Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
This week we saw the passing of legends of our time with the passing of Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Tommy Gorman and the man that was not only legendary but iconic no matter where he was to go worldwide, Fabian Walsh, Rathcline Road. Fabian, his late wife Renee and their daughter Diane arrived in Lanesboro where he took over the ownership of the local bakery on Main Street in 1963. From the very outset he endeared himself to everyone and gave excellent employment for years afterwards to so many. Fabian, the oldest of 5 boys, was born and raised in Tuam where his family ran a business on Bishop Street. He was a product of the famous footballing nursery, St. Jarlath’s College, where he proudly spoke of the many greats of Galway and Mayo football that he had the honour to play with. Fabian was also a very keen swimmer. His work and training in accountancy and his footballing career took him to Dublin where he played with Erin’s Isle and Na Fianna before moving to work in Navan and he played with Navan O’Mahoney’s and ending his career returning to his native Tuam to play with Tuam Stars to play alongside the renowned Sean Purcell and Frank Stockwell. In Lanesboro he immersed himself in our community and in no time he became a founder member of Lough Ree Athletic club where his skills as a coach, encourager and having that gift of bringing absolutely everybody with him meant he received the highest of respect. He had an abiding love for the youth and their sporting and academic development. Fabian had a great devotion to his faith and was a regular mass goer. He would travel with one athlete as quickly as a full bus to any athletic competitions. During the time of the bakery he started a school bus run and brought generations to school from all points to Roscommon CBS and Convent and also to primary schools in between followed by many runs as a taxi to dances in Longford and Roscommon. The annual trip to different parts of the country with his counterparts was indeed legendary and many a funny story is still been told about those adventures. His career in athletics seen him rise to the highest level as Chairman of Bord Lúthchleas Óg na hÉireann. Fabian travelled worldwide in his support of athletics and indeed at some of the meets he was watching and supporting a number of athletes that went came through his influence. Fabian was a wonderful raconteur and his tales and stories engrossed all listeners. If you had the pleasure to meet and know Fabian you would have been taken by his personality and his wonderful sense of social justice – in Fabian’s world nobody was left behind. As was often said of him “Fabian was Fabian”, we all know what that meant, he was a giant in our community. He left us with the greatest, fondest and everlasting memories and the stories told of people’s great times with him will be relayed to many generations to come.
Fabian, in his 95th year passed away at Mullingar Regional Hospital on Sunday 23rd June. His remains reposed at Glennon’s Funeral Home on Friday last and following the Mass of the Resurrection on Saturday he was laid to rest alongside Renee in Clonbonny Cemetery. To his daughter Diane relatives and his multitude of friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Win a New Hyundai
The annual Club Longford draw for a first prize of a Hyundai Tucson or €40,000 will take place on Saturday 20th July. There is also an early bird draw for those buying early so it would be advisable to buy early and be in for the extra prize. Second prize is a €1,500 voucher from Venter Parcs, third prize €1,000, fourth prize €1,000 cash, fifth prize is Two All-Ireland Football Final tickets with an overnight for two in the Croke Park Hotel including dinner and breakfast and sixth prize is a €300 hotel for the four star Castle Court Hotel in Westport. Tickets priced €50 each or 3 for €125 are available from Louis Skelly or from O’Brien’s Shop.
Club Longford aim to support all Longford GAA teams in reaching their maximum potential and you can play your part by buying tickets and supporting draw. The future is bright and can be made brighter with your support.
Triathlon
With over 600 competitors due to take part all roads will lead to Lanesboro and Ballyleague this coming Saturday as Lanesboro Tri Club once again will host their annual Sprint Distance Two Provinces Triathlon. Six hundreds competitors and spectators will descend on the community for what is always an absolutely fabulous event organised by our an excellent local club. The triathlon in our community is held in the highest regard by the competitors hence the growing numbers of entrants each year. The triathlon will incorporate many categories of races from 2024 National Series, try-a-tri, Aqua Bike, and the sprint triathlon itself. The exciting and much enjoyed Kidathon for kids between 8 and 15 years old will as usual take place on Friday evening 5th July and for that there are only a few places remaining.
For health and safety during the Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon & Kidathon on Saturday 6th July, the following road closures are going to be in place:
The R371 from Ballyleague to Scramogue on the from 10.45-14:00
The Rathcline Road from entrance to event car park to Harold’s Cross on the Friday 5th July from 18:55-20:00 and from 11:30-13:00 on 6th Saturday.
The club asks thanks everyone for their tolerance at this particular time and strives to make the delays as short as possible.
Lifebuoys saves lives
We are all well aware of the value of lifebuoys and how vital they are at all points of the river. Unfortunately, there are some people that recently felt there was no need for them in their holder on the Shannon banks. On Wednesday last the Access for All boat while on its trip to the islands picked up not one but three lifebuoys that were cast into the river the previous night. If anybody has any idea as to whom did this terrible deed they should ask them to stop as the lifebuoys do saves lives. Who knows it may be themselves or some member of their family or friends that would be in need and not to have one is unforgivable. It is a very sad reflection on the people that do such deeds and it also cast us as in a dark place as a community. Essential services are there to support us and we must do everything in our power to ensure that they are not touched only in time of necessity.
Traffic Restrictions
If is vitally important to note if you are planning to pass through or even come to Lanesboro/ Ballyleague on Saturday next 6th July you are asked to be aware that this is the day of Lanesboro Triathlon Club’s Two Provinces Annual Triathlon and you may encounter traffic restrictions. The club aims to make sure that that restrictions will be to the minimum but the area between the car park entrance and the Strokestown Road will be the most severely impacted. There will be road closure of limited access on the the Strokestown Road R371 from Ballyleague to Scramogue is from 10.45-14:00 and on the Rathcline Road from 11.30am to 1pm.
On the previous evening, Friday evening 5th July, there will be closure and restrictions for the Kidathon race on the Rathcline Road up to Harold’s Cross from 6.55pm until 8pm.
National Winner
Many congratulations to Lee Williamson, Curreen, Rathcline Road who was selected as national winner in the ‘My Favourite Waterbody’ national photography competition.
The photograph was taken at the sandbeds beside the small harbour.
Lee was firstly announced as regional winner for the Midlands and East before being named as the national winner. His reward for winning is a voucher for €500 voucher for the Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa in Co. Wicklow along with an A3 framed print of his excellent winning photograph.
Pizza Boy
Issue 4 of the very popular Pizza Boy is now on sale in O’Brien’s. Harry Kenny is just a nine year old and since his first published this comic the demand has continued to grow. Harry is a student in Cloontuskert National School and son of Paul and Amanda Kenny, Cloonadra.
Journal
The County Roscommon Historical and Archaeological Society have recently launched their latest edition of their excellent Journal. The book has many excellent articles with photographs to bring back memories to many people. Involved in the Society is local man now residing in Trien, Castlerea, Edmund Hester son of the late John and Mary Hester Knock and brother of Eugene, Knock. There are articles with people that whose writings we would be very familiar with namely Henry Owens, Mike Lennon, Tommy Murray and Albert Siggins to name a few. The Journal is for sale in O’Brien’s costing €20 and it is very well worth the read.
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday last 25th June for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 5, 8, 22, and 26. There was nobody lucky enough to have the four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remains the same for the next Tuesday draw. The winner of the €50 prize was Ann McCarthy c/o Mags, and the three €20 prizes went to Moydow 3 some c/o Mags, Grace Rhatigan, Fermoyle c/o The Yacht Bar and Kathleen & Mags c/o Mags.
The draw will take place in O’Brien’s every Tuesday morning.
Cemetery Sunday
Cemetery Sunday remembrance and the Blessing of the Graves is back with us once again in the parish of Rathcline. As usual the first celebration of Mass in the cemetery will take place in Rathcline on Sunday 7th July, followed by Lanesboro/St. John’s on Sunday 14th and Clonbonny at 21st July. Proceedings will commence at 6pm each Sunday.
Those with family graves in the 3 cemeteries are asked to ensure that they are well maintained and cared for. We would ask those tending to their family graves to take away old wreaths, pots and plastics with them and dispose of in their rubbish bins.
The Clonbonny Graveyard committee have asked that people to stop throwing rubbish over the wall.
Lanesboro Gun Club
Memberships are now due for the forthcoming season 2024/2025. Can you please contact a member of the committee to arrange payment of same.
Cloontuskert Cemetery Sunday
I have been asked by the Cloontuskert Cemetery committee to remind people that have family members buried in the graveyard that the Cemetery Sunday remembrance will take place at the graveyard on Sunday 11th August at 6pm
One-Day Pilgrimage
The annual one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place this year on Sunday 25th August. The bus will leave from Ballyleague Church at 7am and will pass through Scramogue, Rooskey and Carrick-on-Shannon. Booking is essential and bookings and further details can ge got by contacting Mary at 043 33 21969
Campa Spraoi 2024
Summer Camp as Gaeilge for children aged 4 – 11 years takes place in Gaelscoil de hÍde from 8th July – 12th July, 9.30 am – 2 pm. Various activities including Art, Music, Dance, Singing, Science, Sport as Gaeilge. For further details contact campaspraoiros@gmail.com or text 086 3827523.
Documentary
Little Wing Films are developing a documentary about older adult siblings who have lived together their whole lives. The Dublin-based film company is interested in hearing individual and shared stories and exploring the dynamics of this type of family unit, which is now much less prevalent in Ireland than it once was. If you or somebody you know would like to hear more about the project, please call the producer, Maria Horgan, on (086) 236 1861, or researcher, Pauline Dunne, on (085) 739 6369. You can also email pauline@littlewingfilms.com Find out more at https://www.littlewingfilms.com/
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 90minute 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. Sailing times daily for the 90 minute trip are 10.00am, 12.00pm and 2.30pm. 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
Weekly Card Game
The results of last Sunday night’s game held in the Parish Hall are in 1st place Joe Dolan and Tom Rooney who tied with Kitty Feeney & Jimmy Holan. The last game winners were Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley. Raffle winners were Noel McDermott, Kitty Feeney, Martin McDermott & Petey Donlon. The game takes place every Sunday night in the hall at 8.30pm. New card players will always be welcome. Light refreshments are always served
Community Employment Scheme
Western Alzheimer’s Roscommon has vacancies on their Community Employment Scheme for Dementia Specific Health Care Support Assistant to join our Community In-Home Respite Service Team. They are looking for friendly, approachable, honest, reliable and committed individuals who can make a connection with their clients in a supportive capacity and assist them to partake in their activities of daily living. Please call the Roscommon office on 090 6627816, they would love to hear from you!!
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.
Galway Races Beckons
Every year the Rathcline as a club celebrate at the legendary Galway Races by taking tables in the hospitality suite in the panoramic stand. This has always proven to be a fabulous day out with people travelling from abroad and throughout the country for what always transpires to be a wonderful occasion. We are sure that this celebration will once again be a complete sell out.
The ticket package includes Racecourse Admission, Champagne Reception, Four Course Gourmet Meal, Complimentary wine with the Meal, Afternoon Tea, Reserved Table for the Day, After Meal Entertainment with Rock and Pop from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s by the hugely popular Mickey & Duxy, Tote Betting Facilities, Complimentary Car Parking, Race Card and Racing Tipsters will be on hand to guide you through the card. There will also be a competition for the Best Dressed lady and Gent offering a wonderful incentive to make that special effort in your dress style. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a very special day at the Galway Races for just €150.
Bookings can be made with Stephen Rooney, 0863176301, Liam Connerton 086 8776405, Kevin Hanley 086 8908436 or Seadna Ryan 085 1595512. Get your booking in early as there is no doubt going to be a big demand.
Gala Concert
A summer Gala Concert featuring The Gateway Singers, Buncrana, Paul Hennessy and other guest artists will be held in The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule on Saturday next 6th July 8.00 pm. A raffle will also be held on the night with some lovely goodies up for grabs. All proceeds in aid of Irish Motor Neurone Association, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland Longford and Palliative Care Longford. Tickets are €10.00 and are available from The Alzheimer Society office on Earl Street, The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule, Mollaghan’s Dublin Street and many other outlets throughout the county. For more details contact Kathryn on 086 8226894. More details next week
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.
Walking the Camino
Have you ever dreamed of walking the Camino? Join the MSC Missions as they walk the shaded lanes and valleys of the Camino Ingles walking from Ferrol to Santiago in Northern Spain from the 29th July – 5th August 2024. The temperature in this part of northern Spain in July is perfect for walking, like a balmy summer day in Ireland. For more details of this fundraising pilgrimage call Mary at 021 454 6691 or email mary.morrish@mscmissions.ie
Brothers of Charity
Are you interested in supporting someone with an intellectual disability, to be part of the community in which they live? 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.
VAKS programme
Applications are now open for VAKS (Volunteer at Knock Shrine) programme. It is an opportunity for young people in TY, 5th and 6th year to go to Knock Shrine to volunteer for a weekend in either July or August. This is a great way to meet new friends, serve others, express your faith and have fun! For further information please contact Knock Youth Ministry on 094 9375321 or youthministry@knockshrine.ie
Lough Derg 2024 pilgrimage season
One Day Retreats have reopened for August & September. Three Day Pilgrimages will take place in July & August. For more information or bookings you are asked to contact 071 9861518, info@loughderg.org or website www.loughderg.org
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 24th June the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in Clarke’s Bar, The jackpot for Monday night was again very substantial topping the €600 mark. The winner this week was Maura Kenny, Fermoyle who was the winner of €626. As always, 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 support is highlighted by the large pools every week.
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.
Crochet for Children
Crochet classes for children is resuming in the Parish Hall on Friday evening from 3pm to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 30 am to 12 30 pm. Enquiries to Virginia on 086 2036542.
Learn to play Guitar
Have you ever thought of learning to play the guitar? Complete beginner guitar lessons are now available in the Lanesboro area. For booking and further details phone 087 7774203.
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.
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.
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 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.
Adoration: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament continues on Tuesday’s after 10am Mass until 8pm in the church. People are welcome to join the Adoration group any time. Those who do a designated hour are requested to arrange a substitute in they happen to be able to attend at their designated time.
Brothers of Charity: Are you interested in supporting someone with an intellectual disability, to be part of the community in which they live? If you are interested in volunteering in the Brothers of Charity Services in Roscommon, please contact Edel Crehan on edel.crehan@bocsi.ie or phone 0874887314 for more details.
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 next 5th July.
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 interested, you are asked to sign up at the following address https://alone.ie/volunteers
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.
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.ie
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Employability Service Roscommon: The EmployAbility Service is an Employment and Recruitment Service to assist people with a disability, health condition, illness or injury to pursue and maintain employment in the open labour market. Are you currently aged over 18 years? Do you have a disability health condition, illness or injury? Would you consider working? If so, why not let Seetec Employability Service Roscommon support you to find a job in your local area. This is confidential and a free individualised service funded by the Department of Social Protection. For further information call/text 0860684337 or email Corrina.harlow@seetec.ie
Fr. Dan’s 15th Anniversary: Many congratulations to Fr. Dan who celebrated his 15th anniversary as a priest on Thursday last 24th June. You are asked to keep him in your prayers.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Friday 30th August to Wednesday 4th September inclusive and includes the Assisted Pilgrim section. Those who travel as part of the Assisted Pilgrim section will stay in Accueil Notre Dame and be cared by the Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage Care Team whilst in Lourdes. Application forms for the Assisted Pilgrim section and full details are available from Fr. Ray Milton, PP, Pilgrimage Director, St. John’s, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon phone 09066 61115. The closing date for completed application forms is Monday 10th June. All other enquiries regarding the Pilgrimage and bookings must be directed to Joe Walsh Tours 0102410800 or info@joewalshtours.ie
Brothers of Charity: Are you interested in supporting someone with an intellectual disability, to be part of the community in which they live? If you are interested in volunteering in the Brothers of Charity Services in Roscommon, please contact Edel Crehan on edel.crehan@bocsi.ie or phone 0874887314 for more details.
Cloontuskert Cemetery Sunday: Cloontuskert Cemetery committee want to remind people that have family members buried in the graveyard that the Cemetery Sunday Remembrance will take place at the graveyard on Sunday 11th August at 6pm
Kilteevan Cemetery Mass: You are reminded that the Kilteevan Cemetery mass will take place on Saturday 13th July at 7.30pm. If the weather is not good on the day Mass will take place in St. Joseph’s church, Kilteevan at the same time.
Medjugorje Youth Festival: The Diocese of Elphin invites young adults in the diocese aged between 18 and 35 on pilgrimage to Medjugorje this summer for the Youth Festival from 31st July to 7th August led by Bishop Kevin. The cost per person sharing is €650. For more information and further details please go to the diocesan website www.elphindiocese.ie/madjugorje or contact the diocesan office 071-9150106 or youth@elphindiocese.ie
Morning Pilgrim Walk: Elphin’s Diocese’s Morning Pilgrim Walk from Castlerea to Knock will take place on Sunday 18th August. For more information contact www.elphindiocese.ie/walk2knock