Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Deaths
Over the past week our community has been shook to its very core with three locals passing away. Each one of them in their own right holding legendary status within the community for the type of people they were and that extra value they brought to all us. The passing of each one of them has left us all the poorer for their absence and we will find it very difficult to reproduce people like them. We hope we can do each of them the justice they deserve with our words below.
Frank Brennan
Frank born, reared and farmed his family homestead in Mount Dillon was in his 92nd year when following a very short illness passed away at his home. Frank lived a full and varied lifestyle with farming being his main priority and he farmed it with a great intensity and he always retained the old style farming to mix with the progressions. He always loved to go Dowra Mart in Co. Cavan that is over a one hour drive from his home and the story he told was that not too long ago, arriving home one late evening rom Dowra, he returned again the same night for the rest of the purchases – it was some determination for a man approaching 90. Frank, the seventh son of a seventh son had a cure for ringworm and he had many visitors from far and wide. He was a man that had a wonderful personality and presence that made everyone feel comfortable and happy in his company. Frank was a wonderful storyteller and singer and regaled so many at many gatherings. He was an active member of the Solstice Choir in Roscommon and the South Roscommon singers based in Knockrockery to name but two groups. Showing their respect for their member the Solstice Choir performed singing at his Funeral Mass. In later times Frank joined the Poetry club at Lanesboro library and he related many of his huge array of poems and stories to the group. He was until recent times a member of the local bridge clubs where both himself and his wife Frances excelled and were winners on a very regular basis. Frank’s absence from the many local groups, marts and local sessions will be sadly missed as he will be in his own area where he was an excellent and extremely helpful neighbour and friend.
Frank was predeceased by his parents James and Mary and by his brothers Pat, John, Tom, Michael, Bertie and Peter.
His remains reposed in McHugh’s Funeral Home Strokestown before being removed to St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe. His funeral Mass took place on Tuesday and it was followed by his burial in Cloontuskert Cemetery.
To his wife Frances, His daughter Lucy, his son Aidan, his brother Vincent, grandchildren Ella, rose, Luke and Finnian, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Tommy McCarthy
On Tuesday 4th August the town came to a devastating halt when the news broke of the sudden death of Tommy McCarthy, Longford Road. Tommy, more commonly known as Cool T, was born and reared on The Green by his late parents Tim and Ita. Tommy spent his life in the Defence Forces, mostly with the 4th Cavalry Squadron based in Connolly Barracks, Longford and did his tours of duty to the Lebanon. A while after his retirement Tommy received the first house on the Longford Road which was the most wonderful place that a character and lover of his community could have been located. He was a most personable man who thrived on being in the company of others especially if there was a bit of craic to be had. Tommy had words at will and was never short of them when it came to slagging as Marty, Anthony, Joe and Tom can attest to and he was most capable of taking the hit when the tables were turned on him. He was a most faithful comrade and friend and from his corner position in the town he was most welcoming and made everyone feel at home. Tommy loved to entertain and his playing of the spoons became a trademark of the man. Tommy had wonderful heart and generosity with an extraordinary concern for his family and friends, his loyalty towards then was unwavering. He was the heartbeat of the community and his place in our hearts will remain forever. In his own way he was religious and had his own private altar in his house and always referred to that in our conversations. He was a keen reader of Irish stories and his love for the home of his parents, Limerick, and it really showed through over the past number of years with the Limerick flag flying at his house. Tommy had a great pride of his native Lanesboro and he enjoyed every moment of life living here. Tommy’s leaves us with wonderful memories and his uniqueness will never be forgotten.
Tommy was predeceased by his parent, his sisters Mary and Kate, his brothers John Patsy and Eugene.
Tommy reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home on Thursday 6th August. His Funeral Mass took place on Friday in St. Mary’s Church, followed by burial in Clonbonny Cemetery. To his sister Ann, his brothers Timmy, Tony, Martin, Gerard and Stephen, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Codladh sámh a chara
Breda Duffy
The news broke on Wednesday 5th April of the death of Breda Duffy, Weekfield in the care of Roscommon Hospice. Breda married Noel Duffy over 45 years ago, built their new home and raised their family at Weekfield. Breda was a proud native of Cloverhill/Oran something she reminded me of plenty times. She was aged just 66 and she was predeceased by her father Kieran. Breda was an outstanding lady who was diagnosed some 30 years ago with Multiple Sclerosis but come the challenge come the lady with an astonishing spirit, she was determined not to let her diagnosis define her path in life. Breda was a very active young lady who worked in O’Carroll’s Architects in Roscommon Town. She was an excellent badminton player and a leading player with the local badminton club. Breda was thoroughly dedicated to her family and their progression in life and later on doted on her three grandchildren. She was a lady with a terrific outlook and when you met with her she was always positive and her great humour and fun never diminished. She enjoyed life as much as was humanly possible and in the later years when her MS was progressing she was very well cared for by her husband Noel and her family. Breda maintained her spirit with her daily walks on the Roscommon Road and it was always so heartening to see the incredible spirit shown by her. Some eight months ago Breda suffered a stroke, a serious blow that she would not recover from despite her tremendous will.
For her utter love of life and her will to live the spirit of Breda Duffy will never be forgotten.
Breda’s remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon on Friday 7th August. On Saturday her remains arrived at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for Mass of the Resurrection followed by a private cremation. To her husband Noel, her daughter Karen, her son Paul, her grandchildren Kayden, Adam and Conor, her mother Peggy Fallon, her brothers Shawn, Michael, Marty, Andrew, Dermot, her sisters Anna and Sharon, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Tom and Angela Crinigan and their family, Barnacor on the death of Tom’s sister Breda O’Brien, Cabinteely, Dublin who passed away on Monday 3rd August in her 93rd year.
You are invited to sign the petition
The petition have the second doctor’s surgery in Lanesboro remain open is continuing and there are petition sheets in local shops. You are asked to voice your concern against the now temporary closure and what looks like a full closure. From all the evidence seen so far since the allocation of the surgery by the HSE it appears that Dr. David Booth, who was allocated the Lanesboro Medical Centre contract would prefer that all patients travel his surgery in Longford. This is highly impracticable for so many people and as we have said before in these notes there has to be a rising and a continued rising until the full surgery is back in place and Lanesboro Medical Centre is fully restored.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to James and Serena Casey and family, Carrowstrawley on the death of James’s cousin Catherine Dowling, Ferrybank, Co. Kilkenny on Friday last 7th August
Citizens Information Service
Our Age Friendly drop-in clinic is available weekly on Tuesdays from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please note commencing September 1st 2026 the time will change to 2pm-4pm weekly. No appointment is necessary. Should you require further details, please telephone 0818 07 5890.
Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival
This year the running of the third annual Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival will take place on Sunday 20th September at Lismehy. Lismehy. Featuring at the festival will be Vintage Threshing, Vintage Corn Grinding, Vintage Saw Mill, Stationary Engines, Vintage Tractors, Vintage Cars, Butter Churning, Boxty Making, Wood Turning, Blacksmith and Farrier, hay making and free horse and carriage rides. Music on the day will be provided by the very popular Billy Garvan. The entry fee is just €10 while children are free.
Further information can be obtained by calling 087 907 4869.
Win a load of Turf
Here is your opportunity to be in with the chance to win a 15 x 7ft trailer load of turf in the Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club’s fundraising draw. Tickets are priced at €5 for one or a book of 3 for €10. The draw will take place in the Central Bar, Strokestown on Friday 27th November,
Local Connection to RDS success
The Annual Horse Show at the RDS is a truly international event with riders taking part from all over the world and on Saturday last in the famous Defender Puissance International event. This event is famous for the high wall and with three left in the jump-off one of them had a local connection to Longford and Lanesboro. Derek McCoppin son of Ned and Margaret McCoppin, Clonterm, Longford has been involved with Horses all his life and it was great to see him reach the heights he reached on Saturday. Unfortunately, the jump-off did not go to plan and he had to settle for third place but we are pretty sure that there will be bigger and better days ahead.
The local connection is through his mother Margaret who is a member of the very popular Rathcline Rooney family.
Championship Updates
To continue the red lettered Sunday for the St. Faithleach’s club the opening round of the Senior Championship saw them pitted against Castlerea St. Kevin’s in the club grounds. The game was expected to be a tight and tough game but in the end St. Faithleach’s finished a mighty day with a wonderful victory on a scoreline of 3-14 to 1.09.
Rathcline, following their free weekend are back in action on Sunday next 9th August where they will travel to Oliver Lynch Park, Abbeylara to play Dromard at 2pm.
Join the Women’s Choir
Roscommon Women’s Choir ‘Cór Comáin’ wants to invite you to experience singing in harmony and to join the choir.
They will hold an Open Day on Thursday 3rd September and they would like to invite you to go along and be part of a very exciting day.
To find out more about singing with Cór Comáincheck corcomain@gmail.comand you can also follow them on Facebook @roscommonchoir.
No better time to step aboard and create lasting memories.
Don’t let this beautiful weather pass without availing of a trip on John Sorohan’s electric boat? Experience the peaceful lapping waters of the river without the noise of an engine. View the environment of Lanesboro from a different perspective.
On the trip you will hear about the history of Upper Lough Ree.
This trip is perfect for families, couples, and groups.
Check John out at https://www.loughReeBoatingandWalkingTours.ie
Sustainability & Biodiversity Workshop for Tidy Towns & Sustainable Energy Communities – Drumlish 19 August
Drumlish Community Centre is hosting a free workshop on Sustainability and Biodiversity for Tidy Towns groups and anyone interested in sustainability and biodiversity – on Wednesday 19th August from 6.00 to 9.00 pm. The workshop will focus on how to develop and deliver Sustainability & Biodiversity projects.
The workshop will be delivered by Woodrow Environmental Consulting and SEAI Mentors who will provide support on scoping projects and accessing grant sources. The event will include examples of successful projects, site visits to local biodiversity projects and a building restoration project at a 19th Century Grain Store, and a demonstration of traditional building techniques by Michael Masterson. SEAI’s One-Stop-Shop team will also attend to provide details of the Traditional Homes Pilot scheme.
The event is free of charge and open to everyone, but pre-registration is required. To attend, please register at: https://forms.office.com/e/wjRkGB7Mim or phone 087 2222543.
Recent Books
Back in Stock Following a great run of sales of the Fr. Pat Lennon’s ‘Journey Through Priesthood’ “Come here a second Till I tell You” has just come back on the shel and it available at €20
Daniel McGann, Killashee has become a prolific writer and his latest publication ‘Uniting Ireland’ has just reached the shop shelves this weekend. I am sure that the book will be another bestseller.
Paddy Egan has just launched ‘Rambles in Kilcommock’ volume VIIII – A collection of poems of local interest.
The book is on sale in O’Brien’s coasting €10
New Accommodation
Over the time we have noticed that the Lanesboro Ballyleague area has become more and more popular with many people wishing to spend some time here. We have noticed the great and growing influx of campervans on a weekly basis and a great growth in inquiries for accommodation in and around the area.
I was delighted to be informed during the week of further accommodation availability when the Canal View Lodges came on the market offering luxury accommodation with 6 x 3 bedroom houses sleeping up to 6 people at Foigha between Lanesboro and Ballymahon. With a spa coming on stream in the near future this new accommodation is a Godsend for those that are looking to stay locally.
To make bookings you should phone 086 170 0361
Roscommon Association London
We received a reminder last week to begin making preparation for the Roscommon Association London, Annual Dinner Dance that will take place on Saturday 24th October in the Clayton Hotel, Chiswick, London. The drinks reception will take place at 6.30pm and the dinner will be served 7.30pm. Further information and books can be made by contacting roscommonassoclondon@gmail.com
Lanesboro Gun Club
Annual membership is now due for the forthcoming season. Please contact the committee to assist with same.
Clays: Practice continues every Saturday and Sunday. The very best of luck to the teams that are participating in next week’s All Ireland in Esker.
St. Faithleach’s Lotto
The St. Faithleach’s GAA lotto took place on Tuesday 4th August in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 6, 7, 11, and 19 and once again there were no winners. The jackpot for the next draw on Tuesday 18th August now rises to €2,700. The €200 prize draw was won by Martina Bennett.
Galway 8k
It is great to see the tradition of local taking part in the Medtronic Galway 8k through Galway city. A number of the Clonwood Arc running group based in Lanesboro took part on Saturday evening’s race. The group has been in existence for the past few years and have an extensive list of runs completed countrywide.
Pictured are some of the Lanesboro group that took part on Saturday last.
Solstice Choir in Backstage Theatre.
Following on from their huge success in the Roscommon Arts Centre the Roscommon Solstice Choir will present “Songs that Built a Nation” in the Backstage Theatre Longford on Wednesday and Thursday, 9th and 10th September.
With a script by well-known Roscommon Playwright and Historian Tommy Murray the choir will present “Epic moments of Irish History as told in Ballads, Songs, Poems and Music”. Beginning with the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798 the show tells the story of this traumatic and tumultuous time in our history up to and including the War of Independence 1920/21.
This show which has been described as “a very moving production, which immediately takes its place as one of the outstanding highlights of this choir’s distinguished ‘body of work’ is definitely not to be missed.
Booking can be made by telephone to Backstage at: (043) 3347888 or admin@backstage.ie
Book now to secure your place
Echoes of BnM and ESB: The Grand Lanesboro & Ballyleague Reunion
We are endeavouring to make a magical trip down memory lane for all the families that came to Lanesboro and Ballyleague communities when they came to work with Bord na Mona and ESB since the mid 1950’s. We are remembering their parents and all the families that grew up going to school in the all the schools around the three housing estates of The Green, Cloontuskert and Derryhaun. We are also remembering all the families that came to work from all the surrounding parishes. There were also a number of years of apprentices that came to Lanesboro Vocational School now Lanesboro Community College and the committee would love to welcome them back too.
To help with the reconnection of everyone we would like that everyone that reads these notes and that have connections to anyone that comes from the above mentioned families that they would pass the word around of a giant gathering in Lanesboro on Saturday 26th September where we will all reconnect with Bord na Mona and ESB.
It is fitting and a right time to do this as the power station has been closed for seven years now and the Bord na Mona works is rapidly come to its life end and we should all celebrate what both companies and the people that it brought to work here and bring families and former workers back to the community that they made so great.
The organising group is asking you to share the news with old school friends, send vintage photos with names to lanesbororeconnection@gmail.com or drop physical copies into O’Brien’s. It would be made all the better if you could include names of the people in the photographs. Please put your name on anything you leave into O’Brien’s as we want to credit your input and be able to return them to you.
If you wish to scan them yourself you can send then to lanesbororeconnection@gmail.com The committee would love to receive all your memories.
Pilgrimage/Visit to the Poor Clare Sisters
A day pilgrimage is being organised to visit the Poor Clare Sisters in Drumshambo on Friday next 14th August. Mass will take place at 12noon followed by a visit to the Poor Clare convent and the day will be completed with a meal in Drumshambo. On the way home there will be an opportunity to visit Carrick-on-Shannon. The departure time from Lanesboro id 10.30am and the cost is €20. For booking and any other information you may require please ring 33 21166.
Jumble/Cakes Sought
The annual Jumble/Cake Sale in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital will once again take place at Roscommon Agricultural Show on Saturday next 15th August. Donations of saleable items, toys, ornaments etc. will be much appreciated. To donate you are asked to contact Bridget by phoning here on 087 9773338.
Rathcline 50/50 Draw
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 3rd August was for a pool that amounted to €652. The winning ticket was in the name of Tracy Lane, Moher. As usual the winning cheque will be left in O’Brien’s for collection and can be usually collected on Wednesday evenings.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night in one of our local bars at 7.30pm. Your continued generous support is keeping the pool at a wonderfully high figure and it is greatly appreciated as it is making a great difference to the winner each week.
€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 hit its upper limit of €15,000 and with nobody having the correct numbers that €15,000 there is still a chance that you can be the winner. The next draw takes place on Tuesday 11th August, for the jackpot of €15,000 if not won on the 4th. 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 4th August were 9, 11, 29 and 26. The winner of the €50 prize was Emma Kilbride, Strokestown Road, and the 3 x €20 prizes were won by Martina O’Brien, Corner Shop, Breda Moran Carraroe and Kathleen Kelly, Carraroe.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 11th August 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.
The Joker continues to evade the cut
The Joker is on the rise once again and on Saturday night last 8th August the Joker was not cut from the deck of cards and another €100 will be added to the jackpot for next week. The Joker will now stand at a rising €3,500 from the remaining 3 cards on Saturday night next 15th August in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners of last Saturday’s draw winners, 15th August were Siobhan Mullen and John O’Loughlin.
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.
Lanesboro Library
Book Launch
We are delighted to welcome Gerry Donlon (Moher) back to Lanesboro this Summer where he will launch his second anthology of stories. Tales of Bards Aloud, Comic & Quirky: Anthology 2 will be available in Lanesboro Library to purchase and to borrow. Gerry will be launching his book on August 20th from 6pm in the library. He will read a selection of stories which are all based in the local area. Everyone is welcome to celebrate local art.
Mother & Baby 4 Week Reflexology Course
Miriam Burke will work with new mums over four weeks teaching reflexology and promoting its benefits for mother and baby bonding, sleep, digestion, stress reduction and immune response. The course will run September 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th from 11am – 12pm. Spaces are limited, please contact us on lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie to book your place now.
Killashee & Clondra Parish History
The process of collating the historical records of Killashee and Clondra Parish has just begun and the first publication sees a very detailed account of the history of faith in the parish subtitled ‘A History of Faith ‘is now available.
The faith history and records of the parish is phenomenally detailed so much so that the list of the clergy that served both the Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic Church were comprehensively recorded to the extent that there is a record going back to 1411.
The communities of St. Paul’s Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic churches of St. Patrick’s (Killashee) and St. Brendan’s (Clondra) has and continues to play a major role in the parish for such a long time.
This book is launched to coincide with a momentous occasion that is presently happening in the parish where Fr. Shea Casey and Fr. Jimmie McDonnell are both celebrating the Golden Jubilee of their ordination into the priesthood.
This Killashee& Clondra Parish – A History of Faith is available in O’Brien’s costing just €25.
One–Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg
The annual one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place this year on Sunday 23rd August. The bus will leave Ballyleague at 7am and booking is essential. Bookings can be made by contacting Mary 043 33 21969.
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.
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.
Shared Reading
A gentle and welcoming shared reading group takes place in the Roscommon library, open to people living with dementia and their carers. Come along to relax, enjoy listening to stories of local history or any topic, and share a cup of tea in a friendly, supportive setting. There is no pressure to read – simply listen and enjoy the company. Every second Wednesday at 11am and continues every Wednesday at Roscommon Town Library Contact: 09066 37277 library@roscommoncoco.ie New members are always very welcome. If you or someone you know might enjoy this relaxed social gathering, please feel free to come along.
Shine Relatives & Supporters Group
A monthly support group for individuals supporting people living with mental health challenges occurs on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, 7pm – 8.30pm in REGARI Recovery College, Athlone Road, Roscommon Town. Email support@shine.ie or call 086 040 7701.
REGARI Recovery College is the single story building on the immediate right past the cemetery on the grounds of the Roscommon Hospital
Alzheimer Café
The Longford Alzheimer Cafe 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
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.
Chit Chat
The local ‘Chit Chat’ group that meets between 10am and 12pm in Adie’s bar every Friday from 10am until 12 noon.
Ballyleague Hall caretaker
Liam Garvey is caretaker of Ballyleague Hall. For all bookings and requests you can contact Liam on 085-1698032
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.
Gambling Anonymous
Meetings for those with problems with gambling take place in in the Family Centre, Longford (at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral) on Tuesdays at 8pm.
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 evenings 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.
Poor Clare Sisters: A day pilgrimage is being organised to visit the Poor Clare Sisters in Drumshambo on Friday next 14th August. The schedule is presently being put together and it will be published in next week’s notes.
Deferred: The scheduled church gate collection for St. Joseph’s Young Priest Society collection had to be deferred and it will now take place before Mass next weekend on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August.
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 this Friday 7th August.
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
Kilgefin Cemetery Mass: On Sunday next 16th August, Mass will take place in Kilgefin Cemetery at 6pm.A collection will take place with the proceeds going towards the upkeep of the cemetery.
Thank You: Ballagh Church group for the maintenance and upkeep of Ballagh church would like to sincerely thank everyone that contributed to their most recent appeal for financial support. To date the amount received stands at €3,630. The group would also like to thank all those that found time to deliver and collect the donations. Donations can still be made and can be given to Fr. Dan or any committee member.
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.
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). 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.