Lanesboro Ballyleague
The Killian Gathering
Last weekend we seen an influx of visitors for the gathering from around the world of the descendants of Luke Killian and Anne Furey at the ancestral home place in Fermoyle. People flocked from all corners to see their ancestral home and to bring to them a place of belonging in Ireland.
Back in 2000 on the advice of the late Rita Connolly Joan Killian bought part of her own ancestral home place. Since then Joan and her husband Chris Clarke have done remarkable work in restoring the old buildings which now stand as properties of beauty in Fermoyle.
Joan Killian Gallagher is now using her ancestral home in Longford as a retreat, hosting Notre Dame students and professors for volunteering and reflection. The young American students from Notre Dame students have thoroughly enjoyed their June Bank Holiday in Fermoyle and they get the opportunity of exploring the sights historical and otherwise of the county. They give of their time to integrate with the parents and students of Fermoyle NS where the mixture of sporting cultures takes place and a wonderful rapport is garnished between both sets of students and their parents.
We again welcome the students on the June Bank Holiday and hope they have a special time in our company once again
Festival is a coming
The full programme for the Lough Ree Monster Festival is almost complete and there promises to be an exciting line up of events throughout the weekend.
Already we have Cliona Hagan, Mike Denver and AC/DC tribute band IE/DC booked for the three nights in the Red Barn. The Lough Ree Monster Festival events will be stage in the Big Red Barn on a site at the back of the Friends of Asthma shop (old Post Office). The committee would like to thank the Johnston family for the generous donation of the site on the banks of the Shannon.
The Lough Ree Monster in 1992 set sail from Johnston’s family home at the ‘Cut’ and the Lough Ree Monster of 2017 will once again set sail from the same location on Friday 4th August and it will make its return journey on Sunday night 6th August where the Monster will get a grand farewell and be sent away with a display of fireworks.
Make sure you book your holidays for this time as it will be a marvellous time to be in Lanesboro.
Lanesboro Community Games
Well done to all of our participants whom took part in the Community Games National Finals in Abbottstown a few weeks ago.
Huge Congratulations to our County Debating Team, whom were all local to Lanesborough!! They came third overall, which was a fantastic achievement. The team were: Manager Michael Lyons and Debaters Orla Lyons, Tonya O’Brien, Ivan Johnston & Jeron Kok
Huge Congratulations to Duileach Ryan, who got a bronze in the swimming competition and also to his brother Seadhna who made the final of the swimming.
Well done to all of our participants whom took part in the Model Making and Arts County Competitions. Congratulations to Aileen Gordon who got second place in the U12 Girls Competition. Congratulations also to Cormac O’Dowd who got 1st in U12 Boys Competition. He will go on to represent Longford, in Abbottstown, later in the Summer. The Arts results are not to hand yet.
Thank you to all those participants who took part in the Nationals in Abbottstown and the County Competitions also. We are very proud of you all.
We would like to thank all our managers, parents and those who helped out, for all of your help and support throughout the year.
The Play – The Lough Ree Monster
The cast of the Lough Ree Monster is presently rehearsing in preparation for the debut of the play in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro on Friday night 28th July. The play will also take place the following night Saturday 29th July and both nights will be seen as the official launch nights of the Lough Ree Monster Festival. There is a wonderful cast working on this hilarious play with some members of the cast coming from the hugely successful Newtowncashel Drama Group and some new members coming from Lanesboro and Ballyleague. The play is being directed by the vastly experienced Newtowncashel man Dermot Healy who has directed many of the Newtowncashel drama Group plays.
It is coincidental that the play was written by Newtowncashel man John Kenny just at the time of the committee coming together to put the Lough Ree Festival together for August weekend.
John very generously offered the play to the committee and they are honoured to be staging the play for the very first time on 28th and 29th July.
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea of Conor Casey son of James and Mary Casey, Curreen, Rathcline Road and Julie Morgan, daughter of Claire and Michéal Morgan, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Bestman was James Casey, brother of the groom and groomsmen were Michael Shorthall, brother in law of the groom and groomsmen were Ryan Fallon and Rory Donnellan, both friends of the groom. Chief Bridesmaid was Elaine Morgan sister of the bride, bridesmaids were Michelle Creighton, Shauna Creighton and Siobháin Mc Donnell. Page boy was Matthew Shorthall, nephew of the groom and Flower girl was Zoe May Shorthall niece of the groom. The marriage ceremony was concelebrated by Fr. Micheál Donnelly, Fr. Kevin Fallon and Fr. John Mc Manus. The wedding reception took place in the Salthill Hotel, Galway.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Local and Interesting Books
Two recent publications have been receiving tremendous reviews and both feature many local people. Yesteryears was sold out recently and copies of this Longford Leader of photographs taking people down memories lane are now back in stock.
Selected Memories of St. Mel’s College 1865 – 2015 is a mammoth book written by Denis Glennon. The book highlights selected times over the 150 years and there is a myriad of photographs bring back memories to everyone that grace the illustrious college.
Both books are selling very well and creating a great vibe and recalling many memories.
Death
On Thursday last 18th May news broke of one of our most popular residents on the Rathcline Road. Tommie Casey since his arrival in Lanesboro had been an integral part of our community. He was selfless in anything asked of him in our community and he was a wonderful neighbour and friend – nothing seemed to faze him in what he was asked to do.
Tommy was a woodwork teacher in the Lanesboro Vocational School now Lanesboro Community College. Saying he was a teacher is an understatement Tommie was a master craftsman and shared his unique ability with the students of the time. He also taught Mechanical Drawing to the highest standard and relished the successes of his students as the went forward in life. Tommie brought his craft to the locals when he taught many people in the skill of boat building. He had not only a great love in Irish music and he had an in-depth knowledge of the workings and had many recordings of valuable Irish music. Tommie was a true and loyal friend to everyone that came to know him and his passing will leave a great absence in the hearts of everyone. Tommie from the very beginning of his residency made himself a part of the local community and he was unsparing of his time and energy to be supportive of all things local. Tommie was a loyal friend and his genial and warmth will be long remembered.
His remains reposed at Glennon’s Funeral Home Longford on Friday last. He was them removed to his home on the Rathcline Road before being removed on Saturday to St. Mary’s Church for the Mass of the Resurrection. Following Mass Tommie was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery.
Tommie is survived by his wife Mary, son Enda, sister Colette, daughter in law Clare and granddaughter Clare, relatives and friends to who we extend our sincere sympathy.
Tourism with Business Course
Longford College of Further Education are now enrolling for the Tourism with Business level 5 & 6 courses beginning September 2017. With the imminent arrival of Center Parcs, tourism related employment is expected to grow in County Longford. To apply go to www.longfordcfe.com or email hjohnston.tcl@lwetb.ie
Come to our Meeting
The Lough Ree Monster Festival committee meet every Wednesday in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 9pm and we would love to have more people from the community of Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Cashel and Killashee join us for what promises to be a special event for the entire community on Friday and Saturday 28th/29th July and August Bank Holiday.
Go Racing this Friday
Cloontuskert National School is hosting a ‘Night at the Dogs’ at Longford Greyhound Track on this Friday evening 26th May. This is a very special event for the school and I would urge everyone to buy tickets for the night. It is an excellent policy to support our local schools. The first race on the night will commence at 8pm. Tickets for the night cost just €10 and tickets are on sale locally.
Tourism Co-Op Draw
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism lotto last week Tuesday 16th May were 2, 11, 13 and 23. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot for Tuesday will be €6,900.
The €50 winner was Mary Connaughton, Knock, and the three €20 winners were The 2 Ds c/o SuperValu, Mike Mullooly, New York, co Mags and Martha and Caoilfinn.
Annual Kayaking Camp
The annual Kayak Summer Camp will take place in Lanesboro/Ballyleague from Monday 26th June to Friday 30th June. The camp will be for ages 10 to 17-year-old. For further details or to book your place phone 087 2977769 or 087 6675275. Book early and avoid disappointment.
Convent of Mercy 1977 L.C.
Did you do your Leaving Cert. in the Convent of Mercy in 1977? It is hoped to have a reunion of the class of 40 years ago – Are you one of the girls that began secondary school in September 1972 or the intervening years and in June 1977 sat your Leaving Certificate in the former Convent of Mercy, Secondary School in Lanesboro? The get together will more than likely happen in September or October. Members or that class are asked to contact Geraldine (087 2224048) or Bridie (087 2218484) or e mail lanesborolc1977@yahoo.com
Seeking Cúl Camp Helpers
If any young person is interested in assisting at the Cúl Camps this summer then they should express their interest in doing so to Longford County Board in writing and the expression of interest should be signed by the person wishing to take part and also signed by a parent/guardian. You must indicate the number of camps that you are available to attend.
Any young person under eighteen wishing to be a helper or an assistant coach should also make sure a parent/guardian signs the parental consent form for E -vetting for the named child. E-vetting is a must for children assisting at camps. There is a step by step guide available on the Longford GAA website www.longfordgaa.ie
Seeking your Support
Would you like to help fund this year’s new and exciting Lough Ree Monster Festival? The committee have just opened a Go Fund Me facility for the Lough Ree Monster Festival. If you would like to subscribe you can put Go Fund Me Lough Ree Monster into your search engine. There is a facility there for you to make your contribution to creating a wonderful festival in the community for this year. The committee would like to thank you in advance.
Bus to Mini Marathon
There are just 6 seats left on the bus to the Ladies Mini Marathon on Monday 5th June. If you need a seat contact Pam Farrell after 6 any evening 087-4146987.
You are reminded to collect your race number at Elvery’s Sport, Lakepoint Shopping Centre Mullingar on Saturday next between 11am and 6pm.
7th Annual Glenn Brady Memorial Cycle
Glenn Brady memorial Cycle will take place on Sunday June 4th starting from Ballymore GAA Ground Granard.
Registration from 9am with three cycle routes 80K, 40K, and a leisurely 20k.
Registration Fee €20. Refreshments and BBQ on the Day.
This year all funds are being donated to The Aiden Dixon Ceiling Hoist Fund.
For information on cycle routes please visit Facebook. Glenn Brady Memorial
cycle. www.glennbradycycle.com Contact Jimmy on 087-8875227.
Please support this very worthy cause.
Upcoming EDI Courses
First Aid Course commencing 19th, 20th, 21st June 2017 at 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Cost: €200
SAFE Pass Course commencing 12th June 2017 at 8.30am – 5.00pm.
Cost: €125 (This includes SAFE Pass card)
To register your interest, contact the EDI Centre, Longford. Tel: (043) 33 47515; email: enquiries@edilongford.ie
To secure a place a deposit of €30 is required.
Please note: Funding may be available for people in receipt of certain social welfare payments, call in to your local Intreo/DSP office or ring (043) 33 40000 to check your eligibility.
Leinster Final Winners
Rathcline Ladies players continue to represent the club well in the county teams: Last weekend the U14 team won their Leinster title and the club were represented on the panel by Eabha Healy, Zara Mulvihill and Alannah Flood.
The previous week in the U18 team won the Leinster Shield and the club were represented by Ciara Healy – who received player of the final and also by Rebecca Stavuse.
Well done to the players who continue to bring honours to the club.
Rathcline GAA
50/50
Monday night last 15th May the 50/50 took place in Adie’s Bar. The winning pool amounted to €380 and the winner was Helen Feeney, Rathcline. The club would like to wish Helen well with her win and we would like to thank everyone for their continued 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
Minor Club
Dublin Visitors
Last Saturday morning was a great treat for our U13, U14 and U15 players when we welcomed Templeogue/Synge Street players of the same age to Clonbonny. It was a tremendous occasion for our young players to playing a Dublin side. It was a great fillip following their defeat in the U14 final a few nights previous.
Both sides gave their all, making the games both competitive and enjoyable. The club hosted the teams and their mentors in the clubhouse afterwards.
The club would like to thank Templeogue/Synge Street for coming to play our young players and we look forward to further liaisons
Working at the Cúl Camps
If any young person is interested in assisting at the Cúl Camps this summer then they should express their interest in doing so to Longford County Board in writing and the expression of interest should be signed by the person wishing to take part and signed by a parent/guardian. You must indicate the number of camps that you are available to attend.
Any young person under eighteen wishing to be a helper or an assistant coach should also make sure a parent/guardian signs the parental consent form for E -vetting for the named child. E-vetting is a must for children assisting at camps. There is a step by step guide available on the Longford GAA website www.longfordgaa.ie
Cúl Camp dates: The Cúl camps will take place in Rathcline from Monday 24th to Friday 28th July. The cost of Cúl Camps this year is €60 for 1st child, second child €50 and third/fourth €40.
Bookings can be made online www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie or to Damien Sheridan, GAA Coaching Officer, Pearse Park, Battery Road, Longford, phone 087-9126556.
National Famine Walk to Dublin along the Royal Canal – Why not join them?
An international group will follow in the footsteps of the tenants from Strokestown who were forced to emigrate to Canada during the summer of 1847. The National Famine Walk will take place from Saturday May 27th to Thursday June 1st, with President Michael D. Higgins greeting and sending them off at a commemorative event at Richmond Harbour, Clondra, Co Longford. They will be walking along the Royal Canal in costume and invite people to join them for stretches of the route. The Famine walkers’ journey can be followed in real time at www.nationalfamineway.ie.
“Strokestown Famine walkers will embark on the six-day trek of 155km and blaze a new National Famine Way walking trail along the Royal Canal between Strokestown and Dublin, 170 years after the individual emigrants’ original journey”, said Caroilin Callery of Strokestown Park and the Irish National Famine Museum. “We are inviting local people to join us for stretches of the journey”, she continued.
The event recreates the journey of 1490 tenants from Denis Mahon’s estate at Strokestown Park, now the site of the Irish National Famine Museum (www.strokestownpark.ie). Their journey took place in May 1847 or ‘Black 47’, one of the worst years of suffering of the Great Irish Famine. The tenants were escorted by Bailiff Robinson to Dublin to ensure they boarded ship and did not return home. The story of the tenants’ fate after they left Dublin is a harrowing one. They travelled on open deck packet steamers to Liverpool and then crossed the Atlantic on some of the worst “coffin ships”: Erin’s Queen, Naomi, The Virginius and The John Munn. Almost half of those who embarked died aboard ship or in the ‘fever sheds’ at Grosse Isle when they arrived in Quebec.
The group of walkers from the United States, Canada, Finland, Northern Ireland, and, of course, Strokestown will walk from Strokestown and Clondra all the way along the Royal Canal to Dublin and would like to meet with local people along the way. They will build on the success of the 2015 Irish Famine Walk and help lay the foundation for a permanent National Famine Way walking trail. This is being developed by Strokestown Park House, the Irish National Famine Museum, and the Irish Heritage Trust in partnership with Waterways Ireland, ADAPT: The Global Centre of Excellence for Digital Content, EPIC – the Irish Emigration Museum, Royal Canal Amenity Group, Roscommon and Longford County Councils, and Strokestown Community Town Team.
“In walking in the footsteps of our missing Strokestown 1490,” said Callery, “we hope not only to recreate their journey but also honour their legacy. We want to find their living descendants in Canada and the United States, and invite them to join us on the National Famine Way”. She also invited local people to “Come join us, walk in their footsteps with us, share stories and engage with us as we pass through your area.” Follow the Famine Walkers in real time at www.nationalfamineway.ie
For more information or media inquiries, contact: Strokestown Park and Irish National Famine Museum Mr. John O’Driscoll – 071 963 3013 / info@strokestownpark.ie / www.strokestownpark.ie