Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
Many years ago a quiet couple along with their family came to live in Lanesboro. In their quiet inimitable way they blended in and became a great asset to our community. On Tuesday last 28th May one vital part of that couple passed away in the loving care of his family at his residence in Church View. Benny McCabe, formerly a native of Kingscourt, Co. Cavan was predeceased by his son Miguel, his sister Eileen, and his brothers Charlie and Paddy. In his youth he worked with local company Gypsum before immigrating to England. There he worked with machinery and was acknowledged to be an expert in all things machinery related. He would have spent much time as a supervisor in the building of many of the motorways in England. Benny was a quietly spoken man with a wonderful knowledge in all things. He was a man with a great ability to absorb knowledge hence there was nothing that he could not give a scholarly view on no matter what was the subject. He was excellent to be with and his gentle manner endeared him to everyone that came to know him. Benny’s helping hand was always at the ready and nobody ever went unaided. His passing will leave a great emptiness in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew him and his passing will be widely lamented. Benny had a great pride of place be it his adopted home of Lanesboro or Kingscourt.
His remains reposed in Glennon’s Funeral Home on Thursday last. His remains were then ‘removed from Kieran Bros., Kingscourt to the Church of the Immaculate Conception for the Mass of the Resurrection on Saturday. Interment took place afterwards to the adjoining cemetery. To his wife Dolores, daughters Kathryn and Rebekah, his sisters Theresa, Rita, Kathleen and Philomena, his brothers Jimmy, Johnny, Tommy and Frank, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Exam Time
Wednesday sees the beginning of the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert for all students. We wish all the young people doing the exams the very best of luck and for a very successful examination
Beyond Belief
For a place renowned for its beauty and the respect for our community from both young and old it was very distressing to see the graffiti that appeared on the doors of the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club in the car park at the end of last week.
To see this makes you wonder about the state of mind of the person or persons that along with their spray cans. This is nothing short of outright vandalism not only done to the clubhouse but also inflicted upon our community. It has to be known who the person or persons that did this anti-social behaviour are and they must be asked to discontinue.
As we know the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club holds a special place in the hearts and minds for all their magnificent work and especially with their Search and Rescue Unit. To have their building defaced in such a manner is an insult to the club and indeed the community. We have a great pride in our community and it is so disheartening to see such vandalism taking place.
Your Vote is very important
Friday next 7th June we are being asked to vote for candidates in both the local and European elections. This is a unique year for us on the Lanesboro and Ballyleague side as we have local candidates to vote for in both elections. In the local elections we have four locals vying for our vote and one local in the European election. The choices we have in the local elections are Sean Mimnagh for Fianna Fail, Gerdie Farrell and Mark Casey both as Independents and Mandy Larkin for the Irish Peoples Party. While in the European elections we have Ciaran Mullooly for Independent Ireland in the Midlands North West constituency.
We encourage absolutely everybody to get out on Friday and cast your vote. It is very important for our community that we have our say and elect candidates to represent us for their 5 year term of office.
We have seen in recent American elections for a country so big how a very small numbers of votes can swing an election, just imagine how vital and crucial your vote is in a community as small as ours.
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday last 28th May for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 3, 20, 21 and 26. There was nobody fortunate enough to have the four numbers and the jackpot of €15,000 remains for the Tuesday draw. The winner of the €50 prize was Johnny Hanley, Corrigeen, c/o O’Brien’s, Bridie c/o Mags, Fintan Jordan, Lanesboro and Carmel McKenna, Barnacor, c/o O’Brien’s.
The draw will take place in O’Brien’s every Tuesday morning.
Campa Spraoi 2024
Summer Camp as Gaeilge for children aged 4 – 11 years takes place in Gaelscoil de hÍde from 8th July – 12th July, 9.30 am – 2 pm. Various activities including Art, Music, Dance, Singing, Science, Sport as Gaeilge. For further details contact campaspraoiros@gmail.com or text 086 3827523.
Lanesboro Garda Station
Lanesboro Garda Station has just posted a notice telling of its opening times where the station will have a member of the force in attendance for the public. Lanesboro station will be open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 11am. The station will be open at those times unless the local Garda is dealing with a situation that requires their attendance.
Galway Races Beckons
Each year the Rathcline as a club celebrate at the legendary Galway Races. This has proven to be a fabulous day out with people travelling from abroad and throughout the country for what always transpires to be a wonderful occasion. We are sure that this celebration will once again be a complete sell out.
The ticket package includes Racecourse Admission, Champagne Reception, Four Course Gourmet Meal, Complimentary wine with the Meal, Afternoon Tea, Reserved Table for the Day, After Meal Entertainment with Rock and Pop from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s by the hugely popular Mickey & Duxy, Tote Betting Facilities, Complimentary Car Parking, Race Card and Racing Tipsters will be on hand to guide you through the card. There will also be a competition for the Best Dressed lady and Gent offering a wonderful incentive to make that special effort in your dress style. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a very special day at the Galway Races for just €150.
Bookings can be made with Stephen Rooney, 0863176301, Liam Connerton 086 8776405, Kevin Hanley 086 8908436 or Seadna Ryan 085 1595512. Get your booking in early as there is no doubt going to be a big demand.
Weekly Card Game
The weekly card game took place on Sunday night last and the results are 1st Peggy Moran & Noreen Gibbons. There was a three way tie for 2nd with Jim & Kitty, PJ & Bridie and Tom & Billy. Last game winners were Barney & Eugene. Raffle winners were Tom Skelly, Brian Mulvihill, Annie and Joe Dolan. The 25 card committee and players would like to offer their sympathies to Paul Finan and siblings on the death of their dad Michael last week. R.I.P.
Lough Ree AC
Roscommon County Community Games were held on Sunday and the Club had 13 members taking part, in what is always a very competitive event.
U8 – 80m – Katie Doolan, Emily Dunning, Harry Tarmey.
U10 – 100m – James Murray, Karol Rola.
U10 – Hurdles – Cían McTiernan, Eleanor Rooney.
U12 – 100m James Murray, Emily Carroll.
U12 – 200m Hugh Creedon, Tadhg Shea, Ria Cassidy
U14 – 100m James Carroll
Given the level of competition and having to come through heats, making a final is a great achievement and congrats to Hugh, Karol and James. In the individual 200m,Tadhg finished first and will represent Roscommon at National level. Both Ria and Tadhg were also part of the U13 mixed relay team that won gold and both will go through to the Nationals. Results came late yesterday so if we have missed any club member,
Day with the Stars
The annual country musical festival ‘Day with the Stars’ at Roscommon Racecourse on Sunday 23rd June will soon be upon us. The line-up this year is drawing up a huge interest and tickets are selling very fast. Those featuring will include some of Ireland major country artist namely Mike Denver, Derek Ryan, Jimmy Buckley, Michael English, Cliona Hagan, Brendan Shine, Robert Mizzell, Patrick Feeney, Claudia Buckley, David James, Olivia Douglas, and Brendan Jermyn.
There is nowhere else in the country that you can get such a wonderful line-up of top artists in the one place. If you enjoy country music then then there is no other place to be than at Roscommon Racecourse.
The gates will open at 12 noon and the show will commence at 2pm.
Tickets, costing €35 are available in O’Brien’s.
Children under 12 will be free once they are accompanied by an adult.
Cemetery Sunday
Cemetery Sunday in the parish of Killashee will take place on Sunday week 16th June and the many local people with family graves in Killashee, Clondra and Ballinakill are asked to tend to the grave in advance of the ceremonies of the day. The Blessing of the Graves will take place in Killashee graveyard at 10am, Clondra graveyard at 12 noon and Ballinakill cemetery at 3pm.
Musical Extravaganza
A musical evening and extravaganza with Roscommon Solstice Choir and special guest artist, the legendary Frankie McDonald will perform in St. Brigid’s Church Ardagh on Sunday week 16th June. The doors will open at 7.30 with the show commencing at 8pm. The proceeds of the night will go towards Parish Funds. There will be a raffle and lots of spot prizes to be won on the night. Tickets priced at €20 are available in O’Brien’s shop.
Women’s Midsummer Retreat
Rest, Recover, Reconnect.
The retreat will be facilitated by Chartered Health Psychologist Marianne Fallon on Saturday 22nd June from 10am to 4pm at Strokestown Park.
The expectations of modern life are constant and demanding. Research shows women offer the most emotional support to others, repeatedly giving beyond our limits. When do we make time to rest, receive and recover?
Join the Women’s Midsummer Retreat in the beautiful grounds of Strokestown Park House and invest in a day of rest and recovery. Open yourself to a different way of being, through engaging all of your senses in the woodlands and gardens. Learn how to develop a relationship with natural allies and make connections between your inner and outer landscapes.
Immersion in nature can support you to slow down and emotionally regulate. Move from ‘ego’ to ‘eco’ and experience a deeper, more embodied way of moving in the world. Step into the brightest time of the year with a renewed sense of self and well-being.
This women’s retreat will be led by two experienced chartered psychologists. We are passionate about the benefits that nature can offer women in moving towards a more authentic and embodied sense of self.
The link for booking and further information is https://strokestownpark.ie/event/womens-midsummer-retreat-in-nature/
The registration fee for the retreat will be €79. Spaces are limited and early booking is advisable.
Paddle4Parkinsons
Having been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Frank Mullen has decided to Kayak the full length of the Shannon from the Co. Cavan village of Dowra, the uppermost navigable point of the River Shannon to where the Shannon reaches the sea at Tarbert, Co. Kerry.
Frank’s goal is to show that although Parkinson’s can limit choices, we can still achieve our personal goals.
If you would like to support Frank’s paddle and Parkinson’s Ireland you should visit www.paddle4parkinsons.ie Thank you in anticipation.
Women’s Mini Marathon
All the seats on the bus to the Ladies Mini marathon had now been booked. We wish all the ladies taking part the very best of luck for a very successful and enjoyable run.
Local Health Service
Local Heath Service is available at Roscommon University Hospital. The service will deal with urgent and routine health problems. The Freephone phone number to ring is 1800 700700.
For more information you are invited to contact Helena at Helena.madden@alone.ie or phone 086 0145 829.
Walking the Camino
Have you ever dreamed of walking the Camino? Join the MSC Missions as they walk the shaded lanes and valleys of the Camino Ingles walking from Ferrol to Santiago in Northern Spain from the 29th July – 5th August 2024. The temperature in this part of northern Spain in July is perfect for walking, like a balmy summer day in Ireland. For more details of this fundraising pilgrimage call Mary at 021 454 6691 or email mary.morrish@mscmissions.ie
Brothers of Charity
Are you interested in supporting someone with an intellectual disability, to be part of the community in which they live? If you are interested in volunteering in the Brothers of Charity Services in Roscommon please contact Edel Crehan on edel.crehan@bocsi.ie or 0874887314 for more details.
Volunteer for Hospice
Roscommon Hospice is looking for volunteers to help with National Sunflower days for Hospice on Friday 7th & Saturday 8th June at local outlets or another area if suits. They would welcome support from Mens sheds, Active Retirement groups, Walking groups, sports clubs or any community group. Contact 094-9388666; text 087- 7384310; email info@hospice.ie
Lough Derg 2024 pilgrimage season re-opens
One Day Retreats have reopened for August & September. Three Day Pilgrimages will take place in June, July & August. For more information or bookings you are asked to contact 071 9861518, info@loughderg.org or website www.loughderg.org
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 20th May the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in Clarke’s bar. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name of Dan Kavanagh, The Green. The jackpot for the draw on Monday night was again over €600 with Dan being the proud recipient of a cheque for €601.
As always, the winning cheque 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.
Learn Line Dancing
They say that Line Dancing, stimulates the brain, reduces stress, reduces risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, increases mental capacity, improves posture and balance, tones the body, strengthens bones and muscles, provides opportunity to socialize and meet people and its suitable and popular for all ages and all abilities.
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.
Crochet for Children
Crochet classes for children is resuming in the Parish Hall on Friday evening from 3pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 30 am to 12 30 pm. Enquiries to Virginia on 086 2036542.
Learn to play Guitar
Have you ever thought of learning to play the guitar? Complete beginner guitar lessons are now available in the Lanesboro area. For booking and further details phone 087 7774203.
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. Sailing times daily are for a 90 minute trip and will sail at 10.00am, 12.00pm and 2.30pm. 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.
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
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 on-going 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
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.
Adoration: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues on Tuesday’s after 10am Mass until 8pm in the church. People are welcome to join the Adoration group any time. Those who do a designated hour are requested to arrange a substitute in they happen to be able to attend at their designated time.
Marriage Jubilees: Couples who are married 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 plus years are invited to the Jubilee Mass in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Saturday next 8th June at 7.30pm. Please leave your name with Maireád, Parish Secretary 3321166, or contact the Cathedral Parish Office 3346465. The details required are the couples married, how many years married and contact for contact purposes. Couples do not have to be living in County Longford or have been married in St. Mel’s Cathedral.
New Adoration hours: It has been decided to finish Adoration hours at 6pm on Tuesday’s beginning on Tuesday 4th June. Please contact Anne Carroll if you wish to rearrange your time of adoration.
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 next 7th June.
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
Local Health Service: Local Heath Service is available at Roscommon University Hospital. The service will deal with urgent and routine health problems. The Freephone phone number to ring is 1800 700700.
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
Annual Holiday: While Fr. Dan is on holidays for the month of May you should contact Vivienne Barry 089 9722625 or kilgefinparish21@gmail.com
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Friday 30th August to Wednesday 4th September inclusive and includes the Assisted Pilgrim section. Those who travel as part of the Assisted Pilgrim section will stay in Accueil Notre Dame and be cared by the Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage Care Team whilst in Lourdes. Application forms for the Assisted Pilgrim section and full details are available from Fr. Ray Milton, PP, Pilgrimage Director, St. John’s, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon phone 09066 61115. The closing date for completed application forms is Monday 10th June. All other enquiries regarding the Pilgrimage and bookings must be directed to Joe Walsh Tours 0102410800 or info@joewalshtours.ie
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
Morning Pilgrim Walk: Elphin’s Diocese’s Morning Pilgrim Walk from Castlerea to Knock will take place on Sunday 18th August. For more information contact www.elphindiocese.ie/walk2knock