Lanesboro Ballyleague
Death
While we were aware of Pat being critically ill his death on Wednesday 31st January last at Roscommon County Hospital came as great shock to us in the Ballyleague and Lanesboro community. Many years ago, Pat Mullen originally from Abbeyshrule arrived in Lanesboro and soon made himself at home. He was pre-deceased by his father Thos, mother Cella and sister Marcella. Pat embraced our communities and very soon after his arrival it seemed as if he was born and reared amongst us. News of Pat’s death quickly spread throughout and the expressions of sorrow at his passing was indeed deep and heartfelt. Pat, initially came to Lanesboro to work in PJ and Mary O’Flaherty’s. Later he was to meet and marry local girl Eileen Wallace from Moher where they reared a loving family. Pat then moved on to work in the Power Station until his retirement where he was a very popular member of staff. He farmed the family land at Moher and when leaving ones company he would usually say “I have to go to see my cattle on the mountain” – not that they were on the mountain. Pat was a most sociable of men good humoured, witty, he loved to play a game of cards and follow his favourite football teams. He was the most wonderful neighbour, some would say he was precious such was his generosity of time and spirit to everyone and anyone without exception. He would go without a meal just to help anyone in need. Along with his wife Eileen they were mainstays in the success of Ballyleague Bingo every Thursday night. Pat became one of the most loyal members of the Rathcline club. He gave willing of his time working for the club whether it was fundraising, executive member, supporter and most of all as physio for many years. Pat Mullen had a heart of gold, he had words at will and his passing will leave many an empty heart and mind. But in his absence, he left us with wonderful memories and for the number we have I am sure his family will be laden down with happy memories. While we all mourn his loss the mention of his name with bring a smile to our faces as we remember his goodness.
The attendance at the reposing of his remains in Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon on Friday, his removal to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague that evening and again at his Funeral Mass and Burial in Clonbonny Cemetery on Saturday bore ample testimony to the esteem in which Pat was held.
To his wife Eileen, daughters Siobhan, Lorraine, Fiona and Claire, brothers Tom, Jim, Frank and Tony, sisters Mary, Cora and Geraldine, grandchildren, relatives and a multitude of friend we extend our deepest sympathy.
Irish Cancer Society Transport
The Society operates a free transport service for patients attending hospital for chemotherapy treatment. Volunteer drivers pick the patient up at their home, drop them at the hospital door then when finished treatment, will pick them up and drop them home. Volunteer expenses are paid. Patients wishing to avail of this free service should contact their healthcare professional, or the website www.irishcancer.ie or phone the Irish Cancer Society at 01 2310522
Lourdes Church Gate Collection
On Saturday and Sunday next 10th and 11th February the annual Lourdes Sick Pilgrims Fund will hold the Church Gate Collection. Your support year on year has been tremendous and we hope that it will once again reach the height of previous years.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Martha Farrell and family, Yacht Bar and Ita and Paul Farrell, Tullyvrane, on the death of Martha and Ita’s sister Mary Barrowclough (nee Donlon, Tullyvrane), Huddersfield England.
Cloontuskert NS
Enrolment for the Academic Year 2018/19 is open until 28th February. Enrolment Packs can be collected from the School Office any Tuesday or Thursday between 10am and 3.30pm. Alternatively, you can contact the school on 0433321817 or email cloontuskertns@eircom.net.
Rathcline AGM
The AGM of the Rathcline club will take place at the clubhouse on Saturday 17th February week at 6pm. The club invites everyone interested in GAA in the area to come along. The club had a very successful year last year and now they want to grow both on and off the field and your attendance will add to the progression that the club is seeking. Your thoughts and ideas will be greatly appreciated.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 31st January are: North / South 1st Brid McDermott & Una Lawlor, 2nd Patricia McGann & Mary Jamieson and 3rd Gemma Douglas & Elish Gray. East / West 1st Frances & Frank Brennan, 2nd Loretto Cooney & Freda Kenny and 3rd Una Clarke & Maureen Hynes.
Sympathy
Wo would like to extend heartfelt sympathy to Mrs Mary Mc Cormack The Green and her daughter Rosie on death last week in Limerick of the late Barney Mc Cormack’s brother John Mc Cormack.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Time is beginning to run out for your plans and preparation of your floats for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place in Lanesboro and Ballyleague on Saturday 17th March. For clubs, associations, businesses, schools, community groups and individuals it is time to start on your creation.
This year St. Patrick’s Day is falling on the Saturday of the weekend and we hope that it will be bigger, brighter and full of new novel and creative ideas. We have one of the very best of St. Patrick’s Day Parade around and there is an onus on us all to help create another fabulous day in Ballyleague and Lanesboro and build something bigger and better than anything gone before. We are expecting that all businesses on the route from St. Faithleach’s to Lanesboro Community College will make a huge effort to create the atmosphere in the days leading up to the parade and again on the day.
In a break with tradition, this year the winner of the overall winning float will receive the first prize of €500.
As usual there will be the annual draw running in conjunction with the parade and we encourage everyone to support the draw. Tickets are now on sale and you are asked to be generous in your support.
Application forms are now available from Teresa Donlon, Freda Connaughton or at O’Brien’s Shop.
Dolmen Drama Group
Dolmen Drama Group are busy putting finishing touches to their production of “See the Light of Day” a three act play written and produced by Newtowncashel man Liam Finnegan.
The group recently formed but members have up to 30 years’ experience in Amateur Drama in County Longford.
The Play which is not suitable for audience under 16 is set in the Ireland of the 1930’s and 1970’s, an Ireland totally different to our modern society. We visit the McGarry household, a small farm family struggling to make a living and their interaction with their neighbours. Witness the plight of women in society back then and the control of the Church in their everyday life.
An incident takes place which has consequences for all, we see the fallout from that, and how they wrestle with their conscience, will they do the right thing, or will their strong religious beliefs win out.
A night of “Drama” not to be missed. Tickets can be booked with Backstage Theatre on 043 3347888 or on www.backstage.ie
Rathcline Ladies Church Gate
The Rathcline Ladies GAA will hold their annual Church Gate collection on Saturday and Sunday week 17th and 18th February. It is hoped that your generosity will once again shine through.
Coffee Morning
A Fundraising Coffee Morning and cake sale will take place on Sunday next 11th February in the Thomas Ashe Hall Ballinalee to raise funds towards the purchase of a MRI Scanner for the Regional Hospital in Mullingar. The event will take place between 12 noon and 2.00pm with loads of homemade cakes and treats for sale. Raffle on the day with prizes galore. If you cannot attend but still wish to support, there are cards in all the local business where you can donate to this worthy cause.
Ballyleague NS Enrolment
Parents of new entrants who wish to enrol their children for September 2018 are invited to visit the school on Friday, February 9th from 2pm – 3pm. If this date/time is unsuitable, please contact the school on 043-3321906 to make alternative arrangements. We look forward to meeting you on the day.
50/50
On Monday night 29th January the 50/50 pool stood at €265 and the winning envelope drawn in the Pier Inn – Rakish Paddy was in the name of Geraldine Skelly Aughamore.
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. The club would like to thank everyone that continues to support the draw on a weekly basis and the many people that buy the one-year ticket.
Not too long ago the pool each week was nearing €500 and we would encourage you to get your weekly blue envelope and help drive the weekly amount back to where it should always be.
Your support is much appreciated.
Library events this week
Revised Library opening hours – please note a change to the hours on Wednesdays:
Monday 2-8pm, Tuesday 2-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm and 2-5.30pm, Thursday closed, Friday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm.
The Knitting and Crochet Group continues to meet in the library on Mondays, 2-4pm. All welcome.
Poetry and Music Hour continues at Lanesboro Library on Monday 12th February 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.
Lanesboro Library Book Club will meet on Friday 23rd February, 11am-1pm. All welcome.
Library membership is free for everyone and provides you with complimentary access to books and PCs in the library as well as a range of digital services. Download free audio books, digital magazines and newspapers with your library card and pin. Learn a new language online with Mango (over 71 languages available) or learn a new skill with Universal Class which offers over 400 free online courses. Call to the library for your PIN and further information.
Tourism Co-Op Draw
Last Tuesday the Lough Ree Tourism Co-Op held their weekly lottery draw for a jackpot of €10,400. The numbers drawn were 1, 5, 14 and 25, there was no winner of the jackpot and the roll-over for the coming week stands at €10,500. The winner of the €50 prize was Karin Ward, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon and the 3 €20 prizes went to Frances c/o Mags, Breda Moran, Carraroe and Brandon Donlon, Church View.
Motor Neurone Fundraiser
A date for your diary: There will be a major fundraising event in The Pier Rakish Paddy, Lisnacusha on St. Patrick’s Night, Saturday 17th March in support of the ongoing development work into Motor Neurone Disease. Make this a date for your diary and go along to support aa great cause.
Katie Gallagher’s Success
Local singer / songwriter Katie Gallagher has sold out her new single launch show in the Bog Lane Theatre Ballymahon on Sat 24th Feb. Due to demand, she has announced another Ballymahon date on Friday 23rd Feb which coincides with the release of her new single ‘Man on a Mission’ that same day. Tickets can be booked for this second date on email katiegallaghermusic7@gmail.com or directly on her Facebook page Katie Gallagher Music. ‘The On A Mission Tour’ heads nationwide with Katie performing in venues such as the Roisin Dubh in Galway, Foleys Bar in Dublin, Chez Le Fab in Limerick and Tricky McGarrigle’s in Sligo.
Ronan Mc Cormack Memorial 2018
The Ronan McCormack Charity Challenge 2018 was launched recently.
We are now on the cusp of the 6th annual challenge and even at this early stage the interest and anticipation is overwhelming. The 2018 event takes place on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd March. As is usual the challenge kicks off with a choice of a 5k or 10k moonlight run on Friday 2nd March. The following morning it will be the turn of the cycle challengers who will take part in either a 65 or 125km route. The eagerly anticipated darts competition takes place on the evening of Saturday 3rd in Foxes Bar, Athlone Road Roscommon.
This event is organised to remember Ronan, a wonderful young Roscommon man who left this world at the very young age of just 26 years. Ronan was a kind fun loving young man who always was eager to help anyone with his friendly smile and caring attitude. Ever practical, Ronan would be thrilled to know that in his memory to date 131,915 (one hundred and thirty-one thousand, nine hundred and fifteen euro) has so far been raised for charitable organisations.
The charities for 2018 will be Roscommon Special Olympics, Children’s Special Needs Services Galway and Pieta House West. Online registration is up and running.
The twice weekly training for walkers/joggers/runners continues each Tuesday and Thursday. Cycle training continues Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9.30am. All training session start from The Quad Centre Roscommon Town. Training is open to everyone from the complete beginner to the experienced runner or cyclist. This is a wonderful opportunity to get fit and healthy after the winter break. For further information check out Ronan Mc Cormack Charity Challenge on Facebook or 086 1721181
Mindfulness
There have been many enquiries from parents looking for Mindfulness classes for children and teenagers to help deal with stress and anxiety and many other areas of difficulties they are facing in today’s society.
The upcoming classes for teenagers, children and adults will start on the 24th February in The Longford Arms Hotel. The course will run for 6 weeks – excluding St. Patrick’s Day
The times and costs are as follows: Children (age 7 to 12 yrs.), 9.45 to 10.30am €50.00 (concessions for two or more children). Teenagers (13 to 18 yrs.)10.45 to 11.30am €50.00
and Adults12 to 1pm €60.00
More details on www.bawnholistic.com or Ph Pauline on 086 3784747 (places limited)
Rathcline GAA
New Team Manager: Last week we welcomed a new team trainer for our Intermediate team. While we won the Intermediate Championship, it was decided to remain in the Intermediate championship for 2018 to allow our very young side develop further before embarking on Senior Championship. Liam Tully is our new team manager. Liam is a native of Kilbride and last year he brought Roscommon U17 to the inaugural U17 All-Ireland Final. We are delighted to have Liam on board with the team and club for the coming year and we wish him the very best of luck. Liam has so far appointed two of his backroom team – Seamus O’Brien and Brendan Rhatigan – with more to be named. Liam also has a local connection to Lanesboro as he is married to Catherine Brophy formerly of The Green.
Death: A legend in his lifetime is how we would have seen Pat Mullen. Pat since his arrival in Lanesboro became a mainstay of the Rathcline club for many a long day. When work was needed to be done Pat was always ready to put his shoulder to the wheel. When funds were to be raised Pat was always there to raise funds in many various ways. When the club required a physio, Pat was there to help where he done that job for many years. From that massage table there were many wonderful stories, and everyone has one to relate – you always left with a story and a smile. Above all Pat gave so much of his time to the Rathcline club in so many ways. He was a great clubman and his infectious love of Rathcline ensured that many people got involved that normally would not have. Pat left lasting memories in the club and we are very much the poorer by his death.
To his wife Eileen, daughters Siobhan, Lorraine, Fiona and Claire, brothers Tom, Jim, Frank and Tony, sisters Mary, Cora and Geraldine, grandchildren, relatives and legion of friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
AGM
The club will hold its AGM on Saturday week 17th February in the clubhouse at 6pm. The club had a very good year culminating with a wonderful victory in the Intermediate Championship. Off the field the club had a very successful year too. To help continue the success of 2017 and create a growth in 2018 the club would like to encourage anyone that has an interest in the development of the club both on and off the field to come along to the AGM. The club is looking forward to seeing a great number at the meeting.
50/50
On Monday night 29th January the 50/50 pool stood at €265 and the winning envelope drawn in the Pier Inn Rakish Paddy was in the name of Geraldine Skelly Aughamore.
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. The club would like to thank everyone that continues to support the draw on a weekly basis and the many people that buy the one-year ticket.
Not too long ago the pool each week was nearing €500 and we would encourage you to get your weekly blue envelope and help drive the weekly amount back to where it should always be.
Your support is much appreciated.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Registration: Shannon Gaels will hold its registration evening on this Friday 9th February from 7 to 8pm in the clubhouse. Longford GAA has decided to maintain the current age grades for its 2018 competitions. All players born between 2000 and 2012 are invited to register, registration forms will be available on the evening.
Leinster U13 and U15 League: Both of our teams were away for the first round of the Leinster League. With the flu virus hitting our teams extremely hard it was great credit to the management, parents and players that we were able to fulfil the fixtures.
This is a wonderful opportunity for players and parents to travel and also hosts players and clubs from different parts of Leinster. We would encourage all family members to come along and support their own children and the club team on all the magical journeys that is the Leinster Cross County League.
Our U13 team managed by Gay Farrell and Tommy Hawes, travelled to Banagher, Co. Offaly to take on the local St. Rynagh’s side. Over the hour this was a game that we had every right to feel we should have won. With five minutes to go we were 5 points up but two quick goals from the home side left us one point behind. In fairness to our young lads they buckled down and with one of the final kicks of the game scored the equalising point and this is how the game finished.
Fair play to all involved and we now look forward to a home game this coming weekend.
The Under 15 team managed by Sean Kenny and Declan Conlan, travelled to Leixlip, Co. Kildare to take on Confey in the first round of the league. The team started really well and had a lead going into at half time. Two further goals in the second half left us in a safe position to see out the game which we did.
The club would like to thank both St. Rynagh’s and Confey for their hospitality and we look forward to welcoming them to the club in the future.
Next week our U13 team will host Caulry, Westmeath in Dunbeggan at 1pm and our U15 team will take on St. Patrick’s Ardagh in Clonbonny at 2.30pm