Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Campaign Office opens in Lanesboro
Deputy Peter Kelly TD officially opened the Campaign Office of Anne Marie Nolan on Main Street, Lanesboro on Easter Sunday last. The office will be used as a base for the campaign and will be opened each evening from 7 to 9 pm. Members of the public are welcome to drop in and discuss any issues of concern with Anne Marie or with members of the campaign team.
Pictured below with Anne Marie and Deputy Peter Kelly are members of the Lanesboro and Cashel Fianna Fail Cumman’s as well as family and friends.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Ardagh Clonmacnois Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Wednesday 27th May to Monday 1st June. The pilgrimage will be led by Bishop Colm O’Reilly, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois. The pilgrimage Director is Monsignor Bernard Noonan, Moate phone 090 6481180 and the invalid section is dealt by Fr. Michael Scanlon P.P. Cloghan phone 0902-57122. The cost of the pilgrimage is €725 inclusive per person.
Lanesboro Indoor Market this Friday
Even at this early stage the new Indoor Market that takes every Friday in the Co-Op Hall is proving to be a big hit with the locals. You should pencil it in for Friday next and pay a visit, you will not be disappointed. The Market will be open from 11am to 2pm on
You can get you eggs, bread; cards, knit-wear, bags, scarves, jams, plants, and vegetables etc. and enjoy a cup of tea.
Time has not changed some things in Lanesboro
Last weekend one of our favourite sons was interviewed by Eamon Dunphy on his excellent Saturday morning interview programme. Each Saturday Eamon interviews one of Ireland’s leading personalities and Saturday last was one of Lanesboro’s best known people, Dessie Hynes.
Dessie as he told his story was raised in Lanesboro with his uncle Alfie Mc Crann who had shops and a dance hall at the bottom of Main Street. The photograph of their premises can be seen hanging in O’Brien’s shop. Dessie went through life taking a bigger and bigger step each time and leaving a footprint that remembered him fondly wherever he went.
Those that knew him in his younger days will remember him with great affection and those locals that got to know him in latter life will also hold him dear to their hearts. His antics are legendry and his tales on the programme are only scratching on the surface. Those that knew him tell many stories.
Dessie never forgot his hometown as was clearly evident when one listened to his interview. His sense of pride in Lanesboro still burns brightly within him as he was proud to tell Eamon and the listeners. His loyalty and support to local people is well-known.
He described the people of Lanesboro at that time as “massively decent people”. Time has stood still in that respect as the people of Lanesboro have not changed one iota they still come with the same traits, we can rightly say that time has not changed in the quality of our people. It is absolutely wonderful to hear a local person go on national radio and eulogise his own people. It is not often we hear such praise for a person’s home place these days the tendency is forget ones roots.
The people of Lanesboro then, the people from all over the country that came with Bord na Mona and ESB, with their cultures and traditions, making Lanesboro their home and those that have came to live with us since have continued to make Lanesboro a wonderful and exceptional community.
Recently he celebrated his 80th birthday and we extend him belated birthday wishes. We wish Dessie his wife Celine and family a happy and wholesome life ahead and extend them a warm welcome to Lanesboro anytime they are in the area. The town has changed, the names have changed but the ‘massively decent people of Lanesboro’ still remain.
Easter Time in Lanesboro
Traditionally the Easter weekend is the start of the tourist season in the Lanesboro region. This year was no difference with a large influx of people visiting the area over the weekend. The cruisers on the river started to move and although the weather was not conducive to boating it was pleasing to see a number of hardy souls leaving their moorings on Saturday and Sunday heading onto Lough Ree for Athlone. The fishermen that have been absent for the past few years seems to have started making a comeback with a goodly number of anglers lining the banks fishing and hopefully their nets are laden down with fish. We welcome all the visitors to our area and wish them a happy and pleasant stay. We hope that the weekend numbers are a sign of a successful tourist season for the whole area.
Lanesboro Badminton Club
The junior members put all their hard training to the test at the “Strokestown Fun Tournament” last week. Well done to all who took part, in particular, congratulations to Niall and Keith Healy who were runners-up in the Advanced Doubles section of the Tournament. More congratulations to Keith Healy who won out the Advanced Singles Level.
Well done to the Ladies team who reached the Longford/Westmeath Division 6 Ladies Final. The final was held in Kenagh last week where they met Mullingar. Unfortunately, the Lanesboro Ladies lost out by a narrow margin in some very tight games. Next year Ladies, next year!! On the team were, Maura Duffy, Regina Scally, Emer Farrell and Edel Mc Dermott. The team would like to thank all who came to support them on the night.
Unique Double
A few weeks back we celebrated the five All Ireland medals that came to the area when the All Ireland Ladies Colleges GAA final was won by the Convent of Mercy Roscommon we now celebrate a very unique double. Three of the five girls that won the Gaelic Final went on to be victorious in the Ladies Schools Soccer Final where they picked up another All Ireland title. We congratulate Aishling Lannon, Cheryl Scally and Lara Mc Loone, their team mentors and panel on a remarkable double.
Country Market this Saturday
Shannonside Heritage will host their 2nd Annual one-day Country Market on Saturday next April 25th on the lawn of the Parish Hall, Lanesboro.
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.
The group would like to thank everybody for their wonderful support last year and will again be vital to its success, so do please come along.
Rathcline Ladies GAA
On Friday night last (Good Friday) the Rathcline ladies GAA club were delighted to be given the opportunity to host the annual Good Friday whist drive as a fundraising benefit. It was a hugely successful night and they would like to offer their sincere thanks to all concerned with the selling of tickets \ organisation and running of the event on the night. Special thanks to Tom and Mary Feeney, Tom and Evelyn Rooney, Joe Rooney, Packie Feeney for all their help organising and running the event and to Brendan Rhatigan for his help on the door on the night.
Winners of the 25 drive were: first: Maura Feeney & Kevin Murray (11 Games), Joint Second: Peter Smith & Martha Farrell, Seadna Ryan and Paddy Fayne (10 games). Other winners were Dan Cox & Mike Rogers, Ray Hanly & Kieran Feeney, Tom Feeney & Tom Rooney, Danny Ganly & Sonny Clarke and Joe Rooney & Packie Feeney
Special prize on the night went to Pat and PJ Casey
The Prizes for tickets purchased by people that were not in attendance on the night were:
Tom Brehon Doughill, Johnny Murray Church View, Jimmy Leavy Foighe, Lucy Higgins Galway, Cyril Hussey, Mike Kenny Junior Ballinahinch, David Kelleher c/o Cameron, Eugene Murphy, Killoe, Justin Conlon c/o Paddy Nolan, Micheal Hannon c/o Paddy Nolan, Stephen Carroll c/o Paddy Nolan, Vinny Egan Ballymahon
Raffle Prizes on the night were won by: Seanie Carroll, James Gallagher, John Merrigan, Mike Brennan, Seamus Birmingham, Tim Fox, Vera Sullivan, David Rhatigan, Pee Hanly, Mary Feeney, Mickey Kelly, Geraldine Hanly, Pat Greene, Jimmy Donegan, Brendan Rhatigan, Micheal Shanley, Brendan Hanley and Joe Rooney
Many thanks are due to the people that gave sponsorship or gave raffle prizes: Mark Casey, Fr. Reilly, Mike Shanley, P.J Casey, John Fallon, Pat Rock, Credit Union, Steve Peters, Pat Connolly, Micheal Hanley Electrical, Brendan Keane, Adie Farrell, Mary Kelly, Alan Fayne, Johnston’s Chemist, Terry’s Butchers, Mary Feeney, O’Brien’s Chemist, Seamus Killian, Mags Gillen, Laura’s Beauty Salon, Gerry Shanley, O’Brien’s Corner shop, Shannon Cuts, His and Hers Hairdressers, Jimmy and Breda Brennan, Joe Farrell, Jimmy Leary, Paddy Nolan, Brendan Keane, David Dowd and Kevin Hanley.
Draw This Saturday night
The Rathcline Senior Club Development Draw deferred from Easter Monday night will now take place on this Saturday night 25th April in the Swan Tavern. The funds raised will towards the new pitch development and everybody is asked to support in helping to make the club facilities in Clonbonny second to none. Go out and have a look at the work in progress and you will visualise the quality of the club facilities once this progressive work is done.
Social Services Meeting
A meeting of the Lanesboro Social Services committee will take place on this Wednesday night 22nd April at 9pm. All members are encouraged to attend.
Church Painting
In the very near future it is hoped to commence painting of the exterior of St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro. If you would like to have your view as the colour scheme you can see the suggested colours towards the rear of the church on the Old School Road side of the church. Fr. Mickey would welcome your view as to your colour preference.
Special Olympics Collection
Special Olympics Ireland is holding an All Ireland collection on Friday next 24th April and they are looking for volunteers to give two hours of their spare time for collection points in the Lanesboro Ballyleague area between 8am and 9pm.
National Breast Check Screening
Breast Check Screening is a Government funded service that provides women aged between 50 and 64 with free breast screening. This service more commonly known as a mammogram is available to women every two tears. Commencing this week Breast Check will be offering free breast x-rays to women from the county at the mobile screening unit located in the grounds of St. Joseph’s Hospital. Eligible women will receive an appointment by post for screening. When the eligible woman receives the appointment date and it is not suitable they can make alternative arrangements by phone on the number supplied with the appointment date.
Inter-Generational Dance Project
Parents with young people aged between 8 and 10 years are asked to take of the free weekly workshops in the Lanesboro Ballyleague area from 7th May to 23rd July.
Roscommon Arts Centre is looking for young people to take part in an exciting and free dance project during the summer season.
The myths and legends of “The Caves of Cats” at Cruachán Aí in Tulsk will be used by Roscommon dancer Catherine Donnelly as the inspiration for the exciting project as she will invite participants to journey along with her, exploring the legends of the caves through creative dance.
The inter-generational project will involve some of the residents of the Innis Ree Nursing Home, who will join the young people during the latter half of the project to share the cave of cats stories as together the group explore their stories through dance and gentle movement.
If your son or daughter is anxious to participate and involve themselves in this opportunity they should contact the Arts Centre immediately. It is essential that before they commit themselves they are sure that they must be able to attend all the weekly workshops. May and June classes are scheduled for after school hours and once the holidays begin the workshops will take place every Thursday morning. To register contact the Arts Centre 090 66 25824.
Ladies Mini Marathon
The hugely popular Ladies Mini Marathon will take place on the Bank Holiday Monday 1st June. Pam Farrell, Derrygeel, is organising a bus on the day and anybody wishing to avail of the bus is asked to contact Pam any evening after 6pm, phone 087-1252814 for full details.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Marcella and Pat Mulryan and family, Church View on the death in Ballyglunin, Tuam of her uncle John Farrell.
Fundraising for St Christopher’s Day Centre
Mobile phones and chargers, all makes and models, all conditions can be left at St. Christopher’s Day Centre, Battery Road Longford the resource Centre Ballymahon and St, Elizabeth’s Edgeworthstown,
This collection is ongoing, and even if you do not have a mobile to donate now you may have one in the near future.
Rounders Exhibition
It was if God was smiling on the Shannon Gaels Minor club on Thursday last when they welcomed the Development Officer of the Rounders Association, Peadar Ó Túatain and members of the Lios Áine club in Derry who travelled the long journey to introduce and demonstrate the skills of Rounders to the Shannon Gaels Minor Club.
The sun beamed down as the excited young people of the club seen at first-hand how the game was played. Two and a half hours later and the young people of the club wanted more and more of this excellent game. The game gives the club another source of sporting activity for its members and welcomes anyone that would like to take up this excellent game.
Rounders is a game suitable for all ages and it should be a natural extension for the players and retired players in the area that played hurling. It is also a game that is included in the list of sporting activities for the Community Games.
The game creates a great enthusiasm as was clearly evident with the shrieks of excitement with the large number that turned up on the day. The club sees the introduction of Rounders as a wonderful addition to the club and in particular sees it as a way of involving young people who do not play football and as a form of integration with the foreign national community. So many people still have no sporting outlet or do exercise and this is effort by the minor club ensures the opportunity to every young and not so young person in the area to come along and be part of a very special club.
If you would like to play the game, get involved with its development you are asked to contact Sean Kenny, Jimmy Flood, Michelle Lisle, Seadna Ryan or Joe O’Brien.
Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union
Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union will close at 12.30p.m on Friday 24th April and remain closed on Saturday 25th April. The Credit Union would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused. Normal hours will resume from Tuesday 28 April.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Under 8’s played in a blitz over the weekend in Killashee and performed brilliantly. Well done to all.
Under 10’s – Community Games competition commenced on this Monday and will continue on Monday next. Good luck to management and players.
Under 14’s – League continues every Tuesday and organised training will be notified after matches.
Under 16’s – League started on Thursday last and will continue every Thursday until end of May. All players must make effort for training and matches.
Minors – The league will commence in the near future. Training continues and players are urged not to miss any sessions.
The club would like to thank Peadar Ó Túatain, his wife and rounders from Lios Áine club in Derry for their exhibition and excellent advice on Thursday last in Clonbonny. The club also thanks all the young club members and parents that attended.
Pitch Development- The minor club would like to congratulate the senior club on their new pitch development that has just commenced in Clonbonny.
Club draw – The minor club urges all its members that have not already got their tickets for the senior club development draw to do so before draw on Saturday night.
Sympathy – the club would like to extend their deepest sympathy to John and Mary Fayne and family Cullentra on the death of John’s sister Anne at the weekend. The club would also like to extend its sympathy to the Killian family on the death of Paddy Killian.
Kilgefin Community Games
Fun Run: Easter Monday the rain cleared in time for twenty of our hardy athletes to complete the annual Fun Run. Thanks to them for their fundraising; to all those who sponsored them and to Donal Rattigan of Rattigan’s Pub, Kilrooskey for providing refreshments for all participants.
Table Tennis – Well done to Cathal Gunne, Ethan Connell and Diarmuid Murtagh who reached the provincial finals of the U15 table tennis competition recently. Thank you to John Gunne who was team manager and convenor.
Adult Quiz- The all-Ireland finals of the Adult quiz took place on Saturday 19th April in the Hodson Bay Hotel. A Kilgefin team of Mark Crehan, Guy Walton, Cathal Gunne and Gavin Tucker did us proud by coming third overall and the two of the first three teams hailed from Roscommon.
Art Competition- The local art competition was of a very high standard. Thank you to all who took the time to enter. Thank you also to our adjudicator Sarah Crinigan who had the difficult job of picking winners. The winners were as follows: U8 Boys – 1st PJ Connaughton, 2nd David Kilcoyne and 3rd Lean Farrell. U8 Girls – 1st Claire Curley, 2nd Chloe Hussey and 3rd Marie Kelly. U10 Boys – 1st Ruairí Trimble, 2nd Adam Farrell and 3rd Gavin Carberry. U10 Girls – 1st Jessica Rogers, 2nd Rachael Mary Flynn and 3rd Molly Mae Shillingford. U12 Boys – 1st Luke Glennon, 2nd Jason Nolan and 3rd Cian Donohoe. U12 Girls – 1st Jade Farrell, 2nd Michelle Farrell and 3rd Ellen Hegarty. U14 Boys – 1st Daniel Barry, 2nd John Quigley, 3rd Eran Farrell. U14 Girls – 1st Stephanie Breslin, 2nd Tara Nerney and 3rd Shannon Gill. The 1st and 2nd in each section will go on to represent Kilgefin in the county art competition.
Death
On Sunday 12th April last a former member of the Lanesboro Gardaí passed away in Wicklow Town. We remember fondly and sincerely sympathise with the wife and family of the late Mel Mc Cann. May he rest in peace.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Annette Clancy, Rathcline Road on the death at the weekend of her aunt Catherine Lonergan, Bansha Co. Tipperary.
St. Faithleach’s GAA Notes
O’Rourke Cup: We played against Kilmore on Monday last in Kilmore and came out winners. Final Score: St. Faithleach’s 1-7 Kilmore 1-6. Team: D. Thompson, B. Scally, D. Murray, D. Thompson, D. Murtagh(0-1), E. Kenny, S. Ormsby, M. Reynolds, P. Wallace, S. O’Grady, G. Cox(1-2), B. Murtagh(0-1), D. Hussey(0-2), A. Brehon, A. Dooney(0-1). Subs: J. Connor.
We were defeated by Strokestown on Saturday last. Final Score: St. Faithleach’s 0-10 Strokestown 1-12. Team: D. Thompson, D. Hunt, D. Murray, D. Thompson, A. Murtagh, E. Kenny (0-1), S. Ormsby, M. Reynolds, S. O’Grady, C. McCormack (0-2), G. Cox (0-5), P. Wallace, D. Hussey (0-2), A. Dooney, A. Brehon. Subs: P. Murray, J. Connor, B. Reynolds. Next game away to Padraig Pearses, see fixtures for details.
Tansey Cup: Next game away to Oran, see fixtures for details.
Lotto: Next draw 21/4/09 in the Club House, Jackpot €8,000. The team on duty is S. Cox, M. Murphy, D. Dunne and N. Banahan. A member of the Club will be calling during the week if you wish to purchase Yearly Lotto Tickets for 50euro.
Card Game: Takes place every Tuesday night in the Club House, 9 o’clock sharp. New Players welcome. The results of last week’s games: 10 games – Peggie/Phonsie. 9 games – Mickey/P.J. Last game – Freda/Sean. Ticket winners – Maureen, Padraig, Sonny & Mickey.
Easter Egg Hunt: A very successful ‘Easter Egg Hunt’ was held in the grounds of St. Faithleach’s GAA Club on Easter Sunday. A huge number of children enjoyed the hunt with many activities afterwards including football games, face-painting and a Disco afterwards in the Club House. Many thanks to Roisín Collier who did a great job as DJ and providing the music along with Claire Brennan & Bronagh Donlon. Thanks Anita Kenny, Emma Kenny, Sarah Brennan and Chloe Kenny who helped out with the games on the day. Thanks Cliodhna & Caoilfhionn Thompson who helped in the organisation of games with the younger children on the day. Many thanks to all the parents for their support and for purchasing raffle tickets. Thanks to all who helped out in any way making this a very successful day for the children of the parish.
Karaoke Night: Look out for our up-coming Karaoke/Entertainment Night with The Looney Hoppers on Saturday 25th April in the Club House.
Merchandise: Club Merchandise now on sale, please phone Derek Thompson on (087) 8172668.
‘Deal or No Deal’: Look out for the 2nd running of our very successful ‘Deal or No Deal’ to be held in the Club House on the 2nd May.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to John and Mary Fayne and their extended family, Cullentra on the death at the weekend of John’s sister Ann.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
Good Friday was a Good Friday in every sense of the word. There was a good turnout of youngsters at the new sports facility at Athlone I.T. at 10.30 in the morning. St. Ronan’s, Lough Ree AC, Ballinasloe, Roscommon and Boyle were all represented. There were several individuals there as well, and a contingent from Killoe NS, so some excellent competition ensued.
From the club’s point of view Hayley Rooney was the most impressive when winning the under 10 300meters from a good class field. She also won her heat of the 80m sprint from Sarah Farrell and Anna Peters. In the U11 – U12 group Rachael Costello was second in the 100m final while Rebecca Mc Gann won the U14-U16 sprint with Aishling Brady in third place. In the U9-U10 section Zoe Mc Dermott was sixth in the 300m, while Aishling Casey was fourth in the sprints. The girls also won the relay but going to press the line was not available.
Let’s not forget the boys! Here the Killoe contingent left quite an impression – Colm Reilly, Niall Fennelly, Liam Harte and Eamon Keogh finished in that order in the U9 category 300m. The same finished first and second in the heats of the sprints as did Eoin Murray. There was no final for some reason- maybe the lack of time.
Staying with the sprints Kevin Sorohan, was third, in the U11 100m, while Eoin Sorohan won the U13 with Liam Hughes in fourth place. Shane Kenny was thirds in the U12 followed by Sean Casey and Óisín O’Sullivan. In the 600m Shane Kenny was in third place and split the Ballinasloe contingent with Conor Moran finishing sixth.
Eight teams faced the started in the Boys Relay; it was no surprise that the Killoe boys emerged deserving winners. In the mixed relay Rebecca and Aishling teamed up with Eoin and Shane to record an exciting win over the St. Ronan’s fancied quartet.
The club got no results from officials at the Long Jump – the best that could be managed was the “young Harte was a cut above the rest”
All in all a very enjoyable morning’s sport and looking forward to the Inter Schools (Primary) Sports Day on this Wednesday where it is hoped to discover more talented young people.