Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Kenneth Honoured
Pocket parks are considered to be small areas of inviting green space where people can relax, exercise, socialise and play. The 217 Somerville Avenue Pocket Park in the suburb of Boston is currently under renovation and it has just recently been announced that it will be named the Ken Kelly Park. Local man Ken (Kenneth) Kelly, passed away on 15th December 2015 was son of Kathleen and the late Tommy Kelly, and brother of Niall and Alan, Carrawroe. Ken was an incredible visionary for his adopted community of Somerville where he left a massive legacy. He was heavily involved in the Somerville community as the Union Square business group chairman in the Somerville Chamber of Commerce. He owned The Independent, Brass Union, and Foundry on Elm, Saloon, and River Bar. Ken was given the John W. Fitzgerald Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in these areas. In a tribute to Ken it was stated that his legacy “is one of service, kindness, and unwavering commitment to his community”. On top of everything else he also owned his own prospering consulting company.
It is true to say that the community of Somerville do not forget and very recently they changed the name of the park from 217 Somerville Avenue Pocket Park to the Ken Kelly Park in recognition of what this young man did for the community in such a short number of years. Ken will always be remembered for his strength of character when even deep into his illness he kept planning and progressing his businesses. Never one to be boastful in his achievements our discussion on his developments and future plans showed a man with a tremendous drive with a mind full of creativity and many plans. His memory lives on with all of us that knew him and he will be forever remembered by the people of his adopted home of Somerville with this wonderful recognition.
We share with Ken’s wife Kim, his children Michael and Samantha, his mother Kathleen, his brothers Niall and Alan and all his friends the delight of Ken’s forever recognition.
Vendors Sought
On Saturday 17th May the Tidy Town committees of Lanesboro and Ballyleague are once again coming together to host a family Fun day in the grassy area next to the children’s playground and they are seeking your backing to make the event huge.
Last year was the very first joint venture by both committees and it proved to be an outstanding success so much so that they are seeking to go bigger and better in 2025 and this progression can only happen with you support.
To this end local vendors of all sorts are being sought to enhance the event. If you would like to have your stall included/ please contact me at joeaobrien@outlook.com phone 086 2460840 or 3321107 or call in and leave your name into the shop with myself or Martina.
Charity Tractor Run
A Charity Tractor run in memory of one of our finest young men will take place on Sunday 13th April. A young farming graduate Jimmy is sadly missed in our community and this Tractor Run is a fitting acknowledgement to Jimmy’s memory.
Jimmy’s passion was for farming and it is very fitting that tractors and machinery will gather in the Clonbonny area beside the Clonbonny graveyard, where Jimmy is laid to rest, and the Rathcline GAA club. Registration costing €20 will take place at the clubhouse from 12 noon with the roll out of tractors at 2pm.
The proceeds of the Run will go to HUGG
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Sheila and Ronan Collier and their family, Gortgallon and Sheila’s extended McGoldrick family, Ennybegs, Killoe on the death of James McGoldrick, Ennybegs on Tuesday 11th March.
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 next 22nd at 6.30pm and Sunday next 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.
Ploughing Championship on our doorstep
On Sunday next 23rd March the County Longford Ploughing Championship and Field Day returns to South Longford when it takes place in Drinan, Ballymahon with the kind permission of the Delaney Family. The championships sponsored by neighbours P&J Finnegan Car Sales will start with tractor, horse and vintage ploughing from 12 noon. For all locals travelling Drinan is on the way into Ballymahon from Lanesboro. There will be a Trade Fair and Machinery show. Live music on the site will be supplied by young, lively and extremely popular 4 Degrees West. There will also be a bar on the site. For all dog owners and lovers there will be a Dog Show and also on site will be the very popular Mobile Pet Farm and a Funfair.
Go along and enjoy what is always a most enjoyable day for all the family.
Henry Kenny Memorial
A memorial game of football in memory of the late Henry Kenny, will take place at the St. Faithleach’s grounds on Sunday 13th April, Henry was a stalwart for his home club of Cashel throughout his playing career and following his moving to Cloontuskert he gave his adopted club unbelievable allegiance and he quickly became a feature of the club no matter what they were doing. He never shirked hard work and could be seen doing any of the menial jobs at any time or meeting and greeting dignitaries or working with teams on the same day. No job was too big or too small for Henry.
It is fitting that both St. Faithleach’s and Cashel will play a game in the memory of this great man at the St. Faithleach’s grounds on Sunday 13th April. Events will throw in at 2.30 with a kids game followed by St. Faithleach’s against Cashel at 4pm.
The proceeds of the day’s event will go to Cancer Research and Cloontuskert Cemetery, Following the game there will be music, refreshments and a raffle in the clubhouse. Everyone is invited to come along to support the memory of Henry and the two very worthy causes.
Come Follow Me
Parents and grandparents of 7 to 11 year old children are invited to a short presentation in the Parish Hub on this 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.
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.
Rathcline Club Membership
Membership for 2025 to the Rathcline club is now open. Registration will be taken at the clubhouse this Wednesday 19th March from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Membership for non playing members costs just €25. All club members will be entered into the draw for All-Ireland Football and Hurling tickets.
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.
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.
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 18th 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 11th 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 18th March. The winner of the €50 prize was Jacinta Kennedy c/o Mags and the three €20 prize winners were Betty Murphy, Cloonadra, Kathleen Kelly, Carrowroe and Jenny and Faye Rooney, Carrowroe. The draw, as usual, will take place in O’Brien’s on Tuesday morning next.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 16th March game held in the Parish are 1st .on the magical 13 games were P.J. Glennon and Annie Eggleton. In joint 2nd place were Pat and Geraldine Greene &Kevin McDonagh and Seamus Casey. The last game winners were Petey Donlon and Brendan Hanley. The raffle winners were Liz Hughes, Tom Rock, Peggy Moran and Pat Rock.
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 10rd March. The winning pool amounted to an exciting €643. The outcome of the draw proved to be Kathleen Hoare. 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.
Fundraiser
A night of Storytelling with Seanachaí Vincent Pierse will take place in the Parish Hall, Kiltoom on Friday 28th March at 8 p.m. The night is designed to help raise funds for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Tickets are available at €20 on www.joinourboys.org . There will also be a raffle on the night and your generosity will be appreciated.
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.
Scripture Studies: A group of people meet in the Prayer room following 10am Mass every Wednesday during the period of Lent. They take a closer look at the Scripture Readings for the coming Sunday. It takes about 30 minutes and it really brings the Gospel to life! All are welcome.
Come Follow Me: Parents and grandparents of 7 to 11 year old children are invited to a short presentation in the Parish Hub on this 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
Thank You: Many thanks to everyone that generously supported the church gate collection on Sunday last in Ballyleague. The monies collected will assist children and young people with Special needs from the local area to travel to Lourdes on Easter Sunday with the Irish Pilgrimage Trust.
Stations of the Cross: During the Lenten season everyone is encouraged to journey with Christ through his Paschal Mystery by praying the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross will be at weekends of Lent 30 minutes before Mass for the convenience of all. Ballyleague – 11am, Ballagh – Saturday at 7pm
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.
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.
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
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.