Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Junior sleeps out for Simon Community
This year sees the return, once again, of the very popular ‘Sleep Out’ as a Midland Simon Community fundraiser. The Sleep Out is held in conjunction with Longford Rugby Club and once again they are appealing to your generosity to equal if not better last year’s fundraiser.
Like last year local Ballyleague man Junior Hannon will once again be our local representative. Junior, as you know, continues to offer so much to so many local support groups each year and now is our time to respond with our support for Junior and this very deserving cause. A sponsorship card is in O’Brien’s and your generous support would be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Mount Everest Base Camp Trek
This Tuesday 28th March three local lads and their Sligo friend are flying out to Kathmandu to undertake a climb of 5364m to the Mount Everest Base Camp. Daniel Morris, Church View, Dean Masterson, Lehery, his cousin Stephen Hula Masterson, Curraghrua and their Sligo friend Martin McIntyre are undertaking this 12 day trek – up and down – beginning on Saturday 1st April. The lads are undertaking this trek to seek support for Mental Health Ireland that does so much amazing work for all those they are in need of their services.
Please support the lads on this tremendous miss by contributing online
Annual Card Game
The Shannon Gaels Minor Club is keeping with the tradition of the minor club when they will host the annual Good Friday 25 Card Drive in Lanesboro Parish Hall on Friday week 7th April. The dealing of cards will commence at 8.30pm. There will be numerous spot prizes during the game and refreshments will be served.
Tickets are priced at €10 each and can be bought from O’Brien’s, from Club members or on the night. Even if you cannot go please buy a ticket, write your name on the ticket and leave it with who you bought it from and you will be in for a draw. This is a brilliant way for supporters of the underage club to support the club even if they are not card players.
The club looks forward to seeing many people there on the night for a great night of card playing and entertainment.
Your support and encouragement for all our underage age team will be greatly appreciated.
Sympathy
Our deepest sympathy to Noreen and Denis Dunne, their family and extended family, Ballyleague on the death of Noreen’s brother Jimmy Molloy, Lucan Co. Dublin on Thursday 9th March.
Lough Ree Greenway
Roscommon County Council is proposing a Lough Ree Greenway from Athlone to Ballyleague/Lanesborough. This reminds of me of the mapping done, as an exercise, by Senior Planning Officer in Longford Co Co Donall Mac an Bheatha. Donall is a man with terrific vision, thoughts and ideas as to creative developments into the future. He had mapped a route through the county of Longford all along Lough Ree down to almost Glasson with the vision of Westmeath County Council taking it to the bridge in Athlone and Roscommon County Council coming back up along the shoreline west bank of Lough Ree hence having a view of the lake almost all the way around creating a fabulous vista for walkers, runners and cyclists on the route.
Last Wednesday Roscommon Co. Co. held a Public Consultation in the Hodson Bay Hotel seeking the thoughts and ideas from the general public creating the Greenway from Athlone to Ballyleague/Lanesborough. They are seeking your views on whether you feel (1) there is a need for the Greenway project, (2) Possible routes to be considered, (3) Locations, attractions, or facilities in the locality that could be attractive for the Greenway user, (4) Locations, attractions or facilities that would benefit from the Greenway route, (5) what are the constraints and/or barriers to a Greenway in your area.
There are Greenway information booklets in O’Brien’s where you can pick up one, have a read and express your views on an attached form. Completed feedback forms must be returned by email or post on or before 12th April.
Views are being sought from property owners, and people that own land along the route, the farming community, local B&B’s, hotels, hostels, and recreational sites and businesses. Local businesses such as shops, pubs, cafes, and supply stores who would all stand to benefit from the opportunities that this Greenway offers are all invited to express their views particularly with an increased number of visitors to the area.
Death
The area was saddened to learn of the death at his home in Curraghroe on Thursday 23rd March of John Jameson. John originally from Roscommon Town along with his wife Mary moved into their new home some 50 years ago in Curraghroe. He was predeceased by his brothers Myles and Gerry, sister Myra and nephew Michael. John had a real friendly manner was a great conversationalist. He had that welcoming and warm smile that soon had you engaging with him. He was deeply knowledgeable hence his conversation topics were wide and varied. He involved himself in many activities within Kilgefin parish and was a stalwart of the St. Faithleach’s club for a good number of years. He had a great interest in politics as well as having many sporting interests. John’s passing will leave a great sadness in all our hearts and of those that came to know him. As we fondly remember him we will always remember his warm and welcoming smile. John’s remains reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Friday last. His remains were removed from his home on Saturday 25th March to St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe for Mass of the Resurrection. Following Mass John was laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery.
To his wife Mary, sons Conor, Ronan and Gary, daughter Catherine, brothers David, Tony, Arthur, George and his sister Bernie, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Day with the Stars extended
Yes, the wonderful and hugely enjoyable Day with the Stars once again returns to Roscommon Racecourse this year only this year it comes with an extension of another day making it a Midsummers Weekend with the Stars. The show will take place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th June and it promises to be one of the main attractions countrywide this year.
Saturday will see The Tumbling Paddies topping the bill that will also include Ruaile Buaile, Rhythm & Sticks, One for the Road and Paul Kelly Music.
Sunday will feature Derek Ryan Music, Philomena Begley, Jimmy Buckley, Mike Denver, Patrick Feeney, Robert Mizzell, Cliona Hagan, Claudia Buckley, Gerry Guthrie Music, David James Music, and Brendan Jermyn Music along with the award winning Shannonside/Northern Sound Orchestra
Tickets can be bought for either day and there are a limited number of weekend tickets available and they can be bought in O’Brien’s, phone 043 3321107 or email Joe at joeaobrien@outlook.com.
Wonderful Collaboration in Litter Pick
On Saturday last we saw the annual Spring Clean litter pick taking place by the Ballyleague Tidy Towns team throughout the wider Ballyleague area. This year the efforts of the team was enhanced greatly by the additional help given to the group by the Ukrainian community that are residents at the former Costello’s Nursing Home. Their help was greatly appreciated and led to a greater area getting the Spring Clean.
Pictured are two of the Ukrainian volunteers enjoying their day out litter picking and helping clean up what is not their own community. To the Ukrainian community we say Дякую
The team gathered many full bags of rubbish from around the village and surrounding approach roads and they hope this will be the first of many such engagements going forward.
Lough Ree AC
Lough Ree Athletics Club who take part in competition in the Roscommon region would like to wish the very best of luck to Andrew Nolan from Lough Ree Athletics who is competing in the U12 Shot Put competition in the National Indoor Athletics Championships in Athlone on April the 1st. Andrew has recently won Gold at Shot Put with a personal best 7.72m throw at the Connaught Indoor Championships. Andrew has a keen interest in sport and also plays with the Longford ETP and Ballyboro soccer clubs. Andrew’s coaches commend his dedication and determination in developing and improving his skills and we wish him the very best in his upcoming athletics competition.
Lough Ree Athletics Club is celebrating its 50th year anniversary this year and we have no doubt there will be plenty more wonderful achievements from our members yet to come!
Line Dancing
Line dancing classes continues to take place every Friday morning 11am at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town.
Line Dancing classes, again, every Sunday at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town
Beginners are on from 6pm to 7pm. Followed by Improvers from 7pm to 8pm
Line Dancing will take place at the Kilbride Centre every Tuesday evening at 7pm followed by Social Dancing with Christopher Byrne
Local notes inclusion
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 coming weeks notes.
Tractor, Truck & Car Run
On Sunday 30th April a Tractor, Truck and Car Run will take place from St. Faithleach’s GAA grounds to remember the late Ronan McDermott.
This running of this event is to help raise awareness of suicide and to raise funds for Pieta House.
Pieta House supports people and communities in crisis by providing freely accessible professional services to all and this was a service Ronan reached out to in the past.
As part of the event a raffle will be held and if you are in a position it is hoped that you may be able to donate a raffle prize. The family organising the event would greatly appreciate any donation you can make.
If you have any questions, want to donate a prize please contact mcdmike@live.com or phone 087 210 4383.
Ronan’s partner, daughter and family would like to thank you for your consideration.
€12,600 up for grabs
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery on Tuesday 28th March stood at €12,600. This is a wonderful amount of money to be won with tickets just costing €2 or 3 tickets for €5.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday 21st March for a jackpot of €12,500 were 6, 9, 24 and 26. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the €50 prize were Kathleen & Sandra Morris, Church View and the three €20 winners were Peter Smyth, c/o the Yacht Bar, Eddie Shea c/o Mags, and Josh, Emma and Zarah Curran, Killinure.
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns committee would like to thank you for your continued generosity and your support is ensuring that Lanesboro continues to look beautiful.
Fáilte Isteach English Classes:
As many know, over 70 people from Ukraine have come to live in our community in the aftermath of the Russian conflict. Many are playing a part in our local community – attending local schools and taking part in sport locally and some residents at the former Costello’s Care home facility have already taken part in water sports activity on a weekly basis at the Lough Ree Access for All Centre in the north quay in Ballyleague.
Residents of the area are now invited to join in a weekly English language get together with the new communities living here – that continues every Tuesday at 10am in the Teach Mhuire meeting room beside the Parochial House in Ballyleague. (Opposite Costello Care Centre: (Eircode: N39 XD54))
Fáilte Isteach is a community project involving predominantly local residents and local volunteers welcoming migrants through conversational English classes but to the 120 communities it impacts across Ireland, Fáilte Isteach classes are so much more.
The groups provide a space for those who are isolated to connect; for perspectives to evolve; for attitudes to change. The informal, relaxed approach to learning allows the most marginalised in our society to engage with others and truly integrate into life in Ireland.
The weekly classes help improve language and reduce loneliness for over 4500 migrants, allowing for long-lasting, authentic community integration. The classes salute the often overlooked potential of 1500 older volunteers who make Fáilte Isteach a reality.
Fáilte Isteach embraces a relaxed, unstructured learning environment. The classes are tutored entirely by volunteers who are encouraged to welcome participants to their community through language; identify needs through conversation and focus primarily on fluency and building confidence. Flexible classes allow volunteers to support participants in their immediate language requirements while offering a warm welcome.
Fáilte Isteach was established in October 2006 by Third Age in response to the observed daily difficulties that new migrants were experiencing integrating into the local community through a poor understanding or lack of English. Following its success as a pilot project in a small rural community, Fáilte Isteach was launched nationally in late 2008. From the inaugural class in Summerhill involving 12 volunteer tutors and 7 students, Fáilte Isteach has now grown to 170 classes across 26 counties, with over 1500 volunteer tutors who support the integration of 4500 migrant students by delivering over 96,000 hours of free tuition annually.
Following a great turnout at the open night last week, the first morning of Fáilte Isteach in this area will be facilitated by Roscommon Leader Partnership at Teach Mhuire meeting room beside the parochial house in Ballyleague (Eircode: N39 XD54) each Tuesday at 10am and the Ukrainian community wish to thank Fr Dan in Ballyleague for his kind support and co-operation.
For more information e mail: ciaranmullooly@ridc.ie
Weekly Card Game
The results from last Sunday night’s weekly card game held in Lanesboro Parish Hall game held on Sunday night last 26th March are: Joint first were Pat & Geraldine Greene and Sean Cox & Gerry Ryan. Last game winners were P.J. & Bridie Glennon. Raffle winners were Eugene Kelly, Pat Joe Fallon, Jim Moran & Noreen Gibbons. Game every Sunday night at 8.30pm sharp with light refreshments served. Rathcline minor club are holding a 25 card drive on Good Friday night at 8.30 pm in Lanesborough Parish Hall. Tickets €10 from club members. Numerous spot prizes on the night. The game continues every Sunday night at 8.30 pm with light refreshments served.
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place in the Clarke’s Bar on Monday night 20th March and the winning prize of €677.50 was in the name of Jackie Curren c/o Brendan Rhatigan. Congratulations Jackie on your fabulous win.
The club is extremely grateful for your continued tremendous support.
Ballyboro FC
It was a quiet weekend with most fixtures falling victim to the weather.
An understrength under 16 team was defeated by 2 goals to nil by table toppers Ballymahon on Saturday last. The first half was closely contested and Wesley Hughes was unlucky to see two great efforts come off the Ballymahon crossbar. Ballymahon scored after 25 minutes and they consolidated their position with a second half goal to secure the points. Ballyboro: Euan Cullen, Eoin Beattie, Billy Murray, Anthony Cox, Shane Gavigan, Cody Phelan, David Cox, Taros Kostur, Nicolas Haluska, Ben Murphy, Wesley Hughes. Subs: Thomas Gallagher, Paulius Bulota, Christian O’Reilly. It is still possible for the under 16s to qualify if they win their remaining two league games and some other results go in their favour.
The under 9s and Newtown both fielded two teams in very interesting and entertaining tussles with lots of good football displayed. Team 1: Rory Curran, Fionn Curran, Mark Hession, Karol Aekienszka, Áine Casey, Paudi Casey, Dean Nolan. Team2: Ronan Kelly, James Murray, Ben O’Rourke, Dean Feeney, Alfonso, Jake Nolan.
ALONE
ALONE provides many services to older people. It recruits, trains and supports volunteers for two services of Visitation/Befriending and Phone /Befriending. Would you be prepared to provide companionship once a week? Full training and support will be provided. For more information contact Francis 086-1085965 or volunteer@alone.ie
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.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of alcoholics are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre building at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on St. Mel’s Road, any Tuesday evening at 7pm.
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. 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
Trocaire: You are reminded that the Trócaire collection this year is supporting the people of Somalia where millions face starvation.
Your generosity will be greatly appreciated and your donation boxes can be collected from the church porch.
Communion for Coeliacs: Gluten free hosts are available for all those who need them. Just make it known to the priest that you wish to receive a gluten free host at Holy Communion.
The Parish Hub: Maireád, the Parish Secretary is in her office on Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm. If you want to contact her by phone you can do so during the aforementioned working hours at 3321166. She will help you with any questions or booking related matters.
Speak with a Priest: if you wish to talk with any of the priests you can call into the sacristy after any Mass.
Talk to the Samaritans: Are you struggling to cope with life? Do you think it would help to talk about your problem in confidence? It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what happened to you. If things are getting you down you can turn to the Samaritans for help. The Samaritans are available on Freephone 116123, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Alone Volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make calls to older people once a week? Alone is seeking volunteers in the area. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interest you are asked to sign up at the following address https://alone.ie/volunteers/
For more information you are invited to contact Helena at Helena.madden@aloone.ie or phone 086 0145 829
Parish contacts
Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
Kilgefin Parish
Revenue Rebate: A gentle reminder to people that has received a revenue form from the parish – please return the completed form to Fr. Dan. The parish has benefitted by almost €6000 per year from Revenue in recent years. People who donated over 250 per year to the parish have received a request to allow the parish to claim a rebate. However, the parish needs the permission of the donor to claim the rebate. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Western Alzheimer’s: Western Alzheimer’s are currently recruiting for Healthcare Assistants throughout County Roscommon and the west. These positions are available on Western Alzheimer’s Community Employment Project. If you would like to find out more you are invited to call09066 27816 or email Roscommon@westernalzheimers.ie
Thank You: The Irish Pilgrimage Trust would like to thank Ballyleague parishioners for their kind contribution of €157.57 last weekend
Alone Volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make calls to older people once a week? Alone is seeking volunteers in the area. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interest you are asked to sign up at the following address https://alone.ie/volunteers.
Stations of the Cross: During the season of Lent Catholics are encouraged to journey with Christ through his paschal mystery by praying the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross will be at the weekends 30 minutes before weekend mass for convenience of all – Saturday at Ballyleague Church at 6.30pm and Sunday at 10.30am. Stations of the Cross will take place in Ballagh Church – Saturday at 7.30pm and Curraghroe Church at 9.30am on Sunday.
Shannon Gaels GAA
The Shannon Gaels Minor Club is keeping with the tradition of the minor club when they will host the annual Good Friday 25 Card Drive in Lanesboro Parish Hall on Friday week 7th April. The dealing of cards will commence at 8.30pm. There will be numerous spot prizes during the game and refreshments will be served.
Tickets are priced at €10 each and can be bought from O’Brien’s, from Club members or on the night. Even if you cannot go please buy a ticket, write your name on the ticket and leave it with who you bought it from and you will be in for a draw. This is a brilliant way for supporters of the underage club to support the club even if they are not card players.
The club looks forward to seeing many people there on the night for a great night of card playing and entertainment.
Your support and encouragement for all our underage age team will be greatly appreciated.
St. Faithleach’s
Lotto
The jackpot is now standing at €3500. There was no winner in this week’s draw. The numbers drawn were 5, 13, 14 and 25. The three €40 winners were Daneka Hanley, Dara Irwin and Anne Feeney. Next draw is 5th April. Tickets are on sale at all usual local outlets. Thank you for your continued support. Thank you Danesh and Sean for their Trojan work in running the club lotto week in week out.
Senior Men
The senior men played Padraig Pearses on Friday evening in Woodmount in the senior league. Final score P. Pearses 2-09 0-09 Faithleach’s. Hard luck lads.
Junior Men
The junior men got their league campaign off to a winning start last Sunday morning with a 4-05 to 1-07 win over Roscommon Gaels in Ballyleague. Well done lads.
Team: M Tarmey, D Murray, A Murtagh, M Cox, R Byrne, P Farrell, S Walsh, J Browne (0-1), A Dooney (1-0), E Farrell (0-1), D Hussey (1-1), S Phillips (0-1), J McGloin, D Donlon, L Ormsby (2-1). Sub: D Walsh.
Junior Ladies
The junior Ladies will take on St. Barry’s on Sunday morning with throw in at 11am. We wish the very best of luck to the team and their management for the season ahead.
Cúl Camps
Cúl Camps return to St. Faithleachs on Monday 3rd July. Book your place now on