Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Sports book of the Year
This week we heard the fabulous news that has brought wonderful acclaim to local man Gavin Cooney, son of Albert and Carolyn Cooney, Lehery. Gavin co- wrote a sports book which won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award last week in London. This is the most prestigious award in the world of sport; the last winner from the Republic of Ireland was Paul Kimmage back in 1990. The book entitled “The Racket” is in collaboration with former Irish professional tennis player Conor Niland. The book has also been shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards in 2 categories.
Gavin is a sports journalist with “The 42”, hosts a weekly podcast called “The 42FM “and regular guest on the Virgin 1 “Morning AM ” programme as well as various radio programmes. The 42 is the sports news source for today’s Irish sports fan.
His co – writer Conor Niland was an Irish professional tennis player on the circuit and the book is an underdog story that lifts the lid on the perils of match-fixing and doping in tennis, while also sharing light-hearted tales of Niland’s seven years on the road.
Gavin’s star continues to rise to incredible heights and are very proud of this latest elevation into the top echelons of sports writing.
Donation
The Annual Mass for deceased staff members of ESB Lanesboro took place in the Parish Hall on Wednesday 13th November. The attendance on the night was the largest ever and following Mass the organising committee contributed €200 to Lanesboro Social Services.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Andree Nic Aonghusa, her husband James Gallagher, family, Gortgallon and their extended family on the death of Andree’s father Jim Ennis, Donaghstown, Maynooth, Co. Kildare who passed away on Tuesday 19th November.
Death
Big in stature, big in his community for all the right reasons makes the departure of James Nerney, Curraghroe in the comfort of his own home on Wednesday 20th November a massive loss. It was fitting that James passed away in the loving care of his wife Breege who tenderly cared for him during his illness. James and Breege were for all parts of their 52 years of marriage were inseparable – you never met one without the other be close at hand. James’s working life saw him start with Bord na Mona, before having his own joinery business in Strokestown and finally as an agent for Laragan while all the time he was a diligent farmer. He was a man of large stature, always very well groomed and he carried himself well endearing himself to everyone that met him. James was a gentle man and a gentleman, kind in nature, very witty and an excellent neighbour in whose assistance could always be depended upon in times of need, he was greatly respected for his nothing is too much attitude. He was a very outgoing man with a wonderful interest in sport; music and reading with a particular interest in the fortunes of his home and beloved club of St. Faithleach’s of which he was a founder member and his county Roscommon teams. James Ironically, it was the opening of Johnny’s of Doughill bar that himself and Breege first met as both were teetotallers and they remained so throughout their lifetimes. He was a man of great faith and went on many diocesan pilgrimages to Lourdes. The attendance at both the resting of his remains and his Funeral Mass bore ample evidence to the esteem in which he was held.
James’s remains reposed at his residence on Friday last. His removal took place to St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe on Saturday for his Funeral Mass which was followed by burial in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his wife Breege, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Open Day
Lanesboro Fire Station will be hosting an ‘Open Day’ at the fire station on the Longford Road on Saturday next 30th November. Everyone is invited to go along and meet the most eagerly and anticipated man, Santa. There will be five programmes in the morning and afternoon. The schedule of programmes are (1) 10.30am and again at 2pm there will be an arrival by Santa, (2) 10.45am and 2.15pm Fire Service RTC Demonstration, (3) 11.30am and 3pm Kids Fire fighting Fun Challenge, (4) 12 noon and 3.30pm Rescue from Height (Abseiling) Demonstration and (5) 12.30pm and 4pm Chip Pan Fire Demonstration.
Some of the activities include face painting, kids firefighting challenge, advice and leaflets along with goodie bags will add to the excitement.
These events promises to be a very informative and educational and the entire community should turn out and be very supportive of our local brigade.
AGM
The St. Faithleach’s club will hold their AGM in their clubhouse on Sunday next 1st December. Club members and those interested in the club development are invited.
Blood Transfusion Service
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will be in the Longford Arms on Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th November.
There is a huge and constant 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.
Yoga with Jean
Yoga classes take place on Friday mornings in Ballyleague hall from 10am to 11am. Further details available from yogawithjeanw@gmail.com
Support for Diarmuid Murtagh
On Friday next 22nd local man, St. Faithleach’s and Roscommon county star, Diarmuid Murtagh will embark on a trip along with 49 other GAA players to Kenya. This trip is on behalf of the Self Help Africa and the goal of Self Help Africa is to plant 1million trees across Africa where thousands of families will be able to live off these trees long into the future.
Each player has committed to raising €10,000 each and this is where you can play your part in supporting Diarmuid in achieving the €10,000. You can put your contribution into an envelope with your name on it and leave it into Clarke’s Bar or O’Brien’s shop.
Christmas Reading
All our local authors are delighted to welcome into the local author stable the newest local writer who recently joined in a very significant way by being co-author of “The Racket” that won the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year. A very warm welcome to Gavin Cooney to the local literary group. As we approach the Christmas season and a time for giving we start considering presents for family and friends. When considering you choices you should not discount the idea of a book and especially one that has local relevance or by a local author. At present there are a number of local books well worth considering; Shannonside Tales by John Casey, Traces of Truth by Ciaran Prior, a host of recent books including the best seller ‘In the Wake of the Bagger’ by Jack Harte, the three book trilogy of Shamrock 166 by Gavin Walsh, The Future is Now by Ciaran Mullooly and books of poetry The Overlap of Things by Margaret Nohilly and Ghost Homeland by Colin Carberry. There cannot be a better feeling of giving a gift to your own by some of your own.
Search for a Star
After a break of a number of years the hugely popular Search for a Star is once again creating a great air of expectation. This year the event is sponsored by Bord na Mona and judging from early comments from the rehearsals it will again be another wonderful night. Search for a Star will take place in the parish hall on Saturday 7th December and the show will commence at 8pm.Tickets priced at €10 each are available from O’Brien’s.
Exciting Christmas Markets
The very first Arts, Crafts and Food Christmas Market will take place at the Pier Inn, Lisnacusha, on Sunday 15th December. This will be the very first Christmas Market at the Pier and the promise is of a wonderful spectacle and the real feel of Christmas. Mark it in your diary and do go along for a great time.
The annual Lanesboro Christmas Fair will be held on Sunday 8th December in Lanesborough parish hall from 11am until 1pm. More details later. All enquiries should be made to Mags on 0863600419.
The Ballagh Ladies Shed will host their very first Christmas Fair and Cake sale at the Ballagh Hub on the grounds of Ballagh Church on Sunday 1st December.
It promises to be a wonderful three Sunday’s in our community at the Christmas Fair’s and all deserve great support from our community.
Tommy Fleming
On Sunday night last, for over two hours, the attendance at the performance were completely enthralled by the wonderful performance of Tommy Fleming. It was really a wonderful night in the presence of the acknowledged “Voice of Ireland” and a night never to be forgotten by the captivated and very privileged attendance of 300. It was all part of a wonderful cooperation by our local clergy in allowing Rathcline GAA host Tommy Fleming in the church.
French & German Tuition
Tuition is available for all levels in French and German for Junior and Leaving Cert oral and written examinations. For details and to book your place please contact Larysa at 089 4885679.
Cemetery Sunday – Very Important Advance Notice
I have just been informed there will be significant changes to the dates and times of the Blessing of the Graves (Cemetery Sunday) at our three cemeteries in 2025.
On Saturday 12th July there will be 6.30pm Mass in St. Mary’s Church followed by the Blessing of the Graves at St. John’s cemetery.
On Sunday 13th July there will be NO 11am Mass in the Church. Mass in Clonbonny Cemetery will take place at 1pm. Later in the day 14th Mass will take place at Rathcline Cemetery at 6pm.
The Sunday schedule is weather dependant and if the weather is inclement Masses will take place in St. Mary’s Church.
Harry’s comic
A very limited number of the new edition of Harry Kenny’s comic Pizza-Boy and Burgers Bro are left 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.
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.
Membership Open
The membership for the year 2025 at the Lanesboro Triathlon club has now opened. Each year our local triathlon club offers so much competition, comradery and enthusiastic support for all its members. The club continues to attract many new members and it is always encouraging and exciting to see the many new members develop their strength early on for the three disciplines.
Table Quiz
The Ballyleague National School Parents Association is hosting a Quiz Night on Saturday 7th December in the St. Faithleach’s GAA clubhouse as a part of their fundraising drive. The quiz will start at 9pm and the cost will be €40 for a team of 4.
You are invited to team up for the ultimate trivia test.
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.
Annual Variety Show
Lanesboro Community College will once again present their annual variety show in the Parish Hall on Thursday 5th December commencing at 7pm.
Each year the Transition Year class does a wonderful job in producing and presenting the Variety Concert. They use all the talents of the students and undoubted talent of the teachers who always have the audience in raptures. It is always an evening not to be missed and continues to be bigger and better each year.
Christmas Lights Tractor Run
The Parents Association of St. Mary’s National School have put plans in place for a Christmas Lights Tractor Run on Sunday 8th December. Registration will take place at The Local from 2pm.
Following the Tractor Run there will be a Mini Disco for the kids in the beer garden at The Local with a special visit by Santa with gifts for all the children.
The evenings events will continue from 6pm with the amazing Simon Cooke and a raffle will take place on the night.
Part of the day’s celebration will be the turning on of the Christmas Lights in the village at 5pm with singing from the local choir.
2024 St Coman’s Roscommon & St John’s Lanesboro
December Services
The December and Christmas Services for our St. John’s congregation commence on Sunday,December 1st at St Coman’s Roscommon with Morning Prayer at 11.30am.
On Sunday 8th December at St John’s, Morning Prayer will take place in Lanesboro at 11.30am.
On Thursday 12th December at St Coman’s, Roscommon, there will be a Carol Service at 7.30pm.
Sunday, 15th December at St Coman’s, Roscommon, there will be Morning Prayer,at 11.30am.
On Friday, 20th December at St John’s, Lanesboro there will be a Carol Service at 8pm.
Sunday 22nd December at St John’s, Lanesboro there will be Holy Communion Service at 11.30am.
On Christmas Morning Wednesday 25th December at St Coman’s Roscommon there will be Holy Communion at 11.30am.
Sunday 29th December at St John’s Lanesboro there will be Morning Prayer at 11.30am.
*Blessed-Filled Advent—Christmas-tide’24 & 2025*
On Sunday 5th January at St Coman’s Roscommon there will be Morning Prayer at 11.30am.
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 at 8.30pm under the guidance of Kevin Kelly. Traditional Irish dances are taught from beginners to completion. Everyone is welcome. Beginners get special attention.
Weekly Card Game
The results of last Sunday night 3rd November game held in the Parish Hall are 1st P.J. and Bridie Glennon, 2nd Brian Mulvihill and Frank McCormack. Last game winners were Peter & Mary Gregg. Raffle winners were Geraldine Greene, Eugene Kelly, Bridie Glennon & ano. 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.
All card players are reminded that there is a 25 partners game in the Local pub, Newtowncashel every Monday night at 8.30 pm sharp with proceeds after prizes going to Cancer Care. Your support would be appreciated.
Christmas Concert
The 34th Annual Samaritan Gala Christmas Concert will take place on Tuesday 5th December at 8pm in Sts Peter and Paul’s Church, Athlone. The Samaritans are available 24 hours for anyone who is lonely, troubled, or need to talk to someone in confidence…Freecall 116123
Upcoming events
Local lady Geraldine Greally has just informed me of some of their upcoming events at the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon. As you can see there is a wide variety of events and something for everyone.
Christmas Party Nights at the Abbey Hotel – additional date added due to popular demand. Friday 20th December. Festive Drinks reception, live music disco and late bar with additional entertainment on the night! Tel: 090 6626240 or email events@abbeyhotel.ie
Bingo Loco at the Abbey Hotel on Saturday 21st December Tel: 090 6626240
Foster & Allen – celebrating 40 years of hits. Live concert will take place on Saturday 28th December. Doors open at 7p.m. Show commences at 8p.m. Tickets are 35 euro. Available from Abbey Hotel reception or via Ticketmaster. Tel: 090 6626240.
Women’s Little Christmas Afternoon Tea on Saturday 4th January at 3p.m. Part Proceeds of ticket sales will go to Mayo Roscommon Hospice. A perfect Christmas Gift Idea. Contact the events@abbeyhotel.ie or Tel: 090 6626240.
Winter Wedding Fair at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon – Sunday January 5th 2025 from 2-5p.m. All newly engaged couples are invited to register. Enjoy some complimentary refreshments on the day. There will be lots of wedding inspiration and fantastic offers from our local wedding suppliers on the day. Enquiries to weddings@abbeyhotel.ie Tel: 090 6666211.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 18th November the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place for a jackpot of €602. The jackpot for Monday night was over the €600 mark thanks your continued support. The winner this week was Pierre Boudin, Lough Bannow who was the winner of the €602 prize. This was Pierre’s second win inside a number of weeks. 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 19th November October for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 7, 16, 17 and 18. There was nobody with the good luck to have the correct four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remains for the next Tuesday draw. The winner of the €50 prize was Niamh Rowan, Cloontaghbeg, and the three €20 winners were Jerry Ryan, Blenavoher, Cían O’Brien, Corner Shop and Freda Kenny, Blenavoher. The draw will take place in O’Brien’s every Tuesday morning.
Ballyleague Tidy Towns
The Ballyleague Tidy Towns team are currently seeking community minded/spirited people to join their team to maintain and improve Ballyleague and its hinterland.
Dementia Memory Club
The Roscommon Dementia Memory Club is designed for those that are living with dementia and their carer or friend or plus one! A café-like set up, followed by activities, storytelling, reminiscence, music, song and dance. The club offers a great opportunity for persons living with dementia & their carer to socialize and promote improved mental and physical wellbeing, and more importantly to have fun! You don’t have to dance, you can watch and enjoy and contribute in other ways! Come along and see for yourself. Roscommon Music Social Club, the Quad Youth Centre, Circular Road, Roscommon Town. F42 CH70 every Thursday 11:30am to 1pm. Contact Irene on 087 108 0650 or email IreneTabb@westernalzheimers.ie
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.
Visit Corlea
Right on our doorstep the fabulous Iron Age Trackway is situated in Corlea just 13km (7m) 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
Alzheimer Café
The Longford Alzheimer Cafe will hold their monthly Alzheimer Café on Wednesday 27th November at 7.00pm in their office on Earl Street, Longford, opposite Mollaghan’s Furniture Store. Guest speaker on the night is Caroline Doyle and her topic is ‘The Healthy Homes Project ‘ 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.ieAlzheimer.
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.
Cemetery Sunday changes: On Saturday 12th July 2025 there will be 6.30pm Mass in St. Mary’s Church followed by the Blessing of the Graves at St. John’s cemetery.
On Sunday 13th July there will be NO 11am Mass in the Church. Mass in Clonbonny Cemetery will take place at 1pm. Later in the day 13th Mass will take place at Rathcline Cemetery at 6pm.
The Sunday schedule is weather dependant and if the weather is inclement Masses will take place in St. Mary’s Church.
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 in the Prayer Room
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 6th December.
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.iee
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
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 an 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.
Advent Retreat Day: As we prepare for Christmas, we are all invited to our Advent Retreat Day on Saturday 7th December in Ballyleague church from 11am until 1,30pm. During the retreat we will pray the Holy Rosary, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Confessions, a Spiritual talk on the season of Advent by a guest speaker. Several visiting priests will be available for your confessions. Come and be blessed.
Lighting of Advent Candles: Every year during Advent, our children are invited during Mass to light the four Advent candles as part of the initiatives of getting our youth to actively participate at masses. So, please, if you would like to kids to be part of the lighting this year’s Advent Candles, kindly contact Paul Kenny or Brenda Reynolds on or before Friday 29th November.
Carol Service and Songs: The parish choir is inviting all parishioners to our Carol Service and Songs on Sunday 8th December at 6.30pm in Ballyleague Church. You are all invited to come along and enjoy the Christmas carols.
Unveiling and Blessing: As many of you may have noticed, we have erected a new statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in front of the church. The statue has been funded by an anonymous donation by a parishioner. The statue will be unveiled and blessed following the 11.30am mass in Ballyleague on Sunday 8th December. May God bless the donor and family.
Church Collection: The annual Saint Vincent DePaul church gate collection will take place in Ballyleague before 11.30am Mass on Sunday next 1st December. Your continued support will be gratefully appreciated.