Lanesboro – Ballyleague Notes
The Green – a living history
At present I am trying to do a living history of the Green from the first resident to the present residents. I seek your help with any old photographs of the Green, its residents, or its workers or any other memorabilia or stories from the Green since its opening could they contact me at joea@iol.ie call to the shop or phone me 086-2460840 or www.joeobrien.ie. All will be returned to their owners within a very short space of time.
What are you doing on Friday?
The Shannon Gaels AGM will take place in the Clubhouse in Clonbonny on Friday night 27th November. There will be major issues down for discussion and it is very important and vital that as many parents and people interested in the path going forward for the Shannon Gaels Minor Club. The club is continuing to grow both on and off the field and the involvement and support that it is receiving is greatly appreciated and the executive looks forward to an even bigger and more successful year ahead. The meeting will start at 8pm.
Support where you live
A lot of people throughout the country and world read this column either on the Longford Leader, via email or on the www.joeobrien.ie page. As we all know and are acutely aware the world is in a time of financial crisis with business after business closing down. We can all save what we have by doing all out shopping in our local district. The aim is to sustain local business in the hope that some local people that have lost their jobs may pick up jobs locally due to the local support. This shop local programme has been the saviour of many communities down through the years and it is a thought for all of us shoppers to stay and shop in our local districts.
The shame would be when the upturn in the economy takes place that there would be no local business and a community without community is really a dead community. Your local district no matter where you are in the world is worthy of your support.
Tremendous Success
For the first time in many years the Shannon Gaels Minor Club hosted the County Longford Scόr na nÓg on Saturday night last in St. Mary’s Parish Hall. To say that it was a resounding success would be an understatement such was the job done in preparation for the night.
For those that have not been to a Scόr night it comprises of eight disciplines from storytelling to solo singing, from set dancing to ballad group to sketches. It has a wide array of activities and it is a tremendous credit to every last one of the young people and their coaches from the competing clubs that gave up so much time in preparation for the event.
So many times we have complained about the lack of activities for young people and the lack of involvement of the young people where an activity was provided. Being in the hall on Saturday night restored you faith (if you had lost it) in young people when you witnessed the standard they reached in each discipline.
The Minor club must be commended for their presentation and in particular the support they received from John L Farrell and the Fás team of workers. The stage was absolutely brilliant and the club want to say a very big thank you to John and the workers.
The club participated in five disciplines and it was very unfortunate that only one made its way through to the county final. The club was represented by Cliona Beirne – solo singing, Ballad group – Claire Costello, Megan Daly, Catherine Mullooly, Andrea Carter and Tara Leigh Lulham. Sketch – Gary Tobin, David Mulvihill, Claire Costello, Danielle Irwin, Lauren Guinan and Shannon Whitlow. Recitation – David Mulvihill. Quiz team – Eoin Sorohan, Laura Peters, Shane Kenny and Stephen Tobin. A special word of thanks to the coaches Susan Donlon, Teresa Costello, Maura and Tracy Tobin for their great work. Thanks also to everybody that gave their time to run the night – the stewards, the ladies in the shop, the ladies that did the catering and provide such tasty bites. We also thank all the locals for their great support.
As I said earlier we had wonderful performances and were very unfortunate to have only one going through and on Sunday next in Ardagh commencing at 2pm David Mulvihill will represent us with a recitation written by the legendary John Duggan who we are privileged to have residing in the parish. We wish David well and look forward to him going through into Leinster
Christmas Day Run
The Longford Christmas Day 10K run from Newtowncashel to Lanesborough in aid of Multiple Sclerosis is being organised again for the 19th year. It is great to see so many people interested this year in taking part and taking up sponsorship cards and getting out to do some training in preparation for the event.
In that time in the region of €130,000 has been generously donated to Multiple Sclerosis. Further details and sponsorship cards are available from Michael Flood,
Newtowncashel (Tel: 086 0880855); Brigid Mullooly, Lanesborough (Tel: 086 8807596); Casserley’s in Newtowncashel or O’Brien’s Corner Shop, Lanesboro. Alternatively people can also donate online by going to http://www.mycharity.ie/event/mschristmasdayrun2009/
All participants will receive a free t-shirt kindly sponsored by Peter Hanley Motors. We would greatly appreciate your support as this is in aid of a very worthy cause.
Longford MS has come to depend on this event over the past 18 years and would like to extend their appreciation for the effort given.
Birth
We would like to congratulate Stephen Rooney and Valarie Brogan, Curraghrua, on the recent birth of a bay boy.
Coaching Underage Players
Are you interested in getting involved in the coaching of the young Shannon Gaels underage players? The minor club are actively seeking people to coach the young players. All interested will be coached in the coaching techniques required and you will not be asked to step coldly into coaching. The coaching and development of coaches for underage players is ongoing promotion for the minor club and presently there are some excellent coaches involving themselves in the club. This is an ideal way for ex-players and those interested in coaching to get involved and they will receive continuous support as they grow into full fledged coaches. While some people do not want to get into management this new and exciting initiative from the club is one that should be supported to the fullest. If you are interested please contact Sean Kenny, Seadna Ryan or coaching officer Cian O’Brien 086-1768502 or come along to the AGM on this Friday night in the Clubhouse at 8pm.
Date for your Diary
Lanesboro Primary School will host a Nativity Concert in St. Mary’s Parish Church on Thursday 10th December at 7pm. This promises to be a great concert and one not to be missed.
Lanesboro Gun Club
Lanesboro Gun Club will hold its AGM on this Friday night 27th November in Adie Farrell’s meeting room. At 9pm. All members and intending members are invited to attend.
BrushStrokes Art Group
Brushstrokes Art Group. Our annual Christmas Exhibition and Sale for 2009 can be viewed from Saturday December 5th to Sunday 13th at the MJS premises on Main Street (opposite Supervalue). The official launch, with refreshments, will take place on Sunday 6th at 3.30pm and you are all welcome. The Group are very pleased to welcome our local resident professional artist Mr Michael McCarthy, who will open the exhibition.
There will also be a display of Sparkles Jewellery by Breda O’Loughlin, and original pottery by Thomas’s Promises.
This will be a great opportunity to buy unique Christmas gifts at reasonable prices, and show support for the local artists.
Learn to Play Guitar
Karl Somers guitar lessons continues in St. Mary’s Parish Hall every Thursday evening at 6pm. All ages are welcome to come along and if you need further information please contact Karl Somers 087-7472563. You can also give the Christmas gift of voucher which is a new and novel gift. Expert tuition is assured to all participants.
Point to Point
Unfortunately for all those looking forward to the Point to Point in Killashee on Sunday next the atrocious weather has put paid to the days races. Hopefully it will be rescheduled and we can still all have a great day in Killashee.
Calling all Senior Citizens
The Shannon Gaels minor club will hold their Christmas Senior Citizens party again this year on Sunday evening next 29th November in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 6.30pm. Last year was an outstanding success and this year it is hoped to be even better. This evening is in recognition to all the senior citizens of the parish have given the minor club for many many years. There are offspring of those attending representing the club at all levels and the club acknowledges their wholesome support down through all the years.
Birth
We would like to congratulate Stephen Mc Carthy and Donna Browne, Cnoc na Gaoithe, on the birth recently of a baby girl.
Country Market
The indoor market continues each Friday at the Co-Op Hall, from 11am to 2pm, and it is going from strength to strength. You can pick up fish, jam, eggs, vegetables hot bread, plants etc. and also enjoy a cup of tea as well as meeting local people on a relaxing environment. Mark the market into your diary for Friday next and every Friday.
Folk Choir time change
A number of people have expressed an interest in the creation of a folk choir to initially sing at the Saturday evening Mass. If you have the voice and are interested in being part of the choir you are invited to go along to the practise in the Convent on Tuesday at 9pm.
Christmas Fair
The Annual Christmas Craft Fair will take place in tandem with the indoor Market in the Co-op hall, on Friday 4th December 2009, from 11am to 6pm. If you are interested in taking a stand this year, call the Co-Op Office on 3327070.
Card Game
On Sunday night next there will be a card game in the Lough Ree Development Co-op. The profits of the night will go to the trust fund for the three Mulleady children from Tang who tragically lost their mother in September. The trust fund is to ensure a future for the children and your support will be appreciated. It is hoped that all card players from the area will support the night. A special thanks to Evelyn Rooney and Teresa Costello for the use of the hall.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the Lanesboro Bridge Club competition that took place on Wednesday night last are: 1st Marie Sheeran & Mary Mc Gushen, 2nd Brid Mc Dermott & Una Lawlor, 3rd Gemma Douglas & Katherine Harrison, 4th Cyril Hussey & Eilish Gray.
The party night will take place on Wednesday week 2nd December at 6.30pm. Would all members intending to attend kindly put their deposit in envelope with their name on it for the next bridge game on this Wednesday night.
Better Ireland Programme
Since 2001, the Allied Irish Bank Better Ireland Programme has given €17.85 million to deserving projects for children in Ireland.
For 2009, the programme has been broadened to include all vulnerable children, such as those with physical, sensory and intellectual disabilities, who are socially disadvantaged and children with chronic illness.
This year, AIB Longford will give €10,000 back into the community, benefitting three worthy groups. Recipients will be chosen by a public text and online vote.
All groups are encouraged to immediately click on www.aib.ie/betterireland and apply to the programme online before Friday next 27th November.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
Best A: 1st: Des Watts / Joan Browne, 2nd: Margaret Gillen / Mae Casey, 3rd: Katharine Harrison / Noreen Dunne. Best B: 1st: Loretta Cooney / Maureen Mulryan, 2nd: Fiona Gillen / Kathleen O’ Reilly, 3rd: Mary Conmy / Mary Jameson.
Best Novice: 1st: Bridie McGrath / Mary Moran, 2nd: Una Clarke / Nora Kelly, 3rd: Ger Clarke / Breda Clarke
The regional pairs final, a and b competition, will take place in the Bridge Centre in Mullingar on Sunday November 29th at 1.30 p.m. sharp. Please give your name to the club secretary, Hannah, next Monday night, if you are able to travel.
The regional pairs for the novices will be held in March. The Mary Tucker competition will be held next Monday night.
Congrats. To Barbara Ferguson and Aileen Rafferty on winning the club pairs in Templemichael bridge club. A great achievement to hold on to 1st place.
Club Pairs Competition, 2009:1st: Loretta Cooney / Maureen Mulryan, 2nd: Bridie McGrath / Mary Moran, 3rd: Fiona Gillen / Kathleen O’Reilly Gross: Mary Conmy / Mary Jameson.
A word to Julia Sorohan and Bernadette Clancy at this time for their families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Thanks To President of Ballymahon Bridge Club, Chris Farrell, Secretary, Una Flynn and Treasurer, Ann Delaney for a very warm welcome. You have an excellent “Growing” club.
Hope to see you all in Mullingar Bridge Centre on Nov.29th. at 1.30pm for the Regional Pairs Competition. Don’t forget. Next Step: National Finals.
Community College AGM
The Lanesboro Community College Parents Association held their AGM on the 10th November. Principal, Jimmy Flanagan and VEC Parent Representative, Willie Dennigan, updated the parents on VEC developments during the past year. The new executive committee elected is : Chairperson, Padraig Kenny; Vice-Chairperson, Elizabeth Murray; Correspondence Secretary, Mary T. McGrath; Recording Secretary, Deirdre Glennon; Treasurer, Anne Tynan; Assistant Treasurer, Anne Brennan; PRO, Theresa Mullooly. The working committee elected: Eithne Clyne, Bernie Kelly, Regina McGrath, Anne O’Reilly, Annie Gallagher, Marian Murphy, Bernie Costello, Sarah Tucker, Marese Kelly, Mary Sorohan and Mary Ward.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Minor Club AGM: Held in the Club House on Friday last. Chairman, Jimmy Brennan opened the meeting and thanked all who attended. Secretary, Emma Brennan detailed all the Minor Clubs activities & achievements in 2009. Treasurer, Maggie Curley gave details of accounts for 2009. Chairman, Jimmy Brennan in his address thanked all Managers/Mentors, Parents, Players and Children for their great efforts throughout the year in which the Minor had great success both boys & girls. He thanked the Sponsors & all who helped out, praise was given to those who are doing great work getting out Dressing Rooms built and thanks went to all who contributes towards. President, Pat Joe Fallon congratulated the Club on the success of the underage teams and wishes the all the best for 2010. The following were elected for the coming year: Chairman, Jimmy Brennan. Vice Chairman, Jimmy Mangan. Secretary, Emma Brennan. Assistant Secretary, Sheila Collier. Treasurer, Maggie Curley. Registrar, Pauline Kenny. PRO, Mary Kenny. Delegates to Executive, Jimmy Brennan & Emma Brennan. County Board Delegates, Gerry Nerney & John Tynan. Ladies County Board Delegates, Patricia Manning & Sheila Collier.
Senior Club AGM: Our Senior Club AGM will be held in the Club House this Friday 27th November starting with Mass in the Club House for deceased members of the Club. Al welcome.
Minor Ladies County Final: Against Eire Óg postponed due to weather.
Junior Tansey Cup: Game against St. Josephs postponed due to weather.
Cards: Every Tuesday night in the Club House, 9.00pm. New players welcome. 10 games – Tom/Michael. 10 games – Mickey/Michael. Last game – Gemma/Freda. Ticket winners – Annie, Sonny, Maureen, Michael.
Special Word of Thanks: The Minor Club would like to express their thanks to Manager & Staff & Willie Farrell of Tesco, Roscommon for the opportunity to Bag Pack over the weekend. Many thanks to all customers who contributed so generously. Thanks to St. Faithleach’s Girls, Boys, Parents & all who helped out in doing a great job, it is much appreciated.
Irish Music Night: Thanks to Patsy & Pauline Hanly and Frank Kelly for the great nights entertainment in the Club House last Saturday.
Upcoming Events: Gala Flower Demonstration 4th December with Enda Carmody. Christmas Party Night for Minor Club Parents & Adults. St. Stephens Night Music with ‘Acting the Maggot’. Sunday 27th December Novelty Christmas Fun Challenge Matches. Music afterwards in the Club House. New Years Eve: Black & White Theme New Year Party.
Sympathy: The Club extends deepest sympathy to Patricia Bracken, Ballyglass on the death of her sister Kitty Lahart.
Sympathy: The Club extends deepest sympathy to the Rogers Family, Kilrooskey and the Tiernan Family, Doughill on the death of Pat Rogers, Maynooth formerly of Cloonageeragh.
Club Merchandise: Available from Derek Thompson. Please contact Derek with your orders before 27th November to ensure delivery for Christmas.
Shannon Tones on Tour
The coming together of the Shannon Tones to release a CD with the proceeds going to MS Ireland and Parkinsons Ireland has proven to be a massive success and they are coming together for two more shows commencing on Saturday week 5th December in Clarke’s Bar.
The CD sale has been huge and they will be on sale again on the night or from O’Brien’s Corner Shop. Go along and hear the wonderful tones of Johnny Malone, Steve Ormsby, Michael Coffey, Seamus Flynn, Liam Connerton, Tracy Docherty, Catherine Mc Neilis, Joe Ginty, Tommy Donoghue, John Clancy, Fergie Feeney, Gerdie Farrell and Jimmy Hussey.