Lanesboro Ballyleague notes Monday 20th January 2025

Lanesboro Ballyleague notes

Death

A man of in-depth knowledge of the land and farming will be a great loss to our community with the passing of Sylvester Regan, Rockwood House, Ballyleague. Syl as he was most commonly known was predeceased by his father John, mother Anne, brother J.J. and his infant niece Grainne. Syl was a very mild mannered man who led his life in a simple, respectful and mild manner way – he was a gentleman to his fingertips. His incredible work ethic was clearly visible, his knowledge of land and farming was second to none and his willingness to help and advise anybody that sought help was renowned. He was a wonderful neighbour and friend to so many. Syl had outside interests in both GAA and Rugby and what was very important to him was his faith and he was a regular at weekend masses in any of the four churches locally. He was generous with his time for everyone and he always had time for a chat. His warm and unmatched smile ensured you were encountering a warm, friendly and sincere man. Syl’s presence and warmth in our community will be sadly missed and greatly grieved by everyone that had the pleasure to know him.

Syl’s remains reposed in the house of his brother Francis on Tuesday 14th before being removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague. Following the Mass of the Resurrection on Wednesday Syl was laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his brothers Jerry, Francis, his sisters Marian and Anne, relatives and many friends we would lke to extend our sincere sympathy.

Lanesboro Triathlon News

Membership: The membership for the year 2025 at the Lanesboro Triathlon club is 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.

Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon: Entries will be open for the 2025 Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon from this Wednesday 15th January. The event of the year in Lanesboro and Ballyleague will take place on Saturday 12th July.

Training: The club is offering signed up members a weekly training schedule: Monday – coached swimming, Tuesday – Strength & Conditioning, Wednesday – Coached Turbo (indoor bike), Thursday – Coached Running, Friday – rest day, Saturday – Long Run and Sunday – Club Group Cycle.

Wedding

The marriage took place at St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Saturday 28th December of Therese Kelly, daughter of Eugene and Mary Kelly, Rathcline Road and Darren Beatty, son of Frank and Doreen Beatty, Circular Road, Roscommon Town. Chief bridesmaid was Maireád Mollaghan, a friend of the bride and the bridesmaids were Sinead Kenny, friend of the bride, Clodagh Beatty, sister of the groom and Michelle Kelly sister-in-law of the bride. Bestman was Stephen Glynn friend of the groom, and the groomsmen were Kenneth Kelly, friend of the groom, Padraig Beattie, friend of the groom, and David Nestor friend of the groom. Page Boy was Ronan Kelly, nephew of the bride and Flower Girl was Evelyn Kelly, niece of the bride. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Michael Murtagh assisted by Fr. Turlough Baxter. The wedding reception took place in the Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Co. Leitrim. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.

Sympathy

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Noreen Dunne and her family, Ballyleague on the death on Tuesday 14th January of her sister Sr. Carmel Molloy, Sisters of Mercy Athlone. Sr. Carmel was laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery on Friday last.

Former local passes away

It was great sadness we learned on Monday 13th January following an illness of Alex O’Sullivan, Tennis Court Lane and formerly ‘Sullivan’s Cross’, Curraghroe. Throughout his illness Alex faced his demise with a great strength of faith and fortitude. He was predeceased by his wife Máirín, parents Robert and Florence and by his sisters Kay and Sr. Rosemary. Alex was a man of wit and a great sense of humour, with a great interest in the GAA and in his younger days he was a player and latterly a referee. He a great passion for his chosen career as an Engineer and he spent many years with Longford County Council. He loved creating, planning and see his work come to fruition, He was always very positive and saw the positives in everyone. First and foremost in his life came his family followed by a great love of nature. Alex also had a deep faith and he was very active in the Templemichael parish and with other voluntary groups in the parish.

Alex reposed in Glennon’s Funeral Home on Thursday and following the Mass of the Resurrection on Friday he was laid to rest in Ballymacormack cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathy to his son Robert, his daughters Anne and Meabh, extended family relatives and friends.

Sigerson Cup

The football season began early for Oisín Kenny, Fermoyle, a student of the Technological University of the Shannon – Athlone who is representing the parish and club Rathcline in this year’s Sigerson Cup. He has played a leading role in the teams two success and now looks forward to the quarter final challenge in the week beginning 27th January. We wish Oisín and his teammates the very best of luck in the final stages of the competition.

Sympathy

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Anne Kelly and her family, Cloonadra on the death of her brother Liam Maloney, Feakle, Co. Clare. Liam passed away on Tuesday 10th December and was laid to rest in the local cemetery.

St. Patrick Day Parade

As I write St. Patrick’s Day is just 56 days away and now is the time to be looking forward and preparing for our local St. Patrick’s Day Parade. As 2025 is quarter way through the century we should be making a great effort for this milestone year. Let’s hope that all business, community groups and schools do make a big big effort and make the St. Patrick’s Day parade the biggest and best yet.

Sympathy

We would like to extend our sympathy to all the Sorohan family in our community on the death of Mrs Bridie Lowry, Park Road, Longford. Bridie was sister of the late Julia Sorohan.

We would also like to extend our sympathy to Bridie’s son Andy and his family who works with Longford County Council. Andy worked in Lanesboro as Traffic Warden until the Zebra Crossing was installed – in fact he was the last man to ensure that the youngsters going to Lanesboro Primary got there and home safely.

Well Done Paddy

Last weekend seen our community represented in Crooke Park on All-Ireland Club Final day when Paddy Neilan, son of Bernie and the late Paddy Neilan, Lough Ree Park. Paddy has done all the major games except from the All-Ireland Senior Final and following last Sunday’s performance he is well o track for that accolade. Paddy referees with a great calmness and authority that has gained the respect of players from all over and his quiet assuredness and excellent performance yesterday, even at this early stage of the year, surely puts him in prime position for the All-Ireland Senior Final.  

Tidy Towns Lottery

Every week, on a Tuesday, the draw takes place in O’Brien’s shop at around 10.30am.

The benefit to the committee of your support is shown all year around with the wonderful work of the Community Enterprise team led by Sean Moran as they continue to enhance our town even during the dreariest of the weather that we are presently encountering.

Your continued support is a great reward to the committee that can plot and plan greater improvements in and around the town. The next draw takes place for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 14th January.

The brown envelopes cost €2 each or you can buy 3 envelopes for just €5.

We would like to encourage everyone in the community to join in the playing of this very vital weekly draw. Tickets are on sale throughout the town. 

Last week’s lottery draw took place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday 14th January for the jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 5,16, 20 and 22. There was nobody with the good fortune to have the correct four numbers drawn out and the jackpot of €15,000 remained for the next draw on 21st January. The winner of the €50 prize was Lisa Mullane, and the three €20 prize winners were Jean Fallon, Kilrooskey, Francis Clyne c/o Community Enterprise and Martina O’Brien, Corner Shop. The draw, as usual, will take place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday morning next.

Sub Aqua Club

Christmas Day Swim: There was a great buzz down by the Shannon Christmas Day as over 40 brave souls took to the water to complete our annual Christmas day swim.  While the water may have been a bit chilly it didn’t deter people from taking a dip and it was great to see some new faces giving it a go.  A special well done must go to Arianna age 7 who was the youngest of the group to brave the water.  We hope you see you again next year Arianna. 

After the swim refreshments were served in the form of hot whiskeys, tea, coffee and of course the homemade soup made by Ciara Gillen who was keeping up the Gillen family tradition of making this. Thank you to everyone who donated to our club on the day and everyone who sponsored the swimmers.  Anyone with outstanding sponsorship card can return them to any club member. 

Training : Training has now started back in the pool after our Christmas break and our new trainees are in the final stages of completing their 1st pool test.  

French & German Grinds

French and German grinds are available for any age and for any level including preparation for Junior and Leaving Certificate exams. Grind are available in the Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Longford, Roscommon catchment and ZOOM classes are also available. For further information you can WhatsApp Larysa at 089 4885679.

Fermoyle N.S. Enrolment Evening

Fermoyle NS will host an ‘Open Evening’ on Tuesday 28th January from 6pm to 7pm. Fermoyle offers an after-school club, only 7minutes from Lanesboro with bus routes available. There is drop from 9.10am.

For further details contact fermoylens@gmail.com or phone 043 3321959

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 works 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. 

Gaelscoil de hIdeOpen Morning. Gaelscoil de hÍde will be hosting an open morning on Saturday, 25th January from 10.30 a.m. – 12 noon. Parents of children considering enrolling in the school for September ‘25 or ‘26 are very welcome to attend along with their children. Come and see what Gaelscoil de hÍde has to offer your child. Fáilte roimh gach duine.

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

Roscommon Community Challenge 2025

Can you believe it we are in our 13th year?

The Roscommon Community Challenge will take place this year on Friday night 7th March with a 5km and 8km walk or run under the beautiful moonlight in Roscommon Town. This will be followed on Saturday 8th by a 70km cycle.

A large number of people from the Ballyleague, Kilgefin and Rathcline take place in this event each year and I am sure this year will be no different.

The frosty weather may have curtailed us initially this week, but everything is back in action now.

Our Moonlight RUN / WALK/ JOG training will commence on Monday 13th and will continue every Monday and Wednesday evening until the main event on Friday March 7th.

Training will start each evening at 7pm sharp from Roscommon Community Sports Park (F42KP86)

Cost of the total 8 weeks twice weekly session is €30. You can register for the event on Eventbrite (online only) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1080453398199

The organising committee is hugely indebted to Noel and his staff at Roscommon Sport Partnership.

Without their help we would not be able to provide quality training by fully qualified tutors. So, if you are a complete beginner, or an experienced athlete, if you are a walker, a jogger, a runner or indeed if you want to set yourself a challenge to improve your health and fitness this is the place for you. Children (must be accompanied by an adult), grannies granddads……everyone is welcome to what is a fun and challenging experience.

No matter what level of fitness you are currently at there is a place for you on our training programme.

So, register now to be part of something special, improve your health and fitness and at the same time know that you are helping a wonderful cause in Roscommon Special Olympics and Roscommon Community Sports Park. Further information can be had on 086 1721181.

Environmental Workers

Kenagh Community Employment Project also covers Newtowncashel and Stonepark.  They are seeking environmental workers in Newtowncashel, Kenagh and Stonepark. If you are going to apply for any of the jobs then you should contact jobsireland with the reference #CES-2337662 for Newtowncashel, Kenagh #CES-2346574 and Stonepark #CES-2337662 or for further information you can contact the Scheme Supervisor at 0894032559.

Go for a Walk

The Rathcline club holds a community walk every Tuesday and Thursday evening at their club grounds in Clonbonny. The walk takes place from 7.30 to 8.30pm. You are invited to come along for the walk, have a chat and a cup of tea afterwards. The walks two evenings a week will continue until the end of February.

The club will stage a 5km and 10km walk/run on Saturday 1st February at 11.30am.

Weekly Card Game

The results of Sunday night 19th January game held in the Parish Hall seen a three-way tie for first place between Niall & Liz Hughes, Pat Joe Fallon & Tom Nohilly and Gerry Leavy & Mags Gillen. Last game winners were Jack Bannon & Tom Skelly. Raffle winners were Jim Horan, Gerry Leavy, Pat Joe Fallon & Kathleen Maguire. 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.

Rathcline 50/50 

On Monday 13th January the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place for a jackpot of €769. The jackpot for Monday night was well over the €700 mark thanks your continued great support. The winner this week was Mary Brady, Church View, who was the winner of the €769 prize. Well done Michael and thank you for your support

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. 

Search for a Star

The Rathcline fundraiser ‘Search for a Star’ proved to be a wonderful night of entertainment. The full programme of the night was captured in video and now you can avail of a wonderful night in the comfort of your own home as the club have USB’s on sale of the show. The USB’s are available in O’Brien’s at a cost of €15.

Medjugorje Pilgrimage Knock to Mostar: There is an option of two pilgrimages beginning Wednesday17th  – to Wednesday 24th  September and Wednesday 24th Sept. – Wednesday 1st Oct. Accommodation 2 minutes from St. James Church. €825 if booked before 31st January. The pilgrimage will be accompanied by Spiritual Directors. Contact Anne Keadin 086 376 6293. Early booking advised as demand will be huge due to Vatican approval of Medjugorje in Sept. 2024.

Remembrance Mass: A special mass of remembrance for all the deceased students of the Convent of Mercy School, Christian Brothers and Roscommon Community College (Roscommon Vocational School) Roscommon shall be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, February 1st at 3pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

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.

Engineering Recognition

Congratulations to Darragh Beirne, son of Pat and Anne Beirne, Mahoraveen, who was recently recognised as a finalist in the Chartered Engineer of the Year Award. This recognition is of the highest acknowledgement of the proficiency of those nominated. Darragh’s expertise is with the railway industry. To be acknowledged as one of the best is a tremendous achievement and we congratulate Darragh.

Ballinamuck Social Dancing

Our next evening of dancing and socialising in the ’98 Memorial Hall, Ballinamuck is taking place Sunday, the 26th January from 5pm – 7pm.

A relaxed atmosphere where there is no pressure to dance – simply enjoy the good music and good company! Music this month is by Family Affair! New friends always welcome!

For more info contact Aisling 086 3663901.

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.

‘MENO WELL ROSCOMMON’

Meno Well Roscommon is a free 6-week online evidence-based exercise, nutrition, and health education programme promoting wellness for women in all stages of adult life. This programme is designed and delivered by EduFIT and it is free because it is funded by Roscommon LEADER Partnership in association with Healthy Roscommon. This programme is starting on Tuesday, 28th January 2025, at 8pm. Sign up Link: https://edufit.ie/menowell-roscommon/

St. Vincent de Paul

The annual St. Vincent de Paul appeal continues and envelopes are available for your donation from the church porch or in O’Brien’s Shop. 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.

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.

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.

Ballyleague Tidy Towns

The Ballyleague Tidy Towns team are always looking out for 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.

Ministers of the WORD and EUCHARIST: The Parish Pastoral Council deeply appreciates your faithful and generous service to the Parish community throughout the year. If you would like to add your name to the list, or remove it, or change your weekend Mass time preference, please contact Maireád in the Parish Office, so that rotas for 2025 can be issued by the end of January, New volunteers are always welcomed.

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 of January. Your contributions are always gratefully appreciated.

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 7th February.

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

Death Anniversary Mass: We have a challenge of scheduling Death Anniversary masses for families on specific weekends of their choice because of the few masses at weekends. With weekend masses at a premium it is the case that most will have to be shared with other families to accommodate. The option of weekday masses is preferred for Month’s Mind, Memorial or Anniversary masses where suitable for families. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

MSP Mission Envelopes: At the request of Bishop Kevin Doran, we are all encouraged to support and contribute generously to the Religious Order of Fr. Daniel, the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP) in their missionary activities in different parts of the world especially in areas ravaged by wars, famine, hunger and lack of basic human infrastructures. For more information you are invited to www.mspfathers.org Please return your envelopes by next weekend 25th/26th January. Thank you in advance for 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 (sins) 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.

St. Faithleach’s GAA

Coaching Courses: If anyone wishes to do any of the following GAA Coaching Courses please make contact with our Coaching Officer Jerome Kelly for more information.

Introduction to Coaching Gaelic Games (ICGG) – Tarmon NS – 27th, 29th Jan & 5th Feb.

ICGG DUAL (Football & Hurling) – Lecarrow Hall – 10th,12th & 17th Feb. 

Award 1 – Scoil Mhuire, Strokestown – 15th, 18th, 24th Feb, 3rd & 8th Mar.

Quiz Night: The St. Faithleachs Junior Ladies are hosting a table Quiz on Friday 31st January at 8pm in the clubhouse. Please support the ladies. A great night is promised. The price is tables of 4, €40 per table.

Church Gate: Thanks to everyone who helped out with the church gate collections last weekend in aid of Roscommon LGFA. 

Cards: Card game continues this Tuesday night at the clubhouse. All welcome. New players welcome to attend.

Registration: Registration in now open for renewals on the Foireann App for the upcoming 2025 season. A registration night will be announced soon for new players and members to register at all age levels.