Putting lives at risk
As we all remember the condition of last Sunday with very strong winds blowing and the wind chill was not to pleasing either. No boats would venture onto the bay area not alone even venture up to the cut such were the conditions. In the midst of all this inclement weather a mayday call was made claiming that a jet skier was missing on Lough Ree. Despite the horrendous conditions the Irish Coast Guard emergency helicopter made several sweeps of Lough Ree in search of the jet ski. Three of the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Search and Rescue teams were also called on and in the most awful and scary condition as they went onto Lough Ree in search of the jet skier. For many hours the emergency services of the Coast Guard and Lough Ree Sub Aqua club sought in vain to retrieve the missing jet skier.
As time wore on the search for the car and trailer took place along the shorelines from Lanesboro to Athlone into Monday. There was no sign of any car with trailer along any shoreline and the thoughts began to ask the question as to whether this may have been a hoax mayday call.
Following further investigations is seemed most likely that this was a hoax call. It was the most callous call ever made. We had three ribs of the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club all volunteers going out in the most dangerous of conditions on what proved to be a wild goose chase. The chance of a loss of life was never more likely than it was last Sunday but thankfully everyone came home safe.
The need for the perpetrator of this hoax call to come before the courts could never be greater as they put so many lives at risk on such an atrocious day. The need to charge and highlight this abominable act should be a priority.
We must pay special tributes to the emergency services of the Coast Guard helicopter crew and our own Lough Ree Sub Aqua Search and Rescue crews that braved the waters of Lough Ree in response to the Mayday call.
Aquathon
Throughout Tuesday and Wednesday last we had a deluge of rain like nothing we had in the past winter. When we went to bed it was raining, when we woke up it was raining and all day it rained – not a day that would encourage you to take part in the Aquathon on Wednesday night. Expecting to see a small number for the first night of the Aquathon series I was pleasantly surprised that almost 130 hardy souls had turned up for the race.
The race proved to be very competitive in all grades and despite the continuous downpour of rain everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves – wet but happy. It was wonderful to see so many new and local members of Lanesboro Triathlon Club. It seems that a great number of local people joined the club this year and it was great seeing them enjoying their swim and run on Wednesday. Amazingly, those that were in the category ‘Try a Tri’ were the ones that were wearing the biggest smile throughout the race, a sign of the total enjoyment they were receiving from the Aquathon.
This event was a forerunner to the Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon that returns once again to Lanesboro on Saturday 13th July. Presently there only a small number of places available such is the popularity of this race.
Family horror in Dubai
On Friday morning last the news broke of an overnight horrific bus crash that occurred in the United Arab Emirates when travelling from Oman to Dubai. Little did we know that there would be a local connection to this horrific accident that had 31 people travelling on the bus. 17 of the 31 were confirmed dead and included in that number was Fiona Geraghty from Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. Fiona was girlfriend of local lad Fiachra Beirne, son of Pat and Anne Beirne, Mahoraveen who was also travelling on the bus. Both Fiachra and Fiona were on a year out from work here in Ireland and were working in Dubai.
Pat and Anne travelled to Dubai early on Friday morning not really knowing the condition that they were to find Fiachra in, the shock, the anxiety and trauma for both. It was without doubt a journey that no parent should ever have to make and as parents our hearts goes out to Pat and Anne. Reports coming back to us is that Fiachra is in a stable condition and we hope that he will make a complete recovery.
Our deepest sympathy goes to Fiachra on his loss of Fiona, her parents Christopher and Mary, brothers David and Robert, Balbriggan, the Beirne family and the friends of Fiona and Fiachra.
Oskars Next Weekend
After many hard months of continuous rehearsals, fund raising and preparation it is all down to Saturday night next 15th June in the Longford Arms Hotel where the Ballyboro Astro Turf committee hosts the Oskars. It is a long long time since such excitement has been generated by any group in the community. Their hard work is due to be rewarded with a spectacular show on Saturday night.
The Astro Turf all-weather pitch will be a huge benefit to the community and also to Lanesboro Community College.
There are still a few tickets left for this very special night and if you have not got yours you will be missing a wonderful night. The limited tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s and cost you €25.
238,673 reasons to smile
Last Saturday night was a particularly special for one customers of O’Brien’s shop as they had 5 numbers + the bonus number in the National Lottery draw. The lucky person was the only person in the country to have 5 numbers + the bonus ball and won €238,673. When word broke on Sunday morning there was a great excitement in the air with everyone wondering who the lucky person was and if they were local. The winning numbers were bought on a €6 quick pick on Saturday. So near and yet so far being just one number away from scooping the €4 million jackpot. We would like to wish the lucky person(s) the very best of luck with this magnificent win and may they have much happiness and health.
Poetry Winner
Many congratulations to Margaret Nohilly, Rathcline Road on her wonderful achievement of winning the Goldsmith Poetry competition at the Goldsmith International Literary Festival on Sunday 2nd June with her poem Bona Fide. The poetry competition was adjudicated by acclaimed poet Noel Monahan. Margaret was also highly commended for two more of the poems that she entered. It was a marvellous achievement by Margaret, and she has to be congratulated on her accomplishment.
New email address
Please note that my email address has changed. Anyone wishing to send me items for the paper or personal emails are asked to send to joeaobrien@outlook.com
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club
Members of the club attended Scott’s Pub on Saturday night 25th May where there was a presentation made to them by the Brady family after they had ran the Robert Brady charity auction a number of weeks pervious. A great night was had by all in attendance. Training is going very well at the moment with club diver, leading diver and rescue diver training taking place every week along with regular fitness training. Last weekend the club travelled to Clare Island where a lot of fun and multiple enjoyable dives were had.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The Lough Ree Golfing Society will hold their outing New Forest Golf Club, Higginstown,
Tyrellspass, Co. Westmeath on Friday next 14th June. You are asked to take note of the
earlier than normal starting tie of 10am. Let hope that all the golfer gets great weather and
great scoring.
Placement Available
Cloontuskert Residents/Tidy Towns Association are seeking the much-needed assistance of a Tús worker for the maintenance of the village, having submitted a successful application for a Tús worker in 2019. If you are interested or know of anyone who may qualify, could you please contact Yvonne in the Roscommon Leader Partnership on 0906630252 for more information. Your assistance in the upkeep of Cloontuskert would be greatly appreciated.
Book for Cúl Camps
The Cúl Camps will take place at
the Rathcline club grounds, Clonbonny, from Monday 22nd July to
Friday 26th July. You can book your place on Longford GAA website or
contact Damien Sheridan
087 9126556 or GAA
Coaching Office, Pearse Park, Battery Road, Longford.
Cemetery Sunday on Sunday next
With many people in our parish having relatives buried in Killashee and Ballinakill I take this opportunity to notify locals of Cemetery Sunday taking place on Sunday next 16th June in the Killashee/Clondra parish. Ceremonies will take place in Killashee at 10 a.m., Clondra 12 p.m. and Ballinakill at 3 p.m.
Trip Cancelled
It is with great disappointment that Padraig Sorohan has learned of the cancellation of his forthcoming trip to Haiti. Unfortunately, due to civil unrest in Haiti at the moment, the safety of volunteers cannot be guaranteed. Padraig wishes to acknowledge the huge support he got locally. He has been assured that the monies raised will go to the Haitian community for which it is destined.
Sliabh Bán Book
The hugely popular history on Sliabh Bán is back on sale and as we are going into holiday season it would make a wonderful read over the summer or even as a present for all those returning during holiday time. The book is available for sale in O’Brien’s costing €20.
Cemetery Sunday in Rathcline Parish
The dates have been set for the Blessing of the Graves at the three graveyards in the parish of Rathcline. There is a change in the running order this year and you are asked take heed of the change. The first blessing will take place in Rathcline graveyard on Sunday 7th July followed by Clonbonny on 14th July and finishing with Lanesboro on Sunday 21st July.
Rock Summer Camp
Longford School of Rock is delighted to announce three music summer camps for teenagers and children in county Longford this Summer. No previous music experience necessary. Granard Teenage Camp 24th-28th June. Longford Town Teenage and Children’s Camp 1-5th July. Check out www.longfordschoolofrock.com For further details you can call Shane on 087-4144082.
Longford School of Rock is a community-based music education organisation. It was founded in 2013 to encourage and support young musicians to develop towards collaborative, live music performance.
Start your degree in Longford
Longford College of Further Education are accepting applicants for their Tourism and Business PLC programmes starting in September. School leavers can apply for the level 5 courses, then progress to level 6 and gain direct entry into year 2 of either the Hospitality Management degree or the Business degree in Athlone Institute of Education. Existing holders of a QQI level 5 certificate in any discipline or equivalent can apply directly onto the level 6 courses. Save on high registration and accommodation costs by starting your degree in Longford.
For further details see: longfordcfe.com or email hjohnston.tcl@lwetb.ie or cprunty.tcl@lwetb.ie
Tidy Towns Lotto
The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning last were 1, 5, 11 and 18. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool now rises to €3,900. The winner of the €50 prize was Mag & Mgs O’Neill, c/o Mags, and the three prizes of €20 were won by Caroline Cullen c/o O’Brien’s. Mary Jo Killian, Rathcline and Johnny Hanley, Corigeen.
Winners can collect their winning cheques in the Co-Op office only and will be available from Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm
Rathcline Bakes is back
The hugely popular Rathcline Bakes had to go for a second print and the second print copies of the book are now available in O’Brien’s. As there is only a limited number available early purchase is advisable. The books cost just €10 with some great baking recipes included.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Fiona Ginty daughter of last week’s winner Joe Ginty. The winning envelope this week was worth €443. Congratulations to Fiona and we would like to say a big thank you for your continued support of the 50/50. Buy a €2 ticket and who knows it could be your name on the next winning ticket drawn on Monday night next and help keep it over the €500 mark.
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.
Lough Ree AC
On Sunday last in Galway Day 1 of the Connacht Outdoor athletics competitions took place. The day’s events were paired, and it was the joint results that determined the placing of the athletes. The club were well represented at the finals in the U9, U10 and U11 and in all disciplines our young athletes were competitive. A wonderful day was had by all and we look forward to more competitions for our athletes in the coming weeks.
The club would like to thank everyone that contributed to our Church Gate collection last weekend.
Training continues at the track on Tuesday’s at 6.30 and Sunday at 12 noon.
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 10th June – 4.15-5.30pm.
All welcome to come along and join in with this very vibrant group!
Babble & Books Parent & Toddler Group
Babble & Books Parent & Toddler Group continues every Wednesday morning at 10.30am at the library.
Storytime with Eileen Moynihan
Join us for Storytime, toys, colouring and lots of fun when children’s author Eileen Moynihan visits our Parent & Toddler Group on Wednesday 12th June at 10.30am.
All welcome to come along and join in!!
Cruinniú na nÓg – BRICKX CLUB Workshop
To celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg on Saturday June 15th we will be holding a BRICKX Club workshop in the library from 10am to 12 noon.
BRICKX Club is a creative brick building and social activity workshop for children.
In the workshop, there are a list of Themes, Challenges and Games, which the children can choose for themselves to build. They can be anything from bridges, towers, streets, pyramids…the list is endless.
Each creation the children make is put on display on the Creation Table.
Parents are invited in at the end of the workshop for ‘show and tell’ and to take pictures of their child’s creations.
Places are limited for this FREE event, so book early to avoid disappointment!
Contact Stella in the library on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie to book.
Summer Stars Reading Programme
Summer Stars Children’s Reading Programme will run from Saturday June 15th to August 31st! Grab your reading card at the library and start your reading adventure.
Don’t forget to pick up some prizes along the way!
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 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
Ballyboro
The big OSKAR
night takes place on this Saturday night 15th in the Longford Arms Hotel. It
promises to be a memorable occasion as a host of local acting talent will be
performing in the 8 short films to be screened on the night. The films are; The
Godfather; Saving Private Ryan; Michael Collins; The Snapper; The Field; Bridesmaids;
Sister Act, and Father Ted. The club are running free buses to the event. People
who wish to avail of this facility are asked to contact Club Chairman John
Tynan at 087 6221894, or any committee member. Buses will depart from 6.30 p.m.
from Lanesboro (Adie’s), Ballyleague (Rosie’s), and Newtowncashel (The Local). All
proceeds on the night go to the Astroturf and Pitch development at Lanesboro
Community College. A limited number of tickets are available at O’Brien’s.
The last OSKAR fundraiser was held on Saturday last in Rosie’s,
when a Shaving Private Ryan event was staged. It proved to be very
successful, and appreciation is due to all who helped out, and in particular
those brave souls who were waxed on the night.
Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.
Rathcline Bakes back
The hugely popular Rathcline Bakes had to go for a second print and the second print copies of the book are now available in O’Brien’s. As there is only a limited number available early purchase is advisable. The books cost just €10 with some great baking recipes included.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Fiona Ginty daughter of last week’s winner Joe Ginty. The winning envelope this week was worth €443. Congratulations to Fiona and we would like to say a big thank you for your continued support of the 50/50. Buy a €2 ticket and who knows it could be your name on the next winning ticket drawn on Monday night next and help keep it over the €500 mark.
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.
Cúl Camps
The Cúl Camps will take place at
the Rathcline club from Monday 22nd July to Friday 26th July.
You can book your place on Longford GAA website or contact Damien Sheridan
087 9126556 or GAA
Coaching Office, Pearse Park, Battery Road, Longford.
Gaeltacht Grant
Congratulations to Jamie Hagan who receives a grant of a Gaeltacht scholarship from Longford County Board