First in Class
On Sunday last in the Sunday Independent the School League tables were published for the 2018 school year.
Early into the report the Most Improved in each county identified Lanesboro Community College at the Most Improved between 2009 to 2018 in County Longford with a 24% improvement.
On the Schools League table identifying the highest percentage placed in third level colleges showed that Lanesboro Community College came out on top in County Longford with 76% of its students being placed in third level.
The above results are testimony to the growing reputation of Lanesboro Community college and the figures show it gong from strength to strength. Full credit to all its teaching staff over the years for growing the school with the confidence to achieve these results and we congratulate everyone for this high ranking.
Great Reaction
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the Government allocating €194,000 for the walkway/cycleway to the parish of Killashee and the access to the Royal Canal.
The reaction via email, text and verbally has been remarkable. The amount of positivity that the announcement gained was incredible and people are really looking forward to being able to use it in the near future. Negotiations are ongoing with Bord na Mona and Coillte and with a clear run it is hoped that we will be able to be able to start work in the Spring time.
It is fabulous news and the fact that people are now actively looking to Lanesboro and Ballyleague in such a positive manner is very encouraging that we soon will be seen as a community that is a hive of activity with many attractions coming to the area. It was only last week at the ‘Showcase Ireland’ trade fair a Clare man told me that himself and his brother already had pencilled in their attendance at the Lough Ree Pike Angling Festival on the 14th and 15th September. Longford County Council are to be greatly praised for all their great work in helping to achieve the funding and the ongoing process. We look forward to the development of the Lough Ree Distillery and the excitement and extra business and buzz it will bring to the community
The continuous great work in the community by a host of groups is creating a great vibrancy and the prospects of many more activities is very heartening. I and I am sure you are looking forward to all this positivity bearing a great upsurge in Lanesboro and Ballyleague.
Last week Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland held feasibility studies in three sections of the River Shannon. The one identifying Lanesboro took place in Athlone on Wednesday and from the feedback of the attendees Lanesboro and Ballyleague got very strong comment.
Let the work
continue and if anyone has any plans that they want me to mention in these
notes of indeed in the shop window please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope
this great positivity will be encouraged to continue unabated.
LCC Enrolment nears closing.
The closing date for application forms for enrolment in 1st year in September 2019 is Friday next 1st February at 1:00. All students interested in attending Lanesboro Community College in September should send in their enrolment forms before Friday. Please contact 043 3321139 for more details or a copy of the enrolment form.
The Green
The photos are starting to come in and I would encourage anyone else that has photographs of the Green, and stories to contact me. I am looking for all photographs of all residents of the Green right up to the present day – just a flick on your phone, camera, iPad and forward it to me at joea@iol.ie. If you do not have a family picture perhaps you can forward me individual pictures and the house number you live/d in. If you don’t have a photograph from your time on the Green a family photograph from a later date will do. I am also looking for photograph of the apprentices and lodgers that stayed on the Green. You can also drop them into me in the shop where I will scan them and return them to you a minute later.
Death
On Saturday 19th January we lost one of the stalwarts of our parish. Born and reared in Dublin Roy Fitzsimons would spend most of his youthful days in the parish of Rathcline along with his parents, brothers and sisters. Later in his life along with his wife Maureen he would come and life permanently in the parish. This move was seamless as he was a regular by then and he was welcomed with open arms. Roy was a warm and enthusiastic man and the warmth of his welcome endeared him to everyone that came to know him. He was a true Dublin supporter but as was his way and his love for the community and county he was also a great supporter of Rathcline and Longford. He was a great one for the banter and loved nothing than having interactions with all and sundry. He was a great friend and Roy was always ready to assist anyone that was in need of assistance. The attendance at the removal at his remains in Rathcline and again at his Funeral Mass bore ample testimony to the esteem he was held in our community and indeed in his old community in Dublin. Roy reposed at his residence in Rathcline on Monday last and his Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday which was followed by his burial in Clonbonny Cemetery. We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to his wife Maureen, daughter Shana, son Garret, brother, sisters relatives and many friends.
Rathcline GAA
Have you an interest in the GAA? Would you like to help play your part in Rathcline GAA? Does the skill of your job compliment what the club does? Do you feel that your skills can lead Rathcline to becoming the leading club in Longford? A club is not just about football, it has many facets and the club is ambitiously looking for people that can help progress us both on and off the field – there are many sides that we have identified that need developing and it would be fabulous that you could give off your time to help with this progression. It does not mean that you are being asked to become an executive member but if you have a skill to offer the club the club would love to see you at the AGM or give your name to chairman Liam Connerton, Secretary Cathal Chapman or Treasurer Marie Farrell or Minor club Chairman Alan Fayne, Secretary Seadna Ryan or Treasurer Mary Teresa Mc Grath.
The AGM of the Rathcline club will take place in the clubhouse in Clonbonny on Friday 15th February at 8pm.
New Defibrillator Course
A new Defibrillator course will take place in the very near future and the organisers are urgently seeking many new people to take the opportunity of getting trained in the use of defibrillators. As this is a down time it is important that all clubs and organisations on both sides of the bridge encourage their members to attend and get trained up.
Rarely a day goes by in a workplace, sporting events or in public places that a person’s knowledge in the use of the defibrillator in not required hence the great need to have all area and events covered with people with the required knowledge.
Contact Martina O’Brien with your name and phone number, she can be contacted at the shop, phone 3321107, 0863858934 or email martinaclyne1@gmail.com
Primary School Enrolment
Lanesborough Primary
School are holding their Enrolment Afternoon for September 2019 on Friday next 1st
February 2019 at 1pm.
Parents and children who are hoping to enrol in
the school for September are
invited to attend.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday last 23rd January are: N/S 1st Mona O’Flaherty and Maureen Hynes, 2nd Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey and 3rd Una Clarke and Eileen Kelly. E/W 1st Gemma Douglas and Mary Farrell, 2nd Frances and Frank Brennan, 3rd Brid McDermott and Ita Farrell.
And Thank You
‘And thank You’ is a new play written and performed by the ever popular and star man Seamus O’Rourke will come to St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro, on Saturday 9th March at 8.30pm. This is a production much sought after, and it was a very lucky thing that the Minor Club got their ‘spake’ in on time to ensure we would be fortunate enough to have it. Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s costing €10. Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s and to book your tickets phone Martina 086-3858934. The play is being hosted by the Shannon Gaels Minor Club.
The following is a synopsis of the play: A play about an ordinary man living in rural Ireland who gets saved… Saved from a life of pub talk and prophesising. King John O’Sullivan used to be able to drink fifteen pints without having to piddle, now, it’s every nine. Going to the Gents so often can wear a man out. The story is told by the Reverend Thaddaeus Clancy and O’Sullivan’s two sons, Larry O and Martin. The sons run the family shop while Daddy, the King of McKenna’s Bar makes up the rules. It’s a story of hard work and success and dangling. There’s bad driving and ice hockey and there’s falling down. When the ‘Divel’ starts to gnaw, the kingdom will fall.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Keith Curran and his wife Katie Carberry and family, Cluain Dara, Ballyleague, on the death of Keith’s mother Mrs. Karen Clarke Curran, Newtownforbes on Monday last 21st January.
Social Services Whist
The Lanesboro Social Services Whist Drive will take place on this Friday night 1st February in St. Mary’s Parish Hall starting at 8.30pm. I have mentioned many times the value of the proceeds from the Whist Drive and a special thank you must go to everyone that plays and contributes towards the ‘whist night’. It would be only mighty if all card players in the area would come along on the first Friday of every month for the Whist Drive.
Dinner Dance
This year we see the return of the Rathcline GAA Dinner Dance on Saturday night 16th February in the Longford Arms Hotel.
This night out was always the occasion of the year and apart from Santa Claus it was the most looked forwarded event of the year. It was the occasion to dress up and have a local evening in wonderful surroundings and in the company of local people.
This year it is also a cause for celebration as there will be the presentation of the Intermediate Championship and Under 21 medals to the victorious teams.
Tickets are available in O’Brien’s costing a reasonable €40 for a four-course meal and a wonderful night’s entertainment provided by Rhythm & Sticks who are packing the crowds in no matter where they go.
The club looks forward to a huge number from the parish attending and looks forward to a good number of former players and residents returning for the night.
Come along, enjoy the night and let’s create a night to be remembered and one that will be the start of a wonderful parish night out once again.
As much as is possible could people intending to go have their tickets purchased by Sunday 10th February as the Longford Arms will need to have a number for meal servings.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Brendan Rhatigan, Fermoyle. Brendan, a tremendous hardworking clubman was well deserving of this great win. The winning envelope was worth a wonderful €338. Thanks to Brendan for his continued support of the draw and maybe next week it will be you.
The club thanks everyone for their continued support and encourage everyone to persist in your support as your name will surely be drawn out soon. Tickets are on sale in local shops and businesses throughout the town at €2 each or 3 tickets for €5. 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.
Bridge Information and Demonstrations
Bridge Demonstrations and information mornings in St Mary’s Hall on Friday February 1st, and February 8th, starting at 10:30 am and continuing until 12:30 pm All age groups invited. Relax and enjoy a scone & tea. while learning the benefits of playing the game of bridge. If you want to improve your memory and concentration, this is one of the ways students improve their memory and parents find it has helped their children with their maths. When travelling to other countries it is a great way to meet people make friends without knowing their language. If you need any further information, please phone 0864076462.
€15,000 Tidy Towns
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery draw took place on Tuesday morning last on the Co-Op office. There was no winner of the €15,000, jackpot and the jackpot for this week, will now rise to reach and the jackpot has now reached its maximum of €15,000. The numbers drawn were 14, 20, 27 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize was John Rice, The Abbey, and the three €20 winners were Margaret Casey c/o The Markets, Joe Kilbride, Ballyleague and Josh, Emma and Zara Curran, Killinure.
The committee thanks everyone for tremendous and loyal support support.
Please note that winners can collect their winning cheques in the Co-Op office only and will be available from Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm.
Shannon Gael Registration
Registration for the underage section of Rathcline GAA, Shannon Gaels will host their registration night for all players on Friday 8th February from 7 to 8pm. You are asked to remember that the registration is also your young man’s insurance and unregistered players cannot take part in games or training.
Lanesboro Community Games
Art, Model Making and Handwriting Competitions: The Lanesboro Community Games Art, Model Making and Handwriting competitions will take place in St. Marys Parish Hall on Sunday 3rd February from 5pm to 8pm.
Art U8, U10, U12, U14 & U16, Model making U10, U12, U14 & U16 based on a Community Games theme. Children to bring their own drawing material. Paper will be provided.
Event rules and details on www.communitygames.ie.
All children are welcome.
Community Games Membership Registration (€3) for children who haven’t already joined Community Games this year.
Parish Mission
Longford Town Parish are holding a Festival of Faith at St. Mel’s Cathedral from Friday next 1st February until 7th Thursday February. The theme of the Mission will be ” Come as you Are”, the event includes guest speakers, live music and hospitality.
Full line-up will be seen on the local press, Facebook or contact the Presbytery 043 3346465. Times: 10.00am & 7-30pm. Sunday evening 5.00pm. The Mission organisers extend a warm welcome to all from their neighbouring parishes. “Come as You are” and bring a friend.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Monday night 21st January are: N/S Gross 1st Patricia Mc Gann and Joan Browne, 2nd Philomena Walsh and Loretta Cooney, 3rd Kathleen Kelly and Joan Donlon. E/W Gross 1st Mary Fallon and Katharine Harrison, 2nd Carol Hamill and Ann Hagan, 3rd Tom Feeney and Eileen Kelly. N/S Nett: 1st Patricia Mc Gann and Joan Browne, 2nd Philomena Walsh and Loretta Cooney, 3rd Kathleen Kelly and Joan Donlon. E/W Nett 1st Mary Fallon and Katharine Harrison, 2nd Teresa Kiernan and Catherine Kelly, 3rd Carol Hamill and Ann Hagan.
Alzheimer Café
The Longford branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will open their first ever Alzheimer Cafe in Longford Credit Union ltd, 50 Main Street, Longford on this Wednesday 30th January (7.00pm-8.30pm). ThisCafé will take place on the last Wednesday of every month at the same time and location. Alzheimer Cafes provide a warm and welcoming space for people with dementia, their family and friends and social and health care professionals to meet, exchange ideas and learnings. The topic for this month is ‘Living with Dementia’ with guest speaker Gerry Farrell Counsellor / Psychotherapist Sligo. This is free of charge and there is a car parking facility at the rear of the building. Anyone who is affected by dementia is welcome to come. It is a social evening with tea, coffee & scones being served. The Alzheimer Cafés are organised and led by a mix of organisations, professionals, carers, people with dementia and volunteers interested in the area. For more information and if you would like to attend, please contact Breda Dunne or Eileen Kilbride on 043 / 3347221 or 3348402 For more information, go towww.alzheimer.ie
Ballyboro
The under 8s played Ballymahon at
Ballymahon Astro on Saturday last. Despite the inclement weather both
teams entered into the fray with gusto and wholehearted endeavour and loads of
goals were the order of the day. Ballyboro: David Kenny, Darragh McGloin, Tom
Hession, Adam Greally, Joe Greally, Matthew Murphy, Darragh Shanley, Michael
Hogan, Donncha Farrell.
The under 12 team played their first game in the Major
Division Championship on Sunday when they were away to UCL. The game was
fiercely contested and ended fittingly in a draw. Goals from Christian Donlon
and Ben Murphy saw Ballyboro lead by two goals to one at the interval. With a
strong wind at their backs UCL had most of the possession in the second half
but a resolute defensive display, allied to a brilliant goalkeeping display by
Ronan Cox restricted the home team to just one goal. Team: Ronan Cox, Anthony
Cox, Jack Casey, David Cox, Aidan Kelly, Christian Donlon, Euan Cullen, Billy
Murray, Ben Murphy. Subs: Daniel Hogan, Ethan Slattery, Jack Beattie, Conn
Maxwell.
A lapse in concentration which resulted two goals conceded in
as many minutes, early in the second half, cost the under 14 team dearly when
they played Gaels United. Though Matthew Heneghan notched a goal back after he
was set up following a great run by Ciaran O’Dowd, the Drumlish boys held on to
take the spoils. Ballyboro: Luke Dowd, Jack McGloin, Ryan Byrne, Cormac O’Dowd,
Paul Byrne, Briain Farrell, Shane Ross, Sam Murphy, Jimmy Farrell, Matthew
Heneghan, Ciaran O’Dowd.
Positive results were recorded on Saturday last from the
ground investigations, at the site of the new Astroturf football pitch.
Thanks are due to the management of
Tesco Roscommon who have chosen the Astroturf Project for support, and to all
who have placed their blue tokens in the Ballyboro Tube in store.
Last Man Standing forms have been distributed to parents. Any
parent who may have not yet received forms or who might like more please
contact Ann McGloin at 087 9185446.
Fixtures: The under 9s will be taking part in a Blitz in
Lanesboro on Saturday starting at 12 noon. Other teams participating are
Abbey Rovers and Stonepark.
The under 11s commence their League Group 1 campaign when
they play Abbey Rovers Stripes in Ballinamore on Saturday with the kick
off at 1pm.
Also on Saturday the under 13s are at home to Killoe Celtic,
1.30 start.
The under 16s are at home to Gaels United on Sunday. Kick off
1pm.
Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.
Dinner Dance
This year we see the return of the Rathcline GAA Dinner Dance on Saturday night 16th February in the Longford Arms Hotel.
This night out was always the occasion of the year and apart from Santa Claus it was the most looked forwarded event of the year. It was the occasion to dress up and have a local evening in wonderful surroundings and in the company of local people.
This year it is also a cause for celebration as there will be the presentation of the Intermediate Championship and Under 21 medals to the victorious teams.
Tickets are available in O’Brien’s costing a reasonable €40 for a four-course meal and a wonderful night’s entertainment provided by Rhythm & Sticks who are packing the crowds in no matter where they go.
The club looks forward to a huge number from the parish attending and looks forward to a good number of former players and residents returning for the night.
Come along, enjoy the night and let’s create a night to be remembered and one that will be the start of a wonderful parish night out once again.
As much as is possible could people intending to go have their tickets purchased by Sunday 10th February as the Longford Arms will need to have a number for meal servings.
AGM
Have you an interest in the GAA? Would you like to help play your part in Rathcline GAA? Does the skill of your job compliment what the club does? Do you feel that your skills can lead Rathcline to becoming the leading club in Longford? A club is not just about football, it has many facets and the club is ambitiously looking for people that can help progress us both on and off the field – there are many sides that we have identified that need developing and it would be fabulous that you could give off your time to help with this progression. It does not mean that you are being asked to become an executive member but if you have a skill to offer the club the club would love to see you at the AGM on Friday 15th February at 8pm or give your name to chairman Liam Connerton, Secretary Cathal Chapman or Treasurer Marie Farrell or Minor club Chairman Alan Fayne, Secretary Seadna Ryan or Treasurer Mary Teresa Mc Grath.
New Year Draw
The club’s New Year draw held on Saturday night last in the Yacht Bar was a tremendous success and the club would like to extend its deepest gratitude to all that supported the draw and helped make it the success it was. The lucky seven winners were 1st €3000 Kieran Lisle, 2nd €1000 Stephen Rooney, Ballyglass, 3rd €500 Kevin Hanley, 4th €250 Joe Mc Grath, 5th €250 Marty Parker, 6th €200James Gunning and 7th €200 Paula Gorman.
Shannon Gael Registration
Registration for the underage section of Rathcline GAA, Shannon Gaels will host their registration night for all players on Friday 8th February from 7 to 8pm. You are asked to remember that the registration is also your young man’s insurance and unregistered players cannot take part in games or training.
Under 15
The wonderful competition that is the Leinster U15 Cross County League will commence on Saturday next in Clonbonny. This is always a hugely entertaining competition with many budding club ad county stars in view. Supporters are invited to come along to Clonbonny on Saturday next for the first-round game where we will be entertaining an Under 15 from County Louth – I don’t have their name at the moment. Let’s go out and welcome the Louth team to our parish and encourage all players on both sides.
Play
The Shannon Gaels Minor club is hosting another Big Guerilla Production. ‘And Thank You’ is a new play written and performed by the ever popular and star man Seamus O’Rourke will come to St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro, on Saturday 9th March at 8.30pm. Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s costing €10. Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s and to book your tickets phone Martina 086-3858934. The play is being hosted by the Shannon Gaels Minor Club.
Defibrillator
The club needs people that are interested in helping the club by completing the defibrillator course to take place in January. The need for people to have training done in the use of the defibrillator is essential at all grades especially with all the games and training in Clonbonny. We look forward to a good number of parents of the underage club and supporters and officials from all our clubs to give their names and phone numbers to the minor (Seadna) or senior (Cathal) secretaries or to Martina O’Brien at the corner shop.
Minor Training
While passing the Parish Hall on Saturday last, I heard a lot of noise coming from inside. Curiosity got the better of me and following a look inside I noticed that the Minor team for the coming year were training hard for the upcoming season. I did notice that a few players were absent from the training but those that were there were really enjoying themselves.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Mary and Geraldine c/o SuperValu which was a great the 50/50 for the first time. The winning envelope was worth a wonderful €352. Thanks to Mary and Geraldine for their continued support of the draw and maybe next week it will be you.
The club thanks everyone for their continued support and encourage everyone to persist in your support as your name will surely be drawn out soon. Tickets are on sale in local shops and businesses throughout the town at €2 each or 3 tickets for €5. 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.
Good Luck
Good luck to the club representatives Seadhna Ryan, Cronan Flood, Éanna Mc Grath, Oran Kenny, Kian Gilmore, Kevin Tansey, Bryn Peters, Richard prior and their team mates who within the next 10 days will play the Leinster Schools Final.
St. Faithleach’s
Ireland Lights Up: Our Ireland Lights Up walks on club grounds are getting a fantastic response from members of the community, official walks continue every Thursday at 7pm (numbers are added to the Operation Transformation website which shows the total number of people out walking within GAA club grounds around the country) and daily walks continue every weekday at 7pm. If you have not signed up yet please contact Eamon Gallagher and join us not just for your physical wellbeing but also to connect with people within the community.
Indoor Training: Indoor training for both U10 and U12 girls continue in Ballyleague Hall every Tue evening, please contact Qona Cox or Sean Cox for more information. Many thanks to Siobhan Curran and Caroline O’Reilly who presented the girls new jerseys which were kindly sponsored by Innis Ree Lodge.
Lotto: Jackpot stands at €12,000. Envelopes are available in all local retailers and are €2.
Cards: Cards take place every Tuesday evening in the clubhouse. Last week’s winners; Sean Cox and Mary Kenny, second Annie and Kathleen, last game Tom and Padraig.