Lanesboro Ballyleague
Festival is a coming
The full programme for the Lough Ree Monster Festival is nearing completion and there promises to be an exciting line up to cover all tastes 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. There will also be an additional and very exciting free concert performed by the legendary Natty Wailer and the Reggae Vibes. Natty Wailer was a member of the famous Bob Marley and the Wailers. It is a fabulous coup by the committee to be able to get Natty Wailer to come to Lanesboro and perform.
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. The committee is looking for all boat owners, paddle boaders, jet skiers and canoeist to come along on Friday night and be part of the flotilla accompanying the Lough Ree Monster to town. Please give your names to Teresa Ormsby, Mike Greene, Catherine Kelly or Joe O’Brien. The Lough Ree Monster 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.
With everything happening Lanesboro will be a fabulous place to be from 28th July to the 7th August and there is no doubt it the place you should be.
Unveiling Map and Information Panel
The St. John’s congregation and their cemetery committee along with Lanesboro Tourism committee came together to document the names of the graves in this very old cemetery. A very comprehensive map of the cemetery with all possible names and informational panel was unveiled by Rev Alistair Donaldson on behalf of the St. John’s Church committee on Sunday last. It is a credit to everyone and an essential part of the history of St. John’s and the cemetery.
Rehearsals go to the stage
The cast of the Lough Ree Monster has completed the reading of their lines and moved to St. Marys Hall on Wednesday night last in preparation for its debut on Friday 28th July. The play will also take place the following night Saturday 29th July and both nights will be used 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.
Monthly Whist Drive
The final whist drive of the current season will take place on this coming Friday night 2nd June at 8.30pm in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro. The committee thanks everyone that came along throughout the season and would like that all would come along this Friday for the final game. Your support continues to be excellent and your support has been a great help in the unseen work done by the committee. Please make the final night one to remember and bring along your card playing friends.
Tidy Towns
Preparations are gathering pace for the upcoming judging by the National Tidy Towns adjudicators. The judging normally takes place on the first 3 weeks of June. Your support is greatly appreciated by painting a wall/gate, putting out hanging baskets and window boxes. The committee would like if each and every business would also give the area in front of their premises and along where the footpath meets the road a sweep. Everything that can be done should be done to assist the hard working committee
Fermoyle Champions
Last week the Fermoyle National School played Ballymahon in the final of the Mixed School Championship in Pearse Park. Following a titanic struggle Fermoyle emerged victorious on a 5-4 to 3-3 scoreline. The Fermoyle team and panel was Shane Ross, Luke Dowd, Dáire Cox, Alex Forde, Sam Murphy, Jamie Hagan, Aaron Kenny, Conor Farrell, Kieran O’Dowd, Kevin Farrell, Jimmy Farrell, James Killian, Cormac O’Dowd, Ella Hogan, Aoife Kennelly and Sinéad Connerton.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of the late Brendan Mc Dermott, Farnagh Hill, Longford. Brendan was son of the late Pat and Eileen Mc Dermott, Mount Davis and brother of Michael, Brian, and Dessie and sister Eileen. Brendan is also survived by his wife Mary T and sons Cian, Cathal, Niall, Rory and Eoin and extended family.
Brendan was a former teacher in Lanesboro before moving to teach at Templemichael College until his retirement. Brendan also represented his local area on Longford Urban Council in the late 80’s and 90’s with great distinction.
Brendan reposed at his family home before being removed to St. Mel’s Cathedral for his funeral Mass. Following Mass, he was laid to rest in Killashee cemetery.
A New Myth or a Forgotten Legend
Following on from the two books mentioned last week a new book reached the counter on Saturday evening last entitled Corr Scéal -Crane Notions.
The Eurasian Crane is a bird species that once bred across Ireland and became extinct between 1540-1600AD.
Lorcán Ó Tuathail spent eight years delving into the cultural remnants of the once totemic Crane. He now presents twelve speculative storylines that shines the light on a cornerstone of a forgotten and ancient civilisation.
With so many place names in the general area including the word ‘Cor’ there is a belief that the once famous crane was popular in our area.
The book costing €13 makes interesting and wonderful reading and it is worth having in any home.
Death
It was with great sadness and regret we learned of the death on Wednesday last 24th at Carthage Nursing Home, Mucklagh, Tullamore of Tom Ganly The Green. Tom was predeceased by his wife Eileen last July and prior to that by his son Fr. Liam, Mill Hill Missionaries. Tom moved to Lanesboro many years ago with his family where he worked with Bord na Mona until his retirement. Tom was a quiet reserved man who had a great interest in all things local and liked nothing better than his weekly game of cards with his friends on a Tuesday night in the Yacht bar.
Tom started out his life as a mechanic with Hanlon’s Garage Ballymahon where he gained the reputation of being an excellent man at his job. Moving to Bord na Mona he carried a huge reputation and his skill level went from strength to strength. Tom was a very popular man with his co-workers and with everyone in the area. During his recent illness, the amount of inquiries as to his wellbeing showed the admiration in which Tom was held. Ever obliging ever helpful and always a cheery welcome will be traits that will be sadly missed in our community.
Tom reposed at his residence on the Green on Friday last until his removal to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro. Tom’s Funeral Mass took place on Saturday and following Mass his remains were interred in Clonbonny cemetery. To his daughters Elaine and Denise, sons Sean, Aiden, Declan and David, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Tourism 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.
Tourism Co-Op Draw
The Lanesboro Tourism draw took place on Tuesday 23rd May and the numbers drawn were 3, 4, 9 and 10. There was no winner of the jackpot of €6,800. The winner of the €50 prize was Fiona c/o Mags and the three €20 prizes went to Peter Hudson c/o Market, Maura Mc Loughlin Strokestown Road, and Mickie Donlon c/o Mags.
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.
Kayaking Starts Back
Kayaking classes Ballyleague/Lanesboro are starting back this Thursday evening 7 until 9 for adults cost €15 p/p for further information contact 0872977769 or 0876675275. Students kayaking starting back this Saturday at 10 30 am until 1 pm for further information contact 0872977769 or 0876675275
Mens Club
Did you know that there is a Mens Club in Lanesboro spanning men from both sides of the bridge? On the 2nd Thursday from September to May the men meet in St. Mary’s Hall. The club is very active and have made many interesting tours during these months. They have visited many places of interest including Áras an Uachtaráin, Guinness Hop Store, Yeats Country, Sligo, Leenane, Galway, Westport and their latest visit on Thursday last to Foynes Flying Boat and Maritime Museum in Limerick and Bunratty castle on their way home.
This is a mess only club catering for men of all ages and while you may not be able to attend every monthly meeting it will not disbar you from going on every one of the outings.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the club or just want further information you should contact Annette at 089-4119826 for further information
Bus to Ladies Mini Marathon
There are just 8 seats left on the bus to the Ladies Mini Marathon on Monday next 5th June. If you wish to travel as a competitor or supporter you are asked to contact Pam Farrell on 087-4146987 any evening.
7th Annual Glenn Brady Memorial Cycle
Glenn Brady memorial Cycle will take place on Sunday next 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.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
The results of the competitions held during the season are:
“No Blame”: Mary Tucker Memorial: October 2016 1st Margaret Gillen and Mary Fallon, 2nd Katharine Harrison and Ann Hagan, 3rd Mary Jameson and Joan Donlon.
Sliabh Ban Trophy: November 2016: 1st Maureen Hynes and Una Clarke, 2nd Mary Farrell and Martha Byrne, 3rd John Kiernan and Joan Donnellan
Gross: Mai Casey and Margaret Gillen.
E.J. Browne Trophy: January 2017: 1st John Kiernan and Joan Donnellan, 2nd Nancy Dolan and Fergal McGuinness, 3rd Maureen Hynes and Una Clarke.
Gross: Margaret Gillen and Mai Casey
Lough Ree Trophy: February 2017: 1st Mai Casey and Margaret Gillen, 2nd Mary Fallon and Kathleen Hanley, 3rd Joan Donnellan and John Kiernan
Gross: Fergal McGuinness and Joan Donlon.
Bridie Deffew Memorial: March 2017: 1st Margaret Gillen and Mai Casey, 2nd Fergal McGuinness and Joan Donlon, 3rd Freda Kenny and Mary Conmy
Gross: Bernadette Gillen and Phil Chalmers.
Summer Competition: April 2017: 1st Philomena Walshe and Mary Farrell, 2nd Mary Fallon and Kathleen Hanley, 3rd Mary Jameson and Goretti Kenny
Gross: Joan Donnellan and John Kiernan.
President’s Prize: (Mrs Maureen Hynes) May 2017: 1st Fiona Gillen and Essie Nugent, 2nd Noreen Dunne and Philomena Walshe, 3rd Mike Flynn and Bernadette Gillen.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
With parish Community Games completed on both sides of the bridge and qualifiers for Longford and Roscommon getting ready for action in St Faithleach’s and Ballymahon GAA grounds this weekend. The Irish Secondary Schools proceeded with their annual track and field competition. Here the unassuming Conor Rohan representing Roscommon Community College qualified through the regional rounds for the Connaught final in AIT Athlone. Conor came, he saw and he conquered and took the gold medal in the senior discus, bringing his tally of golds in the Connaught Schools competition to three in as many years. Patrycza Jedrych representing Convent of Mercy Roscommon did well to finish fifth in the Senior shot on her first attempt.
Congratulations also to Hazel Johnston on winning the gold medal in the first County Longford Community Games Duathlon, with her team mate Ella Hogan in second position and not forgetting Ivan Johnston who represented the boys and finished in fourth position. Wishing all our athletes from Ballyleague and Lanesboro the very best of luck in the Community Games on Sunday next and also Conor Rohan in the All-Ireland Schools Competition on Saturday next in Tullamore.
Rathcline GAA
Division 2
Well done to our Division 2 team on their tight and hard-earned win over Kenagh in Kenagh on Saturday evening last. The final score line showed how tight it was Kenagh 2-11 to our 3-9. This victory puts us in a very strong position for promotion. We have tough games to come in the next few weeks and victory through those games could ensure promotion.
Hard word and very hard work will be the order of the day for all panel members to ensure we can capture that promotion place.
Our next game is a local derby with Killashee in Clonbonny on Friday evening next at 8.15pm. Let’s hope a huge crowd comes along to enjoy what should be a massive struggle with our neighbours.
50/50
Monday night last 22nd May the 50/50 took place in Peer Inn, Lisnacusha. The winning pool amounted to €404 and the winner was Cian O’Brien, Corner Shop. The club would like to congratulate Cian on his win, thank him for his support and we would like to thank everyone else 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
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.