Lanesboro – Ballyleague Notes
Thank You for your Support
As this is the final week of the Longford Leader abroad before the Christmas may I take this opportunity to thank everybody that has helped with their comment and support throughout the year. You contacting me with information for the Lanesboro notes each has made these notes to be one of the most read in the county each week. Indeed the Lanesboro notes each week has a growing number of readers on the internet at www.joeobrien.ie .These notes are for and about you and your families and your interest in your native parish. I look forward to your continued support and encouragement during the coming year.
I would like to sympathise with everybody that suffered bereavements and sadness throughout the year. I would like to wish those in hospital a speedy recovery and hopefully you will be out and about very soon. I would like to congratulate all that was blessed with joy, happiness and success throughout the year. My wish for everybody is that 2010 will bring you all the good things and success life has to offer.
I would like to wish each and every one of you and your families a very Happy, Peaceful and Holy Christmas and may everything your wish for come true in 2010.
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro of Richard Rooney son of Tom and Evelyn Rooney, Rathcline and Mairead Kelly, daughter of Willie and Bridie Kelly, Curraghroe. Bestman was Brendan Rooney, brother of the groom; groomsmen were Robert Corcoran brother of the groom and George Caddow friend of the groom and Colin Rooney, cousin of the groom. Chief bridesmaid was Yvonne O’Donnell friend of the bride, bridesmaids were Amy Toolan niece of the bride, Ciara Toolan niece of the bride and Rachael Kelly niece of the bride. Pageboy was Jack Regan, nephew of the bride and Flower girl was Anna Regan, niece of the bride. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Tadgh Kenny cousin of the groom assisted by Fr. Michael Reilly PP Lanesboro. The wedding reception was celebrated in the Shannon Key West Hotel, Rooskey.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
Lough Ree AC are having a Christmas disco and awards ceremony on Sunday next 20th December in the Lough Ree arms between 6-8pm for all athletes (parents too). Admission is €2 on the door and all are welcome. During the evening awards will be given to a range of athletes for achievements and commitment to the club. The club has enjoyed our most successful year in many seasons and hope you can come and enjoy the evening and maybe even see Fabian taking to the dance floor.
Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op
Congratulations to Kathleen Donlon and Eileen Mullen on the winning the lotto last week. The committee would also like to congratulate Josephine Farrell who was the lucky winner of €15,000 during the year.
The Christmas draw on Saturday next will include extra draws to the usual five €20 prizes and they are one for €200 and four extra draws for €100. Tickets on sale at the usual outlets.
The committee would like to wish all their supporters a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their continued support during the year.
Confession for Christmas
The schedule for Confessions for Christmas is Monday 21st December in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague at 8.30pm and on Wednesday 23rd in St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro at 7.30pm.
Thank You
The organising committee of Longford Social Services would like to thank most sincerely everybody that contributed so generously to their Church Gate last weekend.
Death
The news of the death at his residence in Lisnacusha on Saturday 5th December of PJ Chapman brought a great air of sadness to the local community. PJ had been ill for some time and in the later days he was cared for at home by his loving family. The extent of his home care and love shown by his family had to be witnessed to be believed. PJ worked in the Power Station until his retirement in 1997. On 24th September 1958 the first Power Station was commissioned and PJ was one of the staff on that day. He was a friendly and pleasant man. He had a warm welcoming smile and his neighbourliness and helpfulness was legendary throughout the area. His passing will indeed leave a great emptiness in the hearts and minds of everybody that had the pleasure to know him. His remains were removed from his residence in Lisnacusha to St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro on Sunday and following his Funeral Mass burial took place to Lanesboro Cemetery. To his loving and caring family of wife, Mary, daughter Patricia, sons Liam, Donal, Cathal and Kevin, sister Bridget, relatives and many many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Hoodies for Sale
Shannon Gaels Minor club have medium and large sized hoodies available for purchase. The hoodies are to be seen and bought in O’Brien’s. It is hoped that the club will also have beanie hats on sale for the Christmas period.
Christmas Mass Times in St. Mary’s Church
The following are the Christmas Mass times for St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro: Christmas Eve Thursday 24th December there will be 2 Masses with the first Mass at 7pm and the second mass at 9pm. On Christmas morning there will be Mass at 9.30am and again at 11.30am. Saturday 26th December there will be Mass at 7.30pm only and on Sunday 27th masses will be at the usual times of 9.30am and 11.30am.
Death
The whole area was saddened to learn of the unexpected death at University College Hospital, Galway on Wednesday last 9th December of one of the town’s most popular citizens, Pat Smyth. Pat was predeceased only a few months past by his wife Nellie and a number of years ago by his son John. The name of Pat Smyth to anybody that ever knew him evokes memories of a great character, a character that will be sadly lost to the town. Pat was legendary in the town and his knowledge of olden times of the town along with his many stories ensured that his memory will live long in the memory and the history of the town. As you walked up or down past his Main Street residence you were always likely to have Pat call some one-liner at you that brought a smile to your face for the day. He will be sadly missed by his sons Peter, Patrick, Hughie and Peter, daughter Caroline and Eithne, sister Rosie and brother Johnny, relatives and many friends. His remains were removed from his residence on Thursday last to St. Mary’s Church and following his Requiem Mass he was laid to rest in Lanesboro Cemetery
The Green – a living history
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. I would like to thank the many people that have already offered me memorabilia; it has been more unbelievable than I ever imagined.
Christmas Day Run
Preparations are now complete for the Christmas Day sponsored Walk/Run from Newtowncashel to Lanesboro in aid of Multiple Sclerosis. It is now down to you and your preparation for the ‘big day’ ensuring that you make the journey in your record time. A large number of sponsorship cards are now out throughout the area and if you are not taking part please be generous in your support. If you have not received your sponsorship card yet please collect them from O’Brien’s Corner Shop or from Jimmy and Brigid Flood.
Folk Choir
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 Party
The Shannon Gaels Minor Club would like to express their deep gratitude to all that turned up on Sunday week last for their annual Christmas party for the people of the parish. The club would also like to thank all the artists that put on such a wonderful performance.
During the evening show a draw was held and the full proceeds of the draw were lodged in the Joe Mc Cormack Fund. The club is deeply appreciative of your support.
Locals travel to European Championship
It is not often that a European or world Championship event comes to Ireland in any sport. So, when Athletics Ireland managed to get the European Cross-Country Championships to Santry, Dublin, on Sunday last, it was an occasion not to be missed.
With this in mind, the Lough Ree Athletic Club arranged with AAI for 14 free tickets and some adult tickets for Sunday to compensate the young runners for their efforts and the hardship they had to endure during the cross country season. To the surprise of the club the take-up on the offer was only two young athletes. Let’s hope that the two girls enjoyed their day in Santry and that they liked the memento of the occasion they received.
Search for a Star
The Search for a Star performances organised by the Shannon Gaels Minor Club has been such a huge success for the past two years so much so that parishioners have expressed an interest in coming home for next year’s performances. The date has now been fixed for next year’s event and Search for a Star will take place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st February. Bookings can be made through Joe O’Brien at joea@iol.ie
Birth
Congratulations to Jacinta Healy and Denis Carberry, Church View on the recent birth of a baby boy.
Fancy a Swim on Christmas Day
The annual Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club Christmas Day Swim takes place following 11.30am Mass on Christmas morning. All you hardy and brave souls are again invited to make the leap into the Shannon to shake off the cobwebs and help a local worthy cause that does amazing work in search and rescue throughout each year. Sponsorship cards are available in O’Brien’s or from any of the Lough Ree Sub Aqua members. Please be generous in your support.
St. Mary’s Parish Hall
Have you, your group or committee any need to use the Parish Hall? The hall with its main hall, and four meeting rooms and a kitchen is available and if you need to find out more contact Tina Dowd phone 087-6470959.
Death
The sudden death of John Burke on Thursday morning last 10th December at his Tullyvrane residence really shocked the area. John born and reared in the Bronx, New York came to Lanesboro 8 years ago via Cork where they built their own house at Tullyvrane. John met his wife Eileen in New York and they moved to her moved to her native Cork where they ran and owned their own very successful business. Having experienced John as a customer we found him to be a pleasant, cultured and articulate man. He was by nature a quite private man who liked nothing more than enjoying the company of his wife Eileen – who is manager of Inis Ree Nursing Home, Ballyleague. At weekends both of them could be seen enjoying a drink in the company of friends as they socialised. John’s body reposed at his home until his removal for his Funeral Mass on Sunday last. Following Mass his remains were laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery. To his wife Eileen, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Point to Point Rescheduled
The Point to Point races postponed due to the deluge of rain during November has been rescheduled. The new date, weather permitting, is probably a much better date with so many people in the area for the Christmas holidays. The new date for the Killashee Point to Point is Wednesday 30th December. It is a date for you diary as there is nothing like the excitement of a point to point race meeting and a meeting suitable for all the family.
Nativity Show
The Lanesboro Primary School Nativity Show will take place on this Thursday 17th December at 7pm. The pupils of the school have put a tremendous amount of time and effort into the preparation of the show and I hope that the church will be packed to capacity in support of these young talented pupils.
Choir on Saturday 19th December
The choir under the leadership of Edel Loftus will perform following 7.30pm Mass on Saturday 19th December in St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro. It should be a spectacular performance where the sounds of the choir will be accompanied by 11 harps. This performance should attract a huge audience and it an evening not to be missed.
St. John’s Church Lanesboro
The services for the Christmas period in St. John’s Church and for their congregation. The Christmas Services are Holy Communion Service on Christmas Eve at 9 p.m. in St John’s church Lanesborough.
On Christmas Day the Holy Communion Service will be held in St Coman’s Church Roscommon at 11 a.m.
Sympathy
The Shannon Gaels Minor Club would like to extend their since sympathy to the extended Connaughton family, Cullentra, the family of Tomás Fallon Main Street, the Smyth family, Main Street, the Chapman family, Lisnacusha, Eileen Burke, Tullyvrane, the Coffey family, Church View and Phil Rodgers, Curraghrua on their recent sad bereavements.
Minor Club sends Season Greeting
The Shannon Gaels Minor club would like to wish all of their supporters both at home and abroad a very Happy Christmas and a wonderfully Prosperous New Year. The club would like to thank everybody for their support and encouragement throughout the year and look forward to rewarding your support with great results in 2010.
Ballyboro FC
U13 Girls: Ballyboro V Newtown. Final Score 3-1.
Boro’s U13 girls took on Newtown at home recently. Both teams were under strength on the day, Newtown with 7 players & Boro with 8 players. The girls played very well with a well taken goal from Laura Peters in the first half, Boro were ahead. Newtown fought well giving Boro a good hard game. In the 2nd half, Laura Peters popped up once again to score a second goal before Kelly Murphy added another. Newtown fought back and scored a well deserved gaol before the final whistle. Team: T. Nerney, C. Brennan, E. Hegarty, R. Costello, K. Murphy(1), A. McGann, R. Banahan, L. Peters(2).
U13 Girls: Ballyboro V Gaels United. Final Score 6-1.
Boro’s U13 girls were defeated by Gaels United in Ballymahon on Sunday last. Boro were under strength with only 7 players and were on the back foot from the start. Gaels were playing very well and got a couple of goals early in the game. Boro stuck at it and never gave up. It was a credit to the girls that they came out fighting in the 2nd half creating some good chances before Gaels scored another. Boro kept fighting and eventually Laura Peters scored a well deserved cracking goal to get Boro on the score sheet. Team: E. Hegarty, N. Scally, R. Costello, K. Murphy, A. McGann, L. Peters (1), R. Banahan.
U12 League – Section 1. Ballyboro V Stonepark. Final Score 5-2
Boro were defeated by Stonepark in Abbeycartron recently. Stonepark secured 2 very early goals in this game. Boro settled down and a driven pass from Shane Phillips found Ryan Guinan who scored a cracking goal for Boro in the 7th minute. Stonepark replied with another goal in the 12th minute. Daniel Barry once again defended very well alongside Mikey Cox, Eran Farrell & Conor English. Chances came for Boro with Jonathan Hussey, Conor Smith & Cian Gannon giving it their all. Stonepark secured a 4th goal in the 28th minute. The 2nd half got off to a good start with both teams fighting hard. Ryan Gill came on for Boro. Boro keeper Max Zimarevs pulled off a few good saves. Kevin Sorohan covered every ground in midfield. Stonepark scored in the 10th minute but Boro fought back and showed some fine football in the latter of the 2nd half. Conor Walton came on for Boro before Kevin Sorohan was on target in the 20th minute to secure a second goal for the team.
U12 League – Section 1. Ballyboro V Newtownforbes Utd. Final Score 6-2
Boro were defeated away to Newtown on Sunday last. Newtown were on form securing a goal from tip-off. Boro replied when a throw-in taken by Ryan Guinan found Jonathan Hussey who was on target for Boro to level the game in the 8th minute. Conor Smith & Cian Gannon tried hard for Boro up-front. Newtown scored their 2nd goal in the 10th minute. Defender, Mickey Cox had a great game assisted by Jack Irwin, Daniel Barry & Niall Nolan. Boro Keeper on the day Eran Farrell put in a brave performance, pulling off some fine saves before the break. Boro were hungry for a score from tip-off of the 2nd half and were rewarded in the 7th minute when a kick-out from the Newtown keeper found Shane Phillips who shot to level the game once again. Conor English came on for Boro. Kevin Sorohan came into his own & had chances. Ryan Guinan covered every ground giving it his all before Newtown scored 2 goals in the 17th & 18th minute. Boro were unsettled. Ryan Gill & Conor Walton came on for Boro and tried hard but Newtown were the stronger team securing another 2 goals in the dying minutes of this game.
U12 League – Section 2. Ballyboro Colts V Multyfarnham. Final Score 5-2.
Boro Colts came away with a very good win against Multyfarnham recently. Boro were very strong on the day scoring 5 goals and could have had more only for some good defending by Multyfarnham. Keith Murphy got Boro off with a goal in the 13th minute followed by Darren Nerney with another in the 18th minute to give Boro a 2-0 lead at half-time. Keith Murphy got his 2nd goal in the 6th minute of the 2nd half followed once again by a goal from Darren Nerney in the 12th minute. Multyfarnham weren’t giving up and scored 2 goals late on but with 4 minutes on the clock Keith Murphy got on a cross to score for Boro. This was a very good team performance and thanks to all players who made the journey and also their parents. Played well for Boro – L. Parker, S. Walsh, C. Donoghue, M. Gill, D. Kelly, C. Mangan, D. Nerney, E. Tynan, J. Bennett, R. Murray and Man of the Match, Keith Murphy.
U12 League – Section 2. Ballyboro Colts V Lisryan. Final Score 5-3.
Boro Colts came away with another very good win against a very strong Lisryan side. Lisryan took the lead after 5 minutes but Boro hit back with a fine headed goal from Daniel Foley in the 7th minute. Foley was there again in the 12th minute with goal number 2. Boro kept putting on the pressure and Foley was on target for his hat-trick in the 20th minute. Lisryan secured a second goal before the break to leave the half-time score 3-2. 10 minutes into the 2nd half Boro were awarded a penalty; Ronan Healy struck putting adding to the score sheet for Boro. Lisryan weren’t giving up and scored their 3rd goal 5 minutes later. Boro weren’t finished just yet, with 5 minutes on the clock; Keith Murphy was on target to score goal number 5 for Boro. This was a great display of football from this Ballyboro side in their 1st year at 11-a-side football. A great team performance from each member of the team. Man of the Match, Steven Walsh.
U8 Ballyboro Lions V Melview, Final Score 6-1.
The 1st half was a hard fought affair with defences on top. For Boro, Goalkeeper Dylan Donlon and defenders Nathan McGovern & Michael Dunne were in top form. A goal from Cian O’Brien gave Boro a 1-0 lead by half-time. In the 2nd half Boro gradually got on top with Midfielders James Browne & Liam Ormsby ably assisted by Jennifer Brennan & Orla Costello playing very well. Further goals followed with a hat-trick from Liam Ormsby & a brace from James Browne securing Boro’s well deserved win.
U8 Ballyboro Lions V Ballinalee, Final Score 8-3.
The Lions finished their pre-Christmas games with a good home win on Saturday last. James Browne was outstanding in the middle of the field. Goalkeeper Dylan Donlon was once again very secure and ably supported by Nathan McGovern & Michael Dunne. Goalscorers on the day for Boro were Liam Ormsby (3), Cian O’Brien (3), and James Browne (2). Orla Costello, Jennifer Brennan & Evan Chalmers all put in very strong performances for Boro on the day.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Cards: Every Tuesday night in the Club House, 9.00pm. New players welcome. Results of last week’s games: 11 games – John O/ Packie. 11 games – Eugene/Tom. Last game – Michael/Tom. Ticket winners – Maureen, Sean, Pat Joe, Michael.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were 5, 6, 19 and 27. There was no jackpot winner. The five €20 winners were – Marty Gill, Moher. Marie Hannon c/o M. Donlon. Kathleen Hanly, Ballyleague. Tim Fox, Mountcashel. Pete & Martha Glennon, Cloonadra. The next draw will take place on Tuesday next 22nd December for a jackpot €9,800 plus Christmas Prizes.
Indoor Football Tournament: Look out for our Indoor Football Tournament with a difference over the Christmas. Date to be confirmed. Tickets on Sale from any Social Committee Member. Prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd on the night.
Christmas Party Night: Many thanks to all who came to the Christmas Party Night in the Club House on Friday night last. Congratulations to all the Junior Ladies who were presented with their Runner-Up Medals for 2008 & also to Joint Players of the Year, Amanda Mc Cloone & Lorraine Connor. Mary Kenny thanked the Minor Club for inviting her to make these presentations. Thanks to all who sponsored prizes for the Raffle on the night and all who bought tickets, congratulations to the winners. Many thanks to our band for the night ‘Acting the Maggott’. Thanks to Paul Enright who supplied the lovely food for the night, to the Club House staff and to Emma Brennan, Minor Club Secretary for organizing same.
Bag Pack: Many thanks to Management & Staff of Dunnes Stores, Roscommon for allowing the Club to Bag Pack over the weekend. Thanks to all the parents, boys and girls and all who helped out. Many thanks once again Minor Club Secretary, Emma Brennan for organizing same.
Upcoming Events: Work break-up Christmas Party on Wednesday 23rd December with finger food served. All welcome. Saturday 26th December Music with ‘Acting the Maggott’. Sunday 27th December Fun Challenge Matches with Music and Food afterwards in the Club House. New Years Eve, Black & White Themed Party Night.
Club Merchandise: Large selection of Club Merchandise available, contact Derek Thompson (087)8172668.