Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
From Foxford to Drinagh via Dublin and Athlone Sally Toolan brought a wonderful vibrancy to each community. Sally, nee Mullagh, passed away at the Regional Hospital, Mullingar; on Saturday 14th December following a very short illness. She was born and raised near Foxford in County Mayo. She was predeceased by her parents Jack and Ellie, her sister Mary Josephine and brothers Johnny and Gerard. As mentioned earlier Sally travelled through different parts of the country working with a Government Department before she met with her husband Brian back in 1987 through Brian’s sister Rose. Loved flourished and in 1990 Brian and Sally married and they went on to have two daughters. Sally was indeed a trailblazing lady and she became the first lady in Ireland to hold a truck driving licence. She was the ultimate housewife and wife; Brian and the two girls and later grandchildren were her pride and joy. Sally had a wonderful eye for the latest fashion and her attire was always delightful to behold. She had a wonderful warm personality that left a lasting memory with everyone that had the pleasure to meet and get to know her. It was continuously said “Sally always did the right thing” and her passing will leave a great emptiness in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew her as a neighbour and friend. The teasing and joking that arose from the meeting of Roscommon and Mayo was always wonderful as she was an avid Mayo supporter.
Sally reposed at McHugh’s Funeral Home, Strokestown on 16th December. Her remains were removed to St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe on Tuesday and burial took place afterwards to Cloontuskert Cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Brian, her daughters Fiona and Niamh, her brother Michael, grandchildren, J.J., Aoife, Liam and Saoirse, relatives and friends.
Wonderful Lights
The Lanesboro and Ballyleague community over the Christmas time was a real beacon of celebration and light. Both our local communities made a tremendous effort in not only lighting the main thoroughfare but lighting up our hearts and creating great expectation. The community looked and felt fabulous. The new lighting on both sides of the bridge looked fabulous. We must congratulate both teams for creating a wonderful atmosphere and this all came at a high cost to both groups.
Contributions, to help defray some of the costs, will be very welcome. If you would like to make a contribution to either group just put your donation into a marked envelope with either Lanesboro or Ballyleague and give it to Gerry Trimble or Brigid Mullooly or you can leave your envelopes into O’Brien’s shop.
Death
After a short number of years living in our community on the Green, the death of Kathleen Fitzgerald at Mullingar Regional Hospital, on Monday 16th December, brought a great sadness to the community. Kathleen most commonly known as Kay was born in Kilmore in the county of Roscommon on the Leitrim border. In recent times Kay was a resident of Laurel Lodge Nursing Home in Longford Town. Over the years she was a common sight in and about Lanesboro when she used to regularly visit her late brother Seamus Carroll on the Rathcline Road. Kay was predeceased by her husband Matty. She went to England to train as a nurse, then worked for a time in America before returning to South East London, married in 1968, reared her family and spent her working career there until her retirement in 2006. She specialised in midwifery and was always regarded as a very caring nurse. Kay was big in stature and in heart and her warm and sincere welcome always warmed the coldest of hearts. She moved to Lanesboro in 2015 where she became an integral part of the local community. She was always noted a clean and precise lady – a trait from her nursing profession – and it was clearly visible from the way she renovated and kept her recently acquired house on the Green.
Kay’s reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon on Wednesday 18th December and on Thursday her remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church for the Mass of the Resurrection. Following Mass her was removed to Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan for cremation. To her daughter Catrina, her sons Jim and Rob, her sister Marie, her brother Michael, grandchildren Tommy, Daisy, Leo, Joe, Conor and Moya, her extended family and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
MS Christmas Day Run/Walk
The question is always asked “Is the Christmas Day Run on this year”. Invariably it always is and the organising committee continues to do a wonderful job for the past 34 years. This year was no exception with a wonderful turnout supporting the great work of the committee but also supporting the wonderful charity of MS Longford who benefit greatly from the sponsorship raised for the very worthy cause.
We seldom think of those that organise the run/walk and those that turnout to steward and help in every way possible. Not only do they give up of their time in organising the event but on the morning give up the very precious time of being at home with their family and preparing for the Christmas Day dinner. We must also acknowledge the support of all the runners and walkers that continue to make this event bigger each year by their participation. We must commend, congratulate and thank everyone involved for being so giving of their time and for organising such a wonderful event again this year.
If you have not done so and would still like to contribute to the MS Longford Christmas Day Run you should put your contribution into an envelope and give it to Brigid Mullooly, Jimmy Flood or leave it into O’Brien’s for collection.
A message from the committee
A huge Thank You to everyone who made the MS Christmas Day Run 2024 such a success! Over 100 participants took part on the day and 80 participants took part on the previous Saturday. To our amazing runners and walkers who braved the chilly damp conditions, the enthusiastic spectators who cheered them on, and the incredible volunteers who gave their time and energy – from setup to catering to presentations. A very sincere appreciation to Laura Dermody who coordinated a Run on Saturday on behalf of Lanesborough Triathlon Club and Brendan Doyle Running Club and presented the Committee with a staggering €1,293.10. To Neil Donoghue and P J O’Neill who gave €210 from a sponsored HYROX from Lanesborough Triathlon Club. To Peter Hanley Motors for their continued support in providing sponsorship. Most importantly, we extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated towards making the Run/Walk a wonderful success once again. Together, we’ve raised an incredible €6,353 so far to support the Longford MS Branch. Your generosity will make a real difference in the lives of so many members of Longford Multiple Sclerosis Society. From all of us involved, we would like to say thank you kindly and wish you a year filled with health, happiness, and joy for 2025. Let’s hope we can make 2025 even better!
The results from the 2024 MS Christmas Day Run are:
1st Male – Mark Kenny, 2nd Male – Connell Kennelly, 3rd Male – Kevin Martin
1st Female – Dearbhaile Rooney, A three way ties for 2nd – Katie Brown, Rebecca Kelly and Amanda McLoone
1st Under 16 – Jack Masterson
This year the youngest participant was baby Mae Hazel Mulvihill at 3 months old
See attachment for picture
Death
On Monday 16th December a renowned lady in our community Kathleen Connaughton, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Weekfield. Kathleen was most commonly known as Kate was predeceased by her husband Peter and her sister Bridget. Indeed when Peter married Kate she moved just a mile up the road from her family home in Moneen to Weekfield. She was well-known as a lady with tremendous ability in many skills. Kate had all the abilities of D.I.Y., she was renowned from building wall, installing a septic tank and was also known to do sheep shearing with great skill. Nothing deterred Kate and she brought with her a great intelligence that enabled her to overcome even the most intricate task. Kate always brought with her a great sense of joviality and humour; she was woman that always loved to laugh and have fun – nobody or nothing was sacred. She was a woman that loved the outside and nature and she loved watching the wild birds out her kitchen window. Her home always had the open door policy where everyone was welcome and the kettle was always on the boil. Kate had a wonderful knowledge and insight into the local community and was a great source of information. That great beaming smile and quick witty comments will be no more and to all of us that knew Kate that will sadden our hearts but her memory will always bring a smile to our face.
Kate reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home, Lanesboro, on Wednesday 18th December. Her remains were removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary; Ballyleague on Thursday for her Funeral Mass, interment took place afterwards in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her daughters, Caroline, Monica, Claire and Cathy, her sons PJ and pat, grandchildren, extended family and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro on Friday 20th December of Catriona Dowd, daughter of David and Sharon Dowd, Thureen and Mark Gilroy son of Geraldine and J.P. Gilroy, Bohey, Drumlish, Co. Longford. Best woman was Aishling Tiernan, sister of the groom and bridesmaids were Lynda Kilcoyne, aunt of the bride, Jane Dowd, cousin of the bride and Sharon Rooney friend of the bride. Man of honour was Luke Dowd brother of the bride, and groomsmen were Paul Gilroy, brother of the groom, Thomas Gilroy, brother of the groom and Hugh Mulhaire, friend of the groom. The page boys were Sonny and Miles Tiernan, both nephews of the groom. The marriage ceremony was concelebrated by Fr. Turlough Baxter and Fr. John Quinn, Gortletteragh. The wedding reception took place in the Athlone Springs Hotel.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Former Resident dies in Kent
On Friday 6th December with great sadness we learned of the sudden death at his residence in Broadstairs, Kent, England of James Gilmore formerly of the Green. James, as a youngster, moved to Lanesboro with his late parents John and Kathleen when his father came to Lanesboro to work with Bord na Mona. Following his schooling he move to Manchester following the footsteps of his late sister Anne and his brother Enda (Andy) and later he moved to work in London. James was a very personable man who always regarded Lanesboro as home and he was a very regular visitor back home to meet all the local family, friends and indeed make new friends. James never lost the sense of home, his warmth, and happy personality will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him. Rest in peace James you will always be fondly remembered. His Funeral Service will take place at 2pm on Tuesday 7th January in Thanet Crematorium, Margate, Kent. To his brothers Brendan (Longford), Tony (The Green), Nicholas (Longford Road), Damian (Dublin), and Cosmos (Galway), his sisters Teresa (Longford Road, Colette (Manchester), Lorraine (Cloonadra) and Caroline (Manchester), extended family and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
New Bus Service
A new once a week Local link Bus Service for the New Year from Curraghroe to Roscommon Town will be a great boost to the local community. The new service will take placed on Fridays with the bus departing Curraghroe at 12.30pm with stops at Cloontuskert at 12.35, Ballyleague 12.40, Cloonadra at 12.45, Ballintemple at 12.50 and Roscommon at 1pm. The bus will return from Roscommon at 3.30 with stops at Ballintemple at 3.40, Cloonadra 3.45, Ballyleague at 3.50, Cloontuskert 3.55 and end in Curraghroe at 4pm.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Patricia and Tony Manning, their family, St. Mary’s Terrace, Ballyleague and their extended family on the death of Patricia’s sister Phil Sullivan, Elphin Street, Strokestown on Wednesday 18th December.
Sympathy
On Monday 16th December James McGrane passed away at his home in Longford Town. James was predeceased by his wife Margaret. Margaret was formerly of Thureen and from the very popular local Donlon family. At this time we remember the Donlon family P.J., Mary Teresa, Pauline, Geraldine, Larry, Mattie and the deceased Margaret, Tommy and Olive.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mary Casey, Rathcline Road, her son Enda, wife Claire and daughter Muireann on the death of Mrs Mary Casey, Ballymulvey, Ballymahon on Friday 20th December and her daughter Mary Clancy, Ballymulvey, Ballymahon on Monday 23rd December.
Primary School Enrolment
Lanesborough Primary School is now accepting enrolments for September 2025. Enrolment applications are available from the school. Please contact the school on the following email address: smgslb2020@gmail.comm or by phone at 043 3321545.
At Lanesborough Primary School, we are dedicated to creating a vibrant and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
We pride ourselves on fostering an atmosphere of happiness and positivity where children feel safe to explore, learn and grow. Our talented and caring staff work tirelessly to ensure that every child is given the tools and encouragement they need to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.
We are proud of our vibrant school community, where inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and ensure that all children feel respected and supported as they navigate their educational journey. Join us and discover the exciting opportunities awaiting your child here in Lanesborough Primary School.
School Transport Bus Escort
Lanesborough Primary School is seeking to recruit a School Transport Bus Escort to accompany our students on their journey to and from school each day.
Hours will be from 8.20am – 9.20am and 2.55pm – 3.55pm daily (2hours)
Bus journey will start and finish on the school grounds.
The escort is responsible for the safety of the pupils and will be required to assist them getting into and out of the bus and securing appropriate seatbelts.
Experience working with children with autism is desirable. Candidates will be expected to deal with parents and school staff in a professional way, they will need to communicate regarding pickups/drop offs, illnesses, traffic, delays etc.
Appointment is subject to Garda vetting and appropriate character references.
The salary is €15.20 per hour processed weekly during school term time.
Application by email to smgslb2020@gmail.com or by contacting 085 1287047
Winning Run continues
Harry O’Donnell’s horse ‘Shoot to Kill’ continued its winning ways on Friday 20th December, when his horse again turned in a brilliant performance in winning the Champion Trainer & Jockey Awards Handicap in Dundalk. As 2024 draws to a close we hope that 2025 will be equal successful for Harry and Shoot to Kill.
Notes inclusions
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 notes of the following week.
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.
Engagement
We would like to congratulate Dr. Noel Donlon, Tureen, formerly of Clonfower, son of Mattie and Anne Donlon and Niamh Gallagher from County Donegal who announced their engagement over the Christmas time.
St. John’s Parish
On Sunday 5th January at St Coman’s Roscommon there will be Morning Prayer at 11.30am.
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 until the end of March. 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
Céilí Dancing
Are you interested in perfecting your Céilí Dancing or just want to learn the Céilí steps? Ceili Dancing will take place in Cloonycolgan Community Centre, Donamon every Tuesday evening at 8.30pm under the guidance of Kevin Kelly. Traditional Irish dances are taught from beginners to completion. Everyone is welcome. Beginners get special attention.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 22nd December game held in the Parish Hall are on a magical 13 games were Peter and Mary Gregg. There was a four way tie for 2nd place on 11 games between Tom Skelly & Jack Bannon, Peggy Moran & Noreen Gibbons, P.J. & Bridie Glennon and Pat Rock & Annie. The last game winners were Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley and Barney Kenny & Eugene Kelly. The raffle winners were Barney Kenny, Pat Rock, Jack Bannon, Kitty Feeney, Jim, Peggy Moran, Gerry Dolan, P.J. Glennon, Johnno, Kay Featherstone & Bridie Glennon. The Hall Committee would like to thank all the 25 players for their continued support and wish all a very happy New Year. Also thanks to our local correspondent for keeping you updated.
The results of last Sunday night 29th December game held in the Parish Hall are Joint 1st Pat Rock & Gerry and Pat & Geraldine Greene. Last game winners were P.J & Bridie Glennon. Raffle winners were Pat Joe Fallon, Peggy Moran, Noreen Gibbons & Bridie Glennon.
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.
Goal Mile
The Goal Mile took place in the Rathcline club grounds on St. Stephen’s Day. There was an excellent turnout of young and old and the club raised €1,101for the Goal charity.
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.
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.
Wedding Fair
Local lady Geraldine Greally
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.
The Winter Wedding Fair will take place at the Abbey Hotel on Sunday 5th January 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 16th December the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place for a jackpot of €656. The jackpot for Monday night was again well over the €600 mark thanks your continued great support. The winner this week was Louise Fayne, who was the winner of the €656 prize. This was a exciting win for Louise and it could not have come at a better time than on the days of Christmas.
The last draw before Christmas on 23rd December was guaranteed to be a minimum of €1,000. It was a wonderful amount to win but the excitement it created brought about fever buying and the pool rose to a staggering €1,784. The winner was William McGinley, Stonepark, Longford.
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 17th December for a jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 14, 21, 23 and 29. There was nobody with the good luck to have the correct four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remained for the next draw on Tuesday 31st December. The winner of the Christmas bonus €100 prize was Alan Hanley, Lough Ree Park, Ballyleague, and the three Christmas bonus €50 prizes winners were B. McDermott, Lanesboro, Sean Connaughton, Curraghroe and Ger and Patricia Greene, Newtowncashel. The draw, as usual, will take place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday morning next.
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.
The Tidy Towns committee would like to wish everyone in our catchment area a happy, healthy and successful 2025.
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. Contact Gerry Trimble to add your name or get additional information.
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.
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.
Fr. Turlough and Fr. Merlyn would like to thank everyone for all their help assistance and attendances throughout 2024 and wish everyone a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and joyous 2025.
Offertory Envelopes: The boxes of envelopes for Church Offerings are now ready for collection. These envelopes are to be used from the 1st Saturday/Sunday. Your contributions are always gratefully appreciated. Thank you very much.
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
Message from Fr. Dan: Compliments of the Season my beloved parishioners. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, when we celebrate God’s intervention in human history made visible in the birth of Jesus Christ. His birth ushered a new era of hope, love, peace and joy to the world. Let us enjoy and celebrate God’s continual presence with us always. As we come closer to the end of 2024, I wish to express my appreciation and gratitude to all for your love, generosity and support. I thank our Pastoral Council, Finance Committee, Youth Committee, Eucharistic Ministers, Readers, Choir, Altar Society, Sacristans, Weekly Money Counters, Volunteers who distribute envelopes and especially those who make personal efforts and sacrifices for the good of our parish community. God bless and reward you all. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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 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.