Lanesboro Ballyleague
Take Time to Read
As I had a long time to think (7hrs 11mins) on the recent walk from Lanesboro Bridge to Athlone Bridge one prevailing thought kept entering my head.
In recent times there has been many demands on you and on your money from not one but several sources. Each time you dug deep and supported what you felt were worthy causes.
To mention a few the Lough Ree Monster Festival Walk, the runners in the Dublin City Marathon, the Motor Neurone Disease Association, The Breakfast Morning, The Roscommon Mayo Hospice event in Clarke’s just to mention a few – you know all the others and they are numerous and indeed you will be as generous as ever with the M.S. Christmas day sponsored Run/Walk and the Christmas Day Swim.
Such is your support as a community your generosity knows no bounds. It is truly remarkable that you continue to give, support and encourage everyone that is attempting to do good for our community and worthy causes.
I hope that all the events don’t mind me speaking on their behalf, but I feel I have to acknowledge the brilliant and generous support that we all receive and continue to receive. We like in what is the small community of Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Rathcline and Kilgefin but we live in a most wonderful community and each and every one of you must realise that you are a very special people that we are most thankful to you and proud to be living amongst you. We are truly humbled by all of your tremendous support.
The Green
Mass for the deceased residents of The Green, will be celebrated by Fr. Michael, in St. Mary’s Church at 10a.m on Thursday week 16th November.
Please tell all family and friends that have, at one stage or another, lived on the Green since the 50’s. Come along for the Mass and relive the memories of old afterwards with a cup of tea in the Parish Hall.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Bernadette Dowd, Thureen, her sister Mrs Phyllis Gardner, Long Island, New York and their families on the death of Bernadette’s and Phyllis’s sister Mrs, Bridgette Head, Santa Ana, California recently.
Death
The entire area was saddened to learn of the death on Sunday 29th October at the Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar of Ellen Reddin, The Green. Ellen came to Lanesboro with her husband Vincent when he got transferred to the local Bord na Mona Mount Dillon works. Ellen fitted right into the community and she got involved in local groups. Ellen will be remembered for her work in the Lanesboro Social Services committee. When she came to Lanesboro we were the richer for Ellen presence. She was a quiet and gently spoken lady and her warm demeanour warmed the hearts of everyone. Ellen was a dedicated wife and mother and she was predeceased by her son Niall. We are now the poorer for her absence, but the memory of Ellen will live long in her adopted community.
Her remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Monday last and her remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday for her Funeral Mass. Following Mass, her remains were laid to rest in Clonbonny cemetery. To her husband Vincent, son Daragh, sisters Margaret and Teresa, brothers Johnny and Bernard relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Luke Brennan son of Pat and Liz Brennan, Lismacmanus and Mairead Kilmartin daughter of John and Margaret Kilmartin, Kilteevan, Roscommon who announced their engagement recently.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sympathy to the Kelly and Conmy families Rathcline Road on the recent death of the late Imelda’s husband Ken Russell in England in recent days
Thank You
A number of weeks ago the Farrell family, The Yacht Bar, Main Street held a fund raiser in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The response of the community was awesome, the Farrell family would like to very sincerely thank everyone that support their event. The sum raised was a wonderful €6,500.
Do you bake
Rathcline GAA club is holding a festive fund-raising Bake Sake and Cake Demonstration event on Sunday 10th December in the parish hall.
We know there are many fabulous bakers within the parish and outside and the club is looking for your support. Create your ideas, prepare for baking and remember the date 10th December. You can bake anything you want be it buns cupcakes, rock buns, brownies, scones, brioche, doughnuts, biscuits, chip cookies, cakes, puddings, loaves, cheesecakes, muffins and breads or anything else you wish to bake.
This promises to be a fun filled afternoon for everyone and it is an event to be baked for and not to be missed. Further details will be published next week.
Death
It was with sadness and regret we learned of the death at Portiuncula Hospital Ballinasloe on Friday 27th October of Frank Cummins, Ballincurry, Kilrooskey. Frank in recent times had been in failing health but his death still shocked us. Frank was a man that endearing smile softened the heart of everyone, he was a great character. He was a man of warm nature. He worked his farm with great diligence and he had a great belief in the old ways of farming. While he embraced the great changes in farming he held onto old ways and methods. Frank will be sadly missed within and outside our community. His remains reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home Roscommon on Monday last before being removed to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh. Following his Funeral Mass on Tuesday Frank was laid to rest in Lisonuffy Cemetery. To his daughter Ann-Marie, granddaughter Zara, brother Billy, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Susan Linnane, Curragh Rua, daughter of Gerry and Rosaleen Linnane, Church View and Shane Muldoon, son of Tim and Bernadette Muldoon, Aughavadden, Newtowncashel on their recent engagement.
50/50
Monday night last 30th October the 50/50 pool stood at €300 and the winner drawn in the Adie’s Bar was Keith and Katie Curran c/o Clarke’s bar. 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
Defibrillator Course
Last weekend we again seen the importance of the defibrillator. It is hugely important that as many local people as possible be familiar in the use of the defibrillator. There is a course upcoming very soon and this is the last call for people interested in learning the use of the Defibrillator. Knowledge of its us in most definitely a case of life or death. The closing time for signing in for the course is fast approaching. The training is free and training will soon commence very soon. If you wish to take part in the training or need to upskill your use of the defibrillator, then you should leave your name into Martina O’Brien at the Corner Shop or phone 086-2460840 or 3321107
Walk to Athlone
Bank Holiday Monday eight local walkers set off at 7am from the bridge in Lanesboro for the inaugural Bridge to Bridge Walk from Lanesboro to Athlone via Kilteevan. The walkers Evelyn Rooney, Gerdie Farrell, Angela Knowles, Liz Brennan, Catherine Kelly, Kelly Mc Govern, Graham Tobin and Joe O’Brien all had different goals as the invite to walk was to walk as far as you wanted. It is fair to say that everyone that walked far exceeded the distance they intended to walk which was a remarkable achievement by all concerned.
The day was very good for walking and there was great support along the way with locals driving part of the journey to encourage us on and also the number of cars that honked their horns as encouragement. Indeed, some even pulled in and walked part of the journey. Yes, it was a wonderful occasion and it was a wonderful feeling to be a part of it. The feeling of accomplishment was wonderful as you rounded the bend onto the bridge in Athlone where a number of the walkers, supporters and members of the Lough Ree Monster Festival were waiting.
The Lough Ree Monster Festival would like to thank everyone that supported in any way and particularly through sponsorship. You were most generous.
The discussions that took part afterwards all had the common theme of ‘next year’ mentioned. The elation of the walk had everyone on a high and the committee will be soon discussing the idea of another bridge to bridge challenge. If you would consider doing the walk you can contact Teresa Ormsby, Mike Greene, James O’Flaherty, Diane Walsh, Catherine Kelly, Gerdie Farrell or Joe O’Brien
Death
We were saddened to learn of the death at the Midlands General Hospital Mullingar of Michael Brennan, Cullentra on Monday last 30th October. Mickie as he was more commonly known was predeceased by his sisters Nancy, Gretta and Mary and brother Johnny. Mickie was in failing health for a good time and he was a resident at the Innis Ree Nursing Home for many years. Mickie in years gone by farmed the homestead alongside his brother Johnny.
Mickie had a warm and friendly manner and was a great neighbour and friend. His passing will leave a great sadness in our hearts. His remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday last. Following his Funeral Mass on Thursday his remains were laid to rest in Cashel Cemetery. To his niece Catherine Convey, nephews Kevin and P.J. Cox relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Dinner Dance
The annual Pioneers Dinner Dance will take place on Friday next 10th November in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule. Traditionally this is the best night of the year in the county. You do not have to be a member or indeed a non-drinker to join in this fabulous night. Tickets are available from Breda Moran, Tom Nohilly or Ann Carroll.
Your local Library this week
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 free weekly baby book club for parents/carers and children aged 0-2 years is held on Wednesdays at 10.15am. Sessions include songs, stories and rhymes followed by a cuppa and a chat, 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.
Poetry and Music Hour continues at Lanesboro Library on Monday 13th November 4.15pm – 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, continues on Wednesday 15th November 6.45pm-8.00pm. 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. You can drop in any time and there is no need to have read a specific book before joining the group. Contact the branch library for more information.
Christmas Day Run/Walk
As we look forward to Christmas not only do we think of Santa Claus but we also think of the sponsored run/walk from Newtowncashel to Lanesboro. For all you non-walkers and runners and those that only do this event every year now is the time to start your training. With only 8 weeks remaining until Christmas and to make the journey an enjoyable one it is very important that training starts as soon as possible.
This event is the main sponsorship for Longford MS, your generosity each year knows no boundaries despite it being a hard time on money. The organisers would like that you would continue you great sponsorship of all the participants and the committee would like to have a record number of participants this year.
Sponsorship cards are available from any of the committee or from O’Brien’s shop.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the “No Blame” competition played on Wednesday 17th October N/S: 1st Phil Chalmers and Brid Mc Dermott, 2nd Bernadette Gillen and Mairead Gill, 3rd Mary Mc Gushin and Mary Jameson. E/W: 1st tie Mae Casey and Philomena Walsh & Patricia Mc Gann and Katharine Harrison, 3rd Una Lawlor and Noreen Dunne.
Results of the game played on Wednesday 25th October N/S 1st Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray, 2nd Patricia Mc Gann and Mary Jameson, 3rd Mona O’Flaherty and Bernadette Gillen. E/W 1st Brid Mc Dermott and Una Lawlor, 2nd Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne, 3rd tie Elizabeth Clyne and Mary Connor & Mike Flynn and Brendan Dowling.
Results for Wednesday 1st November
N/S: 1st Gemma Douglas and Elisa Gray, 2nd Frances and Frank Brennan, 3rd Philomena Walsh and Mary Farrell
E/W: 1st Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne, 2nd Brid McDermott and Una Lawlor, 3rd Maureen Hynes and Mairead Gill.
AGM of the IFA
The AGM of the local branch of the IFA will take place on Wednesday next 15th November in Adie’s meeting room at 9pm. It is important that all members of the local branch of the IFA make the effort to attend.
Mass for Deceased Members
On Wednesday 22nd November the annual Mass for deceased staff members of the staff of ESB Lanesboro will take place in the Sports and Social club. All past members of staff are invited to come along.
Badminton Club Table Quiz
Lanesboro/Ballyleague Badminton Club are looking for people who would love to try badminton or rekindle their love of it. We are holding open nights every Tuesday night at 9:30pm in St Mary Hall in Lanesboro for the month of November. Rackets will be provided so just come along and have a go and see what it’s all about.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
On Sunday last, Moyne Community School, was the venue for the Connaught uneven ages Cross Country Championships. There was a large turnout of athletes and clubs and the pleasant day made it an enjoyable occasion.
The course was challenging, typical of “cross country running” plenty of grass and hills. The club had no competitors in the u11 age groups, however in the u13 Boys, our representatives were James Mimnagh and Owen Cox, both did well to finish 2,500m course. In the u15 Girls event, Sionna Crossan and Ella Hogan handled the 3,500m distance well, while in the Boys u15 race, Richard Klava and Spencer Brown found the going tough. All to be commended for their effort, but they were at a disadvantage not having a full team of 4.
The big winner on the day was Moyne and Longford Athletic Club. There was nothing but praise for their organisation of the fixture, measuring out the course and making the facilities of the school available for the athletes. Several clubs were so impressed that they suggested “how good a venue it would be for an All-Ireland Cross-Country event” and it would…. However, the organisers were not buying into that, pointing out that they didn’t have enough volunteers to take on such an undertaking.
Table Quiz
The Lanesboro Ballyleague Badminton club is holding their annual Table Quiz on Saturday week 18th November in Clarke’s Bar in Lanesboro, so grab a team and join us.
Tourism Co-Op Draw
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lotto on Tuesday 31st October were 3, 6, 11 and 28. There was no winner of the jackpot of €9,200. The winner of the €50 prize was Martina O’Brien, Clonfower and the three €20 winners were Declan, Luke and James Curran, Rathcline, Mary Rice, The Abbey and Johnny Hanley, Corrigeen.
Cashel Drama
Cashel Drama have invited Beezneez Theatre Company back again with their new play “Turning Mammy” on the 18th November in The Hill in Newtowncashel at 9:00 pm.
This semi-professional group has had full houses and standing ovations on their tour with this play.
The play has been written by John McDwyer who is also their artistic director. A number of John’s plays have been performed on RTÉ. This a night not to be missed.
Booking only on 086 2521536.
Digital Skills Town
Lanesborough and Ballyleague is going to become Ireland’s first, Digital Skills Hub Town. In an effort to train individuals and groups in basic digital skills, anyone living in the area can avail of this FREE training program.
The course is aimed at anyone with little or no digital/computer skills and will take place over five, two-hour long sessions. If you think some of your members would be interested, please have them fill out the attached form and return to loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com or to the Lough Ree Angling Hub Office, Main Street, Ballyleague.
Science Week
As part of Science Week 2017, the Edgeworth Society are organising a number of events on Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th of November. There will be an Exploration Dome and a Reptile Zoo in the Green, Professor Conleth Hussey will visit local schools with his Playground Science programme. On Friday evening in the Green, Edgeworthstown at 8.00 pm Professor Hussey will give a talk titled “The God Particle” known as Higgs Bosom which is the subject of ground breaking research at CERN. This event is free event and everyone is welcome. Further details from 6671801, 087 2241351 or email edgeworthsociety@eircom.net
Superheroes
Ever wonder what the science is behind our Superheroes, Iron Man, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and many more heroes is? well why not come along to free workshops by Barry Fitzgerald of BW Science. Barry has been giving workshops throughout Europe and as part of Science Week 2017. Barry will give two workshops in St Mary’s Community Centre Edgeworthstown on Saturday week18th November. Workshop one at 10.30 am will discuss how to build an Iron Man suit and the science behind it. The second workshop at 12.00 will discuss the science behind our Superheroes. Both workshops are free and should be great fun, so why not come along and enjoy.
Rathcline GAA
Patsy Reilly Final: On Sunday last our team travelled to Pearse Park to renew rivalry with Sean Connolly’s for the League Cup title. The omens did not look good from the start as Shane Kenny had to pull out prior to the start as he got injured during the warm up.
Worse was to follow! With time running out and us after going a point down a bad injury to Michael Hanly meant that the game was abandoned by the referee.
The injury looked very bad and Michael lay prone on the pitch in cold wet conditions for over 40minutes. An ambulance was called for and from all reports it took an inordinate amount of time to arrive at Pearse Park. He was removed to Tullamore Hospital where he got immediate care and attention. At the time of writing reports to me tell me that Michael was beginning to recover from his injuries and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.
We also think of Michael’s mother and father, Mike and Eileen, as this past weekend has been a very trying weekend for them. We wish them well.
We wish Shane Kenny and Shane Donohoe a speedy recovery from their injuries.
Christmas Draw: Rathcline have just launched their annual Christmas draw and it is hoped that as is the norm that everyone will get behind the draw and make it a huge success. This draw is so vital to the early stages of the club year as there are insurance and affiliation fees to be paid to allow entry into competitions.
Tickets are priced €20 each and it will make a great Christmas gift. The prize structure is 1st €3000, 2nd €1000, 3rd €500, 4th €250, 5th €250. 6th €200 and 7th €200.
U21: The next round of the U21 championship is scheduled for Leo Casey Park, Ballymahon on Sunday next 12th November when we will take on Ballymahon at 12 noon. We ask all our supporters to go along and support the lads.
50/50: Monday night last 30th October the 50/50 pool stood at €300 and the winner drawn in the Adie’s Bar was Keith and Katie Curran c/o Clarke’s bar. 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
Your Baking Skills: The club is holding a festive fund-raising Bake Sake and Cake Demonstration event on Sunday 10th December in the parish hall.
We know there are many fabulous bakers within the parish and outside and the club is looking for your support. Create your ideas, prepare for baking and remember the date 10th December. You can bake anything you want be it buns cupcakes, rock buns, brownies, scones, brioche, doughnuts, biscuits, chip cookies, cakes, puddings, loaves, cheesecakes, muffins and breads or anything else you wish to bake.
This promises to be a fun filled afternoon for everyone and it is an event to be baked for and not to be missed. Further details will be published next week
You should 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 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.
Now, 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
The club had a presentation of the Minor League and the Special Minor League medals in the Clubhouse on Saturday last. It was a great occasion to see our young men receiving their well-deserved medals.
The club would like to thank Roscommon captain and St. Faithleach’s player Ciaran Murtagh for coming along and presenting the medals. It was very much appreciated.
Parish League: The under 8 and under 10 Parish League will take place in Clonbonny on Saturday 25th November starting at 10am.
The Minor club are hosting Seamus O Rourke’s “The Cavan Curse” on Friday 24th November in St Mary’s Hall at 8pm, tickets available in O’Brien’s.