Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Time changing this weekend
Don’t forget to put your clock forward on Saturday night next as we will be going into summer time from then until the 26th October. We look forward to a long, warm and enjoyable summer time.
League Final
Last Sunday Roscommon regained their place in Division 1 of the Allianz National League and consequently qualified for the Division 2 League final that will take place in Croke Park on Sunday next. The two local Murtagh brothers, Ciaráin and Diarmuid, are the mainstay of the Roscommon team and there is no doubt that they will once again be to the fore when they take on Monaghan. We wish the very best of luck to the lads and their teammates.
Upcoming Huge Events
Friday 16th and Saturday 17th May has the prospect of being one of the biggest days ever in Lanesboro and Ballyleague when the communities come together along with Gaelforce for should be a fabulous day on the banks of the Shannon. Last year we saw the Tidy Towns committees of both Lanesboro and Ballyleague come together to put on their inaugural Family Day in the area between the car park and small marina. This year the two committees have come together with the support of all local clubs and associations to join with Gaelforce for what should be an utterly fantastic day on the banks of the Shannon.
Gaelforce is a family-owned Irish company, based in Leenane, Co. Galway. Their mission is to seek out new challenges to bring the best of adventure racing to Ireland. They design, build and run all their own events. You just won’t find challenges or locations like this anywhere else! They have come back to Lanesboro/Ballyleague this year for the Great River Swim that will attract swimmers of all abilities for their great challenge.
The Gaelforce Great River Swim will have swims over distances of 800m, 3.5km, 5.8km, (you will need to be a confident and experienced open water swimmer to compete at this distance) and the extreme distance of 12km where the race director will determine whether you are eligible to take this extreme distance. See the entry regulations and entry forms on https://gaelforceevents.com/en/gaelforce-events-enter-now
With everybody coming together this will be without doubt be one of the very best events in Lanesboro/Ballyleague and there is no doubt there will be something to interest everybody.
Presently, there is a wonderful programme being drawn up by the three groups and it will be fascinating. Make the date in your diary and look out for future notices as we draw closer to the main event.
Vendors Sought
On Saturday 17th May the Tidy Town committees of Lanesboro and Ballyleague are once again coming together to host a family Fun day in conjunction with Gaelforce Great River Swim on the grassy area next to the children’s playground and they are seeking your backing to make the event massive.
Last year was the very first joint venture by both committees and it proved to be an outstanding success so much so that they are seeking to go bigger and better in 2025 and this progression can only happen with you support.
To this end local vendors of all sorts are being sought to enhance the event. If you you’re your creations exhibited at your own stall please contact me at joeaobrien@outlook.com phone 086 2460840 or 3321107 or call in and leave your name into the shop with myself or Martina.
Daffodil Day
Daffodil Day is this coming Friday and everybody is encouraged to contribute towards daffodil Day. The proceeds of Daffodil Day goes to the Cancer Society to aid and support those that are striving so hard to help counteract and find solutions towards eradicating cancer that is ravaging communities.
Death
In just over three weeks the small townsland of Mount Dillon suffered yet another sad loss when Carmel Flynn, passed away on Tuesday 18th March in the care of the staff of Roscommon Hospice. Carmel a native of Bornacoola, Co. Leitrim was predeceased by her parents Tom and Mary Farrell and her two daughters Eimer and Clare. She was an elegant lady who had a wonderful taste in style and dress accordingly. She was a very quietly spoken woman with a wonderful spirit and a loveliness of character. A meeting with Carmel always warmed your heart as her demeanour always drew you towards her warm and welcoming smile and personality. Her forever smile always told you of the life and spirit of the lady. She was a much valued and respected member of staff at St. Christopher’s Longford where her lifetime of dedication and kindness to helping those less fortunate will be forever remembered. She was a lady that loved music, song and dance and she will be sadly missed by that community. A symbol brought to the altar at her Requiem Mass of a peat briquette and boxty symbolised that anyone that ever entered Carmel’s house left with a warm glow and a full stomach such was her nature. The absence of Carmel in all our lives will leave a great emptiness in all our hearts but her memory will leave a lasting memory.
Carmel reposed at Leavy’s Funeral Home on Friday last before being removed to St. Cecelia’s Church, Curraghroe. On Saturday her Requiem Mass took place followed by burial in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her son Pater, daughter-in-law Fiona, grandson Sam, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
18 Stones up the Hill
This is another publication by local Ballyleague resident Andrew Knowles who this time comes to the wicket with this his new publication. As anyone that knows Andrew he has a great passion for his native English game of cricket. Andrew takes you through the dressing rooms, pitches and unforgettable moments of club crickets. In the book Andrew displays a keen eye for detail recounting the warmth and humour throughout his career from a junior player to a senior player. There is no doubt that Andrew’s portrayal is laced with many great and humorous stories. The book is a great read even for those not au fait with cricket. For just €10 the book on sale in O’Brien’s is a must.
St. Patrick’s Day in Lanesboro
There is no finer place to be than in Lanesboro and Ballyleague on St. Patrick’s Day for what is always one of the best parades around the midlands. As the RTÉ cameraman that was filming the parade for the News said “There is so much great stuff here it will be hard to decide what to cut for the news” Ballyleague and Lanesboro once again welcomed another increase in the number of floats this years and it was wonderful to see that the parade is attracting so many people willing to make a big effort to be creative and entertaining. The number of people that lined the streets far exceeded the numbers of previous years and each and every one was loud in their praise of another wonderful parade. It is a great credit to Teresa Costello and Freda Connaughton for organising another wonderful parade. The parade is made all the better by the amount of stewards that make themselves available led this year by the new event manager Hughie Smith.
The float winning are: Overall Winning Float – Lanesboro Tourism, Best Club Float – The Lanesboro Guild of the ICA, Best Junior Float – Lanesboro Community College, Best Vintage Float – Brendan Glennon, Best Business Float – Hanlon Art Works and the Most Original Float went to Ballyleague Tidy Towns.
We congratulate everybody for making the St. Patrick’s Day Parade such a wonderful event again this year and a very big thank you to the thousands that came to support and view our St. Patrick’s Day Parade again this year.
Thank You
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Chairperson Teresa Costello would like to thank all who took part in the Parade, the musicians, J. Duffy Amplification, Eddie Devlin – dancer, Lanesboro Parish Choir, Fr. Baxter, float members, An Garda Siochana, MC Eugene Murphy, Even Judge, Dignitaries, sponsors, Joe and Martina O’Brien, LWETB, St. Faithleach’s, everybody that bought and sold tickets, all the great stewards and spectators and the hard working committee. Well done everybody for making the parade such an outstanding success with the atmosphere was second to none made by such a huge gathering.
The committee would like to thank Heineken, Larry Leavy, P.J. Toher Taxi, North Midlands Credit Union, Dolan Foods, Engine Spares Ltd., Orla O’Brien Pharmacy, Michael Hanley Hardware, Ping’s Chinese Take Away, Joe Ginty Taxi, SuperValu Regina Donnellan Lanesbrew, Michael Mahon Painter & Decorator, Joe & Martina O’Brien, Corner Shop, and Gerard Farrell Adie’s Bar and Restaurant.
The raffle prize winners were Jamie Hayden €100, Clodagh Martin €100, Kevin Connaughton €100, Emily Fallon €100, Catherine Higgins €100 and Michelle Brady who won a P.J. Toher voucher.
New Disabled Parking
A new disabled parking area has just been placed on the Main Street. It is situated outside Orla O’Brien’s Pharmacy. Apart from the one’s in this is the first designated parking area on the Main Street and it will make a huge difference to people that need to avail of disabled parking areas that they now have a place to park their cars on the Main Street. It is hoped that this parking area, day and night, will be specifically left for people with disabled badges displayed. Many thanks to Cllr. Sean Mimnagh for his work in getting the parking area situated there.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Karen and James Maloney and their family, Church View, on the death on the death of Karen’s brother Tom Costello, The Spinney, Roscommon Town on Friday last 21st March.
Lourdes Collection
Once again your generosity was truly overwhelming and the organisers are deeply appreciative of your most generous contributions at the two masses last weekend. The amount contributed was a wonderful €1011.89.
Coffee Morning Fundraiser for St Christopher’s
Pictured are Some of the group who helped at Josie’s Coffee Morning for St Christopher’s Services include Áine O’Sullivan, Geraldine Farrell, Josie O’Sullivan, Paula Carberry from St Christopher’s Services, Ciara Myhill and Margaret Gillen.
On the Sunday before St Patrick’s Day, 16th March, a very successful Coffee Morning was held in St Mary’s Parish Hall to raise important funds for St Christopher’s Services. It was a lovely family event that attracted all age groups with wonderful treats for children and adults alike. When Josie O’Sullivan decided that she wanted to raise some funds for St Christopher’s Services, she called on her many friends and her family to help. Everyone responded to Josie’s positive outlook and the well-attended event raised a total of €2,415, which is a tremendous tribute to all involved. Josie and her family and friends would like to thank all of those who donated so generously, as well as those who sponsored some lovely prizes for the raffle. The group were very thankful for the use of St Mary’s Parish Hall and it now appears that Josie’s Coffee Morning for St Christopher’s Services might become a wonderful annual event on the Sunday before St Patrick’s Day each year.
Charity Tractor Run
A Charity Tractor run in memory of one of our finest young men will take place on Sunday 13th April. A young farming graduate Jimmy is sadly missed in our community and this Tractor Run is a fitting acknowledgement to Jimmy’s memory.
Jimmy’s passion was for farming and it is very fitting that tractors and machinery will gather in the Clonbonny area beside the Clonbonny graveyard, where Jimmy is laid to rest, and the Rathcline GAA club. Registration costing €20 will take place at the clubhouse from 12 noon with the roll out of tractors at 2pm.
The proceeds of the Run will go to HUGG
All-Ireland Champion
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club would like to congratulate our esteemed secretary J.J. Donlon and his partner Pauric McKenna who along with their team mates Kevin Wolfe and Mary Macken won the All-Ireland teams competition in Portlaoise at the weekend.
Former local passes away
On Friday 14th march we got the very sad news of the death at his home in Aughafad Heights, Longford Town of David Shields. David, formerly of Rathcline Road was predeceased by his parent Mike and June Shields. Remembering David, he was a very quiet and very smart lad during his school days with a great personality. He developed into an excellent musician and musicians loved to have him playing in their company such was his excellence. David was a great conversationalist and very well read – he was excellent company. David is survived by his sisters Faustina (Tina), Lesleyann, and Brenda and his brother Mark, relatives and many friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy. His Funeral Mass took place in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Tuesday 18th March followed by burial in Ballymacormack Cemetery.
If you were not at Mass on either day and still would like to contribute you can leave your donation into O’Brien’s for collection. Thank you very much.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Margaret (Margie) Kenny, Cashelbeg and her sister Christina and their extended families on the death of Pat Hevehan, Clonmee, Newtowncashel who passed away on Wednesday last 19th March. We also extend our sympathies to his daughter Mary on the death of her father. Pat was laid to rest in Cashel Cemetery following the Mass of the Resurrection in the Church of the Blessed Virgin, Newtowncashel.
Problem is still on-going
The issue of littering at Clonbonny graveyard still continues. Once again people clearing and cleaning up their family plots are asked to bring along rubbish bags and bring them back home and leave it out with their domestic rubbish. It is especially unsightly and it will become a bigger issue as the Bord na Mona walkway hopes to use the car park for people that are walking on their new walkway and it will become more unsightly to everyone parking there.
What is also very unsightly is the amount of rubbish cast over the side wall towards the old railway track. The railway track has recently been lifted and while walking down the old Trackway I could not help but notice the amount of bags and litter thrown over the wall. When this walkway is completed it will be greatly used and a clear up and restrictions put in place for the tossing of litter anywhere in the Clonbonny area.
Former local passes away
It was with great sadness and regret we learned of the death of Joe Fallon, Sutton, Dublin on Wednesday 19th March. Joe formerly from Cloontuskert was predeceased by his wife Catherine, his daughter Aisling, his parents Frank and Lena, and his siblings Cyril, Gabriel and Des. Formerly of Cloontuskert where Cloontuskert National School now stands. Joe went to Dublin where he built up a very successful Motor business between Sutton and Portmarnock where he was renowned city and countrywide. A regular visitor back home to Cloontuskert and Lanesboro, Joe leaves behind a wonderful legacy and his passing will leave a great emptiness in the hearts of everyone that knew him. Joe is survived by his daughter Deirdre, his sons Rónán and Gearóid, grandchildren, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, extended family and friends to whom we extend our sincere sympathy. Following the reposing of his remains in Stafford’s Funeral Home, Portmarnock on Saturday he was removed the St. Fintan’s Church, Sutton on Monday for his Funeral Mass, followed by burial in St. Fintan’s cemetery, Sutton.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Helen Dolan, Rathcline Road and her sisters and their extended families on the death on Sunday 16th March of their sister Karen in the Mater Hospital, Dublin. A Mass of Karen’s life was celebrated on Friday last in the Deaf Village Ireland, Cabra and on Saturday her Funeral Mass took place in the Church of St. Laurence O’Toole, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow followed by burial in Roundwood Cemetery.
Henry Kenny Memorial
A memorial game of football in memory of the late Henry Kenny, will take place at the St. Faithleach’s grounds on Sunday 13th April, Henry was a stalwart for his home club of Cashel throughout his playing career and following his moving to Cloontuskert he gave his adopted club unbelievable allegiance and he quickly became a feature of the club no matter what they were doing. He never shirked hard work and could be seen doing any of the menial jobs at any time or meeting and greeting dignitaries or working with teams on the same day. No job was too big or too small for Henry.
It is fitting that both St. Faithleach’s and Cashel will play a game in the memory of this great man at the St. Faithleach’s grounds on Sunday 13th April. Events will throw in at 2.30 with a kid’s game followed by St. Faithleach’s against Cashel at 4pm.
The proceeds of the day’s event will go to Cancer Research and Cloontuskert Cemetery, Following the game there will be music, refreshments and a raffle in the clubhouse. Everyone is invited to come along to support the memory of Henry and the two very worthy causes.
Nursing Staff for Lourdes Pilgrimage
Those interested in joining as a nursing staff member for the Diocesan Pilgrimage are asked to contact Maireád in the parish office (3321166) or contact the nursing director Margaret McDonald at 086 3918577.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Ardagh/Clonmacnois annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from Friday 30th May to Wednesday 4th June. This is an ideal way to treat your mother to a very special trip and you can use the gift as a Mother’s Day present. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 30th March. For details you should contact JWT for flight details. Those who need assistance, contact 0863918577.
Ballinamuck Social Dancing
The next Social evening is this Sunday, March 30th from 5-7 pm in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck Village (N39 Y7C1). Music will be provided by Tom Moran
This is 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!
If you require any further information you should contact Aisling 086 3663901.
Defibrillator Course
Ballagh/Curraghroe defibrillator committee would like to invite anyone in the Kilgefin parish to complete a defibrillator course and if they could contact Danny Cox 086 8142112 or Jean Fallon 086 8320019 to be added for the course. The list, for this vital and potential lifesaving ability, will be compiled with your support over the coming weeks.
Lanesboro Triathlon News
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.
Tidy Towns Lottery
Every week, on a Tuesday, the draw takes place in O’Brien’s shop at around 10.30am.
Last week’s lottery draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday 18th March for the jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 3, 3 14 and 28. 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 March. The winner of the €50 prize was Emily and Ethan O’Brien, Roscommon Town and the three €20 prize winners were Evelyn Rooney, Rathcline, The Lanesboro Guild of the I.C.A., Tom Morris, Cloontuskert.
New Tractor
The benefit to the committee of your support is shown all year around with the wonderful work of the Community Enterprise team 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 and just last week your incredible support put the committee into the position that they could buy a new tractor to help continue their great work
Your continued support is a great encouragement to the committee who can now plot and plan greater improvements in and around the town for 2025.
The next draw takes place for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 25th March. 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.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 23rd March game held in the Parish are 1st P.J. and Bridie Glennon, 2nd Pat Rock and Harry Skelly. Last game winners were Kay Featherstone and Annie Eggleton. Raffle winners were Pat Rock, Kevin McDonagh, Tom Rooney and Freda Connerton.
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.
Coaching continues 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.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 17th March. The winning pool amounted to the exact same as the previous week that was an exciting €643. The outcome of the draw proved to be local lady Mary Brewster, Clonbonny. 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.
Fundraiser
A night of Storytelling with the legendary Seanachaí Vincent Pierse will take place in the Parish Hall, Kiltoom on Friday 28th March at 8 p.m. The night is designed to help raise funds for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Tickets are available at €20 on www.joinourboys.org . There will also be a raffle on the night and your generosity will be appreciated.
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.
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
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.
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.
Thank You: The organising committee of the Lourdes Assisted Pilgrims Fund collection would like to sincerely thank everyone that contributed so generously to their collection last weekend. The sum collected amounted to €1,011.89.
Scripture Studies: A group of people meet in the Prayer room following 10am Mass every Wednesday during the period of Lent. They take a closer look at the Scripture Readings for the coming Sunday. It takes about 30 minutes and it really brings the Gospel to life! All are welcome.
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.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Ardagh and Clonmacnois Lourdes Pilgrimage 2025 will be led by Bishop Paul Connell, is open for booking now. It will take place from May 30th – June 4th costing from €969. For more details contact Joe Walsh Tours at 01-2410800 or email – info@joewalshtours.ie . Pilgrims who would like to travel with the Special Assisted Section should apply to Margaret McDonald on 086 3918577. Those interested in joining as a Nursing Staff Member for the Pilgrimage are asked to contact their local parish or the Pilgrimage Matron – Margaret McDonald on 086 3918577.
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 4th April.
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
Thank You: Many thanks to everyone that generously supported the church gate collection on Sunday last in Ballyleague. The monies collected will assist children and young people with Special needs from the local area to travel to Lourdes on Easter Sunday with the Irish Pilgrimage Trust. The collection amounted to €111.08.
New Choir Members: Kilgefin/Scramogue choir is currently recruiting new singers and musicians as they continue to develop their popular choir. You are asked to contact Amanda 086607 1281 or speak to any of the current members of the choir to express your interest.
MS Ireland collection: MS Ireland will be holding a Church Gate collection at the three churches in the parish next weekend. You continued generous support will be greatly appreciated.
Stations of the Cross: During the Lenten season everyone is encouraged to journey with Christ through his Paschal Mystery by praying the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross will be at weekends of Lent 30 minutes before Mass for the convenience of all. Ballyleague – 11am, Ballagh – Saturday at 7pm
Defibrillator Course: Ballagh/Curraghroe defibrillator committee would like to invite anyone in the Kilgefin parish or surrounding areas to complete a defibrillator course and if they could contact Danny Cox 086 8142112 or Jean Fallon 086 8320019 to be added for the course. The list, for this vital and potential lifesaving ability, will be compiled with your support over the coming weeks.
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
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 #
League Final: The very best of luck to Ciaráin and Diarmuid Murtagh and the Roscommon panel as they take to hallowed ground of Croke Park in the Division 2 League Final on Sunday next.
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.
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.
Registration Night
The deadline for registration is Monday next 31st March. Please contact Steve Smith, Ursula Kilcoyne or any committee member if you are having difficulty.