Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Time is changing
Come Saturday night next, Easter Saturday 30th March, we will have an hour less in bed with summer time coming in during the night. Goodbye to the longer dark nights and welcome to the longer and brighter days heralding the arrival of what we hope will be a long hot summer.
The Pizza Story
Issue 2 of 9 year old Harry Kenny’s ‘The Pizza Boy’ is now on sale. This is a wonderful and creative achievement for one so young. The comic can be bought in O’Brien’s costing just €1. It is great to see so many people supporting this young man’s creation.
MS Church Gate Collection
The County Roscommon Voluntary Branch of MS Ireland is holding their annual church gate collection at all masses next weekend. Your generous donations will be greatly appreciated.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Martina Chapman and her daughter Ríona and their extended family on the death of Martina’s mother. Liz Edgeworth, Ballydrum, Killashee on Sunday 17th March.
Old Chestnut
Every so often the topic of dog soiling is raised here in these notes. Once again in almost all parts of our community I hear people complaining about the amount of it happing in their estate, on the street, down by the river and other places.
As we look forward to late spring we also look forward to better weather and the moving of the lawns and green areas in the community by the Tidy Town committees on both sides of the bridge and this uncollected dog soiling causes a whole lot of irritation for those mowing the grass.
Please stop and think of everyone else when you take your dog for a walk and please clean up your dog soiling.
Thank You
Gavin Moran would like to sincerely thank everyone from this area that travelled to support his Tractor Run initiate in aid of Epilepsy Ireland last Sunday. Your support was deeply appreciated.
St. Patrick’s Day Thank You
A message from the St. Patrick’s Day chairperson Teresa Costello.
Lanesborough Ballyleague St. Patrick’s Day Parade was an outstanding success. Thank you to everyone that entered their floats and for making it so vibrant. Thank you to all the stewards for all their fine work, Also to the musicians, parish choir, dancer Eddie Devlin and also Fr. Turlough Baxter – an unique Mass for sure.
Thanks to our independent judge, Eugene Murphy as MC and Johnny Duffy for providing the amplification. Also a big thank you to the Gardaí, the invited guests and mostly to all the spectators who came to watch the Parade.
A special word of thanks to everyone that helped in sponsoring the Parade – Ping’s €60, Inver Filling Station €60, Hanlon Art Works €60, Joe Ginty Taxi €60, Dolan Foods’s €100, Chazey Properties – Steve Peters €60, Engine Spares €60, Fergus Hanley Lid., €60, O’Brien’s Chemist €60, O’Brien’s Corner Shop €60, Lanesborough Distillery €60, Larry Leavy €60, Eamon Leavy €70, Sonas Nursing Home €30, Bernard Keane SuperValu €100, North Midlands Credit Union €100, Regina Donnellan –Lanesbrew €60 and also for providing the electric power to the band stand, thanks also to Heineken for their support.
Congratulations to the float winners Overall winner – 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.
The chairperson would also like to thank especially Secretary Freda Connaughton, and committee members Chris Cullen, Hughie Smyth, Denis Crinigan, Gerald Farrell and Steve Ormsby and also the ticket sellers. Thanks to Joe and Martina O’Brien for accepting the entries.
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.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €15,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 26th 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 19th March for the €15.000 jackpot were 5, 8, 10 and 25. There was no winner of the jackpot. The €50 prize was won by Louis & Rachael, c/o Mags and the three €20 prizes were won by Alan & Ronan c/o The Yacht Bar, Marie O’Keeffe –Keane, c/o O’Brien’s and Betty Murphy, Cloonadra..
The next draw will take place on Tuesday morning 26th 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.
Easter Ceremonies in Lanesboro
Wednesday 27th The Chrism Mass will take in St. Mel’s Cathedral at 7pm.
Holy Thursday 28th Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the church at 7.30pm
Good Friday 29th Stations of the Cross commencing at Lanesboro church and continuing to Ballyleague church at 10.30am.
At 2.30pm the Celebration of the Passion will take place and the day will finish with Prayers around the Cross at 9pm.
Holy Saturday 30th Confessions in St. Mel’s Cathedral from 10.30am
The Solemn Easter Vigil and mass of the Resurrection will take place at 9pm.
Easter Sunday 31st Morning Mass will take place at 11am
Crochet for Children
Crochet classes for children is taking a break for Easter and it will resume in the Parish Hall on Friday evening 5th April from 3pm to 5 pm and Saturday 6th April from 10 30 am to 12 30 pm. Enquiries to Virginia on 086 2036542.
Sign of the summer
One of the biggest yearly events in our area is once again set to take place on Sunday 23rd June. Roscommon Racecourse will once again be the venue for the Country Music Festival, A Day with the Stars. As is the norm the Day take place with a wonderful line-up of stars as the line-up of stars continues to grow. Tickets are for sale locally in O’Brien’s and they cost €35. Children under 12 will be free once they are accompanied by an adult.
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 24th March are 1st Mick & Kate Maguire. 2nd were Peter & Mary Gregg. The last game winners were Jim & Kitty. Raffle winners were Kay Featherstone, Jack Bannon, Noel McDermott and Noreen Gibbons.
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.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing & Community Gathering:
Our next Social evening is coming up on Easter Sunday, March 31st from 5-7pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck (N39 Y7C1)
Music By: The Ramblers
A great opportunity for a dance, a cuppa, and a catch-up with friends old and new – looking forward to welcoming everyone!
New faces always welcome.
For more info you should contact Aisling 086 3663901.
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 18th March the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in Adie’s Bar. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name Maura Kenny. The jackpot for the draw on Monday night stood at an tremendous €800.
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
Easter Week Arrangements
Fr. Turlough and Fr. Marylyn invite you to be with them as they celebrate Holy Week in our parish.
Wednesday 27th The Chrism Mass will take in St. Mel’s Cathedral at 7pm.
Holy Thursday 28th Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper in the church at 7.30pm
Good Friday 29th Stations of the Cross commencing at Lanesboro church and continuing to Ballyleague church at 10.30am.
At 2.30pm the Celebration of the Passion will take place and the day will finish with Prayers around the Cross at 9pm.
Holy Saturday 30th Confessions in St. Mel’s Cathedral from 10.30am
The Solemn Easter Vigil and mass of the Resurrection will take place at 9pm.
Easter Sunday 31st Morning Mass will take place 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 Easter and the end of Lent that you should be topping up your Trócaire boxes.
Boxes will be collected at the Church door on Good Friday before the passion Ceremony at 2.30pm. Alternatively, you can leave it with the offertory collection throughout the weekend.
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.
Church Gate Collection: The County Roscommon Voluntary Branch of MS Ireland is holding their annual church gate collection at all masses next weekend. Your generous donations will be greatly appreciated.
Holy Places Collection: The Pontifical Good Friday Collection is the main source of income of financial aid for the maintenance of life around the holy places. The collection has been going for many years and is a great support for Christians in the land of Jesus. This year the war has caused much turmoil for those in the region. Your support is now never more vital in supporting the Palestinian and Christian communities. Your prayers and financial support will greatly support the humanitarian crisis.
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.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Lotto
Lotto results 24/03/2024
The numbers drawn were 11, 14, 20 and 29. No jackpot winner. €40 winners were Kieran Healy Jimmy Bracken and Michael Finan. The jackpot is now heading for €6100. Thank you for your continued support. Lotto envelopes available from all local shops and outlets or contact any committee member.
Junior Men
Our Junior Men got their 2024 League Campaign underway against Oran in Ballyleague on Saturday evening last. Final score St. Faithleachs 0-05 Oran 2-07. Hard luck lads.
Roscommon Ladies
Well done to Ellen Irwin and the Roscommon Ladies who had a fantastic victory over Antrim on Sunday afternoon last. The Roscommon Ladies had a wonderful league campaign which saw them gain promotion. All eyes are now focussed on the championship.
Roscommon Men
Commiserations to Diarmuid and the Roscommon men. Unfortunately their loss on Sunday to Derry means they will play in Division 2 next year. We are looking forward to cheering the lads on in the upcoming Connacht Championship in a few weeks’ time.
Cúl Camps
We are happy to announce that Cúl Camps return to St. Faithleachs GAA Club on Monday July 1st 2024. Mark the calendars.