Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Breaking News
Just as I was to post this week’s notes I seen a message from Sean Mimnagh with the major news of an investment of €300,000 funding for Lanesboro. The investment is for site, known locally as the ‘Nuns field’ down past Lanesboro Primary School. This site circa 6 acres has recently been bought by Longford County Council with an eye for local development.
The funding is to deliver a Feasibility Study, an Environmental Assessment, the drawing up of a Masterplan for the site and a Regeneration vision for the site.
Hopefully this plan of work will be in the short term, and we can see plans for developments happening on the site in the very near future.
This funding goes to show that there is an interest in seeing Lanesboro develop and grow and thank Sean for his message and hopefully his work with this site will yield rewards for the whole community.
One last opportunity
The ideal opportunity to explore and discover the attraction of underwater diving is offered to you for the next Thursday evening 5th November 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 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
It was with great sadness we learned of the death on Sunday 25th October of Andrew Farrell, Bealach na Gaoithe, Gortatleva, Claregalway, Co. Galway. Andrew son of Tomás and Anne (nee Collins) Farrell both children of Willie and Rose Farrell and John and Lena Collins, the Green who made their home for their family in Claregalway for over the past 30years. Andrew is mourned by his parents Tomás and Anne and their son Daniel and their daughter Hannagh, his sister-in-law Sarah, his aunt Mary Rhatigan, Fermoyle, his uncles Willie, the Green, Padraic, Carrowstrawley and Anthony, Gortgallon, his extended family and friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Andrew reposed at Siraíocht in the grounds of the Assumption and St. James Church, Claregalway on Thursday last 28th October. Following Requiem Mass on Friday Andrew was laid to rest in Renville Cemetery, Oranmore.
Project Lanesboro
The project Lanesboro committee invites all members of the community to attend a Public Meeting on Saturday week 14th November in St. Mary’s Hall at 7.30 where an update will be provided on the proposed Solar Farm planning application in the area. The meeting will outline developments to date and provide information on the Community’s plan and activities in the coming months as it continues to engage with the planning process. All members of the community are welcome to attend.
Social Dance Classes
The return of Social Dance classes (Jive, Waltz, Quickstep, Line Dance & a few surprises!) for adult beginners (no partners required) will take place again in St. Faithleach’s Clubhouse. The classes are resuming on this Friday 6th November for 6 nights. The start time is 8.00 pm and finishes at 9.30pm. The fee of €50.00 is for the 6 weeks or €10.00 pay as you go to the class. Enquiries to Mary at 0872331227.
Deepest Sympathy
Our deepest sympathy to Bernie Masterson, Lehery, her daughter Ronie and her sons Joe and Dean, their families and Bernie’s extended family on the double bereavement of Bernie’s sister and sister-in-law over the past 10 days. On Friday 23rd October Bernie’s sister-in-law Hannah Kelliher, Beaufort, Co, Kerry passed away in University Hospital Kerry while on the following Monday 26th October Bernie’s sister Kathleen Moynihan, Minard West, Lispole, Co. Kerry, following a long illness, passed away at the University Hospital Kerry.
ESB Lanesborough Power Station
The book “ESB Lanesborough Station; the people who powered it” detailing the life and times of the power station and all those that worked in it continues to be very popular and is selling extremely well is 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.
St. Mary’s Secondary School Ballyleague
We are continuing the memories of St. Mary’s Secondary School Ballyleague.
Information for this week has been quite slow but throughout week there were many conversations telling tales of tomfoolery and of academic activities and achievements. More on some of this at a later stage.
Another past pupil of the school, Dom Fallon, was telling me of the times, before school transport, that he cycled to school along with friends Benny Connor and Brian Carty between 1965 to 1969. Brian went on the be a broadcaster and GAA commentator with RTÉ, a writer of many books and in recent years a podcaster.
Dom was casting his mind back on who he remembers in the school during his time, saying that he was most probably leaving out a few names; Frank Regan, Benny Connor, Mike Magan, Anthony Dooner, Kevin Harney, Bob Mc Cormack, Joe Harte, Sean (Tosh) Lindsay, Paddy Lindsay, Deckie Connaughton, Tom Murtagh, Peter Donnellan, Luke Farrell, Lisnacusha, Seamus Farrell, Gurteengar, J.J. Donlon, Liam Cassidy, J.H. Greene, Pat Rodgers, Johnny Tarmey, Patsy Cox, Fergie Feeney, Brian Carty, David Gibbons, Peadar Carberry, Colm Gavigan, Harry O’Donnell, Michael O’Donnell, J.J. Regan, Jackie Healy, Martin Best, Sean Sweeney, Gerry Healy and Tom Cullen.
He also said that there are surely many more of the schools’ past pupils with great stories to tell and it would be great if they could bring more memories to this little project that we are currently running.
Peadar Carberry also told me that he had a memory that the school crest was created by a Donegal man Manus O’Donnell who happened to be a member of the Gardaí in Longford at that time.
If you have memories or information of St. Mary’s Secondary School and you would like to share it with me, you can forward it on to me through email joeaobrien55@gmail.com
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.
New Cancer Support Partnership
Longford Sanctuary is a new Cancer Support for people in County Longford and their families, and this has come about through a new partnership between Longford Hospice Homecare and Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC, Multyfarnham and it will off a range of support services to people and families who have been impacted by cancer. The support from this collaboration will be a tremendous boost to the services as they are now and the services available will be professional One-to One Counselling for adults, children and adolescents, including play therapy and family support, Complimentary Touch Therapies that include reflexology, massage, Indian head massage, Nurse Support/Telephone Support where there will be professional support from the team of nurses and Group/Classes where over time the group hopes to provide group/classes that will include gentle yoga, Meditation and sound bath.
Longford Hospice Homecare is funding and supporting this new service through monies raised in Co. Longford while Cancer Support Sanctuary LARCC brings specialist cancer-support services, delivered by its professional team.
The new Longford Sanctuary will be situated at the Medical Centre at Ballyminion Medical Park, Athlone Road, Longford N39 C650.
The launch of this new fabulous new partnership will take place in the very near future and we cannot commend the people that are involved enough for the remarkable, supportive and kind work that they do.
An evening with Patrick Feeney
Once again, the annual fundraising evening in aid of St. Brigid’s Church Fund will take place at Ardagh Community Centre. This year ‘An evening with Patrick Feeney’ will take place on Friday 20th November with the show commencing at 8pm.
Tickets are priced at €30 and are available in O’Brien’s.
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 €4,700
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 €4,700. Again, the cut misses the Joker on Saturday night last 31st 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 €4,700 from the remaining 26 cards on Saturday night next 7th November in the St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
The €100 draw took place and the two winners of last Saturday’s draw winners, 24h October were Niamh O’Donnell and Sarah Brennan.
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.
Christmas Fair
Lanesborough Parish Hall are hosting their annual Christmas Fair on Sunday 6th December from 11am to 1pm. Enquiries to Mags on 0863600419.
Christmas Night with the Stars
A great idea of a night out between the festivities of Christmas and the New Year festivities will take place in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon on Wednesday night 30th December. You will receive a wonderful night’s entertainment from stars such as Claudia Buckley, Margo, Jimmy Buckley, Brendan Shine, Frank Forde, Hugo Duncan and Dominick Kirwan.
This night out would provide an excellent Christmas gift for someone very special to you.
The doors open at 7pm and the show will commence at 8pm. With no reserved seating you are advised to be early to get the prime seats of your choice.
Tickets are priced at €35, and they can be bought in O’Brien’s.
Christmas Tea Party
Lanesboro parish hall committee in conjunction with Lanesboro Tidy Towns committee are hosting a Christmas Tea Party for parishioners on Saturday 13th December in the parish hall from 5pm to 8pm. Refreshments will be served and entertainment will be provided by Gerry Keenan. Enquiries from Mags 086 3600419, Vinnie McGowan 086 8154938 or Edel McDermott 087 6145238. There is no charge and early booking is advisable.
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.
ESB Annual Mass
The annual mass remembering deceased members of ESB Lanesborough will be held in the Parish Hall (beside the bridge) on Wednesday 18th November at 8pm.
Rathcline 50/50 Draw
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 26th October was for a pool that amounted to €600. The winning ticket was in the name of the Michael Greene, The Green. 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.
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The bi-weekly St. Faithleach’s lottery took place on Tuesday last 27th October in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 1, 9, 23 and 24. There was no winner of the jackpot of €3,200 and the jackpot for the next draw on Tuesday 10th November will now stand at €3,300. Tickets are on sale at all the local outlets and your support will be greatly appreciated.
€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 3rd November 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 27th September were 6, 20, 24 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize was Johnny Kilcoyne c/o The Yacht Bar and the three winners of the €20 prizes were Jacinta Healy, c/o The Yacht Bar, Seamus Clarke c/o O’Brien’s and Philomena Walsh Rathcline Road. 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
Scrapbooking
Craft officer Virginia is organising a scrapbooking day for Sunday 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.
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.
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 Thursdays 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.
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 next 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.
Hollyhocks Childcare: Hollyhocks Childcare ltd., are looking for a Breakfast and After School Club Manager to manage and lead breakfast and the afterschool club in Cloontuskert N.S. Hour – Monday to Friday (term times only) Morning club 8am to 9.05am. Afterschool club 1.50pm to 6pm. The are looking for a highly reliable and responsible candidate with excellent communication skills, a strong interest in working with children and an ability to support children with homework. Experience in childcare is desirable but not necessarily essential. To find out more, or to apply, please contact Colleen 086 667 2290 or email your CV to hollyhockscreche5@gmail.com