Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
It is now in our hands
While this is a long piece I think it is very important that everyone read this as there may be possibilities and ideas for you and our community.
We need to approach both projects mentioned below with great enthusiasm and positivity. We have a head start on many areas due to the fabulous and enormous amount of quality work done by Lanesboro Tidy Towns and Ballyleague Village Renewal in enhancing our community.
Recent developments and announcements in the past two weeks by The Heritage Council and Fáilte Ireland has given our area the opportunity of greater recognition and it creates the prospect of creating an environment that provides a very worthwhile challenge for us as a community.
The Heritage Council has from the outset given great support to the Beara Breifne Way that skirts through West Roscommon. The Heritage website http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/projects/the-beara-breifne-way tells us that “it is Ireland’s longest walking trail gives walkers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the great range of beautiful landscapes from the Beara Peninsula in Co. Cork to Blacklion in Co. Cavan. Involving over 60 community groups and twelve local walking trails from Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan, the Beara-Breifne Way project is the largest community-based project undertaken in Ireland.” We can create our very own link into the Beara Breifne Way.
Fáilte Ireland last week launched Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands as a new tourism project. That includes us in the counties of Longford and Roscommon. Fáilte Ireland website www.failteireland.ie states the reason and the likely successes “What consumers were attracted to about the new brand is that it will bring to life the Midland’s rich natural assets including its many lakes, walkways and Blueways. It will also leverage a growing tourism trend for soft activities by encouraging visitors to be ‘active in nature’ and to explore the region off the beaten tracks through a range of activities including walking, food, cycling, fishing, and boating routes.
The River Shannon will be a central focus of the brand with a Shannon Master Plan currently being developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Waterways Ireland to drive tourism opportunities both on and off the water, and in the towns surrounding it.”
Therein lies the challenge for all of us to attract visitors by enhancing our facilities and making the Lanesboro/Ballyleague region a must visit part of this new wonderland project.
We must reinvigorate all the things that were great for us in attracting visitors in the past as well as creating new and diverse activities and physical and ecological developments that will bring big numbers into our area. It is very important that we can create a big number of projects to attract multitude of visitors to come to the area and stay with us.
We have a growing number of restaurants and eating places in Lanesboro and Ballyleague, but we are sadly lacking in accommodation and with the advent of both projects it is very important that we greatly increase beds for the many people that will be coming our way. Perhaps we can take a leaf out of Lanesboro, Minnesota, who in many ways is a similar town to our own. They have created a niche in the market as the Bed and Breakfast capital of Minnesota winning many awards year on year. They have small hotels similar to the Lough Ree Arms and Sliabh Bawn and they supplement that with many Bed and Breakfasts facilities in people’s homes as well as houses to rent.
Presently there are four projects that I know are being spoken about and near development stage in the area and a similar number of ideas being investigated as to their feasibility.
We are going into a very exciting time if we grasp it with both hands and there is no doubt we should. The opportunity is on our doorstep let’s pick it up and make it something special. We have the environs to make change for the positive, let us go and do it.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The first outing of 2018 for the Lough Ree Golfing Society takes place at County Longford Golf Club on Friday next 20th April. The tee is booked from 11am. The weather forecast is good, so it is hoped to see you and a large number there. New members are very welcome, and committee is looking forward to welcoming new members.
Thank You
Claire Costello, Tara Nerney and Erica Fortune would like to sincerely thank everyone that supported their Coffee Morning and Cake Sale in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Sunday last. Your support was really immense.
Quirky Quiz
The Quirky Quiz took place on Friday night in Clarke’s, The Yacht and Adie’s. While the numbers were not as expected the night was good fun and indeed quirky. The overall winning team came from Clarke’s Bar and they were Fintan Jordan and Valerie Weir, Kevin and Caroline Madden.
The committee would like to pay special tribute and express thanks to Fintan Duffy who connected all pubs, Andrew Knowles for writing up the questions, James O’Flaherty as Quizmaster for the night, Chris Cullen for his sponsorship, Spot prizes from Pam Farrell, Stella Murphy at Lanesboro Library, Eugene Maguire at EBarbers, Michelle Kelly at Cloud 9, Pam Farrell at Friends of Asthma, Sean Mimnagh Shannon Grill, Joe Ginty Luxury Chauffeur Service, Joe and Martina O’Brien, Yacht Bar, Clarke’s Bar and Adie’s. Thanks also to Mary Kelly, Philip Mc Garry, Gerry Donlon, Michael Hanley and Scott Cassidy.
The committee would like to thank Clarke’s Bar, the Yacht Bar and Adie’s for the use of their premises.
The Lough Ree Monster Festival will take place from Friday 10th August to Sunday 12th August.
Blood Donor Clinic
With the continuation of the bad weather the amount of blood presently on hold is perilously low at the moment. You are asked to make yourself available at the blood donation clinic that will take place in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon this week on Tuesday 17th April and the following two days Wednesday and Thursday 18th and 19th. The clinic will be from 5pm to 8.30pm each day. If you need further information you should go to the website www.giveblood.ie
Blood Pressure Check
The Blood Pressure check will take place every Friday in St. Mary’s Parish Hall from 11.30am to 12.30pm while there is demand for it. The check will be carried out by Senior Registered Nurse. This is your opportunity to avail of this great and free service.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Billy Clabby, Lisnacusha and his sister Cella, family and friends on the death on Thursday 12th April of their brother John who resided in Skerries, Co. Dublin.
Tea Day
Western Alzheimers Tea Day will take place in Costello’s Nursing Home on Friday next 20th April from 2 to 4 pm. There will be live music over the two hours. This is a hugely important fundraiser and we ask everyone to be supportive and generous.
Play your Part
Each Wednesday night the organising committee meet in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesboro at 9.15pm. The committee is very progressive and are always looking for new ways of creating new and innovative ways of making the Festival unique and inclusive for all.
The group are always looking for new people, new ideas, and new people to make the Lough Ree Monster Festival bigger and better than anything gone before. Please do come along, we invite people from the parishes of Rathcline, Cashel, Killashee, Clondra, Kenagh, Kilgefin, Lanesboro and Ballyleague. Share your idea and develop it into something special.
Lough Ree Angling Hub
Our Office hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and our contact phone number for the competition is – 00 353 (0) 43 332 1734 or see our Facebook page Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub or email us atloughreeanglinghub@gmail.com
Tempt your pallet with Ballyleague Tidy Towns Tasty Table Quiz
Ballyleague Tidy Towns are holding a fundraising Table quiz in St Faithleach’s club house on Friday next at 9.00pm. Tables of 4 €40 with prizes for both winning and runner-up teams. Winning team receives a €160 (4 * €40) voucher for 9 Arches Restaurant Ballymahon which has been kindly sponsored by Nally Bros Hyundai Ballymahon. If you don’t have a full team, please come along on the night and we will gladly facilitate you.
Fleadh Cheoil Longfoirt
Fleadh Cheoil Longfoirt will, for the first time, be held in Newtownforbes on 27, 28 and 29 April. The main competitions take place on Sunday 29th in Scoil Mhuire NS Newtownforbes. Competitions in the céilí bands, grúpaí cheoil, rince ar an sean nós, rince Céilí and Seit will be held on Saturday 28th April while the Comhrá Gaeilge, scéalaiocht and storytelling will start the weekend off on the Friday evening at 4.30pm. A detailed programme of events will be published in the Longford Leader in due course. Any further enquiries please contact newtownforbeslongfordcce@gmail.com
A sincere thank you to everybody who contributed so generously to this worth cause.
Championship Time
St. Faithleach’s opened their Senior Championship campaign with a convincing 3-10 to 1-11 victory over Michael Glavey’s on Sunday last in Strokestown. Sunday next again in Strokestown round 2 of the championship will take place when St. Faithleach’s will take on Castlerea at 3.45. This is a vital game for the team where a victory would put them in a hugely strong position going into the club football break which sees the Intercounty Championship commencing in a few weeks. Hopefully there will be a huge local crowd travelling to support the team. Good luck to the team, team manager Gareth Johnston and his team management.
Our Library this Week
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 23rd April 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.
Babble & Books Parent & Toddler Group
A Parent & Toddler Group for parents/carers with children aged 0-4 years will continue every Wednesday morning at 10.30am.
Come & meet a friend or make a new one over a cuppa, read a story to the children while they discover new toys and interact socially. All welcome!
Book Club
Book Club continues on Friday morning 27th April at 11am.
All welcome to come along and enjoy a chat and a cuppa!
Revised Opening Hours
Monday 2pm – 8pm, Tuesday 2pm – 6pm, Wed & Fri 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 5pm,
Sat 10am – 1pm.
Foreign Currency & Used Stamps
We are still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference. We also collect used stamps in aid of ISPCC. Thank you.
Library Membership
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. Renew or request books on our website www.longfordlibrary.ie<http://www.longfordlibrary.ie/>
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.
Tourism Co-Op Draw €11,400
Last Tuesday 10th April the Lough Ree Tourism Co-Op held their weekly lottery draw for a jackpot of €11,400. The numbers drawn were 1, 9, 19, and 26. There was no winner of the jackpot and the roll-over for this week stands at €11,500. The winner of the €50 prize was Kathleen Morris, Church View, and the three €20 prizes were won by Pióir Zidlkowski, Meadowbrook, Ballyleague, Margaret Nohilly, Rathcline Road and Mary & Kevin c/o SuperValu. The co-op really appreciates your continued support.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Charlie, John, Seamus, and Michael Sorohan and the extended Sorohan family, Lanesboro and Ballyleague on the death of their aunt and late father’s (Charlie) sister Mrs. Alice Healy, Moyne, on Sunday 8th April.
50/50
The winning ticket drawn in the Clarke’s Bar for the Rathcline 50/50 was in the name of club goalkeeper David Mulvihill, Cullentra. The winning envelope was worth €300 to David.
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.
Sympathy
We would like to express our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Bernadette Clancy and family on the death of young Alan Sheridan, Ballinalee, aged 13 years, on Friday 13th April following a short illness.
Darkness into Light
Longford will be hosting our fifth Darkness into Light Walk on Saturday, May 12th, 2018 at 4:15am to raise much needed funds for Pieta House.
Anyone who would like to participate can do so online at dil.pieta.ie. The walk will take place in over 180 venues on 4 continents.
We are going cashless this year, so all registrations must be online, and t-shirts are posted to walkers directly.
We will be hosting community engagement events in Longford Shopping Center on Saturday 14th and Saturday 21st May to assist with registrations.
Please see our Facebook page for updates: Darkness into Light Longford
Lough Ree Athletic Club
Last weekend there was indoor athletics organised for the younger brigade i.e. under 9-11 age group. The venue was the new International Indoor Arena in Athlone. The age groups may be at the bottom of the scale, but the competition was still intense throughout with competitors from Roscommon, Carrick on Shannon, Manorhamilton, Longford, Taughmaconnell and last but not least Lough Ree AC and for all of our athletes this was their first competition. Heats and finals were the order of the day, so any medals won were well earned. Even those who didn’t make the winners enclosure enjoyed the occasion immensely. Our contingent wasn’t the biggest on the day, but we took home five medals between sprints, middle distance and turbo javelin, the results of the long jump were not available when going to press. Our heroes on the day were Oisin Dillon in the boys under 9, Mikey Sorohan under 10 and not to be outdone for the girls Maryanna Concalvez. Well done to all the competitors, the club is very proud of you.
Thank You
Longford MS would like to sincerely thank all who helped and contributed so generously at their recent Church gate collection. All donations were greatly appreciated and will be put to great use within the branch.
Leinster Champions
Western Gaels U13s made the long trip to Castledermot GAA in Kildare to play their long awaited Div. 4 plate final in the Leinster Cross County league on Saturday last 14th April , played in ideal conditions and at a well maintained venue it was a very entertaining game right from the off, Luke Dowd in goals like all season once again had a brilliant game with two crucial saves midway through the second half, our full back of Dan Devlin & Cormac O’Dowd had great games with their excellent work rate not only on Saturday but all through this campaign, our half back line of Sam Murphy , Rasheed Yeobah & Kieran O’Dowd had super games with their tremendous work rate and eagerness to show for the ball, our superb midfield pairing of Beau O’Connor & Harry Mulvihill were a torn in the side of Castledermot right from the off with their brilliant running abs work ethic, our half forward line of Jimmy Farrell, Stephen Oates & Niall Hawes were outstanding on the day contributing 4-3 between them Niall with one of the picks of the goals on day especially with what he had to do to score it and by what a goal, our full forward line of Gavin Nulty & Michéal Smith had super game also who both were very unlucky not to get on the scoresheet, we went in at the break Western Gaels 3-5 Castledermot 1-0, On resumption of the second half we felt we were in a great position and after making a couple of positional switches with Keelan Ruske & Conor Farrell now on our second half performance as a squad of players was outstanding , our work rate continued to be immense with a never give up attitude and that was the key to a great victory, Jack Tiernan, Tadhg Tiernan, Peter Farrell & John McHugh who were all introduced at different stages during the game put in huge efforts that got us over the line. The final score Western Gaels 5-11 Castledermot 2-3, Scorers on day Harry Mulvihill 1-9, Stephen Oates 3-2, Niall Hawes 1-0.
A huge thanks to Castledermot GAA for their hospitality before and after the game
A very special mention has to go to the players , parents and supporters who made the long journey to Kildare on Saturday, it’s showed true dedication and we as a management team thank you for that , it made all the journey more worthwhile when our two great joint captains Jimmy Farrell ( Shannon Gaels ) & Rasheed Yeobah ( Grattan Gaels ) received the trophy from Tadhg Fennin from Leinster GAA. Well done to all involved on a super journey in this Leinster competition. Best of luck to all our squad with their respective clubs in their competitions to come.
The Western Gaels U13s Leinster Champions 2018 as follows:
Luke Dowd, Kieran O’Dowd, Cormac O’Dowd, Jimmy Farrell, Conor Farrell and Sam Murphy (Shannon Gaels)
Dan Devlin, Beau O’Connor, Harry Mulvihill, Keelan Ruske, Michéal Smith, Gavin Nulty, Rasheed Yeobah, Stephen Oates, Niall Hawes, John McHugh, Willie Stokes, Jack Tiernan, Peter Farrell, Tadhg Tiernan and Conor McHugh (Grattan Gaels)
Rathcline GAA
League: The league started for us on Saturday evening last when we played Killashee. The result was not to our liking coming out on the wrong side of a scoreline of 2-11 to 2.5.
When we consider our injury list and the number of very young players on view this was a very good performance. There is no doubt as the week go by this team will get stronger as players grow into senior football. We need to be patient with the number of the very young players, but their talent is undoubted and there will be many great days ahead.
Semi-Final: The U20 semi-final against Kenagh/Legan Sarsfelds scheduled for Wednesday night next look likely to be changed to Friday night next. No venue has yet been named. Keep an eye in O’Brien’s Shop window or the club’s social media sites. We wish the lads the very best of luck and hope for a day out in the county final to follow.
As a result (if it happens) that the U20 game on Wednesday is changed the Division 2 league game scheduled for Saturday will then be played on Sunday, time to be confirmed.
Rolling Stones Draw:
In what, without doubt, will be the Concert of the Year in Croke Park, The Rolling Stones will roll back the years and perform a wonderful concert on Thursday 17th May.
Rathcline GAA have a very special draw taking place for that concert where for €2 only you could be the winner of the draw for those 2 most valuable tickets in the luxury Premium Stand.
The draw will take place on Saturday 12th May in Clarke’s Bar and make sure you have your tickets in this draw. Tickets are on sale in all shop, bars and from committee members.
50/50
The winning ticket drawn in the Clarke’s Bar for the Rathcline 50/50 was in the name of club goalkeeper David Mulvihill, Cullentra. The winning envelope was worth €300 to David.
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
Evening Out: The date has been set for the upcoming Minor Club’s night of entertainment in St. Mary’s Parish Hall. There will be great variety on the night built around a hilarious comedy sketch. The sketch is loosely based on the Fr. Ted theme and it is an evening not to be missed. The date has been set for Saturday 2nd June. Bookings and ticket sales can be obtained at O’Brien’s or from Alan Fayne, Sean Kenny, Seadna Ryan.
St. Faithleach’s
Senior Championship: The first round of the championship was held in Strokestown on Sunday afternoon against Michael Glavey’s which resulted in a win for St. Faithleach’s. Result: St Faithleach’s 3-10 Michael Glavey’s 1-11. Team: Michael O’Donnell, Karl Nerney, Connell Kennelly, Daniel Foley, David Harrison, Darren Nerney, Adrian Murtagh, Cathal Gunn, David Rooney, Jonathon Hussey, Brian Murtagh (1-0), Darragh Hussey (0-1), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-4 2F), Ciarán Murtagh (2-5 2F), Aidan Dooney.
Substitution(s): Colm Mangan, Stephen Ormsby, Pádraig Shanley & Mark Gill. Round two takes place next Sunday against Castlerea in Strokestown at 3:45pm. Your support is appreciated.
Junior Ladies League: The Junior Ladies face Oran on Sunday morning at 11am.
U16 Boys League: Last Sunday morning seen the U16 boys take on Kilbride in Ballyleague. Result: St. Faithleach’s 5-9 Kilbride 2-9. Team: Kevin Mc Donagh, Mark Cox, Eoin Kelly, J.P O’Reilly, Mark Silva, Aaron Glennon, Richard Klava, David Kilcoyne, Jack Murray, Cian Glennon, Connor Gannon, Lee Kilcoyne, Jack Tucker, Francis Dunne, Mikey ‘O Brien, Jason O’Connor.
U14 Boys League: In a home game for the U14 Boys against Castlerea on Thursday evening the boys recorded an impressive victory. Result: St. Faithleach’s 7-12 Castlerea 1-07. Team: Spencer Browne, Jack Mc Gloin, Sean Rohan, Sean Kelly, Shane Cox, Raymond Glennon, Conor Betts, Conor Gannon, Mikey O’Brien, Francis Dunne, Lee Kilcoyne, Ryan Byrne, Eoin Murray, Thomas Kelly, Jason O’Connor, Evan Farrell, Adam Parker, Fergal Reynolds, Matthew Browne, Conor Ryan. Next game against St. Dominic’s on Thursday at 7pm.
U12 Spring League: Well done to the U12’s who overcame St. Ciaran’s on Saturday morning. Result: St. Faithleach’s 0-15 St. Ciaran’s 0-13. Team: Darragh Creedon, Oisin McDermott, Jamie Betts, Anthony Cox, Jack Casey, Craig Glennon, Joey Trimble, Christian Donlon, Nathan Mc Cloat, Eoin Cox, David Cox. Sean O’Halloran, Jake Cox, Eoin O’Brien. Next game against St. Croan’s on Saturday at 12 noon in Enfield.
Congratulations: To Roscommon LGFA Minor Ladies team and management and club reps Ellen Irwin, Sarah Scally, Jennifer Brennan, Marie Kelly and Kate McPhilips on their win over Mayo at the weekend. The girls now contest the Connacht Minor A Final on Saturday 28th.
Night at the Dog’s: St. Faithleach’s host a “Night at the Dog’s” on Friday May 11th in Longford Greyhound track. This promises to be a great evening’s entertainment for the whole family, players and the community. Tickets are now available from any member of the senior or junior panels.
Cards: Take place every Tuesday evening in the clubhouse (please note time change to 9pm). Last week’s winners; Mark and Noreen, second Sean and Michael, last game Tom and Brendan.
Tidy Towns:: Ballyleague Tidy Towns Table Quiz takes place in the clubhouse on Friday evening, all welcome. A general clean-up of the Ballagh area takes place on Saturday 21St, all help from members and community is appreciated. Please met at Ballagh church at 10:30am.
INTERNATIONAL COARSE FISHING COMPETITION – 2018
01 / 02 / 03 – June 2018 ( Bank Holiday Weekend )
This competition is sponsored by Waterways Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. Standard NCFFI Rules apply and must be adhered to. All anglers must dip their nets and footwear before and after the event.
The Competition will be launched as follows:
Invitation Stage
- All previous competition entrants, from the previous 3 years’, will be invited (via email) to enter first and will have preference until15/04/2018.
- There will be a maximum of 36 competitors accepted– 3 x sets of 12 pegs.
- The first 36 paid entrants will be accepted.
- Entrance fees of €60 / £60(increased over last year) will go towards the Prize Fund of €4,000 (also increased).
- All entrants must complete entry forms and apply for entry through Adrian at our Hub Office via email at loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com
- For news on how the area is fishing please go to – www.lanesboroughangling.ie
Our Angling Hub office hours are Mondays / Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Our contact phone number for the competition is – 00 353 (0) 43 3321734, or see our Facebook page Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub, or email us at loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com