Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Fire at iconic building
What is commonly known as the old convent building has a legacy all of its own in our town and community. It holds many fantastic memories for so many people not only from the community but also afar and it holds iconic status in the minds of so many. Prior to it being a boarding school in the mid to late 50’s the McCrann family had their business there and a dance hall (McCrann’s hall). After that the Sisters of Mercy with their school downstairs and the girls boarding upstairs were the next to inhabit the building. During that time the hall was partitioned for school use and many evenings were filled with many local and social events such as the critically acclaimed Pageant ‘A Nation once Again’ acknowledging the 1916 Rising and many other productions before returning each day to classrooms. In following years after the school closed the boxing club was housed there, for a time, with Tommy Harold and John Hester. The outdoor pursuit under the leader Dermot O’Reilly was successfully ran from there for a number of years. Many other clubs and businesses were run from there making it hub for the community until plans for it to be developed did not materialise and it fell into disrepair. It was bought at an online auction by a businessman/developer about 18 months ago, but with each change of hands the history of this iconic building in the town was beginning lesser known and more diluted only to those locals that recalled the memories and the great times it gave us.
Since the building was bought there was a general recognition that it would be used to house the Ukrainian people fleeing from war and would be used in a similar way to the former Costello’s Nursing Home. The Lanesboro and Ballyleague community, as one, since the 1950’s have been the most accepting and welcoming community welcoming the huge number of workers that Bord na Mona and ESB brought with it. The apprentices that came regularly in big numbers to cover part of their course at Lanesboro Technical College (now Lanesboro Community College) were always welcomed. During the time of the new power station was been built the community welcomed the Turkish workers in large numbers as well as the very big number of eastern Europeans that came to live and work in Lanesboro especially at the mushroom tunnels. And as previously mentioned the Ukrainian’s in the recent past fleeing from war were embraced and welcomed and their kids like all other have integrated well into our community.
As you can see we are a welcoming, caring and compassionate community and to be labelled as other than that is a blatant slight on our community.
At about 9.30pm on Tuesday evening last 16th January a driver passing by the building seen a fire at the old front door along the side of the building and raised the alarm. The local fire brigade was on the scene within minutes and put out the two fires at the two entrance doors. Gardaí are now investigating into who may have carried out this dastardly deed.
It is very difficult to accept that a building with such a history and so beloved in our community would be burned down by anyone and especially to think that any local involvement would be involved.
For our community there are a multitude of questions remaining to be answered from a Government and official side of things, the lack of clarity and information appears to be a major factor from everybody I have spoken with.
The fact that somebody would even contemplate setting fire to any property is beyond belief. We all have the right to protest or to come out in support of things but we have no right to damage anything just because we don’t agree. There is a total local revulsion to the act of Tuesday night.
Hopefully the person(s) involved in lighting this fire are found and face the full rigours of the law as our community does not welcome this behaviour by anyone.
As I said earlier “we are a welcoming, caring and compassionate community and we will not allow the perpetrators of this reprehensible deed portray us as otherwise.
Town Twinning meeting
The Town Twinning took place on Wednesday night last with a good attendance at the meeting regarding the possibility of Lanesborough/Ballyleague Twinning with a community from Brittany in NW France.
Representatives of a number of the local clubs and organisations attended which was very much appreciated. That said, those present agreed that we would need more active participants to bring the Twinning to fruition.
Those present agreed to make further contact with different groups and organisations around the community in the hope that when we call a meeting later in February we will have a greater representation from the clubs and organisations of Lanesborough/Ballyleague to help in our cause.
The date of the meeting will be announced once the availability of the hall is confirmed.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Phyllis Duffy, and her family, Ballyclare Court, on the death of her sister Elizabeth (Lizzy) Nestor, Ballymahon on Wednesday 17th January
Cup on your 100th
A loyal and outstanding player for St. Faithleach’s and Roscommon over the years Diarmuid Murtagh, son of Andy and Breda, Strokestown Road, celebrated his 100th time playing for Roscommon. Diarmuid captained and raised the FBD Cup after an overwhelming victory in the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome on Saturday last.
Many congratulations Diarmuid and we wish you further success for the coming year and years.
New Men’s Shed
If you are from Ballagh, Curraghroe, Doughill, Cloontuskert, Clooncagh, Derrane, Kilteevan or Four-Mile-House you are invited to a meeting in the new Ballagh Community Hub, formerly the Old Ballagh Parochial House, on Friday night next 26th January with an 8pm starting time. The purpose of the meeting is to setup a new Men’s Shed for the area. The meeting will be facilitated by Pat Towey from the Irish Men’s Sheds Association.
If you are someone who, after retiring, still has a lot to offer, you might want to share your skills with other men. Or, if you have found yourself in need of a friend, there are countless reasons for joining a Men’s Shed.
Men’s Sheds are more than just woodwork or gardening, they are places where men can find meaning and purpose, where a friend is always there.
In a Men’s Shed it is always said the greatest tool they have is the kettle, because there’s nothing more powerful than a cup of tea and a chat and maybe even a game of ‘25’.
Great news on the Distillery Front
The family-run Lough Ree micro-distillery began in 2018 in Lanesborough, County Longford. It is now about to enter Phase 2, a full-scale commercial whiskey distillery and visitor experience and construction is about to begin on the site. With sales and exports growing, the new site is required to enable greater production of its multi award winning whiskey, gin and vodka. Producers of multi award-winning ‘Sling Shot Distilled Irish Gin’, ‘Aiteal 100% Irish Gin’, ‘Zesty Citrus Vodka’, ‘The Bridge Irish Whiskey Series’, and ‘Bart’s Blended Irish Whiskey’, they are on a par with their peers, earning their place in the community of high quality producers. 20 jobs will be created during the construction and 25 jobs within 5 years of operating. Lough Ree Distillery is now exporting to 13 countries. CEO, Peter Clancy see the compelling need to build a proper facility because; “every good business person is looking beyond where you’re at now.”
This is fabulous news for our community where we hope that the distillery will be followed by many more exciting developments in our community and 2024 will be a year of progress and developments.
Ballyleague NS Enrolment
Parents of new entrants who wish their children for Ballyleague NS academic year 2024.2025 are invited to visit the school on Monday 29th January from 3.15 pm to 4.15pm. Alternatively, admission forms are available from the school website www.ballyleaguens.com, by phone 043-3321906 or request via email ballyleaguens@gmail.com
Ballyleague hall/Bingo committee
The Ballyleague hall/Bingo committee will hold its AGM on Wednesday 31st January at 8pm in Ballyleague Hall. All are welcome.
Ballagh Clothing Collection
Ballagh National School is holding a clothing collection on this Thursday 25th January. All funds raised will go directly to the school. If you have any unwanted clothing, footwear, belts, handbags, hats, linens and household textiles you are asked to put them in a bag and bring them to the school in the days prior to the collection. Bags may also be left outside the school on the morning of the collection before 9.30am. All donations will be gratefully received.
Roscommon Community Challenge 2024
The Roscommon Community Challenge 2024 was launched recently and training for this event is well under way within excess of 140 people having signed up to take part in the twice weekly training programme the largest number ever. The event itself takes place on Friday night March 1st at 8pm.
This event always heralds the start of the sporting calendar in Roscommon and involves a Moonlight walk/run around Roscommon Town. Along with the usual 5k distance organisers have introduced a new 8km route. The event is open to both walkers, and runners. It will start and finish at the Roscommon Community Sports Park building. This community event is for everyone, walkers, runners, joggers, individuals, teams, and families, those that have never run either a 5k or 8k before, those looking to set a time for 2024. As in previous years this challenge has proven extremely popular with a great response from people who signed up to be part of the training programme.
Roscommon Special Olympics and Roscommon Community Sports Park are the chosen Charities this year. Roscommon Special Olympics are a remarkable bunch of athletes, and the Club are delighted to be the beneficiaries of this year’s Community Challenge. There is a thriving club within the town with bowlers and swimmers meeting every week and the Club are looking forward to resuming on the Astro pitch at Roscommon Community Sports Park shortly. Roscommon Special Olympics are incredibly grateful to the Community Sports Park, for the use of their facilities throughout the year. This event is especially important to the Club and proceeds will enable the continued provision of sports to a most wonderful bunch of fantastic athletes. The second charity is Roscommon Community Sports Park (RCSP), This is a wonderful facility and a great example of true community spirit. The building is a busy spot and is used by a variety of community groups.
Without doubt, none of this would be possible without the encouragement and professionalism received from Roscommon Sports Partnership and organisers are extremely grateful to Co-Ordinator Noel Feeley and his staff David Brady, Atila Tavares and Martin Hannon for all their support.
Extending a word of thanks to all who help with the running of the event on the night, Organiser Jacqueline McCormack is currently recruiting volunteers to help out on the night and as usual businesses are offered an opportunity to promote their business with an attractive sponsorship option. For further details on both please contact Jacqueline McCormack 0861721181
Jacqueline is looking forward to March 1st and is encouraging everyone to sign up and she states that as you register, please know that your contribution is helping to bring joy and happiness to athletes that so deserve the opportunities that Special Olympics brings into their lives.
Registration for the event can be done online via Eventbrite. The link to register can be found on the Roscommon Community Challenge and Roscommon Sports Partnership Facebook pages and on www.rosactive.org. Check out our Social Media sites Roscommon Community Challenge 2024 for further information.
Play
Ballinalee Players present “The Maiden Aunt” by Jimmy Keary, on Friday 26th Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th January in The Thomas Ashe Hall, Ballinalee. The show begins at 8pm on Friday and Saturday, with doors opening at 7:30pm. The show begins at 7pm on Sunday night with doors opening at 6:30pm. Tickets are selling fast – book your tickets now to avoid disappointment on Eventbrite (Ballinalee Players) or by contacting Miream Reynolds on 0861693563. Laughter absolutely guaranteed! Follow us on Facebook “Ballinalee Players” for more information.
Christmas Lights
We hope to invest in new lights for Christmas 2024 and your contributions will be of immense help. Donations towards the lights can still be left with Joe & Martina O Brien or to Mags Hair Salon.
Social Dancing & Community Gathering
1st Social Dancing event in the ’98 Hall, Ballinamuck (N39 Y7C1) on Sunday next 28th January 2024 from 5 pm – 7 pm, and it will be continuing on the last Sunday of every month thereafter.
€5 admission charge, light refreshments served & free raffle!
A great opportunity for a dance and a catch-up – everyone welcome!
For more info contact Aisling 086 3663901
Searching your Family Tree
If Covid did anything it afforded us time to explore family connections and our heritage family tree and many have begun their search in tracing their roots. Speaking for personal experience and stories of others your own search can bring you so far and then your search become a blur, like searching in a maze.
The Killian Homeplace Family & Genealogy Centre in Fermoyle has afforded us another option in the search and for many it has become a lifeline for so many people seeking to trace or continue the search into their family roots.
The research team are excellent in researching where even the flimsiest family comment will lead the team to astonishing family tree connections.
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 and avail of their services, you should contact the centre on their website
Oskars USB
The recently successful Rathcline Night at the Oskars is now available on USB where those that did not get to the night or for the cast and family members who want to remember the magnificent night in the Longford Arms. The USB in a special presentation box is available in O’Brien’s costing just s costing just €20.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €15,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 23rd January stands at a very exciting €15,000 and never would it be more welcome than on the weeks after Christmas and help defray the costs of Christmas time. With the jackpot having reached its maximum 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 16th January for the jackpot of €15.000 were 7, 11, 13, and 18. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €50 prize was won by Jacinta Healy c/o The Yacht Bar and the three €20 prizes were won by Freda Kenny, Blenavoher, c/o O’Brien’s, Callum and Hannah Farrell, c/o The Yacht bar and M & E Hanley, Cashelbeg, c/o O’Brien’s.
The next draw will take place on Tuesday morning 23rd January and every Tuesday morning in O’Brien’s Shop.
Your tremendous is ensuring that Lanesboro continues to look beautiful even during the winter months. Thank you very much for all your support and the committee extends the very best of warm wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2024.
Rathcline Operation Transformation
Rathcline GAA hosts Operation Transformation every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 730 pm to 830pm, for the next 4 weeks on the Walkway at Clonbonny.
Help our club to walk 4,000 kms in five weeks. Each evening, walk as long or as short a distance as you wish and enjoy a chat/ cup of tea after your walk. The theme for this year is “Walk and Talk with Rathcline GAA’”. You can track your kms walked using MyLife App, details for using the App are available on the Rathcline GAA Facebook page.
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.
Rathcline 50/50
On Wednesday 15th January the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in The Clarke’s Bar. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name Thomas Hoare, c/o Bingo. The jackpot for the draw on Monday night stood at an excellent €723.
As always, the winning cheques can always be collected in O’Brien’s.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night in one of our local bars at 7.30pm. Your continued generous support is greatly appreciated, and your support is highlighted by the large pools every 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 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.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
The 100 club
Congratulations to Diarmuid Murtagh who made his 100th Senior appearance for Roscommon on Friday night last as Roscommon claimed the 2024 FBD League against Galway.
Birthday wishes
many congratulations and best wishes to Mary Kenny, Cloontuskert, who celebrated a milestone birthday recently. Mary has been an ever present supporter, volunteer and backbone of our club often accompanied by the late great Henry. Wishing you all the very best Mary.
Well done
Well done to club representative Ellen Irwin and her teammates as Roscommon Ladies began their league campaign with a convincing win over Down on Sunday morning last.
Lotto
Lotto results as follow
Numbers were 2, 13, 21, 28.
No jackpot winner. €40 winners Damien Farrell Dinesh Narain & James Nurney. Thank you for your continued support
St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro
Masses: Monday to Thursday Mass takes place at 10am each morning; Friday Mass takes place at 7pm and vigil mass on Saturday at 6.30pm and Sunday mass at 11am.
Priest contacts: If you have a need to contact any one of the priests you can do so by phoning Fr. Merlyn Kenny 086 0603433 or Fr. Turlough Baxter 087 9972259.
You can also contact parish secretary Maireád Rooney by calling into the presbytery from Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm. or she can be contacted on the phone at 3321166.
Feast of St. Brigid: The Feast of St. Brigid will be celebrated on Thursday 1st February at 10.00am Mass. St. Brigid’s Crosses will be blessed before Mass. Crosses will be made with rushes in the Parish Hub on Wednesday 31st January after 10am Mass. All are welcome to go along and share their skill.
Candlemas Day: will be celebrated on Friday 2nd February with Masses at 10am and 7pmto celebrate the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. Candles will be blessed at each Mass
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Confession time in the Prayer Room takes place on the first Friday of each month from 6.30pm to 7pm.The next opportunity is on Friday 2nd February
Alcoholic Anonymous Meetings Relatives and friends of those addicted to alcohol are welcome to attend this meeting in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on any Tuesday evenings at 7pm
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.
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.
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Eucharistic Adoration: There will always be one hour of Eucharistic Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament from 10.30 to 11.30am. every Friday in Ballyleague Church and in Curraghroe Church from 8pm until 9pm. You are invited to go along and spend a quiet time of prayer with God.
Ballyleague hall/Bingo committee: The Ballyleague hall/Bingo committee will hold its AGM on Wednesday 31st January at 8pm in Ballyleague Hall. All are welcome.
Ballagh Clothing Collection: Ballagh National School is holding a clothing collection on Thursday next 25th January. All funds raised will go directly to the school. If you have any unwanted clothing, footwear, belts, handbags, hats, linens and household textiles you are asked to put them in a bag and bring them to the school in the days prior to the collection. Bags may also be left outside the school on the morning of the collection before 9.30am. All donations will be gratefully received.
Ballyleague NS Enrolment: Parents of new entrants who wish their children for Ballyleague NS academic year 2024.2025 are invited to visit the school on Monday 29th January from 3.15 pm to 4.15pm. Alternatively, admission forms are available from the school website www.ballyleaguens.com, by phone 043-3321906 or request via email ballyleaguens@gmail.com
Participation Leaflets: At the rear of the church are participation leaflets. All parishioners are encouraged once again to actively participate in the growth, welfare and upkeep of our church in whatever capacity that suits your schedule. Please kindly express your interest in any area of your choice and return same to the box located at the rear of the church. Thank you to those that have already returned their forms. These forms will be removed at the end of January.
Volunteers: Do you have a couple of hours of spare hours a week? If so you are invited to join a snall friendly group of volunteers. The aim is o make the newcomers amongst us to feel welcome and comfortable. Contact Linda 087 164 8210 or email briangill46@gmail.com, Marie 086 067 4332, Liz 086 235 1926 or email mpratschke@gmail.com
Tap Machine in the Porch: All parishioners and friends are advised that there is a tap facility available in the church porch in Ballyleague church. Your generous donations goes towards the welfare and maintenance of the parish.