Death
When the death occurs of one of the most popular, genuine and amicable person you know not alone you but a community suffers a grievous loss. The death of Brendan Bannon, Ballinahinch at the Beacon Hospital, Dublin on Monday 10th February was greeted with an incredible shock and sadness. Brendan suffered with an illness for a long time and fought an incredible battle with a great strength of body and faith. His faith meant everything to Brendan and his wife Eithne and they were regular Mass goers in Cashel and Lanesboro. Brendan was predeceased by his parents Michael and Bridget and his brother Peter. His good nature and sincere personality emanated from him and his warm, sincere, welcoming smile and greeting left you with the warmest of feelings. Brendan worked for 41 years until his retirement under the different reincarnations of Eircom. Brendan, in his younger years was a goalkeeper with his native Cashel’s winning championship team while later in life he continued with exercise when he became a member of the Athlone Hill Walking Club that took his to many places nationally and internationally. Brendan coined the phrase “I never thought life would be so good” and he lived his life enjoying his life, the company of others, and helping his brother Jack (Dinny) working the family farm. He was a great man around the house and no job was too big or small and had a love of cooking showing great culinary skills. Brendan was endowed with a great wisdom and you always knew you were in the company of a great person. He was truly a family man, be it his own family, his own siblings and everyone that came into contact with him felt that tremendous bond. Brendan loved exploring all the nature around him, the game of cards, and his community work was legendary. In times past he ran the sub office for Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union after Sunday Mass in Cashel for a number of years.
The enormous attendance at the reposing of his remains at his home in Ballinahinch on Wednesday and again at his Funeral Mass bore ample testimony to the esteem in which Brendan was held. Following Mass he was laid to rest in Cashel cemetery.
To his wife Eithne (nee Mullooly), sons James, Eoin, Cormac and Fearghal, his sisters Jo and Maureen, his brothers Tommy, Jack (Dinny) and Des, his extended family and many many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Diarmuid Murtagh breaks scoring record
We are all well away of the contribution of the Murtagh family name to the St. Faithleach’s club for many a long year. In recent times Brian, now retired from the county, Ciaráin and Diarmuid have served their county of Roscommon with tremendous dedication.
Sunday last was a red lettered day for Diarmuid when he became the leading scorer of all time with Roscommon. Following his incredible scoring feat of 12 points on Sunday against Monaghan in King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park he has now amassed a phenomenal 19-423 in his county career. There is no doubt that he will add greatly to this figure before his career comes to an end. Over the years many fabulous players have shone greatly on the Roscommon scoring charts and it is wonderful to see that Diarmuid’s consistent performances has put himself at the very top. We congratulate Diarmuid on this extraordinary achievement and we share with Diarmuid, his fiancee Seánna, parents Andy and Breda, his brothers Brian and Ciaráin, extended family club members and the St. Faithleach’s club in celebrating this honour of being the leading scorer of all time with Roscommon.
Picture shows Diarmuid along with his brothers Brian and Ciaráin
Not to be out done
Congratulations to Brian Murtagh who is playing a leading role in the management of Coláiste Mhuire Mullingar who after a 43 years lapse became Leinster Senior College champions last week. All roads will now lead to King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park on Saturday next when they will take on Connaught champions St. Colman’s, Claremorris in the Hogan Cup semi-final at 1pm. We wish the very best of luck to Brian, management and the team.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Dowd families Thureen and their extended families on the death of Pauline McNicholas, nee Dowd, who died recently in Manchester. Pauline was predeceased by her sister Mary and her brothers Pat and Sean who we fondle remember.
Community Games
The name says it all! The community of Lanesboro/Rathcline invites every resident with young people to play their part in encouraging their young people to take part in the Community Games. Lanesboro/Rathcline has a very successful and proud history in the Community Games and it would be great to see our new generation creating their very own piece of history for themselves, their families and Lanesboro/Rathcline. Please be a part of one of the greatest community events in our parish.
Lanesboro Community Games 2025-Registration & AGM
Registration for the 2025 Lanesboro Community Games will take place on Wednesday week, 26th February at 8:00p.m. in the Parish Hub.
Registration must be completed before participating in any event at the cost of €5 registration fee per child.
This year, Community Games have a wide variety of exciting events for all ages, including:
• Swimming
• Art
• Handwriting
• Model Making
• Athletics & field events
• Hurling
• Gaelic
• Talent Show
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will follow the registration on the 26th.
The committee is looking forward to seeing you there and hope that all of your Lanesboro children will be getting involved in these fantastic community events!
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Mullooly family formerly Killinure Rose, (Leitrim), Donal, (Florida) and Ciaran, Ballyleague on the death of their sister Eithne’s husband Brendan Bannon, Ballinahinch. We also remember their deceased parents Dan and Molly and their sister Nuala and brother Pat.
Updated St. Patrick Day Parade News
Your support for the Lanesboro/Ballyleague St. Patrick’s Day Parade has always been exceptional and it is through your incredible support that once again the committee can feel confident of another great day in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. Once again the committee will welcome thousands to the streets to celebrate the Parade and there is no doubt but many clubs, businesses and organisations will once contribute to making the parade the best in the wider area.
Donations: Without the support of the many donors and businesses the St. Patrick’s Day Parade would not be possible and once again your incredible and loyal generosity and once again it is called upon and it would be very welcome. Donations of €60 is sought to help contribute towards the organising of the Parade. Donations should be made directly to Freda Connaughton, Longford road or left in O’Brien’s in an envelope with your name on it. Thank you in advance for your continued support.
Draw: Your support and generosity is once again being called upon to help defray the cost of staging the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Books of tickets costing €5 for a book of 3 are now on sale locally and in O’Brien’s for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade draw. This draw is vital to the committee in helping to finance the rising costs of providing a spectacular day in Ballyleague and Lanesboro. Your support has always been exceptional and this year there is a greater need for greater success due to the rising costs of proving for the day.
Entry Forms: Entry forms are now available from Teresa Costello, Freda Connaughton or from O’Brien’s Shop. Completed forms can be returned to O’Brien’s for collection. Entry into the best parade in the midlands is just €30
Floats: As I write St. Patrick’s Day is just 28 days away and now is the time to be looking forward and preparing for our local St. Patrick’s Day Parade. As 2025 is quarter way through the century we should be making a great effort for this milestone year. Let’s hope that all business, community groups and schools do make a big big effort and make the St. Patrick’s Day parade the biggest and best yet.
Parking around the Church
Further to my comments last week on parking on the Green and the Church Road some residents of Knock asked me to mention parking on the roadside outsider their homes.. People are asked to be conscious of their parking and ensure that they do not block gateways allowing for entry and exits from the houses.
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 are now open for the 2025 Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon. 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.
Tidy Towns Lottery
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. Your excellent support for the Tidy Town lottery envelopes every week is a great boost to the committee and the workers.
Your continued support is a great encouragement to the committee who can plot and plan greater improvements in and around the town. The next draw takes place for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 18th February.
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 11th February for the jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 6, 15, 21 and 24. 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 18th February. The winner of the €50 prize was John L. Farrell, Rathcline, and the three €20 prize winners were won by Mary Rhatigan, Fermoyle, Teresa Ryan c/o Mags and Melissa O’Donoghue, Curraghrua. The draw, as usual, will take place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday morning next.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 16th February game held in the Parish was in 1st Kathleen Maguire and Mick Maguire. There was a three way tie for second place between Josie and Freda Connaughton, Pat Greene and Enda Shea & Tom Skelly and Padraig Farrell. Last game winners were Jim Horan & Kitty Feeney. Raffle winners were Josie Connaughton, Aidan Carly, Pat Joe Fallon and Frank McCormack. The card committee and players would like to extend their sympathy to Jack Bannon and extended Bannon and Mullooly families on the death of Brendan Bannon.
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.
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. The 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.
Ballyleague NS Enrolment
There will be an Open Evening for parents and guardians who wish to enrol their child for September 2025 and you are warmly welcome to come along and visit the school on Wednesday 26th February from 6.30 to 7.30pm. You will be able to meet the school teaching and assisting team and have a tour of the well-resourced teaching and learning facilities. Alternatively, Admission Forms can be downloaded from the school website: www.ballyleaguens.com or request by email: ballyleaguens@gmail.com or phone 043 33 21906.
Coaching for game of 25
There was a great response to the new initiative of coaching for new players or those who want to refresh their game skills of 25 in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse. Training will continue every Tuesday night at 8.30pm. This is separate from the regular game and everyone is welcome to go along and enjoy the casual learning the skills of 25.
Management team
Many congratulations to Scoil Mhuire, Mullingar on winning the Posy Primary Schools Leinster Senior A final last week. Part of the management team is local Ballyleague man Brian Murtagh. They now go on to meet St. Colman’s, Claremorris next weekend in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Go for a Walk
The Rathcline club holds a community walk every Tuesday and Thursday evening at their club grounds in Clonbonny. The walk takes place from 7.30 to 8.30pm. You are invited to come along for the walk, have a chat and a cup of tea afterwards. The walks two evenings a week will continue until the end of February.
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.
Roscommon Community Challenge 2025
Interest and excitement are mounting as there are less than 3 weeks to go until the 2025 Roscommon Community Challenge. This promises to be a great weekend of activity in and around Roscommon Town. The fun starts on Friday 7th March with a choice of either an 8km or 5 km timed Moonlight Walk or run, starting at 8pm sharp from Roscommon Community Sports Park, Lisnamult.
On Saturday morning 8th March, we welcome back our lovely Cycle Challenge. This will start at 9am and will see cyclists wind their way through 70km of Roscommon and East Galway scenery. A short stop midway, hot refreshments and showers on your return are all included in the price of entering. Proceeds from the event will go to Roscommon Community Sports Park and Roscommon Special Olympics, This Club provides yearlong activities and sports for children and adults with special and additional needs. It is a thriving Club with almost sixty members.
The links to register for this event is as follows: Cycle: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1214677476029
Run https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1080453398199
Organisers are looking forward to welcoming you to the start line and express their gratitude for all the support they have received over the last while. For further information please contact Jacqui on 0861721181
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 10th February. The winning pool amounted to a wonderful €735. The outcome of the draw proved to be a local lady living in Cork. Congratulations Lisa McCaffrey formerly of Ballyleague and may this be commencement of much more good luck.
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.
Longford Lights Returns
The biggest community light festival in Ireland, Longford Lights 2025 brings breath-taking installations, spectacles and performances to cheer up the whole family from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd February.
Entry to the main festival site in Connolly Barracks is by ticket only. Entry times are at the set times of 6.30pm, 7.30pm, and 8.30pm. Once in, you can stay as long as you like. You should expect to spend approximately 1.5 hours in the main festival site to see all the installations. There are food stands, seating, and toilets on site. All ticket sales are facilitated by Backstage Theatre and can be booked at admin@backstage.ie
The cost of admission is Thursday: Adults €5, Child ticket €3 or Family of 4 €20. Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Adults €8, Child ticket (aged 3 to 17) €4 and Family of 4 €20.
There is no charge for children up to 3, but a ticket must be booked.
Sympathy
We would like to acknowledge the death at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe on Tuesday 11th February of Christine Greenhough, Kilnalosset, Curraghroe. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Les, family and extended family. Christine’s remains reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon on Friday last which was followed by a private cremation.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing & Community Gathering:
Our next Social evening is this Sunday, February 23rd from 5-7 pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1)
Music will be provided by the very popular Carmel McLoughlin
A great opportunity for a dance, a cuppa, and a catch-up with friends old and new – looking forward to welcoming everyone! Newcomers are always welcome! For more info contact Aisling 086 3663901.
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.
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 looking forward to another great year as they prepare for the spring and summer season and the Tidy Towns competition. To continue their growth in the competition they are 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.
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.
Brothers of Charity: The Brothers of Charity in Roscommon are seeking volunteers.
If you would like to help somebody with an intellectual disability, to be part of the community that they live in, let Edel Crehan know of your interest and you may contact her on 087 4887314.
Would you like to provide home from home, short breaks for children and adults, who have an intellectual disability? There will be an allowance paid. Details can be obtained from Catherine on 080 6628500 or 087 2126607.
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 March.
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
Readers: Ballagh Church is looking for people to read at Mass on Saturday nights. If you can commit and would like to join a rota you are asked to contact Fr. Dan or email kilgefinparish21@gmail.com or Vivienne at 0862626639.
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.
Station Masses: Station Masses in the parish will commence on Monday 3rd March, The station Masses very successful in September. If anyone would like to host the station mass in their home they should contact Fr. Dan to arrange a date.
ALONE needs volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make friendly calls to an older person in your community? The commitment is for one hour per week. ALONE is seeking volunteers and if you can give just one hour we encourage you to do so. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interested please sign up at https://a lone.ie/volunteers/ For more information contact Helena : Helena.madden@alone.ie phone 086 0145829
Missionary Society Envelopes: Everybody should have received their envelopes for the Missions, if possible, could you return them to the church and if, by any chance, you have not received an envelope there are spare envelopes in all churches. Thank 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.
25 Coaching: Coaching for new players or those who want to refresh their game skills of 25 will take place in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse every Tuesday at 8.30pm. This is separate from the regular game and everyone is welcome
St. Faithleach’s GAA
25 Card Game
There is a 25 Card Game every Tuesday at 8.30pm in the clubhouse. There is a separate coaching for beginners every Tuesday in February at 8.30pm. All welcome
Medal Presentation
Our underage medal presentation took place. Here are some snapshots of the night. A special mention to Ellen Irwin, Marie Kelly and Diarmuid Murtagh for coming along to present the medals to the U12 Boys of 2024, U14 Girls medals for 22/23/24 and the U16 girls for 2023 girls, also Féile 2024. Sean Cox was also given a presentation of a club jersey as a sign of gratitude for all his hard work with the underage girls.
Registration Night
Registration night will take place this Friday 21st from 7pm to 8pm for all age groups will be held at the clubhouse.
Volunteers still needed for all age groups, contact Steve Smith or any committee member for information
Congratulations
A truly historic day in the primrose and blue for Diarmuid Murtagh last Sunday against Monaghan as he took his overall Roscommon tally to 19-423 making him the top scorer of all time for the Roscommon senior football team. Everyone at St. Faithleach’s GAA Club extend their congratulations to Diarmuid. He is a dedicated professional and a role model to the youth of St. Faithleach’s GAA and the wider GAA community. We look forward to seeing him add to that tally for many more years to come.
Clubhouse Available
The clubhouse is available if you wish to book a party in our function room. We cater for all occasions. Please contact Gerry Donlon or any committee member if you wish to make a booking.
County Representatives
The very best of luck to Ellen Irwin and the Roscommon Ladies who take on Donegal next Sunday the 23rd in the Ladies National League. Ciaráin and Diarmuid Murtagh and the Roscommon Senior Men who take on Meath in the Allianz League Division 2 in Navan and we wish them the very best of luck.
Volunteers
As the underage season is fast approaching we are actively seeking any parents or club members who are willing to volunteer and give a hand at our underage trainings and matches. If you are interested please contact Steve Smith or any committee member. Thank you.