Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Clock Changes on Sunday morning
In the early hours of this Sunday morning 27th October summer time will come to an end and we will see the beginning of winter time with the clocks going back 1 hour. Winter time will see the evenings closing in earlier hence longer nights. The good news for all our younger people is that it will signal the imminent arrival of Christmas time and the arrival of Santa Claus.
Harry’s comic Returns
It is great to see the next edition of Harry Kenny’s comic Pizza-Boy and Burgers Bro and with a limited number on sale in O’Brien’s for just €1. Harry is son of Paul and Amanda Kenny Cloonadra and a student at Cloontuskert national School.
Lanesboro C.C. Open Night
Lanesboro Community College will host their annual ‘Open Night’ on Thursday 14th November at 7pm. Come along and see the excellent facilities and wide range of subjects available to your young student and the college. All are very welcome.
Trunk or Treat
The first ever ‘Trunk or Treat’ Halloween party will take place at Gaelscoil Longfoirt on this Thursday 24th October from 5 to 7pm. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Admission is just €2 and there will be lots of spooky fun, games, sweets and music. Bring your young person along for what should be a marvellous two hours of fun.
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.
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.
Thank You
The organisers of the church gate collection for the Midlands Simon community would like to thank sincerely everyone that contributed to their church gate collection at masses in Lanesboro last weekend. The proceeds from this collection will go towards the Homeless service provided by Midlands Simon Community in Co. Longford
Amazing weekend in Croke Park
Last weekend saw the return of the Inter-Provincial competition return and was played on Friday and Saturday last in Croke Park. The return of the Inter-Provincial competition was to showcase the new proposed rules for football. Featuring on the Connacht panel was the Murtagh brothers Ciaran and Diarmuid Murtagh. It was particularly pleasing to see Ciaran return to top class inter county/provincial following his break and he announced his comeback scoring a wonderful goal and Diarmuid chipping in with come excellent points.
It was a power packed performance the Connacht team had a resounding victory over Leinster on Friday and qualifying for the final on Saturday evening.
Saturday evening Connacht played Ulster and this was a riveting game with Connacht making most of the running until Ulster came back to lead near the end but Connacht stormed back and the game ended in a draw and going to penalties that Ulster emerged victors. A feature of this game was the brilliant goal scored by Diarmuid. It was the most outstanding goal of the 15 scored over the four games.
Gavin does us proud
On Saturday’s finals night another local was to grace the field of Croke Park. This time it is in the form of Gavin Duffy, son of Fintan and Patricia Duffy, Church View an under 10 player with Shannon Gaels who played during half time at the Interprovincial Final between Connaught and Ulster.
Gavin gave a great display of his abilities and adding to his performance by scoring an excellent point.
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 Buy Back
The Rathcline hosted Tommy Fleming Concert in St. Mary’s Church on Sunday 24th November now totally sold out. As the demand for tickets is still strong if you find that you cannot attend you can avail of the ticket buy back in O’Brien’s.
Longford Town History
Longford Town this year celebrates 100 years of existence 1924-2024. Their history can be found in print with the excellent publication of The History of Longford Town 1924 – 2024 written by Seamus Leavy. Browsing through the book it brought back many memories of those that donned the famous Red and Black of Longford Town. The beauty of this book is that it puts names to many of the teams through the years and featured many local lads who played for the Town. The names also brought back names that were household names and that were, until the arrival of the book, forgotten but bring back that warm glow of all those familiar names.
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 24th October and will continue for its final night on 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.
Ceili Dancing
Are you interested in Céilí Dancing? If yes then this is a golden opportunity as Céilí Dancing will take place in Cloonycolgan Community Centre, Donamon each Tuesday evening under the guidance of Kevin Kelly. Traditional Irish dances are taught from beginners to completion. Everyone is welcome. Beginners get special attention.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 15th October the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place for a jackpot of €685. The jackpot for Monday night was again well over the €600 mark. The winner this week was Gerry Farrell, Knock. who was the winner of €685. 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 14th October for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 11, 19, 23 and 27. 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 Aoife Cullen, c/o Caroline Cullen, Rathcline Road, and the three €20 prizes went to Mae Casey c/o Mags, Seamie Reilly c/o Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op. and Mags & Peter c/o Mags. The draw will take place in O’Brien’s every Tuesday morning.
Alzheimer Café:
The Longford Alzheimer Cafe will hold their monthly Alzheimer Café on Wednesday 30th October at 7.00pm in their office on Earl Street, Longford, opposite Mollaghan’s Furniture Store. Guest speaker on the night is Jonathan from Molicare Homecare Supplies and his topic is ‘Continence Products ‘ The Café will then run on the last Wednesday of every month, with a different speaker and topic each month. The Alzheimer Café will provide a safe, warm and welcoming space for people with dementia, their family and friends, along with social and health care professionals to meet and exchange ideas and learning. For Further information you can contact Eileen on 085 8724475 .The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341. and The Website is: www.alzheimer.ie
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 available 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 this weekend: 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.
Visit Of The Relics of St. Bernadette: The relics of St. Bernadette will visit Sts Peter and Paul’s Church, Athlone 2nd – 4th November; Church of the Risen Christ, Kiltoom 4th and 5th November. A detailed schedule of liturgies is available at www.elphindiocese.ie
Station Masses: will continue 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.