Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Trading was brisk at the Horse Fair
Saturday last 12th May will long be remembered as the warmest and brightest day for the re-enactment of the Lanesboro Horse Fair. Twenty years on since the first re-enactment this was a great day in the town. From the crack of dawn, the clink of barriers being put in place in the Upper Main St. area by a group of volunteers was setting a jovial scene for the day ahead. By 7.30am everything was in place and the committee and stewards were awaiting the arrival of the first of the horses. The sun was high in the sky, the day was a little cool to start with but warmed up to a fine day. Despite the forecast of showers of rain during the day we were blessed with an outstanding day from start to finish.
The horses arrived from all directions and the buyers were arriving in numbers too again highlighting the value that is placed on the Lanesboro Fair. From what I am told dealing was taking place from early, long before the parade of the horses from the car park to the enclosed site on Upper Main St. and many a fine horse did not make it up town to the selling area as a result.
People from all over the area came in large numbers to witness the Lanesboro Horse Fair returning to the street after number of years absence. The atmosphere of old was to return and a wonderful day was had by everyone. There were a great number on the streets viewing the horse and donkeys on show and availing of the offers at the many stalls that helped to bring a great variety and atmosphere to the town.
The Fair was to finish at 2 pm which it duly did and the clean up took place leaving the area pristine condition.
The Lanesboro Fair Day would not be complete without the Dog Show in the field behind the Yacht Bar. This is a hugely popular event of the Fair. A good number of varied breeds in all shapes and sizes were paraded through the showing ring. Tough decisions were made as to the best in each category and a great time was had by all. A big thanks to Madaleine Murray and Aaron Wyse for again organising the Dog Show.
The local Gardai assisted by other Gardai from the Longford Roscommon Division along with the local stewards and security provided a great presence on the street, the approach roads and car park. They ensured that everything went off without a hitch and each and everyone of them must be complimented for their great work throughout the Fair. The Order of Malta was on hand throughout the day in the event of a need for medical assistance, thankfully there was no need for their assistance.
The organising committee must be particularly pleased with how well everything went, and they must be complimented for re-enacting another very special Lanesboro Fair Day in Lanesboro and be especially pleased with the support of the large number of local stewards who helped out.
Wedding
The marriage took place on Saturday 5th May at St. Mary’s Church, Moore, Co. Roscommon of Andrew Scott, son of Tracie and Robert Scott, Ballagh and Rachael Gaffey, Moore, Co. Roscommon. Bestman was Mark Mc Inerney friend of the groom, and groomsman was Fergal Clarke a friend of the groom. Chief bridesmaid was Aoife Curran, cousin of the bride and bridesmaids were Sheila Kelly cousin of the bride and Michelle Mc Manus friend of the bride. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by FR Cyril Mangan cousin of the groom assisted by Fr. Michael Molloy, P.P. Moore. The wedding reception was held in the Heritage Golf and Spa Hotel, Killinard, Co. Laois.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Coffee Tea Morning
A Coffee/Tea Morning and a raffle in aid of Western Alzheimers will take place in the home of Maureen and John Gibbons, Kilrooskey on Saturday next 19th May from 11am until 2pm. Your support would be greatly appreciated, and everyone is welcome.
Midsummers Day with the Stars
The annual Midsummers day with the Stars will take place at Roscommon Racecourse on Sunday 24th June. Year on year this county music festival continues to grow and attracts an attendance from all parts of the country. It is a local festival and it is not too often we get talent such as those featuring so close to us and all on the one day. Featuring this year will be Nathan Carter, Robert Mizzell, Mike Denver, Patrick Feeney, Declan Nerney, Philomena Begley, Cliona Hagan, Johnny Brady and a host of other artists. The show will commence at 2pm and there will be free car parking. Admission is just €25, and tickets can be bought locally in O’Brien’s.
On Sunday night in the Abbey Hotel the Festival Dane will take place with Mike Denver and his Band will provide the music. Dancing from 9.30pm.
Rolling Stones Tickets
The winners of the Rathcline GAA draw for the Rolling Stones Premium Stand tickets was Melissa O’Donoghue, Curragh Rua.
€11,900
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery draw took place on Tuesday morning last. There was no winner of the €11,800 jackpot and the jackpot will now rise to €11,900. The numbers drawn were 2, 4, 11 and 29. The winner of the €50 prize was Johnny & Mary c/o The Yacht Bar, and the three €20 prizes were won by Mike and Eileen Hanley, Cashelbeg, Alan Hanley, Corrigeen and Mary Tiernan, Ferefad, Longford.
Celebrating 30 years Recording
Local musician Frank Nelson will this year celebrate 30 years of recording. Frank and his band are very popular on the music circuit and he travels with his unique and distinct sound far and wide throughout the country. A number of years he penned the song ‘Little Town on the Shannon’ about Lanesboro where he lamented the loss of “Eddie’s Cinema”.
As part of his celebration Frank will be hosting a wonderful weekend 28th, 29th and 30th September in the Abbey Hotel in Donegal Town. Such is the line-up that accommodation will be booked out early so early booking is definitely advisable. The cost of the weekend is €250, and this includes B&B, dinner each evening and admission to the weekend line-up. To book emailhighnotemusic33@hotmail.com, phone 086-8061551 or 071-9633522.
Fr Ted Comes to Town
The Shannon Gaels Minor Club will host a production of ‘Fr. Ted comes to Town’ in St. Mary’s Hall on Saturday night 2nd June. The play has been written by local man Colin Fayne and this is without doubt a production not to be missed. This is Colin’s first venture in playwriting and it is a fabulous first script.
If you would like to sponsor the play the minor club would love to talk to you. Contact Sean Kenny 086-1081498.
Tickets are on sale from next weekend and you can buy or book your tickets at O’Brien’s. Contact Martina at the shop or phone 3321107 or mobile 086-3858934. Parent discretion is advised.
Mini Marathon Bus
Pam Farrell is organising a bus to the Ladies Mini Marathon on Sunday 3rd June. Due to a -large number of enquiries there are only two seats left on the bus. To avail of one or both of those seats you should, without delay, contact Pam at 087 414 6987 after 6pm
Diary Date
The Blessing of Graves in the three graveyards in our parish will commence on Sunday 1st July in Rathcline, Lanesboro 8th July and Clonbonny 15th July. If you have family buried in any of the three cemeteries you are been given advanced notice to allow time to clean up your family grave.
It’s happening in Lanesboro Library
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 14th May from 4.15pm to 5.30pm. All are welcome to come along and join in!
Bealtaine Festival
To celebrate Bealtaine Festival, Ballinalee author John Connell will visit the Library and read from his very successful book ‘The Cow Book’. This event will take place on Monday next 21st May at 4pm. All are welcome to attend.
Mindfulness with Paul Marsden
Lanesboro Library will host an evening of Mindfulness with Paul Marsden on Monday 21st May at 7pm. All are welcome to attend.
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, while the children discover new toys, hear a story and interact socially. All welcome!
Book Club
Book Club continues Friday morning 25th May 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.
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.
Community Games Thank You
Thank you to all of the participants and parents who attended the Lanesborough Community Games on the May Bank Holiday Weekend. We hope that everyone enjoyed the competitions at the Track.
A massive thank you to all, who helped out in any way. We are very grateful and appreciate you. We couldn’t run the Track & Field day without you.
Life Celebration
A few years ago, we had the pleasure of having Rev. Canon Liz McElhinney as spiritual leader for the St. John’s congregation as part of her extended parish. Liz proved to be a great spiritual leader and also a great friend to so many from both churches in Lanesboro.
Due to ill health she had to return to her native Lurgan. Sadly, she passed away on 13th June 2017.
To celebrate the Life and Ministry of Liz McElhinney there will be an evening of music, song, and reading of her poetry in Kilbride Community Centre, Fourmilehouse on Friday week 18th may at 8pm. Performing on the night will be Cór Comáin, Sean Hanily Music group, Miriam Hunt, Siofra Cox, Carl Mc Cambley and the Convent of Mercy Chamber Choir – soloist Nicola Brown. Subscription including booklet is €10 and it is payable at the door on the night.
The proceeds will be donated to Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
50/50
The winning ticket drawn in The Yacht for the Rathcline 50/50 was in the name of local plumber Shane Healy. The winning envelope was worth €285 to Shane. We say heartiest congratulations to Shane and thank him for his support of our 50/50. The draw next week will take place in the Pier Rakish Paddy, Lisnacusha.
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.
Your support is much appreciated.
Hosting of Foreign Students for the year 2018-2019.
Shandon Language Solutions (SLS) will once again have a number of foreign students coming to Lanesboro Community College for upcoming year. The students will be coming for different lengths of time ranging from 8 weeks, 16 weeks, half term and full term. As usual we will be looking for the students to be housed in the local community with family’s who may have children of the same age if possible.
If you are interested in earning some extra income and being part of a very enjoyable and fulfilling experience, please call the Local SLS Coordinator at 086 3261664.
Applications must be received in the coming weeks in order to be considered.
Rathcline GAA
Galway Races: The club has confirmed the club’s annual Race Day for Monday 30th July. This is a jewel in the club’s activities each year with the day being very special for all. With limited places available the club would advise early booking for this magnificent day. Tickets cost €120 per person and it is real value for money for all you receive on the day
Rolling Stones Draw: Last Saturday night in Clarke’s Bar the draw took place for the 2 Premium Level Stand tickets for the Rolling Stones concert in Croke Park plus €100 spending money on Thursday night next. The winner of the two tickets was Melissa O’Donoghue, Curragh Rua. We hope you enjoy the concert Melissa.
50/50:
The winning ticket drawn in The Yacht for the Rathcline 50/50 was in the name of local plumber Shane Healy. The winning envelope was worth €285 to Shane. Heartiest congratulations to Shane and thank you for your support of our 50/50. The draw next week will take place in the Pier Rakish Paddy, Lisnacusha.
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.
Your support is much appreciated.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Fr Ted Comes to Town – The Shannon Gaels Minor Club will host a production of ‘Fr. Ted comes to Town’ in St. Mary’s Hall on Saturday night 2nd June. The play has been written by local man Colin Fayne and this is without doubt a production not to be missed.
If you would like to sponsor the play the minor club would love to talk to you. Contact Sean Kenny 086-1081498.
Tickets are on sale from next weekend and you can buy or book your tickets at O’Brien’s. Contact Martina at the shop or phone 3321107 or mobile 086-3858934. Parent discretion is advised.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Junior League: The third round of the D4 league took place in Ballyleague on Sunday afternoon, result: St. Faithleach’s 1-14 Tulsk 0-09. Team: Alan Manning, Gavin Carberry, Derek Murray, Mike-Frank O’Grady, Mark Gill, Damien Gibbons, Karl Nerney, Colm Mangan (0-3), Declan McCormack, Conor Smith (0-5), Steven Walsh (0-1), Ben Hussey (0-2), Henry Kenny (0-1), Padraig Shanley (1-2), Brian Scally. Substitution(s): Ruairí Trimble, Kevin Trautt and Jerome Kelly.
Adult Ladies League Final: Hard luck to our Junior Ladies who lost out in the Adult Ladies D3 League Final to St. Barry’s on Sunday afternoon. Result St. Faithleach’s 2-7 St. Barry’s 4-8. Team: Qona Cox, Sarah Hoare, Aisling Ormsby, Jennifer Brennan, Emma Kenny, Megan Banahan, Kate McPhilips, Ellen Irwin, Sarah Scally, Rachel Banahan, Joan Geoghegan, Aisling Lannon, Jillian Banahan, Emma Donlon, Amy Curley, Keeley Byrne, Leona Hoare, Niamh Scally, Maire Kelly, Tara Nerney.
U16 Boys League: St. Faithleach’s play Castlerea St. Kevin’s on Sunday 20th at 12 noon in Castlerea.
U14 Boys League: The U14 boys had a home game last Thursday evening. Result: St. Faithleach’s 8-06 St. Aidan’s 1-13.
U14 Girls League: Well done to our U14 girls who started their league campaign in Ballyleague with a comprehensive win over Kilglass on Friday evening. Result: St. Faithleach’s 6-7 Kilglass 1-4. Team: Katie Ryan, Abbi Donoghue, Eimear Flynn, Amy Gallagher, Rachel Kilcoyne, Orla Cox, Katie Murray, Katie Rohan, Melanie Banahan, Ellen Kelly, Lucy Malone, Louisa Cox, Hannah Burke, Amy Casey, Keisha Carthy.
U12 Boys League: The boys play St. Barry’s on Tuesday 15th at 7-30pm in
Tarmonbarry.
Thank You: On behalf of St Faithleach’s GAA we would like to thank everyone for attending and /or purchasing tickets for Friday nights “Night at the Dog’s” at Longford Greyhound Stadium. Special thanks to Martin Tucker for his help and expertise in organising the event. And to the race sponsors without which the event would not have been made possible: Casserley’s Spar Lanesboro, Lagan Cement, ESB Lanesboro, Bord Na Mona, Johnston’s Pharmacy, Ballyleague/Lanesboro Credit Union, Dolan Foods, Costello’s Nursing Home Ballyleague, CBE Claremorris and Keane’s Supervalu Lanesboro
Also, to all who sponsored the event program: John Rice Abbey Cab Hire, The Yacht Bar, Brian Scally Plumbing, Tom Morris Hackney, Noel Gill Painting and Decorating, Eugene Murphy T.D., Sean Murtagh Building Contractor, Longford Furniture World, Seanie’s Chimney Cleaning Service, Midland Ice Baths, James Irwin Construction, Alan Horohoe Ventura Promotions , Vinnie McGowan Metal Fabrication, Rosie’s Bar Ballyleague, Direct Heating and Plumbing, John Corcoran Menswear, Powell Brennan Solicitors Ballymahon, Fergus Hanley Hardware, Chris Cullen Building Contractor, Clarke’s Bar Lanesboro.
Thanks to Jimmy Hussey who provided the music back at the clubhouse and to the countess volunteers who gave and continue to give their time and energy to the Club.
Congratulations to all the winners of the raffle prizes (presented by Senior team captain Brian Murtagh) and to Bernie McCann, Drumlish who was the winner of the €300 booster prize. Winning ticket sold by Darragh Hussey. Huge thanks to George Bannon’s, Spirit Clothing, Andrew Reynolds in Longford coffee house, Patrick Hanlon Gala Longford and Ciaran Murtagh for the raffle prizes and last but no means least to Damien Rooney and the Senior team who organised the event.
Clothing Collection: A clothing collection will be held on Tuesday 5th June. Any unwanted items of clothing can be left at old dressing rooms for collection.
Card Game: A 25 Card Drive (Single Hand) will take place in clubhouse on Fri 18th at 9pm €5 entry, all money raised goes to supporting the Froebal Hope Education Partnership, Calcutta. Please contact Tara Nerney for more information
Cards: Cards are held in the clubhouse every Tue evening, last week’s winners: Eugene and Tom, Pat Joe and Tim. Last game Padraig and Kevin.