Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Last week the Longford Leader due to pressure of space could not include all my notes. As a consequence, I am repeating most of last week’s notes along with this week’s notes.
Every good heath, happiness and success to all readers in 2025.
Sean Kenny Memorial Darts
Almost two years ago one of our most popular local residents Sean Kenny, Church View, passed away. Sean was an avid dart players and supporter and in his honour on Saturday evening last 4th January the first Sean Kenny Memorial Darts tournament took place in Clarke’s Bar. Mayo/Roscommon Hospice was going to benefit from the proceeds of the tournament. Mick O’Brien in conjunction with Steve Ormsby, Clarke’s bar organised the whole event as well as having a barbeque and a draw. Dart players travelled in their numbers to be part of the tournament and to honour the name of Sean Reilly. Darts stared to be thrown from the oche at 4pm and at the end of it the winner emerged as local man Pat Costello. It was a wonderful evening and it was great that there were so many at the event.
The amount of money raised from the tournament, barbeque and raffle was €1,300 and a presentation will be made to the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice in the near future.
Pictured is Mick O’Brien presenting Pat Costello with his winning plaque
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to The Rooney family Rathcline on the death of Pat McNally, Clontumper, Ballinalee who passed away on Friday 3rd January. Pat was married to Rose Rooney daughter of the late Pat and Mary Rooney, Rathcline and sister to Tom, Joe, John, Mary, Anne, Kathleen, Bridie, Frances, Margaret and the late Packie. Pat was laid to rest on Monday in St. Emer’s Cemetery, Ballinalee following his Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Cullyfad. He was a regular visitor to Lanesboro for many years and was a very popular figure with all he came in contact with. Pat’s passing will leave a great sadness but the memory of warmth and friendliness leaves a lasting memory.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Christopher Glennon, son of Greg and Deirdre Glennon, Cloonadra and Shauna Cox, daughter of Jarlath and the late Mary Cox, Rooskey who announced their engagement over the Christmas period.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 16th December the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place for a jackpot of €656. The jackpot for Monday night was again well over the €600 mark thanks your continued great support. The winner this week was Louise Fayne, who was the winner of the €656 prize. This was a exciting win for Louise and it could not have come at a better time than on the days of Christmas.
The last draw before Christmas on 23rd December was guaranteed to be a minimum of €1,000. It was a wonderful amount to win but the excitement it created brought about fever buying and the pool rose to a staggering €1,784. The winner was William McGinley, Stonepark, Longford.
The draw took place on Monday 30th December and once again the pool remained high at over €600. The lucky ticket was in the names of Michael and Martina Mc Hugh, Kilglass Gael who won €628.
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 17th December for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 14, 21, 23 and 29. 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 draw on Tuesday 31st December. The winner of the Christmas bonus €100 prize was Alan Hanley, Lough Ree Park, Ballyleague, and the three Christmas bonus €50 prizes winners were B. McDermott, Lanesboro, Sean Connaughton, Curraghroe and Ger and Patricia Greene, Newtowncashel. The draw, as usual, will take place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday morning next.
The draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday 31st December for a jackpot of €15,000. Again, when the four balls were drawn there was nobody with the correct number and the jackpot for Tuesday 7th January will stand at €15,000. The numbers drawn were 9, 16, 18 and 19. The consolation prize winners were €50 Bridie Best Venables, 3 Cloontuskert and the three €20 winners were Elaine Donnelly, Newtowncashel, Bernie Hanley c/o Mags and Mary Kelly, Lanesboro.
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 happy, healthy and successful 2025.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Rosemary Fuchs, Middlewich, Cheshire, England. Rosemary along with her husband the late Helmut ran a dry cleaning business on the Main Street for a number of years. Their departure to England brought a great sadness to the many people they befriended when in Lanesboro. They were warm and friendly people and the knowledge that they are now both departed casts a veil of grief over everybody that had the pleasure to know and remember them. May they rest in perfect peace.
ICA
The monthly meeting will take place in the Parish Hub Lanesboro (Parochial House, beside St. Mary’s Church) on Wednesday 15th January at 8p.m. We warmly welcome new members to join our Guild. Our activities include Exercise Classes, Line Dancing, Cookery Classes, Fashion Show, Craft Fairs, Craft Classes and Monthly Walks and many more. Meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of every month, with this month being the exception. We would like to wish all our members a very Happy and Peaceful New Year and look forward to seeing you all and some new members in 2025.
Search for a Star
The Rathcline fundraiser ‘Search for a Star’ proved to be a wonderful night of entertainment. The full programme of the night was captured in video and now you can avail of a wonderful night in the comfort of your own home as the club have USB’s on sale of the show. The USB’s are available in O’Brien’s at a cost of €15.
Death
On Monday 16th December a renowned lady in our community Kathleen Connaughton, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Weekfield. Kathleen was most commonly known as Kate was predeceased by her husband Peter and her sister Bridget. Indeed when Peter married Kate she moved just a mile up the road from her family home in Moneen to Weekfield. She was well-known as a lady with tremendous ability in many skills. Kate had all the abilities of D.I.Y., she was renowned from building wall, installing a septic tank and was also known to do sheep shearing with great skill. Nothing deterred Kate and she brought with her a great intelligence that enabled her to overcome even the most intricate task. Kate always brought with her a great sense of joviality and humour; she was woman that always loved to laugh and have fun – nobody or nothing was sacred. She was a woman that loved the outside and nature and she loved watching the wild birds out her kitchen window. Her home always had the open door policy where everyone was welcome and the kettle was always on the boil. Kate had a wonderful knowledge and insight into the local community and was a great source of information. That great beaming smile and quick witty comments will be no more and to all of us that knew Kate that will sadden our hearts but her memory will always bring a smile to our face.
Kate reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home, Lanesboro, on Wednesday 18th December. Her remains were removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary; Ballyleague on Thursday for her Funeral Mass, interment took place afterwards in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her daughters, Caroline, Monica, Claire and Cathy, her sons PJ and pat, grandchildren, extended family and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro on Friday 20th December of Catriona Dowd, daughter of David and Sharon Dowd, Thureen and Mark Gilroy son of Geraldine and J.P. Gilroy, Bohey, Drumlish, Co. Longford. Best woman was Aishling Tiernan, sister of the groom and bridesmaids were Lynda Kilcoyne, aunt of the bride, Jane Dowd, cousin of the bride and Sharon Rooney friend of the bride. Man of honour was Luke Dowd brother of the bride, and groomsmen were Paul Gilroy, brother of the groom, Thomas Gilroy, brother of the groom and Hugh Mulhaire, friend of the groom. The page boys were Sonny and Miles Tiernan, both nephews of the groom. The marriage ceremony was concelebrated by Fr. Turlough Baxter and Fr. John Quinn, Gortletteragh. The wedding reception took place in the Athlone Springs Hotel.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Former Resident dies in Kent
On Friday 6th December with great sadness we learned of the sudden death at his residence in Broadstairs, Kent, England of James Gilmore formerly of the Green. James, as a youngster, moved to Lanesboro with his late parents John and Kathleen when his father came to Lanesboro to work with Bord na Mona. Following his schooling he move to Manchester following the footsteps of his late sister Anne and his brother Enda (Andy) and later he moved to work in London. James was a very personable man who always regarded Lanesboro as home and he was a very regular visitor back home to meet all the local family, friends and indeed make new friends. James never lost the sense of home, his warmth, and happy personality will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him. Rest in peace James you will always be fondly remembered. His Funeral Service will take place at 2pm on Tuesday 7th January in Thanet Crematorium, Margate, Kent. To his brothers Brendan (Longford), Tony (The Green), Nicholas (Longford Road), Damian (Dublin), and Cosmos (Galway), his sisters Teresa (Longford Road, Colette (Manchester), Lorraine (Cloonadra) and Caroline (Manchester), extended family and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
New Bus Service
A new once a week Local link Bus Service for the New Year from Curraghroe to Roscommon Town will be a great boost to the local community. The new service will take placed on Fridays with the bus departing Curraghroe at 12.30pm with stops at Cloontuskert at 12.35, Ballyleague 12.40, Cloonadra at 12.45, Ballintemple at 12.50 and Roscommon at 1pm. The bus will return from Roscommon at 3.30 with stops at Ballintemple at 3.40, Cloonadra 3.45, Ballyleague at 3.50, Cloontuskert 3.55 and end in Curraghroe at 4pm.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Patricia and Tony Manning, their family, St. Mary’s Terrace, Ballyleague and their extended family on the death of Patricia’s sister Phil Sullivan, Elphin Street, Strokestown on Wednesday 18th December.
Sympathy
On Monday 16th December James McGrane passed away at his home in Longford Town. James was predeceased by his wife Margaret. Margaret was formerly of Thureen and from the very popular local Donlon family. At this time we remember the Donlon family P.J., Mary Teresa, Pauline, Geraldine, Larry, Mattie and the deceased Margaret, Tommy and Olive.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mary Casey, Rathcline Road, her son Enda, his wife Claire and daughter Muireann on the death of Mrs Mary Casey, Ballymulvey, Ballymahon on Friday 20th December and her daughter Mary Clancy, Ballymulvey, Ballymahon on Monday 23rd December.
Primary School Enrolment
Lanesborough Primary School is now accepting enrolments for September 2025. Enrolment applications are available from the school. Please contact the school on the following email address: smgslb2020@gmail.comm or by phone at 043 3321545.
At Lanesborough Primary School, we are dedicated to creating a vibrant and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
We pride ourselves on fostering an atmosphere of happiness and positivity where children feel safe to explore, learn and grow. Our talented and caring staff work tirelessly to ensure that every child is given the tools and encouragement they need to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.
We are proud of our vibrant school community, where inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and ensure that all children feel respected and supported as they navigate their educational journey. Join us and discover the exciting opportunities awaiting your child here in Lanesborough Primary School.
School Transport Bus Escort
Lanesborough Primary School is seeking to recruit a School Transport Bus Escort to accompany our students on their journey to and from school each day.
Hours will be from 8.20am – 9.20am and 2.55pm – 3.55pm daily (2hours)
Bus journey will start and finish on the school grounds.
The escort is responsible for the safety of the pupils and will be required to assist them getting into and out of the bus and securing appropriate seatbelts.
Experience working with children with autism is desirable. Candidates will be expected to deal with parents and school staff in a professional way, they will need to communicate regarding pickups/drop offs, illnesses, traffic, delays etc.
Appointment is subject to Garda vetting and appropriate character references.
The salary is €15.20 per hour processed weekly during school term time.
Application by email to smgslb2020@gmail.com or by contacting 085 1287047
Winning Run continues
Harry O’Donnell’s horse ‘Shoot to Kill’ continued its winning ways on Friday 20th December, when his horse again turned in a brilliant performance in winning the Champion Trainer & Jockey Awards Handicap in Dundalk. As 2024 draws to a close we hope that 2025 will be equal successful for Harry and Shoot to Kill.
Notes inclusions
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 notes of the following week.
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.
Engagement
We would like to congratulate Dr. Noel Donlon, Tureen, formerly of Clonfower, son of Mattie and Anne Donlon and Niamh Gallagher from County Donegal who announced their engagement over the Christmas time.
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
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.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 22nd December game held in the Parish Hall are on a magical 13 games were Peter and Mary Gregg. There was a four way tie for 2nd place on 11 games between Tom Skelly & Jack Bannon, Peggy Moran & Noreen Gibbons, P.J. & Bridie Glennon and Pat Rock & Annie. The last game winners were Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley and Barney Kenny & Eugene Kelly. The raffle winners were Barney Kenny, Pat Rock, Jack Bannon, Kitty Feeney, Jim, Peggy Moran, Gerry Dolan, P.J. Glennon, Johnno, Kay Featherstone & Bridie Glennon. The Hall Committee would like to thank all the 25 players for their continued support and wish all a very happy New Year. Also thanks to our local correspondent for keeping you updated.
The results of last Sunday night 29th December game held in the Parish Hall are Joint 1st Pat Rock & Gerry and Pat & Geraldine Greene. Last game winners were P.J & Bridie Glennon. Raffle winners were Pat Joe Fallon, Peggy Moran, Noreen Gibbons & Bridie Glennon.
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.
Goal Mile
The Goal Mile took place in the Rathcline club grounds on St. Stephen’s Day. There was an excellent turnout of young and old and the club raised €1,101for the Goal charity.
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.
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.
Wedding Fair
Local lady Geraldine Greally
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.
The Winter Wedding Fair will take place at the Abbey Hotel on Sunday 5th January 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.
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.
Offertory Envelopes: The boxes of envelopes for Church Offerings are now ready for collection. These envelopes are to be used from the 1st Saturday/Sunday. Your contributions are always gratefully appreciated. Thank you very much.
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
Message from Fr. Dan: Compliments of the Season my beloved parishioners. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, when we celebrate God’s intervention in human history made visible in the birth of Jesus Christ. His birth ushered a new era of hope, love, peace and joy to the world. Let us enjoy and celebrate God’s continual presence with us always. As we come closer to the end of 2024, I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to all for your love, generosity and support. I thank our Pastoral Council, Finance Committee, Youth Committee, Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, Choir, Altar Society, Sacristans, Weekly Money Counters, Volunteers who distribute envelopes and especially those who make personal efforts and sacrifices for the good of our parish community. God bless and reward you all. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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 (sins) 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.