Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The 4th outing of the year was on Saturday the 17th August to Co Longford Golf Club. A good turnout of players enjoyed the excellent conditions at this lovely local golf course: the weather was fantastic, the golf goodish and the company was superb as always.
The visitors’ prize was won by Pat Mc Connell with a fine score of 41 stableford points. Nearest the pin on the par 3, 8th hole was won by John James O’Shea; the front nine was won by Alan Farrell with a very good score of 20 points; the back nine on 16 points was Timmy Glynn; 3rd prize went to Jarlath Reynolds (better back nine) 32 points; 2nd prize with a good 36 points went to Jackie McDonnell and the first prize with a great 37 points was won by Peter Gillen. Well done all and thanks to all who made the day such an enjoyable one.
With one outing to go for 2013(Athlone Friday the 6th September at 11 am) the Golfer of the Year rankings are as follows: Liam Rosemond 18, Brendan Whitty 17 , Colm Dardis 17 and Peter Day 16 points. There are a few more close behind those and the Athlone results will produce the winner of this very prestigious prize
Irish Dancing Classes
Irish dancing classes are resuming after the summer break in Ballyleague Hall on Monday 2nd September at 6pm – 7pm under tuition of Carole O’ Reilly TCRG. All new pupils are welcome. If you have any enquiries please phone 087 1191130
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Danny and Isobel O’Brien and family, Buncrana, Co. Donegal and formerly of Rathcline Road on the death of their daughter Miriam following a long illness.
Musical Success
Congratulations to Liadan Greally, Newbridge, who is to receive a high achiever’s award for her outstanding performance in her grade 8 flute exam. Liadan attends lessons with Mary Jo Fitzpatrick, Lehery. She will receive her award at the Hawkswell theatre in Sligo during November and she has been invited to perform in the concert preceding the awards ceremony.
Congratulations must also go to Seadhna Ryan and Dylan Hanley who passed their piano exams with distinction and Duileach Ryan who passed with honours.
Lanesboro Bridge Club Reopens
The Lanesboro Bridge Club will reopen for the new season in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro on Wednesday week 4th September at 8pm sharp. The club would like to welcome new bridge players to the games on Wednesday nights and also welcome back all the Bridge players from last season.
Recent Baptisms
Luke Patrick O’Neill son of Lisa and Seamus O’Neill, Kilteevan and formerly Knock and Senan Thomas Mc Hale son of Patrick and Sinéad (nee Feeney, Gurteengar), Salisbury England were recently baptised in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro.
Marathons4Muireann.com
Muireann O’Flaherty is daughter of Declan and Gina O’Flaherty and granddaughter of Mary and the late P.J. O’Flaherty. Muireann who has a rare condition called Ponto cerebellar hypoplasia – a severe physical disorder that occurs in a minute number of children in Ireland. Declan has undertaken to do the equivalent of 4 marathons on October Bank Holiday weekend culminating with the Dublin City Marathon on Monday 28th October.
What we all take for granted Muireann cannot do absolutely any of these she suffers from ; she can’t walk, she can’t talk, she can’t feed herself and she requires constant monitoring. She is frequently unwell. She takes a daily cocktail of medication including anti-seizure tablets.
On October Bank Holiday Declan will undertake to run from Athlone to Dublin which is the equivalent of 3 marathons and on the following day he will run the Dublin City Marathon raising money for three charities that has given so much support to Muireann – Temple Street Children’s Hospital, the Jack and Jill Foundation and the Brothers of Charity Services. We urge everyone that reads this note to be encouraged to support Declan in the mammoth task that faces him. It takes some man to undertake such a feat and this is no doubt Declan is some man. Please be a generous as you possible can be. You can leave your envelope in to O’Brien’s or you can email www.marathons4muireann.com
As part of the fundraising there will be a Family Fun Run, Walk or Crawl taking place on Saturday next at 1pm from Drum. Drum is on the old Athlone to Ballinasloe road and registration will take place at Drum Parish Hall from 11am. You have a choice of distances 11K or 6K and all for only €10. It is for a magnificent cause and your support will be greatly appreciated.
Lanesboro Community College Courses
Outdoor recreation and Office Administration are two courses that Lanesboro Community College will run this coming year. These courses are Fetac level 5 and they will commence in September. The college is now accepting bookings for both courses and you can make your booking by phoning the college 043 33 21139 or online by emailing lanesborocc.ias@eircom.net. You can also make contact by any of the above means to receive information leaflet and information.
Annual 5k Road Race Series
The third annual Rós 5k Road race returns to Lanesboro on Wednesday week 4th September. The race will be the usual route from Rathcline GAA pitch out the ‘line road’ where it will join the main road and you turn back to Cullen’s Filling station and back to the finishing line in Clonbonny. You can run, jog or walk the distance and be part of a growing number of people doing these run, jog and walks. The 5k distance is not all that far and even for the most novice of walkers it is a very enjoyable and attainable distance. Last year we had familiar former residents returning to take part in the run and we hope that this year many more will return and that a record number will come along and do the run, jog or walk. Registration will take place at Rathcline GAA clubhouse.
This is part of the Rós 5k series which has 4 run, walks and jogs throughout the area over four Wednesdays. The first run is this Wednesday 21st August in Roscommon Town, followed by Boyle Town 28th August, Lanesboro 4th September and finishing on Wednesday 11th in Taughmaconnell. All races will begin at 7pm.
Good Luck to Gerry and Sinead
On Friday night next 30th August Gerry and Sinead Kiernan will officially reopen their bar in Ballymahon. Having the bar leased for the past few years they decided to take on the bar once again and no doubt they will have it the vibrant bar of old. We wish Gerry and Sinead the very best of luck and prosperity as they return to the business. The reopening will have music by Twilight Vision along with other musical talent from near and far. Finger food will also be available and Kiernan’s is the place to be on Friday night.
Rathcline Ladies into Championship Final
Well done to the Rathcline Ladies football team who had a well-deserved win over Edgeworthstown in Clonbonny on Sunday last. This victory ensures them of their place in the county final which will take place in the coming weeks where they will renew rivalry with the same opposition. Well done to all on a great victory.
Below, Rathcline Ladies Chairperson Madaleine Murray at a time of desperation goes to her knees to pray for inspiration for her team. Evidently her prayers were answered when the ladies had a 2-14 to 1-11 victory.
Longford Swimming Club
Longford Swimming club caters for children aged 6 to 18. Whether children’s goal is to become competent swimmers and safe at water sports or to go further and become competitive swimmers the club caters for all. It is a great way to keep fit during the winter. On entry to the club children swim as part of the first swim group – the Seals – who have sessions 5-6PM Saturday and 10-11am Sunday. Fees are €150 per term (approx. 20 weeks/40 lessons). The swimming club was awarded Swim Ireland Club of the Year 2013 and the head coach Ronan Mc Nevin was awarded Swim Ireland Club Coach of the year. Swimmers who have completed swim 6 or swim 5, and sometimes swim 4 are generally successful in passing the entry trial for the club. The next trial will be held at 5pm Saturday week 7th September Longford Leisure Centre – Be there to join a great club. See further details on www.longfordswimmingclub.com
School Reopens this week
Lanesboro Community College will reopen for 1st year students on this Wednesday 28th August and for all students on Thursday 29th August.
Ballymahon Reunion
The Ballymahon Convent of Mercy will hold a class reunion for the class of 1988 on Saturday 14th September. The reunion will commence with Mass at 6pm. As many of our readers will have gone to Ballymahon Convent we hope that all the 1988 from the area will make it to what should be a great evening.
Advanced Certificate in Business Course
Formerly Longford VEC and now the Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board is offering an Advanced Certificate in Business FETAC Level 6 (part time). This course is provided free under Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). As of yet no venue has been selected but it is expected to be in the VEC offices, as has been the norm for the past two years. The course will commence on Wednesday 12th September and will take place every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 2pm. This course is particularly suited to unemployed people who have already worked in a supervisory capacity. Places on this course will be offered following an interview. For more information you are asked to contact Adult Educational Guidance service 043 33 48177.
Getting Married
Spaces are available for the Accord pre-marriage courses on 7th/10th October and 15th/16th November. You can make bookings online at www.accord.ie or phone 043 33 47222.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock
The annual diocesan pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 1st September and it will be led for the last time as Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise by Bishop Colm O’Reilly. The bus will leave Lanesboro at 10.30am. The timetable for the day is: Confessions at 12.30pm. Anointing of the sick at 2.30pm and the Mass and the blessing of the sick will take place at 3pm. Following mass there will be a Rosary procession.
Lanesboro Ballyleague Community Childcare
The community childcare service will reopen on this Wednesday 28th August. Preschool service for children starting national school in 2014 will take place from 10am until 12 noon. Afterschool will be open from 2pm until 6pm. Places still available, telephone 0433330957. Playgroup for younger children will begin at the end of September.. We will inform you of date shortly.
Warmer Home for the Winter ahead
Longford Warmer Homes provides free attic insulation, cavity wall insulation and energy advice to elderly and disadvantaged home owners throughout the county. There are a certain criteria to be met and if you do so you can avail of all of the above services.
Longford Warmer Homes also carries out work for the elderly as part of the Care and Repair Scheme.
You are invited to check the Longford Warmer Homes Ltd. Website www.lwh.ie or Facebook page www.facebook.com/LongfordWarmerHomesLtd to check to see if you are entitled to this free service. If you have not access to the web you can ring 043 33 93255.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Junior – Mid-South Junior B Championship: Our juniors were defeated by Clan na nGael on Friday last at home.
Best of luck: To Diarmuid Murtagh with the Roscommon Minors in the All-Ireland Minor Championship Semi-Final against Tyrone this coming Sunday, 1st September at 1.30pm in Croke Park.
Minor Ladies – Championship: Our minor ladies have a Championship game against St. Barry’s this coming Thursday evening 29th August at 7.00pm in Tarmonbarry.
U14 Boys – D2 Championship semi-final: Our U14 boys play in the Championship semi-final against Tulsk this Tuesday evening 27th August at 6.45pm in Strokestown.
U14 Girls championship: Our U14 girls have a game against Strokestown this coming Wednesday evening 28th August at 7.00pm in Strokestown.
U8/U10 GoGames Blitz: Our phase two of the Go Games blitzes will commence throughout September. Further details will follow.
Lucozade Sport Club Crusade: Thanks to all who are supporting St. Faithleachs GAA club, in collecting Bottle Caps for the “Lucozade Sport Club Crusade” Please continue to drop your bottle caps into our collection bag in the Club House.
Congratulations: To Kevina Cleary and Shanice Carty who celebrated their 21st birthdays recently.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 9.00pm. All are welcome. Last week’s results are – Winners, Jimmy/Martin. Joint runners-up, Gerry/PJ and Mickey/Tom. The ticket winners were – Joe, Pakie, Peggy and Mick.
Rathcline GAA
Championship 2013 – All roads lead to Pearse Park next weekend for the eagerly awaited match with Carrickedmond in the semi-final of the Intermediate Championship. The game will take place on Sunday evening 1st September at 5:30pm. We have previously played Carrickedmond in this year’s championship which resulted in a draw in Ballymahon. There has been nothing between both teams in recent years and this game promises to be a cracker. We wish the players and the management team of Gerry, Joe and Albert the very best of luck on Sunday and hope that we will be good enough on the day to find ourselves in the county final at the end of September. We also hope that there will be huge support for the lads in their pursuit of glory.
ACFL Div. 1 – Our Senior team played St. Patricks Ardagh on Sunday morning in the 8th Round of the county senior league in Keenan Park and unfortunately the scoreline was not a repeat of the week previous. Ardagh ran out 5 point winners.
Congratulations to Mark Mimnagh and Ann Hynes who recently got engaged.
Juvenile U16 A Championship – Congratulations to Western Gaels U16 team who had a magnificent first round victory over Colmcilles last Thursday evening in McGee Park. Final score: Western Gaels 2-14, Colmcille 1-06. The second round of the competition takes place next Thursday evening 29th August at 7:15pm in Clonbonny when the team play Clonguish Óg. A winning result in this game will guarantee a semi spot in the Championship with one group game to spare. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Well done to the management team of Padraig Kenny, Mick Shorthall, Cathal Twaddle and John Moran for the great work to date. On a lighter note, it must be worth noting that Rathcline GAA have made an official request to Tipperary County Board to improve the standard of linesmen coming out of the County. We have every faith that Mick will be reinstated to his role for the next championship game in Clonbonny.
Minor League Semi Final will take place next Friday evening 30th August when Western Gaels play Southern Gaels in a repeat of the Minor Championship Final which was played two weeks ago. Western Gaels will be hoping to continue the great run of form and add to the momentum which has been picked up by the amalgamation in the last couple of weeks. This is a great opportunity to extend the 2013 honours of our minor club with a victory in this game. The tie will take place in Clonbonny at 7pm and it is hoped that as many people as possible come out to support the lads in this crucial local derby game.
Rathcline Ladies – Congratulations of our Rathcline senior ladies who have qualified for the second consecutive Intermediate Championship final with a winning result over Mostrim on Sunday morning in Clonbonny. Ironically, the team will have to play Mostrim again in the final which is scheduled to take place on Sunday 15th September in Pearse Park. Great credit must be attributed to team manager Enda McGann and his fellow selectors, as well as the hard work put in behind the scenes by Madeleine and her gang. We look forward to the Ladies County Final in the hope that the girls can break through to the senior grade for the 2014 championship. We wish the team and management the best in their preparations over the next couple of weeks.
Congratulations to Shane Fitzpatrick and Laura Skelly who were married on Saturday last in St. Mary’s Lanesboro with reception in Glasson Golf Club. Laura is daughter to our current club vice chairman – Mr Louis Skelly. A further celebration in the Skelly family on Saturday was the birth of a baby girl to Gordon and Eimear Skelly making Peter, club registrar, and his wife Terry proud grandparents.
Club Rathcline Lotto Draw – Preparations are on-going for Phase 2 of the Lotto campaign and it is hoped to have the fundraiser rolled out in the next couple of weeks. Letters will be posted out to our existing participants with subscription renewal forms. Many thanks to all our patrons who participated in the last lotto and we look forward to your support for Phase 2.
Shannon Gaels – Coaching for U6, U8, U10 and U12 will continue in Clonbonny on Friday in Clonbonny from 7pm to 8pm as normal.
Shannon Gaels
Our Minor team had a marvellous B championship final win over Southern Gaels in Kenagh recently. This was a tremendous performance from not only a very talented side but a woefully determined panel of players and team management. The day has finally come that we are back in the big time of the minor championship in Longford. Well done to everyone that played their part both on and off the field on this great success.
On Friday evening next in Clonbonny the lads take on Southern Gaels (Killashee and Cashel) in the League semi-final. This is a repeat of the championship final and we expect a huge crowd to come out and support the lads and cheer them into the league final.
Our U16 team will play Clonguish Óg in the Juvenile championship in Clonbonny on Thursday evening at 7.15pm. A win here will see the lads into the semi-final with a game to spare. We look forward to them achieving this goal and their pace in the semi-final.
Coaching, as normal, for U6, U8, U10 and U12 will continue in Clonbonny on Friday in Clonbonny from 7pm to 8pm. All parents are urged to have their young players in the pitch.
The club extends its deepest sympathy to Danny and Isohel O’Brien on the death of their daughter Miriam in Donegal last weekend. Danny and Isobel lived on the Rathcline Road during their time in Lanesboro and Danny played a major role in the continued development of GAA while in Lanesboro.