Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
The Green – a living memory
Rose Farrell (nee Mullooly) added to her previous letter by reminding me of a survey she did of the parish in 1970 and the following was the makeup of the green at that time: In the survey then the counties of origin of the families on the Green broke down as follows: (not including Longford); 2 Kerry, 1 Cork, 2 Limerick, 1 Tipperary, 2 Kilkenny, 4 Clare, 2 Offaly, 1 Laois, 1 Kildare, 1 Wicklow, 1 Dublin, 1 Westmeath, 3 Galway, 10 Roscommon, 4 Cavan, 2 Mayo, 1 Armagh, 2 Monaghan, 1 Tyrone and 1 Donegal.
Brendan Farrell, a former Bord na Mona apprentice that came to Lanesboro years ago posed the question to me the other day. He asked me if Tom Finnegan and his wife Maureen (no.63) were the only Longford people living on the Green. Having spoken with Kathleen, Teresa and Marie they confirmed that it came up from time to time in conversation around the kitchen table about being the only Longford born people on the Green.
I have got no feedback from the previous list of names and I am sure there were some former students not mentioned. Please contact me – joea@iol.ie and I will rectify the record and if you can put translation to the Irish names I would be obliged.
Some further names from the Boy’s National School Brian Mac Cionnaith, Tomás Ham, Padraig Ham, Sean Masterson, Eamon Masterson, Michael Masterson, Georgie Harte, Sean Kelly, Michael Kelly, John Murray, Peadar Ó Breiguna- father Tommy from Richmond, Co. Mayo. Tomás Breneann, Sean O’Brenáin, Philip Ó Loignean – his father was Tom from Killdoon, Co. Meath, Brendan, James and Andy Gilmore.
1960 School Reunion
Were you a student commencing your secondary school education in St. Joseph’s Secondary School Lanesboro in 1960? Were you a teacher in the school at that time? Did you start Secondary School in Convent of Mercy, as a Day Pupil or a Boarder in 1960?
Did you sit the Inter. Cert in 1963? And /or/ repeat in 1964?
Did you sit Leaving Cert. in 1965?
It is hoped to have a reunion later this year and the search now commences for every girl that attended that school class. Please contact Joan at 086-2350161 and let the organisation begin. If you read this note and think of someone that may have been in that class and are out of local contact can you give them the contact number or even the link www.joeobrien.ie where they can read this notice and make contact.
50/50
The Rathcline GAA 50/50 draw took place in Adie’s Bar on Monday night 22nd June. The jackpot for the night was €415 and the lucky ticket was in the name of Johnny and Mary, co Clarke’s Bar. It transpired that the Johnny and Mary were Johnny Malone, Cloontuskert and Mary Rhatigan, Fermoyle. Tickets €2 are on sale locally and your support will be greatly appreciated.
Ladies Day
On Monday next 6th July Roscommon Racecourse committee will host the annual Ladies Day at their racecourse. This is one of the best days out at the track over the course of the season as there is usually a huge attendance especially of Ladies as they vie for the honour of being awarded ‘Best Dressed Lady’ on the day. The best dressed lady will receive a cash prize of €2,000 and the nine other finalists will each receive €100. The judge of the best dressed Lady will be the illustrious Radio and TV presenter Síle Seoige.
The racing will be of the highest quality and the feature race on the day will be the listed Lenabane Stakes with €45,000 in prize money. The first race will take place at 5.45pm.
On Tuesday the second part of the two day meeting will take place with the first race taking place at 5.30pm. Tuesday will be an evening of top class national Hunt Racing.
Roscommon over the years has been getting better and better and the quality of entries for both meetings really endorses the high regard Roscommon Racecourse is held with owners and trainers. Go along on one or other or both evenings and have a fabulous time at your local racecourse.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Karen and Mervyn Johnston and family, Rathcline on the sudden death of Karen’s mother Peggy Smith, Killcommock, Kenagh, on Thursday 18th June.
Exhibition to open 23rd July
All the collecting of photos, signs, memorabilia and names of every one of the businesses of the main Street of Lanesboro and Ballyleague are now in place for the exhibition that will be launched in the library on Thursday 23rd July. The trip through all the local businesses was immense and a wonderful journey and you have all to be thanked for your many contributions on the journey.
This is a date for your diary and it will be an exhibition that will be well worth visiting especially everyone that remembered even some of the business on the main Street and Ballyleague.
If you have anything, in relation to the exhibition, that you have not yet dropped into Stella can you do so immediately to ease pressure closer to the date.
Brushstrokes Exhibition
In conjunction with Two Provinces Triathlon, on Saturday 11th July, Brushstrokes Art Group is hosting a one-day exhibition in the back room of St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesborough, from 10am to 8pm. Everyone should take the opportunity to wind down and sample the local artistic talent once they have enjoyed the local athletic talent. Access to the back of the Hall is restricted at race times, but you can always enter through the front of the Hall via the banks of the Shannon. We will do our best the sign-post alternative access during race times. It is worth noting that Brushstrokes are celebrating “20 Years a Growing” this year in 2015… marked by our newly erected street art “Tree of Life” beside SuperValu on the Main Street. All admiration, greatly appreciated!
Golden Jubilee on Sunday next
On Sunday next 5th July an event has been organised in Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Ordination of Fr. John Quinn who served as a priest with us in Rathcline parish. The event will start at 5pm. Fr. Quinn will be fondly remembered within the parish as a priest who gave great comfort and succor to many parishioners. He was one of the prime movers of the festival of Irish music on the banks of the Shannon at Aughakeel that will be long remembered a forerunner to many festivals. You are invited to go along and celebrate with Fr. Quinn. Tickets are available by contacting Dympna Quinn by phoning 087-1252820.
Rathcline Cemetery this Sunday
The first blessing of the graves will take place in Rathcline Cemetery on Sunday next 5th July, the blessing will continue in Lanesboro cemetery the following Sunday 12th July and in Clonbonny on Sunday 19th July – all taking place at 6pm.
It is essential that everyone tend to their family graves and have their own particular looking great for this very special occasion.
Book your Irish Language Course
An Irish Language Summer Course (SIAMSA!) will take place on Monday next 6th July to Friday 10th July in Gaelscoil Longfoirt. The course will take place from 9.30am to 3.00pm each day and will cater for students from Second Class to First Year. Further information and Applications forms available from Yvonne Ní Mhurchú 087-2642665.
Triathlon with options
Local Two Provinces Triathlon:
The day is drawing closer for this year’s Two Provinces Triathlon organised by Lanesboro’s Triathlon club. July 11th is the date for the big Two Provinces Triathlon. The club looks forward to welcoming triathletes to Lanesboro from all over the country as has been the case since the inception of the Two Provinces triathlon. The main triathlon race consists of a 750m swim in Lough Ree followed by a 20km bike out to Scramogue and back and finishes with a 5km run up the Rathcline Rd and back down through the quarry to the finish line beside the duck pond.
The club will also host the second race of its kind in the country, an aqua bike (swim & bike). The club also hosts and welcomes those to try-a-tri which gives those who are not confident with swimming a full 750m, the opportunity to take on a shorter distance swim.
The race committee and club members are working hard to put on a great event, once again putting Lanesboro on the map.
The entire community is once again to come out and cheer on all the triathletes as they take on the challenge. The triathlon draws huge local support and they ae once again welcoming everyone to come and make this another wonderful occasion for our community.
Talk the Walk for the Samaritans
A very different walk will take place in Longford on Saturday 4th July at 8am. Talk the Walk will start at Pearse Park, walk down to the mall and back to Pearse Park for breakfast. The idea of the Talk and Walk is that it is a walk with others at your own pace and you and your walking partners are encouraged to chat and talk the journey. The significance of the ‘Talk and Walk’ is that it is highlighting the need for people to talk to others and highlighting to others in need of support that talking is good and there is always someone ready to listen. The total proceeds of the walk will be donated to the Samaritans who work closely with the GAA community throughout the country. The Samaritans provide a free and confidential helpline for anyone who is going through any distress or worry in their life – 116 123 or phone the Athlone/Midlands branch (090) 6473133.
If you require any further information on the walk you are invited to contact Theresa Duffy 0867985076.
Kilgefin Community Games
Well done to all from the parish who have been participating in community games events this year. Over 100 young people from Kilgefin Parish took part in community games events at local and county level this year – events included Track & Field, Cycling, Soccer, Gaelic, Swimming, Art, Handwriting, Music, Singing, Dancing & Table Tennis. The following were medal winners at county level: Francis Dunne (Cycling), Christian Donlon-Goncalves, Katie Murray & Jack Casey (Athletics), Rachel Hanley, Isabelle Ryan & Tom Ryan (Swimming), Bobby Brehon, James Bennett & Tom Ryan (Art), Amy Gallagher (Handwriting), Eabha Kenny (Music) & Conor Rohan (Discus). Huge congrats to all who took part at all levels and continued best wishes to Conor Rohan who will compete in the National Finals in August and also to the Boys U13 & U16 Table Tennis teams who will compete in the Connaught Finals in July. Finally, sincere thanks to all the parents, trainers, managers and committee members who make it all possible!
Shannon Gaels
Well done to Kevin Sorohan and Longford Minor Squad on reaching Leinster Final on Saturday last with a win over Meath in Glennon Bros Pearse Park. U14 Div. 3 team are out on Monday 29th June against near neighbours Southern Gaels in Shield Semi Final in Cashel at 7.30pm. Shannon Gaels U12’s play a home games against Annaduff on Tuesday 30th June at 7.30pm in Clonbonny in Longford/Leitrim League Shannon Gaels U10’s host an U10 Blitz in Clonbonny on Wednesday 1st July at 7pm
New Postcodes
The new postcode system for Ireland, will be launched in July. Local organisations in Longford are helping to spread the word about the benefits. If you know someone who you think could do with some help, including elderly family members or neighbours, please get in touch with Margaret Walsh, Longford Community Resources Ltd at 043-3345555 or email: eircode@lcrl.ie
Bus Tour to Donegal
Looking forward to welcoming some new faces and some regular tour goers on the 2015 tour to Donegal from 14 – 17 September. For booking and deposit information please text or phone Eileen 086 2703 547.
Our Library and its events
A History of Business in Lanesboro and Ballyleague
The launch of our exhibition on A History of Business in Lanesboro and Ballyleague will be held in the library on 23rd July. Anyone with old photographs of Business in the town or business people, old shop signage, old artefacts etc. and would like them included in the exhibition, please drop them in to Stella in the library.
Lanesboro Community College Art Display:
A fantastic display of the art created by Lanesboro Community College students is on display in the library for the summer months. Please drop in and appreciate their fine work. Also the students have entered 3 sculptures in the Strokestown Park Schools Sculpture Competition. Pictures of their entries are on display in the library. They would really appreciate your voting for Lanesboro entries at Strokestown House to help them win €2,000.
Summer competitions at the library:
Join our Summer Reading Buzz at your local library from July 1st to August 31st. Sign up and get a bookmark and door hanger. After reading 5 books you get a wristband, after 10 books you get a pencil case and if you enter multiple times you get a lovely book bag!
Come along and pick up an entry –
Colouring competition for children aged up to 7 Wordsearch competition for children aged 8 to 12
Summer Events for children at the library:
Monday 13th July at 3pm – Bunnyhop Summer Stories with Chris Thompson.
Tuesday 14th July at 3pm – Pain a summer picture with Nicolette.
Monday 20th July at 3pm – Creative writing and storytelling with Frank Galligan.
All events are free. Places are limited so book yours today!! Call Stella on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie.
Art Class: Art Class 4 continues on Wednesday 1st July. Cost €10 per night. All welcome.
Lasraí Writers Group: Next meeting is on Monday July 13th from 7 – 9pm. New members welcome.
Tickets on sale in the library for Fast Track Stroke Service for The Mater Foundation. €3 each or 2 for €5. Please support this very worthy cause.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder The library staff are still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
Used stamps are also being collected at the library for ISPCC.
National Land League
Helping to keep people in their homes. Free information Clinics for people in mortgage and other bank debt. They urge anyone with arrears to contact them for an appointment at the following centres: Mullingar: Fridays 2pm-4pm in Congress Centre. Tel 0892469827 or Castlepollard: Wednesdays 10am-12pm Parish Centre. Tel 0892467265
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge
The results of the competition held on Monday June 22nd: N/S : 1st Eileen Kelly and Nancy Dolan, 2nd Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon, 3rd Renee Walsh and Mary Mc Gushin. E/W:
1st Ann Delaney and Ann Fallon, 2nd Tom Feeney and Essie Nugent, 3rd Maureen Hynes and Mary Jameson.
Bridge will continue every Monday evening. All grades welcome.
Wedding
The marriage took place on Friday 12th June at St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery of Karen Duffy, daughter of Noel and Breda Duffy, Weekfield, Roscommon and Anthony Kelly, son of Jimmy and Marie Kelly, Ballymurray, Knockcroghery. The wedding reception was held in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Lanesboro Tourism Lotto
The lotto jackpot has now reached €13,000 for next week’s draw.
Death
The death took place on Friday 2th June of Michael Haynes, Church View. Michael was life’s ultimate gentleman – always dressed impeccably, when meeting a lady always tipping his hat. Michael was always elegant and graceful hence when people described him they referred to him as ‘gentleman Michael’. He was a wonderful conversationalist and always a pleasure to be in his company. Michael’s lifetime interest was in dancing and for a time he was President of The Irish Ballroom and Waltzing Federation. He moved back to Lanesboro more than 25 years ago and some years ago moved to Church View. He was a kind and caring friend and neighbour and his passing will leave an emptiness in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew him. Michael’s remains reposed at Carroll & O’Neill Funeral Home, Johnstownbridge, co. Kildare, on Saturday last. His remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro on Sunday and following his funeral Mass he was laid to rest in Clonbonny cemetery to the strains of Noel Carberry’s Uilleann Pipes playing Michael’s favourite time Carrickfergus. To his son David, daughter Vanessa, Maire Kennedy and Family, Longwood, Co. Meath, relatives and many friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Credit Union Car Draw
The draw took place on Friday night last at the Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union office of their summer draw. The first prize of a Hyundai i20 went to Josephine Donlon, Lehery, 2nd €2,000 Stephen Ormsby, Ballyglass, 3rd €1,000 Maureen Fallon, Lismacmanus, 4th Maureen and terry Hynes, Rathcline, 5th €100 Gerry Trautt, Cloontuskert, 6th €100, 7th €100 Denis Mc Loone, Cloontuskert, 8th €100 Teresa Gillen, The Green and 9th Geraldine Greene, Newtowncashel.
Leinster Final
Many congratulations to Kevin Sorohan, son of John and Mary Sorohan, Killinure, who played a major part in Longford minors overcoming Meath in the Leinster Minor semi-final on Saturday last in Pearse Park. It was a gutsy and brave victory by a team that refused to yield as Meath came back to draw level in the final few minutes only for Longford to score the last four points of the game. Kevin and his team mates now hit to Croke Park on Sunday 12th July where they will take on Kildare.
Annual Pilgrimage
The annual pilgrimage to Lough Derg takes place on Sunday 23rd August leaving Lanesboro at 7am. Booking is now open and they can be made to Mary, phone 043-3321969
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Brides Church, Ballintubber, Co. Roscommon on Friday 19th June of Jason Tarmey, son of Martin and Bernadette Tarmey, Anrattabeg, Ballyleague and Sharon Ryan, daughter of Gerry and Bernie Ryan. Bestman was Dwain Tarmey, brother of the groom, Groomsmen were Mark Tarmey, brother of the groom, Declan Hanley and Martin Curley, friends of the groom. Chief bridesmaid was Lorraine Ryan, sister of the bride and bridesmaids were Sheena Brennan Foley, friend of the bride, Nessa Kenny, friend of the bride and Laura Hynes, friend of the bride. Pageboy was Ryan Hanley, son of the bride, and Flower girl was Mia Fallon, niece of the bride. The wedding ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Joe Poole, Ballintubber. The wedding reception was held in the Mc William Park Hotel, Claremorris, Co. Mayo.
Rathcline GAA
Auction – Rathcline GAA held a Monster Auction on Saturday 27th June at 1pm in Clonbonny which was undoubtedly a resounding success. Local man Eamon O’Flaherty MIPAV, of Property Partners Brady in Maynooth, was the man the club turned to conduct the auction and he didn’t disappoint – the whole event was conducted in a very well organised and professional manner. Sincere thanks to Eamon for giving so generously of his time. The club would also like express their sincere gratitude to all those businesses and individuals who contributed so generously over the last few weeks, without which the event could not have been such a success.
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to Johnny Malone and Mary Rhatigan c/o The Yacht Bar, who were last week’s winners of €415 in our 50/50 draw. The draw takes place every Monday night at 9pm and envelopes are available in all local businesses. The next draw, 29th June, takes place in The Yacht Bar
Longford Seniors – Best of luck to Liam Connerton, Shane Kenny and the Longford Senior footballers who travel to Cusack Park, Ennis this Saturday to take on Clare in Round 2A of the All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers. They travel in a confident frame of mind on the back of their comfortable win over Carlow in the previous round so hopefully the lads can come away with a win. Throw-in time is 5pm.
Longford Minors – Rathcline would like to congratulate Kevin Sorohan and the rest of the Longford Minor squad on scoring a brilliant win over Meath in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park by 1-09 to 0-08 in the Leinster Minor Football Championship on Saturday afternoon 27th June. This is a fantastic achievement for Longford to reach another Leinster final at the minor grade, full credit must go to Tony Devlin and his backroom team for managing the squad to another provincial decider.
Rathcline Ladies – Pride of place this week must go to the Rathcline Ladies football team who scored a great championship win away to St. Helen’s on Sunday 28th June. In a cracking, open game of football, the girls found themselves six points in arrears at half-time 1-08 to 0-05. However, they were a transformed outfit in the second half as they completely overwhelmed their opponents to win by three. Final Score: Rathcline 1-12 St. Helen’s 1-09. Well done to Brendan, Ciaran and the whole squad on getting their championship campaign off to a flier!
Team: Dara Mc Gann, Aoife Connaughton, Geraldine Hanly, Aodhnait Casey; Patrice Nolan, Lauren Farrell. Sinead Farrell; Noeleen Donlon, Sarah Farrell; Claire Greene, Ann Duffy, Ciara Healy; Paula Kenny, Janine McCormack, Shelly McCormack.
Subs: Zoe Gallagher, Anna Peters, Una Clarke, Niamh Chawke, Karena Mulvihill, Anne-Marie Hand, Tanya Farrell, Aoife Bannon, Áine Bannon and Lauren Guinan.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club – Well done to Kevin Sorohan and Longford Minor Football Squad on reaching the Leinster Final on Saturday last 27th June with a win over Meath in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.
U14 Division 3 team are out on Monday 29th June against near neighbours Southern Gaels in Shield Semi Final in Pairc Chiarain, Cashel at 7.30pm.
Shannon Gaels U12’s play a home game against Annaduff on Tuesday 30th June at 7.30pm in Clonbonny in Longford/Leitrim League
Shannon Gaels U10’s host an U10 Blitz in Clonbonny on Wednesday 1st July at 7pm
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior League: Result – St. Faithleach’s 2-11 Padraig Pearses 5-14. Team: S. Connor, J. Sweeney, D. Murray, B. Scally, D. Harrison, H. Kenny, J. Walsh, C. Gunn(0-1) D. Rooney(0-3) P. Cox, D. Hussey(1-1), J. Hussey(0-1), P. Brennan, A. Dooney(0-3), S. Phillips(1-2). Subs: D. McCormack, D. Gibbons, J. Kelly, A. Manning. Minor Championship Division 2: Result: St. Faithleach’s 4-15 Boyle 1-13. Team: D. Lulham, G. Carberry, J. Irwin, M, Gill, R. Guinan (0-1),D. Nerney, C. Mangan, D. Kelly, (1-1), M. Cox (2-2 ), C. Smith (0-1), D. Foley (0-1), J. Hussey (0-1), E. Tynan (0-1), S. Philips (1-3), S. Walsh (0-4). Subs; C. Gannon, R. Trimble, K. Nerney, M. O’Donnell.
U16 Boys Division 2: Result 3-15 to 3-09. Team: M. O’Donnell, K. Trautt. R. Trimble, C. Reynolds, C. Gannon, G. Carberry, K. Nerney, C. Kennelly, C. Rohan, M. Dunne, D. Cox, J. Brown, J. Gill, J. Donlon, L. Ormsby. Subs: N. Mc Govern, I. Trautt, R. Banahan. Cian O Brien. Next game Sunday 5th July against St. Kevin’s Castlerea. U12 Girls Division 4 Final (Replay): Our U12 girls played their division 4 Final (replay) on Thursday evening last against St. Brigid’s, unfortunately they lost on a very small margin and played a fantastic game. Score: St. Faithleach’s 1-4 St Brigid’s 1-5. Team: M. Banahan, A. Gallagher, C. Carroll, K. Carthy, H. Barry, J. Gibbons, S .Hickey, L. Costello, O. Irwin, A. Casey, L. Cox, K. Murray, A. Connaughton, W. Jedrych, H. Burke. Subs: K. Lackey, K. Rohan, O. Cox, I. Sutton, M. Banahan, C. Carroll, R. Donlon. Thanks to management of Frank Burke and Carol Manning. U16 Roscommon Ladies: Best of luck to the Roscommon U16 Ladies in their Connacht B Final against Leitrim, and their management and our club reps: Jillian Banahan, Amy Curley, Sarah Hoare and Sarah Scally. Game takes place on Wed 1st at 6:30pm. Club Trip: Reminder that deposit of €100 is to be paid by 5/7/15 for Lanzarote Trip. Places can be booked with either Brian Scally or Stephen O’Connor.