Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Storm Darragh
Storm Darragh ploughed through the country on Friday night last leaving a trail of destruction right through our area. Mainly, it was the lack of electricity that caused the greatest problems and as I write there are some who have still not got their ESB supply back and some got theirs back Sunday afternoon and night.
Throughout all of this outage the ESB crews worked tirelessly and they could be seen working with treacherous and indeed in many compromising areas that were clearly very dangerous. They carried out their work with tremendous efficiency and dedication to restoring power back to our greater area and they must be greatly praised for their great work. Considering that all the work they had to do was through the weekend, it did impact greatly on their family and free time especially as we are in the Christmas Season and a period that there is always a lot of time required for other personal and family things.
Meals on Wheels
The county Longford Meals on Wheels organisation is a true gift in our county, day by day, week by week and year by year serving the people of the county with meals. This wonderful service is done without fuss and it gives great respect and dignity to every one of the recipients.
On Saturday next 14th at 6.30pm Mass and Sunday next 15th December at 11am mass there will be a Church Gate for the County Longford Meals on Wheels organisation. The funds raised goes to supporting the on-going and growing services in our parish and other parishes throughout the county.
If you would like to contribute and will not be at Mass you can put your donation into an envelope and leave it into O’Brien’s. Please be generous in your support.
Exciting Christmas Market
The Pier Inn will host their very first Arts, Crafts and Food Christmas Market on Sunday week Lisnacusha on Sunday 15th December. This will be the very first Christmas Market at the Pier and the promise is of a wonderful spectacle and the real feel of Christmas. Mark it into your diary and do go along for a great time.
Santa for UNICEF
On Sunday next at the Pier Inn during the Christmas Fair Santa Claus will be making an appearance. Attending Santa at the Pier Inn will be free but your donations will be gratefully accepted and all monies collected will go to UNICEF.
UNICEF is currently campaigning for support for the children of Gaza and Lebanon and for the incredible terror they are currently going through. As the UNICEF website tells us “The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza and Lebanon Has Left Millions Of Children Without A Home. This Christmas Children Are Suffering In Silence And Facing One Nightmare After Another”. We might feel that our individual support may be but a drop in the ocean but the cumulative support of our local communities will definitely make a huge difference to those suffering children.
Please be very generous.
Former resident passes away
It was with great sadness that we learned of the death on Thursday 5th December at St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin of Padraig Gibbons, Birr, Co. Offaly. Padraig was a native of Moneen and he was predeceased by his parents Paddy and Mol Gibbons and his sister Noreen. Padraig, still fondly remembered when growing up in the area, was a talented musician and he played for a time with the very popular local band Joe and the Gentlemen during the 70’s. His career took him to a number of parts of the country as a member of the Gardaí before his final posting in Birr, Co. Offaly in 1977 where he rose through the ranks to Detective. Padraig’s love of music never died and he had that unique gift of having the ear of being able to replay play music, immediately, without ever seeing the sheet notes. His talent was always appreciated and he played at many sessions in Birr. In later years Padraig was always easily recognisable by his signature attire which was his hat. He was a keen golfer and gardener and his warm personality ensured that he was a very popular person, locally as well as in and around Birr. His passing will leave a great emptiness in the hearts and minds of everyone that had the pleasure to know him.
Padraig’s remains reposed in Boyd’s Funeral Home Birr on Saturday last and his removal took place to St. Brendan’s Church for his Funeral Mass. Burial took place afterwards to Clonoghill Cemetery. To his wife Lily, sons Paddy and Andy, his daughter Orla, his sister Mary Casey, Newtowncashel, his extended family and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Storytime with Mrs Claus
Lanesboro library will be hosting a sing-a-long and storytime with Mrs Claus who will meet all our youngsters on Saturday next 14th December from12.30pm.
You can reserve your children’s place online at https://www.longfordlibrary.ie/library/library-events/ or contact Teresa at the library.
Add greatly to the anticipation of Christmas for the children by bringing them along.
Sports Star Awards
Congratulations to Derek Rutherford on receiving the Sports Ability Award at the Longford Leader Sports Person 2024 Award in association with Longford Sports Partnership.
The very first Transplant Football World Cup took place in early September in Italy and part of the history making Irish team was local man Derek Rutherford. The ground breaking Irish team that Derek played such a major part on represented their country and communities with great distinction and it was appropriate that Derek was honoured by at the Annual Longford Leader Sports Star Awards in association with Longford Sports Partnership.
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.
UNICEF Christmas Concert
On Sunday night next 15th December in St. Mary’s Church there will be a Concert for UNICEF at 8pm. Donations for UNICEF can be made at the Church door. You are invited to go along and enjoy all the Christmas songs and carols.
Give Blood
As Christmas is a time for giving there can be no better gift that the gift of blood. There is always a huge demand for blood and this always becomes more acute at this time of the year. The Irish Blood Transfusion Board offers you the opportunity to give your Christmas gift of blood at their clinic in the Hyde Centre on the Athlone Road in Roscommon on Tuesday 17th, Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th December. To make your appointment you are asked to Freephone 1800222111.
Christmas Reading
As we approach the Christmas season and a time for giving we start considering presents for family and friends. When considering you choices you should not discount the idea of a book and especially one that has local relevance or by a local author. At present there are a number of local books well worth considering; Shannonside Tales by John Casey, Traces of Truth by Ciaran Prior, a host of recent books including the best seller ‘In the Wake of the Bagger’ by Jack Harte, the three book trilogy of Shamrock 166 by Gavin Walsh, Blow Ins by Andrew Knowles, The Future is Now by Ciaran Mullooly, Wood of the Stony Land , Martin Carberry’s memories of growing up in Derryhaun and books of poetry, Gavin Cooney is co-author of “The Racket” that won the prestigious William Hill Sports Book of the Year.; The Overlap of Things by Margaret Nohilly and Ghost Homeland by Colin Carberry. There cannot be a better feeling of giving a gift to your own by some of your own.
Rathcline Club Mass
Rathcline GAA Club will hold their Annual Club Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Saturday evening next 14th December at 6.30pm.
Following Mass there will be hot chocolate and festive treats in Lanesbrew. Everyone in the community is encouraged to come along.
Get Ready for the 34th Annual MS Christmas Day Run 2024!
It’s time to lace up your running shoes and warm up for the 34th Annual MS Christmas Day Run! We’re thrilled to invite everyone to join us once again on Christmas morning as we walk or run from Newtowncashel to Lanesboro.
For those unable to join us in person, we encourage you to participate virtually—complete your own run or walk and share your photos with the organising committee in recognition of this meaningful event.
How to Donate: Please make your donations at GoFundMe.com/f/ms-Longford-Christmas-day-run-2024. Every euro goes directly to supporting the Longford MS Society and addressing needs within the county.
A Special Thank You: The organising committee wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Peter Hanley Motors for their continued support and for once again sponsoring our event t-shirts this year.
Let’s come together to make this year’s run a resounding success. See you on Christmas morning – virtually or in person!
Heartfelt Thanks for a Fantastic Christmas Fair!
A huge “Well done!” to everyone who contributed to the tremendous success of the St. Mary’s Hall Christmas Fair on Sunday, 8th December, in St. Mary’s Parish Hall. The event was a resounding success with a full house and festive cheer all around!
Santa and Mrs Claus made a grand entrance in style, arriving by pony and trap to the delight of all attendees. They brought an afternoon filled with joy, laughter, and holiday spirit for young and old alike.
A special thank you to everyone who set up stalls—it was wonderful to see so many attendees leaving with their arms full of unique gifts, chutneys, and delicious home baking. Your efforts truly made the event memorable.
We are also deeply grateful to all who purchased Tidy Towns tickets and tickets for the Hamper sponsored by the Hall Committee. Your generous contributions are sincerely appreciated and play a significant role in supporting our community.
The Prize Winners of the raffle were:
Hamper (sponsored by Hall committee): Emma and Zarah Curran
Portable Dongle (sponsored by Margaret Bourke): Tom Rooney
Sling Shot Gin (sponsored by Lough Ree Distillery): Kevin McHugh
Wine (sponsored by Geraldine Farrell): Virginia Quigley
Sweets (sponsored by Hall committee): Carmel Jordan
Chocolates (sponsored by Hall committee): Niamh Casey
Wine: Mr Mike Green
Once again, thank you to everyone who participated, contributed, and attended. Your support brings life and joy to our community events, and we look forward to seeing you all at future gatherings!
St. Vincent de Paul
The annual St. Vincent de Paul appeal takes place over the next few weeks. Envelopes are available for your donation from the church porch or in O’Brien’s. You can leave your sealed envelope into Joe and Martina O’Brien, leave them with your mass offerings or drop them into Maireád in the Parish Hub. You may also use a plain envelope with SVP clearly marked on it. All donations will be distributed locally. There will be no church Gate Collection this year.
Fabulous Christmas Festival
My one regret that it was not until later last week that I heard about the Roscommon Christmas Festival that took place on Saturday and Sunday last in Roscommon Town and I could not have alerted you to the festival. I was heartened to see so many local there despite my lack of notice.
A number of local groups; Roscommon Town team, Roscommon Leader, Roscommon Lights and Roscommon County Council came together to provide an outstanding festival that offered a wide range of exciting events.
The weekend included a Santa sleigh visit, a festive fire and circus performances, a dinosaur display, and enchanted Christmas lights trail at the town’s Loughnaneane Park, market stalls in the square area, a captivating performance by the Enchanted Croí Theatre, a wonderful performance by the Roscommon Mens Choir culminating in a wonderful Fireworks display topping off a wonderful weekend.
2024 St Coman’s Roscommon & St John’s Lanesboro December Services
The December and Christmas Services for our St. John’s congregation continue throughout the coming weeks and the schedule is as follows.
On this Thursday 12th December at St Coman’s, Roscommon, there will be a Carol Service at 7.30pm.
Sunday, 15th December at St Coman’s, Roscommon, there will be Morning Prayer,at 11.30am.
On Friday, 20th December at St John’s, Lanesboro there will be a Carol Service at 8pm.
Sunday 22nd December at St John’s, Lanesboro there will be Holy Communion Service at 11.30am.
On Christmas Morning Wednesday 25th December at St Coman’s Roscommon there will be Holy Communion at 11.30am.
Sunday 29th December at St John’s Lanesboro there will be Morning Prayer at 11.30am.
On Sunday 5th January at St Coman’s Roscommon there will be Morning Prayer at 11.30am.
Cemetery Sunday – Very Important Advance Notice
I have just been informed there will be significant changes to the dates and times of the Blessing of the Graves (Cemetery Sunday) at our three cemeteries in 2025.
On Saturday 12th July there will be 6.30pm Mass in St. Mary’s Church followed by the Blessing of the Graves at St. John’s cemetery.
On Sunday 13th July there will be NO 11am Mass in the Church. Mass in Clonbonny Cemetery will take place at 1pm. Later in the day 14th Mass will take place at Rathcline Cemetery at 6pm.
The Sunday schedule is weather dependant and if the weather is inclement Masses will take place in St. Mary’s Church.
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.
Membership Open
The membership for the year 2025 at the Lanesboro Triathlon club has now opened. Each year our local triathlon club offers so much competition, comradery and enthusiastic support for all its members. The club continues to attract many new members and it is always encouraging and exciting to see the many new members develop their strength early on for the three disciplines.
Weekly Card Game
The results of last Sunday night 8th December game held in the Parish Hall are 1st Tom Rock and Tommy Fox, 2nd Johnno and Harry Skelly. Last game winners were Annie & Gerry. Raffle winners were Pat Joe Fallon, Tom Skelly, Johnno and Seamus Casey.
The game will take place every Sunday night in the hall at 8.30pm. New card players will always be welcome. Light refreshments are always served.
All card players are reminded that there is a 25 partners game in the Local pub, Newtowncashel every Monday night at 8.30 pm sharp with proceeds after prizes going to Cancer Care. Your support would be appreciated.
Upcoming events
Local lady Geraldine Greally has just informed me of some of their upcoming events at the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon. As you can see there is a wide variety of events and something for everyone.
Christmas Party Nights at the Abbey Hotel – additional date added due to popular demand. Friday 20th December. Festive Drinks reception, live music disco and late bar with additional entertainment on the night! Tel: 090 6626240 or email events@abbeyhotel.ie
Bingo Loco at the Abbey Hotel on Saturday 21st December Tel: 090 6626240
Foster & Allen – celebrating 40 years of hits. Live concert will take place on Saturday 28th December. Doors open at 7p.m. Show commences at 8p.m. Tickets are €35 and they are available from Abbey Hotel reception or via Ticketmaster. Tel: 090 6626240.
Women’s Little Christmas Afternoon Tea on Saturday 4th January at 3p.m. Part Proceeds of ticket sales will go to Mayo Roscommon Hospice. A perfect Christmas Gift Idea. Contact the events@abbeyhotel.ie or Tel: 090 6626240.
Winter Wedding Fair at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon – Sunday January 5th 2025 from 2-5p.m. All newly engaged couples are invited to register. Enjoy some complimentary refreshments on the day. There will be lots of wedding inspiration and fantastic offers from our local wedding suppliers on the day. Enquiries to weddings@abbeyhotel.ie Tel: 090 6666211.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 2nd December the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place for a jackpot of €600. The jackpot for Monday night was again hitting the €600 mark thanks your continued support. The winner this week was Zoe Hassett, Newtowncashel who was the winner of the €600 prize. This was a wonderful win for a young girl and perfect time for Christmas shopping. 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 3rd December for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 8, 13, 21 and 29. There was nobody with the good luck to have the correct four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remains for the next Tuesday draw on Tuesday 10th December. The winner of the €50 prize was Michael Kelly, Colehill, Carrickedmond and the three €20 prizes winners were Antoinette Kenny, Carrowstrawley, Johnny and Caroline, c/o The Yacht Bar and Rosie Rhatigan, c/o Mary Rhatigan, Fermoyle. The draw will take place in O’Brien’s every Tuesday morning.
A special Christmas bonus for the draw on Tuesday 17th December will see the €50 prize increase to €100 and the 3 x €20 prizes will to 3 x €50.
Your support provides for the maintenance of our town and surrounding areas. It is also a great support for the Community Enterprise workers who do so much work all year round.
Ballyleague Tidy Towns
The Ballyleague Tidy Towns team are currently seeking community minded/spirited people to join their team to maintain and improve Ballyleague and its hinterland.
Dementia Memory Club
The Roscommon Dementia Memory Club is designed for those that are living with dementia and their carer or friend or plus one! A café-like set up, followed by activities, storytelling, reminiscence, music, song and dance. The club offers a great opportunity for persons living with dementia & their carer to socialize and promote improved mental and physical wellbeing, and more importantly to have fun! You don’t have to dance, you can watch and enjoy and contribute in other ways! Come along and see for yourself at Roscommon Music Social Club, the Quad Youth Centre, Circular Road, Roscommon Town. F42 CH70 every Thursday 11:30am to 1pm. Contact Irene on 087 108 0650 or email IreneTabb@westernalzheimers.ie
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.
Visit Corlea
Right on our doorstep the fabulous Iron Age Trackway is situated in Corlea just 13km (7m) 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. Winter sailing times daily for the 90 minute trip are 11.00am and 1pm. 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
Alzheimer Café
The Longford Alzheimer Cafe will hold their monthly Alzheimer Café on Wednesday 27th November at 7.00pm in their office on Earl Street, Longford, opposite Mollaghan’s Furniture Store. Guest speaker on the night is Caroline Doyle and her topic is ‘The Healthy Homes Project ‘ The Café will then run on the last Wednesday of every month, with a different speaker and topic each month. The Alzheimer Café will provide a safe, warm and welcoming space for people with dementia, their family and friends, along with social and health care professionals to meet and exchange ideas and learning. For Further information you can contact Eileen on 085 8724475 .The Alzheimer Society of Ireland National Helpline is open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341 and the website is: www.alzheimer.ieAlzheimer.
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.
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.
Cemetery Sunday changes: On Saturday 12th July 2025 there will be 6.30pm Mass in St. Mary’s Church followed by the Blessing of the Graves at St. John’s cemetery.
On Sunday 13th July there will be NO 11am Mass in the Church. Mass in Clonbonny Cemetery will take place at 1pm. Later in the day 13th Mass will take place at Rathcline Cemetery at 6pm.
The Sunday schedule is weather dependant and if the weather is inclement Masses will take place in St. Mary’s Church.
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 in the Prayer Room
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 3rd January.
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.iee
Kilgefin Parish Notes
Contact: Fr Daniel can be contacted at 089 270 6060
Donations: The parish is already greatly indebted to the people that have again shown their support and generosity at this time of the year. Christmas trees and flowers will be bought for the three churches and if you would like to support any of the churches you can donate to Maureen Curley – Ballyleague Church, Vivienne Barry – Ballagh Church and Helen Wallace – Curraghroe Church. Thank you in advance of your generosity.
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.
Church Gate Collection: The annual church gate collection for Epilepsy Ireland will take place at all masses next weekend at the three parish churches. Your usual generous support will be appreciated.
Children’s Mass and Colouring competition: Drawings are available in the church porch for collection by any child who wishes to enter. Entries must be returned by Sunday next 15th December and placed in a box in the church porch. Entries will be displayed in the church with a small prize for the selected winners. There will be a Children’s mass on Sunday 29th December where children can bring a toy Santa brought them to Mass. Hopefully there will be a large attendance of both parents and children.
Eucharistic Adoration: There will be an 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.
Unveiling and Blessing: As many of you may have noticed, we have erected a new statue of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary in front of the church. The statue has been funded by an anonymous donation by a parishioner. The statue will be unveiled and blessed following the 11.30am mass in Ballyleague on Sunday next 8th December. May God bless the donor and their family.