Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
The very best of luck
On this Thursday 28th September Bríd Rhatigan, Fermoyle will officially open the door of the Pier Inn (Rakish Paddy) as the new landlady of the premises. The official opening will take place at a later date.
We wish Bríd the very best of luck and a very successful time in the legendary pub.
Try a Dive 2023
Are you over 18? Have you ever thought of joining the Sub Aqua club or even thought what it would be like to dive? Your opportunity to Try-a-Dive is being offered to you by the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club at Longford Swimming Pool at the Mall on the following October dates: Thursday 5th, Thursday 12th, Thursday 19th and Thursday 26th. Try-a-Dive will take place at 9pm each night and this is entirely free. For further information and to confirm your attendance contact 087-9817784 or email loughreesubaquaclub@gmail.com
Schools Cross Country Championships
What is always a wonderful day for youngsters and creates an absolutely tremendous comradery is the Schools Cross Country. As usual, the Roscommon Primary Schools, that includes Ballyleague, Cloontuskert and Ballagh will congregate at Roscommon Racecourse on Tuesday 3rd October for another terrific day.
Lanesboro and Fermoyle will travel to Moyne Community College for the Longford championships. There will be four races for the primary School students the 3rd/4th Boys the 3rd/4th Girls over a distance of 1000m and 5th/6th Boys and 5th/6th Girls over a distance of 1200m competing in these four races.
There will also be a Secondary Schools competition for Junior boys and Junior girls over 2km and a 3km race for Senior girls and Senior boys.
The entire event is due to be over to allow time for buses to return to schools.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs Elizabeth O’Neill, Cloontuskert and her family on the death in England of Dan Walsh formerly of Bunclody, Co. Wexford. Dan, a brother of Elizabeth, was buried on Friday last in his native Bunclody
The Future is Now
Following the launch of Ciaran Mullooly’s latest book ‘The Future in Now’ Ciaran travelled to the Ploughing Championship at Ratheniska, Co. Laois. His stand was a very busy one over the three day and as you can see from the picture even the locals attending the ploughing visited his stand.
Pictured are l-r Kevin Connor, Sean Moran, Ciaran Mullooly and Declan Connor.
The book is on sale locally in O’Brien’s.
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Colmcille’s Church, Rathcormack, Co. Sligo on Friday 15th September of Trish Feeley daughter of Marion Feeley, Curraghrua and Aidan Fallon son of Mike and Grace Fallon, Dunmore, Co. Galway. Chief Bridesmaid was Nicole Croghan cousin of the bride and the bridesmaids were Stephanie McNamara, cousin of the bride and Emma Donlon friend of the bride. The Bestman was Eugene Martin, friend of the groom and Groomsmen were Martin Cleary brother-in-law of the groom and Jerome Mullin, friend of the groom. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Tom Hever. The wedding reception took place in the Radisson Hotel, Sligo.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
The Ballad of Mossy Flood
Big Guerrilla Productions brings the Ballad of Mossy Flood to Lanesboro’s Parish Hall on Saturday 7th October. This is the latest one-man show from writer, poet and actor Seamus O’Rourke.
Mossy Flood has a knack of going the long way around a story. In so doing, he makes us laugh and examine ourselves in a way we haven’t done before. He might be an unsociable odd-ball with a big thick head, but his wrestle with the everyday is pure gold.
Tickets can be bought in O’Brien’s or booked by phoning Martina 0863858934
Music Night
A Music Night supporting the cast of the OsKars group ‘Full Metal Jacket’ will take place in the Pier Inn on Saturday 7th October. The music will be supplied by The Blackstick Band followed by DJ Duff with special guest appearances by Sarah Curran and Patrick McHale. Tickets are priced at €10 each and you are advised to make sure you have your ticket as there will be a draw for those who bought tickets for a prize of €100. Even if you cannot go and wish to support just buy your ticket and you will be in for the €100 draw.
Tickets can be bought in O’Brien’s or Casserly’s or you can text or WhatsApp Kieran 086-8592824 or John 086-8105765.
Pioneer Dinner Dance
Longford region PTAA Annual Dinner Dance, what is widely acknowledged as the most entertaining night of the year takes place in the Rustic Inn Abbeyshrule on Friday 20th October. The music will be provided by J and S Sound. Tickets are priced at €30 each and they are available from Breda Moran, O’Brien’s shop or contact 087 7056605
Killian Homeplace Genealogy
Would you like to trace your family roots? The Killian Homeplace in Fermoyle is now available for anybody to trace their family Irish roots. Many people have hit a block when searching for their family roots and there is now the golden opportunity to help your search. You can contact the team at the Killian Homeplace www.thekillianhomeplace.com or phone 0863952557 or from abroad 011 353 86 395 2557.
There is an excellent team in place and you will be assured of every help possible to get your family tree completed.
Ladies….Friday night is upon you
The opportunity to dress up for the night and enjoy a very special night in the company of you friends and other ladies is now upon you. Saturday night next 30th September and it will see ladies enjoying what is sure to be a fabulous night out and one not to be missed.
The ‘In the Name of the Father’ film cast and crew are holding a Girls Night Out in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse. It promises to a night for the ages such is the marvellous line-up of events and prizes.
All tickets bought will be entered into the draw for the fabulous prize of Center Parcs – Twilight Spa for 2.
Tickets are available in O’Brien’s Corner Shop or from Susan Donlon: (087) 9807945, Caroline Farrell: (087) 6259092 or Michelle Shea: (086) 8703154.
This is the perfect post work pick me up to share with a friend – relax, unwind and recharge together in 21 different spa experiences.
Included in your Twilight Spa for 2:
Access to our Spa from 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Glass of bubbly each on arrival
Complimentary towel and robe hire
This is a fundraising event to help finance the OsKars film ‘In the Name of the Father’.
Sinead McHale will be your MC and take you through the night.
As part of Health and Wellbeing
Audrey Sorohan will walk through the essential steps in skin care.
Michelle Kelly will create a daytime makeup look.
Sharon Rooney will show us how to transition into a glamorous night time glow.
Karen Johnston will introduce homeopathy, a form of complementary medicine.
Part of the entertainment will be
It is now time to get into the groove with an evening of music promising to bring the night to life.
Many amazing spot prizes. Spa Vouchers, Pamper Hampers and more.
Check out the photo station on the night. Sinead Hogan will be poised with her camera to capture those magic moments. You can leave your contact details and we can send on your photo.
Upon arrival you will be greeted with a complimentary glass of prosecco and nibbles.
Hot Snacks will also be served.
Tickets are priced at €25 each that includes you for the draw Center Parcs – Twilight Spa for 2
This is the perfect post work pick me up to share with a friend – relax, unwind and recharge together in 21 different spa experiences.
There will also be a raffle on the night where the Spot Prizes include
Homeopathy Starter Kit, Pamper Hampers and Beauty vouchers
School Clothing Collection
Ballagh National School is holding a clothing collection on this Wednesday 27th September. All funds raised will go directly to the school. If you have any unwanted clothing, footwear, belts, handbags, hats, linens and household textiles, please put them in bags and bring them to the school. All donations will be greatly appreciated.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €15,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 26th September stands at an exciting €15,000. This is a wonderful opportunity to win the €15,000 for just €2 or 3 envelopes for €5.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday 19th September for the jackpot of €15.000 were 11, 15, 21 and 22. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the €50 prize was Hughie Smyth, Lanesboro, and the three €20 winners were Kieran O’Dowd, Rathcline, Breda Murtagh, c/o Mags and Aoife Cullen, c/o Chris & Caroline Cullen, Rathcline Road.
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.
Go Pink in October
The Mater Hospital Foundation is calling on companies, individuals and communities to take part in its new Go Pink campaign to help raise vital funds for breast cancer care in the Mater Public Hospital.
Taking place on 18th October, Go Pink is a new fundraising campaign that will support patients with breast cancer by investing funds where they are needed most in the hospital.
To coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the Foundation is calling on people across the country to get on board by hosting their own Pink Party. Getting involved couldn’t be easier. You can hold your event on 18th October or whatever date works best for you.
Simply register on the website www.materfoundation.ie/gopink or by getting in contact with the Mater Hospital Foundation directly and you will receive your free pink specs to bring even more razzle dazzle to your go Pink event.
Your party can be as simple or elaborate as you like, and the funds you raise will be put to work to support women and men with breast cancer from all across Ireland. Your colleagues and friends will be tickled pink to take part, knowing that they will be having a positive impact on the lives of so many Mater Hospital patients.
1973 Bridge Club
The club has resumed in St. Mary’s Hall after its summer break on Wednesday nights.
Classes for beginners are being made available and information on these classes is available by phoning 086 4076462. The club this year is celebrating its 50th year.
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.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 18th September the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in the Yacht Bar. After another very successful week of selling we have seen the winning pool almost reaching the €800 mark to reach an excellent total of €770. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name of Bridie Moran, Carrickmoran, Newtowncashel. Well done Bridie on your great win.
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.
Rathcline Ladies
Congratulations to Rathcline Ladies senior squad who have reached this year’s Junior County Final. Unbeaten in the championship so far and having recorded some comprehensive victories along the way they will face tough opponents Ballymahon / Forgney in the final. Guided by their management team of Mark Bermingham (Cashel), Brendan O’Sullivan and Geraldine Hanley the ladies are in great form and are looking forward to the final to be played on Sunday 8th October with the time and venue to be confirmed. The club are hoping for lots of support from our community so please come out and get behind the girls on the day.
We also commend the U15 Girl’s squad and their manager’s Barry Hogan & Peter O’Boyle who reached the Summer League final the previous week. Unfortunately, the result didn’t go their way on the day but they had a great season representing the club at U16 and U15 levels and the future of Rathcline Ladies is looking very promising indeed.
Congratulations to Rathcline U13 Girls who had a fine win in the Summer League B final against St. Helen’s, Drumlish on Thursday evening last. These young girl’s play with great style and skill and are well drilled by manager’s Eilish Dillon, Niamh Gavigan and Christy Hopkins.
Weekly Card Game
The weekly card game in St. Mary’s Parish Hall takes place every Sunday night and light refreshments are always served. On Sunday night last the results were 1st Tom Skelly & Jack Bannon. Tie for 2nd with Peter & Mary Gregg and Josie & Freda Connaughton. Last game winners were Niall and Liz Hughes. Raffle winners were Johnno, Freda Connaughton, Tom Skelly and Brendan Casey.
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.
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
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.
Rathcline and the OsKars
All roads lead to the Longford Arms on Sunday 29th October for the much anticipated Rathcline GAA Oskars Night, the clubs major fundraiser this year. Local talent will be to the fore across seven high quality films for the audiences entertainment on the night.
There are a range of opportunities for businesses and patrons from near and far to support this event including advertisement placement in the event program, or sponsoring an OSKAR award on the night of the event, either in your own right or in part with others who are interested in contributing and whose donations the club will coordinate .
All funds raised are going towards the continued development of the club grounds in Clonbonny which have seen a major facelift in 2023 including the installation of fencing and a one thousand meter walkway around the grounds, and the relaying of the main playing pitch to an “as new” all weather standard. Works will shortly commence to drain, level and reseed the training pitch with further facility development planning for 2024 on-going currently.
If you want to get in touch to hear about how you can support the event, you can send an email to seadnaryan@gmail.com or call Seadna at (085) 1595512,
Big Guerrilla Productions brings the Ballad of Mossy Flood to Lanesboro’s Parish Hall on Saturday 7th October. This is the latest one-man show from writer, poet and actor Seamus O’Rourke.
Tickets can be bought in O’Brien’s or booked by phoning Martina 0863858934.
Don’t forget the ladies night on this Saturday night 30th in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse. It promises to be a cracking night and there is the wonderful prize of the Spa for 2in Centre Parcs to be won. Tickets €25 that includes you in the draw are available in O’Brien’s or from Caroline Farrell, Michelle Shea or Susan Donlon.
A Music Night supporting the cast of the OsKars group ‘Full Metal Jacket’ will take place in the Pier Inn on Saturday 7th October. The music will be supplied by The Blackstick Band followed by DJ Duff with special guest appearances by Sarah Curran and Patrick McHale. Tickets are priced at €10 each
The first trailer of the OsKars will be released this week.
Congratulations to the Minor Club on the U18 Final win. The Ladies U13’s on their great final win and to the Junior ladies on their qualification for the County Final.
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
Eucharist: If you would like to receive Holy Communion call from a Minister of the Eucharist you are invited to let Maireád in the parish office know. Call in or phone 3321166.
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 alcoholare 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
Ballagh National School: The school is holding a clothing collection on this Wednesday 27th September. All funds raised will go directly to the school. If you have any unwanted clothing, footwear, belts, handbags, hats, linens and household textiles, please put them in bags and bring them to the school. All donations will be greatly appreciated.
Altar Society: As some groups are no longer able to do the altar at Ballyleague church there is an urgent need for volunteers to join the society rota. You would be part of a group of 3 and would be on duty on a rota basis that comes around every 7 weeks. If you are interested please phone 086 8896969.
Station Masses: There will be no morning mass while the Station Masses are happening.
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.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Our Annual U-13 Parish league took place on Saturday 16th Sept and was once again an outstanding success. With 50+ players split across 4 teams, we had an exhibition of individual skills and quality team play. After 3 group games per team, the large crowd of supporting attendees were treated to a hugely exciting final. The winning team ‘Dublin’ was captained by Alfie Murphy and player of the match award was well deserved by Tom Hession. The winning panel members were: Alfie Murphy, Stephen Farrell, Emily McDermott, Tom Hession, David Kenny, Niall Morgan, Adrians Danikovs, Georgina Johnston, Kallie Herbert, Senan McHale, Joe Greally, Daniel Healy and Lucy Hayes.
Also on the day we had our fun blitzes for 2nd class down and everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable morning in Clonbonny.
The minor club would like to sincerely thank all those who helped out on the day to run such a memorable and exciting event for all the children. Thanks to our senior and minor club players who assisted with all games from umpiring and refereeing to management; to all parents and supporters who provided such a large variety of baked goods and refreshments to keep everyone in high spirits; Rathcline GAA exec and their club grounds committee for having our Clonbonny playing facilities in such pristine condition; photographer Sinéad Hogan for capturing such great snaps of the day and all our club coaches at each age level. Special thanks to Stephen and Tina Dowd for laying on a fantastic BBQ for all to feast on post games.
Congratulations to the Western Gaels side on winning the Division 1 Shield final over St. Colmcille’s/St. Francis in Pearse Park. It was a wonderful win for the lads and they showed true grit and determination.
Congratulations to the U-13 girls team and management on their Summer League Final win over St. Helen’s. A fantastic achievement for all involved after all their hard work during the season. The Ladies Junior team had a great win on Sunday in their semi-final victory in Clonbonny. We wish them the very best of luck in the final against Ballymahon/Forgney side.
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.
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.
U14 Girls
Our girl’s final was postponed on Sunday evening due to the poor weather conditions. The fixture will be refixed in due course.
Coffee Morning
St Faithleach’s GAA club hosted a Hospice Coffee Morning in their Clubhouse on
Saturday 23rd. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and supported this worthy cause. A great morning was had.
Lotto
There was no jackpot winner this week. Jackpot now stands at €4700. There are envelopes available at all local outlets. Thank you for your continued support