Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Monthly Whist Drive
The monthly Whist Drive in aid of Lanesboro Social Services will take place on this coming Friday night 7th February at 8.30pm. A hugely enjoyable nigh tis assured for those that come along and have great fun playing Whist while supporting a wonderful committee that does so much wonderful and unseen work in the parish. Come along, bring friends and have a great night of fun and card playing. As usual light refreshments will be served.
Lanesboro CC Debating
The skills of rhetoric and oratory where on full show last Tuesday night in Lanesboro Community College which hosted a debate proposing that social media was helpful in improving our understanding of major world events. Opposing the motion was Roscommon Convent and the assembly hall was full of spectators and supporters from both schools. Chairing the event was our very own Ciaran Mullooly, who entertained and engaged us throughout the night with a combination of witty anecdotes and wry humour whilst keeping order on proceedings. The debate itself was a brilliant contest with both sides debating with skill and passion. You would be very proud of the young people, many of them from the area, who could take the stand and argue their case so convincingly. Surely they are a credit to their schools and their community! On a related matter, If anybody is interested in taking part in the Community Games debating competition would they please contact Michael Lyons at 043 33 30631. (You must be over 12 years of age and under 16.)
Birth
Congratulations to Derek and Denise Murray, Curraghrua, on the birth on Saturday last of a baby boy.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Preparations by the organising committee are well underway for what is hoped to be another fantastic day of celebration in our community. St. Patrick’s Day this year falls on a Monday and we hope that the parade3 will cap what will be a wonderful weekend in our area.
The committee urges every club, group, business and individuals to get involved in making this year’s parade even bigger and better than anything that has gone before in Ballyleague and Lanesboro.
Ideas for the type of float and preparation should be starting now to ensure that your floats are in great condition for the parade.
Church Gate Collection
The annual Lourdes Pilgrimage collection will take place at all masses Saturday week 15th and Sunday week 16th February. The collection diocese-wide is taken up each year to bring those people who have suffered or are suffering illness to Lourdes. You have been extremely generous every year even in trying times and the committee hopes you will again be very generous.
Essay Course
An Irish essay writing course will take place in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon on Saturday next 8th February from 10am to 3pm. The course is eminently suitable for 5th and 6th year students. For information you are invited to phone 087-7017966.
Blood Transfusion Service
We are all aware of the continued need for blood and the many times that pleas are made by the Blood Transfusion Service due to the lack of availability for urgent medical cases. Everyone can play their part by donating blood when the mobile unit is in our area. On this Tuesday 4th, Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th February the mobile clinic will be in the Longford Arms Hotel from 4.30pm to 8pm each day. Our area has a very high attendance number and it would be wonderful if once again a large number for our area travelled to the Longford Arms to donate much needed blood.
Thought of being a Referee?
Have you ever thought of becoming a GAA referee? The opportunity arises for anyone interested in the near future.
Refereeing is something that is very enjoyable and within the referee group in Longford there is great comradery. Coming to refereeing can bring a real self-reward when you have completed a game. The opportunity to rise to the very top is there and when you see the 3 intercounty referees from Longford referring at the highest level it is a reminder to everyone that with the right application to progression you too can also make it to the top.
If you are interested contact Joe O’Brien as soon as possible,
Enrolment in Lanesborough Primary School
Lanesborough Primary School is holding an enrolment afternoon on Friday February 14th from 1pm. This is an opportunity for parents, girls and boys for Junior Infants 2014 to meet with the principal Claire Murphy and other staff members, and to enrol for September 2014.It is also an opportunity to find out what goes on in Lanesborough Primary School.
The Good Old Days return
Time to get out your dancing shoes for what promises to be an evening of reliving ‘the good old days’ in Lanesboro. Clarkes Bar on Sunday week 16th February is the venue. The organisers invite and welcome everyone to what promises to be a great afternoon. The activities commence at 4pm and finishes at 6pm and you are invited to come along and enjoy the wonderful music of Jimmy Hussey. This is suitable for both young and old and all you need to bring with you is a determination to enjoy yourself.
Shannon Gaels Registration Night
The club will hold its registration night on this Friday night 7th February. The club has agreed that the registration for the coming year will be; €30 for single player and €45 two or more children or family. It is very important to note that unless a young player has had their registration payed they cannot participate in any of our club activities.
The club is encouraging anybody that is interested in becoming a referee to get in touch with Joe O’Brien as soon as possible as a new course is about to take place.
Studies in Catholicism
A adult studies in Catholicism will commence on Monday next 10th February in St. Coman’s Centre, Roscommon from 8pm to 9pm. These studies are open to all adults
Fair Day
Preparations are well underway for this year’s traditional Fair Day that will take place on Saturday 1st March. The organising committee is banking on your support and attendance on the day. The Fair returns to the street in the area between Adie’s and the church. The committee urges everyone to make Saturday 1st a date to come to Lanesboro for another Fair Day in Lanesboro.
Part of the day’s events is the Dog show and the enthusiastic members in charge of the Dog Show are presently busy completing the arrangements. It is now time to be grooming and training your dog for what is always a very popular sideshow at Lanesboro Fair.
Table Quiz
After a year of solid progress in improving the look of the Shannonside village the Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns group will stage their annual table quiz on Friday night next February 7th at 9.30pm in St Faithleach’s clubhouse.
This popular quiz will offer locals and visitors to the area an opportunity to review the highlights of the last 12 months and with Quiz Master Michael Cleary on the chair you can expect a challenging and entertaining night.
Ballyleague is looking forward to a very exciting 2014 and the tender for the building contract on the new river bank will be publicly advertised by Roscommon county council in the next 2 weeks. The tidy towns and village renewal committee know that not everybody is free to come out on a regular basis during the year to help with clean-ups and ongoing work so we appeal to you and your family instead to support our annual community table quiz on Friday night at 9.30pm.
If you can’t go along on Friday but would like to sponsor a prize or make a donation to the quiz please contact Jimmy Hudson on 086 8588572 or Gerry Thompson on 085 1740819 or e mail: keepballyleaguetidy@gmail.com
Community College Lose Semi Final
On a wet and windy Friday in Clonbonny, Lanesboro Community College U16 team entertained Mullingar in the Leinster semi-final. I the opening minutes they dominated their
Westmeath opponents but could not make their dominance tell on the score board. Gradually Mullingar got a foothold in the game and powered back and with a few minutes to go in the first half it was level. Unfortunately Mullingar finished stronger and led by 4 points at the half time break. The second half was nip and tuck throughout and each matched other for scores. The second half was an excellent game with both side straining every sinew to gain dominance. Both sets of players must be commended for their excellent performances and attitude throughout the game. It was great to see both sides fighting so valiantly to win the game. The game finished on a scoreline of Mullingar 2-10 to Lanesboro CC 1-9.
The Lanesboro team panel was: Michael O’Donnell (St. Faithleach’s), Mark Lyons (Shannon Gaels), D. Regan (Killashee), Jack Irwin (St. Faithleach’s), Cian Gannon (St. Faithleach’s), Mickey Cox (St. Faithleach’s), Mark Gill (St. Faithleach’s), Dara Kelly (St. Faithleach’s), Kevin Sorohan (Shannon Gaels), Ryan Guinan (St. Faithleach’s), Shane Philips (St. Faithleach’s), Conor Smyth (St. Faithleach’s), Jonathan Hussey (St. Faithleach’s), Dylan Glancy (Shannon Gaels), Jordan Donlon (St. Faithleach’s), Owen Murray (Shannon Gaels), Luke Lisle (Shannon Gaels), Padraig Sorohan (Shannon Gaels), Darren Nerney (St. Faithleach’s), Sean Farrell (St. Faithleach’s) and Max Webb (Shannon Gaels).
Rathcline GAA Lotto
The numbers drawn in the lottery on Saturday night 1st February were 14, 29, 30, 33, 36 and 45. There was no winner of the lottery jackpot of €200. The four winners of the €25 prizes are Geraldine Shea, Blenavoher, M&N Nolan, Newtownforbes, Seamus Quinn, Aughakeel and Tommy Mc Cormack, Abbeyshrule. The jackpot for Saturday night next will rise to €300.
Ballyleague N.S. Enrolment Day
Parents of new entrants who wish to enrol their children for September 2014 are invited to visit the school on Friday February 7th from 2p.m. to 3p.m. If this date/time is unsuitable please contact the school at 043-3321906 to make alternative arrangements. Please bring along a copy of your child’s birth certificate. We look forward to meeting you on the day.
Reunion of Class of 40 years ago
Were you one of the girls that began secondary school in September 1969 and on 22nd June 1974 finished their Leaving Certificate in the local Convent of Mercy, Secondary School in Lanesboro? It is hoped to have a reunion to get together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of that momentous occasion. Members of that class are asked to contact Geraldine Gilhooley (Kirwan) 086-3803468 geraldinegilhooley@hotmail.com or Bernie Harold 086-2888185 haroldbernie@gmail.com.
Have you any photographs of those wonderful five years? If yes, can you email or hand deliver them to Bernie and she will scan and return immediately.
in England recently.
Lanesboro Pike Angling Club
The AGM of Lanesboro Pike Angling club took place on Wednesday night 22nd January in the Yacht Bar. The following were elected to office for the coming year: Chairman: Patrick Reilly, Vice chairman: Louis Rhatigan, Secretary: Eithne Clyne, Assistant: secretary Noel Rhatigan, joint PRO: Gerry Mitten and Aidan Farrell and joint Treasurers: Joe Farrell and Brian Tabiner.
Shannon Gaels
The club will hold its registration night on Friday night 7th February. The club has agreed that the registration for the coming year will be; €30 for single player and €45 two or more children or family.
Ronan Mc Cormack Rosactive Weekend
Last year was the first year remembering the passing of Ronan Mc Cormack Charity Challenge with a variety of events to raise money for a number of charities. The response was thoroughly phenomenal and the event will again take place this year on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd March.
Ronan was a local lad, a larger than life character with a great attitude to life and his passing deprived us all of many happy days in his company. This is a wonderful way to acknowledge and celebrate his life and we should all support in whatever way we can be involved during the weekend. The entire weekend is in aid of the Jack and Jill Foundation and Roscommon Special Olympics.
Saturday will commence with the 100km cycle from Roscommon to Mountbellew and back again to Roscommon. Alternatively you can cycle the 100km from Carnmore in County Galway to Mountbellew and back again to Carnmore. The cyclist will meet up in Mountbellew before returning to their original starting point. To register to and from Roscommon email Jacquelinemc@eircom.net and to and from Carnmore shanehynes12@gmail.com
To register for the cycle it is €30 the 5km is €15 or the cycle and 5km €40.
On Saturday night there will be a Social Nigh t in Foxe’s bar which will include a Dart competition – the fund of which will go to Special Olympics Roscommon.
On Sunday 2nd the day’s events will commence at 10am with Invacare Series Elite Paracycycle Criterium featuring Ireland’s Elite Paracyclists – sign in 8.45 to 9.30am.
At 11am “Taking the Dis” a 2km Push, Cycle or Roll to showcase the talents of people with different abilities – sign in from 9 to 10am.
12 noon will see the commencement of the 5km Sub 30 Run – a close circuit road race – sign in 10 to 11.30am.
At 12.30 5km Lappers Challenge a Fun Run or Push around the streets of Roscommon Town – sign in from 10.30 to 12noon.
Tony Mulligan’s Huge Challenge
Tony Mulligan is about to put himself through a torturous challenge in aid of Temple Street Children’s Hospital on Sunday 2nd February and he seeks your support for his chosen charity. HELL & BACK challenge is specifically designed and created by outdoor specialists to test your physical and mental boundaries to the limit! This is not a multi-sport event – it is a running event through, over and under various different types of terrain, including the Little Sugar Loaf Mountain, The Pond, The River, Satan’s Pit and The Swamp.
And if that wasn’t enough, you must also scale 7 foot walls, crawl under barbed wire and run through Shock of Horrors where you will get a nice little electric shock!
Sponsorship cards are in shops and businesses throughout the town and you are asked to be generous towards Tony and Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Rathcline Ladies Celebrate
Rathcline Ladies GAA Club held a very successful Intermediate Championship Presentation Night in the Peer Inn on Saturday night last. Intermediate Championship medals 2013 and our Division 2 medals of 2012 were presented to the players by our sponsor Chris Cullen on the night. Congratulations to Aodhnait Casey on receiving senior player of the year and to our joint young players of the year Lauren Guinan and Laura Healy. We would like to thank Declan Fox for the use of the premises, Steven Dowd for the beautiful meal provided on the night and to Kieran Feeney for providing us with great music and our photographer Brigid Flood. Thanks to our families and friends who joined us on the night which was a wonderful night of great crack and banter. To those that donated spot prizes Joe and Martina O’Brien, Aide Farrell, Joe and Martha Farrell, Mark Casey, Terry Mc Loughlin butchers, Kenagh GAA, Clarkes Bar and Chris and Caroline Cullen.
The players must be thanked also to Geraldine and Karena for organising the night and to Paula for providing a lovely slide show of the 2013 year. And finally thanks to all players on the lovely presentation made to our management team Enda and James and to committee members Madaleine, Mike and Paddy. A wonderful night was had by all.
Local Fauna and its Uses
A group of 4th year students from the Community College are involved in a Young Environmentalist Award project which is looking at our local flora and finding out about their medicinal and culinary uses. They are interested in learning any local lore about the healing properties of plants for man or beast! So if you have any information or stories about the use of our wild flowers in cooking or curing email us at lanesborocc.ias@eircom.net
Rathcline GAA
New Year’s Draw Results – The club would like to give a huge thanks to everyone who bought and sold tickets for our recent New Year’s Draw. The winners were as follows: 1st Prize €1500 – Ben Mc Nelis, Ardara, Co. Donegal, 2nd Prize €750 – Dan Magan, Killashee, 3rd Prize €500 – Alan Skelly, Aughamore, Lanesboro, 4th Prize €250 – Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Lehery, Lanesboro, 5th Prize €200 – Oonagh Taylor, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, 6th Prize €200 – M & E Hanley, Cashelbeg, Lanesboro, 7th Prize €200 – Matthew Clancy, Roscommon and 8th Prize €200 – Horohoes, Lanesboro. Congratulations to all our winners and thanks for your continued support.
Weekly Lotto Results – There was no winner of the jackpot of the weekly lotto. The four €25 winners were: Geraldine Shea, Blenavoher, Lanesboro, M & N Nolan Motors, Newtownforbes, Tommy McCormack, Abbeyshrule, James P Quinn, Aughakeel, Lanesboro. Next week’s jackpot will be €300.
Intermediate Championship & League – The Intermediate Championship draw for 2014 was made last week and Rathcline will come up against Legan in their first match in the summer. Legan will also be our opponents in our first league game of the year. Congratulations and best of luck for the coming season to our manager Joe Rooney and his management team.
The club extends an open invitation to all players young and old to come out and play football for the club for the coming year in what promises to be an exciting year in both league and championship.
Membership – Club membership is now due. Player membership is €50 for the coming year and can be paid to Brendan Rhatigan. Non-playing membership is €20 and this can be paid to Peter Skelly.
Table Quiz – Rathcline GAA are holding a fundraising table quiz in The Peer Inn on Friday night February 21st at 9.30pm. Tables of 4 cost €40. Everyone is welcome for a night of great questions and great craic!
Rathcline Ladies – Rathcline Ladies GAA Club held a very successful Intermediate Championship Presentation Night in the Peer Inn on Saturday night last. Intermediate Championship medals 2013 and our Division 2 medals of 2012 were presented to the players by our sponsor Chris Cullen on the night. Congratulations to Aodhnait Casey on receiving Senior player of the year and to our joint young players of the year Lauren Guinan and Laura Healy. We would like to thank Declan Fox for the use of the premises, Stephen Dowd for the beautiful meal provided on the night and to Kieran Feeney for providing us with great music and our photographer Brigid Flood. Thanks to our families and friends who joined us on the night which was a wonderful night of great craic and banter. Thanks also to those who donated spot prizes; Joe and Martina O’Brien, Adie Farrell, Joe and Martha Farrell, Mark Casey, Terry Mc Loughlin butchers, Kenagh GAA, Clarkes Bar and Chris and Caroline Cullen.
The players must be thanked also; to Geraldine and Karena for organising the night and to Paula for providing a lovely slide show of the 2013 year. And finally thanks to all players on the lovely presentation made to our management team of Enda and James and to committee members Madaleine, Mike and Paddy. A wonderful night was had by all.
Shannon Gaels – The club will hold its registration night this Friday night 7th February. The club has agreed that the registration for the coming year will be; €30 for single player and €45 two or more children or family.
The following is the training schedule presently in operation within the club – U12’s will train at the Community College every Friday evening from 7 to 7.45pm, the U14’s will train also on Friday night from 7.45 to 8.30pm. The minors will train every Monday night from 7 to 8pm in the Co-Op and also on Saturdays.
Parents are encouraged to ensure that all young players are at training and present 15min before training. A big effort is being made to ensure that all our young players get the best of training and managing and we ask parents to also play their part.