Lanesboro Ballyleague
Generosity – No Boundaries
The Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) is the only organisation of its kind providing care and support to people with Motor Neurone Disease, their families, friends and carers.
Last Sunday afternoon and evening in the Yacht Bar an evening to support IMNDA took place. There was a great turnout to enjoy the music by local musicians. The evening was an outstanding success with large numbers attending from the early afternoon and were very generous in their support.
For the past few weeks tickets were on sale locally and it is incredible to believe the generosity of people in buying tickets and making donations. Your generosity knew no boundaries and the Farrell family were overwhelmed with the magnificent response of everybody and they would like to extend their deepest gratitude for all your kindness and support.
Up for the Match
Rathcline celebrating their qualification to the Intermediate Final on Sunday next will hold an evening of entertainment in Adie’s bar on Friday night next 22nd September at 9.30pm.
There will be expert analysis with ShannonSide FM commentator John Duffy who will also be MC on the night. Guest speakers will be Mickey Quinn, Longford captain and Roscommon captain Ciaran Murtagh. There will be local celebrities also offering their worthwhile comments during the night. There will be a raffle and music on the night.
This is a night that should not be missed as there will be loads of craic to go with the expert comment from our guests.
Wedding
The marriage took place at Garrison Church, Renmore, Galway recently of Paula Kenny daughter of Anna and the late John Kenny, Fermoyle and Pat Qualter, son of Tom and Kitty Qualter, Renmore, Galway. Chief bridesmaid was Edel Mulvihill, cousin of the bride and Bestman was Pascal O’Brien. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Hughie Loftus, Garrison assisted by Fr. Michael Reilly. The wedding reception took place in the Claregalway Hotel. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
New Barbers
Eugene Maguire son of Ollie and Breda Maguire, Rathcline on Monday last opened his new barber shop on Upper Main Street. The last premises on the right before you turn on to the Green is Eugene’s new business and I am sure it will be a huge success for him.
We wish Eugene the very best for a long and enjoyable time in his new business.
Sponsored Walk for Festival
The launch of the Lough Ree Monster Festival Bridge to Bridge walk will take place in Clarke’s Bar at 9.30pm on Wednesday night. This is a mammoth one-day walk from the bridge in Lanesboro to the Bridge in Athlone and it is being undertaken to ensure that the Festival that was so well received this will once again take place in 2018.
It is very 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. We ask everyone to support the walk and for those that can influence their companies to also make a contribution towards the walk.
Secretary of the committee Joe O’Brien has signed up to do this sponsored walk to raise the necessary funds to ensure that we will once again bring back another fantastic weekend in Lanesboro. Already more names such as local councillor and businessman Gerdie Farrell and Angela Knowles, Longford Road have signed up to come on board. 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 the distance the choice is up to you.
We would encourage everyone to take a sponsorship card and help us raise the necessary funds
Engagement
Many congratulations to Catriona Morris daughter of Kathleen and Tom Morris, Church View and Ian Hartigan, son of Patricia and John Hartigan, Carrick on Shannon on the recent announcement of their engagement.
Intermediate Final on Sunday
Sunday next all roads from the area will lead to Longford for the final of the Intermediate championship where Rathcline will take on Sean Connolly’s for the Gerry Hennessy Cup and the right to play senior championship football in 2018. At the time of writing there is no throw in time as the county board are awaiting scheduling time from Shannonside, the time will be in the Longford Leader and on the club website and social media sites.
This year we go into the final with a young but very experienced team as many of our players were on the panel two years ago that won the same championship. We have a talented and dedicated bunch of young men and we have no doubt that they will put on a performance on Sunday that we will be all proud of.
We look forward to club flags going up in support of the lads throughout the town and parish. We urge everyone from the locality to go to Longford on Sunday and support the team and cheer them to victory.
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?
Two offers to Manchester
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 to be in Old Trafford for a Champions League game then you have the opportunity for the Manchester United against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday 5th December. The kick-off is at 7.45pm This is a day trip and costs €139. Bus from Roscommon with ferry and match tickets
If you want further details or want to book for either game you should contact Danny 086-8417264. As places are limited you should make immediate contact.
Table Quiz
A Table Quiz in aid of Lanesborough Flower Committee on Friday night next 22nd September in the Yacht Bar at 9pm.
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 commenced on Tuesday last 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 this 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.
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.
Table Quiz
The Lough Ree Tennis Club will hold a table quiz in Rosie’s Bar, Ballyleague on Friday 6th October at 9pm. Tables of 4 costing €10 per person.
50/50
Monday night last 11th September the 50/50 pool stood at €404 and the winner drawn in the Peer Inn was Bríd Killian, Newtowncashel. 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
Tourism Co-Op Draw
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lotto on Tuesday 12th September were: 2, 12, 14 and 21. There was no winner of the jackpot of €8,400. The winner of the €50 prize was Mary Ghee, c/o Post Office and the three €20 winners were Deniese Owens, Rathcline, Johnny Hanley, Corrigeen and Marian Fagan, Newtowncashel.
Lough Ree Environment Summer Festival
The Lough Ree Environmental Summer Festival has over the years, attracted local, national and international visitors to participate in workshops and trips with the remit of raising awareness of local environmental issues. All this is done in a hands on and entertaining way with events open to everyone, even those with just a fleeting interest in environmental matters. This year’s events aim to provide something for everyone. Explore our beautiful environment and enjoy the great outdoors or take a boat trip. The organising Committee believes in adding a cultural aspect to the Festival, with a recital from St Mary’s a local Gospel Choir under the directorship of local girl Tracy Tobin provide an evening of music and dance with an open-air concert in the Quarry. Craft events and children’s activities are also available for the duration of the Summer Festival.
Stained Glass workshop – make your own lamp. This workshop will be run over two nights Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st at 8pm in Lough Ree Community Resources building (limited availability pre-booking necessary).
Table Quiz in aid of Lanesborough Flower Committee on Friday night 22nd September in the Yacht Bar at 9pm.
Saturday 23rd September events as follows:
Arts & Crafts in the Woods – Fairy Workshop (5-12 years) at 10am
Learn to track animals (8-14 years) 1:30pm.
Lough Bannow Bogland Walk 10am.
Tour of the Islands 2pm.
Concert in the Quarry (8:30pm) – an evening of music and dance with St Mary’s Choir and local musicians. Refreshments served. (Weather dependent)
Sunday 24rd September events as follows:
Environmental Mass, St Mary’s Church Lanesborough at 11:30am.
Family Fun Day by the Shannon – Music with local musicians, free bouncy castles and lots more!
Toy Tractor Run (4-8 years) 3pm.
Official opening of new Beach area beside Lanesborough Harbour3:30pm.
Lake Trips 4pm.
Raft Race 4:30pm.
Food Festival
If you have not been told already, then tell your relations and friends away from home that the best weekend of the year to come back to Lanesborough is the weekend of the forthcoming food festival. With just 3 weeks to go to the Taste of the Lakelands Food festival, there was some great news this week with confirmation from John Dolan Foods that there will FREE HB ice cream, Lyons tea and Goodfellas pizza for everyone at the event on Saturday October 7th and 8th. Donations will be accepted from the free food corner for the new Pieta House centre in Athlone. With top chefs Kevin Dundon, Gary O’Hanlon and our very own Stephen O’Dowd doing live cooking demonstrations its going to be a great weekend. To get a brochure call Debbie at 04333 21734
Enterprise Day
Lanesborough-Ballyleague will represent Longford and Roscommon in this year’s Bank of Ireland National Enterprising Town competition. Prize money of 15,000 euro will go the winners. The national adjudicators will be here on Saturday October 7th from 10am to 12 noon. The Lanesborough traders group are asked to attend this visit and make an input. All small business owners in the community are invited to attend a meeting to discuss the visit of the judges on Wednesday night September 27th at 9pm in Rosie’s lounge (Sorohan’s) in Ballyleague. For more information e mail: shannonsiderenewal@gmail.com
Your local library this week
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.
Knitting and Crochet
The library knitting and crochet group have resumed their weekly meetings on Mondays 2-4pm. All welcome.
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.
Preschool Drop In and Sing-along on 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.
Poetry and Music Hour continues at Lanesboro Library on Monday 25th 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.
Chat and Chapters Social Book club, a monthly book club will commence on Wednesday 27th September from 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.
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 next 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
Learn Classical Ballroom Dancing
If you are interested in leading the steps for a Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz under the instruction of a world dance qualified instructor then you should book you place for lessons in the Peer Inn for classes beginning Wednesday 4th October. Improver classes will be from 7.30pm and beginner’s classes will be at 8.30pm. For further details 086-8657889.
Rathcline GAA
Championship
Sunday next 24th September all roads will lead to Pearse Park for the Intermediate Final when we will take on Sean Connolly’s in what promise to be an intriguing game. We have a great mixture of young and experienced players with most already having an Intermediate championship medal. The medals will count for nothing on Sunday but the experience of a few years ago surely will. On Sunday we will have to be on the very top of our game to win and we have high hopes that Sunday will be our day.
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.
At the time of writing there is no throw in time as the county board are awaiting scheduling time from Shannonside, the time will be in the Longford Leader and on the club website and social media sites.
Fly our Flag
It is great to see the club colours flying from many 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 and show full support for our excellent team.
All-Ireland Football Ticket Draw
The winner of the All-Ireland ticket was Joey Feehan from Westport and the second prize of €100 won by Trish Feeley, Curraghrua. The club would like to thank everyone for their huge support for the past three draws. Your support is greatly appreciated.
50/50
Monday night last 11th September the 50/50 pool stood at €404 and the winner drawn in the Peer Inn was Bríd Killian, Newtowncashel. 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
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
31 Years later: Last Saturday the annual Paddy Bolger Tournament took place at the St. Faithleach’s club. As always it is always a privileged to be invited into the competition and to honour the name of a great man from the Ballyleague/Cloontuskert community. This year following a lapse of 31 years we regained the coveted Paddy Bolger trophy. There was tremendous excitement amongst our U14 players following the great victory over Granard/Ballymore in the Final.
The panel that represented us on Saturday was Shane Killian, Killian Cox, Niall Chawke, Cormac Casey, Eoin Farrell, Duileach Ryan, Callum Gordon, Óisin Kenny, Harvey Myhill and Kevin Tansey. We would like to thank all the players and their mentors on this fabulous win in a treasured competition. The club would like to acknowledge Bríd Gordon as our first aid lady on Saturday and for her work with the team throughout the year
We would like to thank St. Faithleach’s for their invitation to the tournament and for all their hospitality during the day.
Minor semi-final: As I write our minors are preparing for their Minor championship against Northern Gaels who we just managed to beat following a replay in the league final. The match takes place in Mc Gann Park at 8pm.
Juveniles: Our Juveniles will play Ballymahon Forgney Gaels in Clonbonny at 6.30pm on Thursday
Longford Sports Partnership – Play your Part
There are many things happening in Longford through Longford Sports Partnership and it is very important that those interested should be made aware of all the upcoming events. It is very important that individuals and clubs keep themselves informed and as I receive information I will continue to publish it in my notes.
Parkrun is up and running in Longford. Join this free 5k run in The Mall on a Saturday morning. Starts at 9.30am. Alternatively, if you wish to help out as a volunteer, feel free. Visit www.parkrun.ie or www.facebook.com/ longfordparkrun
Longford Junior parkrun (4 to 14years old) is up and running in Longford. Join this free 2km run in The Mall on a Sunday morning. Starts at 9.30am. Visit www.parkrun.ie or www.facebook.com/longfordjuniorparkrun
Updating Club Registration Details
By registering your club / keeping your club details updated on Longford Sports Partnerships Directory, you can attract new members and your club can keep in touch with news and upcoming sporting events in County Longford. For a club registration form contact Longford Sports Partnership via email info@longfordsports.ie / message us on Facebook www.facebook.com/longfordsportspartnership or give us a call on 043 3349402.
Late applications will not be considered. Download the application form on our website or contact us on 043 3349402/info@longfordsports.ie
European Week of Sport takes place from 23rd September to 30th September, it aims to promote sport and physical activity across Europe. The week is for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level. For events happening throughout County Longford check out the online link http://www.sportireland.ie/Participation/European-Week-Of-Sport-/Leinster-2017.pdf and check Longford Sports Partnership Facebook page for regular updates during that week www.facebook.com/longfordsportspartnership
Safeguarding 1 – Child Protection Basic Awareness Training
The next workshop takes place in Longford on Thursday the 5th October (7-10pm) limited spaces. Cost €15. Register online at www.eventbrite.ie
Midlands Dyspraxia DCD Support Group – Runner Beans Athletics Club
Workshop takes place on Saturday 23rd September in the Mall from 12-2pm, cost €15 per child. Open to children aged 5-12 with dyspraxia and their siblings. The workshop includes running, javelin, shot-put, long jump and yoga/meditation. Contact Karen on 087 9083296.
EDI Centre
The EDI Centre provides a range of supports and services to unemployed and underemployed individuals and assisting them in returning to employment, upskilling or returning to education, while also providing information on employment rights, entitlements, training and education with access to computer suites.
Enhance You Employment Prospects – Job Seeking Skills Programme:
Every Thursday from 10am to 1pm.or by appointment at the EDI Centre
Support includes
- Drafting CV’s and Job Applications
- Interview Skills
- Career Advice
- Training Opportunities