Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Community Support Fund date extended
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. The closing date for application has been extended and the new closing date is set for Wednesday 21st February. 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
Time to Prepare
With St. Patrick’s Day only 5 weeks away it is now time for our focus to turn to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Clubs, organisations and businesses with their creative skills are the mainstay of a wonderful parade that has been happening in our community for the past number of years. We look forward to wonderful celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day with another spectacular parade and we look forward to seeing your great creativity again this year.
Thank You
The organising committee of the Lourdes Assisted Pilgrims Fund Church Gate collection last weekend would like to sincerely thank everyone for their most generous donations. The sum realised was €555.
Hall AGM
The AGM of Lanesboro Parish Hall committee will take place on Tuesday 20th February at 6.30pm. The meeting will take place in the meeting room upstairs in the hall.
Death
It was with great sadness we learned of the death at Drumderrig Nursing Home, Boyle on Wednesday 7th February of Mary Murray, Church View. Mary was a very proud native of her home place, Derryradd; Killashee came to live in Church View with her family about 30 years ago. She was a warm and very sociable lady, a great conversationalist and a neighbour always willing to assist anyone in their time of need. Her home was a most sociable house where her children were always encouraged and welcomed their friends to the home. She was an elegant lady with a great eye for style and the fashion of the day that she wore so well. Mary was an exceptional skilful lady with tremendous ability in the creation of dresses and Irish Dancing dresses. She was a perfectionist in all she did as was clearly seen by the quality of her upholstery work when she ran her business on the Rathcline Road. For all her skills and crafts skills Mary was self-taught, something that was seen by the quality of her work. She had a lifelong interest in politics with the life of Michael Collins holding a special place for her. Mary had a deep faith and in times past she was a member and great advocate of the prayer group in the Convent of Mercy. She loved flowers and gardening and she was also an excellent bridge player. Mary had a great love of her country and there was no place more special to her for holidays than Donegal with its ruggedness and scenic beauty. Mary will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure to know her.
Her remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Friday and on Saturday her remains were removed to St. Patrick’s Church, Killashee for her Funeral Mass that was followed by burial in Killashee Cemetery. To her family, Fiona, James, Cliona, Niall, Eamonn and Emma, her brother Willie Donlon, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Very important Community Meeting
A Lanesboro Community meeting to discuss a proposed ‘Legacy Project’ of new community/sports Hall for Lanesboro will take place on this Thursday night 15th February in the Parish Hall at 9pm. Everybody within the community is encouraged to come along.
This is singularly one of the greatest opportunities for our community and a full turnout of interested people must attend.
Festival of Lights
The Longford Lights festival will take place over three evenings in Connolly Barracks, Longford from23-25 February. Last year there was a wonderful attendance over the weekend with figure estimation in the region of 11,000.
This year under the leadership of new artistic director Caroline Conway, Longford Lights will comprise a series of indoor and outdoor illumination-based art installations centred on the theme of ‘Belonging’. The weekend will include several performances and displays involving prominent national and international artists and groups
Roscommon Drama Festival
The annual Roscommon Drama Festival will take place at Roscommon Arts Centre from Friday 1st to Saturday 9th March. Tickets cost €15 per show, 5 night ticket €65 or season ticket for €95. Online bookings can be made at www.roscommonartscentre.ie
The first play on Friday 1st March will be Brian Friel’s, Dancing at Lughnasa by the Holycross/Ballycahill Drama Group. This will be followed on Saturday 2nd March Arthur Millers’s, The Crucible by the Dalkey Players, Sunday 3rd March Jez Butterworth’s , The Ferryman by Ballyduff Drama Group, Monday 4th March Bruce Graham’s The Outgoing Tide the Glenamaddy Players, Tuesday 5th March Patricia Burke Brogan’s , Eclipsed by the Ray Leonard Players, Wednesday 6th March George Orwell’s Animal Farm by the Phoenix Players, Thursday 7th March John Pielmeier’s Agnes of God by St. Patrick’s Drama Group, Friday 8th March Enda Walsh’s The New Electric Ballroom by the Newtownstewart Theatre Company and Saturday 9th March Bernard Farrell’s, I do not like Thee, Dr. Fell by Kilmuckridge Drama Group.
Sympathy
Sympathy is extended to the extended Connaughton family, Lanesboro and Farrell family, Lisnacusha on the death on Friday last 9th February of Ann Gillett (nee Connaughton), Tallaght, Dublin.
Longford County Fleadh
The Longford County Fleadh is being hosted this year by Granard Branch Comhaltas “John Dungan CCE” from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th April in Cnoc Mhuire Granard Secondary School.
Entries are now been taken through the various Comhaltas Branches in the County.
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
St. John’s Services
The Services for the St. John’s congregation for the remainder of February are Holy Communion Service at 11.30am in St. Coman’s Church, Roscommon on Sunday 18th February. On Sunday 25th Holy Communion Service in St. John’s Church, Lanesboro at 11.30am.
2024 Lenten services will take place in Roscommon and Lanesboro with Reading the ‘God News’. The services take place in Lanesboro on Wednesday 14th (Matthew) and 28th February (Mark) and in Roscommon on Wednesday 21st February (Matthew).
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 this Thursday 15th February. 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.
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 splendid night in the Longford Arms. The USB in a special presentation box is available in O’Brien’s costing just costing just €20. There are just a limited number of USB’s remaining and don’t miss your chance of getting one of this magnificent night.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €15,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 13th February 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 6th February for the jackpot of €15.000 were 12, 21, 22 and 23. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €50 prize was won by Johnny Kilcoyne, c/o The Yacht Bar, and the three €20 prizes were won by Tom Gill, Ballyglass, Frances, c/o Mags, and Marie c/o Mags.
The next draw will take place on Tuesday morning 13th February and every Tuesday morning in O’Brien’s Shop.
Thank you for your continued excellent support and we continue to try and make a difference for Lanesboro.
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 Monday 5th February the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in Clarke’s Bar. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name Patricia McGann, Ballyleague. The jackpot for the draw on Monday night stood at an excellent €646..
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.
Lenten Talk: There will be a talk by Fr. Peter Burke in the church on Wednesday 21st February at 7.30pm. The talk will cover the word of God spoken to usin the scriptures during Lent. Everyone is invited to attend this inspiring event.
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
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.
Station Masses: Station Masses will commence on Monday 19th February at the beginning of the Lenten season. The station masses remain very popular and supported in the parish. If there is anyone interested in holding a station mass in their own home they are asked to contact Fr Dan on the mobile number above.
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 donation goes towards the welfare and maintenance of the parish.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Lotto The results of the lotto draw Thursday 8th February are: The numbers drawn were 10, 16, 18 and 20. There was no jackpot winner this week. The €40 winners were Marie McGann, Fidelma Brennan and Michelle Brehon. Thank you for your continued support. Envelopes available at all local outlets or from any committee members.
Nursery Workshop: Well done to all our underage coaches who completed the Nursery Workshop on Monday evening in Ballyleague Hall, A great evening was had by all our coaches. Many thanks to Padraic, Aidan, Ollie and Stephan of Roscommon Coaching Games for delivering the workshop.
Roscommon Ladies: Well done to Ellen Irwin and the Roscommon Ladies who claimed a draw in a tough fixture in Ennis on Sunday afternoon last. Next Sunday, Ellen and the ladies travel to play Sligo in the Lidl National League. The very best of luck to the team.
Croker Time: The very best of luck to Diarmuid Murtagh and the Roscommon men who will take on Dublin in the Allianz National League Division 1 on Saturday evening next in Croke Park.
Public Meeting: This is an open invitation to everyone. Community groups, clubs and organisations in the greater Lanesborough – Ballyleague area to attend a public meeting on Thursday Feb 15th at 9pm in St Mary’s Hall beside the bridge in Lanesborough when a proposal to build a new community & sports centre with funding from the ESB will be discussed. This new building could feature up to 15 spacious meeting rooms for cards/ICA/mens/women’s groups/foroige / youth club , a modern kitchen , gym, indoor running track, bowling hall, 5 – side football hall, boxing / gymnastics arena and much more. It is really up to the community to decide . If you’re interested – please come along and if you’re in a group please arrange for your representative to be present at 9pm.