Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Hospice Coffee Morning
St Faithleach’s GAA club are hosting a coffee morning in aid of Hospice in their Clubhouse on Saturday 28th September from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Come along and enjoy a coffee and a chat and support this worthy cause.
Luke Casserly to the Fore
This Friday night 20th September local creative artist Luke Casserly will bring his production of Distillation to the Temperance Hall illustrating a performative journey that takes you to the Irish bog landscape through scent.
Distillation is a response to the recent cessation of the peat harvesting industry in Ireland. Over the past year, Luke Casserly has collaborated with renowned perfume maker Joan Woods to create a unique distillation of the Midlands bog – the place where he grew up and played – as the starting point for an olfactory encounter which looks at our human relationship to place.
The reviews of the show in Dublin were excellent and as the Irish Independent said “This is a thought-provoking show, that stays in the mind long after, like the sweet woody smell of the bog perfume that lingers on the wrist.”
If you cannot make it to Longford on Friday night to see Luke, you can avail of the second opportunity to see Distillation at Roscommon Arts Centre on Tuesday 24th at 8pm following with two further performances on Wednesday 25th at 6 and 8pm.
Shamrock 165
Shamrock 165 is a trilogy of books written by Sligo native Gavin Walsh on the first ever Aer Lingus plane crashed on Snowdonia National Park, Wales
This is the true story of both the Irish nation’s and Aer Lingus first fatal crash, which occurred in Snowdonia National Park, North Wales on Thursday 10th January 1952. Gavin spent 13 years researching, writing and compiling the ‘Shamrock 165’ trilogy. His final results are diametrically opposed to both the British and Irish Government’s official investigation findings. The author has accumulated more than 1000 never-supposed-to-see the light of day documents; many of which illustrated in the 3 volumes. The story also details the lives of all the 23 victims who perished on that night almost 73 years ago.
On board was local Rathcline lady Evelyn Belton which makes this book of great interest to locals.
This is a fascinating trilogy of books delving into every aspect of the crash and a tremendous read. The books can be bought in O’Brien’s at a cost of just €65 for the set of three or individually Book 1 at €25, Book 2 at €20 and Book 3 at €30.
Pilates
Pilates with Regina has returned to St. Marys Hall Lanesboro on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm
Don’t put it off? Start now at the beginning you won’t know yourself by Christmas.
Singing, Piano, Violin and Cello
Tuition is available for all ages and all levels in Singing, Piano, Cello, and Violin. Preparation is given for the practical and written Junior and Leaving Cert examinations. If you are interested please contact Edel 087 3649005 or Alida 089 4974865.
Shannonside Tales
Renowned local historian John Casey is to launch his new book, ‘Shannonside Tales’ in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Saturday next 21st September at 2pm. Celebrated local author Jack Harte will be in attendance to officially launch the new book.
The book covers many aspects of the communities’ history from both sides of the Shannon – Lanesboro – Longford and Ballyleague – Roscommon.
Much is written about the Fight for Independence and many of the skirmishes and actions in both Longford and Roscommon are fully detailed.
Other chapters cover Fair Days and regattas that were once an annual feature of the community. Prominent locals and important visitors are also featured as is the varied local architecture and sections covering the river and the bridge.
A total of 33 chapters give a comprehensive history of the area, with 100’s of photographs to enhance the stories.
The book is not all John’s work. Major contributions have been made by Lanesboro and Roscommon’s own Tommy Murray and by historian Seán Ó Súilleabháin. The book has been edited by Andrew Knowles.
Priced at €20 the books will be on sale at the launch and afterwards at O’Brien’s Shop and Newsround in Longford and Roscommon.
Death
The death of a very popular figure and great character always saddens the heart and it was the case when we learned of the unexpected death at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, on Thursday 5th September of Jerry Connor, Tuam, Kilrooskey. Jerry was predeceased by his wife Carmel and baby son Jason. In his younger days Jerry immigrated to England before returning to Kilrooskey where himself and Carmel set up home and reared their family. He was a renowned builder and tradesman and such were his expert hands and construction brain that he could adapt himself to any trade. Jerry also farmed his land in Tuam where was lauded for being a most helpful and obliging neighbour. He was a very pleasant and sociable man who endeared himself to everybody he met. Jerry reputation as a tradesman was of similar standing as his reputation of being a character. He loved nothing better than telling engrossing stories and having a laugh and was always quick to turn the story onto himself to his detriment – he was truly a great character. Everybody that encountered Jerry will always hold him dear to their heart and along with great memories we will always smile at the mention of his name.
Jerry reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Sunday 8th September and was later removed to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh. On Monday his Mass of the Resurrection took place followed by burial afterwards in Kilgefin Cemetery. To his sons Sacha, Steve, Gerard, his daughters Ann-Marie, Vanessa and Carly, his sister Beatrice relatives and friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Ballyleague Tidy Towns
The Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee would like to sincerely thank all those who contributed to their Church Gate collection/go fund me campaign last weekend. The committee view the generous contributions and favourable comments received is a strong endorsement of their work in keeping Ballyleague tidy and welcoming to both visitors and locals alike.
Ground-breaking lady
Longford Gaelic Stats is a treasure throve for everyone in the county of Longford and for anyone that is interested in GAA statistics of club and county. The social media site is driven by three Killoe men – none of them living in Longford – but these three men have a huge interest and love of their home county. Paul – London, Colm – Nenagh and John – Co. Down and their incredible work is a wonderful recognition to their dedication to their home county of Longford.
The other day Paul and myself were in touch about another issue when out of the blue he sent me the cover of a Gaelic games magazine of old that he had just received, It was the cover of Gaelic Sport magazine of January 1969 and it featured a photograph of local Ivy Villa, Rathcline, lady Jean Farrell who was creating her own bit of history back then when she elected to the executive of UCG Football club. Jean was indeed a trailblazer as she was one of the first if not the first lady to be in a leading role of a GAA club executive.
Jean is sister of Fintan who was an excellent player for both club and county and he was a leading figure in Rathcline’s only county title in 1976.
Jean later married Adrian Duncan from Ballymahon where they raised their family and still live. Adrian in his own right was an outstanding player for the Ballymahon club for many years.
It was great to see the photograph of Jean on the magazine where she was being mentioned as a pioneer in bringing women to the top table within the GAA. It is wonderful to see that from her initial footsteps many a lady has followed along the trail that Jean had first blazed.
Engineering Technology
Mature applicants and school leavers are invited to apply for a place in Engineering Technology, Level Five, at Longford College of Further Education. There will be practical classes, emphasis on skill demonstrations, small class numbers and no prior engineering skills required and you can earn up to 390 CAO points.
You can enrol at www.longfordcfe.com,or you can contact Ken at kmartin.tcl@lwetb.ie or phone Ken at 086 3540950.
Local notes
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.
Bridge Resumes
The Lanesboro 1973 Bridge club will resume, following the summer break, on this Wednesday 18th September at 7.30pm.
Championship Update
St. Faithleach’s played North Roscommon in the preliminary quarter final in Lisnamult for a place in the quarter final draw. The lads never seemed in troubled and ran out convincing winners on a scoreline of 1-14 to 1-6. In the quarter final draw they were drawn against Clann na Gael. The game will take place in Kiltoom on Saturday next 21st at 6pm.
We wish the panel and management the very best of luck and hopefully we will be celebrating a place in the semi-final.
Sunday evening Pearse Park, Rathcline’s championship run was brought to an end by Abbeylara on a scoreline of 10pts to 1-5. As you can see from the scoreline it was a tight game with few not too many scores. It was unfortunate for a team and management who performed so well in their group and looked at this game with great expectation.
We thank the lads for all their efforts through the year and we look forward to come back better and stronger in the coming year.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 9th September the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in Adie’s Bar under the stewardship of Duncan Murphy and Mick Shorthall. The jackpot for Monday night was again over €700. The winner this week was Paddy Clyne, Ballymahon who was the winner of €727. 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.
Blessing of Animals
A Blessing of your pets will take place at the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon 28th September at 3pm. This Blessing is supported by Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday last 8th September for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 8, 16, 17 and 29. There was nobody with the good fortune to have the correct 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 Tom Gill c/o Nuala Malone and the three €20 prizes went to Jake, Kyle and Lauren c/o John Rice, Sean and Olive Cox, Bogwood, Doughill, c/o Mags and Fiona c/o Mags.
The draw will take place in O’Brien’s every Tuesday morning.
Church Gate Collection
The Lough Ree Athletic Club is holding a Church gate Collection on this coming Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September. Your usual generous support will once again be greatly appreciated.
Weekly Card Game
The results of last Sunday night 8th September game held in the Parish Hall are. 1st Tom Rooney and Joe Dolan, 2nd Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley. Last game winners were Josie and Freda Connaughton and the raffle winners were Peter Gregg, Tommy Fox, Freda Connaughton and Jim Horan. 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
Roscommon Special Olympics Annual Game
The annual game between Roscommon Special Olympics and Roscommon Garda selection will take place at the Roscommon Community Sports Park, Lisnamult on Friday next 20th September with the kick off at 7pm. The winning team will receive the Marie Allen Memorial Cup named after a wonderful lady who, prior to her passing, was a huge part of the Roscommon Special Olympics group.
The evening promises to be fun filled, entertaining and your support will mean so much to those involved with Special Olympics.
You are all invited to join with the group for refreshments immediately after the game. The local Comhaltas group will add to the events of the evening with some wonderful traditional Irish music.
Pike Angling Festival
The Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub is delighted to announce that the King of the Lake 2024 International Pike Festival is open for entries.
The event will have over 40 prizes totalling €11,500 and will be run over two days of fishing on Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th September – it is a boat fishing competition and anglers must be in a boat while fishing. Lure fishing, fly fishing and dead baits are the only methods allowed. Anglers may only use two rods. There must be at least two people in each boat and a maximum of three anglers and a maximum of four rods fishing at a time. You can sign up now on their Google form – go to the Facebook page and click the link https://www.facebook.com/Loughreeangling
Culture Night Longford & Roscommon
The year the Annual Culture Night will take place on Friday evening/night next 20th September in Longford Town with a great deal of local participation. This is the 19th edition of Culture Night and we encourage you to go along and support some of the fascinating productions taking place.
Local Clonfower and Lanesboro lady and artist Anna Peters at her Athena Gallery on Ballymahon Street will be hosting live art and live music for Culture Night from 5pm until late.
Another Clonfower and Lanesboro person Luke Casserly will bring you on a performative journey which takes you to the Irish bog landscape through scent. Distillation is a response to the recent cessation of the peat harvesting industry in Ireland. Distillation will take place in the Temperance Hall from 8 to 9pm.
‘Reels on the Bus’ is an interactive traditional music workshop and live trad music session open to secondary school students in Longford.
Reels on the Bus aims to introduce young people to Irish traditional music with a one-hour workshop in Bodhrán. This workshop will be guided by Derryhaun man Noel Carberry amongst others on the basics of the Bodhrán from 4.30 to 6pm.
Local Knock Manor residents, artists Stephanie and Kevin Hanlon are creating ‘The Night Garden’ a site specific instillation inspired by characters from Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. The instillation is located in the service lane to the right of the Spirit Clothing shop on Main Street and will take place between 7pm and 10pm.
Local Tullyvrane artist Mary Fleming will be part of the County Longford Arts Service and NTE Longford to present ‘Light Bank’. The project aims to transform the Former Ulster Bank building into a canvas of light, illumination and community spirit.
This is the local participation in Culture Night in Longford and even writing it make me tingle with excitement for what is in prospect for us on the evening.
As I mentioned last week I am including the other excellent events on Culture Night will be ‘An evening around the Piano’ between 6 and 11pm. Enjoy some time around the piano and singers in the wonderful surroundings of Castlecor House, Ballymahon.
Almost Famous – the young music collective curated by Lauren Lawlor in the Gaelic Corner (Hughie Doyle’s), Dublin Street from 7.30pm until 11.30pm.
‘An Evening of Music’ with Joe Callaghan CCE on the Green or Community Centre, Edgeworthstown from 8 to 10pm. There will be a concert of music, song, dance and stories. There will be free workshops in Sean Nós singing and dance and Bodhrán.
‘Between the Veils’ is a photographic exhibition by photographer/visual artist Michael Croghan and can be vied at Menara café, Grafton Court, Longford between 6and 11pm.
Culture Evening in Rath Mhuire is a Culture Evening for older adults, living in the North Longford area. This will be a night of music, poetry and storytelling between 7.30 and 9pm.
‘Babylon Inferno’ Annie Morton and her troupe of fire performers will be making appearances on the streets of Longford over the evening between 9and 10pm, Babylon Inferno are street circus performers who specialise in fire performances.
‘Bula Bula Samba Band’ Bula Bula samba is Longford’s very own community percussion band. The group will be performing around the town from 9 to 10pm.
‘A Luminary Art Exhibition’ Come and explore “Echoes of Light and Shadow” on Culture Night 2024 in Providers from 7 to 11pm. This exhibition will feature simple yet beautiful light and shadow artworks that reflect Longford’s history.
‘Kenagh Culture Evening’ Local musicians and volunteers from the Kenagh community are coming together to present an evening of music, poetry, storytelling and recitals in the beautiful surroundings of Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre from 7pm to 10pm.
‘Living Art in the Square’ Artists Anna and Phil Atkinson bring to Longford a street art spectacle, paying homage to a tale from Irish mythology. The art will be rendered on a large wooden canvas over the afternoon and evening. Pop by the Market Square from 4pm and 10pm and say hello.
‘Music at Fabiani’ – Take a break from all the events in Longford Town. Sit down in the chilled surroundings of Fabiani Cafe from 6pm until 10pm and listen to the smooth Blues and jazz tones of Mick Lane. Support by Bonny and Bob.
‘Open evening at Maria Edgeworth Centre’ The Maria Edgeworth Centre has made a number of recent acquisitions for its museum in Edgeworthstown which are culturally very important to Longford and indeed nationally and internationally. The museum will be open in Edgeworthstown between 7pm and 10pm.
‘Painting Words’ Visual art exhibition by Longford based artists accompanied by a recital of selected writings by Longford’s writers group at Pig Market Lane from 7pm until 8pm.
‘Red Dot Gallery Art exhibition’ Red Dot Gallery Longford presents an evening of art and music in Longford’s Pig Market Lane from 7pm to 10pm. Curated by artist Nick Barker, a selection of visual artists will present their work. Music will be provided by the jazz ensemble the Rodrigo Almonte Trio.
‘The Gift’ – An evening with Mary’s Meals charity celebrating through an exhibition, art and music in the Mary Meals Charity Shop from 6pm until 8pm.
Roscommon Culture night will have a total of 27 events throughout the county in Roscommon Library from 6pm to 8pm. – Album launch – Time Machine” – A Musical Journey Through Time and Culture recorded at Birdland Music Studio in Knockcroghery.
Culture Night Comedy is a hilarious night of comedy on Culture Night in JJ Harlow’s Bar, Roscommon Town from 8pm until 10.30pm. There will be a fantastic line-up of comedians from the Irish Comedy circuit.
Keeping the Connection – An evening to celebrate the relationships we have nurtured overtime in this place. A series of talks takes place in Strokestown Park House from 6pm until 9.30pm.
Roscommon’s Mens Choir – A performance by the Roscommon Men’s Choir. Following their hugely successful sell-out summer show and the show will take place in Roscommon Arts Centre from 7.30pm until 9pm.
Scéal na Tána agus Cruachán Aí in the Rathcroghan Visitor Centre from 7.30pm until 9pm. You will hear the story of our national epic, An Táin Bó Cuailnge (The cattle raid of Cooley), in Rathcroghan, the place where the tale begins and ends. Story and conversation with Mike McCarthy.
Going Home to Roscommon – story by the author Catriona M. Byrne in Strokestown library from 7 until 7.30pm.
The Rambling House – takes place in Knockroghery Community Centre from 7 until 9pm. You are invited to join everyone to go along for an evening of poetry, storytelling, music, songs, dance and classical guitar.
Exhibition Launch – Timelines, Growth and Catastrophe. Curated by Frances Crowe with artists Muriel Beckett, Tish Canniffe, Frances Crowe, Pascale De Coninck, Catherine Ryan, Lorna Underwood and Lorna Donlon in the Roscommon Arts Centre from 6 until 8pm
There are further events taking place in Ballaghaderreen (1), Ballydangan (2), Boyle (10), Castlerea (2), Cootehall (2), Frenchpark (1) and Keadue (1).
All events are available on https://culturenight.ie/events
Longford Learning Support
Longford Learning Support is a Registered Charity, which has been set up to provide a weekly after-school intervention programme, aimed specifically for children who are experiencing learning difficulties.
Tutors help children in groups of 3 or 4, according to age and ability, in an encouraging and supportive environment.
Classes cover Reading, Spelling, and Maths.
Classes take place every Tuesday evening from 7.00 pm to 8.30pm in the E.D.I. Centre, Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford N39 Y0F4.
If you would like any further information on Longford Learning Support, please contact Nuala at (089) 214 6666 or email llslongford123@gmail.com.
Degree from home
Longford College of Further Education (behind Connolly Barracks) still has places available on their Business Level 5 course. This course enables students to start their degree locally in Longford and therefore save money on accommodation. Progress routes include a Business Level 6 course, which enables direct entry into year 2 of Business degrees in TUS. Buses are available to Longford from Lanesboro. The course fee is only €50. Apply via the website longfordcfe.com or fetchcourses.ie
Memory Café
Roscommon Dementia Alliance hosts a monthly café in Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle to help support people affected by dementia, their families and carers. The next month’s event takes place on Wednesday, September 18th from 2 – 4 p.m. and will include music, song, advice and a chat. If you would like to attend you are asked to visit www.roscommondementia.ie or contact Teresa Keegan on 087 7061183.
Tommy Fleming in Concert
Tickets for the Tommy Fleming Rathcline GAA hosted concert are almost gone with just a very limited number left. The legendary Tommy Fleming will perform in St. Mary’s Church on Sunday 24th November at 8pm. Described as the ‘Voice of Ireland’ and to have someone of his stature coming to sing in our community is truly amazing. I know that the concert is a while away but don’t delay in buying or booking your tickets as they are selling very fast. Tickets are on sale online too and Tommy’s popularity means that those tickets will be snapped up by people from outside the area who follow him wherever he plays. A further allocation of 50 tickets arrived this week and already there are a good number sold. Online sales are available https://tommyfleming.com/concert-tickets/ and you must act fast as they are proving to be very popular. Tickets are for unreserved seating and they cost €35 each.
Visit Corlea
Right on our doorstep the fabulous Iron Age Trackway is situated in Corlea just 13km from Lanesboro. This very unique Trackway has an 18m long section of original Trackway the largest ever discovered in Europe is displayed at the Visitor Centre. You learn how people lived at the time and murals depict implements of the time.
This is one of Ireland’s most famous hidden treasures and it is a place that should be visited and bring your visitors to this wonderful experience.
Visiting the centre is free of charge and the excellent local facilitators will bring you thought the experience and leave you in awe such is their knowledge.
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. 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
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.
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.
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.
Lough Derg 2024 pilgrimage season
One Day Retreats take place during August and September. For more information or bookings you are asked to contact 071 9861518, info@loughderg.org or website www.loughderg.org
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 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.
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.
St. Pio Feast Day: A special Mass to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Beatification of St. Pio takes place in St. mary’s church, Edenderry, on Monday 23rd September at 7.30pm. After mass, St. Pio’s glove will be available for all those who wish to be blessed.
Relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes: The Relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes will be taken to Ireland and to each diocese. The relics will be in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Friday week 27th and Saturday 28th September. The purpose of the visit is to bring Lourdes for the Faithful, who may not be able to travel to Lourdes. It will be in the cathedral to share in some of the atmosphere of prayer and consolation that pilgrims experience, while they are there.
Rosary at the Grotto: Everyone is invited to go along to recite the Rosary at the statue of Our Lady of Fatima beside Cloontuskert old graveyard. The Rosary will be recited on the first Saturday of each month, this coming month 5th October, in accordance with Our Lady’s wishes.
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.
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 October.
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
Mass Times Change: After much discussion at the KPPC with other parish groups, it has been resolved that mass times will be changing from Saturday 2nd November.
For Ballagh Church there will be just one Mass and that will be on Saturday nevenings at 7.30pm. Sunday Mass in Curraghroe will remain the same at 10am on Sunday’s. Mass time in Ballyleague will be at 11.30a.m.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused by the changes especially to families that had already scheduled anniversary masses for Saturday evening in Ballyleagueat 7pm. You are advised to call Fr. Dan to reschedule the mass or merge it with the following Sunday Mass.
Spiritual Nourishment: On every First Friday of each month the priest is obliged to visit all the sick, elderly and homebound in the parish to pray with them and give them Holy Communion. Family members are encouraged to inform Fr. Dan about their loved ones in need of spiritual nourishment.
Confessions: The Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance (Confessions) is very important for all Catholics. We are always encouraged to go to confessions to say sorry for the wrongs (sin) in our lives and to experience God’s healing through forgiveness by the priest. Parishioners can always come to confessions after mass on Friday’s 10.30am or any time convenient to you.
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.
Rosary at the Grotto: Everyone is invited to go along to recite the Rosary at the statue of Our Lady of Fatima beside Cloontuskert old graveyard. The Rosary will be recited on the first Saturday of each month, this coming month 5th October, in accordance with Our Lady’s wishes.
Medjugorje: The Pilgrimage to Medjugorje will take place from 9th to the 16th October. The flights will be from Knock to Mostar and the return from Split to Knock. Full board will be €855 per person sharing and the single supple will be €150. To book you are advised to phone Marian pilgrimages 01 8788159 or Tom Moran 086-0815635. The Spiritual Director is Fr. Christy McHugh.