Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
A wonderful feat and achievement
At the beginning people questioned the decision by Declan O’Flaherty to run the equivalent of four marathons in two days. Along with running the marathons Declan set the target of raising €100,000 as a thank you from himself and his wife Gina for the incredible support they received from Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation and the Brothers of Charity Services Roscommon with their daughter Muireann.
As you all probably know Muireann has been diagnosed with an extremely rare neurological disorder, Ponto Cerebellar Hypoplasia, as well as microcephaly and epilepsy, which require Muireann to take “a daily cocktail of medication.
At the meeting on the Thursday night prior to the run the target was almost reached and with several modes of funding still to arrive in, especially the pledges for the four marathons, the target was well and truly achieved and indeed a huge bonus added to it.
For a family to undertake such a thank you was a magnanimous decision in the extreme. In this day and age, with huge scarcity of money in every household, it was a massive challenge from such a small base to raise such a large amount of money.
The response shows how deeply the plight of the wonderful Muireann touched everyone hearts. It is beyond belief that so many people came out in so many guises to support the marathons4muiresann and helped achieve such a wonderful result.
I know in the week building up to the weekend there was great excitement in the town of Lanesboro and the surrounds will the great number that were joining, at some stage, Declan on his run between Athlone and Dublin and again on Monday in the Dublin City Marathon. It was as if the community was in an All-Ireland such was the atmosphere. For days following the afterglow remained in the town and it was wonderful to feel that our community came out to support the O’Flaherty who for many generations were and continue to be outstanding members in our community and who has contributed greatly to our community.
Declan, Gina, their families and friends and an excellent backroom team who commenced such a mammoth undertaking and not only did the reach their goal but smashed their target in such style must rightly feel a wonderful sense of jubilation and pleasure in their achievement. To reach such a huge amount for the three charities is mind boggling and for Declan it must have been a unique feeling reaching the finishing line in the marathon on Monday knowing it was a wonderful achievement and it was well done.
We have a great pride in our community for what they did in their help and support of the O’Flaherty’s. It was a most wonderful achievement ever by a local family and our congratulations to everyone that played their part.
Rathcline AGM Rescheduled
The Rathcline AGM scheduled to take place on Friday night next has been rescheduled and will now take place on Saturday night 16th November at 8pm in Clonbonny. The AGM is the opportunity for every club member and club supporter to have their voice heard and be part of the decision making for the year. You input is always significant and it is very important that you are there to air your comments and ideas.
This Friday night is very important for the club going forward and it is very important that you are part of the club going forward in a progressive and meaningful way. Just one night in your year we urge you out to Clonbonny as a group of Rathcline GAA people.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
Saturday 2nd of November was a truly horrendous day for golf, yet 18 brave members of the Lough Ree Golfing Society played their Christmas outing in Strokestown Golf Club. Colm Dardis was the winner with a wonderful score of 40 points, Pat McGonnell was second with 37 points and Peter Day was third with 36 points. First nine went to Alan Farrell with 18 points and back nine to Liam Rosemond with 20 points. Nearest the pin on the 14th hole was John Martin. Jarlath Reynolds was the leading visitor. Fiona Gillen won the Ladies section and the special Par 3’s competition sponsored by DeMac, Longford, went to Vera Whitty with 12 points. Incoming Captain of the Society for 2014 is Michael Brennan, Frank Conmy is the Secretary and Fiona Gillen is the Treasurer. Remaining committee members are Liam Rosemond (ex-offico), Brendan and Vera Whitty. The Captain thanked all members for their support and wished best wishes to the Society golfers for Christmas.
A Wake in the West
Lough Ree Theatre Company (LRTC) is staging a play in. Ballyleague Hall on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November. A Wake in the West is a comedy that received rave review when it was stage by the LRTC some 10 years ago and it is now back with some new members in the cast and there is no doubt that it will again be a massive success.
Tickets are on sale locally and also in O’Brien’s. The show will commence each night at 8.30pmand admission id €10.
Sympathy
The death took place in last week of Mary Joan Chapman, College Park, Longford. She was a sister of Joe Chapman, Lisawley and a sister in law of Peg Brennan Lismacmanus. She was mother of Pat, Tom and Mary Chapman who are fondly thought of in our parish. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to brother, sons, daughter, relatives and friends in our parish.
Thank You
Lanesboro Pioneers Total Abstinence Association would like to thank sincerely everyone that contributed to their Church Gate collection last weekend.
Rathcline GAA Lotto
The Rathcline GAA lotto recommenced on Saturday night last. There was no winner of the jackpot and the four winners of €25 each were Una and Seamus Clarke, Gortgallon, Edward and Michelle Kelly, Rathcline Road, Frank Curley, Strokestown Road and Pat Mc Gann. The jackpot for Saturday night next is €600.
As this was the opening week of the new lotto there was incentive prize for participant who registered with the upfront annualised cash payment of €100 and they were included in a draw for a weekend away trip for the value of €200. The winner of the prize was Micheál O’Sullivan
Lanesboro Triathlon Club AGM
The AGM of Lanesboro Triathlon Club has been set for Saturday night next 9th November 2013 at 8pm. Please note the change of date from previously advertised. The meeting will take place in the club rooms in the Co-Op hall, Lanesboro. All members are asked to attend.
Thank You
The Lough Ree Community Resource group would like to thank everyone who contributed to the 25 card game in the Co-Op Hall for Marathons4Muireann. Thanks to Bernadette and Greg Gillen for sponsoring sandwiches and cake. Thanks also to Bernie and Mark Casey for buns and spot prizes. Thanks too to Brigid Mullooly and Margaret Gillen also for spot prizes. The amount raised was €1075 and a very big thank you to everyone who supported the night either by their attendance or through donations.
Death
The death took place at her residence on Wednesday 30th October at Lisnaria of Mrs Bridie Hanley. Bridie formerly Rhatigan from Fermoyle was just short of her 90th birthday. She was a grand woman and she was predeceased by her late husband Patrick a few years ago. Bridie was a woman who not only done all the family work about the house but she also enjoyed being involved in the day to day running of the family farm alongside her husband. They were a great team together. Shea was a great neighbour and she always had the interest of those in her neighbourhood at heart. She will be sadly missed by her family, friends and everyone that had the pleasure to know her.
Her remains reposed at the residence of her son Sean and daughter in law Betty on Wednesday last until the removal of her remains to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Thursday. Following her Funeral Mass on Friday her remains were laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery.
To her daughters Kathleen, Elizabeth, Bridie, Marian, and Carmel, sons Padraig and Sean, sister Lucy Gibbons, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Boxing resumes this Thursday
Following the Halloween break boxing will resume on this Thursday evening 7th November at 7pm.
Athlone Samaritans
Athlone Midland Samaritans urgently needs volunteers. No experience is necessary as training will be provided. If you would like to volunteer please call 0852845010 immediately.
If you have the time it should be put to exceptional use and to help those in need of the Samaritans
Longford Toastmasters this Thursday
Would you like to be more confident at speaking in public and to learn how to improve your communication skills? Longford Toastmasters are looking for new members to join our club. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month in The Longford Arms Hotel from 8.20pm until 10.30pm. The next meeting takes place on this coming Thursday 7th November. All are welcome to our enjoyable and sociable meetings and no experience is required. For further information please contact Mary on 086 1219281 or Terrie on 086 1706367.
Rathcline Text Alert
The Rathcline Text Alert committee held their AGM recently. The meeting reviewed a very successful year and the text alert has been a great source of security. Chairman Gerard Farrell said “the year has been a wonderful success and has the system has played its part in keeping burglaries in the area down and it has also been a great benefit to our local Gardaí”.
There was no change in the committee for the coming year with Chairman – Gerard Farrell, Secretary – Mervyn Johnston and Treasurer – Alicia Mc Dermott.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Brian Farrell son of John L and Geraldine Farrell, Rathcline and Sinead Moran, daughter of Johnny and Chris Moran, Carrickedmond who announced their engagement recently.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the Howell competition held on Wednesday last 30th October are; 1st Katharine Harrison and Philomena Walsh, 2nd Frank and Frances Brennan, 3rd Una Lawlor and Brid Mc Dermott and 4th Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray.
Ballyleague Tidy Towns
The refixed ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns will take place on Monday November 11th at 9pm in Sorohan’s Lifebelt Bar, Ballyleague. We will have a statement from Roscommon county council on the night with the official dates for the advertisement of the public contractor tender for the river bank redevelopment, an outline of when the work is starting on this important project and an update on the thatching project we have supported in recent weeks plus all other on-going Tidy Towns associated work. This is the only night of the year when we ask ALL the residents of the village to come in to a meeting and give us YOUR feedback on the work we are doing so please mark the date in your diary and come to Sorohan’s on Monday week at 9pm. Remember – you don’t have to take a job on our committee on the night just turn up and help with the feedback and new ideas for new projects are always welcome…if you are new to the area – it’s also a chance to meet your new neighbours ….so please come along – everyone is welcome!!!!
Death
The death occurred suddenly at his residence in Cloontuskert on Thursday 31st October of Paddy O’Halloran. Paddy, until his retirement worked with Bord na Mona. He was a native of Kinvara, Co. Galway and although a lifetime out of his native county he rarely if ever missed reading, weekly, the Connaught Tribune. Paddy was hugely popular no matter where he went. His gentle nature and wonderful disposition endeared him to everyone that had the pleasure to know him – he was a true gentleman. His was a great neighbour and friend and there is no doubt that his loss will leave a great void in our community.
His remains reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home on Friday last until the removal of his remains to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague. Following his Requiem Mass his remains were interred in Cloontuskert cemetery.
To his wife Mary, daughter s Teresa, Áine and Maura, sons Patrick and Martin, sisters Mary, Bridget and Josie, relatives and many friend we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
St. John’s Church
Sunday 10th Remembrance Sunday at 11.30a.m. Service for all who have lost love ones in times of war. Everyone welcome.
Getting Married in 2014?
There are still some places available on the Accord pre-marriage course on Monday 2nd and Thursday 5th December. This course runs over two evenings from 6.00 pm to 10.30pm. You are invited to contact Accord in longford at 043-3347515.
Brushstrokes Art Calendar
The Brushstrokes calendar is now on sale. Sales have picked up greatly over the past week and if you want one for a Christmas present then now is the time to get your calendar.
The proceeds of the sale of the calendar will be split between the Lanesboro Tidy Town committee and Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee, both groups who worked so hard and were very successful in improving both sides of the bridge.
Nathan Carter
On Monday night 18th November the Radisson Hotel will host an Evening with Nathan Carter. The night is a fundraising event for Archbishop Leo Cornelio, SVD India, for the building of a new school for street children. Nathan Carter will also be joined on the night by Lisa Stanley and T.R. Dallas. Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s. The concert will commence at 8.30pm and the doors will open at 7.30pm. Not only will you be enjoying a night in the company of one of Ireland’s most popular entertainers but also helping a most wonderful cause.
Lanesborough Gun Club:
Congratulations to Nevan Deffew who won the prize for longest pheasant with a bird 40 inches long on 1st Nov, and Anthony Gillen who won the prize for heaviest pheasant with a bird weighing 3 and ¼ pounds. It was encouraging to see a number of members in attendance at the competition. All those in attendance had an enjoyable and safe day’s hunting.
Cloontuskert CD
Last June marked the “end of an era” with the retirement of Phelim Henry as Principal of Cloontuskert NS, after 34 years. A wonderful day of celebration was held in the school and friends, family, pupils and past pupils all gathered to wish “The Master” well. Memories of the day were captured on camera and this wonderful collection of photos has been put together in a CD which is now available to purchase for €10. CD’s are available from Trautt’s Checkout or alternatively may be purchased through the school.
Lough Ree AC
The big event over the weekend was the Connaught cross-country championships for the uneven age groups on Sunday last. The fact that it was at a county Roscommon venue should have been an advantage from a travelling aspect. The opposite was the case. Apart from the fact that the club wasted money in entering teams, the biggest loss was the disappointment etched on the faces of the children who did make the journey to Pearses GAA grounds only to find that their teammates stayed at home and parents had a drive for nothing.
In the four months from September to December there are three, yes 3, fixtures important to the Lough Ree Athletic club, while there is a football match every weekend.
Forget the disappointment for a while, Alannah Flood made our day. The Newtown
Cashel lass “ran out of her skin” in the girls Under 11, finishing in third place behind the Galway and Leitrim Champions and that by just a few feet. This was Alannah’s third competitive race. Spare a thought for an improved Róisin Brennan who ran her heart out and Shauna Mimnagh’s who great run followed Róisín home. The trio were short a 4th scorer to be in contention for team medals.
Representation in other age groups was even worse. What can be said, only to apologise to those that did travel particularly the two Kilcoynes who were attending their first races.
Finally congratulations to Alannah Flood on making the Connaught girls U11 team for the Interprovincial finals next month in Wexford. Alannah you never cease to amaze us!
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Minor Ladies – D2 Championship Final: Hard Luck to our minor ladies who were defeated in the County Final by St. Croan’s on Saturday last in Ballintubber. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 2-15 St. Croan’s 4-12. Well done to all players on the Panel along with their management, Padraig Murray, Ursula Kilcoyne and Pat Costello for their commitment and efforts throughout their championship campaign. Team: M. Banahan, N. Carty, C. Cleary, L. Hoare, N. Scally, E. Kenny, N. Hegarty, J. Geoghegan(1-2), R. Costello(0-1), T. Nerney(0-2), A. Curley (0-1), A. Nerney(0-2), E. Hegarty, K. Murphy(1-4), R. Banahan(0-2). Subs: L. Cox (0-1), D. McCaffrey, L. Farrell, K. Browne, S. Brennan, C. Brennan. Many thanks to Noel Moran for his sponsorship for the final and to all who supported the ladies throughout.
AGM: The Annual General Meeting of St. Faithleachs GAA senior and minor club will take place in the clubhouse in November. The minor club AGM takes place on Friday 15th November at 8.30pm and the senior AGM will take place on Friday 29th November at 8.30pm. All senior players, junior players and junior ladies are urged to attend. All members of the club are encouraged to attend, new members most welcome. We encourage parents of our underage club members to attend the minor club AGM and hopefully take an active role in the clubs sporting activities for the year ahead.
Fitness Challenge 2013: St. Faithleachs Fitness Challenge update – Week 4. Tuesday night’s circuit was good this week with good attendance considering it was the mid-term. This is the time when people may start to find things a bit difficult as the novelty of the first few weeks wears off slightly. The focus now should be that we are half-way through the challenge which gives us 4 weeks to the 5k. The commitment and effort being put in is fantastic. You will get out of this what you put in. Fridays nights “Mystery Class” was a HIIT class which mixed body conditioning with high intensity bursts. It took everyone completely out of their comfort zone and was a very tough workout. It was the first class in which we used weights and everyone could easily replicate this type of workout at home. Sunday morning saw us finally take on Sliabh Bán! With another big attendance we were again taken aback by the effort put in by everyone. The weather couldn’t have been kinder and the views were beautiful. What better way to spend a Sunday morning. It’s hard to believe we are half-way through the challenge and we are looking forward to seeing some more great improvements over the coming weeks. Well done to all keep up the hard work.
St. Faithleachs 5K Run/Walk: Registration is now open online through runireland.com for the St. Faithleachs 5K Fun Run/Walk which takes place on Sunday 1st December at 12.30pm. NOTE: 5k training programmes are available from Ray Cox, please contact Ray directly.
Fundraising Event: The local Drama Group presents “3 Act Play” – “A Wake in the West” on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th November in Ballyleague Hall. Your support for this event would be hugely appreciated.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 9.00pm. All welcome. Last week’s results are – winners, Sean/Frank with runners-Up, Kathleen/Annie and the last game, Pat Joe/Tim.
Sympathy: The club extends deepest sympathy to the O’Halloran family on the death of Patrick (Paddy) O’Halloran, Cloontuskert. To his wife Mary, daughters Teresa, Aine and Maura, sons Patrick and Martin, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. The Club extends deepest sympathy to the Hanley Family on the death of Bridie Hanley, Lisinaria.
Rathcline GAA
Club Lotto – The second annualised club lotto format kicked off on Saturday night last. The club would like to thank all our draw participants who continue to dig deeply in support of our club. We would also like to thank our ticket sellers who put in a massive effort to make the fundraiser a huge success. The generated funds will be used to service the capital debt on our club for the 2013 season. As per Phase One of the Lotto Draw, results will be displayed on Posters in most local retail outlets, on our club notes, Facebook and our Club website: www.rathcline.gaa.ie.
The Jackpot total of €500 was not won this weekend with numbers drawn as follows: 1, 7, 20, 25, 33, and 45. Congratulations to our four €25 winners this week as follows: (1) Michelle & Edward Kelly – Rathcline Road (2) Una & Seamus Clarke – Gortgallon; (3) Frank Curley – Ballyleague (4) Paddy McGann – Newtownforbes. Next week’s Jackpot will €600. We would also like to congratulate Michael O’ Sullivan who was the winner of the special incentive prize to the value of €200 in advance of lotto draw on Saturday night.
Senior Team – Commiserations to our senior team who were beaten in the promotion/relegation final by St. Mary’s Granard last Wednesday night in Clonguish under lights. The result means that Rathcline will play in Division 2 of the Senior League next season. The team are currently going through a period of transition and Division 2 may prove to be the perfect platform to blood the new talent coming through the ranks. The Club Executive would like to thank the management team of Gerry Lynn, Joe Rooney and Albert Cooney for the trojan work carried out this year. We would also like to thank Brendan Rhatigan for helping out behind the scenes with the team this year. Hopefully next season will bring a swift return to the top tier of Longford GAA football.
Annual General Meeting – The Senior Club AGM will take place on Saturday night 16th November at 8pm in the Clubhouse. All Club members are asked to attend this very important meeting where a new Club Executive will be elected for the 2014 Season. Each Club Member have been given both Nomination and Motion form and are entitled to vote and put forward nominees for the coming year.
We hope there will be a big crowd in attendance to make the decisions which will outline the club direction for 2014.
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