Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
Life and living was always beautiful as was the warmth and welcome you received and all those emotions will be no longer with the passing of Paula Cantwell Farrell, Clonfower who passed away in the care of Thomond Lodge, Ballymahon on Monday 25th May. Paula, a native of Kilkenny came to Mullingar Hospital as a midwife where she met and married her husband Paddy Joe Farrell and settled into her new home in Clonfower. She was an unassuming lady with a quiet disposition but as quiet as she was, when Paula spoke everybody listened. Although she married a farmer, farming was rarely on her radar but she seen family development and education as an imperative. Paula was a tremendous advocate of St. Christopher’s Longford and she was a fearless fighter for their rights so much so that for her tireless work she was awarded the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Mother’s Award an award that is presented to mothers of children with intellectual disabilities who demonstrated outstanding leadership and made significant, lasting contributions to advocacy, public policy, and the development of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Paula always seen the beauty in everything and everybody and her artistic eye led her to create many fine paintings. Everyone that knew Paula cherished her and their time with her for her integrity and reliability. She was a lady that had so much positivity to offer and she did it in her own quiet and intellectual way. From an early age and as a Kilkenny person Camogie and hurling was deeply ingrained in her life and her love of and support of her county never diminished. She was predeceased by her parents Jack and Doll, her sister Mary and her son-in-law Paul.
Paula’s remains reposed at Glennon’s Funeral Home on Wednesday 27th May followed by the Mass of the Resurrection on Wednesday in St. Mary’s church. Following mass burial took place in Clonbonny Cemetery. To her husband, Paddy Joe, her daughter Anne, her sons Patrick, Paul and John, her brother Ned, grandchildren, Alice, Rosie, Tommy, Callie and Claire, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Cruinniú na nÓg
ACruinniú na nÓg craft workshop creating ECO Wind Chimes for youngsters between the ages of 9 and 12 will take place in Lanesboro Library on Saturday next 6th June from 10am to 12pm.
Huge Honda Run expected in aid of Longford Scuba Divers
Every year Jimmy Clancy organises a Honda 50 Charity Run with nominated charities receiving the benefits of the day.
Back in 1989 Jimmy, along with others formed the County Longford Scuba Divers and the Longford Town based club has grown and remains extremely active in underwater activities and search and rescue.
This year, the donations of the day’s event will go to the Co. Longford Scuba Divers to help in supporting their club. Each year the cost of running this and any club continues to grow and they hope that the Honda50 Run will help greatly in allaying some of the extra costs.
The bikes all gather at Lanesboro’s parish hall and the car park behind and it is always a sight to behold with so many motorbikes all in the one place. Registration will take place in the hall from 10.30am and the bikes will depart at 12.30pm
All bikes are welcomed and light refreshments will be served in the hall.
Go along to the gathering/registration and make a contribution even if you are not taking part and help the Scuba Divers.
Junior Infants Open Day
Lanesboro Primary School is inviting all prospective new junior infant children to their Open Afternoon in the school at 1pm on this Thursday 4th June.
There will be the opportunity to meet their new teacher, see their new school, see their new classroom and to become familiar with the school.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Wyn Fox, Curraghrua and her brother Declan Fox and his family, The Peer Inn, Lisnacusha on the death of their father Gerry Fox, Carrick, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary who passed away on Sunday 17th May.
Women in Engineering
Back in 2023 Hazel Johnston was selected as the National Apprentice of the Year 2023 and 3 years on having completed her apprenticeship to become an Automation Engineer with Johnson & Johnson MedTech we see that Hazel has been invited to the panel at the Women in Engineering Society Annual Conference 2026. It is wonderful to see that Hazel di not let the grass grow under her feet and she has continued to maintain a high profile in her developing work with Johnson & Johnson MedTech. I am sure parents Ronnie and Helen and granddad David and the Johnston and McGushin families are rightly proud of your continued progression and success. The conference is an all-day event taking place in The Round Room in the Mansion House, Dublin on Friday 19th June.
Very Important you take this Community Survey
Sean Mimnagh writes on Social Media that “Longford Co. Co. and himself have now reached the stage where your input and ideas are needed to help move the proposed Lanesboro Community Centre forward”.
You are invited to go on his Facebook page and follow the link to take the County Council survey.
This is a very important survey with the opportunity to express your views on Lanesboro and your vision for the town and the more that take the survey the more insight into some of the needs of Lanesboro.
First Chapters – Early Years’ Service
First Chapters – Early Years Service will be opening its doors in the townsland of Clonbonny (on the Longford Road), with their brand new custom built early years service. The building will house 3 purpose –designed rooms for different stages of development.
You are invited to register your interest for; Baby Room, Toddler Room and Preschool Room. With place being limited you are advised to make early bookings by contacting Úna today by emailing firstchapters@hotmail.com
Tremendous work is on-going in preparation of the opening by Michael Hanley and his wife Úna and there is no doubt that it will be a state of the art facility for all the young children using First Chapters.
Michael and Úna are also opening A First Chapters in Roscommon Town in the new Oldwood Housing Estate.
Recruiting
Úna is recruiting Lead Early Years Educators, Early Years Educators and a Crèche Cook. If you are available for any of those positions you are asked to email Úna at firstchapters@hotmail.com
Lanesboro Reconnection Bord na Mona and ESB
Since the 1950 right up to this very day Bord na Mona and ESB have been playing a very vital part in our community and the surrounding communities.
Irrespective of whether we worked or our family member worked in either company we grew, played and made some wonderful friends and we created so many memories.
With the continual prompting from Harry Hennessy and the amazing reaction of the meeting between Cecil Keaveney and Richard Farrelly it was decided to make a call country and worldwide for everyone that lived, worked, for no matter how short or long a time, to come to Lanesboro and Ballyleague for a Reconnection on Saturday 26th September.
The group is asking anyone with any old or new photographs relating to their times on Bord na Mona or ESB or social and family events to forward them on to us so that they may be used in the photographic exhibitions. It would be made all the better if you could include name of the people in the photographs. Please put your name on anything you leave in as we want to credit your input and be able to return them to you.
New week we will furnish you with an address to forward the photographs online or you can leave them in to O’Brien’s for collection.
Lough Ree Access For All
The Lough Ree Access For All is running accessible and able bodied boat tours 3 times daily during the summer months. The services supplied are a Riverside Café, Sensory Shed, Virtual Reality experience, Powerboat training courses, and Lake Boat hire. You can see the full list of facilities and activities on the website www.loughreeboattrips.com ; email info@accessforallboatrips.com or phone 089 262 5505.
50th Celebrations
To conclude on the celebrations of the 1976 Championship win I cannot finish without mentioning the executive that were in charge of running the club that year and we all fondly remembered those of them that were not with us: Club President – John Harte, Chairman – Danny O’Brien, Vice chairman – Kevin Murray, Joint secretary Tony Murphy and Martin Brehony, Treasurer – Pat McCormack, Assistant Treasurer – James Casey, Social Secretary – Mickie Cox, Press Officer – John Hester and County Board delegate – Kevin Eivers.
It was great to see our two councilors Mark Casey and Sean Mimnagh – both with strong connections to the club present for the occasion. Mark accepted the recognition award of his late uncle Mickie Cox.
Former resident passes away
It was great sadness we learned of the sudden death on Saturday 23rd May at his home in Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon of Val Kenny. Val in his younger years lived with his late parents Johnny and Kathleen and his sister Mary at their family home 1St Mary’s Terrace, Ballyleague. Val received his education locally before going on to become an excellent butcher. During his time in Ballyleague and Lanesboro made a great impression with his contemporaries and older generation alike such was his genial nature. Val is fondly remembered by so many with great memories of his time growing in Ballyleague.
Val reposed at St. Brigid’s Funeral Home, Brideswell on Wednesday 27th May and the Mass of the Resurrection took place in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Thursday with burial taking place afterwards in Cam Cemetery.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Val’s children, Niamh, John and Ruairí, his sister Mary McGowan, Cloonadra, his brother-in-law Vinnie McGowan, his partner Sally, relatives and many friends.
Lanesboro ICA Guild
Lotto
Our lotto was held on Wednesday 27th May for a jackpot of €1,600, numbers drawn were 1, 8, 11, and 17. We had no jackpot winner. Congratulations to the three lucky dip winners, Rita Greene, Linda Rodgers and Liz Murray. Our next draw will be held on Wednesday 10th June in Lanesborough, thanks to all who continue to support our lotto and to the guilds for hosting. Brown Bread competition
The federation final of the brown bread competition was held on Tuesday last in ICA HQ. We had 12 entries and the smell of freshly baked bread in HQ was just divine. Unfortunately we can only have one winner on the night and the honours this year go to Tess Murphy Ballinamuck Guild with Bernie Rehill also from Ballinamuck Guild coming a close second, Tess now goes forward to the ICA final in An Grianán and we wish her the best of luck. Thanks to all who took part, photos can be found on our Facebook page.
Gardening Evening
Our annual gardening evening was held on Tuesday 26th May and a very enjoyable evening was had by all who attended. The evening began with a demonstration from Mary from creations garden centre on how to fill our window boxes and notes were taken by all as this is the gardening competition this year, thanks to Mary for a very enjoyable demonstration. We then had the cuppa which was followed by a talk from Gary Brady from Longford Co Co on greener gardening. Again this was a very informative talk and we all came away with plenty of information, no excuses now for not having a green garden full of wild flowers and all that goes with it. Thanks to Michelle for organising and all who helped out on the night.
Monthly Walk
The ladies took to the floating boardwalk in Drumshambo on Sunday 24th May for a lovely walk, chat and lunch to finish off. Photos of the afternoon can be found on our Facebook page so check them out.
Lost Valley Trip
The last few remaining seats for this trip are now available and if anyone would like to avail of them please get in touch with Rita Greene on 087 9772715 before Friday the 12th June, first come first served and once the trip is sold out that’s it, cost to members is €89.50 and non-members is €99.50, this promises to be a very enjoyable day out so get booking with Rita asap and thanks to Rita for organising.
Activities in HQ this week
Friday: 11am to 2pm Craft Morning
Saturday: 4pm to 6pm Crochet class with Virginia.
Meeting
Our next meeting takes place on Wednesday week 10th June at 8pm in the Hub.
All-Ireland Champion
In recent weeks Andrew Nolan, Knock Manor, was competing in the Connacht Schools Track & Field events representing his school Lanesboro Community College. Continuing on from his record breaking feats in Connacht Andrew went into the All-Ireland Final with great hopes of a medal. His record breaking success continued at the 123.ie All Ireland Schools Track and Field Championships in Tullamore on Friday last where Andrew created a New National Record with a massive throw of 17.98m.
Congratulations to Andrew on his record breaking and winning an All-Ireland Gold. We are delight for his parents Enda and Martina, his brothers, Lanesboro Community College and for our community who now have an All-Ireland medal winner in their midst.
Thank You
The local ladies taking part in last Sunday’s VHI Women’s Mini Marathon would like to sincerely thank everyone that contributed towards their fundraising for Longford Hospice Homecare and the participants were Ita Farrell, Una Clarke, Marana Casey, Marie Cleary Martha Thompson and Teresa Kiernan. A very special word of thanks to Martha Thompson for organising the transport.
Tennis Coaching Opportunity
Are you interested in taking up tennis? Do your tennis skills need developing or honing? Tennis Coaching Longford has just been set up to help in Adult coaching, Junior coaching, 1:1 coaching and Schools coaching. If you are interested in learning more of this new coaching opportunity then you should phone 087 796 4553 or go online to www.crowetennis.com
Songs that built a Nation.
The Roscommon Solstice Choir will present a very special show entitled “Songs that built a Nation” in the Roscommon Arts Centre in June 2026. This award winning Choir which has performed nationally and internationally has teamed up with well local playwright and historian Tommy Murray to perform a number of Concerts on Thursday next 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June. Under the title “Songs that built a Nation” the Choir will present “Epic moments of Irish History as told in Ballads, Songs, Poems and Music.” Based on an original script by, our local Lanesboro man, Tommy Murray it will begin with the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798 and conclude with the War of Independence 1920-21.
During this traumatic and tumultuous time in our History, Ireland alternated between physical force and constitutional method in seeking Independence and Freedom. However in the midst of all this the Irish People composed music, wrote poetry and songs which helped to keep the flame of Rebellion and Resistance alight and lifted the spirits and morale of the nation. One must never underestimate the power of our musicians, poets and singers as they “fought” in their own way to keep the spirit of freedom alive.
Jimmy Hoban, PRO of the choir said that the show in June marked “a new and exciting adventure for the choir and displayed their willingness to innovate and experiment”. He noted that the choir had been involved in Historical Drama before with their participation in Tommy Murray’s’ production of “A Nation once Again” in 2016. He had particular praise for Tommy Murray whom he said “was synonymous with Drama in the midlands, both as an actor and a playwright with the ability to capture the very essence of the important moments of History, and present them in a dramatic and engaging way”. He said that the period of History covered in “Songs that Built a Nation” moved through the constitutional and physical force movements of that tumultuous and dramatic time ” as our poets, songwriters and musicians were busy keeping the flames of Independence and freedom burning in their own unique way”.
The concerts promise to be a wonderful musical and historical experience set against the rich tapestry that is Ireland’s History during this period. This is a show not to be missed in the Roscommon Arts Centre.
The shows will take place from this Thursday 4th, Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June at 8.00pm with admission €20. Booking can be made at Roscommon Arts Centre, (090) 6625824, or www.roscommonartscentre.ie
Shine Relatives and Supporters Group
A monthly support group for individuals supporting people living with mental health challenges. The support group occurs on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm – 8.30pm in REGARI Recovery College, Roscommon Town. Email support@shine.ie or call 086 040 7701.
€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 2nd June, 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 26th May were 1, 9, 21 and 22. The winner of the €50 prize was Anne Marie Linehan, The Green and three €20 prizes went to Bríd McDermott, Barnacor, Bernie Hanley, Corrigeen and Karen Ward c/o Mags.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 2nd June and every Tuesday morning afterwards. 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 Draw
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 25th May for a prize of €562. The winning ticket was in the names of Rachael, Brigid and Caoilinn, who were the recipient of the cheque for €562. 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.
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The bi-weekly St. Faithleach’s GAA club Lottery took place on Tuesday last 26th May for a jackpot of €2,100. The numbers drawn were 4, 9, 26 and 27. There was nobody with the correct numbers and the jackpot will now stand at €2,200 for the next draw on Tuesday 9th June. The winner of the €200 prize draw was Tony Brehon..
All-Ireland Men’s Rosary Rally
The Men’s Rosary groups from all across Ireland are meeting up together with the National Rosary Rally in Knock on Saturday next, 6th June at 1pm at the Plaza (opposite the Knock Shrine).
Hurlers/Camógs and coaches 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.
Lanesboro Community College
Lanesboro Community College was thrilled to discover that Friday last 29th May was a momentous and historic day for LCC. The news arrived that one of our students who just completed his first year, namely Andrew Nolan had just won the Minor Boy’s Shot Putt Gold medal at the 123.ie All-Ireland Schools Championship Finals in Tullamore.
This was a proud day for Lanesboro Community College, for Andrew and his family.
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.
Alzheimer Café
The Café will run on the last Wednesday of every month, with a different speaker and topic each month. The Alzheimer Café will provide a safe, warm and welcoming space for people with dementia, their family and friends, along with social and health care professionals to meet and exchange ideas and learnings. For Further information you can contact Eileen on 085 8724475 .The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341. and The Website is: www.alzheimer.ie
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
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
Very popular books back on the shelves
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 times 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. Daniel’s debut book is on sale in O’Brien’s at €20.
The Joker survives again
The Joker is on the rise once again and on Saturday night last the Joker was not cut from the deck of cards and another €100 will be added to the jackpot for next week. The Joker stands at €2,500 from the remaining 47 cards on Saturday night next 6th June in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners were Aileen O’Brien and Conor Glennon.
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.
Short Breaks Scheme
Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children & adults who have an intellectual disability? Corlann West, Homeshare Roscommon is recruiting host carers. Training and support will be provided. Tax exempt/Allowances paid. For further information email www.Homeshareroscommon@corlann.ie or phone Catherine on 090 6628500 / 087 2126607.
N. A Meetings
N.A. physical meetings on Tuesday nights from 8 – 9 p.m. in Room 13 at St. Coman’s Club,
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.
Your link to support the new Ballyleague Community First Responder
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.
Your link for supporting the Go Fund me campaign is https://gofund.me/ad43f1a20 and you are asked to be generous in your support.
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.
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.
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.
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 5th June.
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
Graveyard Mass: The 33rd annual Kilteevan graveyard Mass will be celebrated in the new section of Kilteevan graveyard on Saturday 4th July at 7pm. If the weather is inclement the Mass will take place in the church.
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.
Ballagh Church Group: A member of the Ballagh committee group will be calling to all the homes in the parish. This is to drop an envelope seeking support for the upkeep and maintenance of Ballagh church. They will call from this Monday and would appreciate the envelopes to be returned by mid-June.
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
Apostolic Workers Annual Display Day: Apostolic Work is holding their Annual Display Day on Sunday next 7th June, in Fourmilehouse Community Centre. Doors open 12 noon. Concelebrated Mass with Bishop Kevin Doran at 2 pm, followed by distribution of 2026 Easter Chicken Funds. Refreshments will be served afterwards. Please come along especially if you have sponsored/ would like to sponsor Sacred Vessels, meet some of the recipients, some old friends & the visiting Missionaries. Everyone most welcome
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
Short Breaks Scheme: Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children/adults who have an intellectual disability? Corlann West, Homeshare Roscommon is recruiting host carers. Training/support provided. Tax exempt allowances paid. Email: Homeshareroscommon@corlann.ie call Catherine on 090 6628500 / 087 2126607.