Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Birth
Congratulations to Gavin and Susan Greally, Cashelbeg, on the recent birth of a baby boy.
Farming and Lending
Local man Sean Farrell featured prominently in the Farmers Journal last week in an interview about the process of lending and assessing loan applications from farmers. Sean, head of agriculture with the Bank of Ireland Business Banking outlines the process and banking criteria as they assess loans. It is a highly informative interview and essential reading for all farmers.
What is happening in our community?
The past week has been thoroughly marvellous for the Hand and Smyth families and the parishes of Rathcline Kilgefin and Cashel. As a community we have had a massive boost and it has been particularly great to see and hear so much positivity being bestowed on our communities by their tremendous wins and all the media coverage. Alas, below are two stories that happened just previous to our great celebrations and it is a case that we should be extra vigilant each and every day and especially night as we travel through our communities. No matter how insignificant you may feel it may be it is still always better to let our local Gardaí investigate. Lanesboro Gardaí 043-33 21102.
New House break in
The recession and banking crisis has practically brought all building throughout the country to a halt. It is rarely you travel the roads nowadays that you see a new house under construction. To see one now is a thing of marvel.
Paul and Allison Clancy recently began constructing their new home on the Longford Road, two miles out from Lanesboro. Indeed the house is eye-catching because of its location and it is wonderful to see a new house being built in the parish by a young couple.
However between the hours of 9.30 pm and 7.30am of Sunday night 14th April and Monday 15th April their new house was broken into and a large number of items were stolen from the house and the garage. With the gates being padlocked the perpetrators cut the locks and proceeded to steal a roller door, power tool saw, control panels for a solar system control, solar panel cylinder, cement mixer and stand and many other smaller items.
This is a terrible imposition on this young couple and if was travelling the road during those hours and saw anything at all can they inform the Gardaí at Lanesboro Garda Station.
Has it come to a stage in our country that we cannot now build a house without having to employ security guards? Let’s just think about it – are we going to allow ourselves to become prisoners to these thugs? We must be vigilant in every way possible and report anything no matter how small to our local Gardaí.
Perhaps the local Superintendent Shields in Longford and his superior Chief Superintendent Rhatigan in Roscommon should consider recommending, to the Commissioner, a larger force in Lanesboro to server the locality on both sides of the bridge and enable the local station to stay open longer. The area of Rathcline/Lanesboro, Ballyleague/Kilgefin Cashel, and Killashee deserve to have the Garda force “Working with (our) Communities to Protect and Serve” and not investigating after the criminals have gone.
Break in at Casserley’s
Like all business throughout the country all our local businesses are feeling the pinch and cannot afford to be suffering the loss of any single item. On the morning of Saturday 6th April between the hours of 3.30 am and 5.45am the fuel bunker at the shop was broken into and all the fuel stolen from it – upwards of 100 bags. This burglary went on over that period of time and someone must surely have seen something happening at the front of the shop and down towards the bungalow on the Community College side of the shop. If you have any information that would be of help to the Casserley family you are asked to give it to our local Gardaí.
Pre Marriage Courses
Are you planning to get married in 2013? If so there as courses being arranged by ACCORD on Monday 13th and Thursday 16th May and again on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June. For bookings and further information you are advised to contact ACCORD at 043-33 47222 or book online at www.accord.ie
Coffee Morning on Friday
Costello’s Nursing Home in Ballyleague is holding a Coffee Morning in their Nursing Home on Friday 26th April from 10.30am to 12.30pm. The coffee morning is in support of Alzheimer Association. You are all invited to go along on the day and support an excellent cause.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
Lough Ree Golfing Society’s first outing of the new golfing season will take place in Strokestown Golf Club on Saturday next 27th April. The first tee is from 11.00am. All intending players are asked to assemble at 10.30.
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro on Friday last 19th April of Michelle Connerton, daughter of Liam and Pat Connerton, Aughamore and Edward Kelly son of Eugene and Mary Kelly, Rathcline Road. Matron of Honour was Denise Murray sister of the bride and bridesmaid was Therese Kelly sister of the groom. The Bestman was Jason Fallon friend of the groom and groomsman was Thomas Delaney, cousin of the groom. Pageboys were Jack and Billy Murray nephews of the bride. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Declan Shannon, Coosan, Athlone assisted by Fr. Michael Reilly, Lanesboro. The wedding reception took place in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Have you signed up yet?
The course for defibrillator training will commence at the end of April of first week in May. There is a great need for new people to be trained in the use of the defibrillator and also those that need to be up skilled. To be skilled in the use the defibrillator when there is a need for it can mean the difference of life and death for someone. It is very vital for all associations, not just sporting ones, to have a minimum of two people competent in the use of the defibrillator.
A new training course for beginners and a recertification course will take place in Lanesboro very soon. If you need to be recertified or want to do the course can you please leave your name into O’Brien’s immediately. Call in or phone Martina at 043-3321107.
WHI Talk
Local man Jimmy Casey will give a talk continuing the series of talks for the Wetlands Heritage Ireland community group.
The talk will be based on the book “Lough Ree and its Islands”, published by Three Counties Press in 2006. We will hear about the islands and foreshore of Lough Ree with all the history and stories of its people who lived in this beautiful environment from earliest times up to the present day. It promises to be a wonderful evening and you are invited to go along and enjoy a great evening on Thursday 25th April at 8pm in Cooney Hotel Ballymahon.
Thank You
The ‘come dine with us’ fundraiser in the Peer Inn on Saturday 13th April in aid of MS proved to be a massive success. A wonderful night was had by all and the organising committee would like to say a special thank you to all their sponsors and helpers and those that gave so generously. A total of €1300 was raised for Longford Multiple Sclerosis.
Night at the Dogs
12th Roscommon Ballyboro Scouts troop is holding a ‘night at the dogs’ on Friday 3rd May. This will take place at Longford Greyhound Track from 8pm. Tickets cost €10 and are available from all scout leader, O’Brien’s Corner Shop and Daybreak filling station. Admission for children to the night is free. When you buy a ticket you are in with a chance of winning a hotel weekend break. All are welcome to go along and support. A good night is guaranteed.
Lough Ree AC
St. Ronan’s AC promoted a sports day for the younger brigade at the new indoor facility at A.I.T Athlone. Approximately 150 children took part in the four events. The club contributed 20, we expected more, but there are many calls on children on a Saturday. It turned out to be a great experience for the youngsters involved – waiting and watching for their events and each other. Coming home with ‘a memento’ of the occasion was a bonus they were not expecting. Full marks to the organisers for a most enjoyable day.
The Lanesboro contingent was pleased. Victoria Gedrych who won the recent Primary schools 3rd/4th class Ball Throw recorded the best throw in the ‘Turbo Javelin’, a new event in the U10 while Róisin Brennan who was down the field in the Schools ball Throw came back with a bang to have the best throw in the U11 Turbo Javelin. Then Róisín has her own Turbo Javelin sourced on the internet! How about that for motivation and attitude.
The results for sprints and long jump are not available as the sprints were based on heat times. We did see Vicki Kajan win the 600m U11 to keep us all happy.
Training as usual on Tuesday evenings and more often when necessary.
Dermot Keane Recovery Fund – Thank You
We wish to convey a truly heartfelt thank you to each and every one who supported Dermot’s fundraising event on 29th December last year. The astounding generosity of all who contributed in any way, especially in these difficult recessionary times, really endorses our faith in humanity. To the wonderful committee who worked so hard to run the event on our behalf, we are eternally grateful. In fact “thank you “seems a weak portrayal of our family’s appreciation to all of you for such love and kindness you have shown to Dermot and to all our family at a very difficult time. These kind deeds will not readily be forgotten. Thank God and thank you all for Dermot’s safe return to Ireland where he is doing well. The total raised from the St. Faithleach’s event, Australian fundraising and Limerick fundraising was €31,000. Peace, Blessings, and again sincere thanks to all from Dermot’s father Bill Keane, sister Mary and niece Sarah.
Titanic Exhibition
The Carrickedmond PTTA trip to the Titanic exhibition on Belfast will take place on Sunday 30th June. Bus and admission to the exhibition will cost; adults €30, U16- €23 and U5 – €12.50. Money can be paid to Chris (Dennigan) Moran, phone 087-6974775, Evelyn Keenan phone 086-3567909 or Fr. Peter Tiernan phone 044-9357442 before Sunday next 28th April.
Coffee Morning
A tea/coffee morning in aid of Alzheimer’s will be held in the home of John and Maureen Gibbons, Kilrooskey, on Saturday next 27th April from 11am to 3pm. Everyone is invited and welcome to go along.
Rathcline Ladies GAA
Congratulations to our senior ladies on their great win over a tough Edgeworthstown side last Sunday in Kenagh. The final score was 6-8 to 1-10. The Ladies club would like to sincerely thank the Kenagh GAA Club for giving us their pitch on such short notice so that the senior ladies could fulfil their HOME game as the Rathcline all-weather pitch was not made available to the girls to play this game. Thanks to Robb last Sunday for doing the stats throughout the game it was good to have at half time.
Good luck to Claire Greene, Noleen Donlon, Lauren Farrell and Laura Healy and the Longford Ladies team who play in the Div. 3 league All Ireland semi-final next Sunday against Down.
Our U 16 are playing Ballymahon/Forgney away next Thursday evening at 7.
Well done to our U 14s last Tuesday evening on a win over Grattan’s – keep up the good work.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
U16 Girls – D2 Championship Final: Our U16 Girls have qualified for the D2 Championship Final, having defeated St. Brigids at home in the Semi-Final on Sunday last. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 6-4 St. Brigids 2-4: Team: D. McCaffrey, L. Hoare, M. Banahan, K. Browne, C. Brennan, A. Curley, S. Hoare, N. Scally(1-1), Hegarty (1-0), T. Nerney(0-1), R. Costello, L. Cox, L. Farrell, R. Banahan(1-2), K Byrne. Subs: N. Hegarty, S. Scally (2-0), J. Banahan (1-0) N. Parker. Best of luck to all players on the panel and their management as they meet St. Dominic’s in the Final on Sunday next. The details of time and the venue have not being confirmed at the time of writing. Please come along and support the girls on the day.
Senior League – O’Rourke Cup: Our Seniors were defeated by St. Croan’s on Sunday last. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 0-9 St. Croan’s 2-08. Team: S. Connor, D. McCormack, A. McCormack, C. Gunn, D. Murray, B. Murtagh (0-1), P. Wallace, M. Reynolds (0-1), R. Cox, K. Farrell, H. Kenny (0-1), C. Gannon (0-1), C. Murtagh (0-2), D. Rooney, D. Murtagh (0-3). Subs: E. Kenny, D. Hussey.
Best of Luck: Best of luck to Amanda & Laura Mc Loone, along with the Roscommon ladies team who have qualified for the NFL D4 League Final having defeated Limerick in the semi-final on Saturday last. NFL League Final – Roscommon V Offaly to be played weekending 4th/5th May.
Minor Men – League: Our minors play against Eire Óg at home this Tuesday evening at 7.00pm.
U16 Boys – Championship: Our U16 boys had a win over Michael Glaveys at home on Thursday evening last. The final score was – St. Faithleachs 4-09 Michael Glaveys 2-06. Team: M. O’Donnell, J. Farrell, L. Parker, C. Mangan, M. Gill, E. Farrell, J. Irwin, D. Kelly (0-1), D. Nerney (0-1), S. Phillip (2-4), J. Hussey, C. Gannon (0-1), C. Gannon (0-1), D. Foley (2-0), K. Nerney. Subs: J. Donlon (0-1), C. Smyth, E. Tynan.
U16 Boys – League: Our U16 boys play against St. Croan’s at home this coming Sunday at 11.30am.
U14 Boys-League: Our U14 boys have their 1st league game this coming Thursday against Elphin at home at 6.45pm.
U14 Girls- Féile: Our U14 girls were defeated by Boyle in the 2nd round of Féile on Monday evening last. The final score was – St. Faithleachs 3-01 Boyle 2-09. Team: D. McCaffrey, K. Browne, N. Hegarty, C. Curley, P. Jedrych, L. Cox, S. Hoare, A. Curley, M. Kelly, J. Banahan, K. Byrne, E. Collier, E. Irwin (3-0), J. Brennan (0-1), L. Farrell, Subs: I. Farrell, L. Fahy, O. Costello.
U12 Girls: Our U12 girls were defeated at home by St. Dominic’s on Sunday last. Team: L. Parker, H. Barry, C. Curley, L. Costello, O. Irwin, N. Flynn, C. Carroll, E. Irwin, J. Brennan, L. Parker, A. Parker, J. Gibbons, C. Hussey, L. O’Donnell, O. Costello, A. Trimble. The next game is against Padraig Pearses, Venue and Time TBC.
St. Faithleachs GAA Cúl Camp 2013: Preparations are underway for the 2013 GAA Cúl Camp to be held by St. Faithleachs GAA Club from 15th July to 19th July. Full details to follow.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were – 3, 16, 22 and 23. There was no jackpot winner and the five €20 winners – Tom Mulvihill, Kathleen & Annie, D. Thompson/O. Pender, Mary O’Halloran, M. F. O’Grady. The jackpot for the next draw stands at €8,400. The yearly lotto payment is now due.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 9.00pm. All are welcome. The results of last week’s games are – winners, Annie/Kathleen, runners-up, Ann/Michael. Last game winners – Mick/Paddy.
Tea/Coffee Day: In aid of Alzheimer’s, this coming Saturday from 11.00am to 3.00pm, in Maureen Gibbons House. Please contact Maureen for Details.
Rathcline GAA
Punchestown 2013 – The 11th Annual Longford GAA Race Day takes place in Punchestown on ‘Gold Cup Day’ Wednesday 24th April. Rathcline GAA has always held the best Club representation at the event and this year we are looking to repeat this feat especially with club man Brendan Gilmore holding the chairman’s position in the County Board. The subsidised ticket price of €100 includes the following: Location at the Final Fence, Four Course Meal, Hot Afternoon Refreshments, Admission to the Races, Race Card, Celebrity Tipsters, Bar Facilities & Bookies in Pavilion; all of which represents fantastic value for money. With less than a week to the big day, interested personnel need to book their seats as possible to be a part of the Rathcline GAA contingent. €20 Deposits can be given to: Liam Connerton (086) 8776450, Albert Cooney (086) 8118580 & Chris Cullen (087) 2500120.
Club Rathcline Lotto Draw – The Jackpot total of €400 was not won this weekend with numbers drawn as follows: 3, 7, 8, 15, 28, and 31. Congratulations to our four €25 winners this week as follows: (1) Paddy & Ann Nolan – Mahoraveen (2) Larry Bannon, Legan; (3) Con & Yvonne Casserley – Clonfower (4) John Ryan – C/O Ballymahon GAA. Next week’s Jackpot will €500.
Senior League – Congratulations to our senior team who got back to winning ways in round two of the Leader cup last weekend. The team beat Carrickedmond on Saturday evening in Clonbonny by two points with a final score: Rathcline 1-11, Carrickedmond 2-06. Although enjoying the best of the possession count in the second half, the team were guilty in conceding two soft goals near the end allowing the opposition to finish the stronger in what could have been a disaster for Rathcline. Thankfully the team weathered the storm and it is clearly evident that there is a continuous improvement regime under the stewardship of Gerry Lynn. There is a nice structure to our team at present and bodes well for the rest of the league campaign. Round three takes place in two weeks’ time -Friday 03rd May at 8pm- when we travel to Dromard in what promises to be a tough test for our lads.
Reserve League – Next weekend see’s the return of Intermediate League action when Rathcline host Moydow Harpers in Round 6 of Reserve League 2. The game is scheduled for next Saturday 27th April in Clonbonny at 6pm. The team is looking for six wins out of six games in this competition and victory on Saturday will guarantee Rathcline a home semi-final in the competition with one more group game to spare. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to Michelle Connerton (daughter of Liam and Patricia, Aughamore) and Edward Kelly (son of Eugene and Mary, Rathcline Rd.) on their marriage celebrations on Friday afternoon last. We wish them a long and happy future together.
Sympathies – Everyone in Rathcline GAA was saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Enright (Cloontuskert) on Tuesday last – 9th April. Paul had a great affiliation with our good neighbours in St. Faithleachs GAA and other local community groups. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and relatives.
Shannon Gaels/Western Gaels – Under 14: Congratulations to our U14 team who continue on their winning ways with a fantastic victory over St. Vincents on Tuesday evening last 16th April in Monaduff. Final Score: St. Vincent’s 2-09, Western Gaels 7-08. The team play Rd. 3 on Tuesday evening coming 23rd April with a home match to Granard/Ballymore in Dunbeggan at 7pm. Rd. 4 will be followed with an away game to Carrick-Sarsfields a week later Tuesday 30th April in Michael Moran Park at 7pm.
Under 16: Due to water-logged pitch last week, Rd. 2 of the U16 league will take on Monday evening coming 22nd April in Dunbeggan at 7:30pm when Western Gaels take on St. Colmcilles. The setback last week also means that the team will need to play a second game in the week on Thursday 25th April at 7pm against Northern Gaels in Oliver Lynch Park in Abbeylara.
Minor: Round 2 of the minor league recommences on Sunday coming – 28th April when Western Gaels take on St. Colmcilles at home. Please keep an eye on fixtures for more details in relation to venue and time.
Coaching for U6, U8, U10 and U12 will commence on Friday 26th April in Clonbonny from 7pm to 8pm. Parents are reminded that children will not be able to train or play matches unless each child is properly registered. Registration forms will be available on Friday 26th April (membership fee is €5 for U6, and all other age groups are €25 per child or €35 per family – 2 children or more). All underage players are required to wear a mouth-guard during training and matches.
Commiserations to Shane Kenny and Eoin Sorohan who were part of the County Minor panel who were defeated by Laois in the first round of the Leinster Championship in O ‘Moore Park in Portlaoise. Also to Gareth Johnston who is a member of the management team. The team now enter the backdoor system and will now play Meath on Wednesday night 1st May for survival in this year’s competition.
Shannon Gaels would like to say a very special thank you to Michael Gill; Rathcline Road who obtained 2 ruby balls autographed by the Irish Rugby team and presented them to the club. They will be raffled for in the near future.
Croagh Patrick Sponsorship Walk 2013 – This year’s event will take place in three weeks’ time on Saturday 11th May. At this stage everyone who is taking part should be allocated to a team and have their own sponsorship card. Cards are readily available from our financial committee members or indeed any executive member. We are looking for a big uptake from the parish and to make it a weekend to remember. This event is more than just a fundraiser for the club but a social outing for our members, friends and parishioners with a night out in Westport town. Based on previous year’s outings to Croagh Patrick, the club has experienced an enjoyable and rewarding day out with lots of crack in the process.
The club has booked a limited number of apartments in the harbour mills accommodation centre in Westport at €45 per person. Please contact Lorraine Farrell ASAP on (087) 6827966 if you are interested in availing of this accommodation service.
Lanesboro Badminton
Congratulations to our Grade 5 Ladies who overcame Moyvore in closely fought games to win the Midlands Ladies League Final in Mullingar on Wednesday April 17th last. On the team were Edel Mc Dermott, Gráinne Gallagher, Regina Scally, Carol Manning and Ann Duffy. Many of our club members are off to Dublin to represent us in Leinster, results to follow next week. Well done to all involved.