Lanesboro Ballyleague
All-Ireland Champions
The Community Games Finals took place last weekend at Abbottstown, Dublin last weekend. Lanesboro Community Games had our county champions representing Longford in the final and they represented us with distinction.
Daniel Hogan (Art), Cormac O’Dowd (Model Making) and Hazel Johnston (Duathlon) were our representatives and while they were not rewarded with medals we are very proud of their efforts and how they represented us with great pride.
Our U13 Project Team of Callum Gordon, Aileen Gordon, both son and daughter of Philip and Bríd Gordon, Clonbonny, Conor Lyons, son of Michael and Mary Lyons, Rathcline and Ciara Merriman daughter of Johnny and Marian Merriman, Rathcline Road, were announced as Gold medals and All-Ireland champions. This was a most magnificent achievement for the four-young people and brings a huge honour to our Lanesboro Community Games and the wonderful work they are doing, to their parents and to our county and also to our parish. In team managers Bríd Gordon and Michael Lyons, both of whom put in a massive amount of work in guiding, coaching and encouraging the team they had wonderfully dedicated leaders and instructors and their endeavors must also be acknowledged. All the young people are students at Lanesboro Primary School.
The variety of events that our young people reached the finals in shows that there is a skill and sport for everyone and it is very important that parents give their young people the opportunity to express themselves in whatever discipline suits their abilities. Parents and their children must become involved in the Community Games and even in defeat are able to be able to share in the Lanesboro Community Games competitors that are normally classmates or from the same school. It is very important that every young person is involved in the local Community Games.
While all the celebrations were going on it did not go unnoticed that Christin Donlon Goncalves, son of Carol Donlon and Marcelo Goncalves from Cloontuskert and representing Kilgefin parish and county Roscommon had qualified for the Under 10 200 final. All attention and support then turned to Christian and hopes were high that he too would win Gold. Here we had another of our local young people reaching and All-Ireland final. In the final Christian ran a great race but was very unlucky to have been run out of it into third place. However, Christian had the great distinction of stepping up on the winner’s podium to receive his bronze medal. Christian is a pupil at Cloontuskert National School.
Kilgefin had a great number involved in the finals over the weekend including Christian they had Viktoria Jedrych (Javelin), Eoin Murray (Shot Putt) and Lucy Malone (Handwriting), Cian Walton (Duathlon) and Sophie Cox (Art)
Let us hope that there will be a big influx of parents and their children to try and replicate and emulate the achievements of all our young and talented young people. In the foreground of the photograph with the four winners is a photograph of Fabian Walsh who for many many years was instrumental in the Community Games. Well remembered for his great work.
DVD for Sale
The hugely popular play ‘The Lough Ree Monster’ that was staged as the opening of the Lough Ree Monster Festival in St. Mary’s Hall is now available on DVD. The DVD is on sale in O’Brien’s at €15 each and it truly is great watching and a wonderful present for anyone.
40-year Reunion
Lanesboro Convent of Mercy – Leaving Cert class 1977 will celebrate their 40-year reunion
Almost everyone from the class has been contacted and the reunion will take place on 30th September. It is very important that all girls interested in attending this celebration on Saturday night 30th September in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon book their place by 1st September 2017 at the very latest. Booking can be made by emailing lanesborolc1977@yahoo.com or text/phone Bridie at 087 2218484 or Geraldine 087 2224048.
Tullamore Show
Tullamore Show apart from the National Ploughing Championship is the largest show in Ireland and brings entrants in all categories from all over the country such is the prestige associated with winning in Tullamore.
This year two local people were very success at the show. Paul Herraty, Ballyleague was the winner in two categories and took fourth place in a third. Paul, a keen and excellent gardener, was winner in the Truss of Tomatoes category and also in 3 onions each to weigh over 250 grammes. Paul’s fourth place came in the Medium Tomatoes section.
In the pedigree section for cattle John Clyne Rathcline Road was announced as having 2 victories also when he was awarded first in the Best Bullock with 2 or more permanent teeth and also winner in the Moyvalley Meats Factory Heifer Championship.
Well done to the two men on their famous victories
Barge on Nationwide
He very popular RTÉ programme Nationwide on Friday evening last documented the life of the new ballyboro Scouts barge The Fox Heritage barge and the work over more than three years that finally came to fruition with its total refurbishment and launching. Local RTÉ reporter Ciaran Mullooly interviewed all of those involved with the reclaiming of the barge as well as the young scouts that will avail of the Fox Heritage Barge. The Fox was built in 1937 and this was a special year for the barge and the local scouts the birth of the barge for the scouts and the 80th birthday of the barge. Ciaran also interviewed some members of the Dundrum Scouts that availed of the use of the barge in 1952 and used it on their venture at that time from Dublin down to Waterford. It was great to hear their story and it will be a part of the history of the barge recalled and documented for all the future scouts that will avail of the barge for many years to come. Those that rebuilt the Fox can be rightly proud of their achievement and the legacy they leave to the local scouts.
Death
To all of us that knew George Donoghue, Friday last 18th August was a particularly sad day when news broke of his death at University College Hospital Galway. George had been in failing health in recent times and he bore his cross with a great courage and strength. He never allowed it to alter his warm and friendly demeanour, the warmth of the man always shone through. George was predeceased by the untimely death of his son David last December. George was a mechanic by trade and everyone will tell you of the skill of the man at his chosen trade. He was a man with a great interest in all sporting matters and especially with clubs and counties on both sides of the bridge. His passing will leave us sad in heart but happy in our minds of having him as our friends.
George is survived by his wife Mary, sons Frank and Raymond, daughters Jennifer and Georgina, brother Brendan, grandchildren, relatives and friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy. His remains reposed at his son Raymond’s home in Gardenstown on Saturday last. On Sunday, his remains were removed for his Funeral Mass to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague. Cremation took place afterwards in Lakelands Crematorium Cavan
All-Ireland Final
The very best of luck to Michéal O’Donnell, Curraghroe, and his fellow team mates in the U17 All-Ireland Final in Croke Park on Sunday next. For those not able to get tickets it is great to know that the match will be covered live at 12 noon on TG4
Pilgrimage to Knock
The annual Ardagh and Clonmacnois Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock will take place on Sunday 3rd September. The bus will leave Lanesboro at 10.30am and it will cost €18 return. The ceremonies will commence at 2.30pm with the Anointing of the Sick and Mass will be celebrated at 3pm.
Invitation
Lough Ree Environmental Summer Festival in conjunction with Longford and Roscommon County Councils invite you to the lighting of the 21 under arch lights on Friday, 25th August at 8:30pm. This extensive refurbishment is the result of funding from both County Councils. Please come out and support this initiative.
Captain’s Day
The Lough Ree Golfing Society will visit Highfield Golf Course in Carbury, Co. Kildare on this Wednesday 23rd August. Highfield is a real gem tucked away in the rolling hills of north Kildare.
This is Captain Jackie Mc Donnell’s day and the Society is asking that all members to come out and support Jackie. The tee is booked from 11.30am. New members and supporters on the day are very welcome.
50/50
Last Monday 14th August in the Peer Inn the weekly draw for the weekly Rathcline 50/50 took place. The pool for the week was €430 and the lucky envelope drawn was in the name of Geraldine Skelly, Aughamore.
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
Could you sell €2 lotto envelopes in your workplace or your neighbourhood weekly? If you can help in any way with the sales of lotto please contact the Executive
Cemetery Sundays in Cashel
The annual blessing of the graves will take place in Cashel cemetery on Sunday 27th August with Mass at 12noon.
Break In
On Wednesday evening last the sound of sirens coming in all directions could be heard in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. A while later we were to learn of a break in at the Bord na Mona Mount Dillon workshop in Ballyglass. A van was noticed going into the compound and the Gardaí and Bord na Mona were contacted. A number of squad cars and Bord na Mona personnel arrived to discover a van pulled into the workshop and it was allegedly well loaded with tools and equipment from the workshop. The two-people connected with the van made a run for it only for one of them to be detained while the other made good his escape in the darkness of the night. The one apprehended was brought to Roscommon Garda station where he was charged with burglary. This was a case of a good neighbourhood watch community in action as a member of the public was suspicious of a van entering on to the Bord na Mona property and notified the Gardaí and Bord na Mona of his suspicion – a lesson for us all if we see anything suspicious in our area.
Music School
Windsong Music School are now enrolling for September with lessons available in Piano, Singing, Harp, Violin, and Cello. The lessons are suitable for beginners to post graduates. For further information, you should contact Edel 087 364 9005
Tourism Co-Op Draw
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lotto on Tuesday 15th August were: 1, 18, 21 and 30. There was no winner of the jackpot of €8,100. The winner of the €50 prize was Dylan Rooney, Curragh Rua and the three €20 winners were Kathleen and Liz c/o O’Brien’s, Hughie and Cathriona c/o Adie’s and Ciarán Clyne, Caltrabeg, Newtowncashel.
Annual Pilgrimage
The annual pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Sunday next 27th August with the bus leaving Ballyleague hall at 7am. The bus fare is €10 and the Lough Derg Island contribution €40. For further enquiries, you should phone Mary at 043-33 21969
This week’s Library activities
Lasraí Writers Group
‘Poetry and Music Hour’ will hold a special event in Innis Ree Lodge Nursing Home on Monday 28th August from at 2.00pm. All are welcome to come along to listen or and share a favourite poem and listen to beautiful music.
Longford County Childcare Information Session
Do you need more affordable child care? Longford County Childcare are holding parent information sessions in Longford Libraries during August. The session in Lanesboro Library takes place on Monday 21st August from 11am to 1pm and will include an initial talk and an opportunity for one to one consultation with a member of the Longford County Childcare team.
Genealogy Talk
Wednesday 23rd August at 7pm: As part of Heritage Week Genealogists Eilish Feeley and Laura Shaw will give practical guidance and advice on how to discover your ancestors and explore your family’s history, including the potential of DNA. The presentation will be followed by an opportunity for those attending to discuss their research on an individual basis. Booking is not essential, but recommended.
Book Club
The library book club meets on Friday 25th August 11am-1pm at the library. All are welcome!
Summer Opening Hours:
Monday 10.30-1.00/2.00-5.30pm, Tuesday 2-6pm, Wednesday 2-8pm, Thursday closed, Friday 10-1/2-5, Saturday 10-1.
Enquiries to Penny Farrell at the library on 0433321291 or email pefarrell@longfordcoco.ie
Rathcline GAA
Championship
On Saturday week 2nd September, the team will take on Ardagh/Moydow for a place in the final. The game fixed for Pearse Park has a 5.15pm throw in time. Well done lads and we are looking forward to the semi and another strong performance.
Good Luck
The club would like to wish good luck to Micheál O’Donnell and the Roscommon U17 team the very best in the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park on Sunday next. The game will have a throw in time of 12 noon and I believe it is being shown live on TG4
All-Ireland Hurling Final draw
You have a chance of being in Croke Park in Premium Level seats for these games for just €2 at what promises to be a most intriguing All-Ireland Hurling Final. History will be made when Galway and Waterford play in the All-Ireland Hurling final as neither of them have ever met in and All-Ireland before. This is your opportunity to be there to see history being made.
Tickets are now on sale locally in all shops or through club executive members.
Winners of All-Ireland semi-final tickets
Congratulations to the following who won in our All-Ireland semi-final ticket draw last weekend. The results are 1st prize of Premium Stand tickets to Kerry V Mayo All-Ireland semi-final James & Tiernan Hanley
2nd prize of Premium Stand tickets to next Sunday’s semi-final between Dublin and Tyrone was Grainne Nolan, Ballygar, the 3rd prize of €100 was won by Sean Goldrick, Lough Ree Power
50/50
Monday night last 14th August the 50/50 pool stood at €430 and the winner drawn in the Peer Inn was Geraldine Skelly, Aughamore.
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
Could you sell €2 lotto envelopes in your workplace or your neighbourhood weekly? If you can help in any way with the sales of lotto please contact the Executive
Minor club
Final replay
Our Minors looked to have claimed the Division 2 Minor League Final in Pearse Park only for Northern Gaels to stage a late comeback to draw level. The replay will take place this Wednesday night in Pearse Park at 7.15pm and we look forward to our lads finishing off what they started last week.
Our U12 team will play Slashers in Farneyhoogan on Thursday 24th at 6.30 and Clonguish in Clonbonny on Sunday at 12 noon.
Our U14 will play Carrick Sarsfields in Clonbonny on Tuesday at 7.30pm
Last week the U12 team lost narrowly to Clonguish while our U14 team lost to St. Patrick’s Ardagh in the championship.