Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Samaritan Information Meeting
Athlone Samaritans need additional volunteers to maintain their 24hr befriending service.
Could you be a Samaritan volunteer? No experience or qualification needed as we will train, mentor and support you. If you think you might be interested please come along to an information meeting on Sunday 11th August at 11am or call Anne on 087 9573750. The meeting will take place at 3, Court Devenish, Athlone.
Samaritans provide 24hr emotional support on Freecall 116123.
Shamrock 165
Shamrock 165 is a trilogy of books written by Sligo native Gavin Walsh on the first ever Aer Lingus plane crashed on Snowdonia National Park, Wales. The Aer Lingus, St. Kevin, on the 10th January 1952 suffered the first ever national air disaster when travelling to Dublin. At the time Aer Lingus was in its 16th year and this was its very first air crash.On board was local Rathcline lady Evelyn Belton which makes this book of great interest to locals.
This fascinating trilogy of books can be bought in O’Brien’s at a cost of just €65 for the three or individually Book 1 at €25, Book 2 at €20 and Book 3 at €30.
King of the Lake
The Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub is delighted to announce that the King of the Lake 2024 International Pike Festival is open for entries.
The event will have over 40 prizes totalling €11,500 and will be run over two days of fishing on Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th September – it is a boat fishing competition and anglers must be in a boat while fishing. Lure fishing, fly fishing and dead baits are the only methods allowed. Anglers may only use two rods. There must be at least two people in each boat and a maximum of three anglers and a maximum of four rods fishing at a time. You can sign up now on their Google form – go to the Facebook page and click the link https://www.facebook.com/Loughreeangling
New Library Bag
Longford Library is delighted to share a wonderful new initiative – ‘My Little Library Bag’.
If you have a child starting school or know of any children starting school this September, this news is especially for you!
To help children navigate starting school, libraries throughout the Country have put together a bag with
- a book
- a wallet and
- their first library card.
‘The little library bag’ is available in Lanesboro Branch Library in both English and Irish – make sure and call in to collect your bag’
More supports to help the transition to primary school are available at www.gov.ie/letsgetready
Support for Derek
The 1st Transplant Football World Cup will take place between 8th and 14th September in Cervia, Italy a picturesque seaside town in the northern province of Ravenna on the east coast of Italy.
It is wonderful for this historic event that on the panel is our local man Derek Rutherford, Cnoc na Gaoithe. Derek has always been a very active athlete and himself and his wife Ronie (Masterson) taking on many endurance races. Since his transplant Derek linked up with the transplant team where he is playing a leading role. To be able to take part in the World Cup the team and management have to fundraise themselves to get the funding for accommodation and facilities for the duration of the World Cup.
Derek is the team goal keeper. In his younger days used to play in goals for Derry City and at a club in England for a while. This is his first time to return as a net minder in over 20 years. He is now getting expert tuition every week where he is training every week up in Darren Randolph goal keeping academy in Dublin. The rest of the training is done every week in Kilkenny. He is fully committed to the team and we should acknowledge his efforts with our support of him.
He has his own player sponsorship cards out and he is banking on your generosity to help him raise the required funds. You are asked to be as generous as you can be and the sponsorship cards are in Johnston’s Pharmacy, Adie’s Bar, Clarke’s Bar and O’Brien’s Shop. Thank you in advance.
Thank You
The Longford branch of the Irish Kidney Association would like to thank very sincerely everyone that contributed to their Church Gate on Saturday and Sunday last 3rd/4th August. The sum donated was €379. Thank you very much again.
Kallie is a Star
Congratulations to Kallie Herbert, daughter of Mick and Donna Herbert, Curraghrua, who was selected for the Cumann na mBunscol panel to play at half time of the recent All-Ireland Hurling Final between Clare and Cork. Kallie was selected to play on the Cork side and represented her family, Lanesboro Primary School, county Longford and the recently formed Rathcline Hurling playing with tremendous distinction. We congratulate Kallie on her wonderful achievement. It is a day that neither she nor her family will ever forget.
In the picture, Kallie wearing the number 8 jersey, standing at the back, is pictured with her team mates and President of Cumann na mBunscol Gary Farrell, local man and Uachtarán an Cumann Camógaíochta Brian Molloy, Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns and INTO President Carmel Browne,
UCG – The University of Galway
is running a Master’s Programme in AgInnovation and is seeking adult learners of any age who want to make a difference to rural Ireland. No formal education required – we are simply seeking people who want to innovate. It is a one year Programme combining weekly on-line zoom classes and one Saturday class per month in the University. Supported by Springboard with funds from the government of Ireland and the EU, the programme is subsidised [80% if employed, 100% if unemployed]. If you are a self-starter with the seed of an idea, this Programme is for you. To find out more about this Programme, log on to https://springboardcourses.ie/details/14235 or email the Programme Manager at walterbernard.carlson@universityofgalway.ie or call 083 095 1714. Applications close on 15th August.
Retired Nurses
Longford/Westmeath Retired Nurses Association is holding a Coffee Morning in Cooney’s, Ballymahon on Thursday 22nd August at 11am. Retired nurses association members and non-members are very welcome. Come along for a chat!!
Text Marian at 0863739663 with your name if you are interested in attending.
Free Anxiety
Workshops taking place this summer for young people in Roscommon Library with the Discovery College. Learn about anxiety, its causes, symptoms, and coping mechanisms. For 18 – 25 years workshops take place on 7th and 9th August. Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm. Please contact Peer Educator Chloe Costello to register: roscommondc@gmail.com
Be Alert
Over the past few weeks I have been told by a number of people about being approached by people asking to use their phone. Their modus operando appears to be that they will then say that they cannot get through on the mobile and ask if they had a landline. This means that they can get into people’s homes if you allow them use your landline. While inside your home if there is anything of value visible it becomes very tempting. If you are approached by anyone and in particular a stranger or two together asking you to use your phone the simple answer is no and under no circumstances allow anyone into your home. It is also very important that you do not entertain anyone telling you that they have no money and their electricity is about to be cut off. Please be very careful and wary.
Table Quiz
The Rathcline Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others will hold a Table Quiz in Adie’s Bar on Saturday 24th August. The Rathcline Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others cater for ladies from all around the local communities and they seek support of the all communities to assist in the development of the club. The questions will be rolled out from 9pm and it will cost €40 for each table.
The panel of Rathcline Gaelic 4 Mothers and Others are a fun loving group and make each event a really enjoyable event and I am sure this will be no different.
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. I know that the concert is a while away but don’t delay in buying or booking your tickets as they are selling very fast. Tickets are on sale online too and Tommy’s popularity means that those tickets will be snapped up by people from outside the area who follow him wherever he plays. A further allocation of 50 tickets arrived this week and already there are a good number sold. Online sales are 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.
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 on 20th 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 next 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.
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.
Championship Update
Rathcline continued their great start to the Longford Championship when they beat Mostrim in Ballymahon on Friday evening last. While it was not pretty and a lot went against them they battled hugely to secure victory. The manner of their victory will stand to them greatly as they get into the latter stages of the championship.
On Saturday evening next in Cashel they will play the third round against Kenagh at 7pm.
The St. Faithleach’s game against Western Gael on Saturday was called off. The match will be refixed for a later date. Next weekend is a free one for St. Faithleach’s and the next game will be against St. Brigid’s the following weekend.
As well as the St. Faithleach’s club we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Higgins family and the Western Gaels club in what is a very sad time for everyone with the death of baby Isla Mae Higgins. May she rest peacefully with the angels of the Lord.
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 to be won on the day.
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.
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday last 30th July for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 2, 13, 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 Odin Farrell, c/o Mags, the three €20 prizes went to The Grandchildren c/o Freda Connaughton, Longford Road, Aoife and Cathal McHugh, c/o Freda Connaughton, Longford Road and Margaret Bourke, Rathcline Road.
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 night next 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 90 minute 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 Eugene Kelly & Barney Kenny. There was a four way tie for second between P.J. & Bridie Glennon, Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley, Peggy Moran & Noreen Gibbons and Tom Rock & Tommy Fox. Last game winners were Jim & Kitty. Raffle winners were Geraldine Greene, Tommy Fox, Liz Hughes and Billy. 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 22nd July the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in the Clarke’s Bar. The jackpot for Monday night was again very considerable at almost €600. The winner this week was John Donlon, Ballyleague, c/o Bingo, who was the winner of €585. 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 great support is highlighted by the large pools every week – thank you.
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
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 next 11th August at 6pm
Kilgefin Cemetery: Kilgefin cemetery remembrance Sunday will take place on Sunday week 18th August at 6pm.
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
Our Lady’s Statue: Our Lady’s statue outside Ballyleague church is damaged and in need of repair. There are many parts miss and there was a price being sought for the repair. Unfortunately the cost was prohibitive and it was cheaper to replace than repair. If there are any parishioners who are related to those that donated the old statue out there can they contact Fr. Dan? A new stature should be erected in the coming weeks and the parish is very grateful to the person that donated money towards the new statue.
Rosary at the Grotto: Everyone is invited to go along to recite the Rosary at the statue of Our Lady of Fatima beside Cloontuskert old graveyard. The Rosary will be recited on the first Saturday of each month in accordance with Our Lady’s wishes.
Retreat Day: A retreat day will take place on Thursday week 15th August from 11am to 4pm. Further details are availabale at www.elphindiocese.ie/our-lady.ie All are welcome.