Lanesboro Ballyleague
Sponsored Walk for Festival
To ensure that the Lough Ree Monster Festival will take place again next year there is a need to raise money for deposits that will be needed to book the Big Red Barn and other acts. It is important for the future of the festival that we get sufficient funds to ensure that we can make the bookings and develop our Festival into something special for all the people in the entire area.
The committee has decided to have a sponsored walk from bridge in Lanesboro to the bridge in Athlone on Bank Holiday Monday 30th October. This 40km walk is along the main road and skirts as close by Lough Ree as possible.
Secretary of the committee Joe O’Brien has agreed to do this sponsored walk to raise the necessary funds to ensure that we will once again bring back another fantastic weekend in Lanesboro. If you would like to take up the challenge of this walk you will be more than welcome to come along, you can walk, jog or cycle.
We would encourage everyone to take a sponsorship card and help us raise the necessary funds
Business Meeting
Following on from the initial meeting in Ballyleague hall where a development plan of Lanesboro, Ballyleague and its hinterland was discussed and where the identification of ideas and plans for the entire area were discussed. A further meeting with the business people of the area to discuss and developed further ideas has been called for this Wednesday in St. Mary’s Hall at 7pm. This project is being supported by both Longford and Roscommon County Councils. A plan mapping a way forward will be produced by the facilitators that will be in attendance on the evening and your ideas will be essential as there is a plan to develop our area. Please be in attendance and have your voice and views heard.
On the night, there will be a presentation on creating a Community Directory where 5 weeks Digital training will be provided. This is a pilot scheme and it will include a Community audit. This project will be funded by Leader for the first 3 years.
Let us avail of this new initiative and drive forward as one.
Recent Christenings
Many congratulations on the birth and christening of James Patrick Gilmore to his parents Caroline and Darryl, Carrowstrawley and also on the birth and christening of Niamh Aisling Mc Kenna to her parents Eibhlín and Conor, Lehery.
Irish Motor Neurone Fundraiser
On the day of the All-Ireland Football Final Sunday next 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.
Lough Ree Monster Festival Meeting
The Lough Ree Monster Festival committee are now beginning to plan their events for 2018 where it is hoped that new ideas will make the Festival an even greater event than this year’s inaugural event.
We would like you to get involved in the committee and you are invited to come along to the meeting on this Wednesday night 13th September at 9.15pm.
Judging by the feedback of this year’s Festival what we have is fabulous and the committee is looking for new ideas to further develop the Festival. Can we count you in?
Manchester Derby
The Manchester derby will take place on Saturday 9th December when Manchester United will host Manchester City at 3pm. There is a great opportunity for you to avail of the opportunity when a Manchester United supporters club are running a bus to the Manchester for the weekend. For €399 you get a bus from Roscommon Town on Friday, ferry crossing and 2 nights B&B in a hotel. If you want further details contact 086-8417264. As places are limited you should make immediate contact.
U16 Ladies Win
The U16 ladies football team played the final of the Summer League on Thursday last where they had a marvellous victory over Dromard. The management team of Andrew Flynn, Brian Mulvihill and Syl Healy had the team prepared to perfection. The full panel was Sarah Curran, Michaela Hall, Niamh Flynn Leah Wyse, Cáit Kiely, Lucy Ann Myhill, Aoife Nolan, Alanna Flood, Caoilfhionn Flood, Ciara Healy, Zara Mulvihill, Eabha Healy, Caoimhe Flood, Lauren Tansey, Grainne Chawke, Orla Keane, Holly Wyse, Jane Dowd, Aisling Farrell, Roisín Brennan, Anna Maguire, Abby Ward and Áine Kiely.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
On Wednesday 20th September, the next Lough Ree Golfing Society outing will be to the very popular Portumna Golf Club. The tee is booked from 11.30am. It is hoped for a great turn out of members and the Society would like to invite all golfers not already part of the Society.
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
Sett Dancing
Sett Dancing classes commence on Tuesday September 19th at 8 pm in St. Faithleach’s G.A.A clubhouse. A great way to keep fit whilst having fun. Everybody welcome, and all levels catered for. Contact Mairead 0868546433
Bridge Club to Resume
Following the summer break Lanesboro Bridge club will commence its new season on Wednesday week 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.
All-Ireland Football Ticket Draw
Sunday next the All-Ireland Senior Final between Dublin and Mayo and the Minor Final between Kerry and Derry will take place in Croke Park. There are many reasons to be there and none more so than to be there for the Minor Final as there is a young man on the Kerry side that has been setting games alight no matter where he played. David Clifford so far has been worth the admission fee alone and I am sure Sunday will be no different.
The Rathcline club has 2 Premium tickets available in the All-Ireland draw. Tickets are only €2 per line and there is no better value anywhere to be able to go to and All-Ireland Final for only €2. The draw will take place on Friday next in Clarke’s Bar. Tickets are on sale in all shops and bars and from executive members. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Mayo end the famine or Dublin make it three-in-a-row.
Food Festival Launch
The hugely successful Taste of the Lakelands food festival has been extended to a two-day event next month in the Shannonside town of Lanesborough-Ballyleague with over 60 local food producers taking part and some of the country’s best-known celebrity chefs coming for LIVE cooking demonstrations on October 7th and 8th.
At a launch of the event this week, it was also confirmed that Gary O’Hanlon – the star of TV3’s Restaurant show and the new RTE Operation Transformation on RTE1 has been signed up as the Food Ambassador for the festival and will soon be promoting the event on social media and a brand-new website. “I’m delighted to be promoting some of the country’s greatest food producers from our area” Gary told the audience at the launch, “I will be cooking these fantastic fresh and healthy local products in front of a huge audience on social media here and around the world from now on.”
Gary’s new recorded cooking demonstrations will feature local producers such as Castlemine Farm, Waldron’s, Terry McLoughlin Butcher and St Mel’s Brewery among others and the videos will run on the new website of the Taste of the Lakelands brand which will go to air at the festival in 3 weeks’ time.
Promoting the new brand this week, Michael Nevin of the Local Enterprise Office – representing Longford and Roscommon LEOs paid tribute to the team who had put the festival together and the new marketing brand, “We have a top-class brand now to market and sell this region all over the country” Michael said.
This week’s launch had two very special guests – Laura Ward – the Longford Rose and Deirdre Cribbin the Roscommon rose who represented their county with such achievement in Tralee this summer.
The Minister for Communications and Natural resources attended the launch this week and paid tribute to the innovative nature of the festival and the great work it was doing to promote the Roscommon, Longford and Westmeath Lough Ree Area.
The food festival director Helen Feeney and Chairman Alan Horohoe have once again promised a great show on Saturday October 7th and Sunday October 8th but warned traders and others that space is limited this year and the festival brochure goes to print this coming week. Alan paid tribute to all the sponsors this year which include Bord na Mona, Bernard Keane Supervalu, Roscommon and Longford LEO County councils, Bank of Ireland, Failte Ireland, Waterways Ireland and Roscommon Creative Ireland. Chefs already confirmed include Gary O’Hanlon, Kevin Dundon, Fiona Egan, Adrian Gill while award winning brown bread maker Margaret Sexton will be featuring at the enterprise awards on Saturday morning October 7th. The organisers have a few more surprises in store for Sunday October 8th and those names will be revealed next week.
A small number of stands are still available for the October show. To book contact Debbie at 043 33 21734 or e mail: tasteofthelakelands@gmail.comm
The food show will be joined this year by a craft show nearby in Lanesborough, lots of entertainment for children, free food and a special feature to co-=onside with the judges in the Bank of Ireland enterprising towns competition.
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 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.
Lanesboro Library events
New Library Opening Hours
Monday 2-8pm, Tuesday 2-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm and 5-8pm, Thursday closed, Friday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm.
Babble and Books Baby Book club
A weekly baby book club for parents/carers and children aged 0-2 years. Sessions include songs, stories and early literacy/language games. There will be a cuppa afterwards, so come along to meet other families and build a lifelong love of reading. (Free event, no booking required).
Preschool Drop In and Sing-along
Wednesday and Fridays at 12.30pm. Pop in to the library on your way home from preschool to join the group sing-along and choose a book with your friends.
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.
Knitting and Crochet
The library knitting and crochet group have resumed their weekly meetings on Mondays 2-4pm. All welcome.
50/50
Monday night last 4th September the 50/50 pool stood at €315 and the winner drawn in the Adie’s Bar was Margaret Tabiner, Strokestown Road, Ballyleague. Your support is greatly appreciated for the weekly draw. Tickets are on sale locally at €2 each. 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 yes, please contact us as we would love to develop our sales and increase the winning prize weekly.
Tourism Co-Op Draw
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lotto on Tuesday 5th September were: 4, 19, 27 and 29. There was no winner of the jackpot of €8,400. The winner of the €50 prize was Brendan Rhatigan, Fermoyle, and the three €20 winners were Mary Rice, Cloontuskert, Margaret Brennan, c/o Mags and Kathleen and Teresa c/o SuperValu
Alzheimer’s Society
The Longford Branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland would like to announce that our Church Gate Collection will be held on Saturday and Sunday week 23rd and 24th September at all Masses. All money raised will greatly contribute to our continued services throughout the county. These include a home care service and a Saturday Day- Care service at St Joseph’s Hospital. Your support would be greatly appreciated
Ballymahon Art Club
Ballymahon Art club recommences on Tuesday 3rd Oct from 7 until 9pm at Betty Fox’s on Main St. This is an improvers group. Class sessions by Frances Kelleher.
All are welcome. Contact Ciaran 087 6888807 or Betty 090 6432526 or Frances 087 9913651
Rathcline GAA
Championship
Sunday week 24th September all roads will lead to Pearse Park for the Intermediate Final when we will take on Sean Connolly’s. This is a hugely important game for our young and budding team as it will allow our talented young men to pitch themselves in Senior Championship in the coming year. It is where we want to be as a club and where every player in the club should want to be. Our team while young are a bunch of excellent players and there is no doubting that they have the talent to achieve this goal.
While everybody expected that it would be Cashel we would be meeting in the final Sean Connolly’s after a draw in the first game got the better of a good Cashel side. Sean Connolly’s are a very good side and they will be difficult to beat and we will have to be at the top of our game to regain the Intermediate Championship.
This is a golden opportunity for our lads and we would like that everyone in the parish would come along and support the team.
Fly the Flag
It would be great to see the club colours flying from all houses in the parish and on the businesses in the town and we encourage everyone to fly the flag. Let’s encourage everyone to fly the green white and blue colours.
All-Ireland Football Ticket Draw
Sunday next the All-Ireland Senior Final between Dublin and Mayo and the Minor Final between Kerry and Derry will take place in Croke Park. There are many reasons to be there and none more so than to be there for the Minor Final as there is a young man on the Kerry side that has been setting games alight no matter where he played. David Clifford so far has been worth the admission fee alone and I am sure Sunday will be no different.
The Rathcline club has 2 Premium tickets available in the All-Ireland draw. Tickets are only €2 per line and there is no better value anywhere to be able to go to and All-Ireland Final for only €2. The draw will take place on Friday next in Clarke’s Bar at 10pm. Tickets are on sale in all shops and bars and from executive members. Don’t miss the opportunity to see Mayo end the famine or Dublin make it three-in-a-row.
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
Get Well
All sections of the club would like to wish our President Hilary O’Sullivan a speedy recovery from his recent illness.
Would you consider refereeing?
Have you ever thought of taking up refereeing? Refereeing is open to men and women from the age of 18 upwards. It is something that brings great satisfaction and also allows referees to progress up the ranks to whatever level their dedication takes them.
The image of referring being a solitary occupation does not bear anything close to reality. You are a member of a team of referees in the county where there is great comradery. You also will have your own umpires that leaves you part of another team and a leader of that team.
At the moment, there are wonderful opportunities for young referees to climb the ranks within Longford and indeed in the Leinster ranks also. Now is the time to be giving it serious consideration.
Longford has a proud record of supplying referees to Leinster and the National Refereeing panel for many years and this opportunity is waiting for you with the right application.
Refereeing is fun and it builds great friendship. If you decide to explore the idea feel free to contact Joe O’Brien joea@iol.ie or phone 086 2460 840.
Minor club
Juvenile Championship
We travel to the Laurels, Mullinalaghta, to play Northern Gaels on Thursday evening for a 6.45 throw in. The following Thursday we entertain Ballymahon Forgney Gaels in Clonbonny. If you are free why not come along and support the lads.