Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Win a New Hyundai on Saturday
This coming Saturday 20th July the annual Club Longford GAA draw for a first prize of a Hyundai Tucson or an alternative cash prize €40,000 will take place. Second prize is a €1,500 voucher from Center Parcs, third prize €1,000, fourth prize €1,000 cash, fifth prize is Two All-Ireland Football Final tickets with an overnight for two in the Croke Park Hotel including dinner and breakfast and sixth prize is a €300 hotel for the four star Castle Court Hotel in Westport. Tickets priced €50 each or 3 for €125 are available from Louis Skelly or from O’Brien’s Shop.
Club Longford aim to support all Longford GAA teams in reaching their maximum potential and you can play your part by buying tickets and supporting draw. The future is bright and can be made brighter with your support.
Former local priest dies
It was with the greatest of sadness we learned of the death in the care of the staff of the Nazareth House Nursing Home, Dublin on Monday 8th July of Fr. Larney Shine. Fr. Larney, a native of Clonown, Athlone, spent a lot of his priestly life on the missions before returning to Ireland. He was appointed as curate to the parish of Kilgefin and served the parish of Ballyleague, Ballagh and Curraghroe with great distinction. He was a much loved priest in our community and there was a great sadness when the Bishop moved him during diocesan changes. Fr. Larney will be remembered by everyone for his holiness, his quiet and genial personality and his willingness to be of assistance to everyone at all times. In recent times he celebrated the 60th Anniversary of his ordination.
Fr. Larney was son of the late Delia and Laurence Shine. He was predeceased by his siblings Mary, Tommy, Michael, Nancy, Johnny, Kathleen and Willie, and his niece Norma Shine. He is deeply regretted by his sister-in-law Bridie, his nieces, nephew, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, extended family, those from the parish of Kilgefin and the many hearts he touched when living in Ballyleague to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Following his Funeral Mass in the Holy Spirit Parish Church, Kimmage Manor, Dublin on Friday, he was laid to rest in his native Clonown Cemetery, Athlone, Co. Roscommon.
Wonderful new children’s book
Fairy Mary and the Woodland of Longford is a new publication by a now local Polish lady Angelika Sowul. Angelika is an artist, graphic designer and illustrator who has produced this absolutely wonderful book. She is passionate about how children see life and use their imagination and how the love spreading positivity and friendship. This is a book telling the story of the woodlands and the animals therein. It is simply beautiful and it a must for every house that has young children.
Fairy Mary and the Woodland of Longford is available in O’Brien’s and for such a wonderful production it only costs €5.
Clonbonny Cemetery Clean-Up
There will be a general tidy up in Clonbonny Cemetery on this Wednesday evening 17th from 6pm to 7pm. Please bring brush and gloves.
Celebrating 40 years in the Priesthood
Many congratulations for Fr. John McManus who recently celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his ordination. Fr John, a native of Strokestown, was the former parish priest of the Kilgefin parish prior to his moving to Castlerea parish Fr. John will always be fondly remembered in Ballyleague, Ballagh, Curraghroe and Lanesboro.
Great week for Rathcline Club
Last week was a great week for the Rathcline club as they continue to endeavour the development of playing and club facilities around the club grounds in Clonbonny.
On Tuesday they announced that it was successful in its application to the Longford County Council Climate Action Fund and will receive a grant of €15,000 towards the installation of solar panels at the Clonbonny grounds. This was followed on Thursday when it was announced of another successful application, this time it was from the ESB Community Fund, where the club had been granted €50,000 for the installation of an AstroTurf area which will connect to the proposed new gymnasium and kicking/hurling wall, the funding for this multi-use Games and Exercise area will add greatly to the club’s playing /training facilities for all club members
Book for the Galway Races before it’s too late
Time is quickly running out to book your place at the world renowned Ballybrit Racecourse. Every year the Rathcline as a club celebrate at the legendary Galway Races by taking tables in the hospitality suite in the panoramic stand. This has always 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. This year the club will host its marvellous day on Monday 29th July.
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.
Tommy Fleming in Concert
Rathcline GAA host the legendary Tommy Fleming in St. Mary’s Church on Sunday 24th November at 8pm. The New York Times described Tommy as the ‘Voice of Ireland’ and to have someone of his stature coming to sing in our community is truly amazing. Tickets went on sale in O’Brien’s shop on Friday last and judging by the initial reaction to the concert you are advised to get your tickets as soon as you can as local sale of tickets are very limited. As you can imagine with the size of the church the tickets are limited to just 300 and there is a wonderful excitement that Tommy Fleming is coming to play in Lanesboro. Local sales are almost complete and online sales are now available https://tommyfleming.com/concert-tickets/ Tickets are for unreserved seating and they cost €35 each.
Championship on Thursday
The beginning of the Peter Hanley Longford Senior Football Championship for Rathcline will commence this Thursday evening 18th July in Pearse Park. Rathcline will take on Granard in Group A of the championship with a throw-in time of 8.00pm. A lot of hard and dedicated work has gone into the preparation of the panel for this year and we are hoping for a promising start against a fancied Granard side. We wish the panel and the management the very best of luck for a successful start in the championship.
Thank You
The Rathcline Graveyard committee would like to sincerely thank everybody that donated towards the upkeep of the graveyard at the recent Cemetery Sunday and Blessing of the graves.
Blood Donors needed urgently
The Blood Transfusion Service has made an urgent appeal for blood for the next number of weeks. They are seeking 2000 plus additional donors and particularly those with blood groups O-, B- and O+.
Upcoming clinics in Longford will take place in the Longford Arms on Tuesday 30th, Wednesday 31st July and Thursday 1st August from 3.50 until 8.10pm. The upcoming clinics in Roscommon will be in the Hyde Centre on the Athlone Road on Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th and Thursday 15th August from 3.50pm until 8.10pm.
To book an appointment you are asked to phone 1800 222111
Visit Corlea
Right on our doorstep the fabulous Iron Age Trackway is situated in Corlea just 13km from Lanesboro. This very unique Trackway has an 18m long section of original Trackway the largest ever discovered in Europe is displayed at the Visitor Centre. You learn how people lived at the time and murals depict implements of the time.
This is one of Ireland’s most famous hidden treasures and it is a place that should be visited and bring your visitors to this wonderful experience.
Visiting the centre is free of charge and the excellent local facilitators will bring you thought the experience and leave you in awe such is their knowledge.
Lanesboro Summer Library events
Activities for Children at the Library this summer. You are invited to be a ‘Summer Star’ and join the reading adventure at home and online and you could be in with a chance to win a beautiful Hamper.
Bee Pollinator Workshop for 8 to 12 year olds will take place on this Thursday 18th July at 2.30pm.
Teddy Bears Picnic for 3 to 8 year olds on Saturday next 20th July at 10.30am
Arts and Crafts for 6 to 8 year olds take place on Thursday 25th July at 11am
To book a place call into Theresa at the library or phone 3321291
Historical Journal
The County Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Society launched their latest edition of their excellent Journal. The book has many excellent articles with photographs to bring back memories to many people. Involved in the Society is local man now residing in Trien, Castlerea, Edmund Hester son of the late John and Mary Hester Knock and brother of Eugene, Knock. There are articles with people that whose writings we would be very familiar with namely Henry Owens, Mike Lennon, Tommy Murray and Albert Siggins to name a few. The Journal is for sale in O’Brien’s costing €20 and it is very well worth the read.
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday last 9th July for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 16, 17, 22 and 28. There was nobody with the good fortune to have the correct four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remains the same for the next Tuesday draw. The winner of the €50 prize was Bríd Gordon, Clonbonny, and the three €20 prizes went to Andrew Knowles, Waters Edge, Ballyleague, B. McDermott and Kathleen Kyne, Rathcline.
The draw will take place in O’Brien’s every Tuesday morning.
Lanesboro Gun Club
Memberships are now due for the forthcoming season 2024/2025. Can you please contact a member of the committee to arrange payment of same?
Cemetery Sunday
The final Cemetery Sunday remembrance and the Blessing of the Graves will take place in Clonbonny on Sunday next 21st July. Proceedings will commence at 6pm.
Those with family graves in the cemeteries are asked to ensure that they are well maintained and cared for. We would ask those tending to their family graves to take away old wreaths, pots and plastics with them and dispose of in their rubbish bins.
The Clonbonny Graveyard committee have asked that people to stop throwing rubbish over the wall.
Charity Night
Friends of Asthma invite everyone to join them for a ‘Charity Night’ in Clarke’s Bar on Saturday 10th August. The night will include a Traditional Music Night where all musicians will be welcome to come along and join in the fun of the night. There will be a number of spot prizes to be won on the night and your support will be greatly appreciated.
Cloontuskert Cemetery Sunday
I have been asked by the Cloontuskert Cemetery committee to remind people that have family members buried in the graveyard that the Cemetery Sunday remembrance will take place at the graveyard on Sunday 11th August at 6pm
One-Day Pilgrimage
The annual one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place this year on Sunday 25th August. The bus will leave from Ballyleague Church at 7am and will pass through Scramogue, Rooskey and Carrick-on-Shannon. Booking is essential and bookings and further details can ge got by contacting Mary at 043 33 21969
Access for All boat
Have you availed of the wonderful experience on our doorstep? The Access for All boat is for everybody and it takes you on a 90minute trip out onto the lake as see its beauty and some of the islands on Lough Ree. 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 for the 90 minute trip are 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
Weekly Card Game
The results of last Sunday night’s game held in the Parish Hall are 1st Freda Connaughton & Kitty Feeney. In joint second place were Niall & Liz Hughes and Anne & Kay. Last game winners were Tom Rock & Tommy Fox. Raffle winners were Joe Dolan, Brian Mulvihill, Liz Hughes & Tommy Fox. The game takes place every Sunday night in the hall at 8.30pm. New card players will always be welcome. Light refreshments are always served
Community Employment Scheme
Western Alzheimer’s Roscommon has vacancies on their Community Employment Scheme for Dementia Specific Health Care Support Assistant to join our Community In-Home Respite Service Team. They are looking for friendly, approachable, honest, reliable and committed individuals who can make a connection with their clients in a supportive capacity and assist them to partake in their activities of daily living. Please call the Roscommon office on 090 6627816, they would love to hear from you!!
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.
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.
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.
Lough Derg 2024 pilgrimage season
One Day Retreats have reopened for August & September. Three Day Pilgrimages will take place in July and 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 8th July the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in Adie’s Bar. The jackpot for Monday night was again very considerable at almost €550. The winner this week was Mikie Tynan, The Green who was the winner of €548. 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.
Line Dancing For All
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 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.
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.
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 phone 0874887314 for more details.
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 August.
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.
Smart Recovery: Smart recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery group, where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour. There is a meeting every Friday evening in Vita House in Roscommon Town from 7pm to 8.30pm. For information contact Conor at 086 1702919 or info@smartrecovery.ie
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Priests Retreat: The annual Priests retreat of Missionaries of St. Paul working in Ireland will take place at the Star of the Sea Retreat and Conference centre, Mullaghmore from this Tuesday 15th to Friday 19th July. You will all be kept in Fr. Dan’s prayers.
Fr. Larney Passes Away: It with the greatest of sympathy we learned of the death on Monday 8th July of our former curate Fr. Larney Shine. Fr. Larney passed away peacefully in the care of the staff of Nazareth House Nursing Home, Dublin. His Funeral Mass took place in the Holy Spirit Parish Church, Kimmage Manor and burial took place in his native Clonown, Athlone. Our dppest sympathy to his family, relatives and friends.
Employability Service Roscommon: The EmployAbility Service is an Employment and Recruitment Service to assist people with a disability, health condition, illness or injury to pursue and maintain employment in the open labour market. Are you currently aged over 18 years? Do you have a disability health condition, illness or injury? Would you consider working? If so, why not let Seetec Employability Service Roscommon support you to find a job in your local area. This is confidential and a free individualised service funded by the Department of Social Protection. For further information call/text 0860684337 or email Corrina.harlow@seetec.ie
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
MS Coffee Morning: MS is holding a coffee morning for people with Multiple Sclerosis and carers of those people in the Wooden Spoon, Lanesboro at 10am on Thursday 25th July. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
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 phone 0874887314 for more details.
Cloontuskert Cemetery Sunday: Cloontuskert Cemetery committee want to remind people that have family members buried in the graveyard that the Cemetery Sunday Remembrance will take place at the graveyard on Sunday 11th August at 6pm
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