Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Walk this Weekend
The Heart Foundation Walk in Kerry will take place this weekend and I would like to thank everybody for their most generous support. To date the amount pledged is over €1700 – a remarkable amount in the climate of today. The depth of your generosity continues to amaze and humble me. Again thank you so very much.
Notes for next week
As I will be away on the Irish Heart Foundation Walk from Friday next I would appreciate if anybody has notes for next week’s paper could they have them with me by this Thursday. Thank you.
Connaught Semi Final
The Connaught semi final between Roscommon and Mayo will take place in Castlebar on Saturday week 20th June. Tickets will be on sale in O’Brien’s from later this week.
The following week Galway will play Sligo in the second semi final and tickets for that match will also be available.
End of an era the beginning of a new era
The parish of Rathcline exercised their democratic right on Friday last in large numbers. It proved to be a historic day in the annals of the Parish. Saturday morning was an anxious day for all candidates none more so than our two local candidates Mark Casey and Adie Farrell. As the tally began to filter through it became clear that our two local candidates were in for a fight for a seat in the council as the figures showed that there was four candidates for three seats.
As day went into night the picture was no clearer and counting was adjourned until 12 noon on Sunday. As the counts and distribution went by one by on it became clear that the parish would have one councillor and the second in with a real chance of making it two – something that had never happened before in the history of the council. Mid afternoon our hopes of a second councillor was dashed when the final count had made the final decision that we would again have one representing us in the council for the next five years.
As the dust settled Mark Casey was elected as councillor for the first time. Mark a son of Mai and the late Frank Casey had previously sought election five years ago under the banner of Fianna Fáil and only failed by the narrowest of margins. It beggars belief why the party did not appoint him for this election and as a result Mark opted to throw his hat in the ring as an Independent. For the past few months and indeed since the last election, Mark worked tirelessly throughout the whole Ballymahon electoral area and on Sunday his hard work paid off. We would like to congratulate Mark on his marvellous achievement and wish him many successful years representing our community. The community as a whole will now embraces Mark and offer him every support and encouragement.
Marks Casey’s gain was Adie Farrell’s loss. Adie was co-opted to the council 39 years ago following the death of his late father Ger. Adie represented the area with great dedication for those years and his loss will be a shock to many. He fought hard for the parish over that time and many improvements in the area were because of his work within the council. We would like to thank him for his unstinting work for the parish, some of which was done very successfully behind the scenes. We are sure that Adie will continue to use his contacts built up over many years to help further the cause of the parish of Rathcline. We wish Adie well for the future and thank him for his work over the past 39 years.
Brendan Farrell was another casualty, this time in the Longford Town council elections. We wish Brendan well and I am sure it is not the last that will hear of Brendan.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
Connaught Gold!
The new track at Athlone IT was the venue for this year’s Connaught Athletic Championships for the u9, u10 and u11 age groups. The weather turned miserable, but there was some consolation in the fact that the results were good and there could not have been more deserving winners.
Lara O’Sullivan and Niamh Chawke represented the club in the u11 600 meters (team event, as in the case for those age groups). They were never in contention! That did not stop them from winning gold medals in the Ball Throw with Galway City Harriers and Roscommon taking the minor placings. Lara had a throw of 17.72 meters which was the best in the competition, added the Connaught title to her Roscommon one. However, it was Niamh Chawke’s throw of 15.78 meters that win the Gold medal for the pair. This was an improvement of 4 meters from her last outing.
Strokestown and Newtowncashel teamed up together, when Zoe Mc Dermott and Seoige Mulvihill won silver medals in the u10 Ball Throw. The pair were first and second in the Roscommon championship and on that account were entered – a pleasant surprise for all. There are several useful athletes in Cashel but Seoige is the only one who puts in an appearance.
The u10 boys were also unsung heroes. Locals Sean Maguire and Éanna Donoghoe were second and third in Roscommon and together captured silver medals in the Ball Throw. Cannot make any further comment on the competition as the distances were not available at the time of writing. Well done lads!
Last and certainly not least, Connaught bronze for the u9 sprinters. Presently sprinting is the most competitive of all athletic events. Nobody told the ‘Lehery lads’ that they would be competing against pairs from highly populated areas like Galway, Castlebar, Sligo etc to mention a few. To win medals from sprinting at this level is some achievement. Bryn Peters and Liam Ross did exactly that and performed so well in winning bronze medals in the 60m sprint
The team concept and electric timing has its advantages no doubt, but not for everybody. Think of Orla Keane with the second fastest time in her age group in Connaught and got nothing to show for it. Never mind Orla there are thousands that would like to have your credentials.
Finally, a word of appreciation to the parents who travelled and to Mark Brady who acted as an official and left some of the local club officials free to spend time with the young athletes.
The Connaught Championship for the under 12 to under 16 age groups will take place on Saturday next 13th June also at Athlone IT.
Mid-Doc
When your family doctor is off duty the Mid-Doc service is available at all times. To contact Mid-Doc phone 1859 302 702.
Tractor Pulling & Field Day
Abbeylara Tractor and Pulling and Field Day will take place on Sunday next 14th June. This promises to be a wonderful fun filled day with a huge amount of activites taking place. Registration and weigh in commences at 9.30am.
There will also be a vintage parade and display of cars and tractors commencing at 12noon. Further events; Dog Show, Tractor/Trailer Reversing, Mini Digger, Fishing, Wellie Throwing, Donkey Derby, Bouncing Castles, Best Dressed Lady, Go art Grand Prix, Fun Fair, Quad balancing and much more. For further information see notice in O’Brien’s window or phone Pat Reilly 086-8855189.
Cemetery Sunday
The dates are now set for Cemetery Sunday’s at the local cemeteries. The first celebration will take place at Rathcline Cemetery on Sunday 5th July, followed by Lanesboro on Sunday 12th July and Clonbonny 19th July. All those with family graves in the three cemeteries are asked to ensure that they have their family graves and surrounds in good condition.
Irish Blood Transfusion
Irish Blood Transfusion is appealing for Blood Donors at the Longford Arms on this Wednesday and Thursday in the Longford Arms Hotel. The opportunity to donate blood will be from 4.30pm to 8.30pm both days. If you need further information phone 1850 731 137.
Lanesboro Ballyleague Summer School
The Summer School Launch will take place in the Lough Ree Arms on Wednesday night week 10th June at 8pm. Food and wine will be served followed by Traditional Irish Music. You are invited to attend.
Lough Ree Environmental Summer School and Arts Festival will take place in Lanesboro from 9th-12 July
Head Start Summer Fun Club
The local Head Start Summer Fun Club will once again be running for three weeks in July for 2½ to 8 year olds. Commencing on Monday 6th July for 6 to 8year olds, Monday 13th July for 4 to 6 year olds and Monday 20th July for 2½ to 4 year olds.
Head Start Pre School is taking bookings on an ongoing basis for pre-school children from 2½ to 5 year olds. For more information contact Denise 3321321 before 6pm.
Community Games Athletes
The following Girls and Boys will be representing Lanesboro in the Community Games County Final in Ballymahon on Sunday 21st June ’09.
Girls, U-8 60m Emily Fallon, 80m Aoife English. U-10 100m Orla Keane, 200m Hannah Shea, 60m Hurdles Aisling Casey, U-12, 100m Sarah Farrell, 600m Hayley Rooney, Ball Throw Lara O’Sullivan ,U-13 900m Walking, Dearbhail Flood, U-14 100m Eleanor Lisle, 800m Laura Peters, 80m Hurdles Shannon Rooney, Long Puck Danielle Irwin, Shot Putt Enda Berga, Long Jump Lauren Guinan U-16 Javelin Aisling Brady. Boys, U-8, 60m Richard Prior, 80m Liam Ross, U-10, 100m Owen Murray, 200m Padraig Sorohan, 60m Hurdles Daniel Curran,
U-12 100m Kevin Sorohan, Ball Throw James McCarthy, Long Puck Connell
Kennelly U-14 100m Sean Casey, 800m Oisin O’Sullivan, 80m Hurdles Sean Costello,
Shot Putt Max Zimarves, Long Jump Shane Kenny, U-16 100m Eoin Sorohan, High Jump Stephen Donohoe, Relays U-10 Mixed, Owen Murray, Oran Kenny, Daniel Curran, Orla Keane,
Hannah Shea and Aisling Casey. U-12 Girls, Hayley Rooney, Sarah Farrell, Tanya Farrell, Lara O’Sullivan, Anna Peters and Niamh Chawke. U-14 Girls, Shannon Rooney, Eleanor Lisle, Dearbhail Flood, Danielle Irwin and Niamh Shea. U-12 Boys, Kevin Sorohan, Iarla O’Sullivan, Connell Kennelly, Cillian Flood and Niall Keane. U-15 Mixed, Eoin Sorohan, Sean Costello, Shane Kenny, Aisling Brady, Laura Peters and Lauren Guinan.
Best of Luck to all the competitors on the day and remember it’s about taking part and enjoying it.
Training for all competitors will continue every Tuesday at 7oclock on the Track. All competitors please attend especially the relay teams as position need to be decided.
Some of the community games singlet’s, jerseys and shorts have not been returned and are needed for Ballymahon. Please bring to training or leave in to Sharon Brady, John Rooney, Pauline Casey or Mary Sorohan as soon as possible.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
O’Rourke Cup: We had a win against Kilbride on Sunday last at home. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 1-8 Kilbride 0-9. Team: D. Thompson, B. Scally, D. Murray, D. Thompson, M. F. O’Grady, E. Kenny, A. Murtagh, M. Reynolds (0-5), H. Kenny, P. Murray, C. McCormack (0-2), B. Murtagh, D. Hussey (1-1), A. Dooney, B. Hussey. Subs: J. Quigley. See fixtures for game next weekend.
Junior Championship: We had a win against St. Brigids on Friday last in Kiltoom. Final Score: St. Faithleach’s 1-12 St. Brigids 2-7. Team: J. Tarmey, M.F. O’Grady, J. Vesey, P. Hunt, J. Connor, D. Murray(0-1), B. Scally, C. Brennan, A. Kenny, J. Quigley, B. Hussey(0-2), D. Rooney(0-2), A. Brehon(1-7), C. Cox. Subs: P. Flynn, J. Casey, D. Dunne. See fixtures for game next weekend.
Social & Presentation Night: St. Faithleach’s GAA Club Annual Social & Presentation Night including Mid-South Medal Presentation will be held in the Club House next Saturday night 13th June. Presentations will also be made to Club Person of the Year, Player of the Year & Ladies Player of the Year. Music by P.J. Davis. Hot Food Served. Tickets €10 on sale now. Come along and enjoy a great night out.
Congratulations: To Roscommon Juniors on winning the Connaught Junior Final on Sunday last. Well done to Captain Martin Reynolds, St. Faithleach’s GAA Club Player and all our Club Representatives on the team. Also to the Roscommon Seniors on their victory over Leitrim, Captain Gary Cox, St. Faithleach’s GAA Club Player.
Lotto: Next draw 9th June in the Club House, Jackpot €8,400. Team on duty – J. Brennan, A. Brennan, D. Mc Loone, J. Hegarty.
Card Game: Every Tuesday night in the Club House, 9 o’clock sharp. New Players welcome. Results of last week’s games: 11 games – Dan/Mick. 10 games – Michael/Tom. Last game – John O/Padraig. Ticket Winners: Mike, Padraig, Seamus, Gemma.
U14 Boys: We had a win at home against Shannon Gaels on Thursday evening last. Final Score: St. Faithleach’s 3-18 Shannon Gaels 4-13. Team: C. Farrell, J. Kelly, M. Cox, D. Healy, J. Mulryan, C. Mangan, K. Farrell(0-3), C. Gannon(1-8), S. Phillips, D. Murtagh(2-6), E. Connell, J. Hussey(0-1), C. Gannon. Subs: J. Garvey. Semi-Final this Thursday evening against St. Michaels in St. Faithleach’s at 7 o’clock. Please come along and support the lads.
Mayo Trip: Our U14 Boys were welcomed to Ballintubber GAA Club, Mayo on Saturday last where they were competed in a challenge match against their U14 team. A great day was had by all. Team: C. Farrell, J. Garvey, D. Healy, J. Kelly, R. Guinan, J. Mulryan, C. Mangan, D. Murtagh, C. Gannon, K. Farrell, J. Hussey, C. Gannon.
U12 Boys: We had a win at home against Kilglass on Sunday last. Final Score: St. Faithleach’s 7-12 Kilglass 2-3. Team: M. O’Donnell, J. Irwin, J. Farrell, C. Donoghue, D. Kelly(1-0), C. Mangan, E. Farrell, M. Cox(1-4), C. Gannon, J. Hussey(0-6), C. Smith, D. Foley(4-2), M. Gill(1-0). Subs: C. Gannon, E. Tynan, D. Barry.
Under-Age Blitz: On Saturday last St. Faithleach’s GAA Club held a Blitz of matches for our U6, U8 & U10 teams. Many thanks to St. Aidan’s GAA Club & St. Ciaran’s GAA Club who took part in the Blitz. A great day’s football was enjoyed by all, very well done to all players involved. Many thanks to those who help out in the organisation of the event and to all who helped out on the day.
Community Games: The County Community Games held in St. Faithleach’s GAA Club Pitches & Grounds last weekend was a huge success. Many thanks to our Stewarts for their hard work over the weekend. To all who helped out in the running of the Shop, those who prepared food in the Club House and all who helped out in any way.
Get Well Wishes: We would like to send Get Well Wishes to our President Mickey Kelly and wish him a speedy recovery.
Upcoming Events: Supervised Bonfire to be held in the Club House grounds on Tuesday 23rd June. Children and Adults welcome.
Merchandise: Club Merchandise now on sale, please phone Derek Thompson on (087) 8172668.
Golf Society: Anyone interested in forming a Golf Society please contact Derek Thomson on (087) 8172668 for details.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Well done to Fermoyle NS on reaching the A Championship semi final , only to be narrowly defeated by Killoe NS , by a single point, in extra time.We wish them the very best of luck in the B championship final vesus Colmcille NS, on Thursday next. The under ten panel participated in a blitz on Monday in Newtowncashel.The under fourteens continue their league campaign , with an away visit to St Vincents on Thursday evening.
Training for under 6,8,10 and 12 grades, continues as scheduled in Clonbonny, each Thursday, for 7 to 8pm.
Parents are reminded of the GAA Summer Camp, which is scheduled for Clonbonny, from Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July. Early application is recommended as places will be limited on a first come, first served basis.
The club wishes all of our players, the very best of luck in the Leaving and Junior Cert exams.
There are a number of jerseys from the club sets missing and we appeal to parents to check the football kit to see if there are any and to return them to the club as soon as possible.
Congratulations to Gary Gallagher who represented his school, Cloontuskert NS, in the mini games played at half time of the recent Roscommon Leitrim Connaught Championship game.
Club meeting will take place in the Clubhouse on Wednesday week 17th June at 9.15pm. All members of the executive and those interested in the development of underage football in the parish are invited to attend.
Heating your home more cheaply
The Longford Community Resources Limited Social Inclusion group are organising a “heating your home more cheaply” information session in the Longford Arms Hotel on Tuesday next 16th June at 8pm.
Presentations will be made by Longford Warmer Homes, Citizen’s Information Centre, Bord Gas, and ESB. Bord Gas and ESB will speak about what to do if you cannot afford to pay your bills, the procedures that are in place by them. The Citizen’s Information Centre will present on rights and entitlements if you’re having difficulty with your bills. Longford Warmer Homes will talk about the best coal to use, insulation schemes and general tips about conserving heat in your home. All are welcome. Childcare will be available by Catkins on the Move. If you would like to avail of this service please contact Martina in LCRL phone 3345555 before this Friday.