for our salvation.
Youth Retreat: A retreat in honour of St. Carlo Acutis will take place for teenagers, aged between 13 and 19 years, in Knock Shrine on Sunday 19th April. The retreat will include games, testimonies, catechises, lunch and gift packs. Places are limited and pre-booking is required. Please contact 086 3020 948 for helpful information.
On Saturday 18th April from 6pm to 9pm, an evening programme will take place in Knock Shrine, reflecting on Carlo Acutis and the Eucharist.
Lourdes Diocesan Pilgrimage: The Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 30th May to 4th June and it will be led by Bishop Paul Connell. Flights are from Knock International Airport with fares beginning from €989 and rising to €1049. For more details contact JWT Pilgrimage Travel website or phone 01 2410 800. For those wishing to travel as Assisted Pilgrims, please contact Ann O’Reilly, 086 8312 785.
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 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 3rd April.
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
Annual Stations of the Cross Procession: All are invited to join us for the Annual Stations of the Cross procession on Good Friday morning at 10.30am. The procession will commence from St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro and end at Ballyleague church.
All are invited and welcome to joinas we walk prayerfully with Jesus as he embraced his suffering and death at Calvary for our salvation. See you there!
Stations of the Cross: As part of the Lenten season activities, we will be having the Stations of the Cross at weekends 20 minutes before Mass. This will replace the praying of the Holy Rosary before mass. Fr. Dan kindly encourages all parishioners to participate in in journeying with Jesus Christ as he embraces his passion, death and Resurrection at Easter.
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.
Thank You; The total amount contributed by parishioners for the Missionary Society of St. Paul’s Nigeria, MSP was €1,525. The money has been sent to the Elphin Diocese Finance Office for onward transmission to the MSP by the Bishop. Fr. Dan thanks you all for your generosity and support to the missions and of his religious order. God bless you all.
Youth 2000 Day Retreat: A Youth 2000 day retreat takes place on April 25th at Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo. Youth 2000 provides an opportunity for young people (16 – 35) to develop their relationship with God, learn more about the Catholic faith & meet other young people through a structured retreat programme. Talks, testimonies & games. Check out Youth2000.ie to register or contact connaught@youth2000.ie for more information
Tesco Community Fund: Ballagh National School is delighted to be nominated as one of the 3 groups to benefit from the Tesco Community Fund. The school committee would like to encourage everyone from all over the local area who is shopping in Tesco Roscommon over the next few weeks to drop a blue token into the Ballagh NS box. The school committee would really appreciate your support.