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.
Apprentice of the Year
220 leading Apprentices in Ireland were selected for the honour of Apprentice of the Year in their particular categories. The announcement of the winners was made at the Mansion House on Thursday night last in the Mansion House, Dublin. Included in the list of nominees was Hazel Johnston daughter of Ronnie and Helen Johnston, Rathcline Road. Hazel a Manufacturing Engineer apprentice with DePuy Synthes in Cork was announced as Apprentice of the Year and becoming a history maker as she is the first ever female winner of the award.
Hazel is formerly a student of Ballymahon Secondary School and Lanesboro Community College where there was great jubilation and pride at the announcement of Hazel’s outstanding success.
This is a magnificent award for Hazel and we congratulate her on her brilliant success.
An extra Hour
Saturday next will bring an end to summertime and Sunday will welcome wintertime and with it comes an extra hour in bed. The clocks will go back one hour
Solstice Choir celebrates 10th Anniversary
The huge popular and much travelled Roscommon Solstice Choir is celebrating this year its 10th anniversary. The choir since its inception has gained tremendous notoriety both at home and abroad.
The choir is inviting you to join them at the Roscommon Solstice Choir 10th Anniversary Concert in the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon on Friday night 3rd November. The doors will open at 7.30pm and the show concert will commence at 8pm.
Joining the Solstice choir in its celebrations will be Charlie Mc Gettigan, Dave Lawlor, Eimear Reynolds, Fr. Kevin Fallon, Frankie Mc Donald, Johnny Carroll, Johnny Johnson and Paul Healy.
Tickets priced at only €10 can be bought 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 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.
Last chance to ‘Try a Dive’
There was another good turnout for the Try a Dive in Longford pool last Thursday night and the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club were delighted to hear all the fantastic feedback they got from everyone who gave it a go.
The club will be there again this Thursday 26th 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
Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club Car and Tractor Run
The Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club is holding their annual tractor run on Sunday next October 29th 2023. The run will take place in the following order, Vintage cars will depart Church St Strokestown at 12.00 noon and travel to Longford and Newtownforbes to Rooskey, it will then return to Strokestown. Tractors will depart immediately after the cars towards the Roscommon road (R368) it will then travel through Carnaska, Ballybeg, Clooncagh, Ballagh, Doughill and Curraghroe. From Curraghroe the run will travel on the (R371) to Scramogue and return to the town via the N5. The tractors will be led by a motorcyclist and all major junctions will be marshalled by stewards. Vintage tractors will take a shorter route through Carnaska, Lismehy, Castlenode, Newtown, Farnbeg and back to Strokestown.
Prizes will be awarded in the three different categories of vehicle taking part. Registration will take place from 10.30am. There will be refreshments served at the Central Bar, Bridge St on the morning of the run. The club wishes to invite all vintage enthusiasts and tractor owners to take part in our annual run.
Mental Health Awareness
AWARENESS is a fundraiser for Mental Health and Longford Counselling Services and it will take place in two locations in Longford; Escobar and the Longford Arms Hotel on Saturday next 28th October.
In Escobar there will be a wonderful line-up of top D.J`s from all around the country providing excellent music from 10.30am until 12.30am.
In the Longford Arms from 4pm until 12.30am there will be live music with another huge list of well-known entertainers. There will also be a Family Fun Day – face painting, balloon shaping, clown show, disco, fancy dress competition see poster for line up or visit MSykes Music on Facebook.
10am -12noon Family Fun – Face painting, Balloons Shaping, Clown show
12-1pm Kiddies Disco with DJ D – for parents, guardians and kids.
2 – 3 pm Healthy Food Talk – Host Andy Smith
3 – 4pm Mental Health Talk – Victor Connell and Guest Speakers
To support this hugely important fundraiser there is a cover charge of €20 with U16’s free
Jack Harte Book Launch
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.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Darren Flynn, his partner Pauline, children Luke, Sophie and Kyle, Knock Manor on the death of Darren’s mother Ann Flynn, Dublin, on Saturday 14th October.
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.
Sympathy
It was with heartfelt sympathy we learned of the death at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe on Monday 16th October of Helen Walsh, formerly of Cloontuskert. Helen was predeceased by her father Paddy and brother Patrick. In recent years Helen was a resident of St. Francis Nursing Home, Kilkerrin, Co. Galway. Her remains reposed at the Oratory at St. Francis Nursing Home, Kilkerrin on Thursday,with Mass at 3pm.
Her remains were removed to Cloontuskert Cemetery for burial on Friday last.
We extend our deepest sympathy to her mother Brigid, sisters Marian and Christina, cousins, relatives and friends.
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.
Sympathy
It was great sadness we learned of the death on Tuesday 17th October at Tallaght Hospital of Seamus Thompson. Seamus a brother of Mary and Bernie was predeceased by his brothers Joe and Gerry. Seamus worked with ESB for many years. Later he became CEO of the Irish Wheelchair Association where he brought huge developments to those within the Irish Wheelchair Association and gained huge respect countrywide for all his outstanding work.
Seamus, who was predeceased by his parents, bothers Joe and Gerry is survived by his wife Fen, sisters Mary and Bernie, extended family, relatives and friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
His remains reposed in Reposing in Fanagan’s Funeral Home, Main Street, Tallaght on Friday. Removal on Saturday morning took place to the Holy Rosary Church Ballycragh for his Funeral Mass, followed by Cremation in Newlands Cross Crematorium.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €15,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 31st 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 draw took place in O’Brien’s Shop and the numbers drawn on Tuesday 24th October for the jackpot of €15.000 were 14, 15, 24 and 27. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the €50 prize was Stella O’Sullivan c/o Mags, and the three €20 winners were Sean Connaughton c/o Mags, Eddie Shea c/o Mags and Johnny Malone, Cloontuskert.
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.
Love in the Country
While watching the Anna Geary presented RTE 2 programme, the new dating show Love in the Country, on Monday last we were surprised and delighted to see a local lady Helen Feeney daughter of Packie and Anne Feeney, Rathcline appearing in that episode.
It was down to Westmeath man, Andy, to make a decision between four ladies. Unfortunately, Andy selected a Cork woman in preference to Helen and the other two ladies.
Roscommon Group of Parishes
The final Church Service for the month of October Church Services for the Roscommon Group of Parishes will take place on Sunday 29th October at St Coman’s Church, Roscommon at 11:30am
Midweek prayer at St Coman’s, Roscommon each Wednesday, from 8 to 9pm
Rathcline and the OsKars
The OsKars night will take place in the Longford Arms Hotel on Sunday night next 29th October. As I write there are very few tickets left such has been the demand. If you are still looking for tickets you can check in with O’Brien’s (043 3321107) to see if any tickets have comeback for sale. On the night there will be a €10 draw (no credit card facility) and the lucky winner will go home with €1,000.
There are rooms available in the Longford Arms at the special rate for those that wish to stay overnight. Contact the Longford Arms for further details.
Congratulations to the U21 team who travelled to Drumlish and emerged winners on Sunday last on a scoreline 2-10 to 0-7. On Sunday next in Clonbonny at 2pm the team will take on Ardagh/Moydow and your support will be greatly appreciated. The final group game will take place on Sunday 5th November at 12 noon in Clonbonny against St. Mary’s Granard.
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.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly card game held in St. Mary’s Hall Lanesboro on Sunday night last are: 1st Pat Rock & Michael Finnan, 2nd Vincent Pearse & Kevin McDonagh. The last game winners were Tom Rooney & Mick Maguire. The raffle prize winners were Brendan Casey, Josie Connaughton, Pat Greene & Jim Horan. As usual light refreshment are served at the game.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 16th October the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in Clarke’s Bar. After another very successful week of selling we have seen the winning pool again went well over the €700 mark with the jackpot settling at €765. 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
Pondering & Praying
All are invited to scripture initiative and Pondering and Praying with St Mark’s Gospel during Autumn/Winter. This initiative is beginning this Wednesday 25th October until November and it will take place in the Parish Hub (old priest’s house) beside the church in Lanesboro at 7pm. If you are interested in participating you are asked to contact Geraldine Malone 086 8405102. Further details are available at www.elphindiocese.ie/mark
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.