Lanesboro Ballyleague
Death
Sadness engulfed the entire community on Sunday 20th August when the news broke of the death at Porticuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe of Maura Mc Loughlin, Strokestown Road, Ballyleague. Maura was predeceased a few years ago by her late husband Peter, a native of Donegal. Formerly Maura Feeney, she was a native of Rathcline. Maura and her husband Peter a number of years ago moved back to Ireland from England and they ran a thriving filling station business on the Longford Road until their retirement from that business. They went into the B&B business and there was not to be a warmer welcome found in the 32 counties. Maura was a woman with a heart of gold both in England and then in Ireland her welcome and great nature was legendary. Maura will be sadly missed by the many people that knew her and we can and will all recount many of the warm stories Maura would tell you. She was a lady loyal to her community and as the saying goes she was of ‘auld stock’ who wanted the best for all out locals and for our community. Maura’s passing will leave us with many wonderful memories.
Her remains reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home before her removal to St. Mary’s Church on Monday evening. Following her Funeral Mass on Tuesday she was laid to rest alongside her husband Peter in Clonbonny cemetery. To her brother Packie, sisters Peggy, Pam and Geraldine, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Irish Motor Neurone Fundraiser
On the day of the All-Ireland Football Final 17th September there will be a Fund Raiser at the Yacht Bar to raise funds in aid of the Irish Motor Neurone Association. The funds will go to the Irish Motor Neurone Association to enable them to continue their research into Motor Neurone. There will be a Barbeque and Live Music throughout the afternoon and evening. There are lines available at all local shops and pubs for many prizes. The lines cost €1 each and we would encourage everyone to support.
Complete and Total Vandalism
On Saturday night/Sunday morning last the flower trays along the bridge were vandalised. Earlier in the year both the Lanesboro and Ballyleague Tidy Towns committees attached flower trays along both sides of the bridge. This project greatly enhanced the bridge area and gathered many favourable comments as to the beauty and idea of doing it. The flowers thrived all summer and looked fantastic and would have been a feature for the Tidy Towns competition and also enhancing the area for upcoming Food Festival.
Saturday night/Sunday morning mindless vandalism took place when the flowers on the southern side of the bridge were pulled out of the trays and thrown on the ground. One has to wonder about people that perpetrate such acts of vandalism and their lack of community spirit. The flowers were something that was a great community effort from both sides of the bridge and a lot of time has been spent in watering and tending to these flowers over the summers months and having them looking as beautiful as they did.
If you know anything about the culprit(s) that did such a dastardly deed and spoiled the added beauty to our community you should contact the local Gardaí
Great Footballing Weekend
Last weekend proved to be an excellent one for St. Faithleach’s and Rathcline as both teams were comprehensive winners in the respective competitions.
Rathcline on Saturday took on Ardagh Moydow in the semi-final of the Longford Intermediate championship and after a tough struggle for a long period of the game they finished strongly and in the end, they ran our comprehensive winners. The final V Sean Connolly’s will take place on Sunday 24th September.
St. Faithleach’s on Saturday played Castlerea where a victory would ensure them of a place in the O’Gara Cup Final and also guarantee them a return to Division 1 football for next year. They ensure their new status with a very easy win over Castlerea. They will now take on Boyle in the O’Gara Cup Final.
Prospective TD
On Friday night last 1st September the nominations at the Fianna Fáil Convention for the next general election took place in the Longford Arms Hotel. The convention line-up held a great local interest for us. The list included Seamus Butler, local Longford town councillor, Connie Geraghty Quinn who almost got a seat in the last general election and our very own Joe O’Flaherty. Joe’s vote of 220 votes far exceeded the votes of the other candidates and he was duly elected to represent Longford in the Longford/Westmeath constituency at the next general election.
Joe, son of the late PJ and Mary O’Flaherty, Knock has been a community activist for a number of years and decided to allow his name to go forward for nomination. Joe followed a career in journalism and he has risen through the journalism ranks over the years and presently holds the position of Managing Director, Northern Region, of Iconic newspapers.
It has been a long time coming that we would be in the position to be able to elect and have a local person to represent us in Dáil Éireann. Joe has a great interest in his local community and is a huge advocate of hi county and we are sure, when elected, he will continue to promote his ideas for greater county Longford. We wish Joe well in his upcoming election which according to all political commentators will take place during 2018
Defibrillator Training
Being able to use of the defibrillator means you have acquired lifesaving skills. Names are now being taken for the training in the use of the Defibrillator. The training is free and training will soon commence. If you wish to take part in the training or need to upskill your use then you should leave your name into Martina O’Brien at the corner Shop or phone 086-2460840 or 3321107
Annual Children’s Service,
On Sunday next 10th the annual children’s service will be held in St John’s church, Lanesboro, at 11.30am Following the service there will be a picnic. Everyone welcome.
Bridge Club Resume
Following the summer break Lanesboro Bridge club will commence its new season on Wednesday 20th September in Lanesboro Parish Hall at 7.45pm. The club will welcome all new bridge players as well as all their members back for the new season.
ICA Guild
The monthly meeting of the Lanesboro Guild will take place on Wednesday 13th September in Lanesboro Parish Hall.
Food Festival Launch
It’s hard to be believe it’s nearly a year since the first Taste of the Lakelands Food festival attracted six thousand people to the town.
The organising committee behind this successful event have had a very busy year and this Wednesday night September 6th they will be unveiling details of the 2017 show event at a special local launch in
St Mary’s Hall beside the bridge in Lanesborough at 9pm. There are a few big surprises to be unveiled on Wednesday night and there is an open invitation to everyone in the community to come along to the launch and meet some of the key figures involved. Refreshments on the night too so please attend and start the build up to the 2017 Taste of the Lakelands food festival which takes place on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October.
Lanesborough Gun Club
Club subscriptions are now due, if you have not already paid please contact a member of the committee to arrange payment.
Play 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.
Lanesboro Library this week
New Opening Hours
The winter timetable has commenced in the library and there are changes to the Monday and Wednesday opening hours. The new timetable is as follows: Monday 2-8pm, Tuesday 2-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm and 5-8pm, Thursday closed, Friday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm.
English for Speakers of Other Languages
Are you interested in learning English? ESOL classes will resume in the library. To register for the class please contact Nuala Donlon nuala.donlon@lwetb.ie.
Lasraí Writers Group
‘Poetry and Music Hour’ will continue at Lanesboro Library on Monday 11th September from 4.00 to 5.30pm. Come along and share a favourite poem and listen to music. The group is looking forward to seeing you there and meeting new people interested in poetry, song and music.
Babble and Books Baby Book club
Lanesboro Library will start a weekly baby book club for parents/carers and children aged 0-2 years. The session will include singing songs, reading books, social interaction activities and tips on developing early literacy skills. There will be a cuppa afterwards, so it will be a lovely opportunity to meet other families and build a lifelong love of reading. The first session will begin on Wednesday 13th September at 10.15am.
Chat and Chapters Social Book club
A monthly evening time book club will commence on Wednesday 27th September,6.45-7.45pm. This book club is a relaxed format which gives members the opportunity to talk about a book they have enjoyed and would like to recommend or to simply come along and listen to other the members as they review and discuss books. The group may decide to read a group book or they may continue meeting to discuss books and inspire each other to read new titles.
Lanesboro ICA
Lanesboro ICA Guild meetings will resume after the summer break on Wednesday 13th September in St Mary’s Hall 8-10pm. Our meetings include guest speakers on a wide range of topics such as craft, health, cooking, gardening, beauty and sport to name but a few. We are looking forward to meeting up with our existing members again. Our Guild is a fun and friendly group and we always welcome new members. Come along on the night and you will receive a warm welcome.
Post Leaving Cert Courses
Longford College of Further Education are now enrolling for September entry on post leaving cert courses. The college provides QQI level 5 and 6 awards including: Clerical and Payroll, Tourism with Business, Healthcare, Childcare, Nursing, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Motor Technology, Graphic Design and more. These 1-year courses award up to 390 CAO points and prepare students for employment with lifelong skills. Completion of levels 5 & 6 can enable direct progression to year 2 of degree programmes in Athlone Institute of Technology. For more information and to enrol, go to www.longfordcfe.com or phone (043) 33 45455.
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.
Lanesboro Library events
50/50
Monday night last 21st August the 50/50 pool stood at €361 and the winner drawn in the Yacht Bar was Michael Greene, The Green.
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
Tourism Co-Op Draw
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lotto on Tuesday 22nd August were: 4, 8, 18 and 19. There was no winner of the jackpot of €8,200. The winner of the €50 prize was Lorraine Farrell, Aughamore and the three €20 winners were Imelda Sweeney c/o Market, Dennis and Eithne c/o Adie’s and Mary Ghee Lanesboro Post Office.
Rathcline GAA
Championship
On Saturday last, we met Ardagh/Moydow for a place in the Intermediate final. The first half ended with us being one point down. The second half was a different kettle of fish as our performance was upped greatly and the longer the match went on the more on top we became. The end result was 3-12 to 0-13pts. The 24th September is our date with destiny and we look forward to another great performance by the team. Our final team was made known on Sunday last when Sean Connolly’s beat Cashel.
Get Well
During the game on Saturday Liam Connerton sustained a serious looking knee injury. We wish Liam a speedy recovery.
League
The All County League will recommence on Sunday next when we will take on Cashel in Clonbonny at 1pm
All-Ireland Football Ticket Draw
The demand for tickets for the All-Ireland football final is unprecedented already and you can be there on this memorable day if you are lucky enough to win the club’s
All-Ireland Hurling Final draw
Congratulations to Stephen Cooney, Ballymahon who on Friday night last won the club draw for 2 Premium tickets for the All-Ireland on Sunday last. The €100 second prize was won by Stephen Dowd, Thureen.
50/50
Monday night last 28th August the 50/50 pool stood at €330 and the winner drawn in the Yacht Bar was Marian Fagan, Newtowncashel.
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
Disappointing
Having gone on our own in the U14 it is very disappointing that on Tuesday night we had to concede our game against Ballymahon due to lack of numbers. We went alone because we felt we had the numbers but alas it transpired that it was not to be.
The minors had their bye round on Monday night last and they travel to Keenan Park on Monday next 7pm throw in, to play St. Patrick’s/St. Vincent’s.
Juveniles
The U16’s will play St. Vincent’s in Dunbeggan on Thursday at 7pm
U-12
The U12 team will take on Clonbroney on Thursday next in Clonbonny at 7pm