Lanesboro Ballyleague notes Monday 7th October 2024

Lanesboro Ballyleague notes

Death

When the comfort blanket of a body is removed then there is a sense of insecurity and such was the feeling on Monday 30th September when we learned of the death following a short illness at Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar of our local institution Adrian Farrell, Corner House. Adie as he was most commonly known was predeceased by his, wife Josephine, his  parents Ger and Ena Farrell and his brother Gerdie. The name Adie was known far and wide and it shows the standing and respect he had all over the country when all you had to do was mention his Christian name they all automatically knew who you were speaking about. He was a publican, an undertaker, a businessman, a farmer, a councillor and a man that poured all of himself into his community. From his youth to the day he passed away he was deeply involved with the Rathcline club, as a Fine Gael councillor for 39 years he saw himself a servant to the entire community and not just his party. He fought tooth and nail for everyone and was known for not letting go until he achieve for his people. Under his watch, he was the heart of our community, we were made a better place where nobody ever went hungry and nobody was left behind and nobody knew all the unseen work he did for people. Part of his councillor role took him on to the VEC, now the LWETB, where he was part of overseeing the tremendous developments of Lanesboro Vocational School, now Lanesboro Community College. Adie had a remarkable love of his community and incessant fight for his community was absolute. As a businessman he was very astute and his uncanny ability to do deals in his head when others need calculators or computers was legendary. He was, without doubt, an extraordinary visionary and some of the things that he foresaw for Lanesboro did not work out for Lanesboro but were replicated in other areas to incredible success. As a barman he was fabled, serving a packed house on his own and being able to serve a great pint of Guinness and remember orders amidst the mayhem stood him apart.  He was man who had a great love of land, farming and all things machinery related. Adie loved the game of cards and the games of 25 that took place over the years in the pub were a night’s entertainment in itself. For all his attributes Adie was a man of few words, gruff in manner, but as a confidant, tremendous neighbour and friend, there was no equal and he generously gave so much of his life to his people. Adie, rightly, held legendary status in our community and his passing will leave an incredible sense of loss but his memory will be affectionately remembered for a long time. Such was the respect Adie held within Fine Gael was that the Taoiseach’s aide de camp represented him at the funeral.

Adie reposed in his bar and restaurant on Wednesday last and on Thursday his remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church for his Funeral Mass. He was laid to rest in Rathcline Cemetery. To his daughter Lorraine, his son Gerald, his sister Eugenie (Genie), grandson Oisín, relatives and many many friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

Thinking of Henry

On Saturday last our President, Michael D Higgins said it was “outrageous” and “an insult” that the Israeli Defence Forces had “threatened” the Irish peacekeeping force and sought to have them evacuate the villages they are defending in this ever expanding war”.

On his current tour of duty we have local man Henry Masterson who we are very proud of. Henry is son of Joe and Catherine Masterson and brother to Stephen (Hula), Curraghrua and our fervent hope and prayers are with Henry`, his family and the entire Irish contingent on their tour of duty for a safe return to their homes.

Blood Transfusion Service

On Friday night last 4th October two local men were presented with awards by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) in Claremorris. Joe Mullooly, Killinure was presented with the pelican which is the symbol of the IBTS and is presented to those that have donated blood for the 100th time. Gerry Trimble, Cloonadra, was awarded a gold pin for donating blood for the 50th time. We would like to congratulate the two men for their wonderful achievements.

The IBTS will be in the Longford Arms on Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th November and will be in the Dr. Hyde Centre, Roscommon Town on Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th December.

There is a constant huge demand for blood and if you gave blood before and have not for a while or whether you want to donate for the first time please go along to the opportunity that the IBTS offers.  

Tommy Fleming Concert Sold Out

I have just been informed that the Rathcline hosted Tommy Fleming Concert in St. Mary’s Church on Sunday 24th November is now totally sold out.

If you have ticket(s) and as time gets closer and you find that you cannot attend you can leave them in O’Brien’s for resale. Thank you.

Annual Dinner Dance

What is always acclaimed to be the gala night of the year takes place on Friday week 18th October. The Longford Region PTAA will host their Annual Gala Dinner Dance in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule. Music will be provided by Michael Cleary and Jackie Bannon. Dinner will be served at 7pm. Tickets cost €35 and there will be spot prizes galore to be won. Tickets can be bought in O’Brien’s or from Breda Moran.

Death of former Resident

On Friday last 4th October we were shocked and saddened to learn of the death at Mullingar General Hospital of Paul Faughnan, Prospect, Mullingar. Paul was predeceased by his parents Jim and Dympna and his brother Brian. Paul will be fondly remembered for his presence in and around the town and for always greeting local and stranger alike with a warm hello. He will be remembered as a young man who always love and had a fascination for car. His warm and gentle nature and his tendency to stop and chat always stood Paul apart.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his sisters Anne, Patricia, Brenda and Eimear, extended family and friends. A private cremation has taken place.

Retirement

On Friday last following  over 40 years spent in Lanesboro Primary School, formerly known locally as ‘the Girls National School’ as a student, 9 years, as a teacher, 32 years, of which 21 were spent as Principle saw Claire Murphy retire from the school at a school mass and presentation in St. Mary’s Church. Claire is a daughter of the late Tony and Tess Murphy, 1 The Green, has shown a tremendous dedication and loyalty to the school over the years. She has been a very popular and respected teacher and principle for the duration of her 32 years of teaching. Claire had great foresight and she initiated and oversaw many great developments and progressions in the school. Many tributes were paid to Claire at the presentation, all of which were undoubtedly very well deserved. We would like to wish Claire a very happy, healthy and long life as she joins her husband Ronan Glennon in retirement. Congratulations Claire and thank you for everything over all the 32 years.

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.

No joy for St. Faithleach’s

What we all hoped for on Saturday last unfortunately did not come to pass when St. Faithleach’s were defeated in the semi-final of the Roscommon Senior Championship in Dr. Hyde Park. The team, management and club went into the game against Padraig Pearses with the highest of hopes but unfortunately this was not to be their evening. It is no consolation but the team have performed excellently throughout the championship and it was a great shame that their excellent form did not take them all the way to the title. Thanks for a great year lads.

Former Resident passes away

The death took place in Cumbria, England on Wednesday 18th September of John Balfe formerly of the Green and latterly Knock. John was predeceased by his parents John and Catherine Balfe and last February by his brother Ben.  As a youngster he had a fascination with the navy and as a sixteen year old John left Lanesboro to join the navy where he spent many years of his life. John had been back to visit his home town on a regular basis. He is survived by his son and daughter, his brothers Marcus, Denis and Terry, his sisters Liz, Joan, Kay and Grace, relatives and many friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.

Lanesboro ICA

The next meeting of the Lanesboro Guild will take place in the Parish Hub on this 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.

Thank You
St Faithleach’s GAA coffee morning raised €1500.00 for Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
The organising team and club would like to thank all who contributed to the success of the morning. A big thank you to all who came to the event dropped off goodies and contributed   to such a worthy cause.

Fashion Show

The County Longford ICA Federation is once again hosting a Fashion Show. This year there will be a host of celebrities strutting their stuff on the catwalk and a wonderful night’s entertainment is assured. The Fashion Show will take place in the Longford Arms Hotel on Friday night next 11th October commencing at 7pm. The doors will open at 6pm. Following the show live music and dancing will follow with the hugely popular Ray Montanna. There will be door prizes and a raffle. There will also be a prize for the best dressed lady. Tickets cost just €10. If the success and enjoyment of last year is replicated then there is no doubt that Friday night next will once again be a hugely enjoyable night in the Longford Arms Hotel.

Retirement

We would like to wish Garda Tom Killion who was stationed at Lanesboro Garda Station for the past number of years a very happy and healthy retirement. Tom, officially, retired from his post on Friday last and his presence in the town and surrounding areas will be missed.

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. 

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. The next try-a-dive session will take place on this Thursday night 10th October and will continue on 17th, 24th and 31st.
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.

King of the Lake 2024

The annual King of the Lake 2024 Fishing Competition took place on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th September and once again proved to be an outstanding success. The two days fishing on the whole lake was done in reasonably good weather conditions, despite the bad weather forecast. A total of 97 boats took part in the completion and the winning boat was determined by the cumulative length of the longest three fish caught, over both days.

The first prize of €1500 went to the boat manned by Martyn Cusworth and Michael F. McKeon and the cumulative length of the fish was 313.5cm who took the first prize of €1,500. In second place winning €1,100 was Paddy O’Regan and Johnny Stapleton length 303cm. In third place winning €900 were Brian Connaughton and Daniel Nesbitt length 297 cm. Fourth places with fish length 295.5cm and winning €800 were Stephen Gibbons and Al Rawlings. Fifth place were Willie Dunne and Ivan O’Shea winning €700 with fish length 293.5cm. In sixth place winning €600 were Chris O’Reilly and Euseblu Balint, fish length 290.5cm.  In seventh place winning €500 were Marius Venslauskas and Mindaugas Pranckevicius whose fish length was 288.5cm. Eight place and €400 went to Patrick McManus and Joe Crampton with a fish length 288cm. In ninth place were Kevin Orme and Damien Grifferty who won €300 with a fish length of 285cm. In tenth place were Jacek Gorny and Wioleta Hejna with a fish length of 282cm and they received €200. In addition to the monetary prizes there were a number of sponsorship prizes given out over the two days.

Over the past few years this competition has gone from strength to strength and is now recognised as one of, if not the best, fishing competition in the country.

Many congratulations to the organising committee and may their success continue to grow.

Rathcline 50/50 

On Monday 30th September the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place for a jackpot of €650. The jackpot for Monday night was again over the €600 mark. The winner this week was Pierre Boudin, Lough Bannow who was the winner of €615. 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 29th 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 Martina c/o Mags and the three €20 prizes went to Mary Casey, Curreen, Rathcline Road, Kathleen and Eileen, c/o XLNTEE and Kathleen and Emily Morris, Church View. The draw will take place in O’Brien’s every Tuesday morning.

Weekly Card Game

The results of last Sunday night 6th October game held in the Parish Hall are 1st on 13 games were Noel & Martin McDermott. 2nd on 11 were Eugene Kelly and Barney Kenny. Last game winners were Basil Mitchell and Anne.  Raffle winners were Tom Rock, Pat Joe Fallon, Basil Mitchell and Liz Hughes. 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

Last Man Standing

Cloontuskert N.S. Parents’ Association are running a “Last Man Standing” competition (English premier league, starting weekend of the 23rd/24th/25th November) as a fundraiser.  It is €10 per entry and the prize for the winner is €500.  To enter please check out the Cloontuskert National School Facebook page or ask any family attending the school.  Your support is greatly appreciated.

Samba Drummers Calling

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.

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 avalable 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.

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 2nd November, in accordance with Our Lady’s wishes.

Grow: Grow is a community Mental Health Movement that meets every Monday morning at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Road, Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated, or suffering from stress, feel free to attend on Monday morning. For further information call 086 8114135.

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 1st November.

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: will continue on Friday 11th October in Ballyleague Church for the Moneen, Gardenstown, Anrattabeg, Culseachtenna and Kilnacloghy area.

On Thursday 10th October in Curraghroe Church at 7pm there will be a Station Mass for the Curraghroe, Mount Dillon and Erra areas.

On Thursday 17th October at 7pm in Curraghroe Church there will be a Station Mass for the Kilmacanny, Trilamartin, Granahan, Granahanmartin and Triladillon areas.

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.