Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
A number of years ago a Dublin couple moved into the relatively new Cluain Dara estate in Ballyleague bringing with them a great sense of community. On Monday 24th March a member of the partnership passed away in the form of Kyran Geraghty much to the great sadness of everybody that knew Kyran and his wife Carmel. A number of years ago Kyran had a life altering event when he suffered a stroke that left him with limited movement. Indeed the stroke did very little to hinder his outlook on life. His characteristics were a family trait inherited from his parents Tom and Florrie of kindness, cheerfulness and a great humour and he carried it with him to the very end. Kyran was a very talented musician and was a member of the band Kelly’s Hero’s in the 70’s and they played on the television talent identifying show ‘Opportunity Knocks that was a forerunner to the Britain’s Got Talent along at other venues in Europe. Along with Carmel they ran a successful business in Lusk, Co. Dublin where they were very popular, well-liked and respected members of the community. Even after the band scene his musical talents were never to be hidden as he shared his talents at local events and he was a prominent member of the Balbriggan Variety Group and he also played a major role in the Lusk Scouts. Upon arriving in Ballyleague and our community he immediately became very popular figure and recognised for his kindness, goodness and he always brought fun into the life of everyone he met with his renowned Dublin wit. Kyran, a man of great stature, he was renowned for his generosity of spirit, his ability to be a source of great comfort to all around him and always displayed his great love of family. His passing will be greatly mourned by everyone that had the pleasure and joy of knowing him. Kyran remains reposed at Lannon’s Funeral Home, Lusk on Thursday and on Friday his remains were removed to St. MacCullin’s Church for his Funeral Mass. Burial took place afterwards in Ardla Cemetery, Skerries. To his wife Carmel, sons Paul and Mark, daughter Elaine, his sisters, Nola, Ann, Brenda, Barbara, Gaye and Kathy, his grandchildren and extended family and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Family Day and Gaelforce Combine
Excitement is starting to build for Friday 16th and Saturday 17th May that has the prospect of being some 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. Friday evening will be a gentle introduction into what will be a very special day of events on Saturday.
Last year we saw the Tidy Towns committees of both Lanesboro and Ballyleague come together to stage, with outstanding success, their inaugural Family Day in the area between the car park and small marina. This year the two committees have, again, 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.
This is a day embraced by the community groups and we welcome everyone from far and wide to come along and join with us for this very special day.
For those that don’t know, 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, looking at their entry list, is attracting swimmers of all abilities from all over the country for this great challenge.
For the Gaelforce Great River Swim there will be four 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, another very special day and one of the very best events in Lanesboro/Ballyleague on the banks of the glorious Shannon and there should be something to interest everybody.
At the moment great work is going on behind the scenes in building the programme of events 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.
Make sure you mark the dates in your diary and along with your family and friends you can be on the banks of the Shannon for another marvellous day in Lanesboro
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.
Former local passed away
On Saturday 15th March in Gardanne, France, a member of the very popular Dunne family, Ballyleague passed away following an illness borne with tremendous spirit. Brendan Dunne lived with his wife Marion and family in France for a number of years. Brendan’s legacy here in the community will always be remembered by his great spirit, his big warm and genuine and warm smile even at the darkest of times and he was recognised as a young man of great intelligence. He was renowned as a talented sportsman irrespective of the code he was playing. He will be remembered as lively, friendly and most obliging young man whose natural gift of kind-heartedness will be long remembered by everyone that encountered and benefitted from Brendan. He was predeceased by his father Denis just 18 months ago. Brendan’s funeral took place in France and a commemoration service will take place at a later date in Ireland.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Brendan’s wife Marion, his daughter and his son Mathieu, his mother Noreen, his sisters Siobhán, Gráinne, Niamh and Fiona, his brother Gary, his relatives, extended family and his many friends.
Annual 25 Drive
A fortnight away on Friday18th April the annual fundraising Good Friday Card Drive (partners) will take place in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro. The games are scheduled to start at 8.30pm.
This is the annual event hosted by the Shannon Gaels Minor Club and it is also one of their main fundraisers towards the encouragement and development of all the underage footballers and hurlers in the rathcline club. Your support since the inception of this game has been fantastic and once again we encourage you and your friends to come along and enjoy a great evening of card playing and the associated fun that goes along with the game of cards.
If you would like to support the club even if you are not card players you can buy a ticket in from club members or from O’Brien’s costing €10. This ticket ensures that you are in the draw for the numerous prizes drawn on the night. The €10 ticket also allows card players to participate in the partners 25 drive. Please be as supportive as possible.
Lanesboro ICA
The Lanesboro Guild of the ICA will hold its April meeting in the Parish Hub on Wednesday 9th April at 7.45pm. Following the meeting the AGM will follow at 9.15pm. New members are always welcome to join.
VHI Mini Marathon
On Sunday 1st June the Ladies Mini Marathon will take place in Dublin. A bus is being organised from Lanesboro in memory of the late Pam Farrell, who for many years organised a bus taking locals to the Mini Marathon and funds raised will go to the Cancer Society. If you would like to avail of the bus you are asked to contact Martha on 087 2638593 or Una on 086 8929402 for further details.
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.
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 and rathcline GAA pitch, 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
Junior Certificate History
An intensive Junior Certificate History revision course will take place in Hannon’s Hotel, Athlone Road, Roscommon on Friday 25th April. The course will take place from 9.30am to 3.30pm. A revision booklet will be supplied and a booking deposit is required. For further information and bookings call Rosie 086 3844320
All-Ireland Champion
Astonishing and remarkable are words that can be used about our very own young man Andrew Nolan. Andrew son of Enda and Martina Nolan, Knock Manor, have really a wonderful Shot Putt prodigy within their family as year on year Andrew continues to win titles and continues to break longstanding records. Qualifying for last weekend’s National Underage Finals at International Indoor Arena, TUS, Athlone at the Connacht Indoor Athletics Championships back in February, twelve-year-old Andrew Nolan representing our own local Lough Ree AC won the gold medal in the U-14 shot putt breaking a record that stood for 18 years.
On Sunday last he came up against the best of the other provinces and once again he emerged with the gold medal throwing the shot putt with a career best throw of 14.36m. Throwing out of his age group Andrew’s performance was remarkable and augurs greatly for his future career.
We have great reason to be extremely proud of an athlete of such high class from our community. Andrew is coached by his father Enda who has seen the great potential in his son and continues to aide him in achieving such remarkable results.
We now look forward to the outdoor season and wish Andrew continued success.
Last weekend at the National Underage Finals the Lough Ree Athletic club had two representatives in the All –Ireland finals and Tadhg Shea, son of Tim and Joanne Broggy Shea, and on Saturday Tadhg finished the Long Jump competition with a personal best jump of 4.22m. As with all competitors you always expect the best but when they exceed their personal best they are showing the potential for much greater things to come. Congratulation Tadhg on a remarkable performance and we look forward to you continued performances in the season ahead.
Book Launch
“Our on our Own”, a folk history in over 500 pages of Counties Longford, Leitrim and Cavan by Benny Reid is already in O’Brien’s. It is to be launched in Longford Co. Library this Thursday 3rd April at 7.00pm by Irish Times journalist Kathy Sheridan who has deep roots in North Longford. A further send off by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Niamh Smyth T.D. takes place in Moyne Community School on Friday, 11th April at 5.30pm. All are welcome. The book is also available online at www.outonourown.ie
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.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
The Indoor Arena in Athlone was the venue for the National Juvenile Indoors over the weekend. The club had two representatives namely Tadhg Shea who was in action on Saturday in the Under 13 Long Jump and Andrew Nolan in the under 14 shot Putt on Sunday. Tadhg came away with a very impressive top eight position and a personal best in the Long Jump, an event he has only recently taken up, having previously concentrated on middle distance races. Andrew Nolan true to form came away with the gold medal and a personal best in the Under 14 Shot Putt reversing the position from last year with his arch rival from Cork. Congratulations to Andrew and Tadhg who are truly dedicated athletes and thoroughly deserve this success with the time and effort they put into training and competition. They are great role models for our growing athletic club and for the younger athletes.
The apple never falls far from the tree as former Lough Ree Athletic Club member Cathy Harrison; Ballyleague was in attendance as she had two sons, David and Conor, representing Lucan Harriers in distance events. The lads are following in their mother’s footsteps in distance running representing their club in All-Ireland Athletic finals.
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.
Charity Tractor and Truck Run
Come the month of May and especially the 15th we always remember the death of one of our own young men. Owen Kelly, son of Eugene and Mary Kelly, Rathcline Road passed away following an accident. The celebrate the memory and 20th Anniversary of Owen’s passing there will be a Tractor and Truck Run commencing in Newtowncashel on Sunday 18th May at 2.30pm. All the proceeds will be shared with the National Rehabilitation Centre and the Head Injury Unit at Beaumont Hospital. Mark the date in your diary and come out and celebrate the memory of Owen.
Visit Corlea
Right on our doorstep and visited during 2024 by almost 20,000 , up by more than 5,000 from 2023, the fabulous Iron Age Trackway situated in Corlea just 13km (7m) from Lanesboro is a wonderful and unique place to visit. 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.
Pilgrim’s Path
As part of the Jubilee Year Celebrations 2025, we are invited to visit 3 Shrines in the Diocese, St Manchain’s Church, Boher, Ballycumber, Co Offaly. St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford and the Poor Clare Convent, Drumshambo, Co Leitrim, to celebrate Faith, Hope and Love. These trips can be a personal visit or with a group. It is hoped to have a bus trip from Longford to St. Manchain’s Church, Boher on Monday 5th May. ‘Passports’ for the trip are available in St Mary’s Church and also in all of the 3 churches listed and are stamped at each church visited. Anyone interested in travelling on the bus should telephone St Mel’s Presbytery on 043 3346465 for further details.
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.
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.
Tidy Towns lottery
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.
There was no winner of the Lottery draw on 25th March and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw. The winner of the €50 prize was Sheila McKendry, Ballycore, Killashee Road, and the three €20 prizes went to Lily Farrell c/o XLNTEE, Francis and John c/o CE Scheme, and Cara Kelly c/o The Yacht Bar.
The next draw takes place for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 1st April. 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 joint 1st were Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley and Tom Nohilly & Pat Joe Fallon. The last game winners were Pat Rock & Tom Rock. Raffle winners were Annie Eggleton, Gerry Leavy, Eugene Kelly and Noreen Gibbons.
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.
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 24th March. The winning pool amounted to an exciting €716. The winner of the draw was Seamus Clarke. 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.
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
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.
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.
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
Lenten Retreat Day: As part of the spiritual preparation for the Paschal Mystery of Christ at Easter, all parishioners are invited to ‘A Day Retreat and Confessions on Saturday week 12th April from 11am to 2pm in Ballyleague Church. There will recitation of the Holy Rosary, Adoration and a Spiritual talk by a guest speaker. Several priests will be available for your individual Confessions. Come and be blessed.
Thank You: The total subscribed to the annual MSP parish collection amounted to €1400. The money has been forwarded to the Elphin Diocese Finance Office for onward transmission to the MSP by the Bishop. Fr. Dan would like to personally thank everyone that contributed for their generosity and support and supporting his religious order.
Ballyleague Pioneer Church Gate Collection: will be holding their annual church gate collection on Sunday 6th April before 11.30am Mass at Ballyleague Church. All donations will be greatly appreciated
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
Intercounty Championship: Next weekend will see Roscommon open their Connacht Championship campaign when they travel to London to take on London. We wish Ciaráin and Diarmuid Murtagh and their team mates the very best of luck.
We also wish all the locals travelling for the game, safe travelling and here’s hoping to a Roscommon victory
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 #
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.