Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Ladies AGM
The Rathcline Ladies GAA Club will hold their Annual General Meeting in Friday night next 2nd February in the clubhouse at Clonbonny at 7pm. It is hoped that there will be a large attendance to show support for the club and its players.
ESB Community Support Fund
Longford County Council has written to all the PPN registered groups in Lanesboro about opportunity to apply for funding under the ESB Community Support fund. Groups are encouraged to deliver small projects for community gain with support from this fund. For further information please contact Margaret Mulligan on 04333 4218 or mmulligan@longfordcoco.ie
Death
The entire community was saddened to learn of the death at Thomond Lodge Nursing Home, Ballymahon on Saturday 20th January of Tom Farrell, Longford Road and formerly of Carraroe. Local people greatly missed his presence from the Main Street area since he became a resident of Thomond Lodge. Tom was a hugely popular figure with both young and old. He was a superb character and a wonderful storyteller. He had a great recall of the stories and many great stories of Lanesboro and Rathcline from many years ago. Some would always say that Tom was a man who always loved to tell tall tales just to catch people out and his inimitable permanent smile widened greatly when he realised he caught you. He was always warm and friendly, a great friend and the most enjoyable of company. Tom’s passing brought a great and profound sadness to the hearts of everyone that had the great pleasure to know him.
His remains reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home on Sunday last. Following his removal to St. Mary’s Church on Monday for his Funeral Mass Tom was laid to rest in Rathcline Cemetery.
To his nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
North Leinster Champions
All roads led to the Meath Centre of Excellence, Dunganny, Co. Meath on Friday last for the final of the North Leinster Juvenile Championship where Lanesboro Community College (LCC) took on Scoil Uí Mhuiri from Dunleer, Co. Louth. In recent years at that age group have been at final and semi-final stages but with no luck until the team of 2024 ended the run of previous defeats with an excellent and hard earned victory. This was a tremendous all-round team performance and the great work of team management Brian Concannon, Niall Tannian and Joe Rooney did not go unrewarded. Congratulations to the panel and the team management on this historic breakthrough.
Sympathy
Our deepest sympathy to Susan and Brendan Keane and their children Niall and Orla and Susan’s extended family on the death of Susan’s father George Taaffe, Rockview, Moyne, Co. Longford on Friday last 26th January.
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.
Death
It was with great sadness and regret we learned of the death at Portiuncula University Hospital on Saturday last 20th January of Harry Trimble, Cloonageera, Kilrooskey. Harry was predeceased by his wife Ann, his sister Mary and his brother Tommie. Harry worked in the ESB Power Station until his retirement where he was a most popular colleague. He was large in stature and large in heart with a great friendliness and openness. Harry was a very helpful man to anyone that would ever be in need. He left an indelible make mark in the hearts and mind of everyone that came to know him. Harry was a wonderful family man to his three children and later to to his grandchildren. He was always supportive and encouraging to be the best they could be and they did make him a proud man.
His remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home on Tuesday evening last 23rd Jan until they were removed to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh. On Wednesday following Mass of the Resurrection, Harry was removed to Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan, for his cremation. To his sons Gordon and Ivor, daughter Hazel, sister Kathleen grandchildren Cian, Harry and Anna and daughters in law Georgina and Alison, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Cash for Clobber
The Parents Association of Ballyleague N.S. is holding a ‘Cash for Clobber’ fundraiser. Items accepted include clothing, paired shoes, bags, hats, scarves, belts, curtains, and bed linen. The last date for drop off is this Thursday 1st February. Bags can be dropped off at the big school gare during school hours. All monies raised will go to extracurricular activities for all children. All donations will be gratefully appreciated.
Powerboat Certificate
The Irish Sailing National Powerboat Certificate, a 2-day course, equips you with the skills and knowledge to safely skipper a powerboat, ensuring the safety of both yourself and your crew on the water. Receiving your Powerboat Certificate is regarded as the ‘Driving Licence’ for Boats in Ireland.
There are a limited number of places remaining for the February courses! Secure your place for the Monday, February 19th and Tuesday, February 20th courses by reaching out to instructors Liam or Harry at 089 262 5505 or info@accessforallboattrips.com
Tractor Run Presentation
The MS Tractor Run in memory of the late Donal Chapman was an outstanding success and great credit and thanks must be paid to everyone that organised, worked on and took part in the Run.
The presentation of the proceeds will take place this Saturday night 3rd February in The Pier Inn, Lisnacusha from 9pm. We are hoping to have some video footage, a slideshow of photos from the day/night in November followed by some entertainment with Gerry Keenan, and it will surely be a great start to the Bank Holiday weekend. Please come along and support, all are welcome.
Picture by Brigid Mullooly
Final Reminder
Waterways Ireland is delighted to announce the launch of its 2024 Heritage and Biodiversity in the Community Grants Scheme in support of the Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan.
A fund of €20,000 has been allocated to assist community based heritage and biodiversity projects which compliment or fulfil the delivery of the Waterways Ireland Heritage and Biodiversity Plan along the Barrow Navigation, Erne System, Grand Canal, Lower Bann, Royal Canal, Shannon Navigation, Shannon-Erne Waterway and the Ulster Canal (Upper Lough Erne to Clones).
Applications will be considered from communities, individuals and organisations seeking assistance for projects related to inland waterways’ heritage and biodiversity. This can include data collection & research, good heritage practice in managing sites, collections, objects, etc. and support fresh approaches and initiatives that promote active engagement with heritage and biodiversity.
| The deadline for receipt of completed applications is this Wednesday 31st January2024. Please feel free to contact Martina McCarthy on +353 (0)61-922149, +353 (0)87-4769743 or at martina.mccarthy@waterwaysireland.org for any queries relating to the grants scheme. |
Yoga for Beginners & Improvers
This is an introductory programme teaching foundation and basic poses while improving your breathing and relaxing your body and mind. Suitable for those seeking to improve their strength, flexibility, health, and general well-being. Location: Lisnamult Sports & Activity Hub. Starts: Wednesday 7th February from 10 – 11 am. Cost: €25.
Chair Yoga at Roscommon Library: In collaboration with Healthy Ireland at your Library and Roscommon Sports Partnership. This four-week programme is suitable for older adults with mobility and flexibility concerns and those who wish to engage in a more active lifestyle. Improve strength, mobility, and balance; Relieve stress with breath work and meditation; Connect socially, boost well-being and be a part of a community. Location: Roscommon Co. Library. Starts: Wednesday 7th of February from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. Cost: €25. Register via Eventbrite on the link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/ e/806349401767?aff=oddtdtcreator or contact Elle-May at sportshub@rosactive.org / 090 6630 853 to book your place.
Roscommon Fleadh Entries
Fleadh Cheoil Ros Comáin 2024 will be held in Ail Finn /Elphin over the Easter Weekend, with the competitions being held on the Monday. Details of venues and other activities will be available to see in local paper advertisements at a later date. Entries should reach your local Comhaltas branch rúnaí / secretary not later than 15th February 2024. Updated entry forms will be available to download from Facebook page, comhaltas bhaile Ros Comáin, in the very near future. Entries may be sent to Peadar Brandon Cloverhill (090 66 25382) or to Bill Cunningham, 1 Cloonbrackna Avenue (086 3345 817). Late entries will not be accepted.
CHIME
Chime is a Free and confidential support service on all aspects of deafness and hearing loss in children and adults. First Thursday of each month, 10:30am – 1:00pm, HSE Primary care Centre, Golf Links Road, Roscommon. Information, resources, assistive technologies, entitlements, minor repairs, batteries & more. Email: dave.browne@chime.ie. Text: 086 816 8073 / Call: 091 564 871
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.
Well worth a listen
Next weekend the very popular Eurovision winning musician and Shannonside presenter Charlie McGettigan will have Joan Killian Gallagher founder of the Killian Homeplace Family & Genealogy Centre in Fermoyle. It will no doubt be an intriguing interview and cast a great light into genealogy and the tracing of family roots.
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 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 costing just €20.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €15,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 30th January stands at a very exciting jackpot limit of €15,000. 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 23rd January for the jackpot of €15.000 were 3, 10, 24, and 28. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €50 prize was won by Kevin c/o Mags, and the three €20 prizes were won by Beth & Tara, c/o The Wooden Spoon, Johnny, Jackie and Yvonne, c/o Mags, and Mary rice c/o The Abbey.
The next draw will take place on Tuesday morning 30th 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.
Weekly Card Game
The weekly card game takes place every Sunday night in St. Mary’s hall. The results of last Sunday’s game are 1st Pat Joe Fallon & Tom Nohilly. Joint 2nd were Kevin McDonagh & Vincent Pierce and Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley. The last game winners were P.J & Bridie Glennon. The raffle winners were Aidan Carly, Noreen Gibbons, Petey Donlon and Kevin McDonagh. Game takes place every Sunday night with light refreshments served.
Rathcline Operation Transformation
Rathcline GAA hosts Operation Transformation every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7.30 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 22nd 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. 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 this Wednesday 31st January at 8pm in Ballyleague Hall. All are welcome.
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.
Cash for Clobber: The Parents Association of Ballyleague N.S. is holding a ‘Cash for Clobber’ fundraiser. Items accepted include clothing, paired shoes, bags, hats, scarves, belts, curtains, and bed linen. The last date for drop off is this Thursday 1st February. Bags can be dropped off at the big school gare during school hours. All monies raised will go to extracurricular activities for all children. All donations will be gratefully appreciated.