Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Unique addition to Access for All
On Friday next 1st May, manager Liam Grimes and his team at the Access for All Centre, Ballyleague, will unveil their new and exciting new VR project. This new and exciting VR project is a 10 minute virtual reality module that allows people to explore the monastic ruins and ancient stories of St. Diarmuid and Queen Maeve via this VR headset of Inchcleraun that is also known as Quaker Island.
This project has been in the making for some time and this initiative will open this historic and monastic site up to everybody. Such was the influence of this island to Irish history in all the historic annals it receives high regard.
Access for All under the leadership of Liam and his team has seen the business gone from strength to strength over the past number of years and there is no doubting that this extra tremendous facility will add greatly to the appeal of Access for All.
Excitement is beginning to build as the schedule of events is being finalised
The past few days of sunshine makes you hope and pray that next weekend, Bank Holiday, and the GaelForce and ReeFest weekend will be blessed with similar weather and temperatures. The river Shannon and the bay area around the car park were filled to capacity with huge numbers enjoying the facilities we have to offer.
The Gaelforce Great River Swim it attracts well over 1000 contestants, supporters and spectators to the area and this is an incredible opportunity for the community to show their great strength and friendliness in welcoming so many to our community for what promises to be a wonderful weekend of events. The programme for the weekend has been coordinated between GaelForce, an active local committee under the stewardship of Colm Croffy/Denise Canavan, Longford Tourism, and both Tidy Town’s committees of Lanesboro and Ballyleague.
This week we publish a fuller programme of events and the complete list will be available next week.
The opening day Friday 15th May
The weekend kicks off on Friday with free walking tour of the area at 4pm. Even though the walking tour is free you must pre-register at info@loughreeboatingandwalkingtours.ie .
‘Try a Kayak’ is a beginner friendly kayaking experience in the bay area of the River Shannon organised by GaelForce. The cost of the experience is just €10 and you must book on the GaelForce website for the 6.30pm or 7.30pm slot.
Sweaty Yeti Sauna and Pizza evening will take place between 6.30pm and 9pm. Relax into the festival weekend with a sauna and pizza and the cost is €17 per person.
You must book your sauna time at bookings@thesweatyyeti.ie
From 9pm until late there will be a Traditional session in Adie’s (The Swan Tavern) where loads of our talented traditional musicians will display their amazing talents.
You will see in the note below of the Water, Waves, Words and Music concert taking place in St. John’s church which is a ticketed event and a limited number of tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s costing just €10
Saturday 16th May is the day of the Great River Swim with staggered starts for the 12km, 5.8km, 3.5km and the 800m swims. The prize giving will take place at the finishing area from 11:00am for 12km and 800m, 12:00 pm for the 5.8km and at 2:00pm for 3.5k
The ReeFest Festival will continue throughout the day with the family Fun Day at the duck pond area 11:45 am to 4:00pm where you will be able to enjoy market stalls, games of skill and chance, family activities, a trampoline and climbing wall, and plenty of festival atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
On the Main Street from 1.30pm there will be a junior busking championship with the winners being announced at the prize giving on the Lanesbrew Outdoor Stage at 3pm. Live music entertainment will continue with the up and coming local group The Raths from 3.30pm on the Lanesbrew Outdoor Stage.
Try a Kayak will return again on Saturday with a relaxed beginner friendly paddle on the River Shannon at 6.30pm and 7.30pm.
The afternoon/evening will conclude with a Barbeque and live music from 6.30pm at the Yacht Bar.
Sunday 17th May the day will commence with a free car show at the Duck Pond Car Park and Marquee Area from 11am until 4pm, bringing plenty to see on the final day of the festival. From 12 noon until 4 pm there will be an Art Camp alongside and a number of Craft Stalls where you and your young people can browse local craft stalls and enjoy a free creative space for children and families.
If you would like to volunteer over the weekend you should leave your name on the volunteer sheet in O’Brien’s
Water – Waves, Words and Music
St Johns’ Church, is one of the most spectacular, beautiful and iconic buildings in our community and we are delighted to announce that the church will be hosting a spectacular evening “Water-Waves, Words and Music” concert.
On the opening Friday evening, 15th May, of the ReeFest/Great River Swim Festival the renowned pianist Daren Lane will be performing in St. John’s from 7.30 pm. Joining Daren for the evening will be our local choir and our local writers group with their share of music, words and poetry.
Daren career led him to attend the Junior Academy of the Royal Academy of Music, London. Following this, he attended a specialist music school, the Purcell School of Music, studying piano, organ and guitar. He achieved his B Music Performance degree, specialising in piano from the Royal Academy of Music. Daren also studied organ, obtaining an ARCO diploma. He later gained an M Music degree in Performance from London College of Music. In addition to performance, Daren has experience teaching piano in London, Roscommon Town, Athlone and Ballyforan. He has a particular affinity with the music of Mozart, Schubert and Schuman and will also be including Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Debussy in his performance.
On Thursday last the choir and Daren had a rehearsal on Thursday last and it proved to be excellent creating a wonderful anticipation for all those lucky patrons that will be in attendance on the night.
The local writers group is actively preparing their words and poetry with a great excitement and anticipation.
This promises to be one of the finest evenings ever in our community and with spaces limited early booking is essential.
Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s costing just €10
Junior Busking Competition
This is a call for all young musicians to enter in the Junior Busking competition that is taking place on Saturday 16th May as part of the Lough Ree FlowFest alongside the Family Fun Day and the GaelForce Great River Swim. More events will be announced as we get closer to the days of the festival.
Volunteers are required to help out with the Saturday and Sunday and you can express your intentions by signing the volunteer sheet left in to O’Brien’s.
Community Games
Lanesboro Track and Field will take place in Clonbonny (Rathcline GAA grounds) on May 10th at 3pm
Events include – Running: Under 8/Over 6 up to Under 16, Distances start at 80m up to 1500m for U16 category.
Hurdles: Under 10/over 8 (60m), Under 14/over 12(80m)
Discuss Under 16/over 14, Javelin Under 14/over 12, Shot putt, Under 14/Over 12 and the Long Puck, Boys Under 12/over 10;Long Puck for Girls,U14/Over 12.
We will also have an Under 6 Fun run for all the younger children.
It is always a great community event, we look forward to seeing lots of children taking part on the day, just a reminder that children must reside in Lanesboro to take part in these events.
New Doctor in Town
On Friday next 1st May Temporary Locum, General Practitioner, Dr. Junaid, who took over from Dr. Ali, will be resigning from his practice at the Medical Centre, Johnston’s Pharmacy, Main St.
General Practitioner, Dr. David Booth, has been appointed in a permanent capacity and he will be taking over the medial care of patients from Saturday 2nd May.
Dr. Booth will be at the practice in Lanesboro (phone 3327058) on Monday’s from 9am until 1pm, Wednesday’s from 9am until 1pm and on Thursday’s from 2pm until 5pm. He will be in attendance at the Longford Medical Centre, Dublin Road, Longford on Monday’s 2pm to 5pm, Tuesday’s 9am to 5pm, Wednesday’s 2pm to 5pm, Thursday’s 9 am to 1pm and Friday’s 9am to 5pm.
We thank Dr. Junaid for his time tending to his patients in Lanesboro and we wish him every health and happiness in the future. We welcome Dr. Booth to Lanesboro and we wish him every success in his future medical practice amongst us.
Ballyleague Tidy Towns AGM
The Ballyleague Tidy Towns AGM takes place on this Wednesday evening 29th April in Ballyleague Hall at 8 pm. There will be a brief reflection of our achievements over the past year and a look forward to the plans for the year ahead. Please note whilst nominations for executive will be taken from the floor there will no one be forced to accept any positions. As everyone is welcome this is a great way of playing a part in further enhancing the beauty of Ballyleague for all of us and for our returning families and visitors.
Roscommon into Connacht Final
Roscommon supporters travelled to Castlebar on Sunday last more in hope than in confidence. Although they had a strong National League past defeats earlier in the year to Mayo led to this feeling of trepidation. Led by local man Diarmuid Murtagh there was a strong showing from the Roscommon players. After playing against the breeze in the first half there was a reasonable amount of hope only going in at the break only 3 points behind with Mayo leading 1-11 to 1-08. The second half they turned the game on its head with a scintillating performance and scoring a total of 1-17 in the second half to Mayo’s 10 points and running out 10 point winners.
Roscommon were led by their captain Diarmuid Murtagh and he led the way in every sense of the word scoring a remarkable 1-10. The weight of the captaincy does not rest heavily on Diarmuid as for his general playing and scoring exploits he was named the recipient of the Man of the Match award.
It is back to Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon on Sunday week 10th May when Roscommon face Galway who struggled to overcome a very gallant young Leitrim team on Saturday.
Maneuvers at the Power Station
The Defence Forces currently have a Training exercise planned in the Lough Ree Power Station, on Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th May. This exercise is to train personnel in the conduct of offensive and defensive operations in an urban environment. There will be approximately 80 troops taking part in the exercise.
This notice is just ensuring that nobody is alarmed if they hear gun fire coming from the vicinity of the Power Station. An Garda Siochana in Lanesboro has also been informed of the exercise.
The exercise is due to commence at 11am on the Tuesday 5th and finish at approximately 12 noon on the Wednesday 6th May. All weapons firing will cease by 10pm on the 5th and not commence again until 7am on the 6th during the withdrawal from the area.
While the power station is still standing it is great to see that all our national essential services are collaborating with ESB to avail of the station as a training site.
Darkness into Light
Electric Ireland once again stands tall when they support the annual Darkness into Light 2026. Pieta House, the charity for suicide and self-harm prevention, will again host the Darkness into Light walk at 4:15 a.m. on Saturday, 9th May. The funds raised through Darkness into Light goes towards supporting Pieta’s lifesaving free services to people in your community that have been affected by suicide or self-harm.
There are many ways to get involved. Purchase a ticket and join one of the official Darkness into Light walks or be creative in taking part in your own fundraising way.
In Longford you can take part at the Mall Sports Centre.
In Roscommon Town: The walk starts and ends at the Convent of Mercy Secondary School Gym, Convent Road, offering a 5km route through the town.
In Strokestown the walk will begin at the Strokestown Community & Sports Centre.
You are advised to register online www. https://www.darknessintolight.ie/
Hurlers/Camógs required
The resurrection of hurling has continued to grow in the Rathcline club with young players coming from many areas to learn the skill of hurling.
The club is open to accepting many more youngsters from under 8 upwards and their parents with an interest in hurling.
The number of girls turning up to learn the skills of Camogie is very encouraging and it is hoped that with a few more numbers there will also be a very active number of Camogie teams. With the President Camogie Association, Brian Molloy, in his final year of National President it would be a tremendous boost to have his home club in Rathcline having teams representing both him and the area.
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, i.e. 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
Farm Plastic Collection in June
Following a meeting last week to organise the annual ‘Farm Plastic’ collection for the coming season created their calendar dates. The St. Faithleach’s GAA grounds was once again nominated as one of the nationwide bring centres. The date scheduled for the local collection is Thursday 25th June.
The Material Type and the prices at the Bring centre are:
Silage Wrap / Pit covers – €60 per Half Tonne with Label Code
Small Fertiliser/ Feed Bags/ Liners from Bulk Bags/ Pallet plastic wrap – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag)
Bulk Fertiliser /Feed Bags (Liners Removed) – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag)
Chemical Drums (Triple rinsed/ NO OIL DRUMS) – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag)
Net/Twine – €10 per Bag (500kg Fertiliser size bag).
For any further information you are asked to check the www.farmplastics.ie website
Seeking pictures, stories and memorabilia
Come a Saturday in the latter end of September, Saturday 26th September it is anticipated that we will have a ‘Reconnection and Recollection Day’ of the time, the workers and their families of all those, county, countrywide and worldwide, that worked with Bord na Mona and ESB and those that lived in the community. From the 50’s right up today there are many hundreds of workers and their families that have worked with Bord na Mona and ESB
There are a lot of old photographs and memorabilia floating around with former workers and their families in many photo albums and attics and we would love to get our hands on them for an exhibition for the day. If you have such photos and would prefer to hold onto them we can have them scanned and you treasure will never leave your presence. Your help and support will be hugely appreciated.
This is just an opening salvo in the search for all pictures, stories and memorabilia and we will give you a chance to do a family search over the next week or two before announcing ways and means of making your contributions.
The Sweaty Yeti Quarter -correction
Eugene McGuire’s Sweaty Yeti business idea, on the banks of the Shannon and right beside the car park, has proven to be an outstanding concept where you can unwind in a wood-fired sauna and revitalise with an ice bath, all while overlooking the fabulous view of the bay area of the River Shannon and at this time of year watch all the boats cruising the river. Bookings can be made at bookings@thesweatyyeti.ie
A recent addition to this project has been Eugene’s and Harvey Myhill’s ‘Píosa Pizza that to date has again been another remarkable business success with his handmade stone baked pizzas. Harvey, son of Jonathan and Ciara (nee O’Sullivan), Lehery, opened the business a short time ago and it continues to go from strength to strength. Píosa Pizzas orders can be made Friday, Saturday and Sunday when the premises are open between 5pm and 10pm. Such is the demand that it is rarely remains opened until 10pm due to the demand and all stock sells out. Bookings can be made on Instagram or by emailing pizzapiosa@gmail.com and Píosa Pizza takes group orders from teams and clubs.
A recent new addition to this site is the Cata Coffee Shop that has speciality coffee and Matcha. This new and exciting venture is a further extension of the by Eugene and Harvey that opened last weekend and has added greatly to what is now being generally called the Sweaty Yeti Quarter. Cata will be open on Friday’s from 11am to 3pm and Saturday and Sunday’s from 10 until 3pm.
My added correction is that Kevin Kiernan is importing and selling Cata coffee but not as I stated running the coffee shop at The Sweaty Yeti Quarter.
It is wonderful to see young people showing tremendous entrepreneurial skills and we all should ensure their long time business by fully supporting our own young in our own community.
Month of Mary: May Devotion
For the Month of May the Rosary will be recited in Cloontuskert Cemetery each Saturday at 12pm in honour of our Lady of the Rosary and to commend our loved ones to her care.
Continued great 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.
50th Anniversary
Rathcline GAA invites you to their 50th anniversary of the club’s 1976 County Senior Football Championship success. This celebration will take place in the club grounds at Clonbonny on Sunday 24th May. You are invited to join the club and parish as they recognise this historic achievement of the great team, players and management. The celebration will be in conjunction with the club’s senior league fixture versus Longford Slashers. The club looks forward to welcoming you and the club heroes of 1976. More details of times and event schedule will follow.
Social Dance Classes
Social dancing includes Jiving, Waltz, Quickstep, Line dancing and you are invited to go along and join in the Social Dancing classes about to commence in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse
This is now continuing on Monday nights, April 27th, 4th May and 11th May. Start time is 8.30 pm and will continue to 10.00 pm. Enquiries to Mary at 0872331227
Sunflower Days for Hospice
Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation would appreciate your kind assistance in helping them raise funds on National Sunflower Days for Hospice on Friday and Saturday 12th and 13th June. Sunflowers will be on sale at local stores in Roscommon on both dates. Any time you can give on any of those dates would be most appreciated. Contact 0949388666 or email info@hospice.ie
Books
The long awaited copies of the very popular ‘In the Wake of the Bagger’ by Jack Harte have just arrived back on the shelves and they are on sale at just €14.
Kieran Feeney’s first book of poetry – Opaque sold out very quickly and in recent days more books have become available. The book of poetry is on sale in O’Brien’s costing €15.
Likewise with Daniel Mc Gann’s first book Odyssey, it has been a resounding local success and new stock arrived in the past week. Daniel’s debut book is on sale in O’Brien’s at €20.
David captures the Joker
As the odds were growing in favour of the chances of the Joker being turned it came to pass on Saturday night last when the winner turned out to be David Healy, Ballyglass. As the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse was hopping all day with family celebrations of First Holy Communion celebrations in Ballyleague there was a great expectation that Saturday could be the night and so it came to pass when a huge attendance was present to see the Joker being turned. David is a weekly online player and he collects the €3,700 prize. Sinead Collins was the winner of the extra €100 draw
The Joker reverts back to €2,000 on 53 cards on Saturday night next and an added bonus on Saturday night with be the great sounds of Paul McCarthy playing country, Irish and all sounds of great music. The clubhouse is the place to enjoy your Bank Holiday weekend
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.
Draw Monday next 4th May
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. There is just 1 week to go before the draw takes place on Monday next 4th May and you are encouraged to get your ticket before time runs out.
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,
Lanesboro ICA Guild
AGM
Our federation AGM was held in ICA HQ on Tuesday 21st April. A good attendance was recorded and all guilds were represented, thanks to the ladies from Coolamber guild for hosting and providing a beautiful supper. Positions were filled and we just have one position left to fill. Hopefully we will fill that over the next few weeks. The competitions were judged and a very high standard of entries again at this meeting. The national regional presidents competition for a Tea Cosy was held and congratulations to Nuala Rollins Newtowncashel guild on coming out the winner , Nuala’s entry will now go forward for entry in the final at the national AGM. The Art, Craft and produce competitions were judged with Virginia Quigley winning the Art, Nuala Rollins winning the craft and Roisín Lennon winning the produce. Congratulations to all and check out our Facebook page for photos of the winners and their entries.
Lotto
Our next draw will be held on April 29th when the jackpot will be €1,500, thanks to all who continue to support our lotto and to the guilds for hosting.
Bloom 2026
It is proposed to run a bus to bloom again this year, we had great interest last year and if we get enough interest we will run one on Saturday the 30th May, the bus is open to all, if you are interested please let olive know on 086 8368277 to book your place,as always you book your own ticket to bloom.
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
Friday 11am to 2pm Craft Morning
Barn Dance
There will be no crochet classes this week due to the Kiernan Steel Barn Dance in the Barracks.
Next Meeting
The next meeting takes place on Wednesday 13th May in the parish hub at 8pm . New faces are always welcome so do pop in
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 20th April for a prize of €572. The winning ticket was in the name of Mary Feeney, Ballymahon Road, who was the recipient of the cheque of €572. 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.
Ballyleague Community First Responder — Call for Support
We’re excited to announce the birth of Ballyleague Community First Responder (CFR), a collaborative effort led by Maciek Koczur, a paramedic and supervisor with the Roscommon Ambulance Service, who lives in Ballyleague. Last summer, Maciek issued a call to the community to form a volunteer group, and together with a local committee, we’re turning that call into action.
Key milestone: 12 dedicated volunteers are ready to train and serve as first responders in our community, with training coordinated by Miriam Burke, our Training Officer.
What we’re aiming for:
The installation of 6 new defibrillators at strategic locations around Ballyleague to ensure rapid access during cardiac emergencies.
Build a trained, ready team that can bridge the gap until advanced medical help arrives.
Why this matters:
An invaluable resource for Ballyleague, potentially increasing survival rates from cardiac events.
A community-driven approach to emergency readiness and neighbourly care.
How you can help:
Donations will go directly to equipment, training, and clothing for our responders.
All funds will support the on-going development of the CFR and the safety of our community.
Join us in getting Ballyleague CFR off the ground. Your support today could save a life tomorrow.
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
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 holds their 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 having the correct numbers that €15,000 is still there to be won. The next draw takes on Tuesday 28th April, 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 Tuesday 21st April were 6, 11, 18 and 20. The winner of the €50 prize was Johnny Malone, Cloontuskert and the three €20 winners were Stella and Anita, c/o O’Brien’s, Philomena Walsh, Rathcline Road, and Freda and Aoife Connaughton, Longford Road.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 28th April 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.
One further talk by Paddy Joe
There will be one further talk by the legendary Paddy Joe Burke, and the talks will conclude on Thursday 21st May with the topic ‘What can I do?’ The talk 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.
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.
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.
Thank You: Br. Brian Johnson, Franciscan Brothers, Clara, Co. Offaly spoke at our two weekend masses recently. He spoke about USAID and Aid for deprived countries and he wants to thank everyone for their personal contributions. He assures us that every cent goes directly to support the missions and he was delighted to receive a contribution totalling €1246.
Mass reading reflections: A short reflection on the weekend mass readings will take place in the church after 7pm mass on Friday evenings.
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.
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 next 1st May.
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
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.
Annual Holidays: All our parishioners are hereby informed that Fr. Dan will be travelling on his annual holiday in Nigeria from Tuesday next 5th May. Consequently, there will be no weekday masses and the weekend masses will remain as scheduled. Fr. Enobong Udoidlong, Ceilí Catholic Community, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath will cover all masses.Fr. Larry Behan will be available for baptisms, funerals, and all other emergencies. For other enquiries please kindly contact the parish secretary Vivienne Barry in the parish mobile 089 9722625 or kilgefinparish21@gmail.com. Thank you.
Spring Clean in Ballagh: Distribution of bag, gloves and litter pickers will be available at Frank Fallon’s, for the Ballagh clean-up. You can phone Frank on 087 2656 401 to arrange collection of the equipment. The full bags can be left inside the wall at Franks house for collection Everybody is encouraged to help make the clean-up a great success and this canot happen without you.
Medjugorje Pilgrimage: The Medjugorje Pilgrimage will take place from the 21st – 28th October, from Knock €915 (Single Supplement €170). There is limited availability so early booking is advisable. Spiritual Director for the pilgrimage is: Fr. John Keane. The costs include flights/ accommodation/meals/programme. For information and bookings please contact Christina 0861546099 or Carol 0879581495
Dioceses of Achonry And Elphin Pilgrimage To Lourdes –
Assisted Pilgrim Section: The Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 28th August – 2nd September inclusive, under the leadership of Bishop Kevin Doran. Pilgrimage highlights includes Mass at the Grotto, Torchlight and Blessed Sacrament Processions, Anointing of the Sick, Water Ceremony. Flights are ex Knock Airport. The Pilgrimage includes the Assisted Pilgrim Section. Those who travel as part of the Assisted Pilgrim Section will stay in Accueil Notre Dame, which is situated near the Grotto and Sanctuary area. They will be cared for by the Diocesan Pilgrimage Care Team whilst in Lourdes. Application forms for the Assisted Pilgrim Section and full details are available from Very Rev. Ray Milton, P.P., Pilgrimage Director, St. John’s, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. (Tel: 090 666 1115). Closing date for receipt of completed Application Forms is 11th June. All other enquiries in relation to the Pilgrimage can be directed to Joe Walsh Tours (JWT) at 016852244 or email info@joewalshtours.ie
St. Faithleach’s GAA
● Senior League: Topline Wards O’Gara Cup (Division 2)
Round 5 Results: St. Faithleach’s (8-26): Padraig Pearse’s B (0-03)
Round 6 will take place against St. Croan’s on Saturday 6th May at 7.30pm in Ballyleague.
● Junior League: Cryan’s Hotel (Division 4)
Round 4 will take place against Boyle B on Saturday 2nd May at 18.00pm in Abbey Park.
● Ladies Junior League (Division 4):
Semi-Final Results: St. Faithleach’s (0-05): Roscommon Gaels (4-07)
Hard Luck to the Ladies.
● U-16 Ladies League (Division 2B):
Semi-Finals Fixtures – to be confirmed.
● U-14 Boys League (Division 3):
Hard Luck to the Boys on their loss against Clann na nGael
Round 5 will take place against Roscommon Gaels on Tuesday 28th April at 7pm in Lisnamult.
● U-14 Ladies League (Division 3):
Round 3 will take place against Four Roads on Thursday 30th April at 7pm in Ballyleague.
● Social Dancing Class 2 of 4 – continues tonight at 8.30pm.
● Cards: 25 continues every Tuesday evening in the clubhouse
● Joker Draw: Congratulations to David Healy on the Jackpot win of €3,700 on Saturday. The winning ticket was bought online (https://member.clubspot.app/club/st-faithleachs-gaa/fundraisers). The Jackpot resets to €2,000 and the draw takes place every Saturday night in the clubhouse. Tickets available on the night or on our ClubSpot App.