Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Fashion Show
The County Longford ICA Federation is once again hosting a Fashion Show. This year there will be a host of celebrities strutting their stuff on the catwalk and a wonderful night’s entertainment is assured. The Fashion Show will take place in the Longford Arms Hotel on Friday night next 11th October commencing at 7pm. The doors will open at 6pm. Following the show live music and dancing will follow with the hugely popular Ray Montanna. There will be door prizes and a raffle. There will also be a prize for the best dressed lady. Tickets cost just €10. If the success and enjoyment of last year is replicated then there is no doubt that Friday night next will once again be a hugely enjoyable night in the Longford Arms Hotel.
Death
When somebody reaches the age of 99 your hopes for them is to make the magical 100th birthday. Alas, it was not to be in the case of Mrs Marie Kelly, Granaghan Dillon, Curraghroe whose 100th birthday would have been in February passed away at Laurel Lodge Nursing Home, Longford on Tuesday 8th October. Marie was predeceased by her husband John, infant son Eamon, her brothers Peter and Edward and her sisters Josephine and Bridie. She was a woman who had the gift of the cure for sprains for human or animal and people travelled far and wide to avail of this cure. Marie was a quiet and gentle lady and home maker who devoted her life to her family. Marie’s house always had the open door policy and many many young people when returning from school fondly remember calling to her and being made most welcome. Her passing will leave a great void in the hearts and minds of the community and the mention of her name will bring back the happiest of memories.
Marie reposed at Leavy’s Funeral Home, Scramogue on Thursday. Her remains were removed to St. Cecilia’s church on Friday for her Funeral and burial took place afterwards in Cloontuskert cemetery. We extend our sincere sympathy to her daughters Annette (Longford) and Hilda (Moher), her sister Susan (England) relative and many friends
Presentation Night
Rathcline Ladies GAA will host an underage presentation night in the Pier Inn on this coming Saturday night 19th October. The night will kick off with a disco at 7pm and all are very welcome to come along.
Table Quiz
The first meeting of the Killashee Roman Catholic Committee took place in Killashee Church recently. Many families in our parish have family members buried, especially, in the Killashee cemetery.
The new committee decided to organise a fundraising Table Quiz to raise funds for the maintenance, refurbishment of the main gate, cleaning of the piers at the entry of the old cemetery and also at the stile entry to the new cemetery have recently been refurbished and other job of works have also been identified. Already a significant work on regular grass cutting and vegetation on the walls trimmed back. As with all this work in progress and already done there is a considerable financial outlay and it is hoped the Table Quiz will meet and fund on-going work.
The Table Quiz will take place in the Chestnut Tree, Killashee, on Friday 25th October at 8.30pm. Tables of 4 cost €40 with a raffle also taking place.
Quiz Master will be Joe Flaherty T.D. and you fullest support will be greatly appreciated.
Thank You
TheLough Ree Sub Aqua club would like to thank all who donated so generously to their Church gate collection last weekend.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Brady and Duffy families Rathcline Road and Church View on the death of Tom McLoughlin, Bracklin, Edgeworthstown, who passed away on Saturday 5th October.
Ladies Night Out
Fermoyle Parents Association is holding a fundraising Ladies Night Out in the Pier Inn Lisnacusha on Saturday 16th November. The doors will open at 7pm for a 7.45pm start.
Renowned style advisor Maria Carton will be in attendance to give advice on four aspects of style and dressing – How to dress for body shape – How to put structure into your wardrobe – The key staples – and how to shop successfully. She will also add lots of other clothing tips.
On arrival you will receive prosecco and finger food will also be available.
The evening will continue with DJ Rooney with a bit of dancing.
To get your tickets you should contact Michelle 086 1699466, Fiona 086 4091236 or Emma 086 0553904.
This is a ticket only event and you are advised to get your tickets early.
Blood Transfusion Service
The IBTS will be in the Longford Arms on Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th November and will be in the Dr. Hyde Centre, Roscommon Town on Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th December.
There is a constant huge demand for blood and if you gave blood before and have not for a while or whether you want to donate for the first time please go along to the opportunity that the IBTS offers.
Tommy Fleming Concert Sold Out
I have just been informed that the Rathcline hosted Tommy Fleming Concert in St. Mary’s Church on Sunday 24th November is now totally sold out.
If you have ticket(s) and as time gets closer and you find that you cannot attend you can leave them in O’Brien’s for resale. Thank you.
Annual Dinner Dance
What is always acclaimed to be the gala night of the year takes place on Friday night next 18th October. The Longford Region PTAA will host their Annual Gala Dinner Dance in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule. Music will be provided by Michael Cleary and Jackie Bannon. Dinner will be served at 7pm. Tickets cost €35 and there will be spot prizes galore to be won. Tickets can be bought in O’Brien’s or from Breda Moran.
Shamrock 165 book offer
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
This is the true story of both the Irish nation’s and Aer Lingus first fatal crash, which occurred in Snowdonia National Park, North Wales on Thursday 10th January 1952. Gavin spent 13 years researching, writing and compiling the ‘Shamrock 165’ trilogy. His final results are diametrically opposed to both the British and Irish Government’s official investigation findings. The author has accumulated more than 1000 never-supposed-to-see the light of day documents; many of which illustrated in the 3 volumes. The story also details the lives of all the 23 victims who perished on that night almost 73 years ago.
On board was local Rathcline lady Evelyn Belton which makes this book of great interest to locals.
This is a fascinating trilogy of books delving into every aspect of the crash and a tremendous read. The books can be bought in O’Brien’s at a cost of just €65 for the set of three or individually Book 1 at €25, Book 2 at €20 and Book 3 at €30.
Singing, Piano, Violin and Cello
Tuition is available for all ages and all levels in Singing, Piano, Cello, and Violin. Preparation is given for the practical and written Junior and Leaving Cert examinations. If you are interested please contact Edel 087 3649005 or Alida 089 4974865.
Local notes
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.
Importance of Try-a-Dive
The thrill and excitement of diving should never be underestimated nor should the incredible work done by the search and Rescue team within the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club that brings so much closure to families. One again the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club is hosting its annual Try-a-Dive. This is a golden opportunity to try-a-dive and hopefully become part of what is a wonderful excellent amenity and vibrant club in our community.
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club is holding Free try a dives in Longford swimming pool at 9pm every Thursday night for the month of October. The next try-a-dive session will take place on this Thursday night 17th October and will continue for its final two nights on Thursday 24th and Thursday 31st.
You will be introduced and learn how to use scuba equipment in shallow water and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.
You will learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy it is to move around underwater while wearing it
You will find out what it’s like to breathe underwater and learn whether you can be comfortable there
All the equipment you will need is provided by us you just need your togs and swim hat.
The minimum age to avail of the Try-a-Dive is18.
If you require any further information, you can contact any club member or ring any of the following numbers 0879765911 or 0879817784.
Go along a give it a try and see the wonders that are in front of you if you take on diving with the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 8th October the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place for a jackpot of €650. The jackpot for Monday night was again over the €600 mark. The winner this week was Seadhna Ryan Jnr. who was the winner of €630. As usual, 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.
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday last 7th October for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 3, 10, 14 and 16. There was nobody with the good luck 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 Mike Greene, The Green, and the three €20 prizes went to Ciara Kelly, c/o The Yacht Bar, Arlo and Alfie c/o Johnny Hanley and Mike Mulvihill, Clonterm, Longford. The draw will take place in O’Brien’s every Tuesday morning.
Last Man Standing
Cloontuskert N.S. Parents’ Association is running a “Last Man Standing” competition (English premier league), that will begin on the weekend of the 23rd /24th/25th November) as a fundraiser. It is €10 per entry and the prize for the winner is €500. To enter please check out the Cloontuskert National School Facebook page or ask any family attending the school. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Clothes Collection
Ballagh National School is holding a clothing collection on Wednesday 23rd November. All funds realised will go to the school. If you have any unwanted clothing, footwear, belts, handbags, hats, linen or household textiles please put them in bags and bring them to the school in the days leading up to the collection. Bags may also be left outside the school on the morning of the collection before 9.30pm. All donations will be gratefully received.
Samba Drummers Calling
Did you ever fancy being a drummer? The local Longford Town Bula Bula Samba band is calling out for new members. The band is setting up a new Samba Band in County Longford and is looking for people to join with them in the band.
“For those who are not familiar with Samba it refers to the carnival music associated closely with Rio Brazil and involves percussion instruments and lively street dancing,” said Caroline Lewis of the Bula Bula Samba band.
Bula Bula’s plan is that the Samba band will participate in the celebration of public cultural events around the county.
If you have an interest or just want to see how it goes you are invited to the Attic House on the Ballinalee Road every Thursday at 7.30pm.
Longford Learning Support
Longford Learning Support is a Registered Charity, which has been set up to provide a weekly after-school intervention programme, aimed specifically for children who are experiencing learning difficulties.
Tutors help children in groups of 3 or 4, according to age and ability, in an encouraging and supportive environment.
Classes cover Reading, Spelling, and Maths.
Classes take place every Tuesday evening from 7.00 pm to 8.30pm in the E.D.I. Centre, Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford N39 Y0F4.
If you would like any further information on Longford Learning Support, please contact Nuala at (089) 214 6666 or email llslongford123@gmail.com.
Degree from home
Longford College of Further Education (behind Connolly Barracks) still has places avalable on their Business Level 5 course. This course enables students to start their degree locally in Longford and therefore save money on accommodation. Progress routes include a Business Level 6 course, which enables direct entry into year 2 of Business degrees in TUS. Buses are available to Longford from Lanesboro. The course fee is only €50. Apply via the website www.longfordcfe.com or fetchcourses.ie
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.
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
Brothers of Charity seeks support
Volunteers needed: Are you interested in supporting someone with an intellectual disability, to be part of the community in which they live? Volunteers provide a valuable contribution by connecting people to their local communities and enrich the lives of the people we support, by bringing friendship and fun in to their lives. Volunteers can do this by attending local social activities or sporting events together, going walking, swimming, or just sharing interests and chatting over a cup of coffee/tea. Volunteers will be supported in their role by the Volunteer Coordinator. 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.
Short Breaks Scheme: Would you be interested in providing home from home short breaks for children and adults who have an intellectual disability? Brothers of Charity Services Ireland, Homeshare Roscommon are recruiting host carers. Training and support provided. Tax exempt Allowances paid. For further information email Homeshareroscommon@bocsi.ie or phone Catherine on 090 6628500 / 087 2126607.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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, this coming Saturday 2nd November, in accordance with Our Lady’s wishes.
Grow: Grow is a community Mental Health Movement that meets every Monday morning at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Road, Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated, or suffering from stress, feel free to attend on Monday morning. For further information call 086 8114135.
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.
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 1st November.
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
Mass Times Change: After much discussion at the KPPC with other parish groups, it has been resolved that mass times will be changing from Saturday 2nd November.
For Ballagh Church there will be just one Mass and that will be on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. Sunday Mass in Curraghroe will remain the same at 10am on Sunday’s. Mass time in Ballyleague will be at 11.30a.m.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused by the changes especially to families that had already scheduled anniversary masses for Saturday evening in Ballyleague at 7pm. You are advised to call Fr. Dan to reschedule the mass or merge it with the following Sunday Mass.
Station Masses: will continue on Thursday 17th October at 7pm in Curraghroe Church there will be a Station Mass for the Kilmacanny, Trilamartin, Granahan, Granahanmartin and Triladillon areas.
Station Mass will take place in Ballagh Church on Tuesday 29th October at 7pm for Ballagh, Gortylane, Ballincurry, Corry, Waterloo, Coxgrove, Aughevernia and Cloonageeragh.
Clothing Collection: Ballagh National School is holding a clothing collection on Wednesday 23rd November. All funds realised will go to the school. If you have any unwanted clothing, footwear, belts, handbags, hats, linen or household textiles please put them in bags and bring them to the school in the days leading up to the collection. Bags may also be left outside the school on the morning of the collection before 9.30pm. All donations will be gratefully received.
Spiritual Nourishment: On every First Friday of each month the priest is obliged to visit all the sick, elderly and homebound in the parish to pray with them and give them Holy Communion. Family members are encouraged to inform Fr. Dan about their loved ones in need of spiritual nourishment.
Confessions: The Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance (Confessions) is very important for all Catholics. We are always encouraged to go to confessions to say sorry for the wrongs (sin) in our lives and to experience God’s healing through forgiveness by the priest. Parishioners can always come to confessions after mass on Friday’s 10.30am or any time convenient to you.
Eucharistic Adoration: There will be a n hour Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament every Friday in Curraghroe Church from 8pm to 9pm. And also in Ballyleague Church from 10.30am to 11.30am. You are invited to go along and spend a quiet time of prayer with God.
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, this coming Saturday 5th October, in accordance with Our Lady’s wishes.