Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Tommy Fleming Update
As I write a very small number of physical tickets for the Rathcline hosted Tommy Fleming concert on Sunday 24th November at 8pm in St. Mary’s church have just become available.
The sale of tickets for the concert, in O’Brien’s was sold out, and it is doubtful if this new allocation will be sufficient. If it is your intention to attend then don’t be left out and get your tickets immediately.
Tickets are for unreserved seating and they cost €35 each and can be bought in O’Brien’s or online available https://tommyfleming.com/concert-tickets/.
Two Books Launched
Over the past two weekends we have seen huge attendances at two book launches by local authors. It is wonderful to see the rich vein of writers continuing in the community and in the case of Ciaran Prior adding to the list of local authors. It is especially great to see so many people turning out to support both launched- the number at both far exceeded the projected attendance. Sale of both book were very brisk on both occasions and have continued to be locally with a great demand in the local stockists O’Brien’s. We would like to join with the many locals in wishing everyone connected with both books continued success.
The first launch took place in the Parish Hall on Saturday 21st September of the book Shannonside Tales by John Casey. This book recounts many events in the Lanesboro Ballyleague area over the year and takes us through the residents of the town from years ago. The book was launched by local author and playwright Jack Harte and local writer and contributed to this book Tommy Murray. Andrew Knowles, the main collaborator on the book was an excellent MC.
On Friday night last 27th September Ciaran Prior launched his first book in the Longford Arms Hotel. There to launch the book with Ciaran was local councillor and Chairman of Longford County Council, Mark Casey and local TD Joe Flaherty. Ciaran’s book Traces of Truth-A CSI Investigates Life and Death takes us from the crime scene to the courtroom, a gripping perspective from a former CSI of some notable cases and it makes intriguing reading. The books are on sale in O’Brien’s and are selling very fast. Both books are essential reading and ideal gifts.
Death
When the rock in a community passes away it leaves a tremendous gap and such was the case this past week with the unexpected death of Mary Walsh, Ballyglass at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe on Wednesday 25th September. Mary was predeceased by her husband Mick, infant son Martin, parents Jim and Katie, daughter in law Annette and her sister Anne Morgan. She was a stalwart of our community and popular figure at Roscommon Mart where she worked for so many years. No job fazed her; she was a tremendous hard worker be it in and around her home, at the mart or helping out neighbours and friends. No challenge was too much for her and her loyalty was legendary. Mary ran an open house where the door was always open and kettle on the boil. She was excellent company and always enjoyed the company of others. Mary was totally dedicated to her family and her faith where she was a daily communicant be it in either Ballyleague or Lanesboro churches. Such was the bond with herself and Mick that since his death there was not a day that she did not visit his graveside to share a few words and prayers. Mary ensured nobody was left out in her life; she was a lady with great empathy. There are many people that will always fondly remember her for her kindness, advice, great support and generosity especially in their time of need. The attendance at both her reposing at Smyth’s Funeral Home on Friday and again at her Funeral Mass on Saturday bore ample testimony to the high esteem in which she was held by everyone that had the pleasure to know her.
Following her Funeral Mass she was laid to rest alongside her husband Mick in Derrane Cemetery. To her sons Mícheál, and Seamus, daughters Martina and Georgina, her brother, Joe, her sister Ina, son-in-law, Declan, daughter-in-law Marion, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Shamrock 165 book offer
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.
Former Resident passes away
It was with sadness we learned of the death of Eddie Leavy at Mullingar Regional Hospital on Sunday 22nd September following a short illness. Eddie the youngest of the famed Leavy family of Main Street was predeceased by his parents James and Bridget, his sister Anne and only 5 months ago his brother Fr. James. Eddie taught for 30 years at Templemichael College, Longford and lived at Northyard, Scramogue. Although he was always to be seen in town it was not until his retirement that he was present nearly every day helping out his brother Larry and his son Eamonn at their headstone and sculpture business. During this past summer family members of his sister Mary came to visit from the U.S. and he shone light the brightest of beacons, proudly taking his family on the historic tour of his native town – it was a role he really cherished as his love of his native soil never diminished. He followed all the happenings of the community with a great passion. Eddie’s passing will sadden the many hearts of everyone that knew him and that regard in which he was held was clearly visible by the attendance at his reposing at his home in Northyard and again at his Funeral Mass and burial in Scramogue.
To his wife Bridie, his sons Enda, Kevin, Eamonn and his daughter Deirdre, brothers Larry and Patsy, his sisters Mary and Breda, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Lanesboro ICA
The next meeting of the Lanesboro Guild will take place in the Parish Hub on Wednesday, 9th October at 8p.m. The Guild looks forward to welcoming Miriam from M.B. Reflexology and Holistic Therapies, who will give us a talk and insight into her work.
The Guild would like to extend a special word of thanks to Mary McArdle, Creations, Ballymahon, for her wonderful Autumn Wreath Making Demonstration and to Rosalind McCormack, ICA Information Officer for her briefing at the September meeting.
The Longford Federation are holding a Fashion Show in the Longford Arms Hotel on Friday 11th October at 7p.m. Doors open at 6p.m. Tickets are €10. A few of the local members will also be taking to the Catwalk on the night! Tickets will be available at our Meeting.
New members are very welcome to join our Guild, we meet the 2nd Wednesday of every month, at 8p.m. so why not come along, for a chat and a cup of tea where you will get an insight into the wonderful Guild we have here in Lanesboro.
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.
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.
Ciorcal Comhrá sa Leabharlann – Irish Conversation Group
Ar maith leat deis a fháil chun feabhas a chur ar do chuid Gaeilge labhartha?
Would you like to have the opportunity to improve your spoken Irish?
Ciorcal Comhrá ag tosú I Leabharlann Bhéal Átha Liag Dé Máirt, an 8 Deireadh Fómhair 6.00 – 7.00 pm. Beidh sé ar siúl ar feadh ocht sechtaine. Fáilte roimh chách.
Irish Conversation Group is starting in Lanesboro library on Tuesday 8th October from 6 pm to 7pm. It will run for eight weeks and everyone is welcome.
Tuilleadh eolais at fáil ag 043 33 21291.
Further information is available by phoning 043 33 21291
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Caroline and Michael Mahon and their family, Barnacor, on the death of Caroline’s brother Michael (Tot) Duignan, Kenagh Village who passed away on Sunday 22nd September in Thomond Lodge, Ballymahon.
Rathcline Ladies Final
All roads led to Killoe’s grounds on Sunday last for the Junior Ladies County Final where our local Rathcline team took on St. Helen’s from Drumlish. Unfortunately for our local ladies this was not to be their day with St. Helen’s running our winners. It is a great reflection to the underage work that continues to be done in the Ladies club that our team is there or there about every year. We are pretty sure that the winning days are just around the corner and there is great credit to everybody that is developing and managing all those dedicated ladies. Heads up girls your glory days are pretty close.
Try-a-Dive
The open invitation from the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club to Try-a-Dive is back with us once again. This is an offer and opportunity that nobody should miss.
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club is holding Free try a dives in Longford swimming pool at 9pm every Thursday night for the month of October.
You will be introduced and learn how to use scuba equipment in shallow water and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.
You will learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy it is to move around underwater while wearing it
You will find out what it’s like to breathe underwater and learn whether you can be comfortable there
All the equipment you will need is provided by us you just need your togs and swim hat.
The minimum age to avail of the Try-a-Dive is18.
If you require any further information, you can contact any club member or ring any of the following numbers 0879765911 or 0879817784.
Go along a give it a try and see the wonders that are in front of you if you take on diving with the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 23rd September the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place for a jackpot of €650. The jackpot for Monday night was again well over the €600 mark. The winner this week was James Irwin, Ballyleague who was the winner of €650. 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.
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday last 22nd September for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 13, 17, 25 and 30. There was nobody with the good luck 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 Hughie Smyth, main Street, and the three €20 prizes went to Francis and John c/o CE scheme, Ciara and Girls c/o Lanesboro Post Office and Kathleen Kyne, Rathcline.
The draw will take place in O’Brien’s every Tuesday morning.
Weekly Card Game
The results of last Sunday night 29th September game held in the Parish Hall are. 1st Tom Rock and Tommy Fox, joint 2nd were Frank McCormack & Brian Mulvihill and Jack Bannon & Tom Skelly. Last game winners were Pat Rock & Annie. The raffle winners were Raffle winners were Brendan Hanley, Tom Nohilly, Kathleen Maguire and Frank McCormack.. 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
Bridge Lessons
Lessons for newcomers to bridge will commence at 7.30pm on Tuesday 8th October at the Bridge Centre, Connolly Barracks, Longford. Intending participants may attend as a partnership of two persons or as individuals. Turn left inside main gate and park vehicle or proceed to the busy Centre car park. To indicate your interest and for further information, please call Ray at 086 2649604 or you may attend on the evening.
Samba Drummers
Did you ever fancy being a drummer? The local Longford Town Bula Bula Samba band is calling out for new members. The band is setting up a new Samba Band in County Longford and is looking for people to join with them in the band.
“For those who are not familiar with Samba it refers to the carnival music associated closely with Rio Brazil and involves percussion instruments and lively street dancing,” said Caroline Lewis of the Bula Bula Samba band.
Bula Bula’s plan is that the Samba band will participate in the celebration of public cultural events around the county.
If you have an interest or just want to see how it goes you are invited to the Attic House on the Ballinalee Road every Thursday at 7.30pm.
First Anniversary Celebrations
Last weekend Bríd Rhatigan celebrated her the first year of her tenure in the Peer Inn, Lisnacusha, with a gala night of celebrations. The nationally acclaimed Rake the Ashes performed to a great attendance. Congratulations Bríd and here is to many more successful years.
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 www.longfordcfe.com or fetchcourses.ie
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.
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.
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.
Age Friendly Information Day: Longford’s Age Friendly Information Day is set to take place in the Longford Arms Hotel on Monday 30th September from 11am until 4pm. Longford County Council, Longford Age Friendly Alliance and Longford Older Persons Network will host an Information Day for older persons living in County Longford. The event is an opportunity to network and receive information regarding services available for older people. Talks, Demonstrations, good fun and much more will take place. Longford’s Chief executive Paddy Mahon and Longford Older Persons Council Chairperson Kitty Burkhill will deliver the opening address.
Prebooking is essential? Call Anne 3324760 or contact Lanesboro Library.
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 Saturday 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 next 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 evenings 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 Ballyleague at 7pm. You are advised to call Fr. Dan to reschedule the mass or merge it with the following Sunday Mass.
Station Masses: Station masses continue at St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe on Thursday next 3rd October at 7pm for Doughill, Culleenoria, Tullyvarron and Killavacken
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.
Eucharistic Adoration: There will be a n hour Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament every Friday in Curraghroe Church from 8pm to 9pm. And also in Ballyleague Church from 10.30am to 11.30am. You are invited to go along and spend a quiet time of prayer with God.
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 Saturday 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.