Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
The entire community was stunned and shocked with the sad news on Tuesday 13th February of the sudden death at his residence on the Green of Seamus Flynn. In his younger years Seamus moved to England from his home to be with his childhood sweetheart Mary Agnes McGurren whom he married in May 1960. Seamus moved to Lanesboro in 1962 with legendary status and he enhanced it during the past 62 years in our community. It was on the GAA playing fields that he had magnificent success with his club Clonguish and Longford and in later years with his adopted club Rathcline. When in the company of Seamus you would never be aware of his outstanding successes but you always knew and felt you were in the company of somebody very special such was his exceptional demeanour. He was a man of great personality, character, quietly spoken and attentive to everyone; he was always warm and friendly with a great compassion for anyone in their time of need of support or help. Seamus was an excellent family man, a great devotion to his wife Mary Agnes whose name would always be entered during his conversations and he was full of admiration for the successes of his family. Seamus also had a great devotion to his faith. He loved to sing a few songs and he was active in the gym and pool in Roscommon Coral Centre as he was with the local men’s group and he very rarely missed one of the outings. Since his arrival until his retirement worked with Bord na Mona where he was a cherished member of staff. He was a commanding figure both on and off the field and you could not but draw inspiration from his utterances and his manner. The attendance at his reposing in Glennon’s Funeral Home Longford and again at his removal from his home to St. Mary’s Church had to be seen to be believed and it was a testimony to the effect Seamus had on us all. For Seamus, the only trophy he did not get the opportunity to lift in his footballing career was the Sam Maguire Cup and it was fitting that it paid an unexpected visit to his Funeral Mass.
Seamus will always be remembered not only for his footballing prowess bus also for the quality of the man.
His remains reposed in Glennon’s Funeral Home on Friday and his Funeral mass on Saturday was followed by burial in Clonbonny Cemetery. To his wife Mary Agnes, daughters Eithne and Sharon, sons Michael, Gerard, Andrew and Kevin, sisters Jeanette and Maura, brothers J.J., Gene and Liam, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Lanesborough/Ballyleague Twinning Association
A follow up meeting to the one held on 17th January will be held this Wednesday night 21st February in St Mary’s Hall at 8.00pm.
We hope to get as many people and local clubs and institutions to join with us to further a Twinning relationship with the community on Inguiniel in Brittany, France.
The people of Inguiniel are very keen to establish such a relationship with Lanesborough Ballyleague. They, like us, see this as a great opportunity for our young people in particular, (though not exclusively) to broaden their horizons and life experience.
We do hope you can find the time to join us in our quest because experience and research tells us that this sort of activity needs the backing of the whole community to succeed.
Birth
Many congratulations Michael Farrell and his wife Aoife, Clonfower, on the birth last week of a new baby boy.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
It is not often we get the opportunity to celebrate and show off our creative and artistic skills and each year we have that opportunity to do just that. With St. Patrick’s Day only 4 weeks away it is time for our focus to turn to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Individuals, 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. There will be a number of category winners; Best Club, Best Junior, Best Vintage, Best Business, Best Dressed Window, Most Original who will win a trophy and €50 and the Best Overall Float will receive €300 and a trophy.
Entry forms are available from Teresa Costello, Freda Connaughton or O’Brien’s Shop. If you wish to have your entry form emailed to you please phone Joe 086 2460840 or email him at joeaobrien@outlook.com
St. Patrick’s Day Draw
The St. Patrick’s Day committee is again holding a fundraising draw to raise funds to help defray the cost of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Tickets are on sale in all local shops, from the Parade committee or in O’Brien’s and we urge you to fully support the draw.
Tickets are priced at 3 for €5 and the prizes are €100 for 5 lucky winners. The draw will take place in Clarke’s Bar on St. Patrick’s night.
Trócaire Lenten campaign
Trócaire’s Lenten Campaign this year, focuses on the country of Malawi. It is one of the least developed countries in the world. In the Machinga district, Malita and her family must make a one-hour trip up to five times a day to collect water. Please support Trócaire’s efforts to create access to clean, safe, and reliable water supplies by taking home a Trócaire box and endeavour to fill it during Lent.
Festival of Lights
The Longford Lights festival will take place over three evenings in Connolly Barracks, Longford fromthis Friday23rd to Sunday 25th 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.
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.
St. John’s Services
The Services for the St. John’s congregation for the remainder of February are Holy Communion Service at 11.30am Holy Communion Service in St. John’s Church, Lanesboro at 11.30am on Sunday next 25th February. .
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).
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 Closing In
There are just 2 weeks to go to the 2024 Roscommon Community Challenge. This very popular and hugely supported event takes place on Friday night March 1st. at 8pm. This year the event comprises of a 5 and 8 km reasonably flat, fully marshalled route around Roscommon Town.
This community event is for everyone walkers, runners, joggers, individuals, teams, and families, those looking to set a time for 2024 and those that would like to improve on previous timings. We are very grateful to the members of Roscommon Harriers running club who help with all the timings on the night.
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. This year has seen the largest ever number of walkers and runners signing up to our training plan, There has been huge progression since training started in early January and participants are really looking forward to getting to the starting line. Our new routes will be revealed nearer the date.
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, Atilia Tavers and Martin Hannon for all their support.
Participants are encouraged to register on this link as there will be no registrations on the night. Grab your tickets now and be part of the excitement! https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/755308256327 . Check out our Social Media sites Roscommon Community Challenge for further information.
Roscommon Special Olympics and Roscommon Sports Park are the 2024 chosen Charities.. Roscommon Special Olympics are a remarkable bunch of athletes, and the club are delighted to be the beneficiaries of this year’s Challenge. There is a thriving club within the town with athletes attending sessions weekly in various sports and activities. In September 2023, The Club lost one of its most valued coaches and mentors in Mrs Maire Allen. To recognise the great work done by Maire with regard to both Roscommon Special Olympics and the Community Sports Park, Organisers have dedicated the last mile of the event to Maire’s Memory. Speaking this week, Jacqueline McCormack stated that this will be our way to pay our treasured respects to Maire and to most importantly thank her for all she done for us, we hope she knows how much she is missed and how very grateful we all are that she was in our lives. Roscommon lost a legend the day she passed away. To honour Maire legacy , to remember all the good work she done in the area of special needs and disability, to support Roscommon Special Olympics, and simply to remember the wonderful woman that was Maire Allen, anyone that that might not be taking part in the actual event on the night can should they so wish make a donation to Maire’s Memory Mile through this link. Your contribution will help continue the thriving community that Maire was so passionate about. https://www.eventbrite.ie/…/roscommon-special-olympics…
Extending a word of thanks to all who help with the running of the event on the night, organisers are currently recruiting volunteers to help marshal the route and as usual businesses are offered an opportunity to promote their business with an attractive sponsorship option. We are very grateful to all the business that have come on board this year. For further details on both please contact Jacqueline McCormack 0861721181
Oskars USB
Just a few left. 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 20th 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 13th February for the jackpot of €15.000 were 5, 14, 15 and 30. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €50 prize was won by Fintan Jordan, Lanesboro and the three €20 prizes were won by Johann Martin, Blenavoher, Francis c/o Mags and Keith Curran, Ballyleague.
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.
Weekly Card Game
The weekly card game takes place every Sunday night in St. Mary’s hall. The results of Sunday night last 19th February are 1st Johnno & Ciara. Joint 2nd were Freda & Josie and Marc & Eugene. Last game winners were Aidan & Seamus. The raffle winners were Brendan Hanley, Geraldine Greene, Petey Donlon and Noel McDermott. The game takes place every Sunday night with light refreshments served.
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.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing & Community Gathering
Our next evening is coming up on Sunday next 25th February at 5pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck (N39 Y7C1). Music will be provided by Tom Moran.
A great opportunity for a dance, a cuppa, and a catch-up with friends old and new – looking forward to welcoming everyone!
For more information you should contact Aisling 086 3663901.
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.
Stations of the Cross During Lent the stations of the Cross will be at weekends 30 minutes before Mass for the convenience of all – Ballyleague Saturday’s 6.30 and Sunday’s at 10.30am. Ballagh – Saturday 7.30pm and Curraghroe – Sunday 9.30am.
Trócaire Lenten campaign: Trócaire’s Lenten Campaign this year, focuses on the country of Malawi. It is one of the least developed countries in the world. In the Machinga district, Malita and her family must make a one-hour trip up to five times a day to collect water. Please support Trócaire’s efforts to create access to clean, safe, and reliable water supplies by taking home a Trócaire box and endeavour to fill it during Lent.
Ballagh Church: The files of the Readers and Eucharistic Ministers are being updated and all Readers and Eucharistic Workers are asked to forward their phone numbers and email addresses to 086 2626639 or kilgefinparish21@gmail.com
Medjugorje Youth Festival: The Diocese of Elphin invites young adults in the diocese aged between 18 and 35 on pilgrimage to Medjugorje this summer for the Youth Festival from 31st July to 7th August led by bishop Kevin. The cost per person sharing is €650. For more information and further details please go to the diocesan website www.elphindiocese.ie/madjugorje or contact the diocesan office 071-9150106 or youth@elphindiocese.ie
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.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
On Tuesday last 13th February the club and our community lost a man of renowned status from our club and community. Seamus Flynn held many unrivalled accolades during his playing career on the GAA pitches throughout the county and Ireland with his native Clonguish and Longford and with our Rathcline club. His wonderful achievements were worn lightly and his expertise and inspiration was always shared to other players. He was a wonderful supporter of our underage club and was always available to give the quiet and confident word and encouragement to any of the young players he met off the playing field. For Seamus the GAA was his sporting life, be it as a player, manager, club and county official. Seamus was always welcoming and always wanted to see the best in people and his many words of encouragement helped many a player along their way. It was fitting finale that one of the last things that he did shortly before his sudden death was to walk along with his wife Mary Agnes in Clonbonny, a playing pitch he knew and loved so well. Seamus’s passing will leave a tremendous emptiness in our club where his legendary status will always remain. In keeping with the footballing ground stepped before them by Seamus his sons Michael, Gerard and Andrew were mainstays of our minor club for many years.
Shannon Gaels proudly remember Seamus. The club executive, players, managers and supporters would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mary Agnes, daughters Eithne and Sharon sons Michael, Gerard and Andrew, sisters Jeanette and Maura, brothers J.J., Gene and Liam, relatives, his host of friends and fellow players.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Junior Ladies
Our Junior ladies get their 2024 League Campaign up and running this weekend away to St Dominic’s. Throw in is at 3pm Sunday the 25th. Please support. The very best of luck ladies.
County Reps
Well done to Ellen Irwin and the Roscommon Ladies who had a tremendous victory against Sligo on Sunday in the Lidl Ladies National League. Commiserations to Diarmuid and the men who just came up short against Dublin in Croke Park in Saturday evening last.
U16 Girls
The U16 girls are away to Padraig Pearses with throw in at 4pm on Sunday the 25th in their first league outing of the year. The very best of luck to the team and their management. Please support.
Condolences
We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to the family, friends and the wider Rathcline GAA community on the sad passing of Seamus Flynn, The Green Lanesborough. A wonderful GAA man and his presence will be sorely missed. May Seamus Rest in Peace.
Lotto
Lotto tickets are on sale at all local outlets for the upcoming draw. Jackpot stands at a very attractive €5800! Thank you for your continued support. Next draw this Thursday 22nd. Be in to win.