Think Tank
Standing here in the shop, looking at the power station, seeing no smoke from the chimney, going home to silence that was always broken by the sounds of the Bord na Mona locos coming and going tells us a sad story of the impending demise of our area.
A collaboration group was set up, almost two years ago, with five members from Lanesboro and Ballyleague and the support of both Longford and Roscommon County Councils under the chairmanship of Vincent Mc Gowan to identify as a joint group projects that would be beneficial in the constant development of our community. A few exciting project proposals are currently under consideration and hopefully they will prove to be viable.
The events within ESB and Bord na Mona has changed the focus of the group and they have to seriously look at life in our community without what has been the employment mainstay of our community for 60 years and more
The group has decided to become proactive and will hold a Think Tank/Brainstorming meeting in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Saturday 21st September from 2 to 6pm. The group are asking everyone from our community and the outlying parishes that have what they feel are viable plans or even ideas for a deliverance of business and jobs to the area.
This is a meeting not just for just our parish but for all surrounding areas as companies coming to Lanesboro will lead to people coming to live in all parishes and also offering those coming back to work to live once again in the parish, they grew up in.
Below is part of the meeting notification letter
“What are we looking for? We are seeking feasible, innovative and creative ideas from you to help get us in Lanesboro/Ballyleague back as a thriving working community. This must come with a frankness that ensures we plan our pathway creatively. We are seeking to create our area with a niche that can prosper and grow. If you have ideas that you feel can turn our area around, then you are invited to the meeting. For those of you that cannot make the journey we would love you to put your thoughts and ideas to us on email and we can take and deliver them on the day.
We ask you to be supportive of our endeavours. We would love to have you with us on the day either in person or with your emails. There will be notifications going out on social media and emails. We are asking you to share the news of our event on Saturday 21st September.
If you can attend, please confirm your attendance and if not please forward your thoughts and insights to joeaobrien@outlook.com” As we will be having a snack break during the afternoon it is important that everyone intending to attend confirms their intention at the above email address.
So far there has been a tremendous reaction to this proposal, and we would encourage you if you have any thoughts to make them known either by your attendance or on email that can be delivered for you on the day.
There are many from this area that have become very successful in life and others that their professional and trade skills have given them food for thought and where better to develop your thoughts and proposals than within your very own progressive community.
Opening at Lanesboro Community College
On Thursday next Lanesboro Community College officially open their new extension to the school in the form of a new Science room. LCC continues to go from strength to strength and following the great results over the past number of years the college needs new and up-to-date developments and it is great to see it happening continually. The new building will house state of the art science equipment hence adding greatly to the continued science development within the College. This follows on from the recent opening of a state-of-the-art language room and a further boost to the school. The official opening will take place at 3pm on Thursday and you are very welcome to attend.
Exciting Lecture
‘Shackleton’s in boats – From the Calm Waters of the Shannon to the Wilds of Antarctica’
The new season of the County Longford Historical Society’s will open with its first lecture in Lanesborough Library on Thursday, 12th September.
Jonathan Shackleton, a regular visitor on the Shannon and a relative of the famous explorer Ernest Shackleton, will speak on ‘Shackleton’s in boats – From the Calm Waters of the Shannon to the Wilds of Antarctica’.
This promises to be a very special evening because Mr Shackleton himself has travelled extensively in the Antarctic and he is also the expert on the Shackleton family history. The lecture will begin at 8 pm, is free of charge and all are welcome.
Accommodation Provider
The Collaboration group have spoken to Fáilte Ireland about people from their Accommodation Provider department to come to Lanesboro to speak to people that may be interested in becoming Accommodation Providers from single rooms, B&B, Guesthouses and hotels. As well as our local community this meeting is open to people from all surrounding parishes and towns.
You are asked to register your interest by contacting Joe at joeaobrien@outlook.com with Accommodation Provider in your subject box or phone Joe 086-2460840.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Laura Casserley, daughter of Declan and Catherine Casserley, Clonfower and Ronan Kelly son of Donal and Majella Kelly, Ballyforan, who last week announced their engagement in Australia.
Thank you
The local defibrillator group would like to express their sincere thanks to everyone that contributed to their church gate collections in Lanesboro and Ballyleague over the past few weekends.
This week’s events in the Library
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet group resumes on Monday 9th September 2-4pm.
New members always welcome!
Poetry & Music Group
Poetry & Music group continues on Monday 9th September – 4.15-5.30pm.
All welcome to come along and join in with this very vibrant group!
A new school year of ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) will commence in the Library in September. Registration evening will take place on Tuesday evening 3rd September at 7pm. Class will begin on Tuesday 10th September.
Contact Nuala Donlon on nuala.donlon@lwetb.ie for further information.
Babble & Books Parent & Toddler Group
Babble & Books Parent & Toddler Group continues every Wednesday morning at 10.30am at the library. All welcome!
‘Shackleton’s in boats – From the Calm Waters of the Shannon to the Wilds of Antarctica’
The first lecture in County Longford Historical Society’s new season will be in Lanesborough Library on Thursday, 12 September.
Jonathan Shackleton, a relative of the famous explorer Ernest Shackleton, will speak on ‘Shackleton’s in boats – From the Calm Waters of the Shannon to the Wilds of Antarctica’.
This promises to be a very special evening because Mr Shackleton himself has travelled extensively in the Antarctic and he is also the expert on the Shackleton family history.
The lecture will begin at 8 pm, is free of charge and all are welcome.
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
Marriage
The marriage took place on Wednesday 14th August at Durrow Castle, Co. Laois of Patricia Carberry daughter of Bernard and Margaret Carberry, Lough Ree Park and Cormac Smith son of Dermot and Joan Smith, Aughnacliffe, Longford. Chief bridesmaid was Demi Smith daughter of Patricia and Cormac, bridesmaid was Maureen O’Reilly sister of the bride and Claire Ward best friend of the bride. Bestman was Joe Mc Loughlin best friend of the groom, and groomsmen were David Kane and Padraig Mahon best friends of the groom. Page boy was Arlo Smith son of Patricia and Cormac. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Ealish Whillock, Co. Kerry. The wedding reception took place in Durrow Castle. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
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.
Replay Tickets Draw
Rathcline will once again be holding a draw for 2 Premium Stand tickets for the eagerly awaited All-Ireland replay between Dublin and Kerry in Croke Park on Saturday week. Tickets will cost just €2 and this can be your opportunity to watch the unfolding of history irrespective of who wins. Tickets will be on sale in all local shops and from club executive members.
Bridge Club Resumes
Lanesboro Bridge club will commence for a new season on Wednesday 9th September in St. Mary’s parish hall at 7.40pm.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly Sunday night card game in St. Mary’s hall are: 1st Mickey Connaughton and Tom Mulvihill, 2nd Eugene Kelly and Barney Kenny. The last game winners were: Joe and Brendan
The raffle winners were Niall Hughes, Tom Rock, Tom Donlon and Jim Horan
Bord na Mona/ESB Update
No further update this week. The wait goes on.
Windsong Music School
Tuition for all ages in singing, piano, harp, cello, violin and theory. Full Junior Cert and Leaving Cert courses taught. For further information phone: 0873649005. Email: windsongmusicschool@gmail.com. Facebook: Windsong Music School. Classes starting in September.
Tidy Towns Lotto
The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning last 27th August were 1, 13, 18 and 25. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool has now risen to €5,200. The winner of the €50 prize was Johnny Hanley, Corrigeen, and the three €20 winners were Ellen Bernadette Farrell c/o Mags, Lauren Moran c/o Yacht Bar, Geraldine Farrell c/o Mags.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 26th August and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was Johnny and Mary c/o The Yacht Bar. Johnny and Mary are weekly contributors on your great win. Thank you for your support of the 50/50. The club is striving to have the pool stand over €500 on a constant basis and this can only happen with your dedicated support. The club would like to thank you for your ongoing support.
There are four options when buying your tickets, (1) buy your €2 ticket, (2) 3 tickets for €5, (3) the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and (4) 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 shops and pubs or from any member of the club executive.
Longford Arthritis
The Longford Arthritis branch is running a six-week course: Reduce Your Pain: Living Well in the Family -Centre, St. Mel’s Road, Longford. The course starts and Tuesday next 10th September at 7.30pm. For information ring 01-6470206 or 1890 252846. The course leader is Mary and she can be reached 087-1404200.
Free Digital skills course
Seetec Longford is offering a fully funded digital skills course aimed at helping people undertake everyday tasks such as online banking, shopping, as well as mastering smartphone Apps & Social media.
It will be for 2.5 hours a day for 4 days and will be hosted at Seetec’s Longford Centre. Individuals and groups catered for. Register your interest by 0433349212 or email digitalskillslongford@seetec.ie
National Learning Network
Free courses are being offered for people with disabilities in their lives, between the ages of 18 and 65 years. Contact Hilary Claffey 086 7839078 or longford@nin.ie or phone 3342255forinformation.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior Championship: St. Faithleach’s play Strokestown in round three of the Senior Championship on Sunday 8th in Strokestown at the earlier time of 12 noon.
Junior Ladies Championship: Due to unforeseen circumstances the Junior Ladies quarter final against St. Croan’s was postponed.
U16 Boys Championship: The U16 boys play Western Gaels on Monday 9th at 7pm in Nash Park.
U14 Girls Championship: Hard luck to our U14 girls who were beaten by Kilbride in the D4A Final , many thanks to the management and mentors for all their work and commitment during the year.
Cards: Take place every Tuesday evening in the clubhouse, last weeks winners ; Mike & Noel, second Paic & Jimmy, lady game: Kathleen & Annie – Longford.
Condolences: The club wish to express its sympathy to the family and friends of Joe Fitzpatrick, Ballagh, and to Club members Mary, Johnathan, Chloe Hussey and the Hussey family on the passing of Jimmy Hussey, Ballyleague. May they Rest In Peace.
Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.
All-Ireland Tickets draw
Congratulations to Mary Rhatigan, Fermoyle, who was the winner of the 2 All-Ireland Premium tickets. Second prize of €50 was won by Sean Farrell, Curraghroe.
The club would like to say a very big thank you to all those that bought tickets and also those that sold tickets for us.
Tickets for the replay will be on sale throughout the town and from club executive and we hope there will be a great sale for what will be a historic day.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 26th August and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was Johnny and Mary c/o The Yacht Bar. Johnny and Mary are weekly contributors on your great win. Thank you for your support of the 50/50. The club is striving to have the pool stand over €500 on a constant basis and this can only happen with your dedicated support. The club would like to thank you for your ongoing support.
There are four options when buying your tickets, (1) buy your €2 ticket, (2) 3 tickets for €5, (3) the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and (4) 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 shops and pubs or from any member of the club executive.
Championship
At the moment the senior team will play Mostrim in Newtownforbes on this Sunday afternoon at 2pm to retain their place in the senior championship. We wish the lads well and we look to another great performance from the lads.
Ballyboro FC
Both the under 13 and under 14 teams’ have been drawn at home
in the Connacht (Sketchers) Cup. The under 13s play Athenry, while A.C. Celtic
from Athlone provide the opposition for the under 14s.
The under 13s got their season under way on Sunday when they
played St Johns Athletic in a friendly game. Ballyboro: Ronan Cox, Anthony Cox,
Billy Murray, Rian Hogan, Christian Donlon, Euan Cullen, Cody Phelan, Daniel
Hogan, Luke Johnston.
The bus the club is running to the vital Ireland v
Switzerland game on this Thursday is now fully subscribed. The bus departs from
Lanesboro Church at 4pm.
The under 11s will be playing at half time at City Calling
Stadium on Saturday week when Longford Town play their last home league game.
Player registration concluded at the weekend with a big
increase in membership for the coming season.