Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
The Green – a living history
This week we begin with no. 9 which was the preserve of the O’Neill family from the start. As we all know from Bernie who documented their move from Kenmare to Lanesboro in her wonderful script she sent me and was published previously. John and Julie O’Neill with their family Bernie, Maura, Gerry, June, Patsy, Bobby, John Henry and Joe. The house has since been sold and it is not in the ownership of Ted and Sheila Falvey, Moher. We cross the road to no.10 where the first recorded residents I have is Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Touhy from County Clare. I do not have any further information. The next resident I have is the name of Mick Reynolds, I believe from County Roscommon and again I have no further details. If anyone has any further details can they forward it to me joea@iol.ie 086-2460840. The next and present family is Ned and Marion Nealon from County Roscommon. And their family is Francis, Ann Marie, Eddie, Sonja, Éadoin and Caoimhín.
Rathcline Intermediate Champions
Ten years is a long wait for a club that has been competitive and strong over a long period of time. It is ten years ago that we last won the Intermediate championship and today, Sunday 13th September, the club won the Intermediate Championship thus ensuring the team will play Senior Championship in 2016.
The day started brilliantly, the sun shone all morning through and in its own way help create a great buzz of excitement in the town. There was only one subject on peoples, it was the topic of what was going to happen in the afternoon in Pearse Park, Longford. Mass at 11.30am had a distinctive colour about it as the entire squad sat together in their distinctive gear. It was something that brought much positive comment afterwards.
At two o’clock the rain came and spoiled what was a beautiful day up to that point but it did not dampen the enthusiastic Rathcline support as car after car left the area heading to Pearse Park.
As we awaited the playing of the National Anthem by the Longford Pipe band we were delighted to hear from the county board PRO Gerry Hagan that the anthem was going to be sung by Cliodhna Beirne, daughter of Pat and Anne Beirne, Mahoraveen – and what a wonderful rendition it was.
The game started with both sides swapping wides before Rathcline opened the scoring in the ninth minute and kicked on from there and in the 20th minute there were a comfortable 2-4 to 0-1 ahead and looking like it was not going to be Rathcline challenge they expected. Killashee were now settling into the game and restricting our opportunities and were point by point bringing themselves back into the game. The Killashee team were now piling on the pressure, sensing victory and they brought the margin down to two points before Rathcline got the next score – a full 31 minutes after their previous score. They went on to score another goal to emerge comfortable winners although it was far from as easy as the final scoreline 3-5 to 0-9 indicated.
We are county champions, we are back in the senior championship for 2016, we have a number of vital league games to play to get out of Div.2, we have a Leinster club championship to look forward to on Sunday 1st November when we play either the Wexford or Louth champions away from home. What we have is a very talented and mostly youthful side who in the coming days and years will bring many great days back to Rathcline.
Congratulation to the full panel and their management team of manager Gareth Johnston and selectors Lee Cullen, Ciaran Kenny, Shane Carroll and Brendan Rhatigan and we must also thank Barry Horgan for his input during the year. We are a very proud parish.
At half time the young players from U6 up played at half time in the go games and it was fabulous to see our future stars displaying their silken skills on a field we hope they will grace successfully for many years to come. We must also mention Ēanna Mc Grath son of Joe and Mary Mc Grath, Derrygeel who was a referee in the go games and acquitted himself excellently.
At the time of writing, Sunday night, celebrations are in full swing and we hope that everyone enjoys the hour of glory. We thank them all for making us feel so good and so proud.
It was fitting the a Rathcline man, Brendan Gilmore, is currently chairman of Longford County Board and he was on hand to present the Hennessy Cup to our winning captain Ken Chapman, son of Mary and the late PJ Chapman, Lisnacusha. Finally, many congratulations to James Carroll son of Sean and Anne Carroll, Tullyvrane, on being awarded the Man of the Match trophy.
Town Exhibition
The history display of the businesses of Lanesboro and Ballyleague 1900 to the present day in the library will soon be coming to an end. The presentation is on display during the opening hours of the library: Monday 2-8pm, Tuesday 2 to pm, Wednesday 2 to 8pm, Thursday closed, Friday 10am to 1pm and 2 to 5pm, Saturday 10 to 1pm.
All Golfers
Are you a golfer? Have you joined the local Lough Ree Golf Society on any of its outings? Why not go along on Saturday next for the he Society’s visit Birr Golf Course this Saturday 19th September for the Captain, Mick Brennan’s Prize Day. The tee is booked from 11 to 12 and can everyone wishing to attend send a text to 0879730611 to ensure a place on the time sheet. This is the final GOY competition for 2015. Hope to see you all there before 10.30!
Lough Ree AC prepare for Cross Country
In preparation for the upcoming first event of the cross country season, road running in Clonbonny is now underway each Tuesday evening at 6.00pm. All athletes including third class and upwards are welcome. The first event of the season is the Co Longford Primary Schools Cross Country in Moyne on Sat September 26th when there will also be a race for first and second year’s students at Post Primary level. More details to follow next week. Looking forward to seeing you all in Clonbonny. Congratulations to the Rathcline Intermediate team on their victory in the County Final last Sunday, great to see some of our past athletes on the field and on the panel.
Badminton Club AGM
Lanesboro/Ballyleague Badminton Club are holding their AGM on Thursday the 17th September in St. Marys Hall Lanesboro at 9pm. All members are requested to attend. New members are welcome as always
White Collar Boxing are you interested in taking part?
Rathcline and St. Faithleach’s clubs are coming together this year for White Collar Boxing on Saturday 14th November. Both clubs are actively seeking participants and if you are interested in taking part you should contact Lorraine 087-6827966, Susan 087-1748299 or Derek 087-8172668.
White Collar Boxing has really taken off throughout the country and has proven to be hugely popular and successful. The boxing is strictly amateur so no previous experience is necessary. Training and coaching will be provided in the lead up to the night and your participation will be greatly appreciated by both clubs. There will be an information night on Friday 18th September in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse at 9pm for anyone remotely interested. This will clear up any concerns anyone has and the trainers will explain all aspects
Lanesboro Library Updates
Book Club: The next Book Club meeting is on Friday 25th September at 11am where the book for discussion will be ‘The Lives of Women’ by Christine Dwyer-Hickey. All are welcome.
Knitting & Crochet Group: The Knitting & Crochet Group continues every Monday from 2 – 4pm. All welcome.
ESOL Class: ESOL Class (English for speakers of other languages) continues every Tuesday evening 7-9pm.
Lasraí Writers Group: Lasraí Writers Group meeting will take place on Monday 12th October 7-9pm. New members always welcome.
French Conversational Classes at Lanesboro Library
These classes are aimed at adults wishing to develop their conversational skills and are particularly suited to people travelling abroad or even for parents wishing to help their children with their homework.
The French class will commence on Wednesday October 14th from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Each six week course costs €30.
Pre-booking is advisable as numbers for each class are limited. To do this or to obtain further details please contact Lanesboro Library on 043 3321291
A History of Business in Lanesboro and Ballyleague: Our exhibition ‘A History of Business in Lanesboro and Ballyleague – 1900-2015’ will remain in the library until the end of September. Please drop in and have a look at the array of historical photographs and artefacts on display.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder: We are 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.
Set Dancing Classes
Set Dancing classes have resumed on Tuesday in Sorohan’s, Ballyleague and in John Browne’s Longford on Wednesday’s from 8.00pm -10.00pm. All are welcome.
Beginners welcome to try for first two weeks with a view to starting a complete beginner’s class. Set Dancing is a fabulous way to get fit, keep fit, have fun and make many new friends in a very happy enjoyable atmosphere. All enquiries to Mairéad at 0868546433
Community Games Reports from National Finals
The Community Games National Finals were held in Athlone over the two weekends in August with great representation from Lanesboro. On Saturday 15th August we had two teams from Lanesboro representing Longford in the Culture Corner and Drama/Sketch competitions. Both talented groups gave great performances and just missed out on medals, each coming in a very respectable fifth place. It was a wonderful achievement for Lanesboro to compete in these competitions and huge credit must go to their mentors and managers, Marie English, Maura Tobin, Christine Farrell, Annette Farrell and Sheila Nolan. Both teams were in full costume and had practised throughout the summer. The Culture Corner team was as follows: Gráinne Chawke, Aoife English, Abby Ward, Richard Prior, Bryn Peters and Niall Chawke. The Sketch Group was: Aoife Nolan, Aisling Farrell, Róisín Brennan, Gerard Brennan and Conor Sorohan. Conor Sorohan also took part in the Model Making competition.
Meanwhile over at the Swimming Pool, Longford was represented by Séadhna Ryan (U14), Dúileach Ryan (U14) and Orla Ryan (U14). Seadhna and Orla missed out on qualification in their races but Duileach amazed and delighted all by coming away with a Silver medal, just weeks after a collar bone injury which saw him out of sport for some time. Congratulations to Duileach and also to Séadhna and Orla for competing at this very high level.
On the second weekend we had 3 sprinters and a relay team. Aoife Kennelly and Kieran O’Dowd represented Longford in the U 10 200m. Unfortunately despite a very good race Aoife just missed qualification for the semi-finals. Kieran however raced his way to the semi-finals on Sunday morning. While he didn’t come into the medals, we are sure we will be seeing both Kieran and Aoife many times in the future. Liam Ross, competing in the U14 100m also just missed out on qualification but ran a great race.
It was lovely to have a group of friends running together as an U 15 mixed relay team, namely Orla Keane, Lucy Ann Myhill, Crónan Flood and Bryn Peters and while they were unsuccessful in terms of medals they did really well and we are proud and grateful to have representation and commitment from this older age group. Many thanks to Padraig O’Dowd who was the Lanesboro manager at the track for both days.
Community Games has many and varied competitions and Lanesboro has been representing the county for some years now in the project competition. Our first success was last year with Patrick Smyth and Áine Kennelly taking fourth place. This year we qualified at U11 and U 16. The Under 11 Project was prepared by Isabelle Smyth, Aoife Kennelly, Sienna Wyse and Kieran O’Dowd and presented on the day by Isabelle and Sienna. The U16 Project was presented by Áine Kennelly and Leah Wyse. On Saturday evening the results were announced and our U16 girls came away with very precious Silver Medals- a major achievement and very well deserved by them. All of the project competitors put in months of hard work and preparation. The projects will be on display in the library in the coming weeks. Huge congratulations to Áine and Leah and to their manager, Breda Kennelly who was ably assisted by Kay Smyth.
Finally a big thank you to the parents who juggled holiday plans, work schedules etc. to have their children at trainings and practices throughout the summer and who supported them all the way to All Ireland Final Day.
Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union
Do you have the CU FACTOR? Calling all singers, dancers, comedians and actors aged 12-19 to take part in auditions for this Talent Competition organised by Lanesboro-Ballyleague Credit Union. Application forms available from Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union. Closing date for applications is Friday 25th September and auditions will be held at a later date. First prize €150, 2nd €100 and 3rd €50. Winners will go forward to represent the Credit Union at regional level. Contact info@lanesboroballyleague.ie or phone 043 3321431.
Gymboree
Gymboree music and play in Longford takes place in the Green Edgeworthstown Tuesday 22th September at 11.30am. The fee is €8 for a child or €12 for a family. For details you are asked to contact Caroline 0876418083.
Darren Mc Glynn Tractor Run
Plans are well advanced for the inaugural Darren McGlynn Memorial Tractor Run, which takes place on the 27th of September next. The event takes place from the McGlynn home in Cloonfour, midway between Tarmonbarry and Rooskey, and is open to both vintage and new tractors. There will also be a vintage Diesel 20 Tractor, with some work to be done on it, auctioned on the day of the tractor run. The main beneficiary of the event will be the “Mark’s Wish to Walk” fund. This fund is raising money to help 3 year old Mark Dolan from Ahascaragh, near Ballinasloe, who suffers from Motor Delay, and has to travel to the USA for surgery and rehabilitation.
It is hoped that many people from our area will make the 27th a date for their diary and attend on the day for what is a hugely deserving cause.
Rathcline GAA
Intermediate Champions – We did it! After a ten year wait for a final today was our day as we beat St. Brigid’s Killashee in the Intermediate Championship final in Pearse Park by a score line of 3-05 to 0-09. Massive congratulations to all our players, our manager Gareth Johnston and his backroom team of Shane Carroll, Lee Cullen, Ciaran Kenny and Brendan Rhatigan. Congratulations to James Carroll on his Man of the Match award. Thanks to everyone who came to Pearse Park to cheer on the team in such dreadful weather and to everyone in Lanesboro who decked the whole town out in green, white and blue. Commiserations to Killashee who put up a good fight. We are now back in the Senior Championship for the first time since 2011. In the lead up to this game the whole parish came together and the hype which surrounded the final was a sight to behold in this great parish of ours. Here’s to a lot more success within the club. Rathclaon abú.
“Up for the Match” – Thanks to everyone who attended and bought tickets for our “Up For the Match” night last Friday night. An enjoyable night of reminiscing, banter and analysis was had. Thanks to Benny O’Brien who did a superb job as M.C., guest speakers Dermot Brady, Martin Skelly and Denis Connerton and not forgetting our local celebrities Brendan Rhatigan, Denis Crinigan, Peter Skelly, Louis Skelly, Seamus Flynn and Sean Farrell!! Also thanks to Jimmy Hussey who provided the music. Thanks to all who bought tickets for “Our Up For the Match” draw. The results were as follows: 1st prize – 1 night B&B in the Shelbourne Hotel – Cillian & Senan Cox. 2nd prize – Dinner for two in Adie’s – Saoirse Dillon. 3rd prize – Hamper from Johnston’s Pharmacy – Mick Coffey. 4th prize – €100 from Chazey Properties – Carmel O’Donoghue. 5th prize – Bottle of Teachers scotch sponsored by Yacht Bar – Hilary O’Sullivan. 6th prize – 2 bottles of wine from Casserly’s Spar – Evan Rooney. 7th prize – Rathcline zip up top – Emer Wallace. 8th prize – Rathcline t-shirt – Eugene Killian. 9th prize – Rathcline t-shirt – Caroline Rhatigan. 10th prize – Bottle of Jameson sponsored by Clarke’s Bar – Luke Cullen
Club Merchandise – Anyone who would like to order some Rathcline merchandise to have in the next few weeks can do so by contacting Lorraine Farrell on (087) 6827966. Kid’s navy hoodies €20, adult zip up tops €35 and adult t-shirts €25. We’ll now be competing in Leinster so still time to wear the Rathcline gear!
“Battle of the Bridge” White Collar Boxing – Following on from last year’s successful Strictly Dancing over the Bridge we have teamed up with our neighbours St. Faithleach’s again. This time for white collar boxing which will take place on Saturday November 14th in St. Faithleach’s grounds. Anyone who is interested in taking part in the boxing is asked to attend a meeting in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse next Friday night September 18th at 9pm.
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to Caroline Ginty, Ballyleague, who was last week’s winner of €386 in our 50/50 draw. It proves that luck can strike twice as Caroline previously won €325 back in January!
Premium level All-Ireland Football Final tickets – We have two premium level tickets up for grabs for next Sunday’s All Ireland football final between Dublin and Kerry in Croke Park. Cards with lines costing €2 are available in local businesses. Please support.
Tennis Coaching
The summer is now well and truly over and with the Autumn upon us the local Lough Ree Bay Tennis club has not one but two tennis coaches at their disposal this Autumn here at the tennis courts in Ballyleague marina, Lanesborough and surrounding areas. Tennis coaching returns this week.
After the success of his week long summer coaching camp here with us we have asked Tim Clarke from Ballaghdereen to come back to us for the Autumn coaching with the children.
He has proposed a new day for tennis coaching – Friday’s – which will hopefully be more accommodating for everyone. A great new feature will be the class for teenagers he is offering and he intends to now visit the local schools during the week too…..more about that later. This Friday he will coach as follows: 3:30-4:30 for 5-8 year olds, 4:30-5:30 for 9-12s, and 5:30-6:30 for teenagers.
Meanwhile Richard Turner is returning as usual for his Saturday afternoon coaching from 6 to 8pm only this time he will be focussing on beginners and adults – over 16 years old…..6 to 8pm every Saturday at the tennis courts in the marina in Ballyleague
Parents: please ring youth coach Tim Clarke direct at 083 1155374 if you need to change your child time for Friday next.
Enterprise Town 2015
Bank of Ireland has announced that it has chosen Ballymahon and its hinterland in South Longford as Enterprise Town 2015 which will be held on the 9th and 10th October next. Businesses in the town and surrounding areas will get an opportunity to showcase their businesses, free of charge in the Secondary School Gym on Friday the 9th. It will be a chance to meet new customers and suppliers and share ideas. Saturday features a Sports and Community Expo with all the local sports clubs, community clubs and societies gathering together to show what they do, to sign up new members and to recruit new supporters. For further information please contact Sheila Flynn, Manager at Bank of Ireland, Ballymahon at 07662 40510 who also has the relevant Registration forms which need to be completed. You do not have to be a customer of Bank of Ireland, everyone welcome.
St. Faithleach’s
Minor Boys: Next game due to be played on 26th September. U14 Boy’s D3: Saturday last seen the U14 Boys in the Division 3 County Final were they faced St Michaels, unfortunately they narrowly missed out on the title with a score line of St. Faithleach’s 2-7 St. Michael’s 3-8. Team: J. Tucker, D. Kilcoyne, A. Glennon, J.P. O’Reilly, M. Silva, N. Mc Govern, J. Browne, L. Ormsby, M. Dunne, C. Glennon, R. Banahan, C. O’Brien, J. Murray. Subs: C. Neil Smith, M. Cox, L. Kilcoyne, C. Gannon, M. O’Brien, K. Mc Donagh, D. Mc Dermott, K. Gallagher, O. Mc Gowan, A. Hegarty. The boys would like to take the opportunity to thank their management team of Mick O’Brien, Declan Browne and Vinny Glennon and everyone who supported them throughout the year. U14 Girls: Play Western Gaels in the semi-final on Tuesday 15th at 7pm in Ballyleague. Paddy Bolger Tournament: Takes place on club grounds on Saturday 19th at 10am.Best of luck to all eight teams involved. Drive in Bingo: Thanks to everyone who took part in our Drive in Bingo on Sunday last. Next one to be held on Bank Holiday Monday October 26th at 3pm. Lotto: There was no jackpot winner. The numbers drawn were 14, 16, 28 and 30. The five €20 winners were: Michelle /Alan Brehon, Pat Harrison, Emily and Sophie c/o Tom Morris, Margaret O’Neill and Una Glynn. The next draw will take place on Tuesday 22nd September in the clubhouse. Cards continue every Tuesday night at 8:30pm in the club house.