Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
As a teacher for so many years she was the centre of so many people’s life creating a wonderful place in their hearts with her style of teaching and the security she afforded everyone in her classroom, the passing of Martha Glennon, Cloonadra, on Sunday 2nd March greatly saddened the hearts of everyone. Martha, a native of Carrickedmond, from a family of 10, was predeceased by her husband Pete, her siblings Joe, Vonnie, Delia, Anne and her granddaughter Sarah. Her teaching career began in Newtowncashel where she was recognised by coming to school on her scooter. Martha’s love of education and educating was clearly evident from the very beginning as she was acknowledged as a warm, gentle and patient teacher who lived by her adage of “be patient with your children as God has not stopped working on them yet”. To be in the company of Martha for a minute or an hour you got a superb feeling of security and warmth where time just did not matter. She had a great interest in how you and your family were progressing. Her unique way of encouragement and support made you feel very reassured. Martha had a wonderful faith and no day was complete with her reciting the rosary, she was also an avid reader. After taking a break from teaching Martha returned to teaching in Ballagh NS and later in St. Joseph’s Longford where so many more young people benefited from her excellent teaching style. She met and married local Cloonadra man Pete Glennon in the Church of the Blessed Virgin, Newtowncashel in 1965 where the students of the school turned out to give her a guard of honour. Pete and herself – a match made in heaven – reared six children with their unmatched warmth and devotion and took great pride in each of their achievements.
The attendance at the reposing of her remains in Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon on Tuesday and again at the Mass of the Resurrection in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Wednesday bore ample testimony to the esteem in which she was held. Martha was later laid to rest alongside Pete in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her family Damian, Frank, Vinnie, Ronan, Ruth and Alan, her brothers Jim, Paddy and Peter, her sisters, Doreen and Kathleen, her relatives and so many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Wedding
The marriage took place at Tankardstown House, Slane, Co. Meath of Eoin Madden, son of Caroline and Kevin madden, Rathcline Road and Lorna Corry, daughter of Ethel and George Corry, Ardagh. Best man was Eoin’s twin brother Aaron Madden and groomsman was Shane Riggs a friend of the groom. Matron of Honour was Emma Brierton, sister of the bride and bridesmaid was Fiona McIntyre a friend of the bride. The marriage ceremony was performed by Romy McCauley. The wedding reception was held in Tankardstown House. We wish the happy couple many years of weeded happiness.
Lourdes Collection in the Church
Every year your support for the Lourdes assisted pilgrimage fund has been wonderful. This year there will be a change in the method of the collection. The collection will be taken up as a second collection during Mass on Saturday 22nd at 6.30pm and Sunday 23rd March at 11am.
Once again your generosity will be greatly appreciated. If you are not at Mass on either day and would like to contribute you can leave your donation into O’Brien’s for collection. Thank you very much.
ICA Guild
The Lanesboro ICA Guild March meeting will take place in the Parish Hub, Lanesboro this Wednesday 12th March at 7.45p.m. New members are always welcome to join the group.
The guild will welcome Miriam Burke, Reflexologist and Holistic Therapist as their guest speaker.
Former local passes away
At the Sonas Nursing Home in Athlone on Saturday 1st March, a former local lady, Kathleen Keenan, Slyhaun, Legan passed away. Kathleen, formerly Donlon, was born and reared in the townsland of Lehery. She was predeceased a time back by her late husband Michael. Kathleen was a gentle and quite lady with indomitable spirit as following the death of her husband she took on the running of the family farm and she did so with great efficiency.
Her remains reposed in St. Mary’s Church, Legan on Monday 3rd March and her Funeral took place in the church on Tuesday. Burial took place afterwards to Carrickedmond cemetery. To her daughter Katherine, her sister Annie, her brothers Patsy and Peter, son-in-law Michael Duffy, grandchildren Emer and Eoin and her many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Good News
From the depths of despair and sadness, chinks of light are always greatly welcomed and such is the case for the Ormsby family, Ballyglass. In recent days and weeks they lost Teresa’s mother Phil Browne and her aunt Martha Glennon. In the midst of their loss Steve and Teresa’s daughter Siobhan Ormsby and her partner Emmet Grimes, living in Clonfower, welcomed a new baby boy and on Friday last in Templemore more excitement was bestowed on the family when Liam Ormsby passed out from Garda Training College and he will now be stationed at Pearse Street, Dublin. We congratulate Siobhan, Emmet and Liam and wish them much happiness in the future.
Pictured with Liam are his parents Teresa and Steve, his brother Stephen, his aunt Helen Kelly, his uncle Joe and his sister-in-law Emma.
Come Follow Me
Parents and grandparents of 7 to 11 year old children are invited to a short presentation in the Parish Hub on Wednesday 19th March. The presentation will last for one hour and it will commence at 7pm. ‘Come Follow Me’ is a new movement taking root in Ireland – it is a parish/home based programme to help children grow in faith.
Coffee Morning
A Coffee Morning in aid of St. Christopher’s Longford will be held in the parish hall on Sunday next 16th March following 11am mass. All are welcome and all support will be greatly appreciated.
Rubbish at the Cemetery
The committee of Clonbonny graveyard are very disappointed to see rubbish such as Christmas wreaths, plastic pots, plastic and ribbons of flower bunches dumped at the gate wall and over the main wall. A lot of money has been spent cleaning up rubbish over the last few years. People have been asked to bring their rubbish home. There are no dumping facilities at this graveyard or Rathcline and Lanesborough. Please respect yours and everyone else’s plots by disposing of the rubbish in your bins.
Parish Pastoral Council
In Rathcline the role of the Pastoral Council is becoming more vital in parish life and presently new members are being sought. There will be a training course for Parish Council members during March. If you consider somebody suitable for the Parish Council ask their permission to put their name forward for the Parish Council and play their part in the development of the Parish Council. Nominations should be dropped into Maireád in the parish office.
Nursing Staff for Lourdes Pilgrimage
Those interested in joining as a nursing staff member for the Diocesan Pilgrimage are asked to contact Maireád in the parish office (3321166) or contact the nursing director Margaret McDonald at 086 3918577.
Phoenix Park History – further local link
Another piece of information and a reason for my great interest in the Phoenix Park was the wonderful memories of going there very often as a young fella, be it visiting or being brought to the races at the old Phoenix Park racecourse. The Ashtown gates leading to the Navan Road and the Phoenix Park had a particular significance as that was where Declan Carroll lived. Declan, a Cavan man, was brother of the late Mrs Frances Bannon, who live with her husband Pat and family on Main Street. From my memory, Declan was one of the most amenable and nicest people you could ever meet and it was always a pleasure to visit him. His warm, welcoming and gentle manner will live with me for ever. Declan lived at the Ashtown Gatehouse in a house similar to the photo taken from the recently published The Phoenix Park ‘an illustrated history of its landscape and management 1880-1980’ written by John A. McCullen. It is amazing the amount of memories that the book has brought back. We have many great memories of Pat and Frances Bannon and their family, Mary, the late J.P., Joe and Elizabeth.
If, you, the reader, has any connections or stories to tell of the Phoenix Park and would like to share them please contact me at joeaobrien@outlook.com
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Ardagh/Clonmacnois annual Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place from Friday 30th May to Wednesday 4th June. This is an ideal way to treat your mother to a very special trip and you can use the gift as a Mother’s Day present. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 30th March. For details you should contact JWT for flight details. Those who need assistance, contact 0863918577.
Harry’s Comic
Local Cloonadra and Cloontuskert National School student Harry Kenny has just published the latest edition of his comic Pizza Boy. This is a tremendous feat for one so young to be creating his unique and very own comic. Well done again Harry. The comic can be bought in O’Brien’s for just €1.
All-Ireland Final
Sunday last 9th March proved to be a red lettered day for Roscommon CBS in Pearse Park, Longford when they emerged victorious in the All-Ireland B Post Primary Schools final. In a high quality game CBS mostly held the lead and they were in a comfortable position going into the last 10 minutes until Patrician staged a comeback point by point comeback leading to an uncomfortable few moments as the final whistle beckoned. In the end they came out with a four point victory much to the great excitement of their huge support. What made the victory so very special locally was the fact that three local lads and St. Faithleach’s players David Cox, Christian Donlon Goncalves and Jack Casey are now proud winners of All-Ireland medals and it made it a very proud day for the lads, their parents and their club.
In the 1997 final the same pairing met with Patrician emerging as victors so this victory levels it between the two schools. It is just six years ago since the CBS won the title and let us hope that they can make further great progress as a number of the players make the next step to county level.
.Defibrillator Course
Ballagh/Curraghroe defibrillator committee would like to invite anyone in the Kilgefin parish to complete a defibrillator course and if they could contact Danny Cox 086 8142112 or Jean Fallon 086 8320019 to be added for the course. The list, for this vital and potential lifesaving ability, will be compiled with your support over the coming weeks.
RTÉ to attend the Parade
We have just been told that RTÉ will be on hand capturing the floats and the attendance at the Parade so come along and make the occasion to be another special one for all our community.
Your support for the Lanesboro/Ballyleague St. Patrick’s Day Parade has always been exceptional and it is through your incredible support that once again the committee can feel confident of another great day in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. Once again the committee will welcome a large number of floats and thousands to the streets to celebrate the Parade and there is no doubt but many clubs, businesses and organisations will once contribute to making the parade the best in the wider area. The parade will start off from St. Faithleach’s GAA club at 2.30pm and will proceed through Ballyleague and ump Main Street to Lanesboro Community College.
Donations: Without the support of the many donors and businesses the St. Patrick’s Day Parade would not be possible and once again your incredible and loyal generosity and once again it is called upon and it would be very welcome. Donations of €60 is sought to help contribute towards the organising of the Parade. Donations should be made directly to Freda Connaughton, Longford road or left in O’Brien’s in an envelope with your name on it. Thank you in advance for your continued support.
Draw: Your support and generosity is once again being called upon to help defray the cost of staging the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Books of tickets costing €5 for a book of 3 are now on sale locally and in O’Brien’s for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade draw. This draw is vital to the committee in helping to finance the rising costs of providing a spectacular day in Ballyleague and Lanesboro. Your support has always been exceptional and this year there is a greater need for greater success due to the rising costs of proving for the day.
Entry Forms: Entry forms are now available from Teresa Costello, Freda Connaughton or from O’Brien’s Shop. Completed forms can be returned to O’Brien’s for collection. Entry into the best parade in the midlands is just €30
Floats: As I write St. Patrick’s Day is just 7 days away and the countdown is now in single figures. Let’s hope that all business, community groups and schools do make a big effort and make the St. Patrick’s Day parade, yet again, the biggest and best.
Total Disgraceful Behaviour
On Saturday morning last when officials of the local soccer club, Ballyboro, turned up to prepare the grounds for game at the weekend they were met with a an absolutely disgusting sight where they found broken bottles, empty cans and several pieces of dog faeces on the pitch. This is utter disgusting and sickening for a club that gives so much fun and activity to so many youngsters from not only this area but surrounding areas. This behaviour gives the club a huge health and safety headache and one a voluntary committee should not have to face as part of providing games and activity for the multitude of boys and girls. For anyone that would do such a shameful act or even allow it to happen they have to be identified and let due process to take its course. Everyone that uses the track for walking/training, the Astro turf and the pitches are asked to be very vigilant and if they see this uncultured behaviour taking place to contact any member of the club executive.
As a community we must talk about this in the hope that the people that done this will hear it and will realise that from now on someone will be watching.
Rising Darts Star
At the All-Ireland Youths darts Championship a young local Weekfield man showed his potential when representing Roscommon. Eoin O’Brien son of Mick O’Brien and Monica Connaughton, Weekfield since a young person always showed that he had a great skill and eye for the game of darts and at the recent championships he showed his true quality when winning 5 of his 6 games. It is a great to have such a rising star in our community that we can watch and encourage and hopefully see him going to much bigger and better things. For the record the Roscommon team were beaten in the end by his father Mick’s home county. We look forward to recording many more successful events for Eoin in the years to come.
Pictured with Eoin at an evening of support for Eoin prior to the championships in Clarke’s Bar – the home of darts in Lanesboro – are the Clarke’s “A” team.
Lanesboro Triathlon News
Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon: Entries are now open for the 2025 Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon. The event of the year in Lanesboro and Ballyleague will take place on Saturday 12th July.
Training: The club continues to offer 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.
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 as they continue to enhance our town even during the dreariest of the weather. Your excellent support for the Tidy Town lottery envelopes every week is a great boost to the committee and the workers.
Your continued support is a great encouragement to the committee who can plot and plan greater improvements in and around the town. The next draw takes place for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 11th March.
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 4th March for the jackpot of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 3, 3 14 and 28. 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 11th March. The winner of the €50 prize was Johnny & Caroline c/o Yacht Bar and the three €20 prize winners were Eithne Clyne, Lanesboro, Fintan Jordan, The Green and Molly, Lucy and Emma c/o The Yacht. The draw, as usual, will take place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday morning next.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 9th March game held in the Parish seen a three way tie for 1st between Frank McCormack and Brian Mulvihill, Peter & Mary Gregg and Tom Nohilly and Mags. Last game winners were Kathleen and Mick Maguire. Raffle winners were Kay Featherstone, Brendan Hanley, Johnno Byrne and Barney Kenny.
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.
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. The 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.
Coaching continues for game of 25
There was a great response to the new initiative of coaching for new players or those who want to refresh their game skills of 25 in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse. Training will continue every Tuesday night at 8.30pm. This is separate from the regular game and everyone is welcome to go along and enjoy the casual learning the skills of 25.
Rathcline 50/50
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 3rd March. The winning pool amounted to a wonderful €618. The outcome of the draw proved to be Conan Donlon, c/o Nathan Donlon. 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Come Follow Me: Parents and grandparents of 7 to 11 year old children are invited to a short presentation in the Parish Hub on Wednesday 19th March. The presentation will last for one hour and it will commence at 7pm. ‘Come Follow Me’ is a new movement taking root in Ireland – it is a parish/home based programme to help children grow in faith.
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.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes: The Ardagh and Clonmacnois Lourdes Pilgrimage 2025 will be led by Bishop Paul Connell, is open for booking now. It will take place from May 30th – June 4th costing from €969. For more details contact Joe Walsh Tours at 01-2410800 or email – info@joewalshtours.ie . Pilgrims who would like to travel with the Special Assisted Section should apply to Margaret McDonald on 086 3918577. Those interested in joining as a Nursing Staff Member for the Pilgrimage are asked to contact their local parish or the Pilgrimage Matron – Margaret McDonald on 086 3918577.
Brothers of Charity: The Brothers of Charity in Roscommon are seeking volunteers.
If you would like to help somebody with an intellectual disability, to be part of the community that they live in, let Edel Crehan know of your interest and you may contact her on 087 4887314.
Would you like to provide home from home, short breaks for children and adults, who have an intellectual disability? There will be an allowance paid. Details can be obtained from Catherine on 080 6628500 or 087 2126607.
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 4th April.
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
Readers: Ballagh Church is looking for people to read at Mass on Saturday nights. If you can commit and would like to join a rota you are asked to contact Fr. Dan or email kilgefinparish21@gmail.com or Vivienne at 0862626639.
Ballagh Church Meeting: All parishioners are invited to a meeting in Ballagh Church on Tuesday 11th March at 7pm. A number of important issues will be discussed: Maintenance, Sacristan’s retirement, Confirmation, and First Holy Communion to name a few. You are asked to make every effort to attend.
Defibrillator Course: Ballagh/Curraghroe defibrillator committee would like to invite anyone in the Kilgefin parish or surrounding areas to complete a defibrillator course and if they could contact Danny Cox 086 8142112 or Jean Fallon 086 8320019 to be added for the course. The list, for this vital and potential lifesaving ability, will be compiled with your support over the coming weeks.
Station Masses: Station Masses in the parish will commence on Monday next 3rd March, The station Masses very successful in September. If anyone would like to host the station mass in their home they should contact Fr. Dan to arrange a date.
ALONE needs volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make friendly calls to an older person in your community? The commitment is for one hour per week. ALONE is seeking volunteers and if you can give just one hour we encourage you to do so. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interested please sign up at https://a lone.ie/volunteers/ For more information contact Helena : Helena.madden@alone.ie phone 086 0145829
25 Coaching: Coaching for new players or those who want to refresh their game skills of 25 will take place in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse every Tuesday at 8.30pm. This is separate from the regular game and everyone is welcome
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Ladies Football
Our Junior Ladies will play Strokestown next Sunday away with throw in at 11am. Our U16 Girls are away to Shannon Gaels next Sunday with throw in at 4pm thanks. We wish our team and the team management the very best of luck. Please support.
Senior Men
Our senior men will take on Boyle in Round 2 of the Senior League next Saturday 15th March in Ballyleague with throw in at 4:30pm. Please support if you can. The very best of luck lads.
Congratulations
Congratulations to David Cox, Christian Donlon Goncalves and Jack Casey on winning the All-Ireland Senior Schools final on Sunday last. This is a marvellous achievement for the CBS.
25 Card Game
There is a 25 Card Game every Tuesday at 8.30pm in the clubhouse. There is a separate coaching for beginners every Tuesday in February at 8.30pm. All welcome
Clubhouse Available
The clubhouse is available if you wish to book a party in our function room. We cater for all occasions. Please contact Gerry Donlon or any committee member if you wish to make a booking.
Volunteers
As the underage season is fast approaching we are actively seeking any parents or club members who are willing to volunteer and give a hand at our underage trainings and matches. If you are interested please contact Steve Smith or any committee member. Thank you.
Registration Night
The deadline for registration is March 31st. Please contact Steve Smith, Ursula Kilcoyne or any committee member if you are having difficulty.