Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Rathcline Ladies Co. Champions
On Saturday last in Pearse Park the Rathcline Ladies football team emerged from an extremely tough Intermediate championship replay against an Edgeworthstown side that refused to give. As the drawn game in Ballymahon showed, these were two very evenly balanced teams and there was nothing between them. Emerging with a two point victory just highlighted the fact. Thankfully it was our great ladies team that emerged victorious. The team was managed by Enda Mc Gann assisted by James Hanley and they did a tremendous job with the ladies. The team and panel that did us proud were: Karena Mulvihill, Lauren Guinan, Aodhnait Casey, Geraldine Hanley, Patrice Nolan, Lauren Farrell, Sinead Farrell, Jo Donlon, Noleen Donlon, Aoife Bannon, Claire Greene, Laura Healy, Shelly Mc Cormack, Ann Dufy, Paula Kenny, Danielle Irwin, Dara Mc Gann, Aoife Magan, Janine Mc Cormack, Michaela Cox, Dearbhail Flood, Aoife Connaughton, Fidelma Fallon, Emily Farrell, Jo Sweeney, Ann Marie Hand, Niamh Gavigan, Tara Sweeney and Ciara Casey.
The next challenge for the girls is the short trip to Milltown, Co. Westmeath on Saturday 5th October for the Leinster club championship where I am sure they will again do us proud.
Their reward for winning on Saturday is a return to the county senior championship where they have many fond memories of famous championship victories in the years gone by.
Elected President ASA
Congratulations to Sean Farrell who was been elected President of the Agricultural Science Association. Sean a graduate of Agricultural Science from UCD, started his career as a regional development officer with the IFA before joining ACC Bank as regional agri-business manager in 2002. He is currently head of Agriculture with Bank of Ireland since 2011. Sean is son of John L and Geraldine Farrell, Rathcline and we wish him every success in his position of presiden of ASA
Lanesboro Badminton Club
It’s that time of year again to dust of those rackets or maybe invest in a new racket and join Lanesboro Badminton club for a season of fun and competition. There will be an open night for adults on Thursday 26th September at 8.30pm in St. Marys Hall in Lanesboro. The date for the junior club is Saturday 5th October, with registration at 4.45pm for juveniles and 5.45pm for secondary school pupils. If you like to learn how to play badminton or have any questions just drop in on the 26th or contact any of the members for information.
Boro Celtic’s Brilliant Start
Boro Celtic welcomed Longford Wanderers to Lanesboro for their 5th league game of the season. The first half was played at a high tempo with Boro creating numerous chances but failing to breach a resolute Wanderers defence and a goalkeeper in great form. Boro continued their good form in the second half and before long registered the first goal of the match after a David Harrison cross found Daragh Hussey who finished well. The Wanderers goalkeeper continued to frustrate Boro but midway through the second half Boro got their second through Daragh Hussey again Harrison provided and the scoring was complete when Aidan Dooney scored for a 3-0 victory. That made it five wins from five to continue Boro’s good start to the league campaign.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held by Lanesboro Bridge club on Wednesday last 18th September are: N/S 1st Frances & Frank Brennan, 2nd Mona O’Flaherty & Bernadette Gillen and 3rd Renee Walsh & Mary Jameson. E/W 1st Mary Fallon & Kathleen Hanley, 2nd Katherine Harrison & Philomena Walsh and 3rd Una Clarke & Eileen Kelly.
Community Games
Lanesboro Community Games committee is one of the most successful organisations happening in the parish of rathcline. Each year the committee successfully host of various disciplines to accommodate all the different talents of the young people in our parish, aged from 6 to 16, affording them the opportunity to participate and excel in the discipline of their choice.
The AGM of Lanesboro Community Games will be held on Tuesday night 1st October, 2013 at 8.30pm in the Co-Op Hall. The last year has been very successful with well over 100 kids from the area taking part in activities and achieving great success. This achievement hasn’t gone unnoticed with Lanesboro Community Games coming 2nd in the Longford Community Games Area Participation Awards and a trophy was awarded for this fantastic achievement.
The level of activity cannot be continued without the involvement of more parents. Parents are most vital to the continuation and development of this very active and successful community games in our parish and all parents are invited to the AGM on Tuesday night next 1st. Come along and let the committee continue to grow and support all our young people in our parish.
The Quare Land
A play by John mc Manus ‘The Quare Land’ will be staged at St. Mary’s Hall Lanesboro on Saturday evening 12th October. This comedy has been receiving rare reviews on it tour around the country and we are privileged to have it come to our parish. Tickets are priced at €10 each and are available from O’Brien’s. Call into or phone Martina 043-3321107 for reservations.
Ballyboro Scouts
The 12th Ballyboro scout troop is based in the Lanesboro/Ballyleague area and is open to children aged 6 to 18, both locally and from the wider surrounding area. Registration, this Wednesday evening 25th, is in Lanesboro Hall at a cost of €55 per child, which includes insurance, registration with Scouting Ireland & campsite fees. If you are an adult/ parent or have a child interested in scouting please come along on Wednesday 25th at 8pm. Any queries please contact Angela on 0877514634.
Defibrillator Training
Names are again being taken for new people interested in training in the use of the defibrillator and also for those that need to do the refresher course. There can never be enough trained in the use of the defibrillator and if you have not yet been trained in its use you should leave your name to Martina O’Brien. Both the refresher and training courses are to commence in the near future.
Foundation Level Course
It is proposed to hold a Foundation level coaching course for people interested in coaching GAA teams at all levels. This course is suited to any parent, or young person interested in helping out with teams in the coming year or indeed years. It can be the stepping stone for people to get themselves involved in coaching and who knows where it will end. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Joe O’Brien immediately.
Harvest Festival Service and Thanksgiving
The annual Harvest Festival Service will be held in St Coman’s Church Roscommon on Sunday 29th at 3pm. The Harvest Thanksgiving Service will take place in St John’s Church, Lanesborough on Sunday 13th October at 3pm.
Everyone welcome. It’s that time of the year again when we thank God for the wonderful Summer and Harvest we all have enjoyed this year.
Shannon Gaels
Our minor team were out of luck on Friday evening last in Newtownforbes when they were beaten after extra time in the Div. 2 minor league final by a strong Colmcille side. There were times throughout the game that you felt it was ours for the taking but we could just not capitalise on those moments. Well done to all concerned as it was a great year for the club winning the championship and just being pipped in the league.
On Saturday next our U16 team will play St. Vincent’s in the Shield semi-final in Dunbeggan, Stonepark, at 3pm. If you are free to go please go along and cheer on the lads.
Preparations are on-going for Phase 2 of the senior club’s lotto and it is hoped to have the fundraiser rolled out in the next couple of weeks with an anticipated start date for the October Bank holiday weekend (Saturday 26th October). The club urges your support for this venture by the senior club.
The club is now taking bookings for a visit to Croke Park to see Ireland vs. Australia in the forthcoming International Rules series on Saturday 26th October. For more information, please contact Seadna Ryan on (085) 1595512.
Sewing and Alterations Workshops
In the next few weeks there will be two new workshops taking place in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro.
The first workshop on Monday 30th September will be an introduction to sewing machine and it will take place between 9.30am to 2.30pm. This one day workshop will teach the basics of sewing the easy way and it will have a focus on cutting fabric and making useful items.
The second workshop on Monday 7th October is entitled ‘Basic Alterations Workshop’. This workshop will teach you to use your machine for basic alterations and how to be creative in up-cycling your wardrobe. The cost per workshop is €25.
If you require further information or want to enrol you should phone 087-6346451.
St. Faithleach’s
U16 Boys – D2 Championship semi-final: Our U16 boys are through to the Championship County Final following a win over St. Croan’s in the semi-final on Saturday last in Oran. Final score – St. Faithleachs 1-15 St. Croan’s 1-09. Team: M. O’Donnell, K. Nerney, J. Farrell, C. Mangan, J. Irwin, E. Farrell, M. Gill, S. Walsh, D. Nerney, S. Phillips, J. Hussey, C. Gannon, C. Gannon, D. Foley, G. Carberry. Sub: S. Farrell.
U14 Girls – Championship quarter-final: Our U14 girls had a win over Eire Óg in the D2 Championship quarter-final on Friday evening last at home. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 9-14 Eire Óg 1-03. Team: D. McCaffrey, P. Jedrych, N. Hegarty (2-0), K. Browne (0-1), K. Mc Phillips, S. Hoare (2-1), I. Farrell, M. Kelly (0-1), A. Curley (0-2), J. Banahan, S. Scally (1-1), L. Cox (1-2), K. Byrne (0-2), E. Irwin (3-4), C. Kelly. Subs: N. Parker, L. Fahy, J. Brennan, O. Costello, C. Curley, L. Farrell.
U12 Boys – Summer League: Our U12 boys had a convincing win over Kilbride on Saturday last at home. Final score – St. Faithleachs 7-19 Kilbride 1-08
U8/U10 GoGames Blitz: U10 GoGames Blitz (Phase 2) continues this Saturday 28th in Oran at 11.00am. (Group 3 – St. Faithleachs, Oran, Tulsk & St. Michaels)
Congratulations: St. Faithleachs GAA ladies who were the winners of a “Set of Jerseys” sponsored by KC Sports, Mullingar at the Ballyleague Community Music Festival for Meningitis Research Foundation. Huge thanks and much appreciation to all who purchased tickets, on behalf of St. Faithleachs GAA club, for the event, in support of raising funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation.
Fitness Challenge 2013: Registration for St. Faithleachs Fitness Challenge 2013 takes place Friday 27th September in the clubhouse at 8.30pm. 8 Week “Fun & Fitness Programme” for adults, beginning on 8th October. Spaces are limited and you must register, in person. Fee €50. Optional free cholesterol testing on registration night.
Lucozade Sport Club Crusade: Thanks to all who are supporting St. Faithleachs, in collecting bottle caps for the “Lucozade Sport Club Crusade” Please continue to drop your bottle caps into our collection bag in the clubhouse.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the Club House, 9.00pm. All welcome. Last week’s results – Winners, Pat Joe/Tim. Runners-up, Sonny/Pakie. Ticket Winners – Peggy, James, Ronan, Martin.
Festival Success
The ‘Rock around the Anchor’ Community Musical Festival for Meningitis Research and awareness was a huge success at the weekend in Ballyleague. After a rip-roaring start to the weekend with Busy Fingers and Tommy K with Duff in the marquee on Friday night it was standing room only on Saturday with Karen and the Dolans, Jimmy Reynolds, Stephen Murphy and our very own popular St Faithleach’s girls the ‘Tinas and a very successful big match atmosphere prevailed on Sunday to bring down the curtain. The Saturday afternoon dog show also proved popular. For many decades the Anchor hotel, The Sliabh Ban and Baxter’s hotel have provided many great nights on this site and Saturday night was no exception – a real trip down memory lane. One does not know where to start describing the cross community effort that went into staging this event. It was absolutely Herculean – so many people played their part that it would be impossible to list them all here but one thing is for certain -the level of community spirit and good will show was just unbelievable over the last few weeks. When the time comes to make the presentation to the Meningitis Research foundation we will try and publish a full list but in the meantime you know who you are and Joe and his team would like to sincerely thank you.
Rathcline GAA
County Champions 2013 – Congratulations to Rathcline Senior Ladies in winning the Intermediate County Championship final against Mostrim last Saturday afternoon in Pearse Park. In what was the third time the teams have met with each other in the championship; Rathcline successfully came through the epic battle to secure the title. Great credit must be given to this panel of girls who performed excellently through the championship campaign and showed great character in overcoming very strong and talented Mostrim side. Winning the 2013 championship is a fantastic achievement for the Team, Management and Executive and has brought a huge lift to our local communities. Well done to team manager Enda McGann and fellow selector James Hanley and sincere congratulations to Madeleine, Mike and Paddy for putting in trojan hours behind the scenes. The team now move to the Senior Ladies grade in Longford for the 2014 season but before that they have won their right to participate in Leinster Intermediate Club championship which starts on Weekend of 5th October with an away game to Milltown in Westmeath. There is no doubt that there is the potential to complete a very special double this year and we will be all there to roar the team on. Well done girls, ye have done the parish proud.
Minor League Final – Commiserations to our minor team who lost by the narrowest of margins in the league final after extra time to Colmcille on Friday night. It needs to be said that there were some outrageous referring decisions which allowed Colmcille to draw game in extra time and then clinch a last kick winner. Never the less, it has been a fantastic year for our Minor team amalgamation claiming the championship honours and contesting the very dubious league final. Special mention to the team management of Kevin Hanley, Mickey Hand, John Moran and James Hanley who really got the best out of a talented bunch of players. We hope that the achievements of the team will springboard Western Gaels into contention at all grades for the 2014 season. Shannon Gaels Minor Executive would like to thanks all the supporters who came out and supported the team all year.
U16 – After losing out in the group stages of the A Championship, Western Gaels now enter the Shield Semi Final against St. Vincent’s on Saturday 28th September in Dunbeggan at 3pm. With one weeks to go, the team are continuing training under the watchful eye of manager Padraig Kenny. Club Rathcline Lotto Draw – Preparations are ongoing for Phase 2 of the Lotto campaign and it is hoped to have the fundraiser rolled out in the next couple of weeks with an anticipated start date for the October Bank holiday weekend (Saturday 26th October). 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. School’s Coaching Role – If anyone is interested in taking the role of School’s coach for the coming year, please contact Sean Kenny (086) 1081498 or Seadna Ryan (085) 1595512.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club is now taking bookings for a visit to Croke Park to see Ireland vs. Australia in the forthcoming International Rules series on Saturday 26th October. For more information, please contact Seadna Ryan on (085) 1595512.
Church Gate Collection
The Longford branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland will be holding a church gate collection at all masses this coming weekend 28th and 29th September at St. Mary’s Church.
The monies contributed will contribute greatly to the work and services being carried out in our area. Please be as generous as you can.
Lough Ree AC
The grounds of Moyne Community College were the venue on Saturday last for the Co. Longford Primary Schools cross-country championships. It was a good course, a fine evening, plenty of competitors, well organised. One could not ask for more!
Ardagh NS won the Harry Farrell Shield for the first time. This was presented to the winning school by Eileen Farrell.
Surprised that the Lanesboro Primary School was not represented particularly that they have some useful youngsters
Fermoyle did the parish proud by winning the 1000m – 5th and 6th Class girls- team event. Lucy Ann Myshall finished 3rd, leading the team to victory followed by Aoife Nolan, Aishling Farrell, Róisin Brennan, Áine Kennelly and Hazel Johnston. 3rd and 4th class girls kept the flag flying for Fermoyle when 3rd in their category. The team consisted of Caoilinn Flood, Abha Healy, Jane Dowd and Ciara Gavigan – Abha Healy being the ‘surprise packet’ of the team. Staying with Fermoyle the 5th and 6th class boys came up against a very good Ardagh and Killoe teams and did well to be tied with Stonepark for 3rd place. Richard prior did remarkably well to finish 4th in a race won by National Champion Cian Mc Phillips. Richard’s teammates were Bryn Peters, Sean Kenny and Mark Dowd. Local lad Ultan O’Sullivan featured on the Stonepark team. Óisín Kenny finished a good 5th individual in the Boys 3rd and 4th class 800m followed by Jamie Hagan, Ivan Johnston and Aaron Kenny.