Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Gathering 2013 Table Quiz
The Lanesboro/Rathcline Gathering 2013 committee will host a Table Quiz in Adie’s Swan Tavern on Friday night 14th December. Your support will be hugely appreciated. The committee is working towards a festival weekend on August Bank Holiday in 2013.
Brushstrokes Christmas Exhibition
The group`s annual Christmas Exhibition will be held in St. Mary`s Parish hall, Lanesborough beginning on Saturday December 8th. An official opening and launch of the calendar will take place on Sunday 9th, with seasonal refreshments around 2.00pm. So do come along and support our local group who produce so much excellent work.
Death
Saturday night 24th November brought more shock and sadness to our community when the news broke of the sudden death of Mrs Theresa Donlon, Moher. Theresa, a native of Sligo, came to live in Cloontuskert many years ago. She was a lady who had a great spirit within her. She was a lady who left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of everyone that had the pleasure to know her. She was a lady with a devout belief in her faith. She was a great neighbour and friend. She had a heart of gold and as a home help Theresa was acknowledged as being wonderful, kind and caring. She exuded happiness and she enjoyed nothing better than having her family around her. Theresa will be long remembered in our community and as we think of her we will always smile as we remember the joy she brought. Her remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Monday last before being removed to The Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague. On Tuesday following her Requiem Mass she was laid to rest in Cloontuskert cemetery. To her husband Tom, son James, daughters Carol, Susan and Pamela, brothers, sisters, grandchildren and many friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Brushstrokes 2013 Calendar
Brushstrokes as we know are a local group of local artists that come together weekly since its first inaugural meeting in 1997. They hold their art exhibitions twice each year and this year they have also produced a calendar from which the proceeds will be donated to the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club’s rebuilding fund. Indeed, the 16 paintings in the calendar are of the highest quality and a testimony to the development of the group. The calendar is excellently designed by Mary Fleming and her Rustylemon design company.
The calendar is now on sale at O`Brien`s Corner Shop, Mag`s Hair Salon and Cullen’s Filling station on the Longford Road. The price is a mere €5 and proceeds and your support will be greatly appreciated.
Christmas Penitential Service
The Penitential services for Christmas will take place on Monday 17th December at 8.30pm in The Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague and on Friday 21st December at 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro.
An evening with real Stars
Monday evening next 3rd December promises to be a very special night for those that have a special interest in personal achievements. Three very special people will be speakers on the night and there is no doubt each of them individually are well worth listening to but collectively this is a night not to be missed. Each man has achieved so much in their lives and also had their own family crosses to bear as they reached the pinnacle of their careers.
The beneficiaries of the night will be Roscommon Disability Support Group who will maintain and upkeep the new Independent Living Skills building in Derrane which will offer many opportunities to people with disabilities in the general community when it opens next autumn.
Speakers on the night will be local man Brian Carty who scaled the heights of his profession as a journalist to be chief GAA correspondent with RTÉ, Mickey Harte, the Tyrone manager who has succeeded in winning All Irelands at Minor, U21 and senior levels and Mark Rohan, former Westmeath GAA player who suffered serious injuries in a road traffic accident in 2001. Far from letting it get him down Mark just this year won an Olympic Gold medal in men’s individual H1 road race at the Paralympics in London.
The is no doubt that this is a night not to be misses as each one of the speakers are inspirational speakers and can enlighten and inspire us greatly.
Tickets for the night are on sale in O’Brien’s Corner Shop. The tickets are priced at €10 each and the event will take place in Four Mile House on Sunday week 3rd December at 7pm. Light refreshments will be served on the evening
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Sheila Healy and family, Shannon Grove, on the death, recently, of her sister Patricia Townsend, Birmingham
Lanesboro Social Services Whist Drive
As we approach Christmas time we consider those that are in more need than we are and how we can make a contribution to make Christmas a better time for them. By supporting the Whist Drive organised by our local Social Services on this coming Friday night 7th December at 8pm you can help and make your contribution.
The amount of unseen work this very dedicated committee does on an on-going basis is marvellous and it cannot continue without your support, To-date your support has been excellent and the committee looks forward to your continued backing over the coming weeks and months.
Concert of Christmas Carols
A concert of Christmas carols will take place in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday 15th December immediately following 7.30pm Mass.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sympathy to Bernadette and Greg Gillen and family, The Green on the death recently of John O’Hagan, Newry, recently.
Lanesboro Indoor Market
The Lanesboro and Ballyleague Indoor Market is held in St. Mary’s Parochial Hall, Lanesboro, on Friday from 11am to 1.30pm. There is a range of stalls supplying local home baking, jams, eggs and mushrooms. Also jewellery, beauty products, cards, books & bric a brac, knitted items, fresh flowers, hanging baskets & flower arrangements. Fred’s Fish available – fresh fish for Friday. There is free car parking beside the playground. Tea, Coffee and light snacks will also be available. Contact 087 3965568 for queries
Multiple Sclerosis Christmas Day Run/Walk
Sponsorship cards are now available for the annual Christmas Day Run/Walk from Newtowncashel to Lanesboro in aid of Multiple Sclerosis. The walk is now in its 22nd year and throughout that time there has been wonderful support from the local and wider communities. The walkers will start out at 11.45am while the runners will commence at 12.15. As this is the main fundraiser of the year by the committee it is hoped that a record number will come along and participate in this year’s event. Sponsorship cards are now available from any of the local organisers or from O’Brien’s shop.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 21st November are: 1st Elish Gray & Gemma Douglas, 2nd Tom Feeney & Una Clarke, 3rd Brid Mc Dermott & Una Lawlor, 4th Mae Casey & Noreen Dunne
Sub Aqua Club Mobile Phones
Lough Ree Sub Aqua club are actively attempting to acquire a defibrillator for the club. As part of their search and rescue a defibrillator is a very vital part of their equipment. The club is seeking your support and help by leaving into O’Brien’s or to any club member old mobile phones, they must have their batteries. Especially at this time of year when mobile phones are being upgraded to iPhones it would be a great deed to contribute your old phone to the sub aqua club. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Recent Baptisms
Congratulations to Patricia and Cormac parents of Demi Marie Smyth, Cnoc na Gaoithe, Natalie and Nicholas parents of Róisín Ann Browne-Hamilton, Roscommon who were baptised at St. Mary’s church recently.
Lanesboro Community Games
The Lanesboro community games competitions have started early this year and Lanesboro already have had 3 teams who have taken part in the first rounds of chess and Draughts. The U-12 Draughts team made up of Aoife Nolan, Ultan O’Sullivan, Patrick Smyth, Cathal Smyth and Ciara Gavigan were unlucky to lose out narrowly to Carrickedmond but the young team who will mostly be young enough next year for this age group and showed great promise. A huge thanks is due to Sheila Nolan for organising this team. The U-10 team performed very well to win a tight match Vs. Ardagh – the team, made up of Ernie Brunt, Duileach Ryan, Shane Killian, Cillian Cox, Cormac Casey, Caoilinn Flood and Isobelle Smyth got a walkover in the second round and are now due to play Killoe-A in the semi-final. The U-12 Chess team had their first match out on Friday night Vs. Ardagh A team, as the early start has made it difficult to get much practise in, this was going to be a difficult challenge. The first round ended up as a tie but Lanesboro succeeded in overcoming their opponents in the replay. The team was made up of Evan Chalmers, Seadhna Ryan, Duileach Ryan, Conor Sorohan, Orla Lyons and Áine Kennelly. The team missed Gerard Brennan on this occasion.
After a great day at the County Scór Finals, and the great performance of the Lanesboro sketch and ballad groups, the community games committee are confident that Lanesboro should have more entries in community games talent competitions. Therefore, depending on interest, we hope to have a local talent audition in January in order to get entries into some, or all of the following events: Solo Singing, Solo Dance (Modern Disco), Group Dance (Modern Disco), Group Drama (Comedy Sketch), Group Music, Group Singing, Set Dancing. All these events are U-14 – i.e. born after 31/7/1999 – also Solo Music (U-13), Solo Recitation (U-12) and Group Dance (Irish Contemporary) (U-12). So if you have a talent at any of these disciplines and would like to perform, either individually or part of a group this will be the opportunity to take part.
Local involvement on Masterchef
As the RTÉ 2 Masterchef competition continues and is now down to the final five contestants this Thursday will see Ciaran Glennon being part of the country’s leading chef being entertained and judging the cooking of the contestants. Ciaran as you may know is one of the country’s leading chefs and is head chef at Patrick Guilbaud’s restaurant in Dublin. Patrick Guilbaud’s restaurant is the only restaurant in Ireland that has been awarded Michelin two star.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
The county final of Scór na nÓg took place in St. Mary’s hall on Sunday last. It was the first time for the club to host the final and it proved to be a marvellous occasion. The club would like to thank everyone that made themselves available throughout the weekend and on Sunday, making the day run so smoothly.
We had the sketch group who were defending their county title and also the ballad group in the final. Unfortunately for the ballad group they just came up short in what was a very competitive competition. The sketch group on the other hand retained their county title with another top class performance. The club would like to say well done to both groups as they did our club proud and they can rightly hold their head high..
The club would like to say well done to the county Vocational school team who had a very convincing win over Offaly in the Leinster championship on Friday night. Lanesboro Community College was represented on the team by Owen Sorohan, Jack Rooney, Shane Cosgrove and Diarmuid Murtagh while club member Shane Kenny represented Ballymahon Convent on the team.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior Club AGM: Our senior club AGM was held in the clubhouse on Friday last. The club would like to thank Fr. Larney Shine who celebrated Mass for deceased club members, prior to the AGM. Chairman, Frank Curley opened the meeting and welcomed all. He reflected on the club as a whole and the celebrations that marked our Golden Jubilee, the 50th Year of St. Faithleachs GAA club. Gratitude was expressed to all the clubs sponsors, club players and management both senior and minor, physiotherapists, social & finance committee, club lotto sellers and all who supported same, field committee, all involved in fundraising events and all involved in the club throughout the year, Derek Thompson for his tremendous work and efforts for our Golden Jubilee celebrations including “Stars of 65” and Reeling Back the Years and all who helped out regarding same. Congratulations were expressed to the minor club on their achievements during the year alongside the junior ladies and all players who represented the club at county level. Thanks were expressed to Walter Burke and the organising committee along with the mentors for Cúl Camp 2012 which was a huge success and to Ray & Qona Cox for their organisation of Faithleachs Fitness Challenge 2012 & 5k Run which was also a huge success. He wished the club all the very best for the year ahead as we look forward to the official opening and the erection of a new stand.
Secretary, Caroline Connaughton read the minutes of the 2011 AGM and gave a detailed report of the clubs activities both on and off the pitch for 2012 expressing thanks to her fellow officers throughout the year. Treasurer, Michael Cleary gave a detailed account of the clubs income/expenditure for 2012, thanking the Community for their great response to the clubs fundraising, all who used our clubhouse for many functions throughout the year, to Frank Curley for his countless hours working in the clubhouse and all who gave their time to help out in the clubhouse throughout the year.
Development Treasurer, Sean Cox gave a detailed account of income/expenditure, thanking the weekly card players, field committee, social & finance committee, sponsors, all who helped out in many ways over the year.
Social & Finance Chairman, Derek Thompson thanked the committee for their great work throughout the year and launched the DVD of the St. Faithleachs GAA Club “Golden Jubilee Celebrations”.
The following officers were elected for 2013: Presidents, Mickey Kelly and Fr. Larney Shine, Chairman – Frank Curley, Vice Chairman – Derek Thompson, Secretary – Caroline Connaughton, Assistant Secretary, tbe, Treasurer – Michael Cleary, Assistant Treasurer – Sean Cox, PRO – Mary Kenny, Registrar – Brain Scally, players representative, Brian Scally and Insurance officer – Sean Cox. Executive Committee: Frank Curley, Michael Cleary, Caroline Connaughton, James Irwin, Padraig Banahan, Gerry Donlon, Mary Kenny, Padraig Kenny, Ollie Kelly, Sean Kelly, Brian Scally, John Casey, Sean Cox, James Nerney and Derek Thompson.
Thanks: The club expresses a special word of thanks to Ray & Qona Cox for their organisation of the Faithleachs Fitness Challenge and their tremendous work throughout the 8 week programme, followed by the 5k Fun Run/Walk on Sunday last which was a huge success.
Fitness Challenge: St Faithleachs Fitness Challenge came to an end this week. It was a huge success and thanks to all who participated and put in a massive effort over the 8 weeks. The grand finale was the inaugural St. Faithleachs 5k Fun Run/Walk. With all the training under their belts, all our challengers had to compete with was their nerves. There were fantastic times all around and everyone achieved a personal best on the day. Thanks to all the guest instructors, the hall committee, Derek, Henry and everyone who helped out over the 8 week programme. We hope all our challengers keep up their new healthy lifestyle.
St. Faithleachs 5K Fun Run: Congratulations and well done to all who took part in the inaugural 5K Fun Run/Walk on Sunday last. The entry of over 160 Runners, walkers and joggers surpassed all our expectations. Thanks to the great help on the day, all competitors made it home to a rapturous response from the crowd. A huge effort was made by the club and thanks to all the stewards, Gardaí, Jimmy Mangan, Henry Kenny and Lanesboro Tri-Club for their help. Thanks to the Malone Family for manning the water station throughout the run/walk. Well done to all who participated, many of whom never took part in a 5k before. No doubt this will become an annual event. The results will follow on our Facebook page.
DVD – Golden Jubilee: St. Faithleachs GAA “Golden Jubilee Celebrations DVD now on sale in the clubhouse at the cost of €15. A lovely Christmas present for all interested.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse, 9.00pm. All are welcome. Last week’s results are – winners, Sean/Mike. Runners-Up, Pakie/JohnO. Last game, Pat Joe/Tim. Ticket winners: Kathleen, Sean, Joe, Gerry. A minutes silence was observed as a mark of respect to Tom Donlon and family on the death of his wife, Theresa Donlon, Moher.
Upcoming Events: Bumper Christmas d will take place and lines now on sale. 1st Prize, Hamper worth €150. The costs of the lines are €2. Look out for Christmas events at St. Faithleachs GAA club with the arrival of Santa – details to follow.
Sympathy: The Club extends deepest sympathy to Tom Donlon on the death of his wife, Theresa Donlon, Moher, also to her son James, daughters Carol, Susan & Pamela, grandchildren, extended family, neighbours & friends.
Benefit Social Night: In aid of “Dermot Keane Recovery Fund” will take place in St. Faithleachs GAA clubhouse on Saturday 29th December. Tickets will be available locally in the coming weeks.
Parnell’s Ladies in All Ireland Final
The Parnell’s Ladies of London played two enthralling games to reach the All-Ireland final. In the drawn game against the Galway and Connaught champions Kilkerrin/Clonberne not even two periods of extra time could spilt them. In the replay again it was nip and tuck right up to the final minutes. One of the leading ladies on the Parnell’s side was Nicola Gilmore daughter of Nicholas Gilmore formerly of the Green.
Lanesboro Triathlon Club
Lanesboro Triathlon Club AGM 2012: A very large crowd turned out for our recent Annual General Meeting, held in our Club rooms at the Lanesboro Co-Op. Club Chairman Brendan O’Sullivan opened the meeting and expressed his delight at the large turnout to support the meeting. Club Secretary Sean Mimnagh reviewed all the club’s activities for the 2012 season and complemented everyone on their personal achievements throughout the year, from those who completed their first sprint triathlon to those that represented the club magnificently at Ironman events. The highlight of the year was the success of our Lanesboro Club ‘Two Provinces’ Sprint Triathlon held in association with Audi Athlone at Michael Moore car sales. The race proved to be an outstanding success with race goers from all corners of the country flocking to Lanesboro on July 14th to take part, in what is considered by many top racers as one of the best Sprint Triathlon courses in the land. Our club Treasurer Róisin Mc Sharry now went on to provide a very comprehensive set of accounts for the year 2012. Up next was our Race Director for 2012 – James Gallagher, and James provided an excellent report on our hugely successful ‘Two Provinces’ triathlon. James outlined the huge volume of planning & organising that goes into getting the race ran safely & successfully. He thanked all his race crew and gave special thanks to ALL throughout the local communities of Lanesboro & Ballyleague, as if was not for the support of everybody, it would not be possible to run such a successful race. James thanked all race sponsors and gave special thanks to our main sponsor – Audi Athlone at Michael Moore Car sales. All reports were proposed & seconded for acceptance, and approved by the meeting. The following is the elected Lanesboro Triathlon Club Executive for 2013: Chairperson: Brendan O’Sullivan, Secretary: Sean Mimnagh, Treasurers: Cormac Hoare and Róisín Mc Sharry, PROs: Mark Kenny and Andrée Gallagher, Child Liaison Officer: Laura Clyne, Race Director 2013: Niall O’Donohue.
Lanesboro Triathlon 2013: The ‘Two Provinces’ Triathlon shall take place on Sat July 13th 2013. Registration for the race is now open via the Triathlon Ireland website – www.triathlonireland.com. We are delighted to announce that next year’s race has been selected by Triathlon Ireland as one of their National Series races. Huge credit is due to the club, and the whole communities of Lanesboro and Ballyleague to secure such a high profile triathlon race for the area. It should prove to be an outstanding success once again and we are all looking forward to it.
Training: Swim sessions continue every Tuesday night with Roscommon masters and on Friday nights for triathlon club specific session. Note that there will be only 2 Friday night sessions in Dec (7th & 14th). Turbo sessions continue every Saturday at 6pm. Thanks to Niall from Wheelworx (Dublin) who put us all through our paces recently with a fantastic turbo session – it was of great benefit to everyone and a lot was learned about cycling technique and training drills. Also, thanks to Cian O’Brien for carrying out core strength and flexibility testing for all members on Saturday last. Please check club website www.trilanesboro.com and Facebook page regularly for training session updates and times.
5K fun run: Well done to all those who turned up despite the wet morning and took part in the St Faithleach’s 5k fun on Sunday last. Great turn out from the club with members competing and also members marshalling. Big congrats to Qona & Raymond Cox for organising a brilliant event.
Club Membership: Membership for 2013 is now open – you can register via the triathlon Ireland website https://www.triathlonireland-newserver.com/login.html. It is very important to have your membership renewed early to ensure you are insured to take part in any club activities.