Lanesboro Ballyleague
Jimmy Retires
This time 35 years ago a new teacher entered the school of learning that was Lanesboro Vocational School and now is known as Lanesboro Community College. Jimmy Flanagan a native of Kilkerrin, Co. Galway was a man to take up his new post and he would leave an indelible mark not only on the school but also in the community.
Jimmy immersed himself in the community very fast and became a very active member. His teaching skills in his chosen subjects of Maths, Science and Physics were excellent as many of his students were high in their praise of Jimmy and as his results would attest. During his 35 years of teaching Jimmy seen many changes and in the final 16 years he would have to implement a new and changing curriculum.
In 2000 following the retirement of his predecessor Bart Clancy, Jimmy was appointed School Principal and it was a role he slipped seamlessly into and the school continued on its upward trend. Jimmy’s open and warm manner endeared him to everyone and his openness to embracing change seen the school gaining much positive acclaim. Jimmy was a great leader of the men and women teachers in the school. He was and still is a very jovial character and it was seldom that he did not have an aside to diffuse any situation.
From day one Jimmy was a very popular teacher on the staff and this continued right up to the final days of the class of 2016 that completed their education in Lanesboro Community College in June. A notable achievement in his final year as Principal was that this year’s Leaving Certificate results were wonderful with over 50% of the Leaving Cert class receiving over 400 points – a wonderfully high achievement.
We would like to wish Jimmy a long and happy retirement and I am sure his wife Bernie will be delighted to have Jimmy to herself at last to complete the many ‘long finger’ jobs while they share their time between Rathcline and Inishbofin.
New Principal
Following in big footsteps will be the new Lanesboro Community School Principal Bernice Martin. She moves from her previous position of Principal in Columba College, Killucan, Co. Westmeath. We welcome Bernice to Lanesboro and wish her a very happy stay with us and much more academic success.
Tickets for Hurling all-Ireland
The hurling final that everyone wanted this year takes place on Sunday next 4th September. The two most traditional hurling rivals Kilkenny and Tipperary will battle it out for All -Ireland glory. You have the chance of attending the final as the Rathcline club is holding a draw for 2 Premium tickets. Tickets are on sale locally. For just €2 you can be at the match sitting in the Premium section and enjoying the thrills and the spills that makes hurling what it is. The draw will take place on Friday night.
Magnificent Rose Caroline
On Tuesday night last we settled in to watch the Rose of Tralee. This year was a Rose of Tralee of a difference for our community and for the county of Longford as Caroline Doyle daughter of Miriam Doyle Church View was selected from the Wednesday/Thursday selection of 32 Roses from the total 65. To make it through the qualifying round was indeed an achievement and a great credit to Caroline.
Caroline took the stage in a very confident manner and gave a wonderful and poised performance as she was interviewed by RTÉ and Rose host Dáithí Ó Sé to a watching audience of over 600,000 viewers. Caroline displayed to Dáithí the art of kick boxing that she took up a few years back.
Caroline proved to be an excellent ambassador for county Longford and particularly for her home town of Lanesboro when she sang loudly the praises and beauty of both. She encouraged the viewers of over 600,000 along with the worldwide assembled audience to come and visit us and enjoy the beauty that Lanesboro and county Longford has to offer. It was a remarkable performance by our Rose Caroline and we are rightly proud of her performance in the 2016 Rose of Tralee. She is our Rose and we are very honoured that she is one of our own.
Lough Ree Monster 10k Race
A date for your diary and only 6 weeks away. The Lough Ree Monster group will hold a 10k and 4-mile Road race on Sunday 2nd October. The group looks forward to all local runners and their running club members and friends taking part.
St. Faithleach’s in Quarter Final
Sunday last was a vital day for the St. Faithleach’s club and depending on the results things could have gone either way. The team rose to the occasion in a major way when they had a great win over a very highly rated Strokestown side. Gareth Johnston had the team primed and ready for this huge challenge and fair play to them they did not disappoint.
They will now take on Boyle in the Quarter Final for a place in the semi-final on Sunday 11th September.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Josie and Patsy Donlon, Lehery and the extended Casey family Lanesboro and Newtowncashel on the sudden death of Josie’s sister Cathy Gambold, Derrydarragh, Newtowncashel.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The highlight of our year was Captain Ronan Cullen’s Prize Day in Moate Golf Club on Friday last the 26 August. We had one of the biggest attendances of recent times and everybody was delighted that Ronan’s day was such a success. We thank Ronan for the lovely prizes and the splendid crystal trophy which was won by Tony Gavigan. Tony’s joy at having won this prestigious prize was evident to all in his acceptance speech. As well as being so happy at winning the captain’s prize, Tony said he was so grateful to be playing golf at all as a result of receiving a new kidney some years ago. He also remembered his own dear child whose organs were donated after a tragic accident previous to Tony receiving his new kidney. Thank you Tony for reminding everyone of the importance of organ donation and we wish you many other happy golf days.
The other prizes were as follows: Men’s 2nd and 3rd were won by Sean Brennan and John James O’Shea respectively. The front nine went to Timmy Glynn and the back nine to Jackie McDonald. The ladies’ first, second and third were won by Fiona Gillen, Bernie Taylor and Vera Whitty in that order. Thanks to Moate Golf Club and caterers for the usual warm reception.
The society would like to express deepest sympathy to two of our longest standing members, John James O’Shea on the sad death of his dear sister Hannah Clyne the previous week, and Timmy Glynn on the death of his brother-in-law, Br. Michael Burke, killed in a tragic accident early in the week. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.
The next outing is to Birr Golf Club on Wednesday the 21st September from 11.30 to 12.30.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Cathríona and Denis Connerton and family on the death of Cathríona’s mother Mrs Eileen Mulligan, Dromard who passed away on Friday 19th August.
Lough Ree Monster Meeting
Have you got ideas as to what should be included? Would you like to be part of a very exciting festival? We encourage those interested from the Lanesboro, Ballyleague and the parish of Kilgefin, Cashel and Killashee to come along and help create a very special event on the banks of the Shannon from Thursday 3rd to Monday 8th August 2017.
The first meeting back takes place this Wednesday 31st August in Clarke’s Bar at 9.30pm, please note later time of meeting.
Macra for all young people
If you are young person in the area and feel you are stifled by the lack of an active and enthusiastic club in the area. Your prayers are just about to be answered. Macra is currently looking for young people to join a new Macra club, Macra is a non-profit organisation for young people 17-35, it has 6 key activities such as Agriculture, Sports, Performing Arts, Travel, Public Speaking and Community Involvement. You don’t need to be a farmer, farmerette or even from a farming background to join. The club is open to everyone within its age group and it is one of the best and actively aware clubs in the country.
Contact can be made by contacting Diarmaid on 086 8612750 or by contacting the Longford Macra na Feirme Facebook page.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock
The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock will take place this coming Sunday 4th September. The bus pick-up scheduled for Lanesboro is timed for 10.30am. The ceremonies will commence at 2.30pm with the Anointing of the Sick. Mass will be celebrated at 3pm. The bus fare is €16.
Tourism with Business Certificate
Are you looking for a career focused course? Then enrol on Longford College of Further Education’s 1-year Tourism with Business programme starting September 2016. Ireland is going through a tourism regeneration with employment potential from Centre Parcs and from initiatives such as The Wild Atlantic Way, The Greenway Cycle Project and Ireland’s Ancient East project. The course offers practical business skills for the workplace as well as accreditation from Quality Qualifications Ireland and awards up to 400 CAO points for progression to third level institutions. This course is free to those in receipt of BTEA or who qualify for a SUSI grant* and to holders of a medical card. The registration fee and government levy is €330 for all other students. To enrol go to www.longfordcfe.com click to enrol and follow instructions. (*Fees will be refunded on receipt of SUSI grant)
Care Workers Required
The Co Roscommon Disability Support Group is a HSE funded service, requires part time care workers to work with older persons and or people with disabilities. Flexible options available and competitive hourly rates paid.
There are vacancies on Community Employment Scheme for carers, support workers and clerical.
Please send your CV to info@rosdisabilities.ie or Derrane Resource Centre, Roscommon.
Phone 090 6625852 for further information.
Outdoor Recreation and Fitness & Health courses
Lanesboro Community College is providing two courses – Outdoor Recreation and Fitness & Health beginning in September. Awards are accredited by QQI National Framework of Qualifications (formally FETAC). Enrolment is now open by contacting admin.lcc@lwetb.ie or phone Lanesboro Community College 043 33 21139.
Do you intend to come home to the 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. We can organise a special welcome for you all if we have the knowledge of your interest in travelling to be with us.
Photographic Exhibition
Newtowncashel centenary Photographic Exhibition 2016 will take place in the Hill, Newtowncashel this Saturday 3rd September from 6 to 10pm and on Sunday 4th from 11am to 3pm.
The proceeds of the admission and photo sales is being given to two local children Rosie and Patrick, to help with their Autism and Leukaemia. There will be special prices on all photo prints for exhibition dates only. There will be free refreshments for all. Further details from Vicki on 087-1921929 or 09064 52889. Admission is €5 per adult and children are free.
Lanesboro Library
Storytime with Frances takes place 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.
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.
The 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 number, 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?
QQI Level 5 courses in Animal Care and Nursing Studies
Ardscoil Phádraig in Granard is currently enrolling students for QQI Level 5 courses in Animal Care and Nursing Studies. These QQI Level 5 courses are suitable for both school leavers and mature students who wish to return to education and gain new skills or employment. They also provide links to certain courses in Universities and Institutes of Technology and can be worth up to 400 points. Please contact the school on 043 6686209 or email admin.apg@lwetb.ie for further details
50/50
Last week the 50/50 draw took place on Monday night. The draw took place in Clarkes Bar where the winning blue envelope was drawn and the lucky name on it was Gerard Mc Carthy, Curragh Rua Gerard was the winner of won €358. The club thanks you for your support and encourages everyone to support the draw weekly. The weekly blue 50/50 envelopes are on sale locally throughout the town for €2 alternatively, you can purchase a pink ticket that allows you into the draw for 1 year for a price of €100.
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
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
N/S: 1st Mary Fallon and J.J. Donlon, 2nd Loretta Cooney and K. Harrison and 3rd Mary McDermott and Ann Kilduff. E/W: 1st Ann Delaney and Ann Fallon, 2nd Bridie McGrath and Mary Moran and 3rd Mary Jameson and Goretti Kenny.
Summer Bridge has ended. Back to Club Bridge in September.
A Tribute to Hannah.
Wednesday, August 17th., 2016.
The news spread that Hannah Clyne had passed away, after a long illness, bravely fought and bravely borne.
A very sad day for her family, her neighbours and friends and the members of Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club.
We had lost one of our good friends and one of our finest Club members.
Hannah loved the game of Bridge. She was very competitive, and always wanted to “feature”, but she was always a lady at the Bridge table, as she was in her everyday life. It was a pleasure to be her Bridge partner or her opponent.
When Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club was formed, Hannah was to the fore in helping to get it up and running. She was, what every Bridge Club needs …an active member. She was President of the Club 2006/7; Secretary of the Club for 3 years, and she was Secretary of Templemichael Bridge Club, Longford for 3 years.
She played in Lanesborough, Longford, Roscommon and Mullingar. She competed at Local, County, Regional and National competitions and had many successes.
She enjoyed shopping for the Prizes for our Club and she was the life of our great parties over the years. And, sure no meal was complete without ” the dessert”.
She encouraged a lot of people to take up the game and when she went by train to work in Dublin, she gave lessons to her co-workers on the way. They are playing in our Club to this day.
She will be missed by all of us who knew her at the Bridge table.
Hannah was a good friend, a great neighbour, a wonderful mother and wife, and a great Community person who was involved in so many parish activities.
She took up painting and she became an excellent artist. She was so conscientious about everything she did.
She had a great sense of style and fashion, and at her last big celebration, Gillian and Brian’s wedding, she looked fantastic.
Her family came before everything. She adored all of them and she was so proud of them.
Hannah enjoyed her life. She had the heartiest laugh. Her laugh was contagious and will be remembered by all of us.” Laugh and the world laughs with you”.
Sadly, she didn’t get to enjoy her retirement.
It has been a difficult 2 years for Hannah and for her beloved family, who took care of her, so lovingly.
Our prayers and thoughts are with Johnny, Louise, David, Ronan and Gillian and all the extended Shea and Clyne families.
Rest in peace, Hannah.
‘til we meet again.
Women in Business
Leitrim and Longford Women in Business Networking Event. “Network for Success” – will hold their event I Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill on Tuesday 27th September.
A great opportunity to hear from Inspirational Women in business on how they became a success, learn their top tips and secrets to success. An event that’s sure to leave you inspired, energised and motivated as well as enthusiastic to grow your network and drive your business to new levels of success.
Agenda: 10am – Registration Tea/Coffee. 10.30 – Welcome. 10.40 – Facilitated networking session.11.15 – “In conversation with” Norah Casey, Chairwoman, Harmonia Ltd., Anne Heraty, CEO, CPL Resources PLC, Suzanne Jackson, Sosueme.ie
MC & Chair for the day will be Carole Coleman
12.30 – Lunch: 2pm – Close
This is an excellent opportunity for all Ladies whether in business or interested in getting into business. It is rare that an opportunity such as this will come close to our door soon again and it is surely a must for all Ladies to Network.
The cost is a mere €15 and you can book through the local Longford and Leitrim Enterprise office
Rathcline GAA
Congratulations to local butcher Terry Mc Loughlin who won the 2 Premium tickets for the Kerry Dublin All-Ireland semi -final on Sunday last. Thank you to everyone that bought tickets for this draw
Well done to the Rathcline Ladies Chairperson, Madaleine Murray who was the lucky winner of last week’s 50/50. Madaleine was the recipient of €440.
All-Ireland Hurling Final ticket draw. The club is holding a draw for 2 Premium tickets for this Sunday’s All-Ireland Hurling Final. Tickets are on sale locally and the tickets are priced at only €2. The draw will take place on Friday night.
The club would like to thank everyone that helped out with the hosting of the Intermediate Championship in Clonbonny. A special word of thanks to the Minor club and their young helpers.
Well done to Gareth Johnston and the St. Faithleach’s senior team on their victory last Sunday, this victory ensures them of their place in the quarter final on Sunday week.
The minor club scene is quite active this weekend when the U8/10 sides will be involved in challenge games and our U6 panel will have a final horray when the will travel to Ballygawley, Co. Sligo on Saturday to play the local St. Michaels team.