Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Shannon Gaels Easter Camp
Following on from the hugely successful Halloween Camp the Shannon Gaels Minor club will be holding their first ever Easter camp. They invite players, boys and girls, aged between 7 and 13 years to take part. An added attraction to the camp will be an exhibition of the game rounders by some of the leading juvenile rounders players in Ireland and a rounders coach. The camp will take place on the week after Easter Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th April from 10am to 2pm. The club invites all young players in the area to come along and enjoy two great days of fun. The charge is €20 for one child and a maximum of €30 for two or more family members. Booking forms will be available during the coming week.
Sites for New Businesses
During the past week it was announced that a €300 million fund from the European Investment Bank (EIB) is to be made available in loans to small and medium-size Irish businesses from early next month.
Companies with projects will have to meet the criteria set out by the EIB and the fund will be distributed through the Ulster bank, AIB and Bank of Ireland. These funds will be disbursed under the current business lending rates.
In recent times the EIB has adopted measures to help the Europe work through the dire financial and economic crisis that it now finds itself in and the availability and access of small firms and businesses to this money is essential towards the growth in the Irish economy.
Adie Farrell informed me in the past few days that Longford County Council are in the process of finalizing a deal on land on the outskirts of Lanesboro on the Longford Road and this land is to be made available for new business ventures. The opening is now there for such like businesses and this is an ideal opportunity to investigate the development of new business in Lanesboro. With little to no reduction in rent and rates in city areas this site would be ideal for relocation and help cut the overhead costs in the running of the business. Longford County Council is actively seeking interested parties for this land. If it is of interest to your business you are asked to contact Frank Sheridan, at Longford County Council.
Camera Club.
At a well attended and representative meeting a camera club has been formed and this meeting decided it would be named the Shannonside Camera Club. Officers were elected and next meeting is fixed for Tuesday 7th April at 8 o’clock in the ESB Sports & Social Clubhouse. The executive elected was Chairperson- Brendan Dowling, Secretary- Des Watts, Print Secretary- Michael Burke Anyone interested is indeed welcome and information may be got by contacting the Secretary Des Watts at 043-21201 or 087-2744126
Annual 25 Card Drive
This year the Rathcline Ladies GAA club is taking the honour of hosting the Annual 25 Drive (partners) on Good Friday night 10th April in the Co-Op Hall. The tradition of the Good Friday night game goes back a long number of years and it is the main fundraiser for the Ladies GAA club this year. We would encourage every card player in the parish and surrounding parishes to go along and support what is a great night of card playing. We would also encourage all card players to encourage others from the wider area to go along and make this a most memorable night. Tickets are priced at an extremely reasonable €5 and are available from club members and from O’Brien’s Corner Shop.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Imelda Carberry, Cloontuskert and May Carroll, Kilrooskey on the death of their sister Catherine Lipson, Rhode Island, USA recently.
Alzheimers Care Tea Day
Western Alzheimers are the main providers of Alzheimer care in the West of Ireland. They are hosting a Tea Day in Lanesboro on Friday next 3rd April. Your support with helping out will make life much easier on the day – many hands do make light work. Contact Noeleen to offer your help at 090 66 27816 or email to westernalzheimerroscommon@eircom.net
Lanesboro Indoor Market this Friday
Lanesboro Indoor Market will commence on Friday next 3rd April in the Co-Op Hall from 11am-2pm If you are producing home grown food and interested in same, please give Teresa a call on 27070. This is the first venture into the home produced Indoor market for Lanesboro/Ballyleague and if the success of other similar markets is anything to go by then Friday will be start of a great market on this Friday.
Community Games
Congratulations to James Gavigan who came 3rd in the U-12 boys County Art
competition held recently in Longford well done also to all the children that represented the parish in the Art competition. We will be presenting the medals to the local art winners shortly. The committee would sincerely like to thank all the people would contribute to the recent Church Gate collection your support is greatly appreciated.
Birth
Congratulations to Basil and Amanda Mitchell, Ballymahon Road on the recent birth of a baby girl.
Web Page
From now on events, news and happenings in Lanesboro/Ballyleague area will be seen on a new website www.joeobrien.ie Feel free to make comment and while the page develops. I would appreciate memories and old photographs relevant to the area. The site will take a little time to bed in but I hope it will be show the vibrancy of our communities and hopefully it can be of assistance to many people.
Rathcline GAA Development Draw
The Rathcline GAA club is holding an Easter draw. The prizes are 1st €3000, 2nd€1000, 3rd €750, 4th €500, 5th €250, 6th 200, 7th €200, 8th €200, 9th €200 and 10th €200. Tickets are priced at €20 and the draw will take place on Sunday 12th April in the Swan Tavern.
Shannonside Heritage Country Market
Following the success of their One-day Plant Sale last year, Shannonside Heritage will host their 2nd Annual Country Market on Saturday April 25th on the lawn of the Parish Hall, Lanesborough.
This year the Group are expanding the show to incorporate a wide variety of stalls including flowers, plants, vegetables, homemade bread, cheese, smoked fish, Sauces, bog oak, furniture, pottery, craft demonstrations and many more.
Teas, coffees, scones and light refreshments etc will be available. It has all the promise of a good and enjoyable day and one not to be missed.
Your support of course will be vital to its success, so do please come along.
Watch out for further details later. Information from: Sarah Crinigan 0878197164 or Denis Devereaux 0863862050.
Entry into Tidy Towns
After an absence of many years it is great to learn that, this year, Lanesboro has been entered into the Tidy Towns competition. For an area, such as Lanesboro, with so much natural beauty it was beyond belief that it was not entered into the competition for the past number of years. Pride in our place, pride in our area are the essential ingredients of a vibrant tidy towns group in which the entire parish should be seen working with and for each other.
As I have said and continue to say, we have a tremendous spirit in the parish of Rathcline. This was clearly evident in the recent hugely successful events and there is no doubt that the Tidy Towns will bring out a greater number of people into helping to make their own particular area beautiful. It only needs to be advertised and people asked to see the help and assistance that is out there in the community and I am certain help will be forthcoming from all areas in abundance.
The Tidy Town competition takes community effort and stirs up a wonderful community spirit once it gets in motion. There must be a plan and a vision for the area and once these are in place work should start in a structured way. We are blessed to have a very active and excellent FÁS group in the town and while they do wonderful work they must be seen as a supplement to the community spirit. We all have to get out and ensure that our area is looking the very best it can be. The spirit and pride of the area should be reinforced by the FÁS group rather than the other way around.
In my mind we should start on the outer ring of the town, say a mile out each road and work back into town, beautifying the entry to town as moving back towards the centre. By doing it this way you would be trimming ditches and hedges and with the help of local residents en route creating a stunning visual impact that would be continued right into town. By coming from the outside in you were creating a beautiful entrance to the town and create an enthusiasm and community spirit that will continue to spread to all areas as you come closer to the town.
Let us all work together for the beauty of our town and continue the great Tidy Towns successes set for us by Abbeyshrule, Ardagh and Newtowncashel. We have the natural beauty, now let’s see the spirit.
Fianna Fail candidate in local election
Anne Marie Nolan, Newtowncashel native and Fianna Fáil candidate for this area in the forthcoming local elections had a very successful launch of her campaign at a well attended and lively function in Fallon’s of Newtowncashel on Saturday night last. The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin T.D, who was the principal guest of honour, got the proceedings under way with a speech in which she spoke of the current economic crisis and the Government’s determination to achieve a resolution. She also spoke of her families Longford roots and their longstanding friendship with former councillor Paddy Farrell and family (who were also in attendance).The Minister was followed by Senator Mary Whyte, for whom Anne Marie currently works, who spoke of the energy , enthusiasm and ability to integrate and work with people that she had brought to the job. This came as no surprise to those who know her. Were she to be elected no less could be expected from her as a councillor.
In Anne Marie’s address she declared her commitment and determination to work hard to resolve whatever issues people might have and to improve and enhance local amenities for the benefit of all. She has always been active in the community and is involved in a number of local activities.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Tom, Joe and John Rooney and their extended families, Rathcline who have suffered bereavement on the double over the past week. A brother of their mother, Charlie Hughes, died in Manchester, during the week and on Friday last Maureen Kiernan, sister of Pat Rooney died in Aughnacliffe.
Birth
Congratulations to Keith and Claire Flynn, Doughill on the recent birth of a baby girl.
Media Star
During the GAA All Star trip to San Francisco it was very pleasing to see local man Val Kirwan stealing the limelight with the national media. Through his job of a motorcycle cop in San Francisco he ensured that the teams had first class service as he escorted them to their playing venue. Before he left for America Val would always have been a man never stuck for words and it is great to see that he has never lost that quality. Lo and behold on St. Patrick’s Day on the RTÉ News at 6 the reporter was seeking comments from San Francisco cops and who was the first cop he spoke to only the brave Val. It was great to see Val on TV and hopefully we will see him exchange the ‘streets of San Francisco’ for the streets of Lanesboro during this year. We would say to him that August Bank Holiday is looking good at the moment and he should be penciling in that date.
Death of a local Legend
The name of Joe Casey to the older generation in the area brings to mind one of the finest boxers ever to put on boxing gloves. Joe in his childhood years moved from Limerick with his family. His father worked with Bord na Mona and while in Lanesboro lived on the Green and boxed out of the Lanesboro boxing club. He later moved to Dublin where he continued his boxing career with the Arbour Hill Boxing Club. Joe, was seen not alone as the best in Ireland but ranked amongst the best in Europe. He won National titles and proudly represented Ireland in the heavyweight division in the 1960 Olympics in Rome. It was a tremendous achievement for a man from our town to be representing Ireland in the Olympics. To my knowledge it has not happened since. It has been said that while Joe was leaving the ring from one of his fights during the Olympics he held the ropes up to let the USA champion Mohammad Ali enter the ring.
Joe worked with ESB in Dublin until his retirement. He enjoyed nothing better to stroll down the Main Street of Lanesboro renew old acquaintances and relive the memories of his life and times in Lanesboro. Joe was big in stature and he was a most affable gentleman. It was always a joy and pleasure to meet him as he caught up with events in the town and area. He loved to chat about old times while growing up in Lanesboro.
His memory will always bring a smile to the hearts and mind of everyone that was privileged to know and work with him. We would like to extend our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to his family and many friends.
Lanesboro Social Services
Lanesboro Social Services will hold their monthly Whist Drive in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on this Friday night 3rd April. As you all know the Social Services committee continues to play a wonderful role within the community and one of the main fund raising ventures that the committee organises is the monthly Whist Drive. Your continued support is required on an ongoing basis and especially at this time of need. Please support the game on Friday night. As usual refreshment will be served and a great night of card playing among friends is assured.
All Ireland medals come to the area.
All roads led from Roscommon to Banagher, Co. Offaly on Friday last for the All Ireland Colleges Ladies A Senior Final where the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon took on the might of Loreto, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Having won the Connaught final for the first time in the history of the competition they took the challenge of Ulster champions St. Mary’s Newry, in their stride and progressed to their first All Ireland Final. Powered by a number of local girls the girls faced a remarkable time in their young lives. Not alone did they qualify but practically the same panel also qualified for the All Ireland Ladies A Soccer Final. This is truly a remarkable achievement by an extremely talented panel of girls.
The local girls are all members of the St. Faithleach’s club and they are: Aisling Lannon daughter of Anthony and Mary Lannon, Ballagh, Amanda and Laura Mc Loone daughters of Denis and Carmel Mc Loone, Cloontuskert, Siobhan Ormsby, daughter of Steve and Teresa Ormsby, Ballyglass and Cheryl Scally, daughter of Kevin and Regina Scally Mountcashel. A further local connection was Siobhan Tully granddaughter of Johnny and Nancy Kelly, Ballyleague. We congratulate all of the girls and their team mates. We would also like to wish the girls that are on the panel for the soccer final every success and hope that they can achieve the remarkable double for their school.
Can we be Power Brokers?
Probably the most crucial time in the history of the political parties in Ireland is nearing with the local and European election due in June. Recent polls show a great appetitive for change and whether this will happen makes the coming election intriguing. All the parties will be vying for our votes and maybe the time has now come to make a stand as a community and sell the benefits of our area to those that will be most receptive and back the development of the area with action. Political parties must be forewarned that we are ready to help those that commit to working with us in achieving a regenerated area and a return to the vibrancy that we were once famous for.
Even though the country is in recession and the national picture is presently not very promising, we in the Lanesboro /Ballyleague area are incredibly well positioned to take advantage of the of the changing energy and conservation market. The opportunities are here and have been there for a long time. It has been highlighted by local groups over the past few years but unfortunately it has fallen on deaf ears. Now is the time that we as a community come together to put a concerted plan together as to how we will approach what should be an ideal opportunity not only for us but also for the benefit of the country as a whole.
Lanesboro has for many years been blessed with Bord na Mona and ESB, companies that not alone gave great jobs to their employees but in the case of Bord na Mona gave families the chance to earn extra money during the summer with work in the turf and peat harvesting. In recent times neither company has been recruiting to the extent of old, in fact downsizing was the common thread. The general impression to anybody from outside the area was that Lanesboro/Ballyleague was still in situation of boom as it had both these semi state companies when in fact the opposite was the truth. Bog is becoming scarcer and the life span of the power station is in or around 10 years. Because of this both companies are presently embracing the new philosophy of energy conservation and innovation. They are looking at new ways and means at their disposal to be creative in this respect and hopefully their research will pay a handsome dividend for the area.
For a long time this area has been completely ignored, this has happened during a time of plenty. We did not need to conserve energy; the country was awash with money, it was so plentiful that we were never going to see a poor or dark day again and it was very easy to ignore the pleas of local communities and centre all developments in the larger city areas.
Local groups have made presentations and recommendations based on expert advice they commissioned. These reports have been forward to people of influence but unfortunately there has been no response. I would like to think that they are being looked at seriously rather than gathering dust on some shelf or other but I feel I am being naive.
Now that we are going into an election I feel the time is ripe for the community to have its voice heard and this time have it acted upon. There is no doubting the community spirit and expertise that prevails in the both parishes. This must be highlighted and stressed as we go towards the election. Politicians in recent times have been talking of the need to conserve energy and attract businesses in the research and development sector. We are ideally situated to play a major role in both as well as being in a position to offer other enticing factors that other areas are not capable of offering. What we need is to be listened to and to be taken seriously.
Let’s embark on a new voyage of discovery together for the future of our area and the young people we are presently educating. Lanesboro/Ballyleague was once one of the main hubs of energy in the country. Let us put it right back up there one again.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Under 14’s – The under 14 team took part in a blitz organized by the Ballymahon club on Saturday last. It was a great start to the year for these young players and they went through the blitz. The club would like to thank Ballymahon for their generosity and hospitality.
Congratulations to the under 14 girls Shannon Rooney, Lauren Guinan, Dearbháil Flood, Laura Peters and Carol Cooney who were part of the successful Longford under 14 ladies championship panel on Saturday last. We also say well done to Linda Kilcoyne who was part of the Longford under 16 ladies team, unfortunately they came out on the losing side.
Lá na gClub – The minor club are presently putting their final touches to their programme for the GAA celebration of 125 years. They start the day meeting in the car park where the entire minor executive, players, mentors, their parents and club supporters will parade through the Main Street for Mass in St. Mary’s Church. There will also be a ceremony at St. John’s Church. This will be followed by a match in the pitch – the likes of which will never be seen again. If you thought Search for a Star was excellent for its participants wait until you see the line out for the Lá na gClub celebration. There will be welcoming to the community and in particular to the club of the foreign national community. There will be a plaque unveiled as a remembrance of all those living and dead that gave so much of their time and energy to the club. There will be an exhibition match of ancient Irish game of rounders. There will be a donation box at the gate and people attending are asked to be as generous as they can be as all the funds contributed will be presented to the Special Olympics.
Coaching Seminar – The club will hold its second coaching seminar for all club coaches on Tuesday 28th April. The first seminar was of hugely beneficial and it is expected that all coaches and club mentors will attend.
Juvenile and Minor Training – Training for all players in both age groups is continuing. It is very important that a full turnout takes place for all sessions.
Club Notice The club advises players, parents and mentors that unless registration is fully paid up players cannot be allowed play with the club as they are not insured. This rule has to be strictly adhered to. Team managers are asked to ensure that all registration is collected before next weekend.
Rounders – The club is introducing rounders to the club and an exhibition will be given on Thursday 16th April in Clonbonny. The club invites young and old to this exhibition and you are asked to make a special effort to attend. If you are interested in getting involved in rounders you can give Joe O’Brien a call at the shop or ring 086-2460840 or email joea@iol.ie
Sympathy – The club would like to extend their sincere sympathy to the Rooney families Rathcline and their extended families on the death of their aunt Mrs. Maureen Kiernan, Aughnacliffe and their uncle Charlie Hughes, Manchester last week.
Ballyboro Schoolboy Soccer
U11 Final score Ballyboro 8 Castlepollard Whites 0.
Ballyboro had a convincing win over Castlepollard Whites on Saturday morning last at home. 4 minutes into the game Jonathan Hussey send a fine pass onto Shane Phillips who opened the scoring for Boro. Jack Irwin was on his marker right from tip off and delivered a cracking long ball from defence up to Jonathan Hussey who put Boro 2-0. Niall Nolan came on for Boro and showed some strength in midfield where a skilful pass from Shane Phillips set up a great goal for Kevin Sorohan. Cian Gannon came on for Boro up-front and showed some fine football. Phillips was on the ball chipping it across to Cian Gannon who pulled off a great finish to give Boro a 4-0 lead by half-time. The duo in defence, Jack Irwin & Joseph Farrell were rock solid throughout the 1st half and Erin Farrell had a great game in goal. Conor English for Boro gave it his all and put in a good performance. Castlepollard tried hard to come back in the 2nd half and kept Boro at bay for the first 10 minutes before Hussey chipped the ball to Phillips who was on target to knock the ball into the back of the net. Kevin Sorohan was outstanding in midfield and covered every ground throughout the game. A well delivered throw-in from Sorohan found Hussey on a run up-front to knock in another for Boro. Mikey Cox came into his own, hit the target with his goal and Boro were on a roll, wanting more. Just before the final whistle, Phillips was in control of the ball to set up Hussey for a hat-trick with a class finish leaving Boro roaring home with an 8-0 victory. Credit goes to all players on the squad for a superb team effort, giving Boro a place top of the table at present.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
The club is invited to take part in the annual Good Friday competition, which will take place this year at the new Tartan Track at the Athlone Institute of Technology on 10th April.
This year, the club have over 100 registered which is a record number. Members will be notified of travelling arrangements closer to the day Based on club membership alone, the club is very confident of some success. Training in the hall in Ballyleague continues and the record numbers attending necessitated two sessions (6pm -7pm and 7pm to 8pm).
There is now an opportunity for athletes interested in the High Jump to get involved. It has already thrown up some very interesting prospects. The club is now endeavouring to get one of the National High Jump coaches to a session over Easter.
St Faithleach’s News
O’Rourke Cup: We defeated Castlerea on Saturday last. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 1-11 Castlerea 0-9. Team: D. Thompson, J. Tarmey, D. Murray, D. Thompson, P. Hunt, A. Murtagh, S. Ormsby, D. Ryan, M. Reynolds, B. Scally, C. McCormack (0-1), P. Wallace (0-2), D. Hussey (0-6), A. Brehon, A. Dooney(1-1). Subs: S. O’Grady (0-1). See fixtures for next game.
Rose of St. Faithleach’s: On Saturday night last in the Club House, a fantastic night was held by St. Faithleach’s GAA Club on their 1st entry of a ‘St. Faithleach’s Rose’ into the Rose of Roscommon Competition. 12 ladies participated in the event, namely: Amanda Mc Loone Sponsored by Trautt’s Checkout. Alexandra Harold, Sponsored by Lanesboro/Ballyleague Credit Union. Rebecca Kelly, Sponsored by Hugh Baxter. Emma Duffy, Sponsored by Lakeview Filling Station. Emma Hussey, Sponsored by Hussey Heating & Plumbing. Jodie Walsh, Sponsored by Techtronics. Lorraine Leckey, Sponsored by Lough Ree Co-op. Caoilfhionn Thompson, Sponsored by Sherper Group. Siobhan Ormsby, Sponsored by Clarke’s Bar. Mary Rooney, Sponsored by Keane’s Supervalue. Michelle Corcoran, Sponsored by O’Brien’s Corner Shop. Emma Donlon, Sponsored by East West Travel. The three Judges, Tony Waldron, Mary Corbett & Myra Glennon had a tough task of picking the winning Rose from such an outstanding bunch of young ladies. Huge congratulations to our Winning Rose, Alexandra Harold, Sponsored by Lanesboro/Ballyleague Credit Union. Judge, Myra Glennon presented Alexandra with the St. Faithleach’s Sash, Bouquet of flowers, and Voucher for entry to the Rose of Roscommon, Sponsored by St. Faithleach’s GAA Club and Voucher for Hair & Beauty Treatments from our Main Sponsors, Michelle Connerton of Cloud 9 Beauty Clinic & Clare Flynn of Xelentee Hair Salon Lanesboro. All of our ladies on the night received a Rose & Beauty Gifts, Sponsored by O’Brien’s Pharmacy, Roscommon. Chairman of St. Faithleach’s GAA Club Social Committee, Derek Thompson thanked the following: Our Main Sponsors, Michelle Connerton of Cloud 9 Beauty Clinic & Clare Flynn of Xelentee Hair Salon Lanesboro. O’Brien’s Pharmacy, Roscommon. Our 12 Sponsors of our Roses on the night. Our 12 Roses who took part, they looked stunning and truly made it a night to remember. Our very own St. Faithleach’s Escort, Paul Hunt who did a great job. Our Compere, Eugene Murphy who was presented with a small gift for his great job. Judges, Tony Waldron, Mary Corbett & Myra Glennon who were presented with a small gift in appreciation for their hard work. Sponsors of Raffle Prizes on the night. P.J. Reid for providing music on the night at short notice. Our Social Committee Members for organizing the event, especially Bernie Cotter who did tremendous work. All who bought tickets for the event and all who attended on the night? All who bought tickets on the night for our raffle. Photographer, Michelle Hurson. All who helped out with food and all who helped out in any way. Many thanks to the Staff of the Club House on the night also. This was a great event and a fantastic night was had by all.
U16 Girls County Final: Postponed due to bereavement.
Congratulations: Well done to the Convent of Mercy, Roscommon who defeated Fermoy in the All-Ireland Ladies A Final in Banagher on Friday last. Congratulations to our Club members on the team, Siobhan Ormsby, Aisling Lannon, Cheryl Scally, Laura Mc Loone and Amanda Mc Loone.
Tea/Coffee Morning: A tea/coffee morning will be held in the Club House on Friday next 3rd April from 10.30 to 12.30 in aid of Western Alzheimer’s. Please come along and support.
Easter: Kids look out for our monster Easter Egg Hunt in St. Faithleach’s on Easter Sunday 12th April.
Karaoke Night: Look out for our up-coming Karaoke Night to be held in the Club House on the 25th April.
Merchandise: Club Merchandise now on sale, please phone Derek Thompson on (087) 8172668.
Sympathy: The Club would like to express deepest sympathy to Joe and Rita Fallon, Ballyglass and their family on the death of Joe Joe Fallon. The Club expresses deepest sympathy to the Hanly family, Corry, Kilrooskey on the death of Margaret Hanly.