Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Community Games
The Community Games in Lanesboro and Ballyleague Kilgefin has a long and successful history with many All-Ireland champions along with medallists galore in the All-Ireland’s, County and parish competitions.
Community Games give any young person boy or girl the opportunity to display their skills and abilities in a huge array of almost 60 different disciplines. Community Games is primarily a parent driven local organisation with parents anxious to ensure that the Community Games is good for their youngsters and their equally talented friends.
This is the time of the year that the AGM’s for both local Community Games groups takes place, and it is hugely important that all parents support their kids by getting involved in the formation of the committee for the coming year. It is very important to attend the AGM’s if only to show your support to the incoming committee. If you have recently arrived in our community the Community Games gives you that wonderful opportunity to meet and get to know locals through the involvement of their youngsters.
Please keep an eye on the Lanesboro notes, either in the Longford Leader or online, so that you can attend the AGM meeting and involve yourself or turn up just to give your support and backing for the elected committee.
Christmas Day Run
The Annual Newtowncashel to Lanesboro Run will take place again this year starting at the Hill in Newtowncashel and finishing at the bridge in Lanesboro. The run/walk of approximately 11km is going for over 30 years now and it caters for all levels of fitness and it will be magnificent to once again huge numbers turning out for this great run. The beneficiary of the Run is Longford MS and this is a fundraiser that the Longford Branch depends greatly upon for its yearly work and support.
Walkers will start from the Hill in Newtowncashel at 11.45am and runners start at 12.15pm. Sponsorship cards will soon be available from the Local, Newtowncashel, Brigid Mullooly, Lanesboro or O’Brien’s Corner Shop, Lanesboro.
Celebrations in Cullentra
The old saying of “when it rains it snows” is never more apt than with the continued great news for the Connaughton family, Cullentra over the past few weeks. A few weeks ago, Martin and his wife Niamh welcomed their new baby boy into the Cullentra community.
This was closely followed by the announcement at the Animal Health Ireland Annual Awards CellCheck. The winners from Lakeland Diaries were Padraig, Pauline, Martin and Niamh Connaughton for this award that recognises excellence achieved in herd health by achieving consistently low somatic cell count in their animal herd.
The celebrations did not end there as last week the announcement was made of the engagement of Martin and Pauline’s son, Brian to Micheala McCarthy, daughter of Tom and Caroline McCarthy, Portarlington, Co. Laois. Congratulations to all the family on a very successful few weeks culminating with many reasons for celebration.
Death
It was with great sadness we learned of the death in the loving care of the staff of Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe of Mrs. Mary Nelson, Curraghroe. Mary was predeceased by her husband Tom. She was a native of County Donegal and along with her husband Tom returned from England, after a lifetime working, to live firstly in Barnacor and later in Curraghroe. Mary was very quietly spoken and a thorough lady. As a neighbour she was excellent and always available to assist in any way she could. Mary was an excellent conversationalist, and it was always a pleasure to encounter her for a chat. She was primarily a great family woman who gave great devotion to raising her family of whom she always rightly spoke highly and proudly of. Those smiling eyes that went along with her warm and friendly welcome will fondly be remembered for all those that had the privilege of knowing her. Her passing will sadden the hearts of everyone that has the pleasure to know Mary.
Her remains reposed in Leavy’s Funeral Home, Scramogue on Thursday last and following her Funeral Mass in St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe on Friday she was laid to rest alongside husband Tom in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her daughters Mary and Sandra, sons Desmond and Al, son in law Steve Cooper (Clonfower), daughters in law Elenor and Ana, grandchildren, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Table Quiz
Sliabh Bawn Community Activities Group are holding a Table Quiz in Joe’s on Friday night next 1st December at 9.00 pm. This group is comprised of representatives of Strokestown, Scramogue, Cloontuskert and Ballyleague Tidy Towns.
Their aim is to try and establish a community employment group serving the various locations in the Sliabh Bawn hinterland in addition to promoting tourism opportunities.
The groups work to date had in the main been a coordinated clean up on approach roads leading to Sliabh Bawn and indeed on Sliabh Bawn itself.
Your support on the night would be greatly appreciated.
Local Books back in Stock
Books by local authors will make great Christmas presents and you will also be showing your support for the great efforts made by our local authors.
New to our list is the recent arrival of Rose Moran’s book of poetry ‘In the Slant of a New Light’. You will all remember Rose as Sr. Rose who was part of the Mery nuns when they were in Lanesboro. Jack Harte’s Uneasy bedfellows and his local bestseller In the Wake of the Bagger amongst others are available. Ciaran Mullooly’s recent launch of his third book ‘The Future is Now’ is selling very fast and new stock has just arrived while a restock of Margaret Nohilly’s book of poetry ‘The Overlap of Times’ has it back on the bookshelves.
Christmas Lights
The Christmas Lights Committee will be turning on the town lights on Saturday 9th December after evening Mass. Weather permitting, there will have some carol singers at the turning on of the lights. The committee are having their church gate collection at Christmas Eve and Christmas Day masses.
Tractor Run
On Saturday last the Tractor Run in memory of Donal Chapman took place from Cashel to Lanesboro/Ballyleague and back to the Pier Inn through Rathcline. It was truly a fitting event to remember Donal and the esteem in which he was held. Over 130 tractors, lorries and other forms of machinery lined the road, and it was a hugely impressive sight no matter where you seen it along the route. Donal with his indomitable and enthusiastic spirit lit up ever place he entered and it was something very special to see so many honouring Donal’s memory and lighting up the entire community. It was a fitting tribute in his honour and it brought huge support for the charity he supported so much Longford MS.
This was an outstanding organisational achievement by the local group of neighbours and friends that organised such a wonderful and well-run event. Further events continued in the night in the Pier Inn and a massive congratulations to all involved.
Genealogy Centre
The open day at the Killian Homeplace Family & Genealogy Centre in Fermoyle on Saturday last proved to be an outstanding success. Over the 5 hours the large number that had booked their slots turned up and were amazed at the results even from an initial family search.
The research team are without doubt excellent in researching where even the flimsiest family comment led to astonishing family tree connections.
There is no doubt, if you are interested searching your family tree then the Killian Homeplace should be your first point of contact.
If you want to trace your family tree you should contact the centre on their website
Birth
Many congratulations to Sheila and David Gilmore, Blenavoher, on the birth last week of a baby girl.
ICA Christmas Craft Fair
ICA are having their Christmas Craft Fair in the Temperance Hall next Sunday 3rd December 12-6 pm and free entry. Over 20 venders with a fantastic variety of handmade goods for sale. This is a perfect chance to grab some unique Christmas presents.
Sympathy
Deepest sympathy to Tara Leigh and Daniel Lulham, Knock Manor and their extended families on the death of their grandfather Frank Lulham, Longford Town who died on Friday 17th November.
Knitting and Crochet
The Knitting and Crochet group that meets in the library has just changed its meeting day. They will now meet every Tuesday in the library from 2pm to 4pm.
Fermoyle NS Enrolment
Fermoyle NS Enrolment is now open. Parents of prospective students are invited to go to the school website fermoylens.ie to download an Enrolment Form. You can email to fermoylens@gmail.com or post application form to Fermoyle NS, Fermoyle, Lanesborough, Co. Longford.
Christmas Fair
Lanesborough Parish Hall and Tidy Towns groups are hosting a Christmas Fair and Market on Sunday week 10th December in the Parish Hall from 11 am to 1 pm. Santa and Mrs Claus will be attending.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €15,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 28th November stands at a very exciting €15,000 and never would it be more welcome than on the weeks leading up to Christmas. 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 21st November for the jackpot of €15.000 were 15, 20, 22 and 29. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the €50 prize were Ciara & Kenneth, c/o Post Office, and the three €20 prizes went to Sinead Farrell, Lehery, Gerard Heneghan, Rathcline Road, and Seamus Reilly Ballyleague.
The draw takes place every 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 even during the winter months. Thank you very much for all your support.
Christmas Draw
The local Mid Roscommon Vintage Club is, this year, holding a Christmas to help enhance the great work it does throughout the year. The draw will take place on Saturday 23rd December in Compton’s bar, Strokestown. Tickets priced at €5 each are on sale in O’Brien’s Shop and your full support will be most appreciated.
The prizes are 1st €500 cash, 2nd €100 Abbey Hotel Roscommon voucher, 3rd €100 Essential Workwear voucher and 4th €50 Fuel voucher. The club would like to thank The Abbey Hotel Roscommon, Ivor Trimble and Stewart’s Oil for their sponsorship.
When Stones Speak
Longford Historical Society are pleased to announce the forthcoming launch of “WHEN STONES SPEAK”- Headstone inscriptions and local history from the cemeteries of Killashee, Clondra and Ballinakill – a magnificent book of 180 A4 pages and over 630 headstone inscriptions and photographs, that has taken many years to complete. While the majority of the headstones are associated with Killashee parish, there are quite a few with Lanesboro addresses and across the Shannon in Erra, Derryhaney and the Tarmonbarry areas. The book will be launched by a guest personality and will take place in Longford Library on Tue 12th December at 7.00pm. Everybody is welcome to attend.
All queries Luke Baxter 086 3344878
St. Faithleach’s Christmas Draw
The St. Faithleach’s GAA club is again holding a Christmas draw. There will be a total of €5,000 in prizes to be won. Tickets can be purchased online or locally from the usual selling places. Tickets are priced at €10 each or 3 for €20. Your support will be appreciated.
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.
Short Breaks Scheme
Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children and adults who have an intellectual disability? Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, Homeshare Roscommon are recruiting host carers. Training and support will be provided. There will be a tax exempt allowance paid. For further information email Homeshareroscommon@gmail.com or phone Catherine 09066 28500 or 087 2126607.
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.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly card game held in St. Mary’s Hall Lanesboro on Sunday night last are: Joint first between Tom & Tommy and Kevin & Eugene. Last game winners were Barney & Eugene. Raffle winners were Geraldine Greene, Kay Featherston, Kitty Feeney and Mary Gregg. As usual light refreshments are served at the game. No partner needed. The game commences at 8.30pm every Sunday night.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 13th November the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in the Yacht Bar. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name of Carmel Fallon and she won the princely jackpot of €660. Well done Carmel 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 your support is highlighted by the large pool each week.
Roscommon Group of Parishes
The list of Services for St. John’s and the Roscommon group of parishes for December are as follows:
Sunday 3rd December, St Coman’s, Roscommon Morning Prayer, 11:30am
Sunday 3rd December, St Coman’s, Roscommon Carols for Christmas – Athlone Choral Society at 6pm
Sunday 10th December, St John’s, Lanesborough with Morning Prayer ‘extra’: ‘This is how it happened’, 11:30am
Wednesday 13th December, St Coman’s, Roscommon the Festival of Lessons and Carols, 7:30pm
Sunday 17th December, St Coman’s, Roscommon with Morning Prayer ‘extra’: ‘Neville’s Christmas’, 11:30am
Friday 22nd December, St John’s, Lanesborough ‘Celebrate Christmas’ – Festival of Lessons and Carols, 8pm
Sunday 24th December, St John’s, Lanesborough with Christmas Eve Service of Holy Communion, 11:30am
Monday 25th December, St Coman’s, Roscommon, Christmas Day Service of Holy Communion, 11:30am
Sunday 31st December, St John’s, Lanesborough for Morning Prayer at 11:30am
‘O come, let us adore Him’
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 there to help you.
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.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
The club held its AGM at the clubhouse in Clonbonny on Friday 17th November before a large attendance. The success of the club over the past 12 months were highlighted with players and management complimented for the tremendous work done on the playing and training fields. The club is buoyed with the continued-on pitch progression over the year and a great thanks must go to GPO coach Ciaran Carey for his great work with all the teams and schools during the year.
The club encourages more and more people too get involved with coaching. There is a wonderful and committed team of coaches – see list below. The club urges everyone that gets involved to complete the coaching courses to help continue the club development. These courses will be done through the club and you will have excellent support. These courses are open to both male and female.
The executive elected for the coming year is:
Chairperson – Sean McDermott, Vice Chairperson – Duncan Murphy, Secretary – Mark Kenny, Assistant Secretary – Jason Fallon, Treasurer – Sean Farrell, Assistant Treasurer – Vincent Farrell, Coaching Officer – Stephen Rooney, County Board Delegate – Paddy Casey
PRO’s – Joe O’Brien & Melissa O’Donoghue, Child Protection Officer – Carmel Hayes
The Coaching Committee is Paul Hession, John Healy, Gareth Johnston, Padraig O’Dowd, David Curran, Gavin Greally, James Casey, Patrick McHale, Michael Shortall, Jason Fallon,
Patrick Casey, Barry Hogan, Vincent Farrell, David Gilmore, Mick Herbert, Sean Farrell, Mark Kenny, Sean McDermott, James Hayes, Michelle Kelly, Sinead McHale, Pierre Boudin and Kevin Chapman.
Rathcline
Rathcline GAA invites you to our Club Mass in St Mary’s Church on Saturday 9th December at 6.30pm and to join the club and Lanesbrew, in a joint initiative, for light refreshments and Carol singing after the 6.30pm Mass. A special Christmas personality will join us for the evening.
The club’s players from the senior club, ladies club and Mothers and Others are organising the Lanesborough GOAL mile on St Stephen’s Day at 12.30pm. You, your family and friends are invited to join us to walk a mile (as short or as far as you wish to walk) on the Walkway at club grounds at Clonbonny. After the walk, join us for a Christmas chat and a cup of tea in the clubhouse. If you wish you can also make a donation which will go to the GOAL charity to help it with its lifesaving work across the world. This is a new initiative by the club and we hope that this charity event will become a key date in the club and community calendar for the years ahead.
The clubs AGM has been rescheduled to Thursday 21st Dec at 8pm. Please join us as the club reviews it’s activities during 2023 and looks forward to 2024.
St. Mary’s Church
All-Night Vigil: An all-night vigil will take place in Knock on Thursday 7th December on the eve of the Immaculate Conception. A bus will leave Lanesboro at 7.50pm. Further information can be obtained from Bridget 087 2487883 or Peter087 6613510.
Offertory Envelopes
The start time for the usage of the new offertory envelopes for the coming Church Year is the 6th January 2024. The boxes of envelopes are available in the church. Your unstinted and continued generous support to the church collections yearly is truly appreciated. Thank you.
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.
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 interested, 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
Carol Service: There will be a Carol service in Ballagh Church on Sunday 10th December at 5pm. This choir service is organised by the parish choir in preparation for Christmas. Everyone is invited to go along.
Thank You: The Parish Hall committee would lie to thank everyone that turned up, made donations, sponsored prizes and supported the recent Table Quiz in aid of Hall. Thanks also to St. Faithleach’s for the use of their clubhouse. The sum raised amounted to €1,508.
Catholic Magazines:
New subscribers are very welcome to subscribe to the following religious magazines.
Annual subscription to the sacred Heart Messenger is €24; Africa – Kiltegan Missions €15; Far East – Colombian Missions €15, St. Martin €21.40.
Eucharistic Adoration:
There is always an hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament every Friday in Ballyleague Church from 10.30am to 11.30am and in Curraghroe Church from 8pm to 9pm. You are invited to go along to spend some quiet time of prayer with God.
Envelopes for 2023/24:
Church offering envelopes in boxes are available in the church for distribution. A special word of thanks to the distributors for all their on-going work.
Parish Contact:
You can contact Fr Dan at 089 2706060
Short Break Scheme: Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children and adults who have an intellectual disability? Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, Homeshare Roscommon are recruiting host carers. Training and support will be provided. There will be a tax exempt allowance paid. For further information email Homeshareroscommon@gmail.com or phone Catherine 09066 28500 or 087 2126607.
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.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
AGM’s
Our Annual General Meeting for the Club take place at St. Faithleach’s clubhouse on Thursday 30th November (Senior) at 8pm. All welcome to attend to voice opinions and share ideas. New volunteers and coaches always welcome.
Christmas Draw
Our annual Christmas Draw is back with a very desirable €5,000 first prize. Tickets will soon be available from all local outlets and committee members. Best of luck to all and your continued support is very appreciated by us.
Thank You
Thank you to all the volunteers, parents, kids and Ballyleague Tidy Towns for gathering last week to plant daffodils at the club grounds. We can’t wait to see the place in bloom.