Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Try a Dive
The ideal opportunity to explore and discover the attraction of underwater diving is offered to you for the nest 2 Thursday evenings in Coral leisure Centre at the mall in Longford. Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club is offering this great opportunity to take your first breath underwater.
Go along on this Thursday 29th October and again on Thursday 5th November for a 9pm start.
There are limited places available so advance booking is required. Message or call 087 981 7784 to book.
No experience is required; all scuba gear will be supplies and all you need to bring is your togs and towel.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Ita, Marty, Patrick and Edel Gill, Cloonadra, on the death of Ita’s sister Mary Margaret (Mamie) Fallon, Fairymount, Kilrooskey on Friday 16th October.
We also extend our deepest sympathy to Mamie’s husband Joe, her brother PJ Murray Derryphatten, Strokestown, and her sister Eithne Higgins Hillstreet.
Mamie reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Monday 19th, and her removal took place on Tuesday to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh for her Funeral Mass that was followed by interment in Kilteevan Cemetery.
ESB book still selling very well
“ESB Lanesborough Station; the people who powered it”, is now on sale in O’Brien’s and it is selling extremely well. The vast array of photographs included in the book is bringing back memories to many people whether they worked in the station or not. The cost of the book is just €20.
Thank You
The Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club would like to sincerely thank everyone that contributed to their recent Church Gate collection in Lanesboro. The sum donated amounted to €528.75.
St. Mary’s Secondary School Ballyleague
This week I was chatting with Peadar Carberry, formerly Derryhaun and now living in Kilcock and he told me about his time in St. Mary’s College in Ballyleague.
He remembered teaching staff of the school Mr. Hannon, Mr. O’Brien, Mr Brennan, Mr Murray, Rev. T. Foy and Rev. H. Tonra.
He said it was a great place to go to school as it was and felt so different especially in the number of subjects that they covered and the unique manner of teaching off the staff. Peadar also remembers Brendan Gilmore from the Green being senior to him and as was the away of the time in the school, he recalls Brendan passing on his schoolbooks to him as he went on into a higher class.
Before his time there may have been only one or two games of football in the year but Fr Tonra managed to acquire a set of jerseys from a rugby school in the Dublin, Palmerstown area, I believe and they were red, black and yellow with a white collar hence the team were referred to as the wasps. With the arrival of Mr O’Brien, the school was entered in many competitions and more games got played from then on.
Great results in Tidy Towns
On Friday last the results of the SuperValu Tidy Towns competition were announced at the awards ceremony in Croke Park. All three of our local area in the competition increased their points from last year. This reward in rising points is due to the amount of tremendous work being done by the Cloontuskert Tidy Towns, Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee and the Lanesboro Tidy Towns committee. The amount of voluntary work being done is incredible and their work is recognised not only by the judges but by everyone that comes to or passes through each are judging by the comments that are made when they come to the shop.
Ballinahown in Westmeath was announced the overall winners with a total 413 points. Our three local entrants were paid great plaudits by the judges and with each increasing their points the gap continues to narrow, and it will not be too much longer before one of our local entrants are climbing the steps to accept a SuperValu Tidy Towns award.
Cloontuskert continue to lead the way locally with 393 points an increase of 13 marks from 2025 and for the tenth time in a row they have been invited to attend the awards ceremony and for the tenth time in a row they won a bronze medal. Lanesboro are the next highest with a total points tally of 379 an increase of 18 marks and Ballyleague increased their total marks from a total of 367 in 2025 to 377 marks.
Our community is blessed to have such creative, inventive and hard-working people in the three committees and long may they continue to do this great work for their own areas.
While reading this piece and you feel you have some time to offer to any of the committees in your area then contact the relevant people in charge to give that helping hand, they would be grateful for all extra help.
Walk followed by Unveiling
On Sunday next 1st November Ballyleague Tidy Towns, fresh from their 10-mark increase in the Tidy Towns will hold a brief nature Talk followed by the unveiling of our latest project at the promenade adjacent to the Big Tree Library. This is a continuation of their great creativity by the committee as they are beginning their work towards next year’s adjudication.
Derek Healy (landscaper) from Creations Garden Centre Ballymahon will give a brief talk on the upgrading of the flower beds funded by grant aid from Roscommon Co. Co. under the Local Environmental Action Fund. This will be followed immediately afterwards with the unveiling of the group’s latest project located adjacent to the Big Tree Library at the promenade, Proceedings will commence at 3pm at the Access for All slip way and are subject to weather conditions. Everybody is welcome to come along.
Load of Turf to be won
With the weather beginning to close in for the Autumn and Winter there will be a great need for heating your home. The ideal opportunity to heat your home for just €5/€10 is waiting for you with the opportunity 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. Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s and the winner if within 10k of Strokestown can have it delivered to their home.
Morning Bridge
A call to all bridge players that have time for a morning game. The Morning Larks Bridge Club has resumed on Friday’s, in Hannon’s Hotel at 10 am. New member’s welcome.
The Joker reaches €4,600
The excitement of the St. Faithleach’s Joker fundraiser in continuing to grow as the money for the cut of the Joker on Saturday night next will rise to €4,600. Again, the cut misses the Joker on Saturday night last 24th October the Joker was not cut from the deck of cards and another €100 will be added to the jackpot for next week. With the cards getting fewer and the jackpot still rising, this is a great time to be taking your chance of winning the growing pool. The Joker will now stand at a rising €4,600 from the remaining 28 cards on Saturday night next 31st October in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners of last Saturday’s draw winners, 24h October were Karen Campbell and Liam and Anne.
Be in with your chance to have a cut for the Joker by buying tickets online on the ClubSpot portal and entering St. Faithleach’s
Christmas Tea Party
Lanesborough Parish Hall committee in conjunction with Lanesborough Tidy Towns committee are hosting a Christmas Tea Party for parishioners on Sunday 13th December from 5pm until 8pm. Refreshments served with entertainment from Gerry Keenan. Enquiries to Mags at 086 3600419, Vinny McGowan at 086 8154938 or Edel McDermott at 087 6145238. There is no charge and booking early is advisable.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
The Connacht Even Age Cross Country Championships were held at Roscommon Racecourse on Sunday last the 25th October with a huge number of entries for all the races.
The following Lough Ree Athletes took part in what is a very competitive competition, many competing in their first
cross country race.
Under 10 GIRLS Katie Doolan, Ellen Burke, Siun Creedon Cliona Flanagan. Under 10 BOYS
Cian Flanagan, Ciarán O Dúill, Darragh Heslin. Under 12 GIRLS Olivia Burke. Under 12 BOYS Conor Heslin. Under 14 BOYS Hugh Creedon.
The weekly training continues in Kenagh every Tuesday. Assistance from parents is much appreciated.
Christmas Fair
Lanesborough Parish Hall are hosting their annual Christmas Fair on Sunday 6th December from 11am to 1pm. Enquiries to Mags on 0863600419.
Roscommon Garden Club
The next meeting of Roscommon Garden Club will take place on Monday next 2nd November in Hannon’s Hotel at 8 p.m. The main speaker will be Orlaith Murphy from the RHSI on the topic of Edible Ornamentals.
Roscommon County Library
Drop-In Digital Skills Sessions for Adults: on Wednesdays 2 – 4pm. Do you need help with your smartphone, tablet or laptop? Come along to Roscommon County Library where you can get help & advice from a tutor from Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB). Bring your own device (phone, tablet, and laptop).
Harvest Sale
For the month of November, there will be a Harvest Sale every Saturday 2pm – 6pm at Castlecoote House and the Tea Rooms will be open.
Rathcline 50/50 Draw
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 19th October was for a pool that amounted to €695. The winning ticket was in the name of the Maurice Donlon, Church View. 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 a long time now, the jackpot has hit its upper limit of €15,000 and with nobody having the correct numbers the €15,000 is still there and you have a chance of being the winner of the jackpot. The jackpot if not won on Tuesday 27th will remain at €15,000 for the draw the following Tuesday. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to get hold of the full €15,000 or share in the money. The numbers drawn in the last draw on Tuesday 20th September were 5, 16, 18 and 19. The winner of the €50 prize was Johann Martin, Blenavoher and the three winners of the €20 prizes were Tarran Mullervey, c/o The Yacht Bar, Tom Gill, Ballyglass and Josie and |Freda Connaughton, Longford. 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.
Lanesboro ICA
Cookery Cup
Our annual cookery cup was held on Tuesday the 20th of October and as always, the competition was well supported with almost all guilds taking part. Congratulations to all for taking part but as always, we can only have one winner on the night and Tuesday night was Kenagh guilds night, not only are they celebrating 80 years of ICA in Kenagh, but they also now have the much sought after cookery cup and well deserved. Thanks to our two judges for taking the time to come and judge for us, to our Contest secretary Nuala for organising and to all who helped out in any way on the night, photos of all the entries can be found on our Facebook page.
Flower Competition
The flower competition was also held on the night, and Kathleen Leslie came out the winner here, thanks to Mary for judging, well done Kathleen and all who entered this competition. To finish off a lovely night we had John, Audrey, Sandra and Christian from AIB give us a talk on cyber security, a very interesting and informative talk well worth listening to and we thank them for coming along on the night, I think we all came away with lots of valuable information.
Lotto
Our Lotto draw will be held tonight Wednesday for a jackpot of €1,900; envelopes can be left in Bells Newtownforbes or dropped to Rath Mhuire centre Granard
Heritage Evening
Arts officer Annemarie has organised a heritage evening in HQ for Wednesday the 18th November at 7.30pm, this should be a very interesting evening as we will hear about the history of Connolly Barracks, we will have a cuppa on the night so come and join us for a nice social evening.
Scrapbooking
Craft officer Virginia is organising a scrapbooking day for the 31st January 2027, now you might think this is a long time away but between now and then you will need to collect photos from times past in your guild, more information at the federation meeting but you can all start gathering your photos and memorabilia.
November Federation meeting
Our winter federation meeting will be held on Thursday November 26th in ICA HQ and will be hosted by the ladies from Granard Guild. Competitions on the night are Art, Paint a Christmas scene, A4 framed or unframed, oil or water paints.
Craft, using lollipop sticks, create and decorate a gingerbread house.
Produce, Brussels sprouts, 1 plant growing in a bucket or container. Numbers for the suppers to be sent to Maura Sheridan on 086 2557995 please.
Knit and Stitch Show
This year’s knit and stitch show takes place from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th November. ICA will run a bus on Saturday the 14th, if you are interested in attending please let Virigina Quigley know by text only please on 086 2036542 as always you book your own entry ticket to the show.
Classes in HQ.
Please note there is no crochet class on this Saturday the 30th October
Tuesday Pilates with Regina 6pm
Thursday Chairobics with Regina 12.30 to 1.30pm
Friday Craft class 11am to 2pm
Our next meeting takes place on Wednesday November 11th at 8pm in the parish hub .
Windsong Music
Windsong Music is presently enrolling for the new academic year just starting. Windsong is offering lessons for all ages and levels in piano, singing, violin, cello and harp. They are also offering individual grinds for Junior and Leaving Certificate Music written papers and practical exams. You are invited to reach out to Windsong by phoning 089 4974865 or 087 3649005 or email windsongmusiclessons@gmail.com
Combo fit class with Regina
The Combo Fit class continues on Thursday’s in St. Marys Hall, Lanesboro. 7.30pm.. The class will incorporate low impact Pilates Movements, using body weight, light hand weights, resistance bands. This will improve posture, balance, bone density, and will enhance joint mobility.
Be strong, steady, and straight.
For further information please contact Regina at 087 2485822.
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.
TAI CHI
TAI CHI and CHI KUNG is a well-recognised movement for health and fitness and classes for both disciplines has commenced in Ballyleague Hall on Wednesday evenings from 8 to 9pm. If you want to register or find out further information you are asked to phone 087 9925816
French and German Grinds
Private one-to-one grinds in French and German in preparation for the Leaving Cert are available locally. Individual lessons will be tailored to each student with exam focused preparation and practice. Adult, children and teenagers – all levels welcome and the grinds will cover speaking, grammar, vocabulary, and writing.
Enrolment is now open for the new academic year. There are a limited number of places available with an experienced foreign language teacher. To enrol or to have any other question answered you are asked to phone, WhatsApp or text 089 488 5679.
Citizens Information Service
Our Age Friendly drop-in clinic is available weekly on Tuesdays from 1:30pm-3:30pm. Please note the time change to 2pm-4pm weekly. No appointment is necessary. Should you require further details, please telephone 0818 07 5890.
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.
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
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.
Lanesboro Library
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.
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.
Mission Sunday: The special collection in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th October amounted to €805.
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 6th November.
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
New hall caretaker: Adrian McCaffery is the new caretaker of Ballyleague hall. For all bookings and requests, you can contact Adrian on 085 7836 509 or email: caff5311@yahoo.ie
Memorial Mass: The Annual Memorial Mass for all deceased parishioners of Kilgefin parish who died between November ’25 and November ’26 will take place on Sunday 8th November at 11.30am in Ballyleague church. All families and relatives of the deceased have been invited. After Mas there will be light refreshments served in Ballyleague Hall. Everyone is invited to join in the mass and the refreshments.
World Youth Day 2027 with Pope Leo XIV: The diocese is now accepting applications from parishioners aged 19-30 (at the time of the event) for the youth pilgrimage to Korea for World Youth Day in 2027. Travel dates are 27 July – 13 August 2027. For info and to apply, email Sheena at info@achonryelphin.ie with your name, age, and parish.
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.