Lanesboro Ballyleague
Celebrate Local Biodiversity
This is a great opportunity for everyone to work together and celebrate our local biodiversity.
It is a great opportunity for anyone interested in the environment. On the 27th August with Bord na Mona and local community groups we will be holding an environmental awareness event in Corlea, Co Longford. This community event is for everyone with an interest in the environment around us. The event will focus on recording all biodiversity (birds, mammals, plants, mosses and invertebrates) in Corlea and will focus on habitats such as cutaway bog, intact raised bog and scrub.
During the day events such as a bird talk, bat walk, moth trapping along with general biodiversity walks will be organised. All events will be free of charge and will be available to everyone, young and old. A timetable of events will be available soon.
If you or your group would be interested in helping run one of the events on the day, please let me know and we can work together on a schedule of events. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who may be interested. Contact David Fallon: David.Fallon@bnm.ie phone; 087 9711658 or 057 9345993
What is Lip Sync
You have been seeing the signs all over town of the Lip Sync event taking place on Saturday week 9th July. If you are like me, you are asking what is Lip Sync. It was simply described to me as something similar to Search for a Star that was held in Lanesboro Parish Hall for a few years.
I have been informed that a large number of local acts are busily preparing for their night on stage. If it is similar to Search for a Star it will be a fabulous night and one of sheer enjoyment and a night not to be missed under any circumstances. Sponsorship cards are in most businesses and there are supporters of the acts going house to house seeking support. Be generous towards this fundraiser.
Hopefully next week I will have the list of acts and we can be gearing ourselves up to go along and support all the acts.
The show will take place at St. Faithleach’s grounds on Friday night 9th July. The doors will open at 8pm and the show will commence at 9pm. Tickets cost €20 and it is important to get there early to get the prime seats.
Declan Nerney comes to St. Faithleach’s
Saturday night 10th June promises to be a fabulous night at St. Faithleach’s when top country star Declan Nerney will be supplying the entertainment for the night in the marquee on the grounds. Declan is a great onstage performer and this is a very special night of dancing not to be missed. Admission €15 and the doors open at 9pm.
Kayak Camp
The hugely popular Kayak Camp is back once again. Junior Hannon, fresh from his charity paddle from Lanesboro to Limerick, will instruct and supervise this very popular Kayak camp from Monday 11th July to Friday 15th July. The camp -will run each day from 10am to 1pm. The cost of the camp is €70 and all gear will be provided. Book early to avoid disappointment phone Junior at 087-6675275.
Aquathon
Lanesboro Triathlon club hosted an Aquathon on Wednesday last. For the night that was in it there was a very good attendance considering Ireland were playing Ital at the same time in the Euros. The swim was a real challenge in very choppy water and it was great credit to everyone that managed to complete the swim. It was followed by a 5k run up through the woods to Rathcline crossroads and back to the finishing line back at the harbour. As per usual it was an excellently organised and run Aquathon and credit must go to the committee for their attention to detail. First home in the Mens race was Brian Harris, Base2Race, followed by David Sheridan, Longford and in third place was Declan Martin. In the ladies race the first three ladies home were 1st Niamh Staunton followed in second place by Eithne Mc Carty, Athlone TC and in third place was Anne Mc Claffey, Midland TC.
5K Run Walk Crawl
Rathcline GAA club on Saturday next will host a 5K Run, Walk, Crawl and Buggy Push. Those not running will start off from Rathcline GAA club grounds at 11.45am followed by the runners at 12noon. Registration will take place from 10.45am and the entry fee will be €10. Further details are available from Brendan Keane 086-2263739.
The club welcomes everyone to participate in the 5K and looks forward seeing people from all over the region taking part.
Tour to Mountlucas Wind Farm
Bord na Móna is organising a tour of Mountlucas Wind Farm in Co. Offaly for Tuesday 12th July. The tour is free of charge and transport will be provided. Booking is essential. For further information and bookings please contact Catherine on 087-1175756.
Death
It was with great sadness we learned on Thursday 16th of the death at Tullamore General Hospital of Patrick Farrell, Killavacken, Curraghroe. Patsy as he was more commonly known realised that life was for living and backed it up by working hard as he paved his own way through life. Patsy, a builder and farmer, carried on the proud tradition of his forefathers in the trade of stonemasonry. He could lay his hand to many skills from block laying, plastering, roofing, stone work and farming. He worked hard and especially in land improving. Patsy in recent years was in failing health and showed great resilience in enduring life’s great challenges. Patsy’s death will leave a great void in hearts of all of us that have many fond memories of him, he will be sadly missed.
His remains reposed at his residence on Sunday 19th until the removal of his remains to St. Cecilia’s Church Curraghroe the same evening. On Monday following his Funeral Mass his remains were laid to rest in Cloontuskert cemetery. To his wife Frances, sons Vincent, Raymond, Owen and Ciaran, daughters Mary and Patricia relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Church Gate Collection
The annual Church Gate Collection in aid of Chernobyl Children takes place on Saturday week 9th and Sunday week 10th July. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.
Summer Bridge
Bridge is on in Lanesborough on Monday night during the Summer. All are welcome
The results of the completion held on Monday June 13th are: N/S: Gross: 1st Una Clarke and Maureen Hynes, 2nd Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon, 3rd Patricia McGann and Essie Nugent. Nett: 1st Una Clarke and Maureen Hynes, 2nd Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon 3rd Loretta Cooney and Brendan Dowling.
E/W Gross and Nett: 1st Goretti Kenny and Mary Jameson, 2nd Ann Delaney and Ann Fallon, 3rd Chris McGrath and Kitty Dowd.
The results of the competition held on Monday June 20th are: N/S: Gross; 1st Eileen Kelly and Chris McGrath, 2nd Una Clarke and Maureen Hynes, 3rd Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon.
Nett: 1st Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon, 2nd Una Clarke and Maureen Hynes, 3rd Eileen Kelly and Chris McGrath.
E/W: Gross and Nett: 1st Ann Delaney and Ann Fallon, 2nd Goretti Kenny and Mary Jameson, 3rd Des and Eileen Watts.
Two Provinces Triathlon
The Lanesboro Triathlon club once again will host the annual Two Provinces Sprint triathlon in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. The weekend commencing on Friday 15th July will be the time to make your journey back to the area. The triathlon will take place on Saturday 16th July and this year as well as the National Series Lanesboro will be the host of the Sprint Distance Triathlon National Championship. The good and the great will be participating this year and it is a great opportunity to see elite athletes from all over Ireland taking part in the competition right on our own doorstep.
Engagement
It is not every day that the finish signifies the beginning but that is exactly what happened on Sunday last at the finishing line of the Galway Ironman challenge when Derek Rutherford went down on one knee and asked Ronie Masterson to marry him. Ronie duly accepted and we would like to wish Ronie and Derek many years of happiness.
Ladies Day at Roscommon Races
Monday and Tuesday 4th and 5th July Roscommon race committee will host a two-day racing festival at Roscommon Race Track. The starting time on Monday 4th is scheduled for 5.55pm and on Tuesday 5th the first race will be off at 5.30pm.
Monday 4th is always one of the most popular days at the track as it is Ladies Day. This year the Ladies Day Best Dressed Lady will be sponsored by SuperValu. The Best Dressed Lady will receive a magnificent €2,000 cash prize and the nine finalists will each receive €100 cash prizes. The style on this very popular day is fabulous and it is a credit to all the ladies that make such an effort for this very special Ladies Day.
For the racing fraternity there is a full card of flat racing on 4th with the Lenebane Stakes (listed race) with a prize fund of €45,000 being the stand out race of the evening.
On Tuesday 5th racing will be a full card of National Hunt Races with the feature race being the Leo Dolan Memorial Handicap Hurdle over 3miles. The card is made up of top racing and if you cannot make it Monday make sure you are there Tuesday. The first race on Tuesday will start at 5.30pm.
Roscommon Racecourse is where you will meet and enjoy the company of local people who will be seeking lots of winners and a great evening out.
Man Utd’s first home game
How do you fancy going to Manchester United’s first home game of the 2016/17 season under new manager Jose Mourinho that takes place in Old Trafford on Saturday 20th August? The Roscommon branch is organising an overnight trip to Manchester for the home game against Southampton. The bus will leave Roscommon town and the cost will include bus, ferry, overnight stay at hotel including breakfast and transfers to and from the match. The cost of the trip is €239 and if you wish to book yourself in to travel or need further information you can call 086-8417264 as soon as possible as seats are limited.
Tractor Run
Each year the Colmcille Vintage Club hold a tractor run in aid of a local charity. This year they have kindly agreed to donate the proceeds to the Longford branch of the Alzheimer’s Society. The run takes place on Sunday 3rd July, departing from Aughnacliffe at 12 noon heading towards Esker Cross, Drumlish and on to Longford, returning via Ballinalee. Bucket collections will take place along the route and subscription cards are also in circulation. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
New Garda
Following recent departures from the local Garda force in Lanesboro it is great to announce that we have received an additional Garda to Lanesboro last week. Orla Finneran, previously stationed in Ballymahon was officially appointed to Lanesboro. We welcome Orla to Lanesboro and we offer her our support in dealing with unwanted happenings in the Lanesboro, Cashel, Kenagh and Killashee areas.
Thank You
The Tidy Towns committee would like to thank everyone for their contribution to their recent Church Gate collection. Your generosity on the weekend amounted to €650.
Songs of Praise Performance
The Roscommon Solstice Choir will perform a Songs of Praise Performance in the Sacred Heart Church on Sunday next 3rd July commencing at 8pm. The doors will open at 7.30pm and tickets are priced at €10. There will be guest performances by Frankie Mc Donald and Eleanor Shanley. All proceeds will go to Roscommon Cancer Support. Tickets are available locally from Margaret Gillen phone 086-3600419.
Cemetery Sunday in Parish of Rathcline
On Sunday next 3rd July the first of the Cemetery Sunday ceremonies will take place in Rathcline Cemetery at 6pm. Those with grave in Rathcline are reminded to tend to their family graves in preparation for the ceremonies. There will be a collection box at the entrance for voluntary contributions towards the upkeep of Rathcline Cemetery.
The following Sunday 10th July the ceremonies will take place in Lanesboro Cemetery and the following Sunday in Clonbonny all at 6pm. People are asked to make sure their family plots are well maintained in advance of all ceremonies.
Poetry at the Sisters Bistro
You are invited to go along to the Sisters Bistro on Main Street and join with the local writers group for an hour of poetry reading from a variety of poets. You can sit back, relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee whilst enjoying the poetry. This event is a new introduction to the town and we hope that a good number will go along on Wednesday 29th June from 4 to 5pm.
Galway Races only a few weeks away
As we are in the dying days of June the famous Galway Races only a matter of a few weeks away now is time to start preparing for the Rathcline club’s Annual Day at the races. The package for the day at the races makes the day a very special one and it is really inviting way to entertain family and friends. It is a great opportunity to avail of the warm summer weather and a reason to dress up for the occasion.
Rathcline will go racing on the opening day of the famous Galway Races, Monday 25th July with the first race commencing in and around 5pm.
The Galway Races brings a great excitement and the club offers you the opportunity to be part of that excitement in the company of locals.
All in all, this is a very special day out all for the cost of €110 and for your money you will receive free admission as well as a race card, free parking, a seating and viewing area located in the new Killanin stand overlooking the finishing line with spectacular views, there will be tipsters in the Pavilion, tote facilities, a beautiful 4 course meal, €5 drink voucher, there will be an opportunity to be declared the Best Dressed Lady and there will be after meal entertainment.
The club appreciates the continued support of Bernard Kane Supervalu, Lanesboro for once again sponsoring this very special club occasion and an occasion you should come to and have a really good evening’s entertainment.
As tables are limited it is very important that you book your seats as early as possible. To book your table you should contact Caroline Ginty 087-6224810, Stephen Rooney086-3176301 or Mickie Farrell 086-8509820.
One Day Retreat to Lough Derg
The annual one-day retreat to Lough Derg will take place on Sunday 4th September. The bus will leave from Lanesboro parish hall at 7am. For information and bookings, you can contact Mary Doyle on 3321969.
Tax Relief Scheme
People who are eligible for the Tax Relief Scheme and who have not yet joined are encouraged to do so. Forms will be left in the church porch.
50/50
The winner of the 50/50 draw the took place in the Yacht Bar on Monday night last was Vinnie nee, Clonadra. This is the third week in a row that the prizemoney has gone to the west of the Shannon. The winning prizemoney on Monday night was €373. The club thanks you for your support and encourages everyone to support the draw weekly. The blue 50/50 envelopes are on sale locally throughout the town for only €2.
Childaid Cycle Challenge
The 50K or 100k (your challenge) will take place on Sunday 7th August commencing from Rosbowl on the Lanesboro Road, Roscommon at am. Registration will take place from 9am on the morning. The registration fee is €25 on the day or €20 if entering by email to maryschildaidchallenge@gmail.com. The first 100 people to register will receive a free cycling jersey. Refreshment will be served on the day and if you require any further information contact Mary at 086-1084536. Childaid is attempting to make a world fit for children and your support will go greatly towards fulfilling the aim of the organisation.
Viking Fleet Challenge
A fleet of Viking longships will travel from Upper Lough Erne in Co. Fermanagh to Athlone. It will stop off in Lanesboro on Thursday 7th July. You are invited to meet the Vikings at their encampment from 5pm to 9pm that evening.
Get up close and personal with the Vikings and their longships, help stitch their amazing tapestry and listen to the gruesome tales of old. Join the Vikings for what should be a very interesting time in Lanesboro.
Siamsa
An Irish Language Summer Course (SIAMSA!) will take place from Monday 4th July to Friday 8th July 2016 in Gaelscoil Longfoirt giving children an opportunity to learn, practice and improve their spoken Irish. Events and activities include morning Oral Irish Classes, Games, Sports, Art and Crafts, Drama, Music and Céilí Dancing. The course will take place from 9.30am to 3.00pm each day and will cater for students from Second Class to First Year. Experienced teachers teaching through total immersion and excellent supervision apply. Further information and applications forms available from Yvonne Ní Mhurchú 087-2642665.
Further Education Courses
Longford College of Further Education is providing courses in its new campus in the old army barracks in the Centre of Longford Town. It is a PLC provider of Longford and Westmeath ETB with all awards accredited by the QQI national framework of qualifications. Courses have links for progression to third level institutions where relevant. Enrolment is now open for QQI level 5 and 6 courses beginning September 2016. New courses include Level 5 Tourism with Business, Level 5 Film and TV Production and Level 6 Software Development. Other courses available include Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Business, Multimedia, Childcare, Healthcare, Nursing and Motor Technology. Please see www.longfordcfe.com for further information. To enrol, simply click on “enrol” on the homepage and follow instructions.
Cúl Camps
The Cúl Camp in Clonbonny will take place from Monday 25th to Friday 29th July. This is always a wonderful week for all the young boys and girls, full of enjoyment and sport and a week not to be missed. Bookings can be made on the Longford GAA website – click on the Cúl Camps icon on the home page or contact Damian Sheridan, Longford GAA or Tina Dowd, club chairperson. The fee for the week is €55 for the first child, €45 for the second and €40 for the third and fourth.
Rathcline Ladies
It was not a great weekend for our ladies as our U14 team had played and beat Grattan’s to qualify for the semi-final where they took on Ardagh St. Bridget’s and had an excellent win. On Saturday they played the final in Michael Fay Park they again took on Grattan’s but unfortunately they just fell short. We done to all concerned on getting to the final and the girls now have the summer league to look forward to over the coming weeks.
Our U12 team are playing the summer league and they are having a great time and much success.
The senior ladies played Ballymore at the weekend in the championship where they were beaten.
Revamp 3R Store
Revamp in Longford town has been serving the wider community for over 10 years. They are always seeking out furniture that is fit for resale with or without some remedial work. They also repair, restore or upholster items for customers. You are invited to visit their showrooms at Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford. If you want to contact Revamp you can do so by phoning 3348876. Revamp is a not for profit project, all proceeds to supporting training and employment opportunities.
Food Festival
With over 200 people from 15 countries coming to Lanesborough and Ballyleague for the world fishing championship in October a food festival will be staged in a marquee behind St Mary’s Hall at the bridge. ‘Taste of the Lakelands’ will feature the very best of local food produce and LIVE cooking displays by top chefs such as Kevin Dundon and our own Kiernan Glennon on Friday 7th October and Saturday 8th October. If you’re a local food producer of any type and would like to take part, please ring Liam Sweeney at 085 1698032 or the Lough Ree Angling Hub office at 04333 21734
In advance of the food festival a one-day special food and craft market will be staged in Ballyleague on Sunday 24th from 10am to 4pm when 200 people will be in the marina taking part in the 2016 Shannon boat rally. To place a stall call Liam at 085 1698032 please before June 20th or e mail: tasteofthelakelands@gmail.com
Boat Rally
On Sunday July 24th the River Shannon boat rally will be in town with over 100 boats and 200 people. The rally is always a great event – attracting people from all over the country and, to mark the occasion, it is hoped to stage a local food and crafts market alongside a summer picnic and family fun day in the marina in Ballyleague. It should be a great day and all local food producers and crafts people are invited to take part. Stalls and stands are now available but will be limited. To take a stand please contact Liam Sweeney at 04333 21734 or 085 1698032 or e mail: tasteofthelakelands@gmail.com if you wish to take part. It is hoped to also raise funds on the day for Cancercare West.
Big Fishing Weekend
Next Saturday and Sunday (July 2nd and 3rd) Lough Ree Angling hub is very pleased to host the first qualifying matches for places on the Irish team to take part in World Predator Boat championships here in Lanesborough in October.
This is a very prestigious event for our community and all part of the angling hub 5-year plan for the regeneration of the tourism economy here locally. Fishermen from all over the country will be here this weekend, eating locally, staying locally and drinking locally so please make them welcome in our town.
All contestants are asked to be on site at Ballyleague marina to register between 7am and 8am on Saturday morning. Boats will be subject to washing prior to launch. Fishing will be from 9am to 4pm. The entry fee per day is €25. To take a part you must be a member of any NCFFI affiliated club or a member of the NCFFI Predator Club and hold an Irish or UK & Northern Ireland passport. Members of Lough Ree Angling hub are eligible and membership is still available at €10 each if you want to join. One non-passport holder will be accepted on the team providing he/she has been residing in Ireland for more than five years. Non-members may also join the NCFFI Predator Club on the day for £20 or €25 annual membership. We request that anglers bring along their NCFFI membership cards for inspection.
Scoring: Anglers will fish in pairs for pike and perch only which will be measured and returned immediately to the water. Points will be awarded as follows; 1 cm of pike over 50 cm = 1 point. 1cm of perch over 25cm = 0.5 points.
The ranking of the competitors will be based on the points per cm achieved for the pair. The pair with the highest number of points will be awarded 1 penalty point, 2nd 2 and so on. The penalty points will be added together for the six qualifiers and the top 2 eligible pairs (4 anglers) will be selected for the 2016 team. Where not eligible (i.e. a non-passport holder has already been selected*) it will default to the next eligible angler.
You may fish one or all of the qualifiers but by attending all of them you will have a great chance of making the team. In the case of absence at one or more the pair(s) will receive last position for the day and will be awarded the lowest position and penalty points based on the number of pairs who took part plus 1. i.e. if there are 10 pairs in attendance that day the absent pair(s) will receive 12 penalty points to take forward to the next round.
For more information, visit this website: http://www.ncffi.ie/2016-boat-team-qualifiers/
Qualifying Events
The 2nd and 3rd qualifiers will be held in Ballyleague and Lanesborough over the following weekends:
Saturday 6th August and Sunday 7th August
The final qualifying sessions will be held in conjunction with the new All Ireland Lure Angling Championships which will be an open event with optional pools, trophies and tackle prizes on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August
The entry fee is €50/£40 per weekend or €25/£20 per day. Monies raised go to the team fund to cover their expenses. Anglers may fish as many or as few of the qualifiers they wish.
If you would like more information about taking part call Liam at 085 1698032 or e mail : loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com
Food Festival
With over 200 people from 15 countries coming to Lanesborough and Ballyleague for the world fishing championship in October a food festival will be staged in a marquee behind St Mary’s Hall at the bridge. ‘Taste of the Lakelands’ will feature the very best of local food produce and LIVE cooking displays by top chefs such as Kevin Dundon and our own Kiernan Glennon on Friday October 7th and Saturday October 8th. If you’re a local food producer of any type and would like to take part, please ring Liam Sweeney at 085 1698032 or the Lough Ree Angling Hub office at 04333 21734
In advance of the food festival a one-day special food and craft market will be staged in Ballyleague on Sunday 24th from 10am to 4pm when 200 people will be in the marina taking part in the 2016 Shannon boat rally. This will be a big family fun day with all proceeds raised going to Cancercare West. To place a stall call Liam at 085 1698032 please before July 4th or e mail: tasteofthelakelands@gmail.com
Rathcline GAA
The senior team are preparing well for the first round of the Senior championship which is provisionally pencilled in for Sunday 17th July where we will take on Carrickedmond.
Well done to Denis Connerton, our club representatives, team management and panel of players who had a wonderful win over Down in Newry on Sunday. The replay between Donegal and Monaghan will take on a whole new meaning now that Longford has been drawn against the losers in the next round of the qualifiers.
The fixtures for the coming week are all at under age commencing on this Wednesday 29th with an Under 8 Go Games Respect Exhibition in Clonbonny where we will entertain Ballymahon/Forgney Gaels and Carrick Sarsfields.
This Thursday 30th our Minor team will play the Minor League semi-final when they will welcome Carrick Sarsfields to Clonbonny at 7.30pm. We expect a large local support for the game.
Also on Thursday, again in Clonbonny, we will welcome Aughavas to Clonbonny for the semi-final of the Longford Leitrim U12 League. Again, we expect big support in Clonbonny for this game that throws in at 7.30pm.
On Wednesday 6th July our U10 panel will travel to Ballymahon for the U10 Respect Exhibition Go Games where they will take part with Ballymahon Forgney Gaels and Southern Gaels.
Tennis Camp
Parks Tennis Summer Camp (Ages 5 – 17 years) will take place at the Lough Ree Bay Tennis Courts from 2nd to 6th August. Registration: will take place this Friday 1st July from 3:30 – 6:30. All enquiries to Tim (083) 1155374
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Fundraising Event: This year’s club fundraiser is taking place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July. “Lip Sync Battle” takes place on Saturday 9th and sees members of the community battle it out on stage to become our champion. All contestants have been hard at work rehearsing and working on their acts for your enjoyment and it’s a night not to be missed.
Sunday 10th July sees the very popular Declan Nerney play live and is a guaranteed night of great music and dancing. Tickets for both evening’s entertainments are available from the Clubhouse, Ben’s Barber Shop or from committee members. Tickets are selling fast so be sure to get yours.
Junior Ladies Championship: The Junior Ladies play their first round of the Championship against Ballinameen in Ballyleague.
Junior Championship: The game against Fuerty has been changed from 3rd July to Wednesday 20th July.
U16 Boys Championship D2: Last Sunday’s game against St. Aidans is to be refixed. Next game against Roscommon Gaels.
U14 Boys Championship D3: The boys played their first championship game of the year against Western Gaels on Thursday last. Result: St. Faithleach’s 9-10 Western Gaels 2-5. Team: E. Kelly, M. Cox, F. Dunne, J. O’Connor, D. Kilcoyne, J. O’Reilly, M. Silva, C. Glennon, J. Murray, M. O’Brien, L. Kilcoyne, C. Gannon. Subs: J. Tucker, D. Cullen, S. Cox. Next game against Kilbride on Thursday 30th at 7:30pm in Kilbride.
U14 Girls Summer League: The U14 summer league starts on Tuesday 28th with match against Four Roads in Ballyleague.
U10 Go Games Blitz: Kilbride are hosting next week’s U10 blitz on club grounds at 11am on Saturday 2nd July.
Congratulations: Congratulations to David and Trisha Harrison on the birth of their baby daughter last week.
Cards: Take place every Tuesday evening at 9pm in the Clubhouse. Last week’s winners; Jimmy / Mick
runner up Pat Joe /Tim, last game Annie/Kathleen.
Lotto: Jackpot stands at €12,000. Next draw Tuesday 28th June. Team in charge for next two weeks; Monica Connaughton, Mary Hussey and Qona Cox. Envelopes are €2 and available in all local retailers and clubhouse.