Massive Boost
Over the past number of years work has continued on the Royal canal from Maynooth and the work is now inside the Longford border and making its way to Clondra. There is great activity on the route with walkers, cyclists and joggers/runners availing of the safe route.
Alas, we were not to benefit from this outstanding facility until the idea was mooted to see if it was feasible to link the parishes of Rathcline and Killashee hence our access to the Royal Canal.
Having spoken personally to each of the Bord na Mona managers over the years it seemed from them that this would be possible in the Kilnacarrow area where access across the bog would lead us to the Clonbearla townsland in the parish of Killashee. This proposed route was the way the legendary John Duggan took as he made his way to school in Lanesboro many years ago.
Time passed and with the assistance of Senior Planner at Longford County Council Donall Mac an Bheatha the plan started to take shape but the fact that the bog was still in use meant that one year followed another as we waited for the bog to be decommissioned. Over the past year Donall and Longford County Council took ownership of the project and liaised with both Bord na Mona and Coillte as the route was going through both properties. The bog was decommissioned at the end of last year and as a result the project was agreed, and plans were set in place to make a cycleway/walkway from one parish to the other.
From a tourism point of view this was a strategic crossing as it now opened Lanesboro and Ballyleague up to the canal for cycling, walking, running and for those with an interest in nature. There will be an added tourism benefit as it opened up to the Corlea Trackway and Visitor Centre just off the Royal Canal in Kenagh. Now people on boats who are usually supplied with bikes will be able to cycle to Corlea and avail of the fascinating attraction of the Iron Age trackway constructed with oak planks in 148BC. With the cycleway/walkway running very close to the Mid Shannon Wilderness Park it will make it a strategic area for those interested in the ecology of the area, wildlife and birdlife, and the growth of a new and wide range of fauna that will come with the Wilderness Park. All these attractions will attract huge numbers of visitors to what will be a very unique area.
The route is in the very early stages of work, but we now have something very tangible that will create a major tourism attraction for the parishes of Rathcline and Killashee.
I must express my deepest gratitude to Donall Mac an Bheatha and his Longford County Council team and Bord na Mona management and the lads that are working on the cycleway/walkway for bring this dream to fruition.
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
Two Provinces Triathlon 2019
Road Closures
Finally, for safety reasons the following road closures will be in place during the Two Provinces Triathlon & Kidathon:
On Friday 12th July, there will be restricted access to the Rathcline Rd from 7:30pm-9pm, from entrance to event car park to Harold’s Cross.
On Saturday 13th July, the R371 from Ballyleague to Scramogue will be closed to traffic from 10.45am-2pm and the Rathcline Rd will be closed to traffic from 11:30am-1:30pm, from entrance to event car park, to Harold’s Cross.
The club takes great pride in hosting a race where water and road safety are priority, where each competitor comes home safely and enjoys their experience. The club would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and support and hope you can come out and support all the athletes along the route during this fantastic local race.
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.
Death
On Friday 21st June the news reached us of the death at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin of Liam Hyland. Liam a native of the townsland of Augharanna was a man although gone from the parish for many years never lost his love nor interest in the affairs of the parish or its people. He lived in Dublin for many years but there was not a stauncher Rathcline and Longford man. Liam worked his live in the Construction business for Longford builder’s Mc Loughlin’s. He was a man who always looked after his own people first and foremost as many people told me over the past week or so of all the locals that he gave work to. Liam had a tremendous work ethic and it was not for everyone. In recent years due to failing health he was in a Nursing Home in Dublin and despite this he was seen at many local funerals. Liam was a man who had a warm and welcoming smile and nature. For all us that remember times with Liam we also remember his love for Irish Music and the fun and divilment. Liam’s passing saddens our hearts, but his memory will live long and bring many smiles when we think of him. The attendance at his Funeral mass bore ample testimony to the esteem
Liam’s remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church on Wednesday last and following Mass his remains were laid to rest in Clonbonny cemetery. To his wife Mary, daughters Lynda and Aileen, son Ciaran, brother Mickie, sisters Kate, Anne and Gaye, relatives and many friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
True Friendship
Having grown up in the parish in and around the same time the passage of time never split both men. At a time when Liam Hyland’s health was failing almost eight years ago a friend and figure from his past became a constant in his life. Jimmy Hanley formerly of Corrigeen and now living in Tallaght visited Liam every week without fail and when Liam was able to be out Jimmy took him for drives around the Dublin area. Jimmy also took Liam to Lanesboro for many funerals and occasions and kept him up to date with all the local news. Jimmy’s friendship was a measure of the man and Liam’s passing could not go by without the mention of Jimmy and his wonderful deeds over almost the eight years. In this day and age Jimmy’s was a unique and true friendship. In a world, getting faster and more impersonal Jimmy’s dedication to a fellow parishioner and friend is surely a deed well worth acknowledging. As an acknowledgement of Jimmy the Hyland family ensured he was involved in Liam’s removal and burial
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.
Rathcline Cemetery on Sunday
On Sunday next the Blessing of the Graves in the parish will commence in Rathcline Cemetery at 6pm. There is a change in the running order this year and you are asked take heed of the change so the second occasion will be in Clonbonny Cemetery and finish on 21st in Lanesboro cemetery.
With only a few weeks to go to the Blessing of the Graves in Rathcline followed the following weeks in Clonbonny and Lanesboro it is time that people with family graves in the graveyards ensured that their family plots were tended to and cared for, making sure that each grave yard was looking in pristine condition.
The committees of the three local cemeteries would like to remind people that there are no dumping facilities at the cemeteries. People are asked to bring old wreaths, plastic pots etc away with them.
Death
The area was shocked and saddened to learn on Saturday afternoon 29th June of the death of Tom Jordan, Tullyvrane. Tom, a very proud Dubliner, and his wife Julie moved to Lanesboro a number of years ago from Dublin. He passed away peacefully in his sleep during Friday night. He was a quite unassuming man who every day would be in town with Julie. A warm and welcoming hello would always be his greeting. Tom’s was a man who never flaunted his fame and enjoyed the quiet peaceful life of the Lanesboro where himself and Julie live close to his daughter Jacqui her husband Ciaran Prior and grandchildren. He enjoyed the company of locals and a pint. He was a man who enjoyed a game of golf and always loved to have a laugh. Tom was a man that was always willing to impart advice when sought and he was recognised as a great mentor to many. For those that did not know Tom he played a leading role as Charlie Kelly in the RTÉ soap Fair City since it was first screened in 1989. He was a founding member of the Project Arts Centre, was Actor Manager with World Theatre Productions for 12 years and was also Artistic Director of the Lyric Theatre, Belfast 1987/88.
Tom will be sadly missed by everyone in Lanesboro and we extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Julie, daughter Jacqui her husband Ciaran, Tullyvrane, his daughters Annmarie and Julie, his sons Jock and Tomás, brother Brendan, sister Phyllis, grandchildren and great grandchildren relatives and many friends.
Tom’s remains reposed in Glennon’s Funeral Home, Longford on Monday. Private cremation will take place at a later date.
Thank You
Thanks to all for supporting the Church Gate collection last weekend in aid of the Samaritans. The sum collected was €595.
Weekly Card Game
The weekly 25 card game takes place every Sunday night in St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Thanks to all for supporting the game. The raffle winners were Barney Kenny, Dan Cox, Padraig Farrell and Michael Finnan. The card game results were 1st Brendan Hanley/Tom Donlon. 2nd Josie and Freda Connaughton/Ivan jones /Tom Farrell. The last game was won by Michael Doorly/Sean Parker
Annual Pilgrimage
The annual one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Sunday 25th August with the bus leaving the grounds of Ballyleague Hall at 7am. All enquiries should be made to Mary, phone
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.
Boating issue
The following issue has been brought to my attention. As you go boating in the bay area and making your way towards the cut out into Lough Ree and decide to use the old entry to the lake along the eastern shore channel you are entering an area fraught with problems. I am informed that the amount of unkemptness and build up along this route is such that you go through with great difficulty. This has been the entry and exit route for many years and an area with a huge historical past and it would be a shame it this was to become impassable. The onus is on the keepers of the waterways and lake to ensure a safe passage through this channel for all people using this as their preferred route.
Mid-Summer Miscellany
An evening of Old-Time Poetry, Music and Song will take place in Glesson’s Restaurant and Rooms, The Square, Roscommon on Friday next 5th July at 8pm. Tommy Murray will read popular poems, Majella Flanagan will sing old-time favourites and Irene Guckian, violin, will play languid melodies and rousing reels.
The event will be preceded by a wine reception at the county museum (next door) at 7.30pm. All proceeds will go towards the upkeep of the Tourist Office and Museum. Tickets €10 can be bought at the county museum, Gleeson’s, David Molloy or on the door on the night.
Cloontuskert Cemetery
Cemetery Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday 11th August at 6pm. The Statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the three visionaries will be erected after cemetery Sunday. A special ceremony will be held on Sunday 13th October, the Feast Day of Our Lady of Fatima. The statue will be blessed and the souls of those interred in both cemeteries will be consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Our Lady of Fatima for her protection and this will be followed by the Rosary.
New Astro Pitch Starting Soon
Ballyboro Football Club is working in partnership with Lanesboro Community College and Longford Westmeath Education & Training Board to install a new astro football pitch and develop the existing grass field here at this site in the period July 1st to August 31st, 2019.
The new development will include a 9-a-side astro all weather football pitch that can also be used as two 5-a-side football pitches alongside a re-drained full-length 11-a-side football pitch with special provision for the relocation of the existing long-jump and shot put facilities on site.
Please note: In compliance with health and safety regulations, the pitch and track area will NOT be accessible to the public throughout the period of the construction work.
This project is funded by the local community and the EU Leader Funds through Longford Community Resources Ltd and Longford County Council
For further information contact: ballyboroastropitchcommittee@gmail.com
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 13, 18, 24 and 29. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool now rises to €4,300. The winner of the €50 prize was Mickie Donlon c/o Mags, and the three €20 winners were Tomas Donohoe, Ballyleague, Mike Casey, Mountdillon and Michael Kelly, Abbeyshrule
Winners can collect their winning cheques in the Co-Op office only and will be available from Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Paddy Curran, Killinure. The winning envelope this week was worth €335. Congratulations to Paddy and the club would like to say 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.
Excitement at the Library
Our local library continues to have a very excitement time ahead with some great summer holiday event for the young people of the area. Have a look below at the number of events and there are many to suit the young person(s) in your home. There are also many other events for the adults. The library is a hive of activity and a most vibrant place in town.
Poetry & Music Group
Poetry & Music group continues on Monday 8th July – 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 31st August Grab your reading card at the library and start your reading adventure.
Don’t forget to pick up some fun incentives along the way!
Weekly draw for a fabulous backpack containing some surprises for completed entries!
Children’s Summer Events – to Book email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Call 0433321291 or message on Messenger
Board Game Battles – Every Friday afternoon 3pm – 4pm during July
& August, come along with your friends to the library and test each other’s
skills at our Board Game Battles!
Games include, Snakes & Ladders, Ludo,
Chess, Draughts, Connect 4, Battleship, Dominos, Frustration & Operation!! We also have decks of cards available!
All ages welcome! – No booking required – children must be accompanied by
a parent.
Kids Summer Movie Club – On Saturday mornings during July & August, Lanesboro Library will be hosting a Kids Movie Club from 10am to 12noon. No booking necessary.
Come along, bring a blanket or cushion to sit on
and join in the fun!
Also available are Dress Up Box, Lego &
Colouring Tables to keep your little ones happy!
Children must be accompanied by a parent.
Pet Talk Time with Dogs Trust Ireland – Wednesday 10th July at 1.30pm
Love your pet? Then join us for Pet care talk
with Dogs Trust Ireland.
Suitable for children aged 7-12 years. No
booking required.
Children must be accompanied by a parent.
Bunny Hop Story Time with Chris Thompson! – Wednesday 10th July at 3pm
It’s Summertime! And that means Bunnyhop
and Chris Thompson are back again for some fun-loving storytelling. Suitable for children aged 3-8 years.
No Booking Necessary! Children must be
accompanied by a parent.
Rap Writing Workshop with Glen Boyne – Glen Boyne is an experienced facilitator of rap workshops for young people which revolve around song writing, rapping, and performance. Join Glen at Lanesboro Library on Friday 12th July at 10.30am for this 90-minute workshop – participants will be kept entertained and always involved in the creative process! Ages 10-14 years. Booking is essential as spaces are limited!
Act Up! – Drama Workshop –
Monday 15th July at 2.30pm
Join the very talented Maggi for an exciting
Drama Workshop at the Library on Monday 15th July at 2.30pm! Ages 9-12
yrs. Booking essential as places are limited.
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
Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.
Leader Cup returns
Saturday next sees the return of the Leader Cup and a very important game for the senior team. They will travel to Carrickedmond to play the home side on Saturday at 7pm. It would be great to have a great support at the match. Good luck lads.
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.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Ryan Fallon, Lisrevagh. The winning envelope this week was worth €390. Congratulations to both Ryan 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.
Royal Canal Cycle
Last week Rathcline GAA launched its “Saddle Up for Rathcline ” fundraiser to install a new electronic scoreboard Clonbonny GAA Grounds. Members of the Rathcline GAA senior, minor and ladies’ clubs join forces to cycle the Royal Canal Greenway 110kms on Saturday 17th August from the outskirts of Dublin to Lanesborough. If you wish to take part contact executive members.