Lanesboro Ballyleague notes Monday 25th September 2017

      Lanesboro Ballyleague

 

 

Death

On Wednesday last 20th September the entire community and beyond was greatly saddened with the news of the death at his residence of Joe Farrell, The Yacht Bar, Main Street. Joe along with his wife Martha have been the mainstay at the Yacht Bar since they took over the bar in May 1976. Joe was a warm and sociable man all done in his own unique quiet manner. His warmth of person, his wholesome greeting and warm and friendly smile endeared him to the multitude of people that were fortunate enough to cross his path. Joe was a keen sports follower and everything in the sporting world was followed with a great interest but it was horse racing, football and soccer that held the top 3 positions. Joe along with a number of his friends played a game of cards every Tuesday night. His passing and departure from the town environs will mean that the Main Street will be a much poorer place by his absence. Joe was a great family man and the amazing response of his family throughout his illness bore ample testimony to the love and affection in which Joe was held.

Joe almost 7 years ago was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease – a disease that attacks the systems nerves. During this time Joe never did let the disease every get the better of him. He fought is from day one with a great spirit and will. In the latter stages he battled with great dignity and strength. He fought right to the bitter end with a determination that defied medical expectations helped by the magnificent 24-hour 7 day dedicated care and attention given by his wife Martha.

The attendance at the reposing of his remains at his residence on Friday and the removal of his remains to St. May’s Church and again on Saturday at his Funeral Mass and burial in Clonbonny cemetery bore ample testimony to the esteem in which he was held. To his wife Martha, sons Alan and Ian, daughters Emer and Deirdre, grandchildren Molly, Lucy and Emma, brothers Paul, Noel and Charlie, relatives and many many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.

Wedding

The marriage took place in St. Mel’s Cathedral Longford of Carole Ryan Curreen, Rathcline Road and daughter of Harry and Patricia Ryan, Teffia Park and Michael Manning, Curreen, Rathcline Road son of Tony and Patricia Manning Ballyleague. Chief Bridesmaid was Gemma Flaherty niece of the bride and bridesmaids were Emily Turner and Carole Chapman both friends of the bride. Bestmen were Andrew Manning and Alan Manning brothers of groom. Groomsman was David Delaney friend of the groom. Flower girl Eleri Ryan niece of the bride and Amy Burke niece off the groom. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Tom Healy. The wedding reception took place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.

Sponsored Walk

The mammoth one-day walk from the bridge in Lanesboro to the Bridge in Athlone is being undertaken to ensure that the Lough Ree Monster 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 committee gets sufficient funds to ensure that bookings and further developments of the Festival can take place and the festival becomes a constant feature on the calendar each year. We ask everyone to support the walk and for those that can influence their companies to also contribute towards the walk.

Following the launch on Wednesday night Caroline Gray, The Green, added her name to the 40km trip by agreeing to cycle the journey.

We would like to ask that everyone would take a sponsorship card and help us raise the necessary funds

Intermediate Final win

Going into the County Intermediate Final on Sunday last, we were seen as being underdogs and Sean Connolly’s were favourites. I suppose with county star Liam Connerton missing due to injury it gave rise to the thought that we would suffer greatly because of Liam’s absence. The spirit of this team is very strong and they all play for each other and with encouragement from Liam they went into the final with great hope and expectation of bringing the Gerry Hennessy cup back to Lanesboro.

Winning would mean that we would be playing senior championship again next year a fitting place for our talented squad. The team trained hard and prepared diligently for Sunday and it was with no little confidence that they went into the game.

It was nip and tuck right from the very start with both sides trading point for point right up to half time. The second half seen Connolly’s getting off to a flying start and going a few points ahead. Rathcline gradually got back into the game and when only one point down they struck for a vital goal putting them 2 points ahead. Rathcline then exchanged points before going a third point ahead with only a matter of a few minutes remaining. Sean Connolly’s were nothing if not game and refused to lay down and in the final few minutes they scored two points narrowing the margin to one point. Fortunately for us on the kick out from the final score the referee blew the final whistle much to the sheer delight of the players, management and the huge Rathcline support.

On a fabulous day for football and in front of a huge crowd both sides gave of their all making this one of the best and most exciting finals in years. Great credit to both sides for a terrific game.

The panel and team management returned to Clonbonny for their after-match meal before going into town for their celebrations.

It is a great achievement for the club to come back and regain the senior status that they deserve and that the quality of our players crave. To the team management and panel, we say many congratulations.

You can see Manchester United

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 Cancelled

The Table Quiz due to take place on Friday night next 22nd September in aid of Lanesborough Flower Committee was cancelled due to the death of Joe Farrell, Main Street.

Sign up for 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

Mens Club Resumes

The local Mens club will resume following the summer break on this Thursday 28th in Lanesboro Parish Hall from 12 noon to 1pm. New and older members will be welcomed.

The Samaritans – Talk to Us

Are you struggling to cope with life? Would it help to talk about your problem in confidence?

Lanesborough Gun Club

Club subscriptions are now due, if you have not already paid please contact a member of the committee to arrange payment.

Lugh Ree Monster DVD

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.

Bridge Results

The results of the Lanesboro Bridge club’s first competition of the new season were: N/S 1st Philomena Walsh and Katharine Harrison, 2nd Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey and 3rd Maureen Hynes and Mary Mc Gushin. E/W 1st Brid Mc Dermott and Una Lawlor, 2nd Frank and Frances Brennan and 3rd Mike Flynn and Brendan Dowling.

Table Quiz

The Lough Ree Tennis Club will hold a table quiz in Rosie’s Bar, Ballyleague on Friday week 6th October at 9pm. Tables of 4 costing €10 per person.

50/50

Monday night last 18th September the 50/50 pool stood at €379 and the winner drawn in the Yacht Bar 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 19th September were: 5, 9, 13 and 29. There was no winner of the jackpot of €8,400.  The winner of the €50 prize was Brid Mc Dermott, Barnacor and the three €20 winners were Mary Connaughton, Knock, Carmel and Ethna c/o O’Brien’s and Marian Fagan, Newtowncashel.

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 2 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 it’s 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

Lough Ree AC

The Cross-Country season kicks off next Saturday 30th September with the Longford Primary Schools Cross Country Championship at Moyne Community School. The top 10 finishers and top 3 teams from each race qualify for the Connaught Primary Schools’ Championships which are scheduled for October.

Registration takes place from 4.00pm with the first race at 5.00pm sharp. Races 3rd/4th Class Girls 800m, 3rd/4th Class Boys 800m, 5th/6th Class Girls 1000m and 5th/6th Class Boys 1000m.  Entry fee per child is €3.  A team consists of up to 6 athletes with 4 to score. Individual athletes can run as well as teams. Schools may enter as many athletes as they like in each race.

There is also a race for Post Primary Schools with races for 1st/2ndYear Girls 1600m and 1st/2nd Year Boys 2000m.

The equivalent competition for athletes attending primary schools in Roscommon is scheduled for Wednesday Oct 4th at St Brigid’s GAA Grounds in Kiltoom.  I believe all schools were notified.

Other interesting events include our upcoming Annual Halloween Disco in the Co-Op Hall while road running continues each Tuesday at 6pm in Clonbonny all welcome. On last Tuesday we were very lucky with the weather and hoping the participants will continue to increase. As a matter of interest, the first three across the line last week were Ella Hogan, Ivan Johnston Katie Murray and all brought in good times for the first run of the season.  Looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday at 6.00 p.m.

Finally, congratulations to the Rathcline Intermediate Team on their well-deserved win in the County final on Sunday last in Pearse Park, quite a few of our former club members featured on the team and panel.

Taste of the Lakelands

The top selling author, TV presenter and celebrity chef Rachel Allen is heading for this year’s Taste of the Lakeland’s Food Festival in Lanesborough and Ballyleague – it has been revealed this week.
Rachel Allen’s attendance is a major coup for the Shannonside food expo – in only its second year. She went to the Ballymaloe Cookery School at the age of 18. After graduating from the school, she cooked
at the Ballymaloe House Hotel. In September 2004, RTÉ broadcast Allen’s first series in Ireland Rachel’s Favourite Food, which has also been broadcast in Australia, Canada and Europe, and elsewhere. A bestselling book, Rachel’s Favourite Food, accompanied the series, published by Gill & Macmillan.
Two further TV series and books followed, Rachel’s Favourite Food for Friends and Rachel’s Favourite Food at Home; reruns of the latter became part of Create’s television schedule in the United States
starting in September 2010.
‘Taste of the Lakelands’ is a two day food festival in Longford – a celebration of the freshest and healthiest home grown food of 60 of the top producers in the midlands region of Ireland.
This year the show will have LIVE cooking demonstrations by Rachel Allen, Gary O’Hanlon of TV3 ‘The Restaurant’ and Kevin Dundon and many many more. For the first time a craft fair will also take place on site.
The show takes place in Lanesborough county Longford – at the top of Lough Ree along the river Shannon border with Roscommon on Saturday October 7th and Sunday October 8th from 9am to 7pm each day.
This year’s show will include FREE food giveaways from Green Isle Goodfellas pizza, HB ice cream, Lyons Tea and many more with all donations going to the new Pieta House Midlands Centre just opened in Athlone.
Thanks to the support of Dept. of Agriculture  CEDRA funds, ‘Taste of the Lakelands’ is now a new destination brand for the midlands region with Gary O’Hanlon, Head Chef of the award winning Viewmount House Restaurant in Longford town taking on the role of Good Food Ambassador for the region.
To co-inside with the food festival, a series of 12 new food demo videos have been produced by top Dublin based digital marketing house Strategem – featuring Gary as he cooks some of the freshest and healthiest ingredients of the region including the award winning beef steak of Derek Allen’s Castlemine Farm in county Roscommon and the mouth-watering lamb of Lanesborough butcher Terry McLoughlin. Gary will cook LIVE at the show on Saturday October 7th at 1pm Watch Gary’s cooking and Terry’s lamb on this video link: https://youtu.be/fP7hYXHTWFg
The Festival Brochure In Full Is Here:
https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/9EUFVki6FN
“IRELAND’S BEST KEPT SECRET.”
“This is all about promoting our own” says Gary O’Hanlon the food ambassador for the festival, “the midlands region can boast of some of the finest food producers in the country but it’s all a well-kept
secret. James and Mary Casey in Longford bake brown bread to die for – nobody does it better and we aim to give all of these excellent producers a new shop window in Taste of the Lakelands.”
“NEW DESTINATION MARKETING BRAND.”
“The CEDRA funds have allowed us to create an exciting new destination brand for food in the county ” says Michael Nevin CEO of the Local Enterprise Office at Longford county council, “we have worked with Strategem to develop a new brand, a new image, a new website and a new shop window for all these wonderful food producers from around the midlands. It can only grow from here and create even more jobs.”
“6000 PEOPLE ATTENDED IN 2016.”
“The food festival attracted 6000 people last year on just one day so with Rachel Allen, Gary O’Hanlon, Kevin Dundon and so many FREE food giveaways this year , we hope to attract up to 10,000 people and it’s all FREE admission” says Helen Feeney, Festival director.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The full programme for the Taste of the Lakelands Food festival is attached
For more information contact Debbie Tierney at 0433 21734 or 087 2433201: E mail: tasteofthelakelands@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.

The Knitting and Crochet Group meet in the library 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 every Wednesday 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 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.

 

Lanesboro Book Club will meet on Friday 29th September, 11am-1pm. The book this month is “This Must Be the Place” by Maggie O’Farrell.

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.

Enterprise Town

Lanesborough-Ballyleague will represent Longford and Roscommon in this year’s Bank of Ireland National Enterprising Town competition. Prize money of €15,000 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 this Wednesday night September 27th at 9pm in Rosie’s lounge (Sorohan’s) in Ballyleague. For more information e mail: shannonsiderenewal@gmail.com

Rathcline GAA

Championship

Sunday was a red lettered day for our Intermediate team when they had the battle of their lives with Sean Connolly’s for the Intermediate title of 2017. Missing Liam Connerton was a big blow to our hopes but this panel is nothing if not game and Sunday proved just that.

The day was bright and warm, conducive to good football and the crowd was huge and full of expectation of a titanic struggle. This they got with both side getting stuck in right from the start and the difference at most stages of the game was just one point either way with the exception once for both sides the difference went out to three points before being reigned back in. This was a great game with both sides not disappointing their supporters with their performance.

In the end we had one point to spare which brought great excitement to everyone involved in the Rathcline club and everyone that came to support us. To see Aaron Madden, in the absence of captain Liam Connerton, lifting the Gerry Hennessy Cup was a joy to behold.

Following the game, the team returned to the clubhouse in Clonbonny for their after match meal.

Along with the huge local crowd it was wonderful to see so many from St. Faithleach’s club in Pearse Park on Sunday and we thank them for their support.

The club will now partake in the Leinster Intermediate club championship where they will take on the Wexford champions at a Longford venue on Saturday 21st October.

It was great to see the club colours flying from so many houses in the parish and businesses in the town and we encourage everyone to keep flying the flag.

Thank You

The club would like to thank Hughie Smyth, local butcher Terry Mc Loughlin and Gerdie Farrell for putting up the bunting throughout the town last week.

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.

Sympathy

The senior and minor clubs would like to extend their deepest sympathy to Martha, Alan, Emer, Ian and Deirdre Farrell on the death of husband and father Joe Farrell, Yacht Bar, Main Street, also to his brother Paul and family Tullyvrane.

Found

Following the game in Pearse Park a good kids sleeveless jacket was left on the pitch. The parents can collect the jacket in O’Brien’s. Thanks Brigid Mullooly for finding and leaving it for collection.

Minor club

The minor club would like to congratulate all the team management and players on a fabulous victory on Sunday.

Juvenile League

The Juvenile team will play Ballymahon Forgney Gaels in Clonbonny on Thursday at 6.15pm.

Longford Sports Partnership

Parkrun

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 parkrun.ie or www.facebook.com/ longfordparkrun Longford Junior parkrun

Longford Junior parkrun (4-14 year olds) is up and running in Longford. Join this free 2km run in The Mall on a Sunday morning. Starts at 9.30am. Visit parkrun.ie or www.facebook.com/longfordjuniorparkrun

Updating Club Registration

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 2017

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

Late Night Soccer League is back!

It’s free to take part, boys and girls aged 13 to 18, turn up and play! 1 Venue in Longford: The Mall Sports Complex, started on Tuesday 26th of September for five weeks 7.30pm-10pm. Contact Graham Kane 083 8161353 FAI Development Officer.

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

 

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