Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Defibrillator Course
The Defibrillator course is once again being organised for those that have not already done a defibrillator course or for those that need to do their refresher course. We all know the value of being competent in the use of the defibrillator. There is also a need to ensure you do not let your training lapse hence the great need for continued upskilling with your refresher course.
To book in for the next training and refresher leave your name and phone number into Martina O’Brien. Call in, phone 3321107 or 0863858934.
Monster Resurfaces
The Lough Ree Monster Festival committee were delighted to have their Lough Ree Monster resurfacing for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. His resurfacing dividends as he featured on the RTÉ roundup of the St. Patrick’s Day Parades throughout the country and also on the Longford Leader. A special word of thanks must go to Micheál Farrell, Tracy Gray, their young son Shane and Michael Greene who did the preparatory work in getting the Monster to the parade and back again to its resting place. We also say a big thank you to the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club for the use of their premises and also to Francis Clyne.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to John and Veronica Ryan, Lough Ree Park, Ballyleague on the death of John’s mother Mrs Angela Ryan, Connolly Crescent, Longford Town on Wednesday last 21st March.
Mixed Fortunes
Last week we were hoping for double victories for both Longford and Roscommon however we did not get all we wished for as Roscommon had an excellent win over Cork in Dr Hyde Park and unfortunately victory and indeed a draw was not attained by Longford.
Roscommon go on to play Cavan in the Division 2 final in Croke Park on Sunday next and we wish Ciaran and Diarmuid Murtagh the very best of luck.
It was a great effort by Longford in front of a very big crowd. The game was so tight from start to finish so much so that the game was decided by the last kick of the game.
Come along
The Lough Ree Monster Festival committee is up and running for 2018. The committee would welcome anyone from the general area to come along and share what ideas they may have to help us develop and grow our festival.
Thus year, as well as the nightly music, we are developing a family festival to run during the day time hours of the weekend. We are seeking ideas for art, family entertainment, walking and cultural events. The idea is that we will have an all-inclusive event during 2018.
Play your part by coming along to the weekly meetings in St. Mary’s Hall on Wednesday nights at 9.15pm. We would love to have a great divergence of people from Cashel, Killashee, Kilgefin, Rathcline, Ballyleague and Lanesboro.
Rathcline V Cashel
There is no better way to get the juices flowing on the football pitch than to be pitched against near neighbours and local rivals Cashel. On Sunday next at 2pm both teams will open their league campaign in Clonbonny. We hope that that it will be a mighty game to start off the league campaign and we look forward to a huge crowd coming along to cheer on Rathcline to what we hope will be a victory.
Easter Services with St. John’s Congregation
The Easter services for St. John’s Lanesborough and St. Coman’s Roscommon, group are as follows: Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Service will be in St. Coman’s Roscommon with Bishop Ferren at 8p.m. Good Friday St. John’s Lanesborough service at 8p.m. Holy Saturday there will be a Holy Communion Service at St. John’s Lanesborough at 7. 30p.m. The Easter Sunday Service will take place at 11.30am in St Coman’s Roscommon
Church Gate Collection
Longford MS will be holding their annual church gate collection on the weekend of March 31st, April 1st All donations greatly appreciated.
Blood Pressure Testing
Have you recently had your blood pressure taken? You have the opportunity to have your blood pressure taken in St. Mary’s Hall on Friday week 6th April from 11.30am to 12.30pm
All ages are welcome to come along.
Our library events over Easter
Easter Closing
Library will close at 5pm on Wednesday 28th March for Easter and will reopen on Tuesday 3rd April at 2pm. A very Happy Easter to all our patrons!
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet Group continues every Monday 2-4pm. All Welcome!
Lasraí Writers Group
‘Poetry and Music Hour’ will continue at Lanesboro Library on Monday 26th March from 4.15 to 5.30pm. Come along and share a favourite poem or song!
The group is looking forward to seeing you there and meeting new people interested in poetry and music and song.
ESOL Class
ESOL Class continues every Tuesday at 7pm.
Books & Babble at the Library
Baby Book Club for parents/carers with children aged 0-2years will continue on Wednesday 21th March at 10.15am.
The session will include stories, songs and early language and literacy activities. Come along and join in the fun!!
Book Club
Book Club continues on Friday morning 23rd March at 11am. All welcome to come along and enjoy a chat and a cuppa!
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder
We are still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference. Thank you.
Library membership is free for everyone and provides you with complimentary access to books and p.c.’s in the library as well as a range of digital services.
Download free eBooks, eAudiobooks, 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 free library card & pin or further information.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Johnny and Margaret Mc Garry, Lough Ree Park, Ballyleague on the recent death of Johnny’s brother Gerry Mc Garry, Lucan, Co. Dublin.
Committee says Thanks You
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee would like to acknowledge the supporters of their event with the following letter:
Once again St. Patrick’s Day was most enjoyable with the community highlighting strength in unity. At the outset of this years planning the organisers sought sponsorship from businesses in the area. The committee would like to thank the following for their sponsorship: Joe Ginty€60, Joan and P.J. Donnellan €60, Sean Mimnagh €60, Gretta and Orla O’Brien €60, Joe and Martina O’Brien €60, Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union €30, Bernard Keane SuperValu €60, Joe and Mary Ghee €100, Rosie’s Bar €60, Clarke’s Bar €60, Gerard Farrell €60, Alan Farrell Yacht Bar €60, Ping Chinese Restaurant €50, Michael Flynn Car Sales €50, Larry Leavy €50, Lough Ree Power €300.
Sincere thanks for your donations, without same it would be impossible to hold the event.
Thanks also to Noel Horohoe for providing stands for the trophies, Colin Burke Acustograph, John Casey for supplying power, Heineken, St. Faithleach’s and Lanesboro Community College for the commencement and conclusion of the Parade.
A word of thanks to all stewards for their work this year and down through the years, to the adjudicator for their great work, Eugene Murphy TD for his work as MC, Lanesboro Parish Choir local musicians and dancers, all those who wore novelty suits, all the people involved in floats, including the ONE group, well done, to all the spectators that turned up to watch the parade in bitterly cold conditions, Longford County Council, local Gardaí. Teresa would like to thank the committee that worked so hard.
Congratulations to the float winners: Overall Float – Ballyboro Scouts, Best Business Float – Farrell’s Funeral Directors, Most Original Float – Clarke’s Bar and Tom Morris, Best Vintage Float – Casserley’s Applegreen Spar, Best Junior Float – Lanesboro Community College, Best Club Float – Karate Club and Best Dressed Window – Friends of Asthma.
The five €100 winners of the raffle were: Vera O’Sullivan, Brian Ross, Niall O’Donoghue, Stephanie Brennan and Kieran O’Gorman.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The pairs club competition was held on 7th and 14th March and the following are the result: N/S 1st Brid Mc Dermott and Una Lawlor, 2nd Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray, 3rd Maura Hanly and Mairead Gill. E/W 1st Frank and Francis Brennan, 2nd Patricia Mc Gann and Mary Jameson, 3rd Philomena Walsh and Mary Farrell. Session Winners were – N/S week 1 Una Clarke and Eileen Kelly, week 2 Mary Mc Gushin and Cyril Hussey. E/W 1st E/W Noreen Dunne and Mae Casey, week 2 Elizabeth Clyne and Mary Connor.
The results of the competition played on Wednesday 21st March were: N/S 1st Brid Mc Dermott and Maura Hanly, 2nd Maureen Hynes and Frances Brennan, 3rd Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray. E/W 1st Eileen Kelly and Una Clarke, 2nd Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne, 3rd Brendan Dowling and Mike Flynn.
Former resident passes away
On Monday 12th March at Galway University Hospital a former ad popular resident of the Green passed away. Ted Farmer came to Lanesboro to work with Bord na Mona and he lived amongst us for many years before moving to the Circular Road, Roscommon Town. We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to his wife Helen daughters Edwina and Laura, relatives and friends. Ted was laid to rest in St. Coman’s Cemetery Roscommon.
Tourism Co-Op Draw €11,200
Last Tuesday 20th March the Lough Ree Tourism Co-Op held their weekly lottery draw for a jackpot of €11,100. The numbers drawn were 12, 16, 25 and 26. There was no winner of the jackpot and the roll-over for this week stands at €11,200. The winner of the €50 prize was Francis Clyne, Corrigeen, the three €20 prizes were won by Michael Donlon, c/o Mags, Martina O’Brien, Corner Shop and Anita Trimble c/o Applegreen Filling Station. The co-op really appreciates your continued support.
Accommodation Database
The lough Ree Angling Hub is drawing up a House/Accommodation to Let – Short/Medium/Long Term and if you have such properties you should contact the Lough Ree Angling Hub at their Ballyleague office.
50/50
The winning ticket drawn in Adie’s Bar for the Rathcline 50/50 was in the name of Dearbhail Flood, Lehery. Dearbhail was the winners of €306
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.
Country Kicks Cancer
All roads lead to The Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone on Friday 6th April for what is expected to be a night to remember!
With entertainment from the Country legend Robert Mizzell and his band you’ll be sure to dance the night away until the wee hours, while at the same time supporting a truly worthy cause with all proceeds raised going to the Irish Cancer Society.
The event is organised by Moate native, Catherine Ainsley (nee Nally) in memory of her beautiful mother Carmel Nally who sadly lost her fight with Cancer in 2016. The fund-raising event is in the hope that through research we can one day kick cancer for good. In the meantime hopefully, research can give other families an extra birthday or Christmas with their loved ones.
We hope you can join us for an amazing night of music from Robert Mizzell & his band, Olivia Douglas, Comedian Sil Fox and DJ John Nugent to finish the night. Doors open at 7.30pm, show starts at 8pm.
(Tickets €30 available from the Hodson Bay Hotel please call reception on 09064 42000 for further details, or find us on Facebook “Country Kicks Cancer”)
Yes, You Can Help
Athlone Samaritans are seeking volunteers to assist with the great work the Samaritan community does all year round. You do not need experience or qualifications as full training will be provided. Athlone Samaritans provides 24-hour emotional support. To find out more phone 085 284 5010 or email athlonevols.com
St. Faithleach’s GAA
O’Rourke Cup: St. Faithleach’s played Padraig Pearses in Ballyleague on Sunday morning last. Result St. Faithleach’s 0-10 Padraig Pearses 0-13
Team; Michael O’Donnell, Mark Gill, Connell Kennelly, Karl Nerney, David Harrison, Stephen Ormsby, Darren Nerney, Cathal Gunn, James Quigley, Aidan Dooney, Brian Murtagh, Darragh Hussey (0-5), Jonathon Hussey (0-1), Pádraig Shanley (0-2), David Rooney (0-2).
Substitution(s): Daniel Foley & Conor Smith. The next round is due to be played against Strokestown, however this game has been rescheduled until July.
Division 4 League: The game against St Ronan’s now takes place on Friday 30th in Ballyleague.
U14 Boys League: Hard luck to our U14 boys in the opening round of the U14 league. They met with a very strong Eire Og / Michael Glavey’s on Saturday morning, result; St Faithleach’s 2-1 Eire Og/Michael Glavey’s 6-10. Next round takes place against Castlerea St Kevin’s on the 12th of April.
Congratulations: To the Roscommon team, management, and club reps Ciaran and Diarmuid Murtagh on their promotion back to Division One of the Allianz League. Best of luck to all involved in Croke Park on Sunday.
Thanks: To everyone who supported our Table Quiz on Friday night, to our quiz master Michael Cleary, Maire Cleary and Mary Kenny who kept a sharp eye on the scores, and to Eamon Gallagher for providing the refreshments.
Lotto: Jackpot stands at €12,000. Envelopes are available at all local retailers for €2. Team in charge this week, Derek Thompson, Stephen Ormsby and Emma Donlon. Reminder that annual lotto membership renewal is now available, please contact Michael Cleary or Sean Cox.
Rathcline GAA
League Commences: Sunday next we will take to the pitch at 2pm to play our great rivals Cashel in the first round of the Division 2 league. We urge everyone to come along and support the team as they strive to make a winning start in their quest to gain promotion to Division 1. We have an excellent team, albeit quite young but we are sure that their abilities will shine through throughout the season. We wish the team manager Liam Tully his selectors and the entire panel that very best of luck for Sunday and the coming season.
On Saturday week we travel to Ballybrien to play Ballymoe in the 2nd round of the league for a 7pm throw-in.
Membership: Time is running out for club membership. Peter Skelly and Denis Crinigan, Cathal Chapman or Liam Connerton or any other club official will be happy to accept your membership
50/50
The winning ticket drawn in Adie’s Bar for the Rathcline 50/50 was in the name of Dearbhail Flood, Lehery. Dearbhail was the winners of €306
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.
Annual 25 Card Drive: The annual 25 Card Drive will take place in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Good Friday night 30th March at 9pm.Tickets are now on sale costing €5 each. There will be a draw for non-playing ticket holders. There will be numerous prizes on the night.
Defibrillator Course: The importance of being capable of using the Defibrillator situated inside the main door of the clubhouse should not be lost on any of us as we never know the time or hour that having been trained in its use will play a vital part in keeping someone alive. This was a case a couple of years ago in our pitch. As a club together, senior, minor and ladies we would encourage many of our parents and supporters to undertake the upcoming course. Please give your names to Martina O’Brien, Corner Shop, 3321107, 086-3858934 or martinaclyne1@gmail.com as soon as you can.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
This week’s fixtures: On Friday next, the Juvenile team will play St. Dominic’s in Kenagh at 7pm. On Saturday the Féile competition within Longford will take place at Leo Casey Park starting at 11am. On Tuesday 3rd April in Clonbonny our U14 team will take on Clonbroney at 7pm.
Show: Preparations are currently ongoing in preparation for what promises to be another wonderful evening at a Minor Club show being held in the parish Hall in mid-May. Details of the show will be made known in greater detail in the coming weeks.
Can you help? The club is very active both on and off the field and if you feel that you would like to help please contact Alan Fayne, Seadna Ryan or Sean Kenny or any other member of the executive.