Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Christmas Greetings
As this will be the last issue to reach everyone home and abroad in my Longford Leader column and my blog page www.joeobrien.ie I would like to wish all my readers and their families a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2025.
I am particularly conscious of everyone that suffered bereavements during the year and everyone that suffered and continues to suffer ill health and those that are currently in hospital or in care. My thoughts and prayers continue to go to you.
There are many on the opposite scale, that life gave them great news and success over the year. I take great delight in your excellent news and success and I hope you will flourish and develop in 2025.
Thank you to everyone that commented and gave me information all year. Without your help and support there would be no weekly Home News/Lanesboro Ballyleague notes.
I look forward to seeing a good number of you in the coming year as it is always heart-warming to see many locals making return visits to their home town.
To the many non-locals that read my page I would like to thank you and wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and wonderful New Year.
Finally, I would like to say a very big thank you and wish a wonderful Christmas to everyone that will be working in essential services throughout the Christmas and New Year. Your great work never goes unnoticed.
The future is your story to write… make 2025 the best one yet.
Thank you
The county Longford Meals on Wheels organisation would like to thank everyone that donated so generously to their Church Gate collection last weekend. The sum contributed amounted to €575.05c.
Longford Leader over Christmas
The Christmas edition of the Longford Leader (dated Friday, December 27) will be on sale from Monday, 23rd December
The first print edition of the Longford Leader for 2025 (dated Friday, 3rd January) will be in newsagents on the morning of Wednesday, 1st January, 2025.
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.
Death
A warm and welcoming woman who lifted the hearts of many when she worked the checkout in SuperValu finally succumbed to her illness that she fought so gallantly and with a great determination to overcome. Sandra Collins, Cullentragh, passed away at her home on Wednesday last 11th December. Sandra was predeceased by her husband Michael to whom she gave exemplary care to right through his disability. She was a loving and caring mother to her son Michael and daughter Claire. She was a lady with a wonderful smile and a wonderful outlook, extremely helpful and lifting the hearts of everyone that came to know her. She was a very determined lady with a strong personality and a spirited nature. Sandra loved animals and particularly dogs and she travelled far and wide showing her dogs at dog shows. She could not let a stray animal go past without bringing it in and taking care of it. Sandra was a great asset to our community and her passing will leave a great void in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew her. Sandra reposed in Connell’s Funeral Home on Thursday last and the removal of her remains took place from her home on Friday to St. Mary’s Church for her Funeral Mass. Following Mass her remains were laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery. To her son Michael, daughter Claire, son-in-law Ken, relatives, neighbours and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Time changes to the 34th Annual MS Christmas Day Run
MS Christmas Day Run 2024 sponsored T-Shirt handover – Ellie Hanley, Senan Dermody, Alise Brady, and Brigid Mullooly receiving the sponsorship T-Shirts from David Hanley, Caoilinn and Cronan Flood
All participants in the Annual MS Christmas Day Run/Walk are asked to take note of the change in starting times for both the walk and the run.
It’s that time again! The 34th Annual MS Christmas Day Run is just around the corner, and we’re excited to have you join us for this festive and meaningful event.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Event Details: Christmas Day
Walkers Start Time: 10:00 AM from the Hall in Newtowncashel
Runners Start Time: 11:00 AM from the Hall in Newtowncashel
Route: Walk or run from Newtowncashel to Lanesborough
How to Participate:
If you’re joining us in person, lace up those running shoes, get ready to walk or run, and meet us at the starting point in Newtowncashel.
If you can’t make it in person, don’t worry! You can still participate virtually. Simply complete your own walk or run, share your photos with the organizing committee, and donate via the provided GoFundMe online link.
T-Shirts:
T-shirts for all participants have been generously sponsored by Peter Hanley Motors. Thank you, Peter and David Hanley and staff, for the support!
To claim your event T-shirt, please make a donation via the GoFundMe link and participate on Christmas Day.
Refreshments:
After the run/walk, we’ll be serving refreshments for all participants and their families in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesborough. Come enjoy some festive treats and celebrate the success of the day with us!
Supporting MS
All funds raised will go to the Longford Branch of Multiple Sclerosis. Your participation and donations make a real difference to those living with MS.
Thank you for your continued support over the years. We look forward to seeing you there—whether in person or virtually—as we come together to support a great cause this Christmas!
Let’s make this year’s event another one to remember!
Please make your donations to GoFundMe.com/f/ms-Longford-Christmas-day-run-2024
Death
The death took place on Wednesday 11th December at Thomond Lodge Nursing Home, Ballymahon following a long illness of Pat Quinn, Moher. Pat, I remember growing up as he was a classmate in Lanesboro Boy’s School and his family lived on the Green. Until his retirement, worked locally with Bord na Mona. As in school, Pat was always a nice fella and very quiet and he live quietly with his family in Moher. It is with a great sadness that I record his passing.
Pat’s remains reposed in Leavy’s Funeral Home in Scramogue on Thursday before being removed to Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan for cremation.
To his family we would like to extend our deepest sympathy.
Support local authors this Christmas
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, Blow Ins by Andrew Knowles, The Future is Now by Ciaran Mullooly, Wood of the Stony Land , Martin Carberry’s memories of growing up in Derryhaun and books of poetry, Gavin Cooney is co-author of “The Racket” that won the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year.; 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.
Kris Kindle Swop Shop
All this week in St. Mary’s Parish Hall the Lanesboro Ballyleague Kris Kindle Swop Shop will be open until Friday at 4pm. The hall will be open for gifts to be brought in and also for any family that need to avail of the gifts. Pop into Sean Mimnagh today between 10am and 12noon and see the toys available for people to avail of. Sean and Heather have received great support from the hall committee who have given them a room to run this venture from.
If anyone has unwanted toys in good condition or even new, you might like to help out.
In a time where there are so many in need it would be great to see an excellent amount of donations for the people that require them.
Lanesborough Shines Bright This Christmas!
The Lanesborough Lights committee is delighted to see Lanesborough transformed with new Christmas lighting this year, adding to the town’s festive charm. A heartfelt thank you to Cllr Mark Casey for his hard work and dedication in securing these stunning lighting features through the Community Grants Scheme. They are sure to lift the spirits of everyone this holiday season!
While we’ve made a significant investment in the new lights, we now face the on-going costs of installation and maintenance during the festive period. If anybody wishes to make a donation to help cover these expenses, we would be deeply grateful. Donations can be dropped off at Joe & Martina O’Brien’s Corner Shop, Joe and Martina will kindly forward them to the Christmas Lights Committee.
It’s heart-warming to see the community come together to celebrate the festive season. With that in mind, The Lanesborough Christmas Lights Committee would like to wish you and your families a very Happy Christmas and every good wish for the New Year. We hope you have a successful end to the year!
Lanesboro men and women in the War of Independence
The parish of Rathcline and the town of Lanesboro played a pivotal role in the War of Independence and Civil War. The book Longford’s Republican Story lists 72 men from the parish who were in the IRA and 29 women who were in Cumann na mBan during that period. Many people are keen to know if any of their ancestors, from any part of the county, are named in the book. If you wish to check this out, all you need do is text the author, Seán Ó Súilleabháin, at 087 6821566 and he will let you know if they are listed in the book. For Rathcline, the most common names listed are Farrell’s, Casey’s, Chapman’s, Curran’s, Donlon’s, Hanley’s, Kilduff’s, Killian’s, Skelly’s and Smyth’s. There were many famous incidents in the parish during the War of Independence, including the Turlough Ambush and how the Tans lined up businessmen and residents of the town and threatened to shoot them, only to be saved by the intervention of the local RIC District Inspector, Timothy Gleeson, who was favourably disposed to the IRA. Copies of Longford’s Republican Story 1900 – 2000 can still be got locally in O’Brien’s, Lanesboro. Also, if you are away from the county, it can be ordered online at www.buythebook.ie at a discounted rate up to Christmas.
Carol Service
You are invited to go along to join in the Christmas Carol Service on Sunday evening next 22nd December in the Church of the Blessed Virgin, Newtowncashel at 6pm. The Carol Services is in aid of the Dóchas Cancer support Centre, Tullamore and all donations will be very welcome.
St. Vincent de Paul
The annual St. Vincent de Paul appeal takes place over the next few weeks. Envelopes are available for your donation from the church porch or in O’Brien’s. You can leave your sealed envelope into Joe and Martina O’Brien, leave them with your mass offerings or drop them into Maireád in the Parish Hub. You may also use a plain envelope with SVP clearly marked on it. All donations will be distributed locally. There will be no church Gate Collection this year.
2024 St Coman’s Roscommon & St John’s Lanesboro December Services
The December and Christmas Services for our St. John’s congregation continue throughout the coming weeks and the schedule is as follows.
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.
On Sunday 5th January at St Coman’s Roscommon there will be Morning Prayer at 11.30am.
Christmas Masses locally
The list of Masses local for Christmas are; Christmas Eve, Lanesboro at 6pm family/children’s Mass, Cashel at 8pm, Clondra at 9pm, Lanesboro at 10pm, St. Mel’s Cathedral 7pm Family Mass and also 10pm, Roscommon at 7pm, Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve will be in Ballagh Church at 7.30pm.
On Christmas Day; Killashee at 10 am, Cashel at 10.30am, Lanesboro at 11am, St. Mel’s Cathedral 8am, 10am, 11.30 and 1pm, Roscommon 8.30am, 10.30am and 12 noon. Christmas Day Mass in Curraghroe will be at 10am and in Ballyleague Mass will be at 11.30am.
Live Crib
A ‘Live Crib’ will take place in the Crypt in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Sunday next 22nd December from 2pm to 4pm. There will be signage directing you to the Live Crib.
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. Winter sailing times daily for the 90 minute trip are 11.00am and 1pm until the end of March. 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
Gift an Adventure
Are you looking for the perfect Christmas present? Lough Ree Access For All gift vouchers are now available. You can treat your loved ones to: (1) National Powerboat courses, (2) Scenic 90 minute boat tours, (3) 3 hour angling trips, (4) Full day cruiser hire.
Give memories to treasure this Christmas. Phone 089 262 5505, go to www.loughreeboattrips.com or call into the Lough Ree Access For aAll centre in Ballyleague to order your gift.
Santa’s coming to town
Santa Claus is visiting the lough Ree Access For All Centre in Ballyleague by boat on this coming Friday 20th December and will be at the centre from 12 noon until 2pm as he is making his way back to Lapland. You are invited to join the Lough Ree Access For All team for some festive cheer and a chance to meet the man himself. Enjoy free entry, hot drinks and treats, along with Santa’s raffle featuring fabulous prizes.
Céilí Dancing
Are you interested in perfecting your Céilí Dancing or just want to learn the Céilí steps? Ceili Dancing will take place in Cloonycolgan Community Centre, Donamon every 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.
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.
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.
Weekly Card Game
The results of last Sunday night 15th December game held in the Parish Hall are 1st P.J. and Bridie Glennon, 2nd Annie Corcoran and Kay Featherstone. The last game winners were Peggy Moran and Noreen Gibbons. Raffle winners were Kitty Feeney, Tom Rock, Annie Corcoran and Annie Eggleton.
The game will take 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.
The Abbey Hotel
Christmas Jumper Day at the Abbey this Friday 20th December supporting SVP
Join the staff of the Abbey Hotel this Friday 20th Dec and support our SVP – Society of St. Vincent de Paul Ireland Christmas Jumper Day Appeal from 10am-5pm.
The staff will be wearing their festive best to help spread some holiday cheer. Pop by and enjoy a coffee or a festive lunch with your friends.
Remember, a little can help a lot!
Let’s come together to support a worthy cause this festive season.
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 – an additional date has been added due to popular demand.it will take place on Friday night next 20th December. There will be a festive drinks reception, live music disco and late bar with additional entertainment on the night! Tel: 090 6626240 or email events@abbeyhotel.ie
The latest craze hitting Ireland, Bingo Loco, will be at the Abbey Hotel on Saturday night next 21st December Tel: 090 6626240
Foster & Allen – celebrating 40 years of hits. Live concert will take place on Saturday week 28th December. Doors open at 7p.m. Show commences at 8p.m. Tickets are €35 and they are 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 9th December the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place for a jackpot of €600. The jackpot for Monday night was again going over the €600 mark thanks your continued great support. The winner this week was Sean Carroll, Rathcline, who was the winner of the €622 prize. This was a wonderful win for Sean and especially welcome at this time of the year with Christmas beckoning. 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 10th December for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 7, 8, 28 and 30. There was nobody with the good luck to have the correct four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remained for the next Tuesday draw on Tuesday 17th December. The winner of the €50 prize was Oonagh Casey, Rathcline Road, and the three €20 prizes winners were Keith Brady, Cloontuskert, c/o O’Brien’s, Marie O’Keeffe – Keane, Moher, and Karen Donlon, c/o Mags. The draw, as usual, will take place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday morning.
Your support provides for the maintenance of our town and surrounding areas. It is also a great support for the Community Enterprise workers who do so much work all year round.
The Tidy Towns committee would like to wish everyone in our catchment area a very Happy Christmas and an excellent 32025.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing
The next evening of dancing and socialising in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck is taking place Sunday, the 29th December from 5pm – 7pm.
A relaxed atmosphere where there is no pressure to dance – simply enjoy the good music and good company!
We would love to welcome some more local and not so local faces for a really enjoyable few hours!
Music this month is an all Ballinamuck affair to finish off the first year of Social Dancing.
Joe Mac & Paddy Sticksalong with guest spots by Bríd Shaughnessy & David Kiernan.
This is an evening not to be missed. New friends are always welcome and for more info contact Aisling 086 3663901.
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. Contact Gerry Trimble to add your name or get additional information.
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 at 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.
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.
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.
Fr. Turlough and Fr. Merlyn would like to thank everyone for all their help assistance and attendances throughout 2024 and wish everyone a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and joyous 2025.
Ceremony times for Christmas: Reconciliation (Confessions) Service will take place on Sunday next 22nd December at 7pm.
Mass times on Christmas Eve are at 6pm for the family –children’s Mass and again at 10pm.
On Christmas Day Mass will be at 11am
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 3rd January.
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
Christmas Masses: Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve will be in Ballagh Church at 7.30pm On Christmas Day Mass in Curraghroe will be at 10am and in Ballyleague Mass will be at 11.30am.
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.
Thank You: The annual church gate collection for St. Vincent de Paul took place at Ballyleague church on Sunday 8th December. The amount collected was €585.13. The organising committee would like to thank everyone for their generosity.
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.