Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Sympathy
The entire community would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Fr. John Mc Manus, PP Ballyleague and Kilgefin on the death of his mother Mrs Nancy Mc Manus, Elphin St., Strokestown on Thursday 1st January. Her Funeral Mass took place on Monday 5th January in Strokestown Parish Church and burial took place to the local cemetery.
Engagement
We would like to extend heartiest congratulations to Tomás Rhatigan, son of Martin and Mary Rhatigan, Fermoyle and Yvonne Gray, daughter of Kathleen and the late Vincent Gray, Carrigallen, Co. Leitrim who announced their engagement over the Christmas period.
50/50
The weekly Rathcline 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last. The winning envelope drawn was in the name of Caroline Cullen, Rathcline Road, and Caroline was the winner of €328. The draw on Monday night next 12th January will take place in the Yacht Bar at 9pm. Tickets are only €2 and your support will always be greatly appreciated.
Defibrillator Training
A new session of Defibrillator training will commence early in the area in the New Year. You are asked to consider doing the training as your training can lead to the saving of lives. The group are looking to have as many people as possible from the general community trained in the use of the defibrillator.
If you wished to be trained up please leave your name into Martina O’Brien and she will take details and notify you of the upcoming course.
Refresher courses will take place very soon and anyone that needs to do their refresher is also asked to give in their names to Martina.
Death
The death occurred on 20th December of Eugene Mc Carthy, The Green. Eugene was son of the late Tim and Ita and was predeceased by his sister Mary, Catherine and brothers John and Patsy. Eugene was a special needs young man whose life was cherished greatly. His remains reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home before being removed to St. Mary’s church for his Funeral Mass. Following his Funeral Mass his remains were laid to rest alongside his parent’s brothers and sister in Clonbonny. We extend our sincere sympathy to his sister Anne, brothers Timmy, Tony, Tommy, Martin, Gerard and Stephen.
Annual New Year Draw
Rathcline club each year hold their annual New Year draw. Due to the high cost of affiliation and insurance for the year the proceeds of the draw will go towards paying this large sum. It is a great help to the club, with little activity and a high loan repayment to be met the draw takes some pressure off the club and pays two vital necessary expenditures. You are urged to support this draw as best you can.
The prizes are as follows: 1st prize €1500, 2nd €750, 3rd €500, 4th €250, 5th €200, 6th €200, 7th €200 and 8th prize €200. The tickets cost €10 and can be bought selected businesses in the town and from any member of the executive. The draw will take place in Adie’s on Saturday 31st January
New Book Club
The new book club will commence in Lanesboro Library on Friday 30th January at 11am. The book club is about the enjoyment of reading and to encourage those that have not read in a while to pick up a book again and be part of the club. After the 30th the club will meet every month on the last Friday of the month at 11am in the library. There is no doubt but the book club will introduce you to some interesting characters? Go along on the 30th and meet people that like to read and you can also enjoy a cuppa and a chat. The book club is new and novel to Lanesboro and it should capture the minds of all readers in the locality.
Death
It was with great sadness we learned of the death on Monday last 29th December of the oldest man in the parish of Rathcline, Peter Donlon, Lisrevia. Peter in his 97th was predeceased by his wife Tessie. Peter and Tessie moved back home from America in the mid 60’s and they bought land in Lisrevia, Peter a native of Moher and Tessie from Rathcline were coming home following many years working in the US. Both immersed themselves in our parish and were quickly leading members of our community. Peter had a great interest in farming and farmed his land with great diligence and attention. He was a great follower of all things local and the Rathcline GAA in particular. Peter was a great man with wonderful warmth of heart and his genial manner endeared him to everyone that came to know him. His nature ensured that nobody was ever left in need. Peter will be sadly missed but his memory will live long in the memory. His remains reposed at his residence on Tuesday and on Wednesday he was removed to St. Mary’s Church where his Funeral Mass took place. Following Mass his remains were laid to rest alongside Tessie in Clonbonny cemetery. To his son Peter, daughter in law Geraldine, granddaughters, Catriona, Patricia, Noleen, Jennifer, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
One Generation to the Next
Thursday last 1st January proved to be a momentous day in Lanesboro. It was the day that there was a great change happening unbeknown to a vast portion of our population. 38 years ago, back in 1976,22 Joe and Martha Farrell returned from Dublin where they bought the Yacht Bar from Martin Hynes. Over the years they have been excellent proprietors of the pub making it a thriving business. Both Joe and Martha have been great supporters of everything in our community and proved themselves to be great business people in the town. An example of their generosity, in recent times they gave their property at back of the bar to site the marquee for the Gathering and not only that but they provided changing facilities and refreshments for the bands and steward throughout the festival. They are big hearted and generous people who always have our community at heart – it is something that we should be eternally grateful to them for.
On Thursday last for Joe and Martha all changed when their eldest son, Alan, took over the running of the Yacht Bar. Alan worked with Coke Cola for many years and in his spare time helped out in the bar. It was a natural progression that Alan should take over. Not unlike his parents Alan has been deeply involved with events in the community and over the past two years was a hugely influential member of the Gathering committee – someone that we really began to depend on. Alan is married to Joan and they have three children Molly, Lucy and Emma
We wish Joe and Martha many happy years of happiness as they take a step back from the business and we wish Alan every success and many fruitful business years ahead.
GAA Season Kicks Off
The football season kicked off on Saturday last when the Rathcline club hosted the first round of the Hastings Cup between Longford and Galway. Local lads Liam Connerton and Eoin Sorohan were part of the Longford panel that had a very convincing victory – both lads playing leading parts while Shane Kenny is on the injured list at the moment. Later in the afternoon Longford took on DCU in the O’Byrne Cup with Cullentra lad David Mulvihill goalkeeper for the DCU side while Shane Donohoe came on as a sub for Longford.
Diarmuid Murtagh did not tog out for either the Roscommon seniors in the FBD league or the U21s in the Hastings Cup against Kerry while his brothers Ciarán scored 4pts and Brian 1pt in the FBD league win over Sligo IT.
It is fabulous to see so many young local lads involved in the county teams. It is a while since we had so many players involved in the county set ups and we should actively support them. It is an honour for them and also for our parishes that we have players representing us on the biggest stage. May all their hard work lead to much success both on and off the field.
Birth
We would like to send our congratulations to Kevin and Fiona Hanley, Lisnacusha on the birth last week of a baby girl.
Irish Language Group
Classes for adults resume after the Christmas break on Wed Jan 14th in the Co-Op building in Kenagh (the old national school) at 8.00pm. Why not come along and improve your spoken Irish in comfortable and informal surroundings. All levels are catered for, so whether you are proficient or have only the “cupla focal” you will be welcome. Bíonn cupán tae ann freisin.
Slimming World
New Year resolutions and the extra piece of eating over the Christmas should lead us all to Slimming World that takes place in Lanesboro in the Lough Ree Community Resource every Wednesday at 7.30pm. For further details telephone Melanie 087-2390065 or just come along on Wednesday evening.
Healthcare Support Training
The carers Association is providing a QQ! (Fetac) level 5 Healthcare Support Award Training in Roscommon in January. They are providing topic specific workshops for family carers. If you wish to attend or require further information you are invited to call 057-9322920.
Shannon Gaels Registration
Following the EGM of Shannon Gaels Minor Club on Saturday evening last 3rd January 2015 an executive was put in place and consequently will hold their annual registration next Saturday 10th January 2015 from 6-8pm at the Clubhouse in Clonbonny. The following is the Committee: Chairman: Jimmy Flood, Vice Chairman: Mark Casey, Joint Secretaries: Sharon Dowd and Tina Dowd. Registration fees for the year are as follows €30 for first child, €45 for two plus children. Parents are asked to ensure that their youngsters are registered on Saturday. Decisions upon entry into competitions can only be made following registration when the club is aware of all the players that will be available to us for the coming year.
Lough Ree Bay Tennis Club
The tennis club are kicking off our New Year tennis club program on Saturday January 10th at 4pm with an information meeting for all members and parents of junior players in Ballyleague hall at 4pm.
The meeting will be addressed by Peter Farrell – an officer from Tennis Ireland who is coming down to answer questions on tennis coaching, club membership, insurance, competitions, new facilities such as artificial surfaces, lights nets etc. and child protection measures.
Crucially, there will be a review of the first 3 months of the club coaching – checking with players and their families if the coaching times for tennis are suitable and perhaps adjusting them to suit whoever is present.
There is a great need to have all members of the club present as this is a very important meeting and at the end it is hoped to disband the original steering committee, adopt a constitution and set up a new club executive.
So join Lough Ree Bay Tennis Club please on Saturday week January 10th at 4pm in Ballyleague hall
35 men, women and children have taken part in all coaching to date – some have asked for coaching times to be changed or adjusted so it is hoped to see you all present on the day when important decisions on future plans will obviously be made.
For more information e mail: loughreebaytennisclub@gmail.com
Lough Ree AC
Let us start by congratulating the organisers of the Annual Christmas Day Cashel to Lanesboro Road Run for Multiple Sclerosis (Longford Branch) and sponsor Peter Hanley Motors. There is no doubt that the place to be was the bridge in Lanesboro. The car park was full, the weather was pleasant, the atmosphere was great and the re-union of friends delightful. In addition, the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club had their swim and the athletic club had their “gallop” from the Community College to the Parish Hall where refreshments were available.
It was here we met with former athlete Loretto Costello home from London, with her husband and son. Loretto was in at the very beginning. She had to introduce herself otherwise we would have missed her, as we nearly did with Annette Murtagh. The Murtaghs, Hopkins, Costellos and Fallons were all from the “one stable” so to speak.
The arrival of “Yanks” at the track gave the children’s fun run an international flavour – referring to the Chambers family from Ohio, USA. In juvenile events when age groupings apply, you have older ones trying to get into a younger age group; our problem was the exact opposite! Sean O’Dowd wanted to run. It was pointed out to him that he was too young. He did not accept that, as a compromise a short cut was suggested but Sean was not buying! He wanted to start with the group on the track and finish with rest at the Parish Hall which he did. His father Padraic agreed to act as chaperone, so all is well that ends well! Better still his older brother was the first to finish while Katie Murray was the first girl home.
Alannah Flood and cousin Caoilinn promoted themselves to the main event as did Hazel Johnston – the run from Cashel and to their credit they all finished. Will they do it again next year? Ask them!
For a club with over one hundred registered members the turnout was low. Maybe “Turkey Duty” or “Santa Claus” had an effect. Those that did turn out enjoyed the run and the goodies afterwards. Well done and a Happy New Year to all. Would not have missed it for anything!!
St. Faithleach’s
Minor Club Presentation Night and Fundraising Draw: The minor club held its presentation night in the clubhouse on Friday 2nd January, with medals given to our U12, U14 and U16 boys and girls and was a huge success. We would like to thank Stephen O’Connor for presenting the medals. The draw for “Bella the Heifer” also took place on the same night and the winning ticket was drawn by club president Pat Joe Fallon. 1st Prize Kathleen Reynolds, Kilnalosset, Curraghroe, Roscommon. 2nd prize Georgie Spain, Mount Mary, Ballygar, Co. Galway. 3rd prize Darragh Hussey, Ballyleague, Roscommon. 4th prize Julia Farrell c/o Sean Carthy Roscommon courthouse. Many thanks to everyone who supported our event and also thanks to the sponsors who contributed – Curraghroe Construction Manchester / John Lackey Jnr, Mickey Hanley Plant Hire Doughill, Horohoe Construction London / Ciarán Horohoe, Sky Materials New York / Warren Linnane, Noel Duffy Roscommon, PL Civil Engineering / Paul Lackey and Fallon Construction London / Ryan Fallon.
Roscommon U21 and Roscommon senior players both had great starts to 2015 in the Hastings Cup and the FBD league and we would like to wish our club representatives on both panels all the best for the coming year.
Membership/Registration: 2015 Player registration and club membership is now due – adult players €60, under 18 players and students €30, family membership €100, social membership €30. Registration fee must be paid before players can train or compete for the club. Please contact the clubs registrar or manager/mentors of your age group.
Lotto: The jackpot of €12,000 was not won and the five €20 winners were Kathleen Donlon, Enda Hester, Maire Clarke and Edward Moran. The next draw takes place on Tuesday 13th January.
Card games takes place every Tuesday in the club at 8.30pm. The results from last week’s game are – joint winners: Jack/Brendan, Peggy/Josie, Freda/Jemma. Last game winners: Tom/Padraig, Bill/Kevin. Extra game winner was Noreen Gibbons.
Rathcline
Congratulations to Caroline Cullen, Rathcline Road, who was last Monday’s winner of €328 in our 50/50 draw. The draw takes place every Monday night and envelopes only cost €2.
The New Year’s draw will take place on Saturday January 31st in Adie’s. Prizes are as follows: 1st prize – €1500, 2nd prize – €750, 3rd prize €500, 4th prize €250, 5th prize €200, 6th prize €200, 7th prize €200 and 8th prize €200. Tickets cost €10 and are available from any member of the executive.
Membership is now due for the coming year. Players’ registration fee is €50 and non-playing members is €20. Players are asked to pay their registration to Brendan Rhatigan or James Hanley. Player registration is compulsory and players must be registered before they can play. Non playing members can pay their fee to Peter Skelly or Denis Crinigan.
Well done to the Longford U21 team who beat Galway in the first round of the Hastings Cup on Saturday in Clonbonny with a score line of 3-14 to 1-07. They face Kildare away on Friday evening in round 2. Best of luck to Liam Connerton, Eoin Sorohan and Shane Kenny who are part of the panel.
The minor club EGM was held on Saturday evening and thanks to all who attended. Jimmy Flood was elected as chairman. Mark Casey was elected as the new vice-chairman. Tina Dowd takes up the position of secretary along with Sharon Dowd as her assistant secretary. The other positions will be filled in the coming weeks. Best of luck to all in their new roles and thanks to the outgoing executive for all their hard work and dedication over the last few years.
The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the Donlon family on the death of Peter Donlon Lisrevia, to the Mc Carthy family on the death of Eugene, to the Connally family on the death of Paul Connally, Castlerea, Pat and Kay Smith on the death of Mrs Margaret Lynch, Granard and Fr. John Mc Manus on the death of his mother Mrs Nancy Mc Manus Strokestown.
Finally congratulations to Kevin and Fiona Hanley on the recent birth of their baby girl Becky.