Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Fair Day on Saturday
The exciting prospect of a May Lanesboro Fair Day is almost upon us. The two day festival organised by the hard working Fair committee takes place in Lanesboro On Saturday and Sunday next 2nd and 3rd May. This a new undertaking changing from March to May Bank Holiday weekend and we hope for an enormous turnout of residents, both past and present.
Saturday will see the traditional Fair Day taking place. It is expected that the numbers of animals will be greatly increased and now that horses and ponies are back in vogue, a great number of deals will take place. There will be a best horse of the fair which will be sponsored by Leavy Memorials. There will be a multitude of stalls present on the day selling a huge variety of goods ‘from a needle to an anchor’.
The annual Dog Show will take place at the back of the Yacht Bar at 12.30pm and there will be 11 different classes. The entry fee for each class is €3 or if you enter for four classes it will only cost €10. The dog show will be sponsored by Maxi Zoo.
On Sunday there will be a great number of event staking place; Bonnie Baby competition sponsored by Keane’s Supervalu, a Pie Eating competition, bar man’s race, Bikes on Display, Vintage cars in the car park and amusements.
Come along and celebrate the reenactment of the traditional Fair Day on Saturday and welcome the new Family Day on Sunday that will kick off at 12noon.
To set the tone and raise the excitement and expectation the official launch took place on Friday night last in Clarke’s Bar where a large number attended. The committee would like to thank Steve and Teresa for the use of the premises and the local ladies for providing the food.
Whist Card Players
Cometh the first Friday of the month cometh the monthly Whist Drive in St. Mary’s hall on Friday next 1st May. Yes, the month has quickly flown by and the Lanesboro Social Services committee is expecting a large attendance on Friday night. The game will commence at 8.30 pm and as well as having a great night playing cards with friends- new and old – you will aiding one of the most vital support groups in our parish. Refreshments will be served and
Memories continue to arrive
As I said last week Mary Dore sent me her recollections and I could not close the business memories without featuring Mary’s recollections and I am sure you will enjoy her trip down memory lane.
Mrs. Stapleton dressmaker lived and worked over John Harold’s pub in Ballyleague. Dolly Andy (Jim Mulvihill’s wife had a poultry/turkey station in Lehery. Jimmy Kenny, Margaret’s husband used grind corn for hire at his home in Cashelbeg. John Dowd in the Turlough, did he thatch? Not sure – Yes Mary, John was a thatcher. Larry Kelly, was both a talented thatcher and fiddle player.
Mrs. Gillhooley lived in the house in Upper Main Street beside Joe O’Brien’s pharmacy. Her husband was a builder. Mrs. Harold and her husband John sold bicycles, tobacco, ice cream and general groceries in Upper Main Street. Mary Devlin hairdresser early 70s in first house on Upper Main Street on lower side of Green – Liza Clyne lived in that house one time.
Mrs. Connolly Thureen, Ciss Martin’s mother made an ointment for ringworm. Miss Killian, aunt of Mary Gately lived either over Ger’s pub or maybe in a house where the Gala supermarket is now. Dr O’Halloran was where Maura O’Brien Fallon had her pharmacy. Miss Donlon was the nurse and the nurse and the doctor fell out and there was legal action. Longford Leader Archives.
John Mc Evilly had a pharmacy there before Maura O’Brien. He went to Mullingar afterwards.
Pat Brennan Lismacmanus, father of Michael and father in law of Peg was a farmer, carpenter and wheelwright. Mrs. Ivan Farrell was the librarian in a house on the Green. Ivan used go out the Ballymahon road picking dandelions to make wine. Big Paddy Farrell, Ger’s brother was a builder. He lived in the house beside the water reservoir on the Ballymahon Road. Mike Connaughton, Josie’s and Mickie’s father was a builder. Mickey Dowd, lived beside Jimmy Connaughton in Lehery used to cut hair. Mike Kenny had a garage in Knock. Dick Belton was an insurance agent. Jimmy Gavigan Thureen was a peace commissioner. Bill Feeney and Lucy ran the pub which the Yacht Bar is now. There was a hairdressers attached to Gaffney’s house below the church. Mickey Fallon had a forge/garage in Fortwilliam beside Chris Rollin’s shop. John Halpin collected eggs around the area, Halpin’s
had a chicken hatchery in Richmond Street Longford and supplied chickens to Lanesboro people. Tommy Devine collected eggs in the area, later Fr Tommy Devine. Sheridan from Longford bought geese and fowl and feathers in the Lanesboro area. Campbell’s from The Market Square Longford bought geese and fowl in the area. Big Tom Maguire from Stonepark had a travelling shop after Jerome Fallon. Miss Donlon had a shop in Derrahaun in house with pump in yard. Johnny Kearney and his wife had a shop at the junction in Streamstown Newtowncashel – Fr Tom’s parents. There was a Clyne’s mill in Barnacor. Mike Feeney, a brother of Bill Feeney had a butchers shop in Newtowncashel at one time. He migrated to Co Meath afterwards. There was a shop at Gibbons in Curraghroe.
Following Mary’s email came a very interesting one from Bernie Harold which also made very interesting reading:
Grandfather sold TV’s and radios and had a huge mast out the back to get a signal. He also had a taxi and bus service. Granny bagged sugar, tea and flour in bags for the shop with John Harold & Sons printed on it. Grandfather also bottled his own Guinness for the pub in Ballyleague and had official Guinness labels which said “Bottled by John Harold & Sons”. He also had the contract for the Postal Service which in the early days was delivered by horse and trap and he stabled his horses in Longford where Boots Pharmacy is now. Tommy Harold took over the contract for the Post until the Department of Posts and Telegraphs started to directly employ postmen. My mother, Kathleen, had the contract from the Department of Education to transport the children to Fermoyle School.
Attached, compliments of Gerry Geheran, is a photograph of the old wooden bridge, also known as the Bailey bridge. In the foreground to the left there is what we knew as Paddy Kenny’s garage and to the right is what we now know as St. Mary’s hall. It appears to be a two story building in an L shape. It was a barracks in time of yore.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Nicola Clarke, daughter of Seamus and Una Clarke, Gortgallon on the recent announcement of her engagement to Jay Murtagh, son of Ray and Anne Murtagh, Swords, Co. Dublin
Lanesboro Minnesota
Lanesboro is a small community in Fillmore County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 754 at the 2010 census. It is an exciting small community and strangely when you read about it on the net there is a remarkable resemblance to our own Lanesboro. Both communities mirror each other in many way and there are a multitude of ways that we could learn and further mirror their success. Most notably, Lanesboro, Minnesota, is most noted and has been awarded the highest accolade as the Bed & Breakfast capital of Minnesota. They have work hard on developing themselves and to holding people for a few nights and longer when they come to visit. This is something that is within our grasp but we must be ambitious for ourselves.
With the future plans in Ballymahon and the many events set for the locality and future development in the area there is no reason we as an area cannot rise to the challenge and make Lanesboro and Ballyleague a wonderful place to come and to stay.
There are exciting times ahead for our community and there is a fantastic opportunity to make a great livelihood in the area.
Birth
Many congratulations to Janet and Enda Kenny, Ballyclare Court on the birth last week of a baby boy.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Pat and Liam Connerton and family, Longford Road on the death last week of Pat’s brother, Tony Murphy, Moydow.
Bog Walk
A very informative bog walk led by Bord na Mona Ecologist, David Fallon, will take place on Sunday week 10th May. David is one of the leading authorities on the bogs in this area and his talk will, no doubt, be fascinating in so many ways especially as we are drawing closer to the end of the bogs in the area and the creation of wetlands. The landscape of the bog will alter dramatically and David will talk us through all the prospective outcomes.
The meeting point will be at Curraghroe Church at 10.45am as the walk will commence at 11am. The walks will take place on rehabilitated peatlands of Derrycashel and Clonshannagh. As you will be walking through the bogs you are asked to ensure that you bring suitable footwear and suitable attire.
Community Games
For many years than we care to remember Lanesboro Community Games has been one of the primary events in the parish. It has given so many young people from the parish so much and on Tuesday next 5th May the Lanesboro Community Games Sports evening will take place at the track at 6 pm. Qualification for the county finals is at stake and I hope that all parents and grandparents will encourage all the young people of the parish to come out and have a great bit of fun while competing to reach the county final. We in Lanesboro have a long tradition of doing very well in the Community Games and not only reaching All-Ireland finals but coming home with medals from them. I am expecting to see a record number of entrants for all events and to see keen competition to reach county and All-Ireland finals.
Registration (for those who haven’t already participated in Community Games this year) is €3. Races and Field events for all ages from U 6 to U 16. If any parent is willing to help on the evening, please give your name to a member of the committee.
Community Games Medal Plea
If you have Community Games medals from past years and you wish to donate them the committee would really appreciate receiving them. You may leave them in Joe O’Brien’s Corner Shop.
Excellent Prospects
By a happy coincidence Lanesboro Community College is offering 2 P.L.C. courses this year which should feed directly into the exciting new Center Parcs development in Ballymahon. There is also a likelihood of major developments in our area that the two course will also lead into. Students completing either the ‘Outdoor Recreation’ course, held largely in the Boyle area, or the ‘Fitness and Health’ course, held in Lanesboro Community College and on the track, will have a huge advantage when applying for employment with Center Parcs. Both courses run from September 2015 to May, 2016, and will be of approximately 20 hours per week duration. Candidates are expected to hold the leaving cert or an equivalent qualification, or have suitable experience in the subjects covered.
As there is likely to be a big demand for places prospective students are advised to contact Breda at the school, phone 04333 21139, or email lanesborocc.ias@eircom.net. It is very important that you make contact immediately to express your interest.
Vintage Photo Exhibition
Lanesboro library will host a Vintage Car Photographic Exhibition by Michael Connaughton dedicated to the memory of his late son Murray will take place in the library from Friday next May 1st to Sat 16th May.
Sympathy
The death and burial took place last week of Danny Farrell, Elfeet, Newtowncashel. Danny had many relatives in our community and we would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his wife and family and his extended family especially in our community.
50/50
On Monday the trend of young people winning the 50/50 draw continued when The name of Nuala Cosgrove, Killashee Nuala was the recipient of €354 and we wish her further luck.
The draw takes place every Monday night in the pubs in the parish at 9.30pm and I would encourage everyone to put €2 into one of the blue envelopes and hopefully you will be the next winner of the Rathcline 50/50.
Exhibition
The very popular Art exhibition and sale of the work of local artists will take place from Thursday next 30th April until Sunday 3rd May. The exhibition is taking place in conjunction with the Horse fair. The exhibition will take place in the empty shop between Adie’s bar and the Gala supermarket.
This year, brushstrokes Art group is celebrating their 20th Anniversary having being formed in 1995. It is one of the longest running art groups in the county. The group host two exhibitions yearly since 1996 and they are very appreciative of the continuing support shown by everyone over the two decades.
The group looks forward to welcoming you once again to their exhibition and sale this coming weekend.
Last few DVD’s
The new batch of Strictly Come Dancing DVD’s are on sale and they are once again selling very fast. To ensure that you have your DVD make sure you don’t leave it too late as when they are gone this time there will not be a further batch ordered. Copies can be bought in O’Brien’s for €15 and it will be tremendous watching and hours of totally unbridled entertainment.
On-going Events at the Library
The following are the updated events at the Library and you are encouraged to take part in what event suits you.
Art Class number 3 on takes place on this Wednesday April 29th at 8pm.
Vintage Car Photographic Exhibition by Michael Connaughton dedicated to the memory of his late son Murray will take place in the library from Friday May 1st as part of the Lanesborough Horse Fair weekend for two weeks.
Basic Computer Course Unfortunately the computer class has been cancelled due to lack of interest.
Daffodils are on sale in the library in aid of Irish Cancer Society for €3. Please support this very deserving cause.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder The library is still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
Used stamps also being collected at the library for ISPCC.
Knitting & Crochet Group meet every Monday from 2 – 4pm.
The Active Age Group meetings take place every Tuesday from 3 to 4pm. New members welcome.
ESOL classes (English for speakers of other languages) continues each Tuesday evening 7 – 9pm.
The Book Club continues on Friday next 29th
Lough Ree Resources seeks Tender
Lough Ree Community Resources is seeking tenders for the painting of the front and side of the old Convent building in Lanesboro. Copy of insurance to be submitted with tender. Tenders to be submitted to the Secretary, Lough Ree Community Resources, Main Street, Lanesboro, Co Longford on or before 15th May 2015. May at 11am. All welcome.
Lanesboro 2000 Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Monday 13th April are N/S: Gross and Nett: 1st Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon, 2nd Eileen Kelly and Nancy Dolan and 3rd Bernadette Gillen and Mai Casey. E/W: Gross and Nett: 1st Mary Jameson and Patricia Mc Gann, 2nd Carol Hamill and Ann Hagan and 3rd Bridie McGrath and Mary Moran.
Thank You
The organisers of the collection last weekend for the Blind would like to thank everyone for their donations. The sum realised amounted to €790 and it will be used to help people in need in Co. Longford.
Emergency Medical/Defibrillator Assistance
If you need to contact the out of hours doctors service MIDOC you must ring 1850-302702.
If there is a need for the use of the defibrillator or ambulance you must ring 999 or 112. Ask for the emergency service, give your name, address and location when help is needed. You are asked to be as precise as possible to save time.
The lasting memory of the fun and enjoyment provided to thousands of children by an outdoor swimming pool on the banks of the Shannon has provided the inspiration for a new ceramic art project getting underway in Ballyleague and Lanesborough this week.
Ballyleague Art Project
A simple short white wall along the river bank on the western shoreline is the last remaining reminder of a little swimming & paddling pool that gave decades of fun and entertainment to people in this area from 1960 to 1990 and when the newly developed Ballyleague Riverside Park and promenade opens on May 25th this year it will carry a suitable reminder of that era and other important periods in local history and folklore.
To create an appropriate artistic piece on the wall the local village renewal committee has brought together an enthusiastic group of talented pupils from Lanesborough Community College and Ballyboro Scouts & Beavers – to team up with artists Patsy Preston, Therese and Debbie Tierney and this week the team is starting design work on six ceramic tile images to cover this white wall in semi-circular styles.
Ballyleague Village Renewal & Tidy Towns wish to thank everyone for the collaboration on the site this week and especially Margaret Mullooly, Liam Kelly and Michael Lyons for helping to bring it all about.
With design work taking place in the schools this week everyone is now looking forward to these art pieces falling into place in late May. Thanks also to Ballyleague Mens shed who have offered to help put up the finished work with the group on site. This collaboration will give us a great centre piece for the new park for decades to come in Ballyleague.
(picture attached)
Art Attack
Students from Lanesborough Community College who are working with the Ballyboro Scouts and artists Patsy Preston, Therese and Debbie Tierney to create a nee ceramic art feature on the site of the old paddling pool in Ballyleague.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Congratulations to Roscommon GAA on their win over Down in the D2 Allianz League Final in Croke Park, and to our club reps Ciaran, Diarmuid and Brian Murtagh, to selector Walter Burke and team doctor David Harrison. Great achievement for both club and county. Go-Games: St Faithleach’s U12 Boys represented Roscommon in Croke Park on Sunday at half time during the Down vs Roscommon D2 Final. We would like to thank Roscommon Coaching and Development for the opportunity and also thank the management team of David Kilcoyne, Alan McCormack and Enda Kenny. To the parents and mentors who travelled on the bus and helped out your support was very much appreciated. The boys had a wonderful day and it was great to see the future of the club play in such a highly regarded venue and at such an important event. Minor League D2: Minor D2 League Semi-Final, St Faithleach’s 1-17 Oran 0-13. Congratulations to the lads who are now through to the final. Team: M. O’Donnell, J. Irwin, J. Farrell, G. Carberry, R. Guinan, D. Nerney(0-1), C. Mangan, J. Hussey, D. Kelly, J. Donlon(1-1), D. Foley(0-8)2f, C. Smith(0-2), S. Phillips(0-3), D. Lulham, S. Walsh(0-2). Subs: K. Nerney, E. Tynan, K. Nerney, C. Gannon, R. Trimble. Final to be played against Tulsk. U14 County Girls: The Roscommon U14 girls have played brilliantly over the course of their championship and are now through to the Connaught Final where they will play Galway. Best of luck to Ellen Irwin, Kate M Phillips and Jennifer Brennan in four weeks’ time. U16 County Girls: Club reps Jillian Banahan, Amy Curley, Sarah Hoare, and Sarah Scally start their season on Wednesday in Kilglass, best of luck girls. Presentation Night: Club Presentation night will take place in the clubhouse on Bank holiday Sunday 3rd May at 9:30pm. Presentations include U21 medals, Player of the Year, Junior player, Junior Ladies player and Mother’s and Others player of the year. Music on the night by Brian Ross and presentation will be officiated by Frank Fallon. Trip to Antrim: The club trip to Aghagallon was a huge success and we would like thank everyone involved, everyone had a wonderful time and welcome we received was phenomenal. Lotto: There was no jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 2, 25, 27 and 29. The jackpot stands at €12,000. The five €20 winners were; Martha Farrell, Oliver Carroll, Michael J. O’Reilly, Margaret Percival and Aileen O’Brien. The next draw will take place on Tuesday next 5th May in the clubhouse. Cards: Every Tuesday night at 8:30pm. Joint winners Pat/Peggy, Kathleen/Ann. Last game Michael /Ciaran. Congratulations to Janet and Enda Kenny on the birth of their son during the week.
Rathcline GAA
Division 2 – Our second league game of the season takes place this Friday May 2nd at 7.30pm in Clonbonny against Ardagh. This will be our first competitive game of the new season in Clonbonny. After our win over Kenagh in our first game we hope to continue with our good start. It would be great to see a large crowd turn out to support the lads. For the latest fixtures and results please see our website www.rathcline.gaa.ie Fixtures and Results section.
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to Nuala Cosgrove, Killashee, who was last week’s winner of €354 in our 50/50 draw. The draw is proving to be hugely successful and since mid-October we have given almost €11,000 back to the community. This is our main source of income which is needed to pay off our big loan repayments. The draw takes place every Monday night at 9pm and envelopes only cost €2 and are available in all local businesses.
Topaz Cash For Clubs – With only two weeks to go until the closing date for the Topaz Cash For Clubs we urge everyone to make a final push to get their cards filled up. When you spend €40 or more on fuel you collect a stamp. These cards and stamps are available in all Topaz stores nationwide and Cullen’s XL is our local one. Once your card is full with stamps you can return it to Cullen’s or to a member of the Rathcline executive with your club name written on it. The cards will then be returned to Topaz for a draw on May 15th where the prizes are as follows: 1 club will win €10,000. 10 clubs will win €5000. 140 clubs will win €1000. Every club thereafter will receive €250. We would ask everyone in the community to try and get involved and you can also get friends or family around the country involved collecting for our club.
Gates of Clonbonny – It is imperative that the gates of Clonbonny are closed after any use of our facilities to prevent livestock entering on our pitch and causing significant damage both physically and financially. Can all members please adhere to this request?
Sympathy – The club would like to extend our sympathies to the Connerton family, Longford Road on the recent death of Pat’s brother Tony Murphy from Moydow. RIP.
Ladies Club
Seniors – Well done to the senior ladies who had a great win over Colmcille in the league on Sunday morning in Clonbonny. The game finished with a score line of 2-15 to 0-05 and it was great to see the girls all playing so well with such confidence. Keep it up girls!
U16’s – The U16 team play Ballymahon/Forgney this Thursday April 30th at 7pm in Clonbonny.
U12’s – Well done to our U12 team who had a great win over Mullinalaghta last Wednesday evening in Cashel.
Clothes collection – The clothes collection continues for the ladies club. Anyone who has old clothes they wish to dispose of please contact Madaleine or Mike on 086 4046174.