Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
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.
Best Race Nomination
Once again the Lanesboro Tri Club’s Two Province has been nationally recognised and nominated as one of the top three triathlon’s in Ireland. This is the second year in succession that the club has received this nomination. While it would be wonderful to receive the accolade of top race the fact that the triathlon has been nominated, in the top three, two years running is a stunning achievement for the club and its members.
Lanesboro Tri Club continues to grow and attract new members every year and their dedication to their club and the sport has to be seen to be believed.
Many congratulations on your nomination and the best of luck at the Triathlon Ireland awards night.
Sympathy
Our deepest sympathy must go to John and Geraldine Fallon and their family Cullentra on the death of John’s niece Deirdre O’Connor, Artane, Dublin who passed away on Thursday last 26th October aged 26 years. Deirdre was daughter of John’s sister Mary Frances and we extend our sympathy to Mary Frances, her husband John, her siblings Owen, Aisling, Sinéad, Katie, Deirdre’s husband Robert, relatives and friends.
Solstice Choir celebrate on Friday next
The huge popular and much travelled Roscommon Solstice Choir is celebrating this year its 10th anniversary. The choir since its inception has gained tremendous notoriety both at home and abroad.
The choir is inviting you to join them at the Roscommon Solstice Choir 10th Anniversary Concert in the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon on Friday night 3rd November. The doors will open at 7.30pm and the show concert will commence at 8pm.
Joining the Solstice choir in its celebrations will be Charlie Mc Gettigan, Dave Lawlor, Eimear Reynolds, Fr. Kevin Fallon, Frankie Mc Donald, Johnny Carroll, Johnny Johnson and Paul Healy.
Tickets priced at only €10 can be bought in O’Brien’s and as tickets are limited early purchasing is essential to ensure your seat.
Death
On Saturday the death took place on Saturday 21st October at Innis Ree Lodge Nursing Home Ballyleague of Denis Dunne, Ballyleague. Denis, a native of Killenard, Co. Laois came to work with ESB in the first power station in the 1960’s. From the first step he made in our community to his very last, Denis left an indelible mark. He had a wonderful personality and his warm and gentle nature endured him to everyone that had the privilege to know him. Before he left his native Killenard he was one of the founding members of O’Dempsey’s GAA club with whom he won county titles and soon after his arrival he was a co-founder of St. Faithleach’s GAA club and the first chairman of Kilgefin Community Games. Denis embraced his new community for 60 years and that love was shared back to him by our admiration. He worked in the power station for over 40 years until his retirement and never was a man sorrier to leave a job and his co-workers. He was a man who loved boating, fishing and exploring Lough Ree and its islands. In the early years he built his own cruiser and all summer he boated all over the lake. He was a man whose family meant everything to him as well as his faith. His community also meant everything to him and it is not too long ago since he was chairman for a number of years of the Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee. Denis life in our community for was legendary for all the great reason hence our great sense of loss.
Denis reposed at his residence on Tuesday evening and on Wednesday he was removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for the Mass of the Resurrection. Burial took place in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his wife Noreen, his children, Brendan, Siobhán, Gráinne, Gary, Niamh and Fiona
Be Aware and Alert
During the latter end of last week there were break-ins to at least two homes in the Ernagh and Ballyglass area. On Saturday a car was seen entering the yard of another resident of that area and it was very suspicious as when it was it approached it drove off at speed.
Every year and particularly at this time of the year there are break-ins and damage done to properties.
It is extremely important that we be very vigilant and keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary in our areas. On sight, you must dial 999 immediately as we have to be very observant not only for our own property but also that of all properties in our community.
Fitness Classes
A new series fitness classes for all levels will commence in Ballyleague Hall on Tuesday next 7th November. The classes will be for one hour 7pm to 8pm and it will run for 4 weeks. For further enquiries phone 086 2260309
College Enrolment and Open Day
Lanesboro Community College is recognised as a leading educational facility gaining excellent results and placements in recent years. The recognition of the great work being done is not lost on parents and consequently the intake of first year’s students tends to fill up very quickly.
Enrolment for the school year 2024/25 has just opened and early booking is essential. Application forms are available online, www.lanesborocc.com or can be picked up from the school. For further details phone 0906 500140.
The College will hold its Open Day will take place on Thursday 16th November.
Death
A great sadness shrouded the community when news broke on Wednesday 25th October of the death in the care of Roscommon Hospice of Des Fallon, Ballyglass. Born and reared in the townsland of Cloontuskert Des moved to the next townsland where he built a home for himself and his wife Maureen and they reared their family there. He as a man devoted to his family and to his land that he tended to with great affection. He worked in Bord na Mona until his retirement where he was always recognised as a valuable member of staff. Des was acknowledged far and wide as a gentleman who was quietly spoken and a will to help anybody that was in need of assistance. He had a great faith and was a regular mass goer that stood greatly to him in his hours of illness. His loss will leave the community all the poorer and he will be sadly missed.
Des reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Friday last and on Saturday he was removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for his Funeral Mass. Following Mass he was laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his wife Maureen, sons Frank and Donal, daughter Vivienne, his brother Joe, daughter in law Rachael, brothers in law Roland, Dean and Patsy Hanley, extended family and friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Wild Geese
On Friday last in the Irish Times in the Wild Geese section we were delighted to see Eoin Sorohan featuring. Wild Geese features Irish people abroad telling their stories and how they are getting on. Eoin tells of his original sojourn to America after securing his place on Enterprise Ireland’s international graduate programme to now working with an Irish founded supply chain software company, Overhaul. This company, in a relative short space of time has become a leader in risk management of freight where they track and monitor expensive freight for the world’s leading companies and endeavour to ensure that this freight makes it to its destination fully intact. Eoin’s story is intriguing and it is wonderful to see one of own community making his mark in Austin, Texas. Eoin is son of John and Mary (nee Clancy), Killinure and a past pupil at Lanesboro Community College. While he was a loss to the Rathcline GAA club it is great to see Eoin keeping up his football skills with the Cowboys GAA team and continues his involvement with the tightly knit Irish community in Austin.
Many more years of continued success Eoin, we are very proud of your achievements.
Tractor Run
A Tractor Run in memory of Donal Chapman who lost his battle with MS just over one year ago will take place on Saturday 25th November.
Donal was a great advocate of the MS Society (Longford) and with a great strength of character he took part in many fundraising events such as a Skydive, Bungee Jump, and the Christmas Day Swim to mention a few. Donal could not stress enough the support and good that the MS Society does for those suffering.
The Tractor Run organised by neighbours and friends, along with remembering Donal Chapman, it will raise funds for Longford Multiple Sclerosis and will start at ‘The Local’ Newtowncashel with registration from 1pm. The Run will start at 2.30pm and route will go from the local to Derryhaun down, through Lanesboro and over to St. Faithleach’s club grounds. It will return via the Rathcline Road, across Bullockstown and up through Killinure to finish at the Pier Inn.
There will be a Kids Tractor Run in Lisnacusha, time to be decided, and there will also be an early visit from the magical man Santa where all youngsters can give their list to the great man.
The very popular Acting the Maggot will finish off the day’s proceeding with another fabulous music night in the Pier Inn.
The picture below was taken at the launch of the Tractor Run at the Pier Inn Lisnacusha.
Sympathy
The President, committee, and members of the Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club offer our sympathy to Noreen Dunne and her family on the death of her husband Denis.
May he rest in peace.
ESB Annual Mass
The Annual Mass for deceased staff members of ESB Lanesborough will take place in St. Mary’s Parish Hall beside the bridge. Mass will take place on Wednesday 15th November at 8pm. All former staff members, their families and the families of deceased staff members are invited to attend.
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club
On Sunday the 22nd November the club participated in the regional search and recovery training day which took place in Tarmonbarry. This is an extremely important day for the club and for the search and recovery divers and team members. This training day must be complete on an annual basis. There was a fantastic turn of Lough Ree Sub Aqua members and they were delighted to be able to train alongside Athlone, Mullingar, Longford and Roscommon Sub Aqua Clubs and also Offaly Search and Recovery Unit.
Jack Harte Book Launch
Never one to rest on his laurels, Jack has recently completed his new novel In the Foul Rag-and-Bone Shop is a story about when an eccentric and reclusive Dublin artist’s paintings go missing, a crisis is set in motion and he has to engage with the world.
Jack invites you to come along to the launch of this, his new book, at The Printworks, Dublin Castle on Saturday 11th November at 1pm.
The month of November will continue to be busy for Jack as from Tuesday 21st until Saturday 2nd December his latest play ‘Vulture’ will run at the New Theatre 43 Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 Y306.
We wish Jack every success with his books and play.
New Game of Pickleball
Pickleball is a new game that has clubs growing all over Ireland. It is played on a badminton court with a tennis net, rubber ball with holes in it and hard paddles. It is a game for all ages and it is a family favourite. If you are interested in learning more about the game you should contact Michael at 087 6776304. It sounds a fabulous new game and one that should be added to the list of sports in the parish especially as the parish hall is eminently suitable to host.
Thank You
Lough Ree Sub Aqua club would like to thank all who donated generously to their recent church gate collections.
Upcoming Quiz Night
St. Faithleach’s GAA clubhouse will host a Quiz Night on Friday 10th November. At 9pm the first of the night’s questions will be asked. The Quiz Night is in aid of Ballyleague Hall and your support is greatly encouraged. Teams of 4 will cost €40.
There will be a raffle on the night with lots of prizes to be won.
Killian Homeplace Genealogy
Would you like to trace your family roots? The Killian Homeplace in Fermoyle is now available for anybody to trace their family Irish roots. Many people have hit a block when searching for their family roots and there is now the golden opportunity to help your search. You can contact the team at the Killian Homeplace www.thekillianhomeplace.com or phone 0863952557 or from abroad 011 353 86 395 2557.
There is an excellent team in place and you will be assured of every help possible to get your family tree completed.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €15,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 31st October stands at an exciting €15,000. This is a wonderful opportunity to win the €15,000 for just €2 or 3 envelopes for €5.
The draw took place in O’Brien’s Shop and the numbers drawn on Tuesday 24th October for the jackpot of €15.000 were 5, 15, 19 and 25. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the €50 prize was Mary Rice, The Abbey, and the three €20 winners were Michael Kelly, Colehill, c/o O’Brien’s, Barbara Ferguson, Lanesboro, and Pauline Casey, Lanesboro, c/o Mags.
The draw takes place every Tuesday morning in O’Brien’s Shop.
Without your continued generosity and support the excellent results in the Tidy Towns completion would not have been so good. Your tremendous is ensuring that Lanesboro continues to look beautiful. Thank you very much.
Access for All boat
The Access for All boat is for everybody. The boat can cater for three large wheelchairs but you don’t have to be a wheelchair user to avail of the excellent trips. 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.
The summer sailings are 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly card game held in St. Mary’s Hall Lanesboro on Sunday night last are: 1st Brian & Frank, 2nd Johnno & Mike. Last game winners were Peggy & Noreen. Raffle winners were Pat Greene, Aidan Carly, Michael Finnan and Geraldine Greene. As usual light refreshments are served at the game. No partner needed.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 16th October the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in the Yacht Bar. After another very successful week of selling we have seen the winning pool again went over the €600 mark with the jackpot settling at €620. The winning envelope drawn out was in the name of Sinead Hanley. Sinead bought her ticket online as the yellow ticket purchase is exclusive to online sales. Well done Sinaed on your great win.
As always, the winning cheques can always be collected in O’Brien’s.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night at 7.30pm. Your continued generous support is greatly appreciated and it is highlighted by the large pool each week.
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 here to help
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
Line Dancing
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.
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 continued 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.
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. 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
Eucharist: If you would like to receive Holy Communion call from a Minister of the Eucharist you are invited to let Maireád in the parish office know. Call in or phone 3321166.
Longford Citizen Information: The centre is located on level 1 within Longford Shopping Centre and it provides free, impartial and confidential information, advice and advocacy services, rights and entitlements. Information at the reception desk from Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 5.00pm. The office closes for lunch from 1pm until 2pm. There is a free information booklet available and you can pick it up at the office.
Alcohol Anon Meeting: Relatives and friends of those addicted to alcoholare welcome to attend this meeting in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on any Tuesday evenings at 7pm
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. She can be contacted on the phone 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@alone.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
Parish Contact:
You can contact Fr Dan at 089 2706060
Church TV: Church TV have now installed cameras in Ballyleague Church from where all masses during the week and weekend will be streamed live. Masses can also be recorded but 7 days notice is required. The parish is now in this position to have the service installed for live masses due to a generous donation from a parishioner who would like to remain anonymous. The parish is very grateful to this parishioner for making the donation and making live on screen masses available.
Tap-Machine in Porch: All parishioners and visitors to the Church of the Holy Rosary Church, Ballyleague are reminded that a ‘Tap Machine’ has now been installed in the porch of the church and it will be in operation from now on. This is an initiative of the Diocese of Elphin to help ease the hassle of availability of cash and a response to the cashless policy. Parishioners are asked to continue to use weekly pink envelopes as this new system is to encourage support for aid in the maintenance and welfare of the parish.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Annual Lottery
It’s now time for annual lottery subscriptions to be renewed. Please contact any committee member to do so. Thank you for your continued support.
Clubhouse
The Clubhouse is open every Saturday night from 7pm. The clubhouse is available for private party bookings. Please contact any committee member to book.