Lanesboro Ballyleague
We remember a Brave Fighter
We all remember three years ago and Marathons for Muireann. We remember the phenomenal efforts of Declan O’Flaherty in running the equivalent of 4 marathons in 2 days in support of the three charities that had helped Muireann so much.Muireann had an extremely rare Neurological disorder – Ponto Cerebellar, she also had microcephaly and epilepsy. Muireann fought bravely for her 5½ years in this world as by extension did her loving and caring family of Declan, Gina, Oisin, Liam, and Sadhbh who gave Muireann all of their being. On Sunday 24th July she passed to her eternal rest. Muireann inspired as did her family and we share with them in their grief and sorrow – the fight for life from Muireann and her family was truly immense. Muireann leaves behind an indelible mark and a remarkable family. We share our deepest sympathies with her parents Declan and Gina, their children Oisin, Liam and Sadhbh, their grandmother Mary O’Flaherty, uncles, James, Joe and Eamon, relations and family friends.Muireann reposed at her family residence at Bealnamulla, Athlone on Monday until the removal of her remains on Tuesday to SS. Peter & Paul’s Church for Mass of the Angels. Following Mass of the Angels Muireann was laid to rest in Drum cemetery.Day to RememberFor the past number of weeks, I was encouraging people to go to the Rathcline GAA Day at the Galway Races. Well, on Monday last the day came to pass and by all accounts it was a very special day I believe it was the social event of the year. Chatting to some of the people that went they all told the same story of a fabulous day in Ballybrit. It is wonderful to know that many local people be they home or abroad make the effort to go to the Rathcline day and support the local parish. It is more than a GAA club day, it is a parish day where locals congregate along with their friends they go to the races and share a wonderful day out. Some travelled from as far away as London and brought a number of friends with them to share in the day. We look forward to next year’s event and hopefully the Rathcline Race Day will go from strength to strength with more and more people making this the social event of the year. As the race day next year will be on the Monday of the Festival week perhaps it can be the beginning of a wonderful week of excitement and an occasion that we can all attend and to open the week with another fabulous day out at the Galway races with the Rathcline club,
Last man/woman Standing
All you need is an email and a credit card with €10 on it to enter the Last Man/Woman Standing competition. This is a fund raising venture for the Ladies club and they are asking supporters worldwide to go online and join in and pit your soccer knowledge against one another to see who goes the furthest and wins the first prize. On your search engine you should look for Rathcline Ladies Last Man Standing and enter your details as requested by the site. The club is hoping for great support from everyone and it is bound to create a lot of banter amongst everyone taking part.
Lough Ree Monster Festival
Have you considered coming home from abroad or even from other parts of the country for the Lough Ree Monster Festival 3rd to 7th August 2017? The committee is beginning to draw up a database of everyone interested. If you are interested, please express your interest as we will be seeking to set up an accommodation database to cater for everyone that want to come home and share in our festivities. In the next few days on the Lough Ree Monster Festival Facebook page and www.loughreemonsterfestival.com we will be opening designated pages for you.
If you intend to come home perhaps you will include the Rathcline Race Day which is becoming such a huge success and it will take place on the Monday prior to our festival commencement.
Looking for Memorabilia
As part of Lough Ree Summer School this August, Lanesboro Library will display an exhibition commemorating the Longford people who took part in 1916 Rising. The launch date is Friday 19th August at 7pm. If anyone has any memorabilia from that era, Stella O’Sullivan would love to display your offerings as part of this exhibition. If you can help by donating memorabilia can you contact Stella at the library phone 33 21291.
Can you help?
The chance does not come around too often to be able to play an active part in the
While we all have a great interest in the environment her is the opportunity to play your part and support the local environments in our community.
On 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.
Day of a Lifetime
Monday 18th was the trip of a lifetime for the Shannon Gaels Under8 panel when with their mentors Stephen Rooney and Diarmuid Farrell they took part in the Leinster Blitz in Croke Park. It was a most fabulous occasion for the panel and their travelling supporters. Former Kildare great Johnny Doyle greeted the group as they arrived in Croke Park and showed them around the great stadium. On the entrance tunnel to the hallowed turf of Croke Park there was sound affects as if you were running out into a packed house. The panel had a wonderful day and they would like to thank everyone that played a part in the club’s invitation and those that hosted us on the day. The panel was Alfie Murphy, Leah Kenny, Emma Feeney, Alex Mc Dermott, Shane Farrell, Rian Hogan, Liam Rhatigan, John Farrell, Diarmuid Hanly, Oisin Dillon, Matthew Murray, Evan Rooney, Mikey Sorohan, Senan Cox, Sean Collins, Emma Dowd, Clodagh Martin and Sarah Healy.
Summer Bridge
The results of the Summer Bridge competition held on Monday 25th July: N/S: 1st Chris McGrath and Kitty Dowd, 2nd Mary Mc Gushin and Maura Hanley, 3rd Una Clarke and Maureen Hynes and 4th Mary McDermott and Ann Kilduff
E/W: 1st Freda Kenny and Phil Chalmers, 2nd Mary Farrell and Essie Nugent, 3rd Mary Jameson and Goretti Kenny and 4th Bridie McGrath and Mary Moran
This week at the Library
Summer Opening Hours are as follows: Monday 2-8pm, Tuesday 2-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm 2-5pm, Thursday-Closed, Friday 10am-1pm 2-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm. Call 043 33 21291 for enquiries.
Storytime with Frances: Every Wednesday morning at 11am for the month of August, there will be a story time in Lanesboro Library for children aged 3-8. Places limited so please contact library to book a place on 043 332 1291.
Longford 1916 – Lanesboro: As part of Lough Ree Summer School this August, Lanesboro Library will display an exhibition commemorating the Longford people who took part in 1916 Rising. The launch date is Friday 19th August at 7pm. If anyone has any memorabilia from that era, Stella would love to display same as part of the exhibition. Contact the library on 043 33 21291. Many thanks.
Online Services at your Library: Did you know that you can now download free digital magazines with your library card and pin? Newest edition of Hello magazine now available.
ProQuest Online Newspaper service is also available.
Learn a new language online with Mango Connect service. Over 71 languages available.
Universal Class offers a unique online education experience. There are over 400 courses available.
Our new eBooks and eAudio Books service is now available using the Borrowbox App. Gain access to thousands of books!
Visit longfordlibrary.ie to register, get the BORROWBOX APP to gain access to thousands of books. All you need is your library card number and your pin. If you do not have a PIN, please contact your library desk where you will be issued with one.
Library membership is free so why not join and make use of all of the online services which are now available?
Blood Donation in Roscommon
The Blood Donation Clinic will return to Roscommon at the Hyde Centre. The clinic run from Tuesday 16th August to Thursday 18th August and it will be open from 4.30 and 8pm each of the three days.
There is always a great demand for blood and at this time of the year with holidays and other travels there tends to be a drop off in donors but the high demand for blood still remains. If you are already a donor and have not been there for a while, please consider going back and if you have not previously donated blood please begin in the Hyde Centre on the above dates.
50/50
Last week the 50/50 draw took place on Tuesday night due to the Rathcline Race Day taking place at the Galway races on the Monday night. The draw took place on Tuesday in Adie’s The winners prizemoney on night was €366. The winning envelope was drawn and the lucky name on it was Frances Kilcline, Barnacor. 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 alternatively you can purchase a pink ticket that allows you into the draw for 1 year for a price of €100.
Clerical Changes
Previously I mentioned that Fr. John Mc Manus was moving to Castlerea. That has now come to pass and we wish Fr. John the very best in his pastoral work as he moves to Castlerea parish where he replaces Fr. Joe Fitzgerald who was previously in the parish of Kilgefin.
We would like to welcome former C.C. in St. Mary’s Parish, Sligo, Fr. Dusmanta Mahanyak who is from the Archdioceses of Cuttack Bhubaneswar, India and we are sure he will have a very special time in the parish of Kilgefin.
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.
Childaid Cycle Challenge Sunday Next
The 50K or 100k (your challenge) will take place on Sunday next 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.
Proud of our Place
As we have gone through the final Bank Holiday of the summer we can look back on what has been a wonderful summer in Lanesboro/Ballyleague despite the best efforts of the weather to spoil all. There have been many events to attract, we recently also had the boat rally, the number of foreign and Irish visitors is dramatically up and we are greatly encouraged by their comments on your community and the beauty of our area. There are any people doing great work out front and behind the scenes to improve the area and to attract visitors and hopefully business. The work in the development continues apace and we look forward to some successful conclusions to some very exciting proposals being made for our community.
Everything is not over yet as the Lough Ree Angling Hub is hosting the World Predator Championship in October and there will also be a Taste of the Lakelands International Food Festival taking place on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October – Well done and good luck to Ciaran Mullooly and his team on these events and if you can lend your support please do.
We also look forward to some positive announcements too, hopefully, before the end of the year that will see our area greatly enhanced and create a new and much broader horizon and excitement.
Gerard Flynn
Gerard Flynn as a youngster in Lanesboro was an outstanding footballer following as we thought in the footsteps of his father the legendary Longford footballer Seamus. Alas, it was not to be as the lure of horse and the discipline of show jumping was to take over his life. He had a hugely successful career of riding under the umbrella of the Army Equitation School that took him over the world and winning acclaim wherever he went. His skills led him to Turkey where he trained and developed show jumpers and young riders to be very successful. Gerard then graduated into the buying and development of young horses. He returned to Ireland where he is continuing the development of young horses and riders.
He has been appointed Show Jumping coach with the Irish Eventing team and will travel to Rio for the Olympics. We wish Gerard every success for himself and his team in Rio and we will eagerly watch the performances of the team and looking forward to medals galore coming back home.
Skill of high Importance
The skill of being capable of using a defibrillator is very vital and practically everyone in our community and all clubs and associations must have a knowledge of its use. Being able to use it has saved a life in our community when a young Leitrim footballer collapsed during a game last year in Clonbonny. Training is advertised from time to time here and if you have not already done the course or have lapsed and need retraining then you must sign up for either course.
The training is provided free and the facilitators continue to develop areas for the placing of new automated external defibrillators (AED’s) and the replacement of batteries.
The group will hold their annual Church Gate Collection on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August.
Table Quiz
Longford Rose Caroline Doyle will host a Table Quiz in the Yacht Bar on this Friday night 5th August. Included on the night will be a draw and the quiz will be followed by a DJ. The quiz will start at 9pm and to participate it will cost €10 per person or €40 for a table of 4. The funds will help raise funds for our Longford Rose Caroline Doyle as she prepares for Tralee and will also go towards Pieta House, a charity Caroline is very passionate about.
Exciting opportunities at Compass Club
Compass Club by Coillte is a unique fun activity, which gives kids a secure and supervised adventure experience in great Irish forests, developing themselves and learning outdoor life skills in a fun way with other children. This is done through 1) After School Adventure courses, 2) Summer & Easter Camps, 3) School Tours, 4) Custom events for schools and other groups (such as County Councils, Preschools, Scouts, etc.)
Compass Club is all about giving kids awesome experiences in nature. As we see it, the great outdoors is the world’s best playground and through our fun, feel good activities, kids will make a host of new friends while rediscovering how exciting nature can be. From building shelters and toasting perfect marshmallows, to navigating trails and finding treasure, at Compass Club they’ll develop new skills and self-confidence, and may even end up teaching you a thing or two about the world around you. Compass Club is proudly brought to you by Coillte. With almost 3 years of research, development, tests, lots of fun (and a sprinkling of magic dust), Coillte working with leading experts in outdoor activity and with Godsil Education (experts in Strengths Based Education) officially launched the Compass Club in 2016.
The following are the After School courses in our area are Monday 19th September in Mote Park, Roscommon and Wednesday 21st September in Newcastle Wood, Ballymahon, Co. Longford. The courses will run for 6 weeks, 1 day per week from 3.45 to 5.45
The best ways to contact us are email us Info@CompassClub.ie, Facebook message or DM us on twitter
We enjoy a chat too, so talk to us if you need to talk to one of us – we’re available at …. office: 01 9055090 087 7097016 / 086 8335728
Church Gate Collection
Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns committee wish to thank everyone who supported their recent church gate collection at the Church of the Holy Rosary in Ballyleague. Almost 500 Euro was raised over the two days and this funding will go towards the completion of work on the beautiful new stone-capped wall beside Lakeview Filling station on the Roscommon road. This project was carried out by the stone mason Tom Fitzmaurice on behalf of the committee and cost €5000 to complete so there is still a significant shortfall in funds. If you would like to support this project and make a donation to our ongoing work, please contact our treasurer JP Kilcline in Ballyleague or phone the project co-ordinator Gerry Trimble at 087 6474832. The judging for tidy towns is over now for another year but the work continues in the village. Last weekend our volunteers planted a tree and put in a new monumental stone on a plinth in the marina in Ballyleague. This tree and stone was very kindly donated to the committee in recognition of their development work at the recent River Shannon boat rally and is very much appreciated. The committee wish to remind all dog owners that they must clean up after their pets while using the new riverside park. The dog warden now visits the park on a weekly basis to enforce the laws. The results of this year’s national tidy towns competition will be released on the last Monday of September.
Boats and Engines Wanted
The use of 30 locally based lake boats is required to host the World Predator Boat championships here in Ballyleague and Lanesborough between Wednesday October 5th and Sunday October 9th this year. The owners of the boats will be paid 100 euro per day for each boat on each of the 4 days for bringing out 2 fishermen from each of the 15 countries from around the world who will be attending. That’s 400 euro for your 4 days boat hire. Some boat owners will just have to supply the boat and the engine and no skipper. One of the regulations of the world championship is that ONLY engines of 10HP and more can be used and there is a severe shortage of engines of this horse power in the local area at the moment. If you have a lake boat with a 10HP engine, please contact Liam Sweeney in the Lough Ree Angling hub office at 085 1698032 or e mail: loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com as soon as possible. It is important to note that the insurance cover for the four days will be paid by the organisers of the world championship so the owner need have no concern there. The angling hub has already compiled a list of 15 boats for hire to date but another 15 are now needed. It would be a pity if we had to bring in boats from Enniskillen and elsewhere for to stage the world championship on Lough Ree so please consider this offer for your €400 boat hire. Thank you.
Rathcline GAA
There is no better feeling than when an event comes together successfully and the following days there is nothing but talk of the wonderful event. The club had their annual race day at the Galway Races and the event was full with over 140 people making it a very special day. Bernard Kane’s SuperValu was again the sponsor of the day. May we thank everyone that came and supported and they came from near and far. You made the day what it was but your attendance in large numbers and also by the vibrancy you brought to the event. The setting was spectacular, the food excellent and the entertainment of the races and the after racing entertainment with Gerry Kennan was only mighty. The club is deeply indebted to everyone for their support, our sponsor Bernard Kane’s SuperValu, the club organiser Stephen Rooney, Caroline Ginty and Michael Farrell. We would like to thank Gerry Keenan for his excellent entertainment and we would also like to thank Galway race committee for proving us with a wonderful location and food for the day.
The Best Dressed Lady Prize of a Beauty Hamper & Bottle of Prosecco sponsored by O’Brien’s Pharmacy Lanesboro was won by Marian Ryan.
The club would like to thank Gerard Farrell for sponsoring Declan Gilmore photography, Kiernan’s Steel for sponsoring the wine, the staff of Lydon House for an excellent meal. The raffle is a big part of our day and we thank you all for your continued support. The prizes and winners were as follows: 1st prize – One Night B&B and evening meal in Glasson Country House Hotel courtesy of Niall Flynn – winner Anthony Dooner, 2nd prize – TV from Tesco courtesy of David O’Reilly – winner Patrick Dowd, 3rd prize – Johnston’s Pharmacy voucher courtesy of Gareth Johnston – winner Alex McDermott, 4th prize – Timepieces Voucher courtesy of Marie Farrell Ulster Bank – winner Sarah Kearney, 5th prize – The Sister’s Bistro voucher courtesy of Mary & Patricia O’Loughlin – winner Max Farrell, 6th prize – Adie’s Bar & Restaurant voucher courtesy of Gerard Farrell – winner Deirdre McVitey, 7th prize – Cloud 9 Beautician voucher courtesy of Michelle Connerton Kelly – winner Ann Marie Hand, 8th prize – Keri’s Beauty Room voucher courtesy of Keri Rogers – winner Ronan Clyne, 9th prize – Xlntee Hair Salon voucher courtesy of Claire Flynn – winner John Bannon.
Unlucky: On Friday night last our senior team travelled to Cashel for the second round of the championship. It was more of a recovery mission following the first round heavy defeat as much as it was a very important championship game and a vital two points.
At half time it looked very bleak when Ballymahon lead by 2-10 to 0-6 and a big travelling support was looking down the barrel of another heavy defeat. We were very impressed with the second half performance where the lads battled hard to recover some pride. The 10pt half time deficit seemed a huge task and one too big for this very young team. The lads restricted Ballymahon to just 1-2 in the second half and they scored 2-10 themselves. In the final minutes we had the opportunity to draw but as luck would have it we just ran out of time. However, this was a great heart-warming second half performance and we hope that the inspiration gained will be carried into their third championship game in Dunbeggan, Stonepark, on this Tuesday 2nd August at 8pm.
The 50/50 took place in Adie’s on Tuesday night last. The winner’s prizemoney on the night was €366. The winning envelope was drawn and the lucky name on it was Frances Kilcline, Barnacor. 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 alternatively you can purchase a pink ticket that allows you into the draw for 1 year for a price of €100.
The Shannon Gaels U8 panel had the day of a lifetime when they got the opportunity to travel and play in Croke Park in the Leinster Blitz. We thank coaches Stephen Rooney, Diarmuid Farrell and the parents that travelled on the day. The panel was Alfie Murphy, Leah Kenny, Emma Feeney, Alex Mc Dermott, Shane Farrell, Rian Hogan, Liam Rhatigan, John Farrell, Diarmuid Hanly, Oisin Dillon, Matthew Murray, Evan Rooney, Mikey Sorohan, Senan Cox, Sean Collins, Emma Dowd, Clodagh Martin and Sarah Healy.
The Shannon Gaels minor club held a Table Quiz in the Peer Inn on Friday night last. While the numbers were not as expected the night was a good success. The club would like to thank everyone that sponsored prizes and made donations for the Quiz. The club really appreciates your continued support. The minor club would like thank the good number senior players that despite their defeat to Ballymahon turned up and took part in the Quiz – thank you. The senior club offered two tickets for the All-Ireland Quarter Final and the lucky winner was David Dowd, Thureen.
Fixtures: This Tuesday our U14 team will take on St. Colmcille’s in the U14 Championship in Clonbonny at 7.30pm while also on Tuesday our Seniors will take on Drumlish at 8pm in Dunbeggan, Stonepark. On Monday 8th our U14 will travel to Dromard for the second round of the championship at 7.30pm. On Wednesday 9th our minors will take on Granard/Ballymore in Dunbeggan at 7.30. The final group game of the championship will take place in Dromard where we take on Mostrim at 5.45pm.