Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Tommy Fleming in Concert
Rathcline GAA hosts 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 the initial 100 tickets have sold already. 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 tickets have been replenished this past weekend with a further but limited number coming into O’Brien’s. Online sales are also available https://tommyfleming.com/concert-tickets/ and you must act fast as they are proving to be very popular. Tickets are for unreserved seating and they cost €35 each.
Tasty Kebab reopens
The thriving Tasty Kebab fast food outlet that recently closed its doors in Ballyleague reopened on the Main Street of Lanesboro. What was once the Shannon Grill is now the place of business for Tasty Kebab. While in Ballyleague it was very popular for Pizzas, Kebabs, Burgers, Fish & Chips and I am sure it will become equally as popular in its new premises. It will be open every day from 4pm until 11.45pm with deliveries taking place each night. We wish the very best of luck to Husain, his family and staff.
100th Birthday
We would like to congratulate a former resident of our parish a very happy birthday when she celebrated her 100th birthday on 8th July. Kathleen Dunphy nee Fayne has magical memories of her time growing up in Carrowstrawley and celebrated her 100th birth
Football Forecast
How well do you know your football? We all have our opinions but the Killashee club is challenging you to display your knowledge by selecting the winning side and forecast the scoreline in next Sunday’s All-Ireland Final between Galway and Armagh. Lines are available in O’Brien’s and they cost just €2.
Remembering Suzanna
Suzanna Byrne, nee Farrell grew up in Shannon View in Ballyleague, she then spent her married life in Stoke-on-Trent, England where she passed away at age 90 on20th May this year. Her son Tom Byrne has organised a memorial mass for his mother at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague at 7pm on Monday 12th August at Ballyleague Church. Tom wants to draw attention to it as she had friends and relatives in Lanesboro and Ballyleague are that may wish to attend the mass.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the extended Greally family, Mount Davis, and friends on the death of Kathleen Kenny, Chester, Cheshire, England who recently passed away. Kathleen was the last Greally member of her generation from Mount Davis and at the time of her death she was 98 years. Funeral arrangement will be announced at a later date.
A Night with the Legends
Following on from the hugely successful Day with the Stars at Roscommon Racecourse come the prospect of another fantastic event that is ‘A Night with the Legends’. The night takes place on Wednesday 21st August in the Landmark Hotel where you will be entertained by Ray Lynam, Gloria, Conal Gallen, Shaun O’Dowd, TR Dallas, John Hogan and Dermot Hegarty. Tickets, priced at €35 are available locally in O’Brien’s.
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
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy John and Veronica Ryan and their family, Lough Ree Park on the death on Tuesday 16th July of John’s father, John Ryan, Connolly Crescent, Longford Town.
Where will the Moo Pooh?
The St. Faithleach’s GAA club is staging their annual fundraising MooPooh at the club grounds on Saturday 24th August. This is not only a quirky fundraiser but it always generates a great bit of banter and support. The club is seeking the support of the entire community to once again make the event an outstanding success. Tickets, costing €10 each or 3 for €20 are available locally, online at www.stfaithleachsgaa.ie and from O’Brien’s shop. There will also be spot prizes won on the day.
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.
Copies of Fairy Mary and the Woodland of Longford are available in O’Brien’s and for such a wonderful production it only costs €5.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and friends on the death of Velta Dauksta Ballyleague, Co Roscommon and formerly of Latvia who passed away at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar on Saturday last 20th July. Velta’s remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon on Tuesday evening followed by a private cremation.
First Day in Europe
We would like to wish Ciaran Mullooly, Ballyleague, the recently elected MEP, the very best of luck in the new European Parliament. On Tuesday last 16th July Ciaran attended the very first sitting of the new Parliament. This promises to be an exciting time for Ciaran and one we are sure that representing the Midlands–North-West constituency he will do so with great aplomb.
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 the Arts and Crafts event children aged from 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
Thank You
The Farrell family, Newtowncashel, would like to thank everybody who came along on Sunday 2nd June and joined in the 5km and 10km run/walk in the Friends of St. Luke’s fundraiser. Thank you to everyone that very generously donated and helped out in preparation for the event. The family was overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. The total amount raised amounted to an amazing €24,186.
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 this Thursday 25th July. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
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 16th July for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 1, 14, 26 and 30. 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 Lottie, Éala, and Tommy c/o Clarke’s, and the three €20 prizes went to Bernie Hanley, Corrigeen, Jackie, Yvonne and Johnny c/o Mags and Johann Martin, Blenavoher, c/o O’Brien’s.
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?
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
Great Start
Rathcline opened their Senior Championship campaign with a very entertaining victory over St. Mary’s Granard on a scoreline of 3-16 to 2-15 in Pearse Park. This was a tremendously open game with both sides going hard for the win. The accuracy of both sides was incredible and it was a game of very few wides over the hour. Hopefully the team will continue with another victory in their next game where they take on Mostrim in Ballymahon on Friday week 2nd August at 8pm.
St. Faithleach’s will open their Hodson Bay Senior Football Championship Group campaign when they will entertain Western Gaels in Ballyleague on Saturday 3rd August at 5pm.
Let us hope that there will be a great weekend for both team and that lots of people from the community will turn up to support both teams.
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 15th July the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in Clarke’s Bar. The jackpot for Monday night was again very considerable at over €600. The winner this week was Keith Brady, Cloontuskert, who was the winner of €624. 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.
Thank You: The Farrell family, Newtowncashel, would like to thank everybody who came along on Sunday 2nd June and joined in the 5km and 10km run/walk in the Friends of St. Luke’s fundraiser. Thank you to everyone that very generously donated and helped out in preparation for the event. The family was overwhelmed by your kindness and generosity. The total sum raised amounted to €24,186.
Church Gate Collection: A church gate collection supporting the St. Joseph’s Young Priests Society will take place on Saturday next 27th and Sunday 28th July.
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
Fr. Larney’s Memorial Mass: Everybody is invited to a Memorial Mass for Fr. Larneywill take place in Ballyleague church on Friday week 2nd August at 7pm. Everyone is invted to come together as a community to remember and pray for the soul of Fr. Larney..
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
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
Kilgefin Cemetery: Kilgefin cemetery remembrance Sunday will take place on Sunday 18th 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