Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Funeral Mass
Back in January 4th one of our former residents, June O’Neill, formerly of the Green, died in New York. We all have fond memories of the O’Neill family who were an integral part of our community for so long. On Monday next 25th August June’s Funeral Mass will take place in St. Mary’s church at 11am.Following her Funeral Mass interment will take place in Clonbonny cemetery.
Back to School Youth Disco
A back to school youth disco will take place on this Friday night 22nd August in Club 3 Roscommon from 9.45pm to 12.15am. The DJ on the night will be Yazoo and the event will be fully supervised. Admission is €10.
Wedding
The marriage took place on Friday 25th July at the Church of Mary immaculate Queen, Barna, Co. Galway of Rory Donnellan son of P.J. and Joan Donnellan, Rathcline Road and Breda Atkinson daughter of Beatrice and Gerry Atkinson, Athenry, Co. Galway. Bestman was Eoin Donnellan, brother of the groom and groomsmen were Alvin Baxter, school and college friend of the groom and Darren Kenny friend of the groom. Matron of Honour was rosemary Dunne, sister of the bride and bridesmaids were Maria Joyce and Cliodhna Martin, both friends of the bride. The pageboy was Anthony Dunne, nephew of the bride. The chief celebrant was Fr. Robert mc Namara, friend of the bride, assisted by Fr. Sean Kilcoyne, friend of the bride and Fr. Michael O’Reilly, Lanesborough. The wedding reception took place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival will take place, this year, in Newtowncashel on Sunday week 31st August.
On Friday night next 22nd August in Gav’s bar Kenagh, the official Press night will take place at 9.30. The committee welcomes everyone to come along and be part of the launch of this year’s festival.
Finally, you are reminded to come along to support the Harvest Festival and Working Field Day in Newtowncashel on Sunday 31st August. The festivities will kick off at 12noon and it will continue until 6pm – 6 hours of great entertainment.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
On Wednesday last the 13th August the society hosted its Captain, Mike Brennan’s Prize Day at Royal Tara Golf Club in Co Meath. A great turnout of 30 golfers competed on this splendid course in magnificent sunshine for the lovely crystal trophy presented by the captain.
Everybody enjoyed the day on this lovely old course with its delightful tree-lined fairways. The prizes were allocated as follows:
Ladies first prize went to Antoinette O’Donnell with a very good score of 33 points and her back nine was better than any of the men’s! The 2nd and third ladies prizes went to Fiona Gillen and Ursula Burke respectively. Nearest the pin was won by John Martin. The visitor’s prize with a great score of 38 points was won by Kevin Barry. Front nine with a good 17 points went to Brendan Whitty and back nine to Ronan Cullen. Colm Dardis won 4th place Peter Day was third and Sean Brennan won second. The winner of the lovely captain’s trophy was the ever popular John James O’Shea. Well done to all. Thanks to all for great turnout and to the catering staff of Royal Tara who provided lovely food to all afterwards. The next outing is to Athlone on the 10th September.
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Over 55’s Mens Club
The over 55’s Mens club will be returning on Thursday 11th September in St. Marys Parish Hall at 12.00 noon. All men 55 years and over are invited and are assured of a great welcome
The Ray Flynn Mile on Saturday The Co. Longford Tourism Committee is hosting the inaugural Ray Flynn Mile in Longford Town on Saturday next, 23rd August, in honour of the Longford native, who holds the Irish record for the 1500 meters and the mile, as well as a world record as part of an all-Irish 4×1 mile relay team. This race will be run on the Ballinalee Road, beginning at the roundabout and finishing at St Mel’s Cathedral Car Park. Registration begins at 1.00pm with the race itself starting at 2pm. The meeting point will be the Enterprise Centre on the Ballinalee Road. The event will help form part of a running festival weekend in Longford that includes the 13th Annual Longford Marathon, scheduled for Sunday the 24th of August. The Ray Flynn event will include an elite race, an over 40s race, and juvenile races. People who just want to support the tourism committee are most welcome and are invited to walk the mile with friends or family. Registration is €10 for adults and €4 for juveniles, and advance registration is available through Eventbrite, www.eventbrite.iePeople who are registered to run in the marathon on the following day can run the mile event at a subsidised fee of €5.
This is a very special opportunity for everyone within our parish to celebrate a very special man from Longford but also one of our own that has achieved so much on the world athletic scene. Ray, a special one, is one of the finest people that you are ever likely to meet and your attendance will be an acknowledgement not only of a national legend but a true legend from our own county – a man we are really proud of.
Summer Bridge
Summer Bridge continues every Monday night and the results of the last two Mondays in July are: N/S: 1st E. Kelly and Nancy Dolan, 2nd Loretta Cooney and Renee Walshe and 3rd M. O’Dowd and Elsie Maxwell. E/W: 1st E. Curley and J. Hunt, 2nd A. Fallon and A. Delaney and 3rd C. Mc Grath and K. Dowd
Wk 2: N/S: 1st E. Kelly and Nancy Dolan, 2nd B. Murtagh and Mary Murtagh and 3rd Mary Mc Gushin and Renee Walsh. E/W: 1st K. Dowd and C. Mc Grath, 2nd M. O’Dowd and E. Maxwell and 3rd Una Clarke and Nora Kelly.
Thank You
The total amount raised at this year’s church gate collection in aid of the Irish Kidney Association was €508. A sincere thank you to all who kindly contributed.
Music Galore
Of late a number of cd’s have been released with local involvement.
Ita Trimble released her debut cd and she will have her official launch in The Lodge, Tarmonbarry on Friday next 22nd August. Appearing with Ita will be Frank Nelson and his band, Seamus Farrell, Gerry Keenan, Jimmy Kearney, Andy Murphy and more artists. Ita’s cd cost €10 and is on sale in O’Brien’s
Frank Nelson has released “The Essential Collection” – a three cd set containing 45 and more songs. This collection is also available in O’Brien’s at a cost of €12.
Roscommon Solstice choir with a number of local and former residents have also released their own cd and it is available in O’Brien’s at €10.
Defibrillator Church Gate Collection
The annual Church Gate collection will take place on the weekend 23rd/24th August and the committee is once again seeking your most generous support.
Last week we seen the incredible value of a defibrillator and those trained in its use when a former county player collapsed in a local championship in Derry.
It is essential to have as many as possible trained up in our community. At present there are names being taken in O’Brien’s for the next upcoming course and anyone not familiar in the use of the defibrillator should make it their business to attends the upcoming training.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Mary Walsh and family, Ballyclare, Ballyleague on the death last week of her sister Anne Morgan, Roscommon town.
World War One Exhibition
World War One Exhibition will continue to be available for viewing in the Library from for one more week. The exhibition covers all aspects of the Great War, with particular focus on the contribution of the locals of Lanesboro. The opening of the exhibition took place last week and it was a wonderful occasion and the trip to the library is well worth a visit before the exhibition closes on Friday next 22nd August.
Heritage Week
Heritage Week in Lanesboro Library: Exhibition of beautiful Wildlife drawings by local artist Mary Fleming will be on display in the Library from Monday 25th August to Saturday 30th August.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to The Ward family, Cullentra and Rathcline Road and the Gavigan family, Corrigeen and the Bawle family, Portanure, Newtowncashel on the death on Sunday of Elaine Bawle wife of John Bawle.
5k in Lanesboro
The 4th Annual Ros 5k Series starts on Wednesday 20thAugust. The first race is in Roscommon, followed by Boyle 27thAugust, Taughmaconnell 3rd September with the final race in Lanesboro on 10th September. Entry fee is €10 per race on the night or €25 euro for the four races. Entries can be made online www.roscommon5kseries.com and all enquiries should be directed via email to roscommon5kseries@hotmail.com. You can also check the
With the Lanesboro run taking place on Wednesday 10th September and being hosted by our own Lough Ree Athletic Club there is lots of time for all local joggers, runners and even walkers to prepare for the run. It would be great if the run was the biggest yet in our own area. The race will start at Clonbonny at 7pm.
Community College offers new courses
In September, Lanesboro Community College will embark on two new year long full time courses. These will be PLC courses in Outdoor Recreation and a PLC course in Music both FETAC level 5.
The Outdoor Pursuit course will include outdoor recreation, outdoor leadership and safety, adventure activities, hill walking proficiency, team working, work experience and communication. As you can see it is a wide and varied course and it is a course full of potential. Following the successful completion of this course there is the opportunity to go on to a 3rd level degree course at GMIT Castlebar and Shackleton College, Dublin.
The second course is a PLC course in Music. This course includes modules in music performance, musicianship, music theory and practice, music industry studies, graphic design, communications and work experience. This course covers all aspects of music and following a successful completion of the course there is the great opportunity to progress to a wide variety of colleges to complete your music degree: A.I.T., W.I.T., Tralee and Dundalk I.T. and Limerick I.T. There are career opportunities in music performance, production and promotion.
The courses will commence in September and early booking is advisable as places will be limited. For bookings or additional information you are invited to contact Breda 043-3321139 lanesborocc.ias@eircom.net for both courses or in case of The Outdoor Recreation course you can also contact Deirdre 086-1952663 info@northwestadventure.ie
Rathcline Lotto not won
The Rathcline GAA lotto took place on Saturday night last the six numbers drawn were 3, 4, 10, 26, 36 and 44. There was nobody with four of the numbers and the jackpot of €1500 was not won. The four winners of the €25 were; John Gill, c/o Jimmy Leavy, Foigha, Frank Regan, Rockwood, Tom Mulvihill, Cullentra and Donal Brady, Carrickboy. The next draw will take place on Saturday night next for a jackpot of €1,600.
The Royal Canal Heritage WalkAs part of National Heritage Week, Longford Tourism is hosting a heritage walk along the route of The Royal Canal from Richmond Harbour in Clondra. Led by Fr Tom Murray this interesting and informative walk will take in some of the beautiful scenery of the newly opened Royal Canal Cycleway. Refreshments will be served afterwards in The Richmond Inn, Clondra. The walk starts at 7.30pm on Tuesday evening 26th August.
Barry Raftery Memorial Conference
Professor Barry Raftery died in August 2010 leaving an amazing legacy following a distinguished career. Nothing sums his life up better than an appreciation written by Gabriel Cooney in a quarterly review of world archaeology, Antiquity.
The future of the Mid-Shannon Peatlands, Amenity, Archaeology and Bio Diversity is the topic of the conference and it should draw a huge interest due to its range and tremendous and immediate interest to our area. The conference will take place at Corlea Interpretive Centre on Friday 29th August. Admission is only €10 which includes tea/ coffee am and pm and also lunch. Registration will take place at 10am.
At 10.20am Dr. John Feehan will open the conference with a lecture on ‘The Past of Midsummer Peatlands. 11.10am Dr. Ronan O’Flaherty will speak on the Guardians of Midhir – Cranes in our past and future. At 11.40 local archaeologist, Brian O’Hara will speak on Experimental and Community Archaeology. The morning session will close with a talk from Eoin Donnelly, a forester and woodright who is in the process of building a replica Viking house.
The afternoon session will commence Longford County Senior Planning officer Donal Mac an Bheatha on the Future of the Mid Shannon Peatlands. Wetlands Heritage chairman Kieran Mc Entee and Tom Egan, Land project Manager from Bord na Mona will speak on the Shared Vision of the two groups. The conference will finish with a Walk in the Bog with David Fallon, Ecologist with Bord na Mona who will talk and present Biodiversity on the Walk.
Barry Raftery’s input into the development at Corlea was remarkable and it is only fitting that his name should be honoured at this memorial conference. The excellent Wetlands Heritage committee have worked so hard in the development of this programme and it is one that should not be missed. The calibre of the contributors goes without saying and there is a lasting education to be garnished from the conference.
Mortgage Open Day
The Ulster Bank Roscommon will be opening its doors on Saturday next 23rd August for a Mortgage Open Day between 10am and 2pm.
Charity Concert – The Last Rose of Summer
Local pianist, Peter Regan returns to St. John’s Church, Battery Road Longford on Friday evening next, August 22nd at 8:00 p.m. to give another electrifying concert, “The Last Rose of Summer”. All proceeds will go to Co. Longford Hospice and St. John’s Church. Joining him will be violinist, Phoebe White and mezzo-soprano, Heather Fogarty. Tickets are €15, students €10 and are available from Denniston’s Music Shop, Longford or text 086 256 0408. Come along for an evening of magical entertainment in aid of a worthy cause.
Strictly Come Dancing
The Rathcline and St. Faithleach’s clubs have come together to host what will be a very special and unique evening out when they will host ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ next November. Both clubs are actively seeking dancers for the event and you are asked to be positive in your response if you are approached.
Strictly Come Dancing has been a big hit everywhere it has been held and I am sure that it will be no different when both clubs come to stage it in November. The merging of the clubs for this event is a huge bonus as it allows the talented from both sides of the bridge to come together and produced a night never to be missed or forgotten.
Don’t worry about your dancing skills as the entire event will be co-ordinated and choreographed by the Midlands Drama School over an eight week period.
Don’t wait to be asked to come on board as one of the dancers just give your name to Lorraine 0876827966 or Helen 0860809377 and these ladies will take you through what will be required. Come along and be part of a wonderful night as well as get trained to dance over an eight week period.
Bus to Lough Derg on Sunday
The annual day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Sunday 24th August leaving Lanesboro at 7am. At present there are just a very limited number of seats remaining. The bus will travel via Scramogue, Rooskey and Carrick on Shannon. As the bus booked is from Farrelly’s and will leave Kenagh at 6.40am and will also pick up at Derryhaun at 6.50am.
Anyone wishing to make a booking should do so immediately by contacting Mary at 043 33 21969.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Our club is having a fantastic time this year with all teams being very competitive in their respective grades. There have also been great attendances at the U6, U8 and U10 training and development. Great credit first and foremost must go to all parents for encouraging their youngsters to come along to Clonbonny. Our coaches in all grades have been wonderful and the club is deeply indebted to each and every one of them for their exceptional performances with all the young players.
Our minors, last week, had a great win over Ardagh to qualify for the semi final. This Tuesday they will play Carrickedmond in the semi final and the victorious side from that game will not only qualify for the final but will also be eligible for the ‘A’ championship against Slashers on Monday next. If we are there, and we hope we are, we hope you will be there to support us.
Our U16’s on Thursday travel to Newtownforbes on Thursday where they will take on Clonguish Óg in Allen Park.
The U14 have beaten Clonguish Óg and Wolf Tones and if they beat Dromard tonight, Monday, they will assure themselves of a home tie in the semi final.
Our U12 continue their great run and beat Dromard last week. For our U8 and U10’s training continues every Friday at 7pm.
For the moment our U6s have finished up and the club acknowledges the minutes hours and days spent by the coaches in developing the young players of the future.
The club would like to thank everyone that helped out with the stewarding at the recent county championship games in Clonbonny. Your support and help is acknowledged and is deeply appreciated.
Congratulations to one of our own Duileach Ryan son of Seadna and Teresa Ryan, Main Street who won a silver medal at the National Community Games finals last weekend in Athlone.
Well done and congratulations to our hard word working students on their results last week and we hope that wherever the CAO takes you that you will keep up the games as your club will always be proud of you.
Rathcline Ladies
Commiserations to the Longford ladies on their loss to Roscommon in the All Ireland semi final last Saturday, especially our representatives Sinead Farrell, Aodhnait Casey and Claire Greene.
It is expected that our minors will be out this weekend and all players should be prepared for a game.
The seniors will be back out in the championship and it is very important that training is kept going in a positive manner.
Congratulations to all the girls on their results of the Leaving Certificate and hopefully all will receive their preferred choices from CAO.
Good luck to the seniors on Sunday in the playoff against Sean Connolly’s at 1.30pm in Ardagh.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior Football Championship: Our seniors had a win over St. Aidans on Sunday evening last in Kiltoom. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 3-21 St. Aidans 1-05. Team: S. Connor, D. Harrison, C. Gunn, D. Murray, C. Brennan, B. Murtagh, D. McCormack, H. Kenny(0-1), S. O’Grady(0-1), D. Hussey(1-0), D. Rooney(0-6), K. Farrell(0-2), D. Murtagh(1-5), C. Murtagh(0-6), E. Kenny(1-0). Subs: A. Dooney, J. Walsh.
U14 Boys – D3 Championship County Final: Pride of the parish goes to our U14 boys and their management, winners of the D3 Championship Final on Friday evening last in Tulsk. Final Score: St. Faithleach’s 7-09 Kilbride 3-09. Team: Michael O’Donnell, Ronan Banahan, Cathal Reynolds, Nathan McGovern, Conor Rohan, Adam Hegarty, Ian Trautt(1-0), Ruairí Trimble(Capt.)(1-0), Kevin Trautt(1-0), James Browne(0-1), Michael Dunne(1-0), Cian O’Brien(1-2), Liam Ormsby,(2-6) Daniel McDermott, TJ. O’Neill, Keelan Gallagher, David Kilcoyne, Mark Silva, John Phelim O’Reilly, Jack Tucker, Cian Glennon, Aaron Glennon, Mark Cox, Oisin McGowan, Luke Cullen and Michael Gibbons. Management: Mick O’Brien, Declan Browne and Vinny Glennon. A huge thanks and much appreciation to Steve and Teresa Ormsby (Clarkes Bar) and to Gerry Byrne & Dympna Trautt (Trautt’s Checkout), sponsors of a set of tops for the squad for the final.
Senior Football League – O’Rourke: Our seniors have a league game against Clan na nGael this coming Wednesday evening 20th August at 7.00pm in Johnstown.
Minor Men – D4 Championship: Our Minor drew with Elphin on Thursday evening last in Elphin. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 3-12 Kilbride 5-06. Team: J. Farrell, J. Sweeney, J. Irwin, C. Mangan, R. Guinan, D. Kelly(1-0), J. Hussey(0-2), C. Gannon(0-2), S. Phillips(0-1), S. Walsh(1-4), D. Foley(1-1). Subs: C. Smith (0-2), M. Gill, J. Kelly, E. Tynan, D. Nerney. Next game is away to St. Ronan’s 6thor7th September
Minor Ladies – D1 Championship: Our minor ladies were defeated by Strokestown on Tuesday evening last at home. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 7-07 Strokestown 9-11. Team: R. Costello, N. Hegarty, M. Banahan, C. Glennon, C. Brennan, A. Curley, M. Kelly, E. Hegarty, E. Kenny (1-1), J. Banahan (2-0), R. Banahan (0-4), L. Cox (0-1), L. Farrell, K. Murphy (4-1), K. Byrne. They were defeated by Shannon Gaels on Thursday evening last in Croghan. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 5-02 Shannon Gaels 5-07. Team: L. Farrell, N. Hegarty, N. Scally, T. Nerney, M. Kelly, A. Curley, C. Brennan, E. Hegarty, E. Kenny, L. Cox, R. Banahan, K. Murphy (2-1), M. Banahan (3-1). Subs: J. Banahan, S. Scally. Next game is the championship quarter-final this coming Tuesday evening 19th August, away to St. Ciaran’s at 7.00pm.
U16 Boys – D1 Championship: Our U16 Boys have a game against Padraig Pearses this coming Tuesday evening, 19th August at 7.00pm in Woodmount.
U14 Girls – D1A Championship: Our U14 Girls were defeated by Clan na nGael on Sunday last in Johnstown. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 5-02 Clan na nGael 8-08. Next game is away to St. Dominic’s, Tuesday 26th August at 6.00pm.
U12 Boys – D3 Spring League County Final: Hard Luck to our U12 boys and management, David Kilcoyne, Enda Kenny and Alan McCormack, defeated in the Spring League Final onWednesday evening last in Ballintubber. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 1-09 Western Gaels 6-05. Well done to all players on the panel, throughout the Spring League and we wish them all the best in the summer and winter league that will follow. Team: Kevin Hannon, Mark Cox, Mark Silva, John Phelim O’Reilly, Aaron Glennon, David Kilcoyne, Cian Glennon, Jack Tucker, Jack Murray, Lee Kilcoyne, Conor Gannon, Sean Ryan, Richard Kalva, Dylan McDermott, David Cullen. Huge thanks and much appreciation to Brian Scally (Brian Scally Plumbing Services), sponsor of a set of tops for the squad for the final.
U12 Boys – D2B Summer/Autumn League: Our U12 Boys were defeated by Western Gaels in the S/A League on Sunday morning last in Frenchpark. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 1-06 Western Gaels 2-06. Next game is against Castlerea St. Kevin’s, Sunday 31st August at 11.30am in Ballyleague.
U8 Go Games Blitz: The U8’s Blitz takes place in Kiltoom this coming Saturday 23rd August at 11.00am.
Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others: St. Faithleach’s Mothers & Others have a challenge game against Drumlish this coming Tuesday evening 19th August at8.00pm in Drumlish.
Roscommon Ladies: Well done to Amanda and Laura Mc Loone with the Roscommon Ladies who are through to the TG4 Intermediate Championship All-Ireland Semi-Final following their win over Longford on Saturday last. Final Score: Roscommon 0-14 Longford 1-0.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 8.30pm. All are welcome. The results of last week’s games are – joint winners, Michael/Liam & Martin/Jimmy. Last game, Jim/Kitty. The ticket winners were– Mary, Liam, Martin & Michael.
St. Faithleach’s GAA Club Fundraising Draw: Tickets now available for our Fundraising Draw. 1st Prize – Belgian Blue/Blonde X (DOB 15.2.14) or €1,000. 2nd Prize – B&B and Dinner for 2 (Value €250 at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. 3rd Prize – €100 Meal Voucher. 4th Prize – 1 Tonne Bag of Turf. Tickets €5 each or 3 for €10. Draw will take place Friday 2nd January 2015 in the clubhouse. Your support will be much appreciated.
Strictly Come Dancing – Fundraising Event: On November 22nd St Faithleach’s will join forces with our near neighbours Rathcline, in an event the like of not seen before in the locality. The two Clubs will come together in producing a “Strictly Come Dancing” event, coordinated & choreographed by the Midlands Drama School. Members from both Clubs are presently working together to organise this event, which is sure to be a night not to be missed. Both Clubs have sent forward members to form an organising committee. This committee is now looking for parties interested in taking part in the event. All couples will go through an 8 week period of training and coaching from the Midlands Drama School. Further details will be announced in due course. If you are interested in taking part in this event please contact Lorraine on 0876827966 or Helen on 0860809377
Rathcline GAA
Our Intermediate team had a very disappointing defeat to Carrickedmond last Sunday in Ballymahon. The first half was controlled by Rathcline, they played the better football, and although the half time score line of 4 points to 3 in favour of Rathcline, it didn’t reflect a half where there was decent play, high energy from both teams and fantastic commitment. Maybe Rathcline were guilty of not taking a few scores and with a cruel cross field wind, it was always going to be a difficult second half. Carrickedmond came out and attacked Rathcline from the off, some sloppy play from our team led to Carrickedmond picking off some valuable points, when Carrick went 3 points up, they played defensively and to be fair played it well, they broke at speed at picked off a few points. There was also a penalty save by Daithí Mulvihill which kept Rathcline in with a shout. But try as they could, the Carrick defence kept all attackers at bay. It was one of those days where lots of things went wrong, but the team will bounce back, and that comes about quickly. Rathcline play Sean Connolly’s in Ardagh at 1.30. This is a playoff match with the winner straight into a semi final. It’s going to be a real test, and one which will be met with relish by our men. Please come and support the lads again!
There was no winner of the weekly lotto. The jackpot next week is €1600. The €25 winners were, John Gill Kenagh, Tom Mulvihill Cullentra, Donal Brady Carrickboy, and Frank Regan Lanesboro.
Rathcline Minor Club
The whole set up at under age level is in rude health at the moment and first off well done to all the squads and management. On Tuesday evening our minor team take on Carrickedmond in the semi final of the championship. The game is in Clonbonny at 7.30. We would urge everyone to come out and support the team as there will be plenty of away support; it’s a home match and let’s make it count, your support helps!
The U 16’s have their second round championship match this week. Please check fixture list for more details, and also our facebook page.
Well done to our U 14’s who beat Mostrim and Clonguish, a very exciting team who play on Monday evening against Dromard in Dromard, again your support would be appreciated.
Our U 12’s beat Dromard during the week in the championship and having witnessed these young men at training, they also are a team to look out for. They are working very hard, and we all look forward to their upcoming fixtures.
New heritage research to be revealed on historical tour in Ballyleague village
To mark the commemoration of National Heritage Week this year the people of Ballyleague will be staging a special historic tour of the Shannonside village that should be a real treat for history buffs on Saturday August 30th at 11am.
The event will concentrate on the historic harbour area north of the river Shannon bridge in Ballyleague, Lanesborough and conservation architect Nick Sweeney will be the guide to one of the most significant parts of this entire community.
Nick and Ursula Sweeney have been working for several months now on behalf of Ballyleague Village Renewal with the financial support of the Heritage Council as they carried out a new heritage management plan for this area. The two main sites at the centre of the research in the plan have been the old kiln house at the bridge leading to the old harbour and the old tower house on the site where Hugh de Lacy’s castle was long reported to have been located.
In the course of their research Nick and Ursula have worked with archaeologist Dr Kieran O’Connor from NUIG and a small panel of experts to try and track the correct historic detail of these sites.
They also have carried out desk research with a number of libraries and references to the history of the two buildings were found in several historical documents including:
A Thousand Years of the Hidden Annals of Connaught by Vincent Byrne
The Annals of Ireland – The Four Masters (Eoin Connellan) (Dublin)
Nick and Ursula also consulted with three local historians Mr. Sean Cahill, Mr. Liam Kelly and Mr. Vincent Byrne who were all of tremendous assistance to the project. The co-operation of the landowners – the Byrne family, the Sorohan family and John Francis Donlon was very much appreciated.
An archaeological assessment and report was completed by archaeologist Dr. Rory Sherlock,
A structural Assessment and site inspection was completed by Dermot Nolan,
Structural Conservation Engineer and his report will be produced once the architectural drawings of the sites have been completed.
The Heritage week event on Saturday August 30th will offer conservation architect Nick Sweeney an opportunity to inform locals and visitors to the area on some of the findings from the research carried out so far.
To take part please come along to the old harbour (entrance to Hanley’s Marina) north of the bridge in Ballyleague on Saturday August 30th at 11am. There is no charge for taking part and the walking tour will end at the Lifebelt bar where a special presentation will be made by Nick and the experts in the function room.
For more information e mail: keepballyleaguetidy@gmail.com