New President
After many years of dedication to the Irish League of Credit Unions and to the local Credit Union network Gerry Thompson, Ballyleague received the accolade that was fitting of his work and dedication when he was elected as the new President of the Irish League of Credit Unions at their AGM in Citywest on Sunday last. Gerry served as chairman of Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union.
In his acceptance/victory speech Gerry dedicated his victory to his late father Pete Thompson who was a founder member of Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union in 1965 and also his grandson of two months Michéal Henry. He also acknowledged the support of his wife Martha and his family.
We would like to wish Gerry the very best of good luck for his term of office, we are sure he will be an excellent President.
Meditation for Beginners
Meditation for Beginners will commence in Ballyleague on Wednesdays, 7 – 8pm from Wednesday 8th May onwards. Places are limited and if you wish to attend please phone Áine, 086-8407718 for all details.
Horse Fair
The re-enactment of the traditional Lanesboro Horse Fair which is now a well-established annual event in the Lanesboro events calendar will take place this year on Saturday 11th May.
This is a wonderful family day out and a re-enactment of olden times where it was once said that the Lanesboro Fair was so big that you could walk on the back of horses from the church in Lanesboro to the church in Ballyleague. It is a historic event run by a dedicated committee and we look forward to a huge crowd turning up to keep this wonderful tradition going and also to support the hard working committee.
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Cuan’s Church, Ahascragh, Co. Galway of Emma Duffy, daughter of Joe and Phyllis Duffy, Church View and Martin Reynolds, son of Ita and the late Brendan Reynolds, Cloontuskert. Chief bridesmaid was Tara Duffy sister of the bride and the bridesmaids were Alice Duffy sister of the bride and Patricia Duffy, sister-in-law of the bride. Bestman was Peter Reynolds brother of the groom, groomsmen were Thomas Reynolds, brother of the groom and Brendan Reynolds brother of the groom. Page boys were Gavin Duffy and Jamie Costelloe nephews of the bride and Flower Girl was Lia Mc Gill niece of the bride.
The marriage ceremony was celebrated by uncle of the groom Fr. Kevin Reynolds.
An additional feature of the ceremony was the baptism of the couple’s son Jude Oliver who was born recently in Canada where Emma and Martin reside.
The wedding reception took place in the Hodson Bay Hotel. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Littering
A few weeks ago, I mentioned about the amount of litter that was going on along the side roads in the community.
This week I am mentioning the amount of household litter and bags of ashes that are being left at both Rathcline and Clonbonny Cemetery and at most of the street bins. At the playground area over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend it was absolutely shocking and disgusting to see the bins overflowing and rubbish all around the already jammed rubbish bins. That was the Easter holiday weekend, the weather fantastic and a host of visitors coming to Lanesboro only to be greeted with this disgusting sight. As it was a Bank Holiday weekend there was nobody to clean up the area and now we are facing another Bank Holiday this weekend I would hope that there would not be a repeat of this unsightly mess in a high volume tourist area. It is now time that Longford County Council situated cameras in all those areas to catch the culprits that fill the bins and leave their household rubbish where they should not. Perhaps a fine at the local court might be the greatest deterrent of all.
Hall of Fame
As we all know Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show is Ireland’s premier agricultural event. Its committee has just announced the nomination local Rathcline Road man John Clyne to be their recipient of the Hall of Fame Award for commercial cattle at a function in Tullamore on Sunday 5th May.
A New Play by Tommy Murray
Roscommon resident and former Lanesboro man Tommy Murray, playwright and poet has written a new play that will make its debut by the Roscommon Drama Group on the stage of the Arts Centre Roscommon. The play based on the true story of Athleague famous vet Aleen Cust and her mentor William Byrne. As reported in the Irish Times By her achievement, Aleen Cust not only overcame barriers of tradition and sexism but she courageously opened up a career path for women. The play will run on Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd, and Saturday 4th May next at 8pm.
Admission €14/€12 (concession). Early booking is advisable and can be done by phoning 0906625824 or online www.roscommonartscentre.ie
Wedding
The marriage took place in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Saturday last 27th April of Amy O’Sullivan daughter of Brendan and Stella O’Sullivan, Gurteengar and Brian Guilfoyle son of Brendan and Teresa Guilfoyle, Newcastle, Galway City. Chief bridesmaid was Lara O’Sullivan, sister of the bride, bridesmaids were Laura McCauley friend of the bride, Amy Toolan and Ciara Toolan friends of the bride. Bestman was Jonny Pilkington friend of the groom, Ray Guilfoyle brother of the groom, Leo Guilfoyle brother of the groom and Luke Andres nephew of the groom. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Mickey Reilly. The wedding reception was held in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Monthly Whist
Calling all card players to the monthly Lanesboro Social Services on this Friday night 3rd May in St. Mary’s Hall. The game will commence at 8.30pm. This is another opportunity for you to support our local social services committee who do tireless work in our community. The Whist Drive helps in a great way towards supporting people in need and your contributions make a huge difference to people’s lives. If you cannot attend, you can make a contribution to any of the committee members or leave in an envelope in O’Brien’s.
25 Drive
The 25-card game continues Sunday nights in Lanesboro Parish Hall at 8 30pm sharp for much needed funds for our hall. Thanks to everyone for supporting the game. 1st Josie and Freda. Joint 2nd Pat and Tom, Barney and Eugene. Last game Liz and Niall. Raffle winners Bridie Glennon, Peter Gregg, Johnno, Joe Dolan.
Support for Crumlin Hospital
Ballymahon Friends of
Crumlin are a group established some 3 years ago to raise funds for Our Lady’s
Children’s Hospital Crumlin. The group has raised almost €50,000 in the past 3
years. They do this through an annual fundraiser by way of a crawl/walk/run
along the canal in Ballymahon and a monster draw with some excellent
prizes
This year the group will be selling tickets at
SuperValu Lanesborough on 18th May. Tickets are €5 each or 3 for €10.
Your support would be very much appreciated
Good Luck Lads
The very best of luck to Ballyboro United Soccer club players – Jack Casey, Gardenstown & Christian Donlon, Cloontuskert who are representing Longford Town F.C U-12s in the Subway All Ireland semi-final on Saturday, May 4th next.
Tidy Towns Lotto
The lucky numbers drawn last week were 6, 11, 23 and 28. The winner of the Easter draw was €100 prize was Frances Kilcoyne c/o Mags, and the three €50 winners were Johann Martin, Blenavoher, Alex Mc Keon c/o Market and Claire Mullen c/o Xlntee. The jackpot now stands at €3,400.
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
Photographs from the Green
Thanksto everyone that has already sent me photographs and also contacted me and told me they would look some up and get them to me. Seeing what has come in so far is great to see and recall memories. Don’t delay or depend on anyone else to send them please forward them on to me. It is just a flick on your phone, camera, iPad and forward it to me at joea@iol.ie.
If you don’t have a photograph from your time on the Green a family photograph from a later date will do. You can also drop them into me in the shop where I will scan them and return them to you there and then. I am also looking for photograph of the apprentices and lodgers that stayed on the Green.
Ballyboro Sports Table Quiz
If you are interested in sport then Adie’s Swan Tavern is the place to be on this Friday night 3rd. Ballyboro FC are staging a Super Sports Quiz on the night starting at 10pm, with all proceeds going to the Astro Turf Pitch Development at Lanesboro Community College. When completed this major project will provide a much-needed sporting facility which will be of great benefit to the community, young and old. It is hoped that all sporting clubs and organizations in the locality will be represented at the quiz.40 euro per table of 4. Even if you are not a member of a club don’t worry, as any four individuals with an interest in sport can make up a team. There will be great prizes for the winners and runners up, and finger food will be provided. So, if you want an entertaining and informative night with a sporting theme, and at the same time support a very worthy cause, then make sure you don’t miss the big event on Friday night.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Shane Muldoon and Susan Linnane’s daughter Maddie Muldoon, Curragh Rua. The winning envelope this week was worth €329. We congratulate Maddie on her win. Let us hope that next week it can be your turn, all you have to do is to buy a ticket for €2 to be in the draw.
Tickets are on sale in local shops and businesses throughout the town at €2 each or 3 tickets for €5. As you now know there are two alternatives for those that would like to play the 50/50 by paying in advance. Option 1 is the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and Option 2 is the pink envelope where you pay €100 for a 12-month period with two free draws. Those tickets are available in any of the local outlets or from any member of the club executive.
Super Summer Draw
Rathcline are holding a ‘Super Summer Draw’ for premium tickets for upcoming events at Croke Park. The prizes are 1st 2 Premium tickets for the Spice Girls on Friday 24th May, 2nd 2 Premium tickets for the Leinster Hurling final on Sunday 30th June, 3rd 2 Premium prizes for the Leinster Football Final on Sunday 23rd June, 4th 2 Premium tickets for Westlife on Friday 5th July and 6th prize 2 Premium tickets for Westlife on Saturday 6th July.
All for only €5 this is a draw worth buying tickets for. The draw takes place in Adie’s Bar on Sunday 19th May
Lough Ree Athletic Club
We are delighted to see that Lanesboro Community Games Committee has decided on a date for the parish sports, the date is Sunday 12th May at 12.30 p.m. at the track.
The Indoor Arena at AIT Athlone will be the venue for the 2019 Roscommon Under 9 to Under 11 Championships on Saturday next 4th May at 9.00a.m. There are 4 events 60m, Long Jump, Turbo Javelin and a Middle-Distance run, and all athletes compete in the 4 events. Please come to training at the track at 6.30 on Tuesday for further details.
The club is anxious that all youngsters in the catchment area of the parishes of Killashee, Newtowncashel, Kilgefin/Ballyleague and Rathcline/Lanesboro avail of the facility that the Lough Ree Athletic Club offers. We cater for all youngsters and look to give them a great grounding in the multi event sport that is athletics. Come along on a Tuesday evening at 6.30 or on a Sunday at 12.
Lanesboro Library
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet group continues every Monday 2pm to 4pm. New members always welcome!
Poetry & Music Group
Poetry & Music group continues on Monday 29th April – 4.15-5.30pm.
All welcome to come along and join in with this very vibrant group!
ESOL Class
ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) continues on Tuesday evenings at 7pm.
Babble & Books Parent & Toddler Group
Babble & Books Parent & Toddler Group continues every Wednesday morning at 10.30am at the library. All welcome to bring their babies or toddlers along to play together, read a story or two and have some fun!
Book Club
Book Club continues on Friday 26th April at 11am. Book Choices for the month of April are ‘Three Things About Elsie’ by Joanna Cannon and ‘A Piece of the World’ by Christina Baker Kline.
Afternoon Tea & Poetry
As part of the Bealtaine Festival during month of May, Lanesboro Library & our wonderful Poetry & Music group will host an Afternoon of Tea & Poetry!
This event is open to everyone and we hope you will all join us for a cuppa, some poetry and maybe a song or two!
Venue: Lanesboro Library
Date: Monday 13th May 2019
Time: 4.15pm
Alzheimer Society of Ireland – Mobile Information Service
The Alzheimer Society Mobile Information Service provides information and support to people living with dementia and their families as well as those concerned about their own cognitive health.
No appointment necessary – just pop in and talk to experienced staff who will be available to provide answers to any questions you may have.
Venue: Lanesboro Library
Date: Friday 17th May 2019
Time: 11am to 2pm
Grow Your Own’ Talk and Seed Swap
On Monday evening 20th May, Ronan Lynch will give a talk on ‘Grow Your Own’. Also, on the evening will be a Seed/Plant Swap table. Every grower has extra seeds that may never be used. Bring them to our Seed & Plant Swap and take-home new ones!
If growing your own is your thing – you won’t want to miss it!
If you are a beginner and don’t have any seeds to share, you are invited to come along too!
Venue: Lanesboro Library
Date: Monday 20th May
Time: 6.30pm
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.
Check out our Online Services where you can download free eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines and newspapers, learn a new language or do an online course. All you need is your library card and pin. Renew or request books on our website www.longfordlibrary.ie
Annual Tea Day
The Longford Branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland will host their annual tea day on this Thursday 2nd May from 10.00am to 2.00pm in their office at Number 2, Earl Street, Longford All monies raised will help to maintain vital services throughout County Longford. Any support will be greatly appreciated, and everyone is welcome.
Piano Recital
Piano Recital to be given by Daren Lane at St Brendan’s Church, Clondra on Friday next 3rd May at 7.30 p.m. The programme comprises: Beethoven – Piano Sonata Pathétique in C minor op.13: Schumann – Kreisleriana op.16: Chopin – Selection of Études, Waltzes, Nocturnes: Liszt – Nocturne, Étude. Donations in aid of The Parish Community Centre – the Old School.
Ballyboro
Both the under 13 and under
14 teams were involved in goal fests last week, scoring an amazing 19 goals
between them. First up were the under 14s in the Shield semi-final, and they
certainly had their shooting boots on when they accounted for Ardagh United by ten
goals to five. Team and scorers: Briain Farrell, Jack McGloin, Ryan
Byrne(1),Luke Dowd, Paul Byrne, Bryan Mullooly(2),Shane Ross, Jimmy
Farrell(1),Ciaran O’Dowd, Matthew Heneghan(3),Christy Burke(2).Subs: Christian
Donlon(1),Sam Murphy, Cormac O’Dowd.
Not to be outdone by their older counterparts the under 13s
were also on fire in their encounter with Stonepark. They prevailed by a
scoreline of nine goals to seven. Team and scorers: Sam Glennon, Rory Carling, Jack
Casey, Cormac O’Dowd, Josh Crawford, Joey Trimble(1),Christian Donlon(2),Sam
Murphy, Euan Cullen(2),Eoin Cox(4),Conor Farrell. Subs: Luke Cullen, Christov.
The under 10 team qualified for the Shield final when they
defeated Gaels United. The first half was closely contested and ended all
square 2-2. However, in the second period the Ballyboro boys gradually got on
top and were 6-3 in front at the final whistle. Team and scorers: Mikie
Sorohan, Ciaran McGloin, Leon Malkowski, Rian Hogan(1),Rian Shanley(2),Oisin
Dillon(1),Dan Casey(1).Subs: Eoghan Mullooly(1),Evan Rooney Sean O’Dowd, Keilon
Gilmore, Eoin Farrell, Eoin Connell.
The under 12s tried very hard but eventually gave best
to a strong Melview team on Sunday. After a very closely contested first half
which ended scoreless, Christian Donlon raised hopes of a Ballyboro win with a
well taken goal. However, two defensive lapses were punished by the Longford
town team and they went on to win 3-1. Ballyboro: Ronan Cox, Aidan Kelly, Jack
Casey, David Cox, Billy Murray, Euan Cullen, Christian Donlon, Rian Hogan, Ben
Murphy. Subs: Daniel Hogan, Ethan Slattery, Tom Gilmore, Luke Johnston, Conn
Maxwell.
The club are staging a big Sports Quiz in Adie’s on this
Friday night starting at 10pm. 40 euro per team of 4. Great prizes for the
winners and runners up. All proceeds go to the major Astro Pitch Development at
Lanesboro Community College. It is hoped that all sporting clubs and
organizations in the locality will be represented at the quiz. Even if you are
not a member of a club you can still take part. So if you have an interest in
sport and would like an entertaining and informative night out and at the same
time support a very worthy cause Adie’s is the place to be on Friday night.
Thanks are due to Karl Crawford and his team who held a very
successful Cake Sale and Raffle in Newtowncashel last weekend.
There are just two left in Last Man Standing 2, and this
weekend should see the crowning of the overall winner.
Fixtures: The under 8s will be taking part in a Blitz at home
on Saturday starting at 11am, along with Ardagh and Ballymahon. The under 12s
have a busy week ahead; on this Tuesday 1st they are at home to UCL, kick-off
7.30, while on Thursday they are away to Newtown, 7pm start. The under 16s play
Newtown in the Shield semi-final on Wednesday at 7pm in Newtownforbes. If they
win that game, they play UCL Harps in the final in Abbeycartron at 4pm on
Sunday.
Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.
Leader Cup
On Saturday last our senior team travelled to The Laurel to play County and Leinster Champions looking to maintain their great start to the Leader Cup. This was our first outing without two of our stalwarts Shane Donohoe (tour of duty with Defence Forces in Syria) and Michael Morrissey (emigrated to Canada). The team looked forward to pitting their youth against the strength of Mullinalaghta. While missing a few chances in the first half we still went in with a one-point lead at half time. The strength and maturity of Mullinalaghta told in the second half and while our young and talented players tried as hard as they could the were beaten by 7 points. We must be despondent as the performance from the team was strong and determined throughout and right to the final whistle. Our players will have learnt a huge amount from this game, and we are sure it will stand them in great stead. We do one thing we have the talent in our team to be right up there with the best.
Saturday evening our quest for points moves to Abbeylara where we take on the home side at 8pm. We look forward to another great and improving performance. Let’s hope a big number of club supporters will make the journey.
Good Luck
The club would like to wish Michael Morrisey and Sarah Kearney the very best of luck as they emigrated to Canada. We hope they fulfil their dreams and ambitions.
We also wish Shane Donohoe a happy and safe six-month tour of duty with the Defence Forces in Syria.
Fixtures
The fixtures for the week ahead and we hope you can support us at some or all games
Tuesday 30th U16s play Colmcille in Colmcille 8pm. On Friday our U16 team play St. Patrick’s Óg at 8pm.Tursday 2nd May in Clonbonny our U14 team will play Grattan Óg in Clonbonny at 7.30pm. Leader Cup V Abbeylara in Abbeylara at 8pm. Special Minor League on Bank Holiday Monday 6th V Clonguish Óg in Dunbeggan at 7.30pm and on Tuesday May 7th our U16 team take on Ballymahon Forgney Gaels in Dunbeggan at 8pm.
Super Summer Draw
Rathcline are holding a ‘Super Summer Draw’ for premium tickets for upcoming events at Croke Park. The prizes are 1st 2 Premium tickets for the Spice Girls on Friday 24th May, 2nd 2 Premium tickets for the Leinster Hurling final on Sunday 30th June, 3rd 2 Premium prizes for the Leinster Football Final on Sunday 23rd June, 4th 2 Premium tickets for Westlife on Friday 5th July and 6th prize 2 Premium tickets for Westlife on Saturday 6th July.
All for only €5 this is a draw worth buying tickets for. The draw takes place in Adie’s Bar on Sunday 19th May
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Shane Muldoon and Susan Linnane’s daughter Maddie Muldoon, Curragh Rua. The winning envelope this week was worth €329. We congratulate Maddie on her win. Let us hope that next week it can be your turn, all you have to do is to buy a ticket for €2 to be in the draw.
Tickets are on sale in local shops and businesses throughout the town at €2 each or 3 tickets for €5. As you now know there are two alternatives for those that would like to play the 50/50 by paying in advance. Option 1 is the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and Option 2 is the pink envelope where you pay €100 for a 12-month period with two free draws. Those tickets are available in any of the local outlets or from any member of the club executive.