Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
ICA Guild
The local Lanesboro Guild of the ICA had a great turnout at their September meeting. It was lovely to see so many once again following the summer break. The October meeting will take place on this Wednesday 11th October and as always new and returning members will be very welcome. The meeting will take place in the Parish Hub, the old priest’s house beside the church and it will commence at 8pm.
Anyone who wishes to attend is very welcome, explore their skills and get involved.
Jack Launches New Book
On Saturday next in Lanesboro Library Jack Harte will return home to launch his latest book ‘Uneasy Bedfellows’. Jack is a hugely successful and prolific writer of books and in recent times, plays. His work is recognised worldwide and they have been translated into many languages. The launch will be on Saturday next at 11.30am and everyone is invited to go along.
County Final Interest
On Sunday next 15th October the Longford Senior Championship Final will take place in Pearse Park at 4pm between Clonguish and Killoe. A young player on the Clonguish has played a major part in the team’s success to date and he has very strong local connections. Michael Flynn is son of Terry and Mary Flynn and grandson of Mickie and Margaret Flynn, Rathcline Road. We wish Michael and his team mates the very best of luck.
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.
Death
On Tuesday last 3rd October in the loving care of the staff of St. Joseph’s Care Centre Longford the death took place of Matthew McGuire, Clonfower. Matty as he was more commonly known had left for England over 50 years ago before returning home to his naïve Clonfower almost 10 years ago. He was a quiet, private man, a remarkable and meticulous craftsman. Matty had fun loving sense of humour and liked nothing better than a laugh whether it be on you or himself. During his time in England he worked as a carpenter and later as a contractor where he was involved in building many bridges throughout England. He had a passion for the carpentry side of things and his traditional creations were sights to behold. He always had a spin on his creations that added greatly to typical prototype. During his time back home he made many new friends and renewed old acquaintances from his school days. Matty had a deep faith and the 8 o’clock Mass in St. Mel’s Cathedral was always his preference as it allowed a full day of activity. A short few months ago he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone disease which culminated in his death at St. Joseph’s.
Matty reposed at Glennon’s Funeral Home on Thursday last before being removed to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro. Mass of the Resurrection took place on Friday and was followed by his burial in Killashee Cemetery. To his sisters Mary, Imelda and Sr. Ellen (Poor Clare Nuns, UK) nieces, nephews and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Wedding
The marriage took place at Ashford Park House, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary on Thursday 28th September of Noleen Donlon daughter of Pete and Geraldine Donlon, Lisreva and Conor Tierney, son of Oliver and Ann Tierney, Nolagh, Shercock, Co. Cavan. Matron of Honour was Jennifer Smith, sister of the bride and the Bridesmaids were Kate Hession sister of the bride and Patricia Browne, sister of the bride. Bestman was Jack Tierney, brother of the Groom and groomsmen were Paul Hanley friend of the groom and John O’Rourke, friend of the groom. The Flower Girl was Chloe Smith niece of the bride. The wedding reception took place at the Ashford Park House.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Death
It was with great sadness we learned of the death on Tuesday last 3rd October in the care of the staff at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe of Walter Burke, Cloontuskert. Walter was a native of Ballinakill, Co. Galway. Along with his wife Carmel they settled in Cloontuskert when he came to work with Bord na Mona and they raised their family there. In a community that was young and developing there were a growing number of young people and Walter and his encouragement and support left all the youngsters with their own happy memories and great stories. His car took many youngsters to and from matches and other sporting activities. Walter worked with Bord na Mona where he was a renowned craftsman and as a workmate once said, “if Walter it could not fix it then it could not be fixed”. He was legendary for all his great work and support of his colleagues and indeed with his neighbours or anyone that was in need of assistance. Walter was a great character and a wonderful conservationist and liked nothing more than to get a good debate going. He had a wonderful outlook on life and he was supportive and encouraging not only to his family to everyone he encountered. A huge supporter of his native Galway county teams, especially the hurlers, It was with great pride he celebrated their victories and not a Monday passed that their games were discussed from first ball to the last. An avid reader of the Connacht Tribune he kept up to date with all the happenings in Galway and especially in his native South Galway.
Walter reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Friday. On Saturday his remains were removed from his residence to The Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for the Mass of the Resurrection and burial took place afterwards to Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his wife Carmel, his sons Blake, David and Wally, daughters Geraldine and Rachael, his brother Blake, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Tidy Towns Results
Our three entrants in the SuperValu Tidy Towns this year once again featured mightily with all three increasing the number of points they received.
Cloontuskert once again is the highest scorer with 361 marks just a remarkable 15 points off the winning Town Abbeyleix. Cloontuskert, this year, gained a further eight points.
Cloontuskert were awarded a bronze medal in category A.
Ballyleague, were the county winners of category B and increased their marks by a remarkable 16 marks making their total 342 marks.
Lanesboro were also county winners in category D and their marks total was also at 342 increasing their score by 11marks.
All three entrants have done remarkable work over the past year all increasing their marks. As you get closer to the top you are facing a greater fight for just one extra mark and the fact the all three enjoyed huge increases shows the remarkable work that is being done on an all year round basis.
All our residents must put their shoulder to the wheel in support of the Tidy Town committees by ensuring all their support will aid in ensuring that extra marks will be achieved and in the very near future we will all be celebrating the announcement of one of our entrants named as Tidy Towns Winner.
Congratulations to all three committees and the very best of luck for the coming year.
Ladies out of Luck
Saturday last all roads led to Pearse Park with a great air of excitement and hopes for a very successful day. Our ladies unfortunately came up against a very strong Ballymahon/Forgney side and while they gave everything they could they could not get the better of the Ballymahon/Forgney side.
The year has been very successful in the development of this very young side and there is no doubt but glory days are ahead of this team and management.
Coffee Morning Thank You
The Lanesborough branch of the Longford Hospice Committee would like to thank everyone for their support and donations at their recent coffee morning. A total of €1640 was collected.
ICA Guild
The local Lanesboro Guild of the ICA had a great turnout at their September meeting. It was lovely to see so many once again following the summer break. The October meeting will take place on Wednesday 11th October and as always new and returning members will be very welcome. The meeting will take place in the Parish Hub, the old priest’s house beside the church and it will commence at 8pm.
Anyone who wishes to attend is very welcome, explore their skills and get involved.
Knitting/Crochet group
The knitting/crochet group has resumed following the summer holidays and this is a great opportunity to go along and join others who like to knit, crochets and most importantly chat.
Knitting/Crochet takes place on Monday’s in the library.
Have you tried Try a Dive Yet?
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club is holding free try a dives in Longford swimming pool at the Mall starting at 9pm every Thursday night for the rest of the month of October 12th, 19th and 26th.
• You will learn how to use scuba equipment in shallow water and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.
• Learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy it is to move around underwater while wearing it
• Find out what it’s like to breathe underwater and learn whether you can be comfortable there
All the equipment you will need is provided by us you just need your togs and swim hat.
There is a minimum age of 18.
If you require any further information you can contact a club member of ring any of the following numbers 0879765911 or 0879817784.
Why don’t you go along a give it a try.
loughreesubaquaclub@gmail.com
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.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €15,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 3rd October 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 3rd October for the jackpot of €15.000 were 7, 11, 12 and 25. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the €50 prize was John Rice, The Abbey, and the three €20 winners were Mags & Anne c/o Mags, Tara Tierney c/o The Wooden Spoon and Mike Greene c/o C.E Scheme.
Without your continued generosity and support the excellent results in the Tidy Towns completion would not have been so good. Your tremendous is ensuring that Lanesboro continues to look beautiful. Thank you very much.
Roscommon Group of Parishes
The October Church Services for the Roscommon Group of Parishes are:
Sunday 15th October Holy Communion with Dean Gerald Field in St. Coman’s, Roscommon, 11.30 am.
Sunday 22nd October: Service of Holy Communion at St. John’s, Lanesborough at 11.30 am.
Sunday 29th October: St Coman’s, Roscommon, 11:30am
Midweek prayer at St Coman’s, Roscommon each Wednesday, 8-9pm
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.
Rathcline and the OsKars
The club would like to thank everyone that supported the Seamus O’Rourke play and the music session in the Pier Inn. Thanks to everyone that helped in any way and especially Joe and Martina O’Brien’s and Casserly’s Spar for selling tickets for both.
The second OsKars trailer was released last weekend it is a scene from Love Hate and it can be seen on the Rathcline Facebook page.
Keep an eye on Facebook page as the rest of the trailers will be released over the coming weeks.
Tickets for the OsKars will be available from later in the week.
The OsKars night will take place in the Longford Arms Hotel on Sunday 29th October. There are rooms available in the Longford Arms at the special rate for those that wish to stay overnight.
Hard luck to the Ladies team who gave their all and just came up short in their final on Saturday.
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 2nd October 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 again reaching over the €500 mark with the jackpot settling at €539. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name of Tim Shea, Blenavoher. Well done Tim 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.
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.
Ballyboro FC
Ballyboro U14 girls kicked off the new season away to UCL on Sunday morning. Captained by Lilly Dowd, Ballyboro started brightly and raced into a 2 goal lead with Sophie Cox and Saoirse Feeney grabbing goals with fine finishes. UCL got a couple of breaks before half time and went in level at 2-2. Ballyboro had the better of the second half but a cross was finished from close range to give UCL the lead. The girls pressed on valiantly in search of an equaliser which just didn’t come. Overall this was a terrific performance from the whole squad who all played and showed great team spirit. Squad: Lilly Dowd (c), Laura Rhatigan, Carly Quaine, Aleysha Kaya, Emily McDermott, Evie Malone, Hannah Farrell, Sophie Cox, Siun McElgunn, Rosie Farrell, Erin Rumley, Emmie Cassidy, Sinead Murray, Zoe Hassett, Saoirse Feeney, Katie Smith
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
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. 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.
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
Tap-Machine in Porch: All parishioners and visitors to the Church of the Holy Rosary Church, Ballyleague are reminded that a ‘Tap Machine’ has now been installed in the porch of the church and it will be in operation from now on. This is an initiative of the Diocese of Elphin to help ease the hassle of availability of cash and a response to the cashless policy. Parishioners are asked to continue to use weekly pink envelopes as this new system is to encourage support for aid in the maintenance and welfare of the parish.
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.
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.