Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Rose of Tralee
Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd will surely see all locals glued to their televisions for the Rose of Tralee especially this year the Longford Rose has a very strong local connection in the form of Grace Kemple. Grace is daughter of well-known Tony Kemple and his wife the late Anne. Anne was formerly Anne Killian, Fermoyle daughter of the late Danny and Nora Killian. Grace is a niece of Maeve Killian who lives in the family townsland.
Grace has really caught the eye of all those commentating and travelling with the Roses by her great nature and personality so much so that she has been installed as one of the favourites to be crowned on Tuesday 22nd August. Anne is a bright and bubbly young lady and there is no doubt that she would make the ideal Rose.
We wish Grace the very best of luck and we look forward to seeing her on television with Dáithí Ó Sé and his co-host Kathryn Thomas, doing herself, her family and her county extremely proud.
Exciting Announcement
There was a red lettered day for the Lanesboro community on Thursday with the announcement of €500,000 to be spent on projects in Lanesboro. At the time of the closing of the power station ESB stated that they would donate to the community with a contribution of €500,000. Come last Thursday where they made good on their word and announced that they would be handing over the money to Longford County Council for projects in Lanesboro. Not only that but they also handed over the old tomato shed to the council with a pre agreement for it to house the Lanesboro Triathlon club and the boxing club. This is a fine big building with a need for some remedial attention and ESB has pledged to ensure all the work is done before it is officially handed over which could take a number of months.
This is another tremendous announcement for the area and following on from last week’s news of further prospects we appear to be going in the right direction. There has been a lot of conversation amongst locals and former locals about a way forward for Lanesboro Ballyleague and the hinterland. A lot of those involved in the discussions have a vast quantity of knowledge and experienced garnished from their work not only here in Ireland but worldwide. Let us hope that all the positivity will lead to further investments and developments that will once again create Lanesboro as a vital employment hub for us and help secure the future our surrounding communities as Bord na Mona and ESB did for well over 60 years.
Sympathy
It was with great sadness we learned we learned of the death in London following a long illness of Bill (Junior) Murray, formerly of Ballyleague. Junior spent most of his working life in England but was a regularly back in Ballyleague, a place he loved so well, to be among friends and neighbours. Junior’s remains were cremated in London on Friday 4th August and at a later date his family will take him on his final journey to his native parish and to Cloontuskert cemetery to be buried in his native soil. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends both here and in England.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €14,600
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 15th August stands at €14,600. This is a wonderful opportunity to win a large amount of money for just €2 each envelope or 3 envelopes for €5.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday 1st August for a jackpot of €14,500 were 2, 6, 16, and 24. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the €50 prize was Michael Kelly, Colehill and the three €20 winners were Cillian and Senan Cox, Curraghrua, Marie Casserley c/o Mags and Alan Fayne Cullentra.
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns committee would like to thank you for your continued generosity and this support is ensuring that Lanesboro continues to look beautiful.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the extended Greene family on the death of Tony Dowd, Gurteenboy, Longford on Wednesday 2nd August. Tony was married to Helen, nee Greene and we extend our sympathy to her and her son Kenneth and daughter Michelle and their family and friends. Tony was also brother of Bridie Nolan, Carrickmoran, Newtowncashel to whom we extend our sympathy to her and her family.
Last of a generation
On Sunday 30th July the death took place at St. Paul’s Nursing Home, Dooradoyle, Limerick of Elizabeth Blake. Elizabeth formerly Casey from Lough Bannow was the last of the Casey family following the death of her sisters Maureen, Eva, Eileen and Rose and her brothers Jimmy and JP. She spent her working life as a nurse and she was predeceased by her husband Anthony. Elizabeth is survived by her sons Anthony, Brendan, Malcolm and her daughter Maureen and an extended Casey family to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Heritage Week at Corlea
As part of National Heritage week and a celebration of the Corlea Trackway there will be a further two outstanding events held at the Interpretive Centre in Corlea. The events will kick off with a remembrance and celebration of the legacy of renowned Uilleann piper Peter Carberry on Friday evening 18th August from 7.30 to 10pm.
This will be a cultural, traditional Irish music evening featuring musicians, singers and storytellers. This is a free event and as places are limited booking is absolutely essential phone 043 33 22386.
Sunday afternoon 20th August from 3pm to 6pm.
Ceiliúradh na Píobairí Uilleann with Uilleann pipers gathering in celebration of this very unique Irish instrument. This is a free event and there is no booking required.
Cemetery Sunday in Cashel
Cemetery Sunday at Cashel Graveyard will take place on Sunday week 27th August.
Ironman
An Ironman of a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and a 42.2km run is daunting to even the hardiest souls but when you mention the Youghal, Co. Cork Ironman and consider that the route takes in the dreaded Windmill Hill not once but twice it makes the Youghal 140.6 Ironman all the more challenging.
Johnny Kilcoyne from Lanesboro Triathlon Club will undertake this mammoth feat on Sunday next 20th August. This will be Johnny’s first Ironman and we wish him every bit of good luck for a successful Ironman.
On Saturday in Youghal a further six local Triathlon members, Bernie Smith, Mark Kenny, Martin Gillen, Sean McDermott, John Lyons and Sean Farrell will undertake the Ironman 70.3 that comprises of 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and a 21.1km and we wish them the very best of luck for a successful event.
Access for All boat
The Access for All boat is for everybody. The boat can cater for three large wheelchairs but you don’t have to be a wheelchair user to avail of the excellent trips. Guided fishing excursions can also be organised. Advanced booking is recommended. You can contact by email www.loughreeboattrips.com or phone 089 2625505 or 043 33 84175.
The summer sailings are 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm.
King of the Lake
The King of the Lake International Pike Festival will take place on Lough Ree – No Frontiers – Fish the whole lake from 8th to 10th September. There will be up to €11,500 in cash prizes and up to €2,000 in sponsorship prizes. The entry fee is €150 per boat.
This promises to be a fabulous weekend of fishing and it is sure to create great excitement in and around Ballyleague and Lanesboro community.
Services
The August Service schedule for Roscommon group of parishes including our own St. John’s isSunday next 20th August in St. Coman’s, Roscommon, there will be Holy Communion Service with Dean Gerald Field at 11.30am
The final Service of August will be Service of Holy Communion taking place in St. John’s Lanesboro on Sunday 27th August at 11.30am
Ballyboro FC
Coaches needed
The club have the following vacancies in coaching roles for the upcoming 23/24 season;
Under 14 boys – Head Coach and assistant coaches
Under 13 boys – Assistant Coaches
Under 11 boys – Assistant Coaches
There is also a need for an influx of female coaches to assist with our mixed age groups!
Contact the club on Instagram @ Ballyboro_fc or find us on Facebook @ Ballyboro FC
Or you can contact David on 0857045505 or Mark on 0861613727
Referees are required
Referees needed for the upcoming season in particular for u10, u11 and u12 grades. Anyone interested can make contact with the club on Instagram @ Ballyboro_fc or find them on Facebook @ Ballyboro FC. Alternatively you can contact David on 0857045505 or Mark on 0861613727
Visit Old Trafford
With a new Premiership season comes high expectation for an exciting season for all supporters. In October there is an opportunity to travel to Old Trafford to support Manchester United as they take on Brentford on Saturday 7th October. This is a two night trip that includes match tickets, Bus and Ferry fares, Hotel Accommodation including breakfast all for just €379. There are just a few places left on the bus leaving Roscommon at a cost of €379. Call 086 8417262 to book your seat and for all other information.
Championship Updates
On Saturday evening last in Allen Park for their third game in their group where they met Abbeylara. Following a tight first half Abbeylara went into the half time break two points up. For the second half Rathcline really took over scoring 2-10 and winning 2-15 to 0-10.
For their next game they will take on Carrickedmond in Maguire Park, Ballinalee on Sunday week 27th August at 3.30pm.
St. Faithleach’s had a break week and they will resume with their home championship match on Saturday evening next 19th August at 5pm when they take on Boyle. After their great first round victory over western Gaels there is sure to be a huge crowd in Ballyleague to cheer them on to victory. A win on Saturday will ensure a place in the knockout stages.
Lakeland Language Centre
Lakeland Language Centre (LLC) is looking for host families to host Spanish students who will attend Lanesboro Community College for the full academic year and also the term up to Christmas. The monthly rate for hosting a student is €900. LLC will offer 24-hour advice and support to the families. Collection point for the young students is Athlone and there will be no airport trip involved. If you are interested you are invited to contact Majella 087 3368559 or Gabby 085 8596657.
Special Needs Assistant
Would you consider a career as a Special Needs Assistant? A programme to equip the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence in the practice and principals underpinning the role of a Special Needs Assistant to work effectively under direction in a special needs assisting capacity. The programme will take place at the Longford Women’s Link, Willow House, Ardnacassa, Longford beginning on Wednesday 6th September. The programme is being run over 15 dates from 7pm to 10pm and the cost is €340. Early enrolment is advisable. For further information you should ring 3341511 or see the website: www.lwl.ie or email info@lwl.ie
Kilgefin Cemetery Sunday next
Cemetery Sunday will be celebrated in Kilgefin Cemetery on Sunday 20th August at 6pm. All families are very welcome.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 14th August the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in the Yacht Bar. Another very successful week of selling and the winning pool topped the €700 mark to a wonderful €713. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name of Geraldine Greene Newtowncashel. Well done Geraldine who was winning for the second time in under three months.
As always, the winning cheques can always be collected in O’Brien’s.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night at 7.30pm. Your continued generous support is greatly appreciated and it is highlighted by the large pool each week.
Crumlin Children’s Hospital
There will be a Jumble/Cake Sale in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital on Saturday, August 19th at Roscommon Agricultural Show. Donations of any jumble i.e. toys, ornaments etc. would be much appreciated. You can contact Bridget on 087 9773338.
Sunday night Cards
The weekly 25 partners game continued on Sunday night last in the parish hall. The winners on Sunday night 6th August were Joint 1st were Anne & Kay and Tom & Basil. The last game winners were Peter & Mary Gregg. The raffle winners were Johnno, Kitty Feeney, Brendan Casey and Barney Kenny. The game continues every Sunday night at 8.30pm sharp with light refreshments served.
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 here to help
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.
Lough Derg
A one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Saturday next 19th August. The bus will leave from Ballyleague church at 7am. Lough Derg donation is €45 and the bus costs €15. For more information and bookings please call Mary 043 33 21969.
Local notes inclusion
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 coming weeks notes.
Line Dancing
Line Dancing classes take place every Friday morning 11am at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town.
Line Dancing classes every Sunday at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town for beginners from 6pm to 7pm and Improvers from 7pm to 8pm
Dance classes takes place in Kilbride, Four Mile House every Tuesday 7pm followed by:
Jive & Waltz classes 8 45pm.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of those addicted to alcohol are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral. The meetings take place every Tuesday evening at 7pm.
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 continued tremendous support.
ALONE
ALONE is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home.
Our work is for all older people and aims to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. We have a National network of staff and volunteers who provide an integrated system of Support Coordination, Practical Supports, Befriending, a variety of Phone Services, Social Prescribing, Housing with Support and Assistive Technology.
We use individualised support plans, to address health, financial benefits and supports, social care, housing, transport and other arising needs using technology and through harnessing other services.
We work to empower the whole sector of community support for older people through our Community Impact Network that provides Training, IT support and resources to other organisations.
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are 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.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of alcoholics are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre building at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on St. Mel’s Road, any Tuesday evening at 7pm.
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. 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.
Smart Recovery
SMART recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery support group where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour.
There is a meeting every Friday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm in Vita House, Roscommon. For information you should phone Conor 086 1702912 or info@smartrecovery.ie
GROW
Grow is a Community Mental Health Movement which meets every Monday at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Rd., Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated or suffering from stress, please feel free to attend. You can call Assumpta for any further information on 086 8114135.
St. Mary’s Church
Mass Changes: Weekday masses for the rest of August will take place daily on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am and on Friday at 7pm.
Pilgrimage to Knock: The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Sunday 3rd September. The ceremonies will commence at 2.30 with Anointing of the Sick followed by Mass at 3pm.
Longford Citizen Information: The centre is located on level 1 within Longford Shopping Centre and it provides free, impartial and confidential information, advice and advocacy services, rights and entitlements. Information at the reception desk from Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 5.00pm. The office closes for lunch from 1pm until 2pm. There is a free information booklet available and you can pick it up at the office.
Alcohol Anon Meeting: Relatives and friends of those addicted to alcohol are welcome to attend this meeting in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on any Tuesday evenings at 7pm
Communion for Coeliacs: Gluten free hosts are available for all those who need them. Just make it known to the priest that you wish to receive a gluten free host at Holy Communion.
The Parish Hub: Maireád, the Parish Secretary is in her office on Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm. She can be contacted on the phone at 3321166. She will help you with any questions or booking related matters.
Speak with a Priest: if you wish to talk with any of the priests you can call into the sacristy after any Mass.
Talk to the Samaritans: Are you struggling to cope with life? Do you think it would help to talk about your problem in confidence? It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what happened to you. If things are getting you down you can turn to the Samaritans for help. The Samaritans are available on Freephone 116123, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Alone Volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make calls to older people once a week? Alone is seeking volunteers in the area. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interest you are asked to sign up at the following address https://alone.ie/volunteers.
For more information you are invited to contact Helena at Helena.madden@alone.ie or phone 086 0145 829
Parish contacts
Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
Kilgefin Parish
Parish Contact:
You can contact Fr Dan at 089 2706060
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock
The annual Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Sunday next 20th August. Ceremonies will commence with the Anointing of the Sick at 2.30pm followed by Mass in the Basilica at 3pm.
Station Masses: The autumn stations will commence very soon. If you would like to have your area station mass in your home you are asked to contact Fr. Daniel as soon as possible.
Audio needs replacing: The amplifier and speakers in Ballyleague church are no longer in working order and they are in need of replacing. If anyone would like to make a donation towards the cost of replacements you are asked to contact Fr. Daniel. Any amount would be very welcome. At the time of writing donations totalling €205 has been received.
Lough Derg:
A one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on this Saturday 19th August. The bus will leave from Ballyleague church at 7am. Lough Derg donation is €45 and the bus costs €15. For more information and bookings please call Mary 043 33 21969.
Kilgefin Cemetery: On Sunday next 20th August Cemetery Sunday will be celebrated in Kilgefin Cemetery at 6pm.
The Employability Service is an Employment and Recruitment Service to assist people with a disability or health issue to pursue and maintain employment in the open labour market. If you are over 18, have a disability or health issue and would consider working part-time then you should contact Employment Services Roscommon support to help find you a job in your area. This is a confidential and free individualised service funded by the Department of Social Protection.
Are you managing mental health issues? There is the opportunity for Individual Placement and Support (IPS) that is funded by the HSE and offers a range of tailored personalised supports to people using mental health services who wish to work. For further information you should phone 090 66 28608 or call/text 087 3745307. They can also be contacted via email at info@rosemp.ie
Shannon Gaels
Summer Camp
The Shannon Gaels Minor Club is holding their Summer Camp for U8, U10 and U10 players in Clonbonny on Monday 21st, Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd. The cost is €30 per child and there will be treats at the end of the camp. Parents are asked to ensure that they have registered for the camp.
If the experience of last year is anything to go by then the young players are once again in for a wonderful three days.
Well done to the senior team on their great win over Abbeylara in the Championship on Saturday.
The U12 team is flying high in their county league sitting in second place. They had another great win on Friday last when they beat Ballymahon Forgney Gaels.
The U14 team were very unlucky to go down by two points to Ballymahon/Forgney/Carrick Sarsfields side on Thursday in Clonbonny.
The Western Gaels U16 team stand on top of their Football Cup league.
In the Longford GAA U12 Mini League Conclusion our under 12 team will take on Longford Slashers in Pearse Park on Tuesday 29th August at 7pm. The game will be played as two 20 minute halves.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Annual Lottery
It’s now time for annual lottery subscriptions to be renewed. Please contact any committee member to do so. Thank you for your continued support.
Senior Championship
Our senior men take on Boyle in the second round of the Hudson Bay Senior Football Championship on Saturday August 19th. Throw in in Ballyleague at 17:00. Please Support. The very best of luck to the team and the management.
Clubhouse
The Clubhouse is open every Saturday night from 19:00. The clubhouse is available for private party bookings. Please contact any committee member to book.
U20 Championship
Our U20 man had a fantastic win in the championship on Saturday evening last. The final score Kilglass/Barry’s 1-06 St. Faithleachs 3-06. Well done to the team and management.