Diarmuid makes all the difference
On Sunday last all the local community on the west bank travelled to Salthill for the Connacht Senior Football Final. Weather wise it was a was a lousy day and in the final 15 minutes of the first half the game turned sour for Roscommon when they conceded five Galway points in a row to trail by five points at half time. The second half saw a huge turn about and from start to finish Roscommon bossed the game. There was not a more important score in the second half than the goal from our local Ballyleague man Diarmuid Murtagh. The game turned on this and Roscommon went on to win by that goal in the end. Roscommon now go into the Super 8’s with a huge amount of confidence having beaten Mayo and Galway on their way to winning the Connacht Final.
If anyone questions the value of a Connacht title, then they should look at the celebrations that greeted the final whistle by the players and supporters alike.
Heartiest congratulations to Diarmuid Murtagh, his teammates, manager Anthony Cunningham and his backroom team on a fabulous victory.
Have we a New Tourist Guide
On Wednesday last couple from America were enjoying their boating trip along the Shannon when they stopped in Lanesboro. They were warm and friendly people and had a lot of good comment about their initial impression of Lanesboro and Ballyleague. After leaving the shop they expressed an interest in visiting the library and Martina showed hem where it was.
Onwards to the library where they were having a chat about the locality with Stella when in walked Brendan O’Sullivan. They had never come across bog, peat and its generation of power in the power station. Brendan was the right man in the right place, and he brought the visitors in his car out to show them the peat in Mount Davys and the on to Rapareehill where he showed then sod turf. They were thoroughly amazed at the story of the peat bogs and who better than Brendan to give the tour.
The visitors called into the shop on the way back where they related the story to Martina, they were amazed at the story of the bog and more so by the generosity and time that Brendan gave them at the drop of a hat.
Congratulations Brendan, your deed was especially appreciated by the American tourists but also by the local people working so hard to promote our area.
The Oskars
Saturday last was a day of great excitement in our community but also in the surrounding communities. The night of the Ballyboro Oskars in the Longford Arms had arrived.
Saying there was an exodus from the area would have been an understatement as bus after bus left for Longford – it was like pulling a plug out of a sink of water. There was wonderful excitement and anticipation as to who was going to be crowned as Oskar winners. The Longford Arms was full to capacity and a very special night was had by everyone. The representation of so many local communities made this a very inclusive event and showed a great togetherness.
For the past number of weeks all the teams were putting their films together and I believe all groups went to extraordinary lengths to create a very special films, nothing was spared in time and effort and the end product was truly astonishing.
The Ballyboro organising committee, all those that took part in the filming and production must take massive credit for putting on such a spectacular presentation.
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh on Friday last 14th June of Stephen Healy, son of Maureen and the late Anthony Healy, Corrigeen and Aisling Trimble daughter of Seamus and Ita Trimble, Newline, Kilrooskey. Bestman was Shane Healy, brother of the groom, groomsmen were Tomás Rhatigan, Enda Fallon and John Hanley all friends of the groom. Chief Bridesmaid was Danielle Trimble sister of the bride and the bridesmaids were Sharon Trimble sister of the bride, Caroline Trimble sister of the bride and Michelle Cahill cousin of the bride. Page boy was Ruadhán Fallon friend of the groom and bridesmaid was Chloe Kedian niece of the bride.
The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Dusmanta, assisted by Fr. Reilly. The wedding reception took place in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon.
We would like to wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness
Day with the Stars
The magical musical day of music that is the Day with the Star will take place once again at Roscommon Racecourse on this coming Sunday net 23rd June. The gate will open at midday with the first of the country music starts taking to the stage at 2pm.
Performing on stage will be Nathan Carter, Mike Denver, Johnny Brady, Michal English, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Roly Daniels, Ray Lynam, Patrick Feeney, Brendan Shine, Marty Mone, and Ciaran Rosney.
Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s and they cost just €27.50 for a magnificent days entertainment
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family, wife Eileen, daughter Maria and Joan, extensive relatives locally and friends of the late John Hyland, Beaumont, Dublin and formerly Blenavoher who passed away in the care of the doctors, nurses and staff of St. Francis Hospice, Raheny on Tuesday 11th June.
Thank You
Lanesboro Tidy Towns committee would like to thank everyone who generously donated to last weekend’s church gate collection. The sum realised was €558
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
Silver Jubilee
We would like to extend our congratulations to Fr. Dusmanta Mahanayak who celebrated his Silver Jubilee last weekend. Fr Dusmanta has become a very popular guardian of the faith in the Kilgefin parish since his arrival. We would like to wish him many happy years ahead in his ministry.
Thank You
The organisers of the Irish Cancer Society’s recent church gate collection would like to express a special thank you to everyone that contributed to the collection. The amount collected was €668.60.
Kids Kayaking Camp
A Kids Kayaking camp will take place from Tuesday 25th to Friday 28th June. All gear will be provided, and the camp will take place at the old Harbour in Ballyleague. The cost of the -camp is €60 per person. The camp runs from 10am to 1pm each day. To book your young person in phone 087-2977769 or 087- 6675275. This is always a great camp and learning the skill of kayaking is essential for all the young people of our area. Places are limited and it is very important that bookings are made early.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Mrs. Vera Donlon and family, Aughaloughan, on the death of her sister Rita Ganly, Portanure, Newtowncashel at Costello’s Nursing Home Ballyleague on Monday 10th June.
Annual Race Day
The Annual Rathcline GAA Race Day this year will take place on Monday 29th July at the famous Galway Races Festival. Each year this Race Day goes from strength so much so that there are just a limited number of places left for this years Race Day. This is a day not to be missed as anyone that has already been there with the club will tell you. The location and comfort of the Killanin Stand is a feature that makes this venue the best day out of any.
The day out includes a location in the main pavilion in the Killanin Stand overlooking the finishing line, admission to the races with a free race card, free parking, four course meal, €5 drinks voucher, Tipsters in the Pavilion, Bar facilities, Tote in the Pavilion, Best Dressed Lady competition, after meal entertainment. All this for just €140.
If you would like to book your tickets phone Liam Connerton 086-8776405, Stephen Rooney 086-3176301 or Alan Fayne 087-1157806. Don’t delay book your tickets now and avoid disappointment.
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.
Sympathy
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Ann and Gaye Farrell and family, Lehery, on the death of Ann’s brother Tom Mc Carthy, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare on Sunday 9th June. Tom was laid to rest in Bishops Quarters cemetery, Ballyvaughan.
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.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Gabrielle and Mike Stooks, Gurteengar and family on the sudden death of their son Michael Stooks at Cloonstonor Manor, Strokestown on Tuesday 11th June. His remains were laid to rest in Clonbonny on Friday last.
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.
Birthday celebrations
Many congratulations to Mrs Mary Nelson, Curraghroe who celebrated her 90th birthday among family and friend last weekend.
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
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The third Lough Ree Golfing Society outing of the year was to New Forest Golf Club, it was very well attended and enjoyed by all. There were some outstanding scores, the course was in excellent condition, the greens were fast, with quite a number of bunkers ready to catch any wayward shots. The weather apart from one short downpour was very good so no complaints there. The winner was Alan Farrell, playing the course for the first time, he really burned it up with 42pts, a number of 4 pointers and an exceptional 5 pointer congrats Alan. Nine other players were in the 30 – 40 point range.
The Society’s next outing is to Roscommon Golf Club on19th July at 10.30am where the Society hopes to see you all there. New members will be made very welcome. The golfer of the year is very close as usual with the leader changing after each outing.
The results from New Forest are: 1st Alan Farrell 42pts, 2nd Martin McAlister 36pts, 3rd Timmy Glynn 36pts. Front Nine Ollie Murphy with 19pts and the Back Nine the winner was Michael Brennan with 19pts.
Tidy Towns Lotto
The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning last were 6, 8, 11 and 14. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool now rises to €4,100. The winner of the €50 prize was Mary Slattery, Ballyleague, and the three prizes of €20 were won by Becky, Jay and Leah Hanley, Lisnacusha, Shauna and Corina, Cloontuskert and Teresa c/o Mags.
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 second print
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. The sale has been great and there are just a small number of books remaining. 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 a ticket shared between Seamus Clarke and Carmel O’Donoghue. The winning envelope this week was worth €425. Congratulations to both Seamus and Carmel 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
A well-attended Connaught Championships for the Under 9 to Under 11 took place in Galway last Saturday 8th June. The weather was kind to us, rain threatened on several occasions but in the end just amounted to a few damp squibs, never enough to halt proceedings. Lough Ree AC had thirteen teams which meant our thirteen athletes took part in two events each. We had to wait until one of the last events of the day to get medals and they came in the 600m Girls Under 11 event with Emma Feeney and Mariana Donlon Concalvez taking home bronze medals and qualifying for the All-Ireland in two weeks’ time. Hannah Farrell had a great throw with the turbo javelin to reach 6th place overall, while the pairing of Sofie Cox and Saoirse Dillon just missed out on bronze medal in their event also the turbo, with Sofie finishing in 4th place overall. Saoirse Feeney had a great run in the Under 9 300m attempting to pass on the inside, then the middle and finally having to go the long route on the outside but still finished strong in fifth position. Like Saoirse, for most of our athletes this was their first experience of track competition at this level – provincial and the lessons learned will stand to them next time out. Best for the boys was Oisin Dillon in the 60m Under 10, finishing first in his heat with the second fastest time of day. Compliments to all the athletes who represented us in Galway, the experience will stand to them next time and thanks also to the parents who travelled, it was a long day !
Many thanks to all the locals who supported our recent Church Gate Collection so generously.
Lanesboro Library
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting &Crochet group has now finished for their Summer break and will begin again in September.
ESOL Class
ESOL Class has now finished for the Summer break and will begin again in September.
Poetry & Music Group
Poetry & Music group continues on Monday 24th 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.
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 incentives along the way!
Book Club
Our monthly Book Club takes place on Friday June 28th at 11am. Book choices for this month are ‘We Need to Talk About Kevin’ by Lionel Shriver and ‘The Longest Ride’ by Nicholas Sparks. All welcome to come along for a chat & a cuppa!
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 long-awaited
OSKAR night on Saturday last in the Longford Arms Hotel last was an outstanding
success, as a capacity attendance of 800 people were regally entertained
by a host of local acting talent who starred in the 8 short films screened. The
club is greatly appreciative of all who worked so hard to make the occasion
possible and provided an unforgettable experience for all who were present: the
actors and their helpers and all who provided props and sets for the various
scenes; the great generosity of the numerous sponsors; the staff of Kevin Rowe
Productions for their professionalism and technical expertise; MC Sinead Hussey
and the three judges-Mattie Foxe, Gerry Hagan, and Sheila Reilly; the hard
working committee who have met weekly since last September, and in particular
Club Treasurer Ann McGloin who was the deserving recipient of a bouquet of
flowers on the night; and last and certainly not least, the local community on
both sides of the bridge who enthusiastically supported the venture and turned
out in such huge numbers.
The OSKARS winners were: Best Actor, Fergal McElgunn (Michael
Collins); Best Actress, Rebecca Brogan (The Snapper); Best Supporting Actor,
Dermot Healy (The Field); Best Supporting Actress, Sharon Murtagh,
(Bridesmaids). Best Location, Sister Act. Best Scene, The Godfather. Best
Comedy, Father Ted. Best Fundraiser, Saving Private Ryan. Best Film, Saving
Private Ryan.
All proceeds on the night will go the Astro Turf and pitch
development at Lanesboro Community College. The contractor hopes to commence
work within the next fortnight.
Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.
The Day at the Galway Races
Yes, the best day of the year is fast approaching – the Annual Rathcline GAA Race Day this year will take place on Monday 29th July at the famous Galway Races Festival. Each year this Race Day proves to be a very popular so much so that there are just a limited number of places left for this year’s Race Day. It is the norm that most of our racegoers stay in Galway overnight and continue the excitement of the Galway Race week. This is a day not to be missed as anyone that has already been there will tell you. The location and comfort of the Killanin Stand is a feature that makes this venue the best day out of any and the opportunity to see the hose passing the winning post right in front of you is a great thrill.
The day out includes a location in the main pavilion in the Killanin Stand overlooking the finishing line, admission to the races with a free race card, free parking, four course meal, €5 drinks voucher, Tipsters in the Pavilion, Bar facilities, Tote in the Pavilion, Best Dressed Lady competition, After meal entertainment. All this for only €140.
To book your tickets phone Liam Connerton 086-8776405, Stephen Rooney 086-3176301 or Alan Fayne 087-1157806. Don’t delay and avoid disappointment.
Congratulations
Many congratulations to our near neighbours Roscommon and in particular Diarmuid Murtagh, St. Faithleach’s, on a wonderful Connacht Final win over Galway on Sunday last.
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. The sale has been great and there are just a small number of books remaining. The books cost just €10 with some great baking recipes included.
Good Luck
We would like to wish our club representatives on the Longford Senior panel Dáithí Mulvihill, Iarla O’Sullivan, Liam Connerton and Shane Kenny the very best of luck in the All Ireland qualifiers on Saturday when they take on Tyrone in Pearse Park at 5pm.
The Longford U17 team will take on Louth in the Leinster Minor Shield semi-final in Pearse Park at 2.45. The club will be well represented by Richard Prior, Seadhna Ryan and Kevin Tansey and Harvey Myhill.
We urge all club supporters to go along and support Longford in both games.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was a ticket shared between Seamus Clarke and Carmel O’Donoghue. The winning envelope this week was worth €425. Congratulations to both Seamus and Carmel 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.