Lanesboro Ballyleague
All Action last Weekend
Following on to the great weekend on the 17th and 18th March where despite the bad weather trying to dampen our spirits a great number turned out and had an enjoyable time at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the launch of the Scouts barge on following day Saturday 18th.
The weekend gone by weather wise was poles apart with the weekend being bright and sunny throughout and Lanesboro and Ballyleague were blooming.
Saturday the County Talent Finals of the Community Games took place in Lanesboro Parish Hall and the finals brought a huge number of finalists to the area.
The finals list shows the diversity of involvement within the Community Games; titles that were up for grab were choir, recitation, solo singing, dancing, group singing, music, disco dance contemporary dance and culture corner. The finals began at 9.30 and went right through the day and it was a perfect day even for the vanquished as they strolled and availed of the beauty, the banks of the Shannon and the town itself. So many young people on the street brought a great atmosphere and vibrancy to the town.
The Community Games is a wonderful organisation giving young people a marvellous opportunity to display individual talents as well as in team competitions. It allows parents to share in the singular abilities of their young as well as seeing them involved in teams and it is a great shame, locally, that more parents are not more involved in the Community Games hence offering their and more local children the opportunity to participate.
Allied to that The Midland Stages Rally, was taking place in the Lisrevagh and Lisnacusha area on Sunday. On Saturday so many participants from the rally were in town and in the stages area doing their preparations for the Sunday stages and this gave further vibrancy to the town as they drivers, co-drivers and rally enthusiasts mingled in town. The town was humming and it was great that they got such a great weekend in our community.
On Sunday, the hum and roar of the exhausts was clearly heard as the rally cars crossed from the Longford Road to the Rathcline Road and up to the stage start in Lisrevagh. This happened 3 times during the day hence making the town a very busy place from time to time. The sounds and sight of powerful cars created a wonderful buzz in the area and more so on a hot warm and dry day.
Going down through the results it was great to see local lads Shane Healy and co-driver Emmet Donlon Peugeot 205 first in their class. It is always special to have local involvement in the Rally and even better when the locals can win their category. Well done lads and also well done to the organisers on another successful rally.
Fair Day on Saturday
For the third weekend in a row there will be great activity in the town as on Saturday next 1st April the local committee will host their Annual Horse Fair.
This year the Horse Fair has got a new and scenic location as it will take place in Gill’s field that overlooks the bay area of the Shannon and the small harbour. The field is known locally as Lancashire. If like last weekend the sun shines throughout then there will not be a more idyllic setting for the Fair.
Lanesboro Horse Fair is legendary amongst horse dealers and breeders and a great amount of dealing goes on the day. Buyers come from far and wide to purchase at the Fair and I am sure this year will be no different. Come along and be part of the history of Lanesboro. The Horse Fair will commence at 10.30am.
We are hoping next weekend will once again draw big numbers to the town and make it another great weekend in Lanesboro. We look forward to the excitement of the fair once again in Lanesboro.
Pedestrian entrance will be from the Rathcline Road. The entrance for horses and all other for the Horse Fair will be solely from the entrance opposite the small harbour.
Allied to the Fair the Annual Dog Show will also take place, also in the field and the Dog Show will start at 12.30pm. The classes to be adjudicated will be; Puppy – 0-6 months, Puppy 6-12 months, Hound, Terrier, Working, Pastoral, Toy, Parish Dog, Rescue, Fancy Dress, Adult Handler, Child Handler, Best in Show and Best Gun Dog. Entry fee is €3 per class or €10 for 4 classes entered.
For further details please call Madaleine on 086 1500 123
Longford Person of the Year
One of the biggest honours of this year and indeed any year will be awarded in Moran’s Red Cow Hotel, Dublin on this Saturday night 1st April. Local man Joe O’Flaherty, son of the late P.J. and Mary O’Flaherty will be honoured as the Dublin’s Associations Longford Man of the Year. This is an award that is richly deserved by Joe who always enthuses greatly the benefits of Longford and indeed his home parish of Rathcline. Joe who has risen through the ranks of journalism from ordinary hack to Managing Director, Northern Section of Iconic Newspapers. Iconic Newspapers includes our local Longford Leader in its titles.
Joe for a long time has never been afraid to talk up the benefits of Longford and has been very proactive in attempting to attract business to the county.
Joe is following in the footsteps of another local man Ciaran Mullooly (2012) in receiving this award. As it is Joe’s honour it is also our parish honour in seeing him receive his award on Saturday night. I hope a big number will go and support Joe on the night and share in his celebration.
Well done Joe we are proud of you.
New Restaurant
Many congratulations to PJ O’Neill and Anta Stepanenko who on Friday last opened their new Café and Bistro in Longford. The new business is situated in the Mastertech Business Park and just a few doors up from the Shannonside studio. It situation makes it very convenient for us locals as we go into or leave Longford.
Anta moved to Lanesboro a number of years ago where she built up a reputation as a lady with culinary skills. The European Café and Bistro is an exciting restaurant that delivers a diverse selection of foods ranging from the traditional Irish dishes to the exotic flavours from the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia which will also appeal to Polish and Russian communities. European will cater for many different cultures.
We wish PJ and Anta wonderful success in their new venture and look forward to seeing many locals frequenting them.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Brendan Rhatigan and family, Fermoyle on the death of Mrs. Theresa Moore, Scotshouse, Co. Monaghan last week. Mrs Moore was mother of Brendan’s late wife Pauline and died 2 years to the day of Pauline’s death.
Birth
Many congratulations to Ronie Masterson and Derek Rutherford, Cnoc na Gaoithe, on the birth last week of a baby boy.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 22nd March are: N/S 1st Maureen Hynes and Patsy Canavan, 2nd Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey and 3rd Mona O’Flaherty and Bernadette Gillen. E/W 1st Una Clarke and Eileen Kelly, 2nd Frank and Frances Brennan and 3rd Brid Mc Dermott and Mae Casey.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
Howell Movement results: 1st Mary Farrell and Philomena Walshe, 2nd Joan Browne and Patricia McGann and 3rd Phil Chalmers and Freda Kenny.
Gross: Joan Donnellan and John Kiernan
Badminton Club
The Club would like to congratulate Noel Moran and Emer Farrell on their recent marriage. We wish them a lifetime of health, happiness and obviously lots of badminton!
50/50
Monday night last was a great night for the returned Kieran Lisle, Rathcline, when he was the lucky winner of last week’s 50/50 that amounted to €433. Well done to Kieran and it is great to see the winning pool on the rise once again. The club thanks you for your great support.
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
Church Gate Collection
Longford MS will be holding their annual church gate collection over the weekend of April 1st and 2nd. All support would be much appreciated.
Are you taking part?
The 21st April is the night for the most unique quiz ever to hit Lanesboro and Ballyleague and any other area for that matter.
It is a quiz like no other, it is made up of quirky questions that will bring great entertainment to the night. It will test your knowledge, wit and wisdom to the extreme. It is guaranteed to be a great fun.
What makes it quirkier and more unique than any quiz that has taken place in the area is that you select your own venue that is Adie’s, the Yacht Bar, Clarkes, Rosie’s at the Lifebelt or St. Faithleach’s Clubhouse.
There will be winners prize in each venue and there will be an overall winner.
The five venues will be linked and the questions will be broadcast live to all venues simultaneously.
Tables of 4 will cost €40 and we look forward to huge crowds in each venue for this historic event.
The funds will go towards the building of the Lough Ree Monster for the upcoming Lough Ree Monster Festival.
Building the Monster
Are you interested in part of the biggest project to hit the area this year? The Lough Ree Monster committee is seeking willing participants in helping to build the 2017 version of the Lough Ree Monster. If you are interest in giving a hand please contact Michael Greene.
Safeguarding Workshop
Safeguarding Workshops in Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport will take place during the year with the first one taking place on Thursday 18th May (safeguarding 1) and followed on 19th October (safeguarding 1) and 9th November (safeguarding 2). Registration cost €15 and you can register online at www.eventbrite.ie or call 043-3349402.
This week’s events at our Library
Knitting & Crochet Group continues on Monday 3rd April 2-4pm. All Welcome!
Lasraí Writers Group
‘Poetry and Music Hour’ will continue at Lanesboro Library on Monday 10th April 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 4th April 7-10pm
Bookclub 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.
Adult Art Classes
Stephanie Hanlon of Hanlon Art Works will give a 6-week Adult Art Class in the library starting on Wednesday evening 19th April 7-8pm. Classes cost €10 per week and will include Acrylics, Watercolours etc.– bring your own materials if you have any. Contact the library for further information on 043 3321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Children’s Art Classes
Stephanie Hanlon of Hanlon Art Works will give a 6 week Children’s Art Class in the library starting on Saturday morning 22nd April 11am-12noon. Classes cost €10 per week and will include different activities for the children each week. Contact the library for further information on 043 3321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
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.
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
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.
Membership should be made before Friday next 31st March.
50/50
Congratulation to Kieran Lisle, Rathcline on winning the 50/50 draw on Monday 20th March. The pool this week amounted to €433 and we thank everyone that bought the blue tickets this week and continue to do so, your support is well appreciated.
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
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.
Minor Club:
Upcoming course
Developing Skills under pressure and fatigue Monday 6th April 7.30 to 9.30pm at a venue yet to be confirmed.
Last Saturday our U13 team travelled to Dublin for the “Finals Day” in the GAA National Games Development Centre in Abbottstown where we played Seneschalstown in the Leinster G.A.A. Cross County League. Despite our best efforts we ended up on the losing side but the experience of being in and playing in the Leinster Final is something that will live with our lads.
Easter Camp at Backstage
Backstage Theatre will host an 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
Cruinniú na Cásca
There are many events taking place in Co. Longford as part of the national Cruinniú na Cásca, on Easter Monday, 17th April. Enjoy one or more of the following events:
9.30am—4.30pm Be part of a Cruinniú na Cásca magical mystery tour discovering Creative Longford – celebrate our history, heritage, dance, music and art. The day will begin at Connolly Barracks located in the historic heart of Longford town at 9.30am. Buses will then depart for cultural venues around the county including: the Anglo-Norman motte-and-bailey castle at Granard; Edgeworthstown, the birthplace of writer Maria Edgeworth; Shawbrook, a haven for dance near Legan; and ending the day with the best of Irish ceol agus craic around the fire at The Haggard, a unique venue in Moyne, north Longford. Everyone welcome to join the tour. Booking essential. €5 fee per person to be paid in advance to tour. To book please email: creativeireland@longfordcoco.ie or telephone: 043-3341124
3pm—5pm, Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre, Ardagh. A family afternoon of storytelling and exploring the legend of Midir and Etain in the woodlands of the historic village of Ardagh.
To celebrate Cruinniú na Cásca, Alice is visiting the Wonderland of Ardagh, home of the Legend of Midir and Etain. Is the Red Witch really Fuamnach? Is the White Witch Etain? Is the Mad Hatter Midir? Join the White Rabbit on his quest for the way into Tír na nÓg – you might even find a few eggs! The story will inspire you at our Arts and Crafts workshop and then let your imagination run wild on our White Rabbit Easter Egg Hunt. Family fun for all ages! All are welcome! To book telephone: 086-3027602 / 087-2326553
7.30pm Cistercian Abbey, Abbeyshrule. The beautiful village of Abbeyshrule is hosting a Ceremony of Light and Music at the ruins of their 12th century Cistercian abbey. The local community, singers, musicians and local schools will participate in the event at the historic site. This is to mark the first time that the abbey ruins have been illuminated with the addition of a sustainable lighting system. The abbey was founded in Abbeyshrule in 1150 under the patronage of the O’Farrell’s of Annaly. It was colonised by the Cistercian monks from Mellifont. The Cruinniú na Cásca event will take place at dusk, and will include an evocative programme of performances by local artists including the Innyside Singers choral group, local musicians and poets along with an ecumenical service. All will take place under the gaze of the “Abbeyshrule Monks”, representing the Cistercian monks who built the abbey. Everybody welcome.