Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Easter Bake Sale
Lanesborough Primary School Parents Association will be holding an Easter Bake sale in the Parish Hub, St. Mary’s Parochial House following 11am Mass on Easter Sunday morning. There will be a host of beautiful bakes avail for purchase. The funds collected will go towards much needed children supports at the school.
Annual 25 Drive on Friday
On next Friday, Good Friday, 18th April the annual and fundraising Good Friday Card Drive (partners) that has become a great tradition will take place in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro. The games are scheduled to start at 8.30pm.
This is the annual event hosted by the Shannon Gaels Minor Club and it is also one of their main fundraisers towards the encouragement and development of all the underage footballers and hurlers in the Rathcline club. Your support since the inception of this game has been fantastic and once again we encourage you and your friends to come along and enjoy a great evening of card playing and the associated fun that goes along with the game of cards.
If you would like to support the club even if you are not card players you can buy a ticket in from club members or from O’Brien’s costing €10. This ticket ensures that you are in the draw for the numerous prizes drawn on the night. The €10 ticket also allows card players to participate in the partners 25 drive. Please be as supportive as possible.
Local Fire-fighters required
The career as a fire-fighter attached to the local Lanesboro Fire Station may be part time but the training you will receive is second to none where you will learn a whole new set of skills. These skills will stand to you through your life and it will take you to a new and extreme level in terms of fire-fighting, rescue and first aid.
Lanesboro Fire Station is looking for a number people male and female to make applications to Longford County Council Fire Department. The stipulation is that you live and work within a maximum of 8 minutes response time from time alert from the fire station on the Longford Road. This is a wonderful opportunity for so many people living on both sides of the bridge and the hinterlands.
Full training will be given to all those that pass the interview and a warm welcome will be given to all the new recruits. The job of as a fire-fighter requires those applying to be adaptable and those selected will receive a good remuneration and as well will be part of a dedicated team of local fire-fighters.
To apply you should email hrrecruitment@longfordcoco.ie
Prospect of Exciting Times
I know there have been many false dawns in Lanesboro and Ballyleague over the past number of years so much so that I have learned that everything you hear has to be dealt with a great degree of caution. Bearing all that in mind there are very definitely some very exciting talks about some green shoots for some local projects that appear to hold greater credence than previously. Let us hope that this time the prospects do really turn into reality.
Very recently the Bord na Mona rail tracks leading from the power station to Kilnacarrow, also known as the ‘North Line’ and across to the Ballinakill gates have been lifted to allow for ESB cabling from the solar farm in Ballinakill to the National Grid compound adjoining the power station site.
Bord na Mona are about to commence, within the next couple of weeks, the hard topping of the North Line that will create a massive walkway/cycleway all the way to the existing walkway/cycleway that takes you to Clonbearla. When this work is completed this walkway/cycleway will eventually be linked all the way to Clondra and also give access to the Royal canal and to Dublin via the canal. This will be a fabulous connection and will be a huge tourist attraction for us in Lanesboro/Ballyleague.
There are a number of local people very passionate about our community and future developments for our coming generations. Their unseen tireless work behind the scenes has brought many heart breaks and setbacks. Let us begin to hope that their steadfastness towards developments in Lanesboro/Ballyleague will be rewarded with some of these spoken about projects coming to fruition.
Lanesboro ICA
The AGM of the Lanesboro Guild of the ICA was held on Wednesday 10th April in The Parish Hub, Lanesboro. Nicola O’Connor was elected President, and Marie Cleary was elected vice President. The guild would like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing President, Margaret Bourke and outgoing Vice President, Anne Marie Casey for all their hard work and dedication to our Guild over the last 3 years. Catherine McDermott was elected as Sports Officer and Anne Marie Casey as Contest Secretary.
The sponsored Walk in Pink in aid of Breast Cancer Research was held on Sunday 30th March in Lanesboro, where all the Defibrillator Sites in the area were viewed. The Guild extends their grateful thanks to all who supported us on the day. Total amount raised €555.
Visit Corlea in 2025
Right on our doorstep and visited during 2024 by almost 20,000, up by more than 5,000 from 2023, the fabulous Iron Age Trackway situated in Corlea just 13km (7m) from Lanesboro is beginning to gain its rightful acknowledgement as a wonderful and unique place to visit. This very unique Trackway has an 18m long section of original Trackway the largest ever discovered in Europe and it is on display 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 hugely and it is an ideal place to bring visitors to this wonderful experience.
Visiting the centre is free of charge and the excellent and knowledgeable local facilitators will bring you though the experience and leave you in awe with the history of the Trackway.
Connacht Semi-Final
Following their great performance in London two weeks ago the Roscommon senior team travel to Pearse Stadium, Salthill on Sunday for the Connacht semi-final against beaten All-Ireland finalists and Connacht champions Galway that has a throw in time of 4pm.. Roscommon in Salthill are always a major challenge for Galway and there is no doubt that the team led by our two local brothers and superstars of county football Ciaráin and Diarmuid Murtagh will again put up another tremendous performance and hopefully qualify for the Connacht Final against Mayo or Leitrim. We are expecting that a huge number form the area will travel to cheer on the lads and the county team.
The very best of luck to the lads and their teammates and hopefully the day to the grounds at the seaside will be a very successful one.
Festival Time
Lanesboro and Ballyleague has been a community of welcomes for a very long time and it is our pleasure to see Gaelforce, the adventure racing company, joining with our two local tidy towns committees for what will be a wonderful time in Lanesboro/Ballyleague on the banks of the Shannon. There is a wonderful expectation building for the Family Day and Gaelforce Great River Swim on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th May that has the potential of being one of the biggest days ever in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. Friday evening will be a gentle introduction into what will be a very special day of events and fun on Saturday. There will also be a number of vendors on site selling lots of their wares as well as a friendly welcome to everyone from all the warm and friendly businesses in the town.
Last year we saw the Tidy Towns committees of both Lanesboro and Ballyleague come together to stage, with outstanding success, their inaugural Family Day in the area between the car park and small marina. This year the two committees have, again, come together with the support of all local clubs and associations to join with Gaelforce for what should be an utterly fantastic day on the banks of the Shannon.
This is a day that is being embraced by the community groups and we welcome everyone from far and wide to come along and join with us in Lanesboro and Ballyleague for this very special day and a fabulous day of welcome to all our visitors.
For those that don’t know, Gaelforce is a family-owned Irish company, based in Leenane, Co. Galway. Their mission is to seek out new challenges to bring the best of adventure racing to Ireland. They design, build and run all their own events. You just won’t find challenges or locations like this anywhere else! They have come back to Lanesboro/Ballyleague this year for the Great River Swim that, looking at their entry list, is attracting swimmers of all abilities from all over the country for this Gaelforce Great River Swim.
For the Gaelforce Great River Swim there will be four swims over distances of 800m, 3.5km, 5.8km, (you will need to be a confident and experienced open water swimmer to compete at this distance) and the extreme distance of 12km where the race director will determine whether you are eligible to take this extreme distance. See the entry regulations and entry forms on https://gaelforceevents.com/en/gaelforce-events-enter-now
With everybody coming together this will be, without doubt, another very special day and one of the very best events in Lanesboro/Ballyleague on the banks of the glorious Shannon and there should be something to interest everybody.
At the moment great work is going on behind the scenes in building the programme of events by the three groups and it will be fascinating. Make the date in your diary and look out for future notices as we draw closer to the main event.
Make sure you mark the dates in your diary and along with your family and friends you can be on the banks of the Shannon for another marvellous day in Lanesboro
Liturgies for Holy Week
The Holy Week liturgies at our local churches are as follows: Lanesboro – On Tuesday 15th Reconciliation Service on Tuesday 15th at 7pm. Holy Thursday 17th Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7.30pm, Good Friday 18th at 11am, the traditional Station of the Cross procession will start at Ballyleague Church, stop at St. John’s Church before finishing at Lanesboro Church. Everyone is invited to come along and be part of what is a very unique occasion.
Celebration of the Passion will take place at 2.30pm and prayers around the Cross at 9pm. Holy Saturday 19th Easter Vigil Mass will take place at 9pm. Easter Sunday 20th Mass will be at 11am.
Masses on Easter Sunday will take place in Killashee at 10am and in Newtowncashel at 10.30am.
Mass of the Chrism will take place in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Wednesday at 7pm and Confessions will take place at the Cathedral at 10.30am on Saturday.
In St. Cecilia’s Curraghroe on Good Friday 18th there will be the Passion of the Lord Service at 3pm and on Easter Sunday the celebration of Mass of the Resurrection at 10am.
At St. Mary’s church Ballagh on Easter Saturday 19th the Easter Vigil will be celebrated at 7.30pm. At the Church of the Holy Rosary Ballyleague on Holy Thursday 17th the Mass of the Lord’s Supper will take place at 7pm and on Easter Sunday the Mass of the Resurrection will take place at 11.30am.
Friday Coffee Morning
A new initiative of a Coffee Morning will start in Clarke’s bar from Friday 2nd May and will continue every Friday morning for 10am to 12 noon. For the price of a cup of tea/coffee you can enjoy chatting, getting to know new people, reminiscing with old friends and generally having a grand morning out. Everybody is invited to come alon and join the group.
18 Stones up the Hill
This is another publication by local Ballyleague resident Andrew Knowles who this time comes to the wicket with this his new publication. As anyone that knows Andrew he has a great passion for his native English game of cricket. Andrew takes you through the dressing rooms, pitches and unforgettable moments of club crickets. In the book Andrew displays a keen eye for detail recounting the warmth and humour throughout his career from a junior player to a senior player. There is no doubt that Andrew’s portrayal is laced with many great and humorous stories. The book is a great read even for those not au fait with cricket. For just €10 the book on sale in O’Brien’s is a must.
LCC SciFest Successes
SciFest is a national STEM programme for schools and the regional finals took place Technological College of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone on Wednesday last 9th April. Lanesboro Community College, (LCC), was represented in a number of projects by a team of 7 students who presented all excellent projects. This effort was amply rewarded on the day with the students winning many of their categories.
Congratulations goes to Ronan Lyons who won the Best Project Award for his project which was entitled CAPILL: Compliance Aid Promoting Independent Living Long-Term. Ronan project was a winner in all categories which included; Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award; Intel Technology Award and 1st place in the Senior Technology Award.
Ronan, son of Michael and Mary Lyons, Longford Road, will now go forward to represent LCC and the region at the National SciFest finals that will be held at a Dublin venue in November.
Well done also to Joice Jiju and Sebastian Cummins who won the Boston Scientific Medical Devices Runner- up Award for their project entitled AWAR: Advance Warning Auditory Response.
The results are fantastic achievement for the students and their teachers and it just amplifies the quality of teaching taking place at Lanesboro Community College,
Pictured, below, is the team of students representing the school
VHI Mini Marathon
On Sunday 1st June the Ladies Mini Marathon will take place in Dublin. A bus is being organised from Lanesboro in memory of the late Pam Farrell, who for many years organised a bus taking locals to the Mini Marathon and funds raised will go to the Cancer Society. If you would like to avail of the bus you are asked to contact Martha on 087 2638593 or Una on 086 8929402 for further details.
Charity Tractor Run
Sunday last saw the memory and anniversary of the late Jimmy Farrell acknowledged in the most magnificent way possible by his friends. The ‘Tractor Run’ organised in Jimmy’s name drew a massive number of tractors and machinery to Clonbonny for the start of the ‘Run’. Staring off and coming to the corner before going up the Ballymahon Road there was a great hum of excitement by the waiting numbers. There was in excess of 120 tractors on what was a fantastic Run.
Some American visitor to Ireland arrived at the corner just as the tractors were arriving and they were amazed by the vast number of tractors and especially the fact that the young people on the tractors were remembering and celebrating the life of their friend Jimmy Farrell.
Credit must be given to every one of the organising committee and also the magnificent number of young people that turned out to support the memory of Jimmy.
Pictured below are some of the tractors that packed Clonbonny as they prepared for the Run.
Remembering Henry Kenny
Sunday last saw a wonderful celebration of the life and times of the late Henry Kenny. The memorial match between the two clubs in Henry’s GAA life Cashel and St. Faithleach’s played out a thrilling draw at the St. Faithleach’s club grounds. The game was preceded by the young generations of upcoming footballers who opened the day’s proceedings. A huge crowd turned out and made the occasion a very special day with the memory of Henry to the forefront.
The picture below shows Kenny family members representing their clubs Cashel and St. Faithleach’s.
Junior Certificate History
An intensive Junior Certificate History revision course will take place in Hannon’s Hotel, Athlone Road, Roscommon on Friday 25th April. The course will take place from 9.30am to 3.30pm. A revision booklet will be supplied and a booking deposit is required. For further information and bookings call Rosie 086 3844320
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.
Charity Tractor and Truck Run
Come the month of May and especially the 15th we always remember the death of one of our own young men. Owen Kelly, son of Eugene and Mary Kelly, Rathcline Road passed away following an accident. The celebrate the memory and 20th Anniversary of Owen’s passing there will be a Tractor and Truck Run commencing in Newtowncashel on Sunday 18th May at 2.30pm. All the proceeds will be shared with the National Rehabilitation Centre and the Head Injury Unit at Beaumont Hospital. Mark the date in your diary and come out and celebrate the memory of Owen.
Pilgrim’s Path
As part of the Jubilee Year Celebrations 2025, we are invited to visit 3 Shrines in the Diocese, St Manchain’s Church, Boher, Ballycumber, Co Offaly. St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford and the Poor Clare Convent, Drumshambo, Co Leitrim, to celebrate Faith, Hope and Love. These trips can be a personal visit or with a group. It is hoped to have a bus trip from Longford to St. Manchain’s Church, Boher on Monday 5th May. ‘Passports’ for the trip are available in St Mary’s Church and also in all of the 3 churches listed and are stamped at each church visited. Anyone interested in travelling on the bus should telephone St Mel’s Presbytery on 043 3346465 for further details.
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.
Tidy Towns lottery
Your continued support is a great encouragement to the committee who can now plot and plan greater improvements in and around the town for 2025.
There was no winner of the Lottery draw on Tuesday 8th April and the €15,000 remains to be won at the next draw. The winner of the €50 prize was 2, 7, 8 and 15. 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 15th April. The winner of the €50 prize was Melissa O’Donoghue and the three €20 prize winners were Sean Kyne c/o Johnny and Kathleen Kyne, Rathcline, Terry Hynes, Rathcline and Mike Greene, The Green.
The next draw takes place in O’Brien’s for the €15,000 on this Tuesday 15th April. 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.
Weekly Card Game
The results of Sunday night 23rd March game held in the Parish are 1st Peggy Moran & Noreen Gibbons. There was a four way tie for 2nd between Seamus Casey & Kevin McDonagh, Petey Donlon & Brendan Hanley, Tommy Fox & Tom Rock and Kay Featherstone & Annie Eggleton .
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
The draw for the club 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 8th April. The winning pool amounted to an exciting €674. The winner of the draw was Claire Kenny, Church View. 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
Memory Café
Roscommon Dementia Alliance hosts a monthly café in Lough Key, Forest Park, Boyle to help support people affected by dementia, their families and carers. This month’s event takes place on Wednesday the 16th of April, 2 – 4pm and will include music, song, advice and a chat. If you would like to attend please visit www.roscommondementia.ie or contact Teresa Keegan on 0877061183 for more information.
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
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.
Trócaire Boxes: Your Tr caire Lenten Campaign box will be collected at the church door on Good Friday, before the passion Ceremony at 2.30pm. If you forget your box, you may place it in the Offertory collection basket on Saturday or Sunday.
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.
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 2nd May.
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
New Choir Members: Kilgefin/Scramogue choir is currently recruiting new singers and musicians as they continue to develop their popular choir. You are asked to contact Amanda 086607 1281 or speak to any of the current members of the choir to express your interest.
Thank You: Ballyleague PTAA would like to sincerely thank everyone that contributed to their church gate collection last weekend.
Easter Altar Flowers: Anyone that would like to donate money towards the collection for the Easter church floral adornment for Ballyleague church can do so by contacting Maureen Curley.
Young Adult Pilgrimage to Italy: The Young Adult Pilgrimage to Italy will take place from 29th July to 8th August with Bishop Kevin Doran. The pilgrimage is open to 18 – 35 year olds. The cost is €995 pps.
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
Salthill on Sunday: All roads will lead a huge Roscommon number of supporters to Pearse Stadium, Galway on Sunday for the Connaught semi-final with the Murtagh brothers led Roscommon will take on Galway for a place in the Connacht Final against Mayo or Leitrim.
We wish Ciaráin and Diarmuid, the panel and management the very best of luck.
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.
Underage: Underage training is starting back this Thursday at 6.30pm. U6s, U8s and U10s. U6 is for children born in 2019 and 2020. All levels welcome and new members welcome. Please contact and committee member for further information.