Lanesboro Ballyleague
Thank You
On Thursday last the Inverst4success conference took place in Croke Park. Through Facebook and emails you were encouraged to come along. I, on behalf of Cathal and Sarah, the Upper Shannon Erne Future Economy (USEFE) group that consists of the four councils of Longford, Roscommon, Leitrim and Cavan and sponsored by Bord na Mona would like to thank all locals that turned up and to those that responded by signalling their inability to attend. The USEFE diaspora section organised this conference to let those in business in Dublin know that the four counties mentioned above are open for business and is a great place to do business in. Lanesboro, representing Longford, is well represented by Cathal Chapman, Sarah Kearney and myself. It was great to see an excellent representation from Lanesboro and it is great that those people still retain their interest in the local sod and we express our great thanks to them for taking time out of their day to attend.
If you are from Longford Town or during your younger days were a frequent visitor to Longford Town, then you should visit the Facebook site of Long Ford. For those of us who have many memories of the town it makes essential reading and the memories come flooding back.
Minor Club AGM
The Shannon Gaels Minor club is the minor club of Rathcline GAA club and it has a long and proud tradition of looking after their young players and giving all players great memories within the club.
In recent years, we have been struggling with numbers and as a result had to amalgamate with Grattan’s to make up teams for competition and to give our young players football. This year we had players of our own to play at U12 and U14 level- not only to play but to win their respective competition.
The club hopes to grow from this and encourages every parent in our parish to bring their youngsters to training at all grades.
The club will hold its AGM in Clonbonny clubhouse on Friday 18th November at 8.30pm. We would encourage all parents and supporters of underage football in the club to come along to the meeting and help continue progress the club and the teams during 2017. Your attendance is very important as it is a vote of confidence to the committee.
Festival meeting this Wednesday
The next meeting will take place in Adie’s Bar on this Wednesday 9th November at 9pm. It is a pattern of the meetings to have them every fortnight. So far we have some representation from Lanesboro, Cashel and Ballyleague and we would welcome more that feel they have something to offer to the committee and to the Lough Ree Monster Festival.
Christmas Fair
The lough Ree community resource group is hosting a Christmas Fair in the old convent school building on Sunday morning 4th December from 11am to 1pm. Santa and his good Mrs Claus will be in attendance to collect children’s wish letters along with a selection of stalls plus light refreshments will be served. Mrs Claus will have a small treat for the children. There is no cover charge or charge for Santa. Enquiries to Mags Gillen or Brigid Mullooly
Danger Money in Lanesboro
Rathcline GAA club will host John Mc Manus written play Danger Money in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Saturday 19th November with curtains up at 8.30pm. The play is described as a comedy with a dose of reality and a play not to be missed. Cavan man John Mc Manus writer of the acclaimed The Quare Land teams up once again with Seamus O’Rourke who plays Teddy (the Mucker) Tucker in a beautiful ‘close-up’ of Irish Rural Life. Tickets for this play are sure to sell fast and you are advised to book your tickets early. Tickets, priced €10 are on sale in O’Brien’s and selected outlets.
50/50
Last week due to some tickets not being in on time the draw was deferred from Clarke’s Bar to O’Brien’s Shop on Tuesday morning. The winning tickets was a yearly pink envelope. The winning names on the envelope were mother and daughter Freda and Ciara Connaughton, Longford Road. The ladies between them received €421. The club is extremely grateful to everyone for their continued support and for keeping the prizemoney nicely over the €400 mark and we encourage you to keep supporting the Rathcline club.
Blue envelopes are on sale locally in all shops and pubs and from club executive members and your growing support is hugely appreciated. You also have the opportunity of buying the pink ticket for €100 and that includes you in the draw for 52 weeks.
Lifebelt Bar
Last week seen the end of another era in chapter of the Lifebelt when Mike Sorohan moved on from the pub business and a young couple James Nolan and Marie Mc Donnell took over the running of the bar. The name has a slight change with it now being called ‘Rosie’s at the Lifebelt. James and Marie are a young and vibrant couple and we welcome them to Ballyleague and Lanesboro and we wish them huge success in their new venture.
Our Library Events
We have a very active library in our community with a great proportion using the library facilities during each week under the guidance of our librarian Stella O’Sullivan. There are some organised event also taking place in the library and this week’s events are:
Knitting & Crochet Group continues every Monday 2-4pm. All Welcome!
ESOL Class continues every Tuesday evening 7-10pm.
Art Classes with the very talented Nicolette Spelic will take place for six weeks starting on Monday November 7th at 8pm. Contact the library to book your place on 043 332 1291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Beginners German Classes
German Class no 3 continues this Wednesday evening 9th November at 6.30pm.
Mind Your Mental Health Workshop
Mind your Mental Health Workshop facilitated by Mental Health Ireland will take place in Lanesboro Library on Thursday 24th November 7-9.30pm. If you are interested in attending you can leave your name in Johnston’s Pharmacy or in the library or just come along on the night. All welcome.
Lasraí Writers Group
The very popular ‘Poetry and Music’ will continue at Lanesboro Library on Monday 14th November from 4.30 to 5.30pm. Come along and share a favourite poem. The group is looking forward to seeing you there and to meet new people interested in poetry and music and song.
Lanesboro Bridge
The results of the Lanesboro Bridge ‘No Blame’ competition held on Wednesday 26th October are: 1st Eileen Kelly and Mary Mc Gushin, 2nd Una lawlor and Noreen Dunne, 3rd Brid mc Dermott and Elish Gray and there was a tie for 4th between Phil Chalmers/Loretto Cooney and Philomena Walsh and Cyril Hussey.
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 2nd November are: N/S 1st Katharine Harrison and Philomena Walsh, 2nd Noreen Dunne and Mae Casey, 3rd Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey. E/W 1st Eileen Kelly and Una Clarke, 2nd Mike Flynn and Maureen Hynes and 3rd Mona O’Flaherty and Bernadette Gillen.
ESB Mass
The annual Mass for deceased members of staff of ESB Lanesboro will take place in the ESB Sport and Social clubhouse on Wednesday 16th November at 8pm.
Rathcline Ladies
The AGM of the Rathcline Ladies will take place in the clubhouse on Sunday 20th November at 6pm The club encourages all players, their families and club supporters to attend this meeting.
The club would like to thank Darron Hughes of P. Hughes Construction for the sponsoring of a set of jerseys for the Ladies club.
The club thanks you for your continued support at the clothes bank in the car park and at Mike’s house.
Tickets for the upcoming play ‘Danger Money’ are available from Michael Greene. Tickets cost €10 and Michael is hoping that the club will sell its full allocation.
QQI Course
We are hosting a 4-Day QQI Level 5 Reception and Frontline Office Skills Course which is to be held on the following dates: Wednesday 23rd November – 10am-4.00pm; Wednesday 30th November – 10am-4.00pm; Wednesday 7th December – 10am-4.00pm and Wednesday 14th December – 10am-4.00pm
The cost is €350.00 and can be paid in full or by instalments. (Funding may be available for people on certain social welfare payments, call in to your local Intreo/DSP office or ring (043) 3340000 to check your eligibility)
The aim of the course is to provide learners with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to demonstrate good interpersonal skills in dealing with clients/customers in person or on the telephone. To understand the functions of a receptionist within a number of different organisations to include various administration duties while maintaining a friendly and business-like manner. On completion learners, will be able to demonstrate appropriate use of voice, tone, pitch and body language for effective verbal communication and techniques used to maintain an organisation and run a professional reception desk.
To register contact the EDI on 043 33 47515 or call in to us at the Centre.
Thank You
The Lanesboro Pioneer Total Abstinence Association would like to sincerely thank everyone that contributed generously to their recent Church Gate collection. Your support is gratifying and deeply appreciated
Pub Spy Visits
On the Sunday World, last Sunday, the legendary Pub Spy reported on their visit to the three pubs on the Lanesboro side of the bridge. All pubs got very good comments which was a great boost for the pubs and our community when a highly regarded commentator would give excellent comments on our local pubs
Annual Dinner Dance
The best night of the year without doubt each year is the County Longford Pioneers Annual Dinner Dance in the Rustic Inn in Abbeyshrule. You do not have to be a non-drinker to attend and many attending non-drinkers will confirm that this is a wonderful night. The legendary TR Dallas will provide the music. Tickets, €25, can be bought from Breda Moran, Ann Carroll, Tom Nohilly or can be booked in O’Brien’s
Lanesborough Gun Club
A longest and heaviest cock pheasant competition was held on 1st November. Winners were Louis Rhatigan with the longest pheasant of 40 inches and Ger Hand with the heaviest pheasant of 3lbs and 10 ounces. The committee hopes that all members had an enjoyable and safe start to their season and a big thanks to all who attended on the night with pheasants.
Death
The death occurred in the care of the staff at Costello’s Nursing Home, Ballyleague on Wednesday 26th October of Rose Fallon, Doughill. Rose was in failing health for some time and while she was in Costello’s her husband Bart was ever caring and comforting to Rose as she entered the autumn of her life. Rose and Bart spent most of their working life in England before returning to the Doughill area. Rose will be sadly missed by all the people that knew her and were warmed by her warm, quiet and gentle nature.
Rose will be sadly missed by her husband Bart, sons John, Philip and Joseph, brother Killian, her neighbours and friend to whom we extend our sincere sympathy
Her remains reposed at McHugh’s Funeral Home Strokestown on Thursday 27th October. The removal of her remains took place on Friday to St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe for her Funeral Mass. Rose was laid to rest afterwards in Cloontuskert Cemetery.
Robbery
On Monday evening, last 31st October between 5.30pm and 6.30pm at Tullyvrane a local house was robbed. This was ‘trick or treat’ evening we are hoping that someone in the vicinity of the Tullyvrane crossroads during that hour will have seen something that will lead to the arresting of the culprits that carried out this horrendous deed on one of our own. If you have any information whatsoever please call into Lanesboro Gardaí or phone Lanesboro 3321102 or Longford 3350570.
50th Anniversary
Congratulations to Sean and Mary O’Neill, Knock, who celebrated their Golden Anniversary last week. The couple would like to thank everyone for attending their Mass at their home. The couple have donated their gifts to charity and they want to thank everyone.
Bog Lane Theatre
Bog Lane Theatre Ballymahon 2016 One Act Drama Festival takes place from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November
Friday and Saturday night’s performance starts at 8:15 pm sharp with Sundays performance starting at the earlier time of 7:15 pm.
A programme of top quality drama is on the cards with productions from companies across the region.
The adjudicator for this year’s One Act Festival in the Bog Lane is Geoff O’Keeffe. Admission is €12, Concessions €10. For booking telephone Breege at 09064 32230
Rathcline GAA
The Rathcline club will hold their AGM on Sunday 27th November at a time yet to be confirmed. This is a very important meeting for the club and it is very important that the fiasco of last year’s AGM, where the trustees had to be called in, is not replicated. The club needs people to stand up and commit themselves to the club for the coming year. The club need to stand up and put their best foot forward both on and off the pitch. It is very important that we elect a committee on this date and put a progressive regime in place to make us the leading club in the county. It is very important to be proud of your club and players. It is for everyone to play their part in a forward thinking and invigorated club. The club is belonging to everyone in the parish and everyone that want to join with us. We urge your support. Please play your part.
Rathcline GAA club will host a play, Danger Money, in the Parish Hall on Saturday week 19th November with curtains up at 8.30pm. The play is described as a comedy with a dose of reality and a play not to be missed. John Mc Manus writer of the acclaimed The Quare Land teams up once again with Seamus O’Rourke who plays Teddy (the Mucker) Tucker in a beautiful ‘close-up’ of Irish Rural Life. Tickets for this play are sure to sell fast and you are advised to book your tickets early. Tickets, priced €10 are on sale in O’Brien’s and selected outlets and from club members.
Since I wrote last our U21 team had mixed fortunes but what performances they put in when last Monday they beat, very convincingly, a very formidable Mullinalaghta St. Columba’s side before going down narrowly 4-8 to 5-7 to Abbeylara in the semi-final. They came so close to victory when in the dying seconds of the game Iarla O’Sullivan chipped the goalkeeper only to see his shot come down off the crossbar hit the line and bounced out. Such are the margins that history is made. Overall this was a remarkable campaign for the lads and our thanks goes to Sean Farrell, Anthony Farrell, Shane Donohoe, Jimmy Ruske and Karl Murray for their great work with the panel.
On Saturday last the Longford U16 team won the Fr. Manning Cup Plate when they had a great win over Leitrim. We were well represented on the team where Dylan Clancy, Cian Gilmore and Oran Kenny played leading roles. Well done lads. We would also like to congratulate Michael O’Donnell who was on the Roscommon U16 team that won the Fr. Manning Cup when they beat Kildare on Saturday.
The minor club AGM will take place on Friday 18th November in the clubhouse at 8.30pm. This has been a great year for the club and we would welcome all parents and club supporters to come along. Your attendance will be a vote of confidence to the hard-working committee as they seek to progress the club back to the pedestal of being one of the best and most competitive clubs in Longford.
The Rathcline Ladies will hold their AGM in the clubhouse on Sunday 20th November at 6pm. The club encourages everyone interested in the development of Ladies football in the area to come along
Lough Ree AC
With the time change, the dark evenings came faster than expected, so we had what we thought was our last road run on Sunday morning. We applied a different handicapping system, which was so successful and because some of the children were unavoidably absent the club has decided to hold another outing in Clonbonny on Sunday next at 12.30 (after last mass).
Referring to Sunday’s results, notwithstanding poor conditions, Sean O’Dowd, Orla Cox and Nikita Attis all improved on their best times, while Cian Walton equalled his best time, despite the fact that he was not feeling well.
The club hope to experiment later with a hill run on Sliabh Ban, it is an event that some of our athletes achieved international recognition for in the past.
So, by public demand, the club will be in action again next Sunday at 12.30, everyone welcome.
Longford Partnership Events
Bocce
Would you like to try Bocce? There is a Bocce court located in the Mall Complex. A group meet up every Monday morning at 11a.m. If you wish to join, just turn up. Alternatively, if this time does not suit and you wish to try out Bocce, please contact Longford Sports Partnership and we will provide you with the Bocce balls.
Parkrun
Parkrun is up and running in Longford. Join this free 5k run in the mall on a Saturday morning. Alternatively, if you wish to help out as a volunteer, feel free. Visit parkrun.ie or www.facebook.com/ longfordparkrun
Safeguarding 2 – Thursday 17th November 2016
The Club Children’s Officer should be child centered in focus and have as the primary aim the establishment of a child centered ethos within the club. S/he is the link between the children & the adults in the club. S/he also takes responsibility for monitoring & reporting to the Club Management Committee on how club policy impacts on young people & Sports Leaders.
This course will help the Club Children’s Officer to carry out the function of their role & support the implementation of best practice in the club. Participants will receive a Club Children’s Officer Action Planning document as part of the training.
You must have completed safeguarding 1 to be eligible to take part in this workshop. A registration form must be completed & returned with fee of €15 – payment can be made online at www.eventbrite.ie
Sports First Aid – Saturday 3rd December 2016
This course is recommended if you are involved in a sports club. It will bring you through the basics of emergency care and enable you to keep any casualty safe until an ambulance arrives.
Areas covered include:
Approach to accident, Disorders of breathing and CPR, Wounds and bleeding, Fractures and broken bones, Spinal injuries, Burns and scalds, Medical emergencies. A registration form must be completed & submitted along with the fee of €50. Payment can be made via www.eventbrite.ie.
Walking Group Ballymahon
Longford Sports Partnership in conjunction with Get Ireland Walking and Bridgeway Family Resource Centre, Ballymahon are starting up a walking group on Thursday 27th October, starting at 7pm. If you wish to join, please contact Bridgeway FRC on 0906-432691 / 085-8668062.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/longfordsportspartnership
Website: www.longfordsports.ie Tel: 043-3349402