Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
The loss of someone that was such a feature of community life for so many years brought a great sadness to us when we learned of the death at her residence on the Rathcline Road of Maura Donohoe on Sunday 10th March. Maura came to Lanesboro in the early 60’s to work as district nurse in Killashee/Lanesboro alongside Dr. Tom Donohoe in his practice. After a number of years she married Dr. Tom and they worked tirelessly for our community. Maura, a native of Keshcarrigan, Co. Leitrim was the eldest of her family. She is predeceased by her husband Tom, brothers Oliver and Shane, her sister Evelyn and great grandson T.J. It was always said of Maura such was her medical knowledge that she was as good as any doctor and her medical knowledge and skills saved many a life locally. She was a pleasant easy going woman of great style who enjoyed nothing more than a chat and catch up with all the goings on in the community. In later times she worked as house matron in both Sligo Grammar School and Wilson’s College Multyfarnham where she was adored by both students and staff alike by her caring and mothering manner. Maura had a wonderful devotion to her family and relished in the family extension as grandchildren and great grandchildren arrived. She had a great love of art and poetry who was a very prominent member of the local Brush Strokes art group. She had a great belief in her faith and even during the times of her recent illness that denied her to go to the church she availed of the ipad to watch mass at every opportunity. Maura was a true lady and the sadness that engulfed the area bore ample testimony to the esteem in which she was held by us all.
Her remains reposed at her residence on the Rathcline Road on Monday. The removal of her remains to St. Mary’s church for her Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday followed by burial in Lanesboro Cemetery. To her sons Martin and Thomas, stepson Pat, her sisters Pauline, Maireád, Rennie and Carmel, daughter in law Fiona, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Shamrock 165 Trilogy
On 10th January 1952 the Aer Lingus St. Kevin Shamrock 165 aeroplane on it flight from London to Dublin was the very first Aer Lingus aircraft to crash when in inclement weather it crashed in Snowdonia National Park, Wales. Investigations at the time left a lot of unanswered question. On that plane was local lady Evelyn Belton sister of the late Dick Belton and aunt of Evelyn Rooney and Anne O’Reilly.
Sligo native Gavin Walsh (Gawain Cymraeg) has spent a number of years investigating the fate of Shamrock 165 and had published two books of his trilogy The Unknown crash and Decision over Dolgellau on the tragic event where 23 people perished.
In the past week the third and final book of the trilogy Thy Will be Done was published and as was the case in the previous two books it makes for fascinating reading.
The trilogy is available in O’Brien’s costing book one €35, book two €30 and the third book €45. For those wanting to buy the three books together there is a special deal of €99.
Death
The shock of a relatively sudden death brings great grief to an area and this was the case when the news of the death at Mullingar Regional Hospital on Tuesday 12th March of Gerry Rooney, Lough Ree Park. Gerry, a native of Cookstown, Co. Tyrone was predeceased by his parents Bob and Bella, his sister Molly and his brother Sean. He moved to Ballyleague in 1982. He became a very popular figure in our community as Gerry as a great conversationalist and a wonderful character. He loved to be out and about and cherished all his gardening work whether it was at his home, or in his estate. He worked in Atlantic Mills (Burlington) until it closed and afterwards with FÁS in Derryhaun. Gerry’s passion and pride of his home community and county was clearly evident and especially when Tyrone were playing and winning where he would be driving up and down the town with his flags flying. He loved the banter of it all and the slagging was always great fun whether it was a win, lose or draw. Gerry was a real family man and never forgot an occasion be it with his own kids or his siblings. Pride in his family was always to the fore and he cherished all their achievements. The next generation, the grandchildren were his pride and joy and they were treated royally and with his usual devilment. Gerry would shop a number of times a day just to chat and have the craic with all those that he met. He loved the injection of fun into conversations and be it on him or others he lightened the hearts of everyone. Gerry was very loyal to his local community and was a great supporter of local events. Gerry will always be fondly remembered and sadly missed by everyone that knew him.
His remains reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Thursday last. Removal of his remains took place from his home on Friday to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for Mass of the Resurrection. Burial took place afterwards to Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his sons Damian, Paul and David, his daughter Mary, his brothers Robert and Brendan, his sister Anne, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Never to be Forgotten
On Friday night last on the Nationwide programme that followed the six-one news there was a wonderful programme about the Irish Pensioners choir and the Irish Elderly Advice Network in London. Those were the great people from all over the country who generations ago immigrated to England and the very people that helped England grow as well as sending money home to a much weaker Ireland than it is today. The choir meeting and practicing in the Irish Centre in Camden Town has for the past 20 years providing entertainment far and wide in England and abroad.
The Irish Elderly Advice Network, based at the St. Thomas Moore Church Hall in Hackney operates across 32 London Boroughs giving advice and support to the Irish elderly in London. At the weekly pensioners lunch club the choir entertained the weekly attendees with renditions of Irish classics.
Giving of his support and the support of his company Horohoe Construction, local man Ciaran Horohoe along with his partner Marian Ryan featured in the programme recognising the tremendous work by those Irish people that had paved the way for so many generations that followed. Ciaran son of Johnny and Maureen Horohoe, Salmon’s Lane, Ballyleague is an intrepid businessman who has played his part in the Longford Association along with this magnanimous support. His acknowledgement and support of his own people is a true reflection of the quality of the man.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The weather forecast mentioned heavy showers, Roscommon senior team were to entertain the Clifford brothers and their Kerry team in Roscommon, all creating a doubt about a big attendance at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The organisers need not have worried as the rain that came from 1.15 cleared off before the start time and instead for the afternoon we had glorious sunshine. While there was a big local crowd at the match the size of the viewing audience along the street was bigger than ever all filled with anticipation of another great parade in the community.
Almost 30 floats had entered making the parade and their efforts made the parade as good as have been seen in the community since its inception.
The day began as always with the St. Patrick’s Day Festival Mass in St. Mary’s with the parish choir, Irish Dancer Eddie Devlin, Irish musicians with Fr. Turlough saying the Mass.
The results of the winning float awards were: Overall winners – Lanesboro Tourism, Best Club – Lanesboro Triathlon Club, Best Junior – St. Mary’s National School, Newtowncashel, Best Vintage – Brendan Glennon, Best Business – Hanlon Art Works, Most Original – Lough Ree Access for All and best Business window – SuperValu.
The results of the fundraising raffle that was hugely supported are €100 to each Joe Finnegan, Ollie O’Connor, Helen McDonagh, Gay Stooks and Margaret Bourke.
Photo shows part of the winning Lanesboro Tourism entry.
Tractor Run
A young man with very strong local connections is the main instigator of a Charity Tractor Run in aid of Epilepsy Ireland that is taking place in the Fourmilehouse area on Sunday week 24th March. The Tractor Run costs €20 to enter and all other vehicles are welcome at the same €20 fee. Registration is at the Kilbride Community Centre from 11am and the Run will start at 1pm. For enquiries contact Gavin Moran 083 367 3017. Please be as supportive as you can for this charity that provides support, information and advice to people with epilepsy.
Daffodil Day 2024
This year Daffodil Day in support of the wonderful work of the Irish Cancer Society will take place on Friday 22nd March. You are asked to be generous in your support of this very deserving charity. Your contributions will go towards the research and development in cancer research. Seek out and please be generous.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €15,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 19th March 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 12th March for the €15.000 jackpot were 11, 12, 23 and 24. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €50 prize was won by Keith Brady, Lanesboro and the three €20 prizes were won by Kieran O’Dowd, Rathcline c/o O’Brien’s, Grace Gilmore, Blenavoher and Noreen Reilly.
The next draw will take place on Tuesday morning 19th March 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.
Crochet for Children
Crochet classes for children are being held in Lanesborough Parish Hall on Friday evenings from 3pm to 5 pm and Saturday mornings from 10 30 am to 12 30pm. Enquiries to Virginia on 086 2036542.
Defibrillator
The new Defibrillator course will continue on this Thursday 21th March and anyone interested in doing the course or doing their refresher course should leave their names with Martina O’Brien, Corner Shop. Call in or phone 086 3858934 or 3321107.
The committee will be contacting everyone that has already given their names and phone numbers. After a refresher and beginners course over the past two Thursday the final night of training will be done on Thursday night next 21st March.
Learn to play Guitar
Complete beginner guitar lessons are now available in the Lanesboro are. For booking and further details phone 087 7774203.
Weekly Card Game
The weekly card game takes place every Sunday night in St. Mary’s hall. The results of Sunday night last 10th March are 1st Pat Joe Fallon & Tom Nohilly. Joint 2nd were P.J. & Bridie Glennon and Tom Rooney & Joe Dolan. Last game winners were Aidan Carly & Owen Casey. Raffle winners were Kitty Feeney, Tom Skelly, Niall Hughes, Pat Joe Fallon and Geraldine Greene.
The game takes place every Sunday night at 8.30pm and light refreshments will be 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.
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 11th March the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in The Yacht Bar. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name Laura Hagan. The jackpot for the draw on Monday night stood at an excellent €780.
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.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Cúl Camp Coaches and Volunteers are being sought by Longford County Board for this year’s camps. If you or a family member are interested please open this link to make your application here https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.office.com%2Fe%2Fk2VDS2uBKq&data=05%7C02%7C%7Ca297d6e2682246d915b608dc4545b963%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638461412976237577%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8hKcHWEarDRI5NhxOm%2Bf4gA0NRxa38vWbPMNB96qtyw%3D&reserved=0
Registration for all players has to be done through the Foireann website, www.foireann.ie where you register and pay membership online. The day of a registration night has gone. If anyone is having difficulty please contact club secretary Mark Kenny.
Sympathy – The club extends its deepest sympathy to the Smyth family, Main Street and the Donohoe families on their recent sad bereavements.
Since the turn of the year a number of local families have suffered bereavements and the club extends its deepest sympathy to each and every one of them.
The new season will kick off over the next few weeks for all our underage teams beginning with the U18 team I the first round of the U18 Developmental League when they travel to C&D Devine Park, Edgeworthstown to play Clonbroney/Wolfe Tones on Thursday 21st March with a 6.45pm throw in time.
Next out will be the U14 team that will travel to Fr. McGee Park, Aughnacliffe on Saturday 23rd March to play St. Colmcille’s at 5pm in the U14 Division 1 League.
The U12 panel will open their season in Clonbonny on Thursday 4th April where they will take on Killoe Óg in the U12 League.
The U16 league will open on Wednesday 10th April in Clonbonny where they will take on Killoe Óg at 7pm.
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.
Trócaire: A reminder to everyone that as we are nearing the end of Lent that you should be topping up your Trócaire boxes that this year will focus on the country of Malawi which is one of the least developed countries in the world.
Missionary Group from Bethlehem: A Missionary group from Bethlehem and the Holy Land will be visiting Killashee, Clondra and Newtowncashel churches on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March and Lanesboro church the following Sunday (Psalm Sunday) to briefly talk about the Holy Land and sell religious articles, (crucifixes, Rosary Beads and Plaques) made out of olive wood in Bethlehem, to help support the poor Christian families. Any help you can give them will be greatly appreciated.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Ardagh & Clonmacnois Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Friday 31st May to Wednesday 5th June. The cost of the pilgrimage is €929 per person. Booking to be made with Joe Walsh Tours by phoning 01 2410800 or email: www.joewalshtours.ie
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 5th April
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.
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Lenten Retreat Day: As part of the spiritual preparation for the Paschal Mystery of Christ at Easter, all parishioners are invited to A Day Retreat and Confessions on Saturday 23rd March from 11am to 2pm. There will be recitation of the Holy Rosary, Adoration and Spiritual Talk by Fr. Chris Garrett CC (Castlerea Parish). Several priests will be available for your individual confessions. Come and be blessed.
Station of the Cross Walk: On Good Friday the Stations of the Cross Walk will once again take place. This year the walk will begin at St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro and will finish at the Church of the Holy Rosary Ballyleague. With last year being the inaugural year of the Walk there was a wonderful response from the community of our three parishes, Rathcline, Kilgefin and St. John’s. Everybody is invited along with their families and friends to make the Walk with Jesus Christ through the streets, in his suffering death and resurrection at Easter. Your presence will be deeply appreciated.
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.
Ballagh Church Updating: The files of the Readers and Eucharistic Ministers are being updated and all Readers and Eucharistic Workers are asked to forward their phone numbers l182824
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
Cloontuskert NS: The school is holding a used clothing collection on this Thursday 21st March. The funds generated will directly benefit the school. You are invited to participate by cleaning out your wardrobes and contributing any clothing, shoes, accessories and household textiles you no longer want. Bags can be dropped to the school any day leading up to the 21st.
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.