Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Remarkable Exhibition
A lot of work has gone into the Heritage Society’s preparation to celebrate National Heritage Week. To say it is an excellent exhibition is an understatement as the quality of the work, the amount of memorabilia, photographs and written scripts makes this a most remarkable exhibition. “Heritage at Risk” shows what we once had and this celebration of the past, shows us, that we must do much more to inspire the future as there is no better place to be inspired than by attending this remarkable exhibition.
We must congratulate the Heritage Society for their outstanding work and presentation and we urge everybody to go to the Parish Hall between now and Sunday between 10.30am and 4pm and be truly inspired.
Book Launch
Gerry Donlon formerly Moher will make a triumphant return to his native community on this Thursday where he will launch his second anthology of stories. He is now based in Woodbridge Suffolk, England where he has built up a great reputation as a professional storyteller. Gerry has a creative persona of Bards Aloud and he has performed at many of the leading festivals in England where his quirky and comical stories brought him great acclaim. He is renowned for his stripped-back stage style focusing purely on the spoken word without heavy costumes or props.
Just last November Gerry launched his first book of stories Magic & Wonder: Anthology 1 featuring six family-friendly original stories set in in his now home county of Suffolk.
Gerry will launch his second publication this Thursday 20th August that is featuring eight weird and humorous stories mostly set in counties Roscommon and Sligo. The launch will take place at 6pm and it should be a wonderful evening with Gerry. I am sure that the library will be packed to capacity as Gerry is enthusiastically welcomed home for his book launch.
Gerry, from a large and well respected family in our community and we all remember some, if not all, of the Donlon family that return to the community every year for a family get together. He is brother to Patsy, Jim, Kevin, Marty his sisters Betty, Kathleen, Mary, Teresa, Carmel and Rita, and he is predeceased by his brothers Pete, Tom, E.J., Noel and Joe.
Death
Renowned for her larger than life personality it was with a very heavy heart that we learned of the death at Beaumont Hospital of Bridie Mulvihill, Springfield, Dublin and formerly of Rathcline, on Saturday 1st August. Bridie was predeceased by her parents Pat and Annie. In her early working days she worked locally at child minding and housekeeping. Bridie was a fun loving person where her distinctive warm, friendly and stylish manner endeared her to everyone that met her. It was always great to see her back in town visiting the family grave and meet up with old friends. When her older sister Annie Mae moved to England she followed her to London to work. Living beside the legendary dance hall, the Galtymore in Cricklewood, was heaven for Bridie, who loved to sing and dance – her favourite song was the Banks of the Ohio. She was a great lover and follower of the Irish showband scene and had a particular grá for Joe Dolan. Bridie married in London and before returning back to Dublin where they lived in the Tallaght area. She was employed at the Arts and Community Centres in Tallaght. Bridie, a diabetic, did a huge amount of fundraising for the Diabetic Association throughout the Tallaght area.
Bridie is survived by her sons Paul, David (Australia), and Ian, her brothers Patsy (Australia), Christy (Scotland) and John (Drumlish), her sister Annie Mae (London) grandchildren, extended family relatives and friend to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Bridie reposed at her family home on Thursday 6th August and her remains were removed on Friday to St. Mark’s Church, Springfield for her Funeral Mass. Burial took place afterwards in Newlands Cross Cemetery.
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.
Community Games Finals
With athletics on such a high following last week’s European Championship it is fantastic to see that we have two representatives at the All-Ireland Community Games Finals in Carlow, next weekend. Niall Morgan will be running in the 200m race while Andrew Nolan will be competing in the Discus competition. Along with the Lanesboro Community Games committee we wish both lads the very best of luck.
Dispute over doctor’s surgery continues
Amazingly, doctors have been using a clinic in this building at Lanesboro Medical Centre for almost 25 years, and now we find out that it does not meet safety standards – this is mystifying.
This truly blows the mind thinking of someone getting seriously ill or getting sick overnight; how are they going to get to Longford – the 426 Local Bus Link is definitely not an option. Is the lack of a doctor’s surgery at Lanesboro Medical Centre a positive thing for the patients of the previous doctors, Lanesboro, and the general community in an area where the population continues to grow? Do any of the patients have to travel miles to have a new prescription written or get treatment?
What does the temporary closure mean and I ask is it the doctor or the HSE that has issued the temporary closure. I think either one or the other should make a statement clarifying the reason for the closure to alleviate the concerns of the patients and perhaps get a timeline as to when the clinic will return to a full service.
The local petitions to have the second doctor’s surgery in Lanesboro remain open and active has seen a great response and comment from the public at large. There are petition forms in local shops and if you feel there is a need for the Lanesboro Medical Centre to remain open you are asked to add your signature. You are asked to voice your concern against the temporary closure and seek the restoration of full services.
Building Ireland visits us
Building Ireland is an RTÉ television documentary series that looks into many aspects of the rich tradition in architecture, engineering, and geography in Ireland.
On last week’s programme the team visited our community looking at the history of ESB and Bord na Mona in our community, the building and influences of housing estates of the Green and Cloontuskert, designed by Frank Gibney, the legendary architect and town planner. It was a marvellous insight into our history and the history of the people that came to live amongst us.
They spoke of the transition from sod burning turf at the outset in 1958 when the station was capable of producing 20Mw of electricity right up to the new station commissioned in 2004 was capable of producing 100Mw using milled peat.
It was an excellent programme where Shauna O’Neill, Denis Murphy, Margaret O’Neill spoke on the housing estates while Patsy Fallon and Trevor Flynn spoke on the Power Station and the spirit of the workforce in facing developing challenges as things modernised..
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Maeve and Thomas Donohoe, Curraghrua and their family on the death of Maeve’s uncle Anthony McBride, Creeslough Co. Donegal on Friday 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.
Former resident passes away
On Saturday 14th March former Doughill resident Johnny Fallon passed away at his home in London, in the care of his wife Sheila and family. Johnny will be remembered as a very successful man that spent practically all his working life in England. He spent time running a pub for a brewery amongst other jobs before starting his own business that proved very successful feeding into the construction industry. As a young lad at the age of 6 overcame Polio, a highly infectious viral disease, to go on and lead a full and active life. Johnny refurbished his original family home over a period of time where he would spend a few months every summer back home in his native Doughill. He was acknowledged as a great friend, character and conversationalist with words at will and a man that loved to entertain local visitors to his home. You never left the house in Doughill without a smile on your face. All his life he had a great interest in cars and in later life he took a great interest in vintage cars.
A cremation ceremony took place in Norwood Crematorium, London and as his final wish was that his ashes would be returned to Curraghroe for burial in Cloontuskert. Requiem Mass took place on Friday last in St. Cecelia’s Church, Curraghroe before his ashes were removed for burial to Cloontuskert cemetery. The mode of transport from the church to the cemetery was as one of his final wishes to be transported in a vintage car.
To his wife Sheila, his sons Damian and Patrick, his brothers Patsy, Bart and Tommy, his sister Mary, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Third Annual Sliabh Bán Harvest Festival Launched
The Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club launched their 3rd annual Harvest Day Festival on Saturday last when they harvested oats for the upcoming event. The oats was kindly donated by Derek Stuart and his son Farmer Phil, of YouTube fame from Co Longford. Club members with the aid of the renowned Rathcline Reapers assembled in a cornfield outside Killashee where the cutting of the oats crop officially launched the festival.
The crop was harvested using implements and machines from yesteryear. The laborious method of cutting corn with scythes and tying sheaves by hand and stooking was given. Then the reaper and binder was introduced operated by Timmy Nolan and Noel Kearney and the work seemed so easy as the machine advanced through the crop discharging tied sheaves of oats every few seconds.
The club now have their supply of oats which will be part of the festival on Sunday 20th September when it will be threshed on the day. Many thanks to the Stuart family, the machine operators, the caterers who produced tea and sandwiches for the hungry work force and to all the helpers who made the event a day of fun. There will be more details published later of the different activities and attractions that will be the makeup of our show, which this year it is hoped will be bigger and more interesting than ever before.
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. 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.
Cemetery Sunday in Cashel parish
Over the next two Sunday’s the parish of Cashel will celebrate the memory of the dead in their two graveyards starting with Saints Island on Sunday next 23rd and the following Sunday 30th August at 1pm.
Championship Updates
Last weekend proved not to be a fruitful one for the senior championship teams of Rathcline and St. Faithleach’s. Defeat puts added pressure on both sides to get victories in their next round of the championship. Rathcline went down to the last kick of the ball point by Mullinalaghta while St. Faithleach’s came out six points behind Oran.
Rathcline will not play Ardagh/Moydow in their final game – at the time of writing I do not see a date nor do I see a fixture for St. Faithleach’s. You will have to keep an eye on both clubs Social Media platforms for details of the next games.
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 shelf 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 of a further addition to the accommodation available at the Canal View Lodges luxury accommodation with 6 x 3 bedroom houses sleeping up to 6 people at Foigha between Lanesboro and Ballymahon. There is a brand new Spa experience just opened adding greatly to the excellent accommodation already on offer. A new opportunity to stay locally along the canal for cycles or walks and with a restaurant and bar only a few minutes’ walk it is an ideal location.
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
Athlone and Midland Samaritans
Athlone Samaritans need additional volunteers to maintain their 24Hr free befriending service. Could you be a Samaritan volunteer? No experience or qualification needed as we will train, mentor and support you. If you think you might be interested please call or text John 087 7176168 or email athlone.branchrecruitment@samaritans.org. Samaritans provide 24hr emotional support on Freecall 116123.
St. Joseph Men’s Camino
Along the Boyne Valley, St. Joseph’s Men’s Camino will undertake a 25km one-day Catholic pilgrimage for men, including Mass, Adoration, Confession and fellowship, with the Camino taking the Boyne Valley Camino route in Drogheda. Saturday, 12th September. The speaker will be Fr. Mark Quinn. Cost €65 (includes lunch & dinner). Full details Dominicans.ie
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.
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.
Rathcline 50/50 Draw
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 10th August was for a pool that amounted to €680. The winning ticket was in the name of senior footballer Michael Morrissey. 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 25th August, for the jackpot of €15,000 if not won on the 18th. 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 11th August were 3, 11, 12 and 25. The winner of the €50 prize was Mary O’Halloran, The Green, and the 3 x €20 prizes were won by Johnny Hanley, Corrigeen, Niall Donlon, Moher, c/o The Yacht Bar, and Jimmy Tarmey, Cloontuskert.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on Tuesday 18th 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 15th 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 €3,600 from the remaining 36 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 Rita McCormack and Chris 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.
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 return after their Summer break on Wednesday 26th August at 7.00pm in their office on Earl Street, Longford, opposite Mollaghan’s Furniture Store. Guest speaker on the night will be Trisha from Vision Ireland and her topic will be ‘Supporting A Person with Sight Loss and Dementia ‘ The Café will then 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
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
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.
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.
Thank You: The church gate collection for St. Joseph’s Young Priest Society took place on the 8th and 9th August and the collection amounted to €695.30. The local organising committee would like to thank everyone for their generous donations.
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 4th September.
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.
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.