Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
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.
Traditional Night in St. Mary’s
On Sunday evening next 22nd October at 6pm there will be an evening of Traditional Music. This is a wonderful setting for a night of traditional music and one not to be missed. Tickets priced at €10 are available in O’Brien’s.
Lanesboro Community College Enrolment
Lanesboro Community College is recognised as a leading educational facility gaining excellent results and placements in recent years. The recognition of the great work being done is not lost on parents and consequently the intake of first year’s students tends to fill up very quickly.
Enrolment for the school year 2024/25 has just opened on Monday 16th and early booking is essential. Application forms are available online, www.lanesborocc.com or can be picked up from the school. For further details phone 0906 500140.
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 from 2pm to 4pm.
Have you tried ‘Try a Dive’ Yet?
It was great to see such a good turnout for our Try a Dive in Longford pool last Thursday night and the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club were delighted to hear all the fantastic feedback we got from everyone who gave it a go.
The club will be there again this Thursday 19th October at 9pm so why not come along and give it a go.
• 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 the club, you just need your togs and swim hat.
The minimum age 18.
If you require any further information, you can contact any 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 night 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
Jack Harte Book Launch
On Saturday last local writer and playwright Jack Harte travelled back to Lanesboro Library to launch his recent book ‘Uneasy Bedfellows’ that is selling in large numbers and it is receiving great reviews.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Jack has recently completed his new novel In the Foul Rag-and-Bone Shop is a story about when an eccentric and reclusive Dublin artist’s paintings go missing, a crisis is set in motion and he has to engage with the world.
Jack invites you to come along to the launch of this, his new book, at The Printworks, Dublin Castle on Saturday 11th November at 1pm.
The month of November will continue to be busy for Jack as from Tuesday 21st until Saturday 2nd December his latest play ‘Vulture’ will run at the New Theatre 43 Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 Y306.
We wish Jack every success with his books and play.
New Game of Pickleball
Pickleball is a new game that has clubs growing all over Ireland. It is played on a badminton court with a tennis net, rubber ball with holes in it and hard paddles. It is a game for all ages and it is a family favourite. If you are interested in learning more about the game you should contact Michael at 087 6776304. It sounds a fabulous new game and one that should be added to the list of sports in the parish especially as the parish hall is eminently suitable to host.
Lough Ree AC
Roscommon County Cross Country Championships took place last Saturday in the lovely setting of Donamon Castle in perfect conditions. Unfortunately the club was unable to field a full team in any age group. However, the athletes who competed enjoyed their day. Performance of the day goes to Tadhg Shea who finished first in the Boys under 11, 1000m event. Credit also to young Tadhg Edgeworth age 7 who had a great run in the boys under 9 event but did not medal. Dillon Horohoe and Andrew Nolan were our only competitors in the Boys under 13, they would have benefited from the support of full team of four. Jake Nolan also competed in the boys U10, his first cross country race. Lauren Mulvihill was the best of the girls in the under 9 event. The Girls under 10 missed out on a team medal as only 3 turned up, well done to Zoe-May, Áine and Róisín.
Upcoming Quiz Night
St. Faithleach’s GAA clubhouse will host a Quiz Night on Friday 10th November. At 9pm the first of the night’s questions will be asked. The Quiz Night is in aid of Ballyleague Hall and your support is greatly encouraged. Teams of 4 will cost €40.
There will be a raffle on the night with lots of prizes to be won.
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 17th 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 10th October for the jackpot of €15.000 were 14, 17, 18 and 26. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the €50 prize was Phil/Johnny, Jackie/Yvonne c/o Mags, and the three €20 winners were Kieran O’Dowd, Rathcline, Lisa Mullane c/o Jean Fallon and Mary Connaughton, Knock.
The draw takes place on Tuesday morning in O’Brien’s Shop.
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 22nd October: Service of Holy Communion at St. John’s, Lanesborough at 11.30 am and Sunday 29th October: St Coman’s, Roscommon, 11:30am
Midweek prayer at St Coman’s, Roscommon each Wednesday, from 8 to 9pm
Rathcline and the OsKars
Keep an eye out on the Rathcline Facebook page for the trailers being released over the coming weeks.
Tickets for the OsKars will be available from Wednesday of this 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.
Traditional Night in the Church: The final fundraisers in support of the OsKars, comes with the club hosting a night of traditional music in St. Mary’s Church on Sunday next at 6pm in support of the OsKars. Tickets, priced €10, are on sale in O’Brien’s or from club members.
We would like to wish the Under 21 team the very best of luck as they begin their championship campaign on Sunday next in Drumlish at 2pm.
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 9th October the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in Adie’s 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 €516. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name of Peter Smyth, Main Street. Well done Peter 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.
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
Ballagh seeks Eucharistic Ministers: New Eucharistic Ministers are being sought for Ballagh Church. Due to the recent retirement of some of the Eucharistic Ministers there are and will be months with nobody. If you are interested in becoming an Eucharistic Minister please contact 086 2626639.
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 7pm. The clubhouse is available for private party bookings. Please contact any committee member to book.