Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
A fatal diagnosis brings a great horror and it takes a remarkable person to see beyond and face it with a vibrancy that ran through their very being all their life. Such was the manner that Eithne Murphy, Strokestown Road, faced her demise that came to her on Wednesday last 8th January at her residence. Eithne was predeceased by her parents Tony and Tess Murphy, 1 The Green and her sister Stella O’Sullivan who passed away on 25th March. There are many superlatives that you could use to sum up Eithne’s life as she shared all her vibrancy, her compassion, colourfulness, warmth, her energy, vivacious nature and the confidence to see and do beyond where you envisage your limit. She was a lady of great colour and expressive funky style in whose presence you could feel her exuberance as she lit up all around her. Eithne worked in the Ulster Bank and later the Roscommon County library where her infectious warmth enhanced the life of everyone that worked or came in contact with her. She loved life to the extreme and she always brought her vision for sharing the beauty of life with everyone to every place she went. Eithne passing was grieved by so many young and old and that was clearly seen at her reposing at her residence on Friday and again at her Funeral Mass on Saturday. Her love of people, passion and her energy will be greatly missed by everyone that had the undoubted pleasure to know her. Eithne was first and foremost a caring, loving, encouraging and progressive mother and grandmother and rightly proud of their excellent achievements.
Eithne reposed at her residence on Friday. Her remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Saturday for her Funeral Mass which was followed by cremation at Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan. To her husband Billy, her daughter Lisa, son Gary, her brother Oliver, sister Claire, Billy’s children Hugh and Maeve, Lisa and Garry’s father Tony McCaffrey, daughter-in-law, Edel, grandchildren Chloe, Tess, Noel, Ayla and Edie, extended family, neighbours and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Longford Association in London
Each year the Longford Association in London hold a remarkable Dinner Dance drawing Longford people from all parts of England and indeed a large contingent from Lanesboro and the county. This year the Association will hold their Annual Dinner Dance on Sunday 1st February in the Clayton Hotel, Chiswick, London. The entertainment on the night will be provided by the very proud Longford man Declan Nerney and his band.
Go along and make it an even better night with your presence. To book your tickets or make further enquiries contact any of the following Michael McCann (London) 07710 363126, Mary Gill, (London) 07976 559972, Aidan Ganly (Lanesboro and London) 07786 081999, Dan Keogh (London) 0208 8641137/0780 3619214. Alternatively you can contact the Association online www.thelongfordassociationinlondon.com
Christian Unity Service
The annual Christian Unity Service will be hosted in St John’s Church of Ireland church on Monday 20th January at 7.30. This is our yearly opportunity to join together in prayer and fellowship. All are welcome to attend.
Lanesboro Triathlon News
Membership: The membership for the year 2025 at the Lanesboro Triathlon club is 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.
Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon: Entries will be open for the 2025 Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon from this Wednesday 15th January. The event of the year in Lanesboro and Ballyleague will take place on Saturday 12th July.
Training: The club is offering signed up members a weekly training schedule: Monday – coached swimming, Tuesday – Strength & Conditioning, Wednesday – Coached Turbo (indoor bike), Thursday – Coached Running, Friday – rest day, Saturday – Long Run and Sunday – Club Group Cycle.
Sympathy
Our deepest sympathy to the McGrath family, Derrygeel and the extended McGrath family on the death that took place in Brielle, New Jersey, USA on Saturday 21st December of Helen Mc Grath. Her father in law was the late John Mc Grath, formerly of Derrygeel, brother of the late Peter and Mollie. Helen was predeceased by her daughter Terri in 1982 and her husband John Bernard in 2010. Her Funeral Mass was celebrated at St Mark’s Church. Our sincere sympathy to her daughters Maureen, Pam, Trish and extended families.
Tidy Towns Lottery
As it stands the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns stands at a wonderful €15,000. The draw has risen to this great amount and it would be an ideal win for somebody to start off the New Year and perhaps more than cover the expense of Christmas 2024.
Every week, on a Tuesday, the draw takes place in O’Brien’s shop at around 10.30am.
The benefit to the committee of your support is shown all year around with the wonderful work of the Community Enterprise team led by Sean Moran as they continue to enhance our town even during the dreariest of the weather that we are presently encountering.
Your continued support is a great reward to the committee that can plot and plan greater improvements in and around the town. The next draw takes place for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 14th January.
The brown envelopes cost €2 each or you can buy 3 envelopes for just €5.
We would like to encourage everyone in the community to join in the playing of this very vital weekly draw. Tickets are on sale throughout the town.
Last week’s lottery draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday 7th January for the jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 3, 4, 12, and 25. There was nobody with the good fortune to have the correct four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remained for the next draw on 14th January. The winner of the €50 prize was Jean Fallon, Kilrooskey, and the three €20 prize winners were Tommy McCarthy, Longford Road, c/o The Yacht Bar, Jacinta Healy, Church View and Caolan Ó Ceallaigh c/o XLNTEE Hairdressers. The draw, as usual, will take place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday morning next.
73rd Crash Anniversary
Listening to the Joe Duffy Show on RTÉ Radio 1 on Wednesday last Joe Duffy was remembering the very first Aer Lingus plane crash that occurred when the St. Kevin crashed into a mountain top in Snowdonia National Park in North Wales on 10th January 1952. On that plane was a local lady Evelyn Belton sister of the late Dick Belton and aunt of Evelyn (nee Belton) Rooney and Anne (Belton) O’Reilly. Evelyn was contacted by RTÉ to speak on the air crash and the effects it had on her family at the time and this she did with great aplomb.
Her aunt Evelyn was just 29 years of age and the youngest of the family of Johnny and Bridget Belton. Ger siblings were Dick, Maura, Luke and Ethna who died at the tender age of three. For those of us that remember Moore’s drapery (now Regan Auctioneers) was her first place of employment after leaving school at 16 years. She was encouraged by her brother Luke and sister Maura to move to be with them in Dublin. This she did and it was not long before she got a job in clothing wholesalers Silk Mills. Quite quickly Evelyn rose through the ranks to be appointed as ‘chief overseas buyer’ where she travelled to cities throughout Europe in her role as chief buyer. The company also appointed another buyer in the form of Kay Talbot who became great friends with Evelyn and was a regular visitor to Lanesboro. Kay also became great friends with Evelyn’s friend Tess Kelly and she was to become godmother to Eugene Kelly.
Both Evelyn and Kay were in London and due to fly back together when Kay decided to stay on to visit family in London.
The Belton family was one of the few families to be able to bury their daughter as many of the crash victims were never to be recovered as neither was a large portion of the plane.
Amazingly this crash has rarely been mentioned by Aer Lingus as their first air crash but they mainly talk of a crash some 16 years later at Tusker Rock in 1968 being the first.
Sligo native Gawain Cymraeg (Gavin Walsh) has done some spectacular research on this crash and has done a trilogy of books on the whole affair. The photograph on the cover of Volume 1 featured Evelyn and Kay before Kay when to visit their relatives and Evelyn went to Northolt airport (London) to board the ill-fated St. Kevin.
The three book trilogy is on sale in O’Brien’s and it is without doubt and outstanding read. Presently the 3 books are on sale individually or there is a 3 book deal buying the 3 for just €65.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Larry and Patsy Leavy, Lanesboro and their sister Mary, New Jersey, on the death of Tom O’Loughlin, Kilkenny City who passed away on Thursday last 9th January. Tom was husband of Breda (Leavy) and father of Kieran Conor, Ann Marie and Niamh to whom we extend them and their extended family our deepest sympathy.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Tony Hutchinson, his son David and family of the death of Tony’s brother-in-law Michael Sheridan, Longford Town on Wednesday 8th January. Michael was brother of Tony’s late wife Mary.
Alex in Wonderland
Backstage Youth Theatre will stage Alex in Wonderland on Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th January in the Backstage Theatre. Featuring in the cast will be some local young people and it will surely be a show not to be missed. Tickets are on sale by calling 043 33 47888 or visit www.backstage.ie Tickets are priced at €15/€10 or €42 for a family of 4.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to James and Andree Gallagher and family, Gortgallon, on the death of Justin O’Keeffe, Maynooth, husband to James sister AnneMarie.
French & German Grinds
French and German grinds are available for any age and for any level including preparation for Junior and Leaving Certificate exams. Grind are available in the Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Longford, Roscommon catchment and ZOOM classes are also available. For further information you can WhatsApp Larysa at 089 4885679.
Roscommon Community Challenge 2025
Can you believe it we are in our 13th year?
The Roscommon Community Challenge will take place this year on Friday night 7th March with a 5km and 8km walk or run under the beautiful moonlight in Roscommon Town. This will be followed on Saturday 8th by a 70km cycle.
The frosty weather may have curtailed us initially this week, but everything is back in action now.
Our Moonlight RUN / WALK/ JOG training will commence on Monday 13th and will continue every Monday and Wednesday evening until the main event on Friday March 7th.
Training will start each evening at 7pm sharp from Roscommon Community Sports Park (F42KP86)
Cost of the total 8 weeks twice weekly session is €30. You can register for the event on Eventbrite (online only) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1080453398199
The organising committee is hugely indebted to Noel and his staff at Roscommon Sport Partnership.
Without their help we would not be able to provide quality training by fully qualified tutors. So, if you are a complete beginner, or an experienced athlete, if you are a walker, a jogger, a runner or indeed if you want to set yourself a challenge to improve your health and fitness this is the place for you. Children (must be accompanied by an adult), grannies granddads……everyone is welcome to what is a fun and challenging experience.
No matter what level of fitness you are currently at there is a place for you on our training programme.
So, register now to be part of something special, improve your health and fitness and at the same time know that you are helping a wonderful cause in Roscommon Special Olympics and Roscommon Community Sports Park. Further information can be had on 086 1721181
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 12th January game held in the Parish Hall are 1st Pat & Geraldine Green. Joint 2nd were P.J. & Bridie Glennon and Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley. Raffle winners were Michael Cleary, Tom Rooney, Tom Rock & Mary Gregg. Last game winners were Jack Bannon & Tom Skelly. 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.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 6th January the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place for a jackpot of €656. The jackpot for Monday night was again over the €600 mark thanks your continued great support. The winner this week was Michael Casey, Newtowncashel, who was the winner of the €630 prize. Well done Michael and thank you for your support
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.
ICA
The monthly meeting will take place in the Parish Hub Lanesboro (Parochial House, beside St. Mary’s Church) on this 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.
Remembrance Mass: A special mass of remembrance for all the deceased students of the Convent of Mercy School, Christian Brothers and Roscommon Community College (Roscommon Vocational School) Roscommon shall be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, February 1st at 3pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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.
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 works 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.
Gaelscoil de hIde – Open Morning. Gaelscoil de hÍde will be hosting an open morning on Saturday, 25th January from 10.30 a.m. – 12 noon. Parents of children considering enrolling in the school for September ‘25 or ‘26 are very welcome to attend along with their children. Come and see what Gaelscoil de hÍde has to offer your child. Fáilte roimh gach duine.
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
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.
‘MENO WELL ROSCOMMON’
Meno Well Roscommon is a free 6-week online evidence-based exercise, nutrition, and health education programme promoting wellness for women in all stages of adult life. This programme is designed and delivered by EduFIT and it is free because it is funded by Roscommon LEADER Partnership in association with Healthy Roscommon. This programme is starting on Tuesday, 28th January 2025, at 8pm. Sign up Link: https://edufit.ie/menowell-roscommon/
St. Vincent de Paul
The annual St. Vincent de Paul appeal continues and envelopes are available for your donation from the church porch or in O’Brien’s Shop. 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.
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.
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.
Ballyleague Tidy Towns
The Ballyleague Tidy Towns team are always looking out for 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.
Ministers of the WORD and EUCHARIST: The Parish Pastoral Council deeply appreciates your faithful and generous service to the Parish community throughout the year. If you would like to add your name to the list, or remove it, or change your weekend Mass time preference, please contact Maireád in the Parish Office, so that rotas for 2025 can be issued by the end of January, New volunteers are always welcomed.
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 of January. Your contributions are always gratefully appreciated. Thank you very much.
Thank You: Epilepsy Ireland
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 7th February.
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
Death Anniversary Mass: We have a challenge of scheduling Death Anniversary masses for families on specific weekends of their choice because of the few masses at weekends. With weekend masses at a premium it is the case that most will have to be shared with other families to accommodate. The option of weekday masses is preferred for Month’s Mind, Memorial or Anniversary masses where suitable for families. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
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.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Ladies County teams
Many congratulations and well done to Alice Glennon, Sophie Cox and Ellen Irwin who will represent the club on the county stage for 2025 season at U14, U16 and senior levels respectively.
Condolences
We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the late Eithne Murphy, Strokestown Road, Ballyleague. May she rest in peace
Clubhouse
The clubhouse is available for bookings. We cater for parties, communions, confirmations, anniversaries, fundraisers and many more events. If you wish to book the clubhouse for your special occasion please contact any committee member or contact us on social media.
Lotto
The numbers drawn were 2, 10, 21 and 23. There was no jackpot winner. The €40 winners were Maria Hanly, Ronan Glennon and Catherine McDermott. The next jackpot stands at €8200. Thank you for your continued support. Envelopes for the draw are available at all local shops or from any committee member. Thank you for your continued support.