Lanesboro Ballyleague
Christmas Whist Drive
AS we go into the time of celebration and holidays we must never forget those that are less fortunate and especially at this time depend on Lanesboro Social Services to help them through Christmas time.
The Christmas Whist Drive takes place this Friday night 2nd December in Lanesboro Parish Hall at 8.30pm. If you are a card player, please make a big effort to attend and to those non-players we would ask if you can at all make a contribution to Lanesboro Social Services and give some local a good Christmas. Thank you.
Christmas Fair on Sunday
Lough Ree Community Resources are hosting a Christmas Fair in the Resource Centre on Sunday morning next 4th December from 11am to 1pm. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be in attendance to collect children’s letters. Mrs. Claus will have a small treat for the children. There will also be a selection of stalls, including food stalls, Christmas treats and bric-à-brac. If you are interested in availing of a stall please contact Mags Gillen, Brigid Mullooly, Joe Mullooly or Mark Casey. There is no cover charge, stall charge or charge to visit Santa. Refreshments will be served.
Come along Wednesday week
The night programme is almost complete for the entire weekend. We would invite anyone that has ideas on the day events from Friday 4th August to Monday 7th August. All ideas will be well received and researched and your contribution will be greatly appreciated
The final meeting before Christmas will take place in Clarke’s Bar on Wednesday 7th December at 9pm
The Lough Ree Monster Festival group would like to thank most sincerely the Taste of the Lakelands committee for donating the proceeds of the Hamper draw at the upcoming Taste of the Lakelands Christmas Extravaganza in the grounds of the Convent BnB on Thursday 8th December from 6pm
Death
It was with the greatest of sadness we learned of the death on Saturday 19th November at Roscommon County Hospital of Jimmy Donegan, Derrygeel. A great cloud of darkness shrouded the entire parish as Jimmy was a man of the parish. To those of us that knew him words to describe him are hard to come by as he Jimmy was the epitome of all that was good and great in a man – kind, gentle, wonderful neighbour, wonderful supporter of everything that was good in our parish and a man who lived his life in a pleasant and happy manner. He was a learned man and happy to share his vast knowledge and local knowledge with anyone. He was a man of our parish. Jimmy Donegan was one in a million and his enduring smile, his warmth and warmth of welcome will live long in our memory.
Jimmy reposed at his residence on Sunday before his remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Monday for his Funeral Mass. Following his Mass Jimmy’s remains were laid to rest in Lanesboro Cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathy to his relatives, neighbours and many many friends.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the Marie Sheeran Memorial Trophy played for on Wednesday 9th November 1st Una Clarke and Eileen Kelly, 2nd Patricia Mc Gann, 3rd Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray, 4th Maureen Hynes and Margaret Gillen.
The result of the competition held on Wednesday 23rd November are: N/S 1st Mona O’Flaherty and Bernadette Gillen, 2nd Patricia Mc Gann and Mary Jameson, 3rd Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray. E/W 1st Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne, 2nd Una Lawlor and Brid Mc Dermott, 3rd Mairéad Gill and Maura Hanly.
Christmas Lights Church Gate Collection
The Christmas Lights Group are holding a church gate collection on Sat 3rd and Sunday 4th December. As this is an on-going investment project we would appreciate support from the local business and general public.
If you miss the church gate collection and wish to contribute, donations can be left with Joe O’Brien or Mags Gillen. Receipts will be issued for these donations. We would like to thank all who generously supported this collection over the past two years
Taste of the Lakelands Christmas Extravaganza
We would like you to join us on December 8th at 6pm so we can say thank you for your support with Santa and his elves at the Convent Guesthouse. Santa will come down the town for the 6pm start.
Activities include: Carol Singing, Face Painting, Indoor Disney Cinema, Mulled Wine, Hot Chocolate, Mince Pies, Christmas BBQ,
The admission to the extravaganza is free
Prizes for Fancy Dress on the night (which must be homemade) can you be creative and festive all at the same time?
Raffle for hamper with proceeds to Lough Ree Monster Festival 2017 – one of the many growing events for Lanesboro/Ballyleague in 2017
Christmas Day Run
Each year the Annual Christmas Day Run from Newtowncashel takes place and it is always a wonderful success thanks to you that have done it year in year out since its inception. The run is the main fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis This year the committee is hoping for another successful run and are once again calling on your fantastic support. It is now time to get out and get some training done in preparation for the day.
It is very important that all entrants maximise their sponsorship so that the committee can make a major contribution to Multiple Sclerosis for the coming year on your behalf.
Sponsorship cards are available from O’Brien’s, Casserley’s and from the Flood family, Lehery.
Annual 25 Drive
The Annual Anthony Healy memorial 25 card drive will take place on Sunday 18th December in Clarke’s bar commencing at 7pm. The first prize will be a Full Lamb (freezer ready) sponsored by Terry’s meats and second prize will be €50 sponsored by Clarke’s Bar. There will be a host of spot prizes and if you would like to support without playing you can purchase your tickets in any of the local shops or Clarke’s Bar, write your name on the back and leave it back to who sold it to you. This ticket will be included for the spot prize draw and you will also be helping a wonderful cause. The full proceeds will go, as usual, to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
50/50
On Monday night 21st November, the 50/50 draw took place in the Yacht Bar and the lucky winner of last week’s princely sum of €525 pool was Mary Dennigan, Mahoraveen.
Your continued support for the draw is greatly appreciated and it is excellent that your continued support in keeping the pool over €400 practically every week.
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.
This week in our local Library
Knitting & Crochet Group continues every Monday 2-4pm. All Welcome!
ESOL Class continues every Tuesday evening 7-10pm.
Art Class 5 with Nicolette continues on Monday 5th December at 8pm.
Lasraí Writers Group
The very popular ‘Poetry and Music’ will continue at Lanesboro Library on Monday 12th December 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.
Parking Parking Parking
Numerous times I have written about parking in and around the church in Lanesboro during mass times. While the parking on the old-school road down by the church to the Longford Road has improved greatly to the point of it not being an issue. The parking at the Green is once again causing a major issue. Can all drivers please ensure that there are only cars parked on one side of the Green so as not to hinder residents getting in or out of the estate and at the moment with the method of parking there is no way any of the emergency services could access the Green.
Taste of the Lakelands At Christmas 2016
After a hugely successful October festival, the Taste of the Lakelands crew are presently organising a very special December 8th Christmas celebration of the food produce of this area. The event will be on a much smaller scale than the October event but will once again give a showcase to local people in Longford and Roscommon who would like to show off their food produce so if you’re a bread baker or a brewer or a cheese maker or somebody who produces any type of food at your home or in the back garden shed then please come forward and we will try and give you a showcase on December 8th. For more information contact Stephen at 085 8743214, Chris or Claire at the Convent B & B or e mail: tasteofthelakelands@gmail.com
Lanesborough Community Games
Lanesborough Community Games would like to acknowledge the dedication and service shown by our Outgoing Chairperson Marie English and Outgoing Secretary Mary Sorohan to our local Community Games. They have been part of this organization for many years. Their support of Lanesborough Community Games, has enabled many, many children to participate in a wide range of activities, which included many successes along the way. Their commitment and participation has greatly added to the community spirit in Lanesborough. We are very grateful and thankful for this.
We would also like to Thank all those people (parents, adult volunteers & youth volunteers) who helped us with the running of different events throughout 2016. Without their help, it would not have been possible to run the club. Special Congratulations to Margaret Mullooly and to Conor English whom were Lanesborough’s Adult and Youth Volunteers respectively for 2016. Further to this Conor was awarded Youth Volunteer 2016 for County Longford Community Games recently. We are very proud of both Margaret and Conor.
At the recent AGM of Lanesboro Community Games, the following were elected: Chairperson: Ciara Myhill, Secretary: Donal Hogan, Treasurer: Padraig O’Dowd and Children’s Officer Barry Hogan. This committee will oversee Community Games activities for the coming year. It will organize the annual Track & Field event along with other competitions. One of the main motto’s behind Community Games is participation. Last year we had over 100 participants from the area in the many activities available throughout the year. If you are an adult (parent, teacher, coach or volunteer) who has an interest in helping a team or an individual compete in any of the activities listed below, please contact any committee member as soon as possible. The Committee will support any team or individual wishing to enter any of the disciplines. The activities cover age groups from Under 8’s up to Under 16’s:
Activities: Art, Cycling, Duathlon, Handwriting, Model Making, Recitation, Swimming, Culture Corner, Chess, Choir, Cross Country, Debating, Draughts, Drama/Comedy Sketch, Futsal, Handball, Tennis, Indoor Soccer, Mini Rugby, Mixed Distance Relay, Pitch and Putt, Rounders, Soccer, Spikeball, Skittles, Tag Rugby, Table Tennis, Table Quiz, Athletics, Gymnastics, Judo, Solo Music, Solo Modern Dance, Solo Singing, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Gaelic Football, Group Singing, Group Music, Group Modern Dance, Hurling, Irish Contemporary Dance, Projects.
More information is available online at www.communitygames.ie
Draughts
Lanesboro Community Games Draughts: We will be practicing for the County Community Games Draughts competition over the next few weekends. If parents are interested in letting their children participate in the draughts, please contact Padraig O’Dowd at 086-8147000. There are competitions in the following age groups: U10, U12, U14 and U16 (Boys, Girls, Mixed).
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the extended Fayne family, Cullentra on the death in Skryne, Co. Meath of John Joe Murray, formerly of Caltra, Newtowncashel
Ballymahon Day Care Centre
A Gala night will be held on Monday 5th December in Cooney’s Hotel @ 9.30pm to raise funds for our local Day Centre. Music will be provided by Mick Flavin, John Hogan, The Ramblers, Mary Sheeran and many more. Admission is only €10 and your support will be greatly appreciated. Tickets currently on sale from any committee member or at the centre.
Last man standing for the Ladies
Rathcline ladies are back with a new competition “Rathcline Ladies ’s Last Man Standing”, kicking off on the 2nd January. To join simply follow the link below, sign in and get your picks in. You can then pay and share with your mates.
https://www.runlastman.com/competitions/4339-rathcline-ladies-rathcline-ladies-s-last-man-standing
Tourism Co-Op Draw
For the draw on Tuesday 20th December the subsidiary prizes will increase for this draw only and they will be as follows 1st €100, 2nd €50, 3rd €50, 4th €50. The committee thanks everyone for their continued support.
Teathbha on Sale
The annual County Longford Historical Society publication Teathbha Journal 2016 was launched recently. As usual this is another great publication by the Historical Society with some wonderful contributions. One photograph in particular caught the eye. There was a photograph of the 1953 Longford team that won the All-Ireland Junior Final and included in the photograph was local man James Harold, Main Street. The publication cost only €12 and it is money well spent
Lough Ree AC
Even though the numbers were down we had one personal best time on Sunday at the road run. Christian obliged this week and well done to him. We are looking forward to our Christmas Day Run and “the afters” in conjunction with the MS Run. The organisers of the MS Newtowncashel Lanesboro Run are to be congratulated because their event brings a great buzz to the area on Christmas Day.
While some runners would be opting for a rest now it doesn’t seem right for us to cancel the Sunday run for those who wish to continue. After all, an outing once a week isn’t overdoing it. However, we are always open to other suggestions particularly as we have got control of the weather and for that reason we are anxious to continue the weekly effort.
Pop Up Shop
St. Christopher’s Services are opening a Christmas Craft Pop Up Shop on New Street Longford from Monday 28th November until Friday 16th December. The shop will be open daily from 10am to 4pm. The shop is situated beside Torc Café.
This is a great opportunity to get your ideal Christmas gift all made in Longford.
Longford Sports Partnership
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
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.
Learn to Run Programme – 6 weeks
Calling on all workers to join our “Learn to Run Programme” for beginners to intermediate. Starting Wednesday 16th November at 1pm for 6 weeks in the Mall Complex. €10 for 6 weeks. Programme involves 5 minute warm up, 25-minute walking / running, 10 minutes core work. We aim to join Parkrun on 17th December.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/longfordsportspartnership. Website: www.longfordsports.ie. Tel: 043-3349402
Ballyleague is going green for Christmas
The people of Ballyleague have decided not to cut down any of the traditional Christmas trees this year and have chosen to go green instead with solar powered lighting on 30 ordinary growing trees in the village.
Our hard-working troops have been out & about in Ballyleague over the last 3 weeks putting up our new solar powered Christmas lights on 20 trees in the village and the committee wish to thank the following who have generously sponsored some of the lights around the village. If you would like to make a donation of any size, please phone our chairman Noel Moran at (086) 293 6180. Sponsors to date: Nicollete Spellic photography Studio, James and Marie c/o Rosie’s at the Lifebelt bar, Michael Sorohan Lifebelt bar, Larry Brennan, Irwin Construction, James Hudson, Noel Moran, Gerry Trimble, Ciaran Mullooly, Bord na Mona, ESB, Bernard Keane c/o Supervalu, Patrick Vesey c/o Irish Pallet Systems, Ted Falvey, Fresh & Ready Vegetables, Clarkes Machinery, Innis Ree Nursing Home, Costello’s Nursing home, Ballyleague Credit Union
Thanks also to Lanesboro Christmas lights committee and Lough Ree Sub Aqua club for working in partnership with us on the boat in the Shannon project and thanks to James Nolan for providing tea and refreshments after the photo shoot this week.
The committee wish to thank Roscommon county council for the Municipal area funding this week and Vinny McGowan for his ongoing work of beautiful new poles for the lights in Ballyleague.
Thanks to Gerry Trimble, Noel Moran, Joe Browne, Mick Sorohan and Lee who have helped to put up the lights in the village this week.
Don’t forget our Church Gate collection at the Church of the Holy Rosary in Ballyleague at all
Masses next weekend December 3rd and 4th. Please show your support and give generously.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
AGM: The Senior Club AGM takes place on Sunday 4th Dec at 6pm in the Clubhouse, all members are encouraged to attend.
Christmas Draw: The Club is running a Christmas Draw which will be held in the Clubhouse on St. Stephen’s Day. The proceeds will go towards our new stand.
Lines cost just €2 and prizes include hampers and spot prizes. Cards are available in the clubhouse or from either the Senior / Minor/ Ladies Secretary.
On-Line Football Foundation Course: Roscommon coach education tutor group have their football foundation course currently on-line for all club coaches Male/Female who want to avail of the course. Each coach can complete the six theory modules on-line before coming together for a three-hour practical session at a date yet to be confirmed. For details on how to register for the course coaches can send an email to course tutor Oliver Lennon at oliver.lennon.gpo.roscommon@gaa.ie the cost of the course is €20.
Congratulations: To Ellen Ryan who qualified for the finals of Scór na Óg in the recital event. It is the first time in many years that St Faithleach’s has participated in the event and we are delighted that Ellen has proudly represented us at county level.
Cards: Take place every Tue evening in the clubhouse.
Lotto: Next draw takes place on 29th Tuesday, jackpot stands at €12,000. Envelopes are €2 and available in all local retailers. Team in charge for next two weeks are; Mary Kenny, Gerry Donlon and Padraig Kenny.
Rathcline Ladies
Congratulations to Dearbhail Flood, Lehery, on winning the first goal scored and Dearbhail is the winner of €50. Tickets for next week are now on sale from Mike Greene.
Well done to James Hanley on winning the last man standing competition and in the process claimed the €250 prize and the club congratulates James and Bríd on the birth last week of a baby boy.
A new Last Man Standing will commence on 2nd January an if you would like to support the club contact mike or Madaleine and they will set you up. Your support for the last round was much appreciated.
The clothes collection is on-going and the club would like to thank everyone for their contributions at the clothes bank in the car park. If you have some clothes you need collected just contact Mike Greene and he will organise collection.
ESB Annual Mass
Last week the annual Mass for deceased members of Lanesboro Power Station took place. Those remembered at the Mass were Bill Martin, Joe Tinney, Jack Guinan, Eugene Gavigan, Tom Connors, Johnny Chalmers, Dick Mullen, Tom Maxwell, Sammy Fallon, Tommy Dowd, Henry Brennan, Pat Casserly, Michael Murray, Denis O’Donovan, Michael Fallon, Patrick Hanley, Nicholas Gaughran, Jimmy Farrell, Eamon Linnane, Pat Joe Dunne, Noel Deffew, Jerry O’Sullivan, Mick Cattigan, Ger Hagan, Jack Shea, Johnny Quinn, Paddy Bolger, Tommy Murray, John Mc Dermott, John Murray, Larry Dwyer, Niall Russell, Joe Thompson, Bill Rhatigan, Paddy Murray, Tom Mc Weeney, Malachy Martin, Paddy Mulcahy, Sean Eivers, Tom Scally, Joe Gallagher, Oliver Mc Donald, Tommy Shea, Joe Casey, Brian Mc Ateer, Kevin Mc Weeney, Joe Boyle, Jerry O’Connor, John Reilly, Johnny Healy, Tommy Cole, Noelie Kenny, Jimmy Clarke, Noelie Gibbons, Mary Donlon, Gerry Hunt, Alex Mc Dermott, Bridget Coyle, Johnny Finnegan, Bridie Reynolds, P.J. Chapman, Tony Mallon, Pete Gill, Barney Ross, Jack Mc Conway, Paddy Reilly, Frank Finan, Sean Hyland, Sean Kilroy, Hugh Bredin, Paddy Greene, Mick Mc Guinness, Phonsie Moran, Tommy Trimble, P Hanley, Gabriel Powell, Pat Meleady, Carmel Connor and Brendan Farrelly.
It is great to get this list as it brings back to mind all of those we knew and also the number that affected our lives in one way or another and their memory brings a smile to our face. May they all rest in peace.
Food and Craft Fair
Roscommon Cancer Support Group is hosting a Food and Craft Fair on Sunday week 11th December in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Santa will be in attendance from 1.30pm to 3pm. Admission is free and you support and attendance will be greatly appreciated.