Lanesboro Ballyleague
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The forecast all week for Friday last was wet and windy and the weather forecasters were correct leaving everyone with a dilemma as to whether they would attend or not. It was not the case for all those that had entered floats in this years St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
I will start with the attendance at the Parade. For such a miserable day, it was remarkable the number of people that attended. To everyone that attended you must be commended as your loyalty to our Parade is truly remarkable and everyone from the committee, those that put in floats to the town traders thank you sincerely. There is nothing better than to see the Parade well supported and to have such a great warm family atmosphere in the community. Thank you once again.
Those of you that put in huge efforts in creating their floats must be applauded for all of their work. Year on year your creations make for a very interesting Parade due to your great diversity of floats. Last Friday, in what was awful conditions you once again made the Parade very special and we are indebted to you.
The committee has once again given us another wonderful occasion in Lanesboro and Ballyleague and we thank them for their great work.
Birth
Many congratulations to Ronie Masterson and Derek Rutherford, Cnoc na Gaoithe, on the birth last week of a baby boy.
Shooting to the Moon
Many congratulations to lifelong friends Susan Linnane and Jackie Glennon who recently launched their new Wedding and Event Décor business. Both ladies come from families well known in the locality and it is great to see two young ladies willing to start up their new business. We wish Susan and Jackie the very best of luck with their new and exciting business ‘Shoot for the Moon’.
What they offer for the big occasions are Cherry Blossom Trees, Bay Trees, Lanterns, End of Pew Wicker hearts, End of Pew Lace Flower Vases, Crates, Bike with Flowers, 4 types of Seating Plans, Filled Candy Cart, Personalised Robes, Church and Venue Full Packages.
If you are planning a wedding then you should contact Susan (087) 1748299 or Jackie (087) 6483523.
Rathcline Club Membership
Back in the 2011/2012 the club had its highest membership and this year they are making an all-out effort to at least equally and at best better the membership. To achieve this, it will involve the whole community getting behind the club and donating €20 to become a member. When you are approached, I ask that you be very receptive.
If you are away from home and would like to be involved as a member of your home club, please email club secretary Cathal.Chapman@esb.ie Caroline Ginty at keano_car@hotmail.com.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Deirdre Farrell, daughter of Joe and Martha Farrell, Main Street and Brendan Kelly son of Johnny and Bridget Kelly Athenry, Co. Galway who announced their engagement at the weekend.
Well Done Cuala
We would like to share in the excitement and congratulate the O’Flaherty family on Cuala, Dublin winning the All-Ireland club hurling final on St. Patrick’s Day. As you may know Mona O’Flaherty’s grandson Simon Timlin was on the Cuala team that won the final. Simon is son of Monica (O’Flaherty) and Padraig Timlin.
Relaunch of Heritage Barge
Last Saturday before a huge attendance on the quayside in Ballyleague the 12th Roscommon Scouts and Ballyboro Scouts hosted a memorable and very proud day when they relaunched the 113B – Fox barge.
This barge was built in Mc Millan’s boatyard in Dublin in 1937 and was purchased by Thomas Hughes, Athy, Co. Kildare for the conveying of cargo on the Grand Canal and River Barrow. The barge worked both waterways from 1937 until the late ’50 when CIE owners of the Canal ceased business.
From then until the early 2000’s the barge was used for the maintaining of the waterways by Inland Waterways.
They say the hungry eye sees far and the local scout leaders identified the barge while it was tied up in Rooskey and they felt it was an opportunity was too good to miss if the barge could become available. Negotiations took place and in 2014 the licence agreement was signed by Scouting Ireland and Waterways Ireland, now owners of the boat.
The barge was towed to Hanley’s Marina Ballyleague shortly afterwards and the refurbishment began. Three dedicated men from the local scouts namely Group Leader, Liam Kelly, Ass Group Leader and QM Tom Gill and Cub Leader Dermot O’Donohue set about the refurbishment programme which in itself was no small task considering the condition it was in. Many things went to the background while those three men set about what became a labour of love.
The scouts acknowledged the support of the Marina owners the Hanley family, Marine Surveyor Liam Sherringham The Heritage Council and the National Lottery Capital Grant and the many local contractors.
Group Leader Liam Kelly in his welcoming congratulated all that was involved and looked forward to the 113B-Fox being a vital component for the local scouts in the months and years ahead. Liam welcomed Christ Mc Cann Chief Scot of Ireland, Dawn Livingstone CEO Waterways Ireland, David Kenneally Spiritual Leader of Scouts Ireland, Liam Hughes, Athy son of Thos. Hughes owner of the barge and his extended family, Scouts from 20th Dublin, Dundrum who were on the epic voyage onboard the barge in 1952 from Dublin to New Ross, previous members of the 113B, later named Fox Maintenance barge, Provincial and County Commissioners of Scouting Ireland. Liam also remembered the sad loss of one of their members Ashling Brady who died during the course of the refurbishment.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday last 15th March are: N/S 1st Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey, 2nd Katharine Harrison and Philomena Walsh, 3rd Bernadette Clancy and Mary Mc Gushin. E/W 1st Maureen Hynes and Patsy Canavan, 2nd Patricia Mc Gann and Mary Jameson and 3rd Bernadette Gillen and Maura Hanly.
50/50
Congratulation to Michael Greene, The Green, on winning the 50/50 draw on Monday 13th March. The pool for the week amounted to €412.
Tickets are on sale locally at €2 each and your support will be greatly appreciated. Alternatively, you can by the pink ticket for the year for just €100 and have 2 free weeks
Death
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Mary and Tom Mulvihill and family, the extended Dowd and Donlon families on the death on Monday 13th March of John Dowd formerly of Killinure. Those of us that remember John will fondly remember him. As a classmate and friend John always had that impish smile that let you know that he was always going to pull a fast one and low and betide if it was on you. As a youngster cycling to the Dowd family home you knew you were always assured of a great welcome from his late mother Chrissie and the memories of our times playing at that house and land were truly great. I am assured from many people since his passing that time did not change John, he has left us all with great memories and as we remember him his memory and that impish smile will always bring a smile to our faces.
John was laid to rest following alongside his parents following his Funeral Mass on Wednesday last in Lanesboro cemetery. The turnout at his Funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro bore ample testimony to the regard in which John was held.
Birth
Congratulations to Regina and Owen Donnellan, Ballyleague on the recent birth of their baby boy.
The Quirky Quiz
What is the Quirky Quiz I hear you ask? It is a quiz that is so fun laden that you will have the night of your lifetime. It is a quiz that will have many varieties of questions and there, undoubtedly, will be a great number of quirky questions local, national, international and some out of this world. It is a night for everyone to take part in and it is a wonderful unique community night.
The Quirky Quiz was initially to be a single night similar to a table quiz but have created an exceptional and unique night where the Quirky Quiz will be taking place simultaneously in the four pubs in Lanesboro and Ballyleague, The Yacht Bar, Clarke’s Bar, Adie’s, and Rosie’s at the Lifebelt – there is a chance that a fifth venue will be added.
There will be one quiz master and it will be relayed in all locations. There will be prizes for the winners in each venue and an overall winning team and winning venue.
You select your team, your pub and we are up and running. There has never been anything like it and because of its uniqueness you will be part of a historic night in Lanesboro and Ballyleague and it will be a great opportunity to be part of history.
The questions will indeed be quirky and there will most definitely be a wonderful atmosphere and a great deal of craic on the night.
The date for the Quirky Quiz is set for Friday 21st April.
Class Reunion
The class of 1991 from Mercy Convent Ballymahon are organising a class re-union in Skelly’s lounge Ballymahon Sat 22nd April. All student from the class of 91 are invited to attend. For further info please contact Rose Campbell rose.campbell@abbott.com or joan.mulvihill@hotmail.com
Rally this Weekend
The annual Midland Stages Rally will take place next weekend and the Sunday route will be the same as last year which will see local roads closed from 9am to 6pm.
Programmes for the event will be on sale in O’Brien’s.
Local lads Shane Healy and Emmet Donlon will be looking to win their class again this year in the Peugeot 205gti and Stephen Healy and Enda Fallon will be hoping for a class win in there Corolla twincam and bring prizes back to the area
Rathcline Ladies
Longford ladies county board would like to thank all the parishioners for supporting their church gate collection at the weekend
Rathcline ladies would like to congratulate Karena Davis (Mulvihill) and Gerry Davis on the birth of their baby daughter Sophie you can add to it if you want to she was our goalie
Our local Library events
Leader RDP Community Outreach programme
Longford Community Resources Clg will be in Local Libraries for LEADER RDP information/consultation sessions commencing in March. If you have an idea for a project and would like to talk to a Leader Development Worker about applying for LEADER funding call into Lanesboro library on the date and time noted. Further information please call 043-3345555.
Lanesboro Library Friday 24th March 2.30pm- 4.30pm
Knitting & Crochet Group continues on Monday 27th March 2-4pm. All Welcome!
Lasraí Writers Group
‘Poetry and Music Hour’ will continue at Lanesboro Library on Monday 27th March from 4.30 to 5.30pm. Come along and share a favourite poem. The group is looking forward to seeing you there and meeting new people interested in poetry and music and song.
ESOL Class continues on Tuesday evening 28th March 7-10pm
Book Club
The Book Club continues on Friday morning 31st March at 11am. The books for discussion are ‘Days Without End’ by Sebastian Barry and ‘The Wonder’ by Emma Donoghue.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder
We are still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference. Used stamps also being collected at the library for ISPCC. Thank you.
FABULOUS FERMOYLE NS TO THE FORE:
Last week was a very busy week in the sporting arenas for Fermoyle NS.
Last Wednesday evening 8th March saw our Boys Indoor Hurling Team, guided by Mr. D Connerton, emerge victorious in a ferociously contested Division 2 Final with Melview NS in Newtownforbes GAA Complex. Fermoyle had the better of the early exchanges with captain, Aaron Kenny notching up an impressive 1-1. Fermoyle continued their dominance up to the final whistle, running out winners with a score of Fermoyle NS 3-2 to Melview NS 2-0.
Fermoyle Team: Jamie Hagan, Luke Dowd, Sam Murphy (0-1), Aaron Kenny (Capt.) 1-1, Jimmy Farrell (1-0), Kieran O’Dowd (1-0), James Killian and Dáire Cox.
Next up were our basketball teams. Both the Boys and Girls teams made it through to their respective Finals on Sunday March 12th. The girls had an early start. They put in a huge performance and were only outscored in the fourth quarter by a very tall and skilful St. Eimear’s team. It was a tremendous effort by the girls and a big “Bualadh Bos” to them for their efforts throughout the year.
The boy’s final was later in the day also taking place in the Mall Complex. Fermoyle NS faced off against St. Michael’s NS in this one. The boys started the game off on the front foot and took an early lead, which they never relinquished up to the final whistle. Coach Deirdre Forde commented that the boys game control, great defensive plays and well worked baskets was a joy to behold.
Huge congratulations to everyone involved in preparing these teams for the finals.
Boys: Aaron Kenny, Dáire Cox, Kevin Farrell, Jamie Hagan, Jimmy Farrell, Alex Forde, Luke Dowd, Ciaran O’Dowd, Cormac O’Dowd, Conor Farrell, James Killian.
Girls: Sionna Crossan, Ella Hogan, Polly Myhill, Josie Myhill, Sinead Connerton, Zoe Murkowski, Alice Johnston, Aoife Kennelly, Sienna Wyse, Hannah Mitchell, Lauren Curran.
Gala Concert
A Gala Concert in aid of the Alzheimer Society (Longford Branch) will take place at 8.30pm on Saturday 1st April in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule. The concert will feature “The Army Band of 2 Brigade” Custume Barracks (Athlone), “The Gateway Singers” from Buncrana & “The Innyside Singers”. M.C. on the night is renowned Charlie McGettigan.
Concert tickets are on sale at €10 each from the Alzheimer Society (Longford Branch-043/3348402) Office, The Rustic Inn (Abbeyshrule-044/9357742), Eileen Cooney (Teach na Leanaí, Ballymahon-09064/32505) or Kathryn Keenan, Abbeyshrule-0868226894.
Easter Art and Craft Camp
Easter Art and Craft camp for kids Tues 11th Apr – Thurs 13th Apr, 10am – 2pm in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesboro. €50 per child. To book a place contact Denise at 086 8930990 or email artandcraftcamp2017@gmail.com
Monster Meeting on Wednesday Week
The Lough Ree Monster group will have its meeting on this Wednesday 22nd March at 9pm in Rosie’s at the Lifebelt. You are invited to come along and be part of this growing group who are putting together a wonderful event for the local communities in July/August. It is essential that representatives from all parishes make up this group to ensure participation and ideas from all and to ensure that there is nothing left out.
Play your part and be part of this great occasion.
Rathcline GAA
Membership
Become a member of Rathcline GAA. Play your part in your club and help the club grow by your membership and your participation in your club. We would encourage all players, supporters and parents to become members.
Your membership will be acknowledged as a huge boost to the club and it will also entitle you to be part of what we hope will be a strong and vibrant club in the coming months ahead. Membership costs €50 for playing members and €20 for non-playing members.
50/50
Congratulation to Michael Greene, The Green, on winning the 50/50 draw on Monday 13th March. The pool for the week amounted to €412.
Tickets are on sale locally at €2 each and your support will be greatly appreciated. Alternatively you can by the pink ticket for the year for just €100 and have 2 free weeks
COME OUT AND PLAY
The club has entered two competitions and it will also take part in the junior championship later in the season. We are asking every player past and present to contact Kevin Hanley or any of his team management or Chairman Liam or Secretary Cathal on his intention to turnout and create a wonderful spirit in the club. There are a lot of players that in recent time that have retired or have pulled away for one reason or the other and we would love to welcome them back for a bit of fun on the playing field.
Thank You
The club would like to thank sincerely Cosmos Gilmore for sponsoring 2 footballs.
Punchestown:
The trip to Punchestown is a great day out for Longford Football. This year we hope that we can gain support from all local racing aficionados and those interested in a great social day out to the Annual Punchestown Festival on Wednesday 26th April 2017 in support of Longford GAA. Rathcline will be entering its usual table and we are looking for support and we hope that we can fill 2 tables -20 people. Anyone interested should contact Liam Connerton, Albert Cooney, Gerard Farrell or Cathal Chapman.
Annual 25 Drive:
The Annual Rathcline GAA 25 Drive (Partners) will take place on Good Friday 14th April in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesboro. The game will start at 9pm.
Tickets are priced at €5 and if you cannot go you can still support the club by buying a ticket and you will be in with a chance to win one of the non-playing ticket holder prizes. Refreshments will be served.
Sympathy:
The club would like to extend their deepest sympathy to the Mulvihill family, Cullentra on the death of John Dowd last week
Minor Club:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
The minor club would like to thank David Dowd, Declan and Kevin Connor and Stephen for preparing the club float for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The club also thanks the young players and their parents for turning out on such a wet day. All your support nd help is greatly appreciated.
Upcoming courses
GAA 15 injury prevention warm up Monday 27th March in St Mel’s College 7.30 to 9.30pm
Developing Skills under pressure and fatigue Monday 6th April 7.30 to 9.30pm at a venue yet to be confirmed.
Longford Sports Partnership
Sports First Aid – Saturday 25th March 2017
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.
Green Gyms
Enjoy the outdoor with our FREE Green Gyms programme commencing on Thursday 20th April for 6 weeks at 12 noon. A qualified instructor will be on hand to provide expert advice on how to stay fit and healthy using the beautiful outdoors.
Community Coaching Programme
This 12 week programme is delivered through Longford and Westmeath Sports Partnership and will provide tuition in the area of Outdoor Recreation and job skills training. Please call Sarah on (087) 413 4179 for further details.
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
Easter Camp at Backstage
Backstage Theatre will host a 8 Day Easter Camp from Monday 10th to Thursday 13th and from Tuesday 18th to Friday 21st April with a Final Showcase. There are limited places available and if your young person has the interest in this camp then you should call as book as soon as you read this notice. Primary School group (3rd to 6th class) will take place from 10am to 2pm. and secondary School group from 2.15 to 6.15pm. The camp will include Comedy, Storytelling, Play, Theatre, Performance and it will also include Improvisation with Darren Yorke.
To book call into the Backstage Theatre or phone 33 47888
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Monday 6th March are: 1st John Kiernan and Joan Donnellan, 2nd Margaret Gillen and Mai Casey and 3rd Joan Browne and Patricia McGann.
The results of the competition held on Monday 13th March are:
Gross: N/S 1st Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon, 2nd Joan Donlon and Fergal McGuinness, 3rd Freda Kenny and Phil Chalmers. Nett: N/S 1st Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon, 2nd Freda Kenny and Phil Chalmers and 3rd Joan Donlon and Fergal McGuinness
Gross: E/W 1st John Kiernan and Joan Donnellan, 2nd Eileen Kelly and Nancy Dolan and 3rd Fiona Gillen and Essie Nugent. Nett: E/W 1st John Kiernan and Joan Donnellan, 2nd Mary Farrell and Philomena Walsh and 3rd Fiona Gillen and Essie Nugent.
Club members wish to extend sincere sympathy to Mary Mulvihill and her family on the death of her brother, John. May he rest in peace.
St. Patrick’s Day Report by Chairperson Teresa Costello
As usual the day started with the traditional Mass which was packed. The parish choir were in fine voice and the local musicians lifted the roof. Clodagh Grey from Longford stepped it out and at the offertory she danced without music, which left the church in silence, with just the beat of her feet to be heard.
The floats arrived into town at 2.30 led by the local Gardaí. The ONE group followed, and there was a minute’s silence for Mick Briody who passed away last year. This was followed by a slow air on the pipes by Joe Galvin. Mick was a member of the ONE group and had been coming to Lanesborough Parade for several years.
The day was a huge success despite the weather and the Committee would like to thank all the people who entered floats as this takes time, planning, effort, energy and cost. Special thanks to Newtowncashel National School and to the Community College, Lanesborough for taking part in the parade. Each year they provide the students with the opportunity to take part despite their workloads!
Thanks to Deputy Eugene Murphy Master of Ceremonies, to all who helped decorate the town with banners and flags and window dressing. THE COMMITTEE APPEAL TO WHOEVER TOOK THE PARADE SIGNS OFF THE STROKESTOWN ROAD AND THE LONGFORD ROAD TO RETURN THEM IMMEDIATELY.
Thanks to Terry McLoughlin for the charity pig roasting. Special thanks to all the Business people who sponsored the parade, to Longford Co. Council and to Heineken for your generosity.
To the stewards who each year take on the job to make sure everything runs smoothly and everybody is safe, thank you. To the boys who got into the furry suits, to John Casey for power, St. Faithleach’s and the Community College, Joe O’Brien, The Longford Leader and Shannonside.
The winners were Newtowncashel National School, Mattie McGuire, Rosie’s bar, Hanley Quarries, Johnston’s Pharmacy, Clarkes Bar and Lanesborough Triathlon Club.
Draw winners of €100 each were, Darren McGrath, Josie Connaughton, Valerie Malone, Decky Hanley, and P.J. Coyle
Chairperson, Teresa Costello thanks all who made the day such a success and highlights the fact that Lanesborough/Ballyleague showed enormous strength in unity on Friday last, despite the weather