Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes 28th June’09

Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes   

Ladies Day at Roscommon Races

Roscommon Race committee will host a two-day meeting on Monday and Tuesday next 6^th and 7^th July at its racecourse in Lenebane. Monday evening is one of the biggest and exciting meetings of the year at the racecourse where ladies and fashion will be vying with each other to win the Best Dressed Lady competition. First prize to the best dressed lady is €1250 and a limited edition Ronnie Ryan head piece specially commissioned by Jacobs Creek, second best dressed lady will receive €500 and the third best dressed lady will receive €300. Racing will commence at 5.40pm on Monday.

The second day’s racing will have top quality horses competing in very competitive Flat and National Hunt races and the first race will take place at 6pm.  

Go along and enjoy a great evening our meeting friends and having the fun that is an evening at the races.

Lanesboro Apostolic Group

The group would like to thank all that supported their Annual Church Gate Collection. This is their final fundraising event of the year and they wish to thank sincerely all that supported their Sale of Work and the recent collection. Lanesboro Apostolic Group has been fundraising and supporting local missionaries for almost 40 years.

The group extends their president Mrs. E. Ginty their best wishes and on behalf of the local missionaries would like to say a very sincere thank you.

Tragedy strikes our area once again

Tuesday morning last was another sad and black day in the history of our area. Down through the years we seem to have been badly hit with heart-rending accidents and on Tuesday last the death occurred of Michael Kelly, Ballyglass following a tragic accident. Michael Kelly, just 45 years old was son on Tommy and Nancy Kelly, Cloontuskert. Michael Kelly was one of those people with an amiable personality in whose presence one always felt totally at ease. His warm, welcoming and beaming smile was always a recognisable feature of Michael. A man of few words but each and every word was spoken with a great understanding and feeling of each and every situation.  He served his apprenticeship with Bord na Mona and worked for the company for almost 30 years. He was a valuable member of the workforce at the Mountdillon yard beside his home in Ballyglass. His loss to the communities of Ballyleague and Lanesboro will be greatly felt by the many that came to know Michael.

Michael was a footballer of note throughout his career and was a great full back for his St. Faithleach’s club during his playing time and was a very astute adviser and selector for many teams in the club since his retirement. Michael won a Connaught Minor Championship medal with Roscommon in 1981 and was captain of the 1992 championship winning St. Faithleach’s team.

The flow of a multitude of sympathisers to his family home, throughout Tuesday and Wednesday, where his remains reposed until his removal to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague and again at his Funeral Mass and burial on Thursday bore ample testimony to the highest esteem in which Michael was held. To his loving wife Helen, daughters Rebecca and Ruth, father and mother Tommy and Nancy Kelly, brothers, Padraic, Ollie and Bosco, sisters Mary, Triona, Margaret and Bernadette, father-in-law and mother-in-law Jim and Phil Browne, relatives and many friends  we extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.

Lough Ree Athletic Club

Hero’s All – The Connaught medal winners in the under 9, under 10 and under 11 age groups travelled to Templemore, Co. Tipperary, for their All Ireland Finals on Saturday last. They brought home no medals but they did enhance their reputations when competing against the best from the other four provinces.  

Bryn Peters and Liam Ross came third and fourth respectively in their heats. It is not known where they figured when their times were added up. In the Ball Throw under 10 Zoe Mc Dermott and Seoige Mulvihill were sixth as were Lara O’Sullivan and Niamh Chawke in the under 11 age group. When the official result sheets are made available it will be known where the young athletes officially actually finished.

Éanna Donoghue was unable to take part as his team mate had pre-booked his holidays. There will be other days Éanna! On Friday it was discovered a worthy replacement in Daniel Mc Dermott, but it was too late.

Last but certainly not least, Richard Prior and Bryn Peters in the under 9 Long Jump. Both Richard and Bryn improved on their Connaught jumps, jumping further than they ever did before. Could anyone ask for more? It brought them into 5^th place. In any sport, if you can say there is not half a dozen better than you in the country, you can hold your head high. Well done to all concerned.

The under 12 to under 15 finalists will be on the road to Tullamore this weekend. Hopefully they will do as good as their younger brethren.

Lough Ree Environmental Summer School

This year the Lough Ree Environmental Summer School and Arts Festival takes place from Thursday 9^th to Sunday 12^th July. This year’s Summer School will be officially opened by Fr. Peter Mc Verry- a priest who has spent many years working with the homeless people living in Dublin.

The full programme of events commencing on Thursday are: Art exhibition from 12 noon to 6 pm in the Co-Op Hall. Michael Casey will officiate at the opening of the Arts Festival and this will be then followed by the Official Opening of the Summer School, this will commence at 7.30pm in the Co-Op Hall. Friday – Art exhibition in the Co-Op Hall from 12 to 6pm. Animal Magic Show in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 2pm.There will be a charge of €5 for this show. Art Exhibition by Brigit Beemster at 4pm free of charge. Environmental Challenge – Seminar and tour in Lough Ree Power at 4pm free of charge. Caring about your mobility in the Co-Op Hall at 8pm, free of charge. At 9pm M.J. Farrell will launch his book entitled Life in the Universe.

Saturday – Art Exhibition in the Co Op hall from 12 noon to 6pm. Nature Art Workshop for adults by Gordon Darcy from 10am to 12 noon in the Co-Op Hall, admission €10. This will be followed by a Nature Walk in the Lakeland area also by Gordon Darcy, admission €10. Lilac Blues will play a concert in St. John’s Church at 8pm and this concert will include poetry reading by local poet Kieran Furey, admission €10. Sunday – Art Exhibition 12 noon to 6pm. Environmental Mass in Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague, at 11am. Service in St. John’s Church, Lanesboro at 11.30am. Céilí Boat trip with Dick Warner at 11am, admission €25.  Céilí with the Annaly Céilí Band in St. Mary’s Hall at 3pm, admission €10. Lake Trip at 3pm with Dick Warner, admission €15.

Local Art Group BrushStrokes in association with the Summer School will host an exhibition of the work of local artists in the premises of Mark Shields on Main Street. Go along and admire the work of our own local artists.

Summer Festival at Lanesboro Library

The following is the list of events at the ‘summer festival’ in Lanesboro Library – Monday 6^th July at 3pm ‘A Lamp full of Stories with Sparky the Genie which is suitable for children under 8 years. Wednesday 8^th July at 3pm Myths and Legends Magic suitable for all ages. Friday 10^th July at 11am Midir the Proud and Étain the Fair suitable for 10 years and older. Monday 13^th at 3pm storytelling suitable for 3 to 7 years old. Finally on Tuesday 14^th July at 3pm The Love story of Étain and Midir suitable for 8 to 12 years old and this will take about 90 minutes.

If you want to book in your young person you can do so by calling to the library or phoning 3321291.

Lanesboro library opening hours for the summer are: – Monday 3pm to 8pm, Tuesday 3pm to 6pm, Wednesday 3pm to 8pm, Friday 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 1pm.

Birth

Congratulations to Kieran and Ciara Feeney, Tullyvrane on the birth last week of a baby girl.

Car goes to John Heneghan

Congratulations to John Heneghan, Curragh Rua, on winning the first prize of a Nissan Note in the most recent Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union draw that took place on Friday last 26^th June. The other prize winners were:

2^nd €1000.00 Eilish Deffew, Rathcline Road, 3^rd €500.00 Darragh Mc Garry, Gardenstown, 4^th €200.00 Rosemarie Masterson, Cnoc Na Gaoithe, 5^th €200.00 Bernadette Brennan, Curraghroe, 6^th €200.00 Anna Kenny, Fermoyle, 7^th €200.00 Regina Hanley, Curraghroe, 8^th €100.00 Tracey Reilly, Rathcline, 9^th €100.00 Rita Fallon, Ballyglass and 10^th €100.00 Declan Beirne, Curraghroe.

The following are winners in our Under 18’s free draw: 1^st €150.00 Evan Farrell, Ballyleague, 2^nd €100.00 Emmet Conroy, Whitehall and 3^rd €50.00 Laura Hand, Newpark.

There was a large attendance of members on the night and 5 In-house cash prizes.

Shannon Gaels Minor Club

Congratulations to Kieran and Ciara Feeney on the birth of a baby girl last week. We would also like to congratulate Kieran on his excellent documentary on Ringforts that was broadcast on Shannonside on Sunday last.

The club would like to extend their sympathy to Helen, wife, Rebecca and Ruth Kelly daughters and the Kelly and Browne families, Cloontuskert and Ballyglass on the sad death of Michael Kelly last week.

The club last week made a presentation to the Special Olympics, the contribution was the money donated by all that attended the very successful Lá na gClub.

Bon Voyage to club coaching officer Cian O’Brien as he travels stateside for a few weeks.

Thank you – The club would like to thank everybody that sponsored the walkers in the sponsored walk on Monday last to raise funds for gear for the under 8 team who travel to Croke Park for the under 8 blitz on this Wednesday. Anybody that has not been asked to sponsor and would like to contribute can leave their donation in at O’Brien’s Corner Shop. The club would like to thank all the parents for undertaking the walk.

Wheelbarrow Race – last year was the first year of the wheelbarrow race and it was a tremendous success. This year promises to be even bigger and better and no doubt the organisers will again come up with ideas to make it even more comical than last year. The wheelbarrow race will take place on August weekend and we are presently taking names of men and women ready to rise to the challenge.

Under 8’s – This is the biggest occasion for the club in many years when our young under 8 players take to the lush pastures of Croke Park representing Longford in an under 8 blitz. This is part of the GAA celebrating 125 years. We wish them, the mentors and their parents a wonderful day on the field of dreams.

Under 10’s – The under 10 team had a very successful outing at the blitz in Longford Slashers grounds on Saturday last. The club would like to thank Slashers for their hospitality.

Under 12’s – training for all players takes place on Thursday next in Clonbonny from 7pm to 8pm. All panel members please attend.

Under 14 team played Kenagh last week and had a successful outcome. Well done to all.

Under 16’s – our under 16 played Ardagh on Saturday last in Clonbonny and although we lost narrowly our performance was excellent.

Under 18’s – Our under 18 team played Cashel on Monday night in the minor league and the games will continue to come thick and fast now that the exams are over.

Death

The death took place on Friday last at the Sacred Heart Home Roscommon of Elizabeth Allen, Salmon’s Lane, Ballyleague. Lizzie as she was more commonly known was predeceased some 30 years ago by her husband Johnny. She was a lady small in stature but her heart was one of gold. She was a quiet inoffensive lady and it was a pleasure to have known her. Her passing saddened the hearts of all that knew her. Her remains were removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Saturday and her funeral Mass and burial to Drumlish cemetery took place on Sunday. To her relative and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.

Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club

The results of the competition held on Monday 29^th June’09 are; Gross 1^st Margaret Gillen & Mike Flynn, 2^nd tie between Eileen Kelly & Nancy Dolan and Chris & John Mc Grath, 4^th Mary Fallon & Kathleen Hanley. Nett 1^st Margaret Gillen & Mike Flynn, 2^nd Chris & John Mc Grath, 3^rd Mary Fallon & Kathleen Hanley, 4^th James Walsh & Ann Shine. N/S Gross and Gross 1^st Eileen Kelly & Nancy Dolan, 2^nd Loretta Cooney & Maureen Mulryan, 3^rd Mary Jameson & Frances Mc Cormack. E/W  Gross and Nett Margaret Gillen & Mike Flynn, 2^nd Chris & John Mc Grath, 3^rd Mary Fallon & Kathleen Hanley.

Bridge continues every Monday at 8pm in the Lough Ree Development Co-Op Hall.

Community Games Success

Congratulation to all the children that took place in the Community Games in Ballymahon on Sunday 21st June   It was great to see a big turnout of children from the parish taking part in games as with Community games it’s about taking part even if you don’t win a medal. Well done to the medal winner this year as we got 2 Gold, 3 Silver and 4 Bronze medals.
The results are as follows:- 1st Dearbhail Flood – U-13 900m Walking Race, 1st place Kevin Sorohan in – U-12 100m. 2nd Lauren Guinan – U-14 Long Jump, 2nd James McCarthy – U-12 Ball Throw, 2nd Sean Costello – U-14 80m Hurdles. 3rd Orla Keane – U-10 100m, 3rd Liam Ross – U-8 80m, 3rd Connell Kennelly – U-12 Long Puck, 3rd Place U-15 Mixed Relay:- Laura Peters, Lauren Guinan, Aisling Brady, Eoin Sorohan, Sean Costello and Shane Kenny.

St. Faithleach’s GAA

Michael Kelly R.I.P.

Our club and indeed the whole county are coming to terms with the loss of a true sportsman and gentleman. On the early hours of June 23rd, the forty-five years of a special life came to an end when Michael lost his life in a tragic accident. His loss created a void never to be filled, a sadness that will be etched in the minds and hearts of all who knew him.

Michael was a true sportsman in every sense of the word. He won a Connacht Minor championship with the county in 1981 and wore the club number three jersey with distinction for his entire playing career. He captained our Intermediate team to win the county championship in 1992 and the leadership he brought to this role was instrumental in the team’s success. He went on to be secretary, registrar and insurance officer of the club while still playing. His involvement in management of various teams was always most beneficial to all involved; he shared his experience and expertise in a calm and encouraging manner. This year Michael was a selector with our senior team and had been involved with the county over 40’s for the past few years.

Michael was a genial and affable gentleman, of a friendly disposition and always with a warm smile for those he met. Quiet-spoken, but everyone always listened – Michael communicated with a rare, but much admired, unassuming authority. He possessed a warmth where you always felt better for being in his company. The vast numbers who called to his home and attended his funeral bore testament to the esteem in which he was held.

Though Michael is a huge loss to the club and wider community, it is his wife, Helen, and daughters, Rebecca and Ruth who will feel the full pain of his passing. He was a devoted family man, kind and caring. Our sincere sympathy is extended to Helen, Rebecca and Ruth, to his parents Tommy John and Nancy, to his brothers and sisters, to all the Kelly and Browne families and indeed to all affected by his tragic death. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilís.

Refereeing
Have you ever thought of taking up refereeing? It is a great way of staying involved in the GAA and keeping fit. The opportunity is now available and one worth thinking about especially if you have some free time on your hands, just retired from playing, not making your club team, or you would just like to try it and see what it is all about. A new course will commence within the next few weeks and if the idea strikes you as something you might be interested in please contact me as soon as possible. Phone 3321107, 086-2460840 or email me joea@iol.ie

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 next 5^th July, followed by Lanesboro on Sunday 12^th July and Clonbonny 19^th 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.

Rathcline Cemetery

A voluntary collection will be held at Rathcline Cemetery on Sunday 5^th July. Your donation would be very much appreciated for general grass cutting and maintenance.

Friday is Local Market Day

Next Friday and every Friday is the local ‘Indoor Market day and it takes place in the Lough Ree Development Hall. There is a great range of local produce on sale and it is a wonderful way of supporting local producers. The venue is ideally suited to the ‘market’ and the success, growth and continuation of the ‘market’ depends on the support of local people. In this day and age is it very important to support local suppliers and business and there is not a better way than supporting the product direct from local producers.

Laura & Gráinne launch new CD:

On Thursday night, the 9th July, Laura and Gráinne Kavanagh will launch their new CD entitled ‘Shine A Light’ in Cooney’s hotel, Ballymahon.. All profits made will be donated to ‘The Irish Hospice Foundation’. There are many musicians performing on the night including, Mick Foster, Moyra Fraser, The Glenside Céilí band, Bending The Strings (bluegrass), Veronica Moran (winner of Longford’s Got Talent) Kathleen & Willie Kavanagh and of course, Laura and Gráinne. M.C. on the night is Tony Moran. The CD features 4 tracks performed by Laura and Gráinne, and will be available for purchase on the night. The launch will commence at 9pm sharp and promises to be a great night of entertainment. Cover charge on the door is an optional donation. There will also be a raffle and spot prizes. Your Support will be greatly appreciated.