Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Super Monday
Last Monday 30th September was a fabulous day for our communities when the announcement of the SuperValu Tidy Town’s results was announced. Cloontuskert, Ballyleague and Lanesboro all improved their scores with Cloontuskert leading the way with a massive 331 marks just 14 marks behind the winners Glaslough, Co. Monaghan. Ballyleague added a further 5 marks to finish on 312 marks while Lanesboro jumped a massive 19 marks breaking into the 300 marks for the first time with a final mark of 307.
Cloontuskert were awarded a bronze medal while James O’Neill was highly commended as a Tidy Towns Community Hero of the Year 2019. Lanesboro won a county Longford Endeavour award and a prize of €400.
Achieving high marks in the SuperValu Tidy Town’s is no mean achievement but having our three communities all increasing their marks and all over going well over 300 marks means that in the not too distant future and with the continued diligent and dedicated work we will see a National Awards winner.
Congratulations to everyone that worked so hard all year and achieved such remarkable results you are a credit to us all.
Maybe it is time that all clubs and associations in the locality in the new year gave a few evenings a month to help each Tidy Town team achieve national awards. It is being done in our name by a few in our name, let us all help them out.
Ghost Homeland
Local man Colin Carberry son of Barney and Nuala (Harold) who is presently residing in Mexico with his wife and two daughters has just launched a new book of poetry. Ghost Homeland is the latest collection of poems that takes him through his life growing up in Lanesboro along with the effects of events, especially in the north of our country, while growing up in the seventies and eighties. The collection also takes him through his journey of Latin America where he was eventually married and made his home in Mexico.
The litmus test of any writer’s success is the response by the readers and Colin has captured them globally to an enormous degree.
Colin since his first publication of The Crossing in 1998 has received many accolades and much notoriety worldwide because of his excellent work. This is Colin’s fourth collection of poetry while he is also translator of two books of verse. His poems have been translated into many languages.
Colin’s latest collection is further testimony to the very special talent that he is, and it is a collection well worth having amongst you book collections. Ghost Homeland is on sale in O’Brien’s and costs just €12.
The introduction to Ghost Homeland was scripted by Jack Harte and it is wonderful to see two of our very own literary geniuses together in this collection.
We congratulate Colin and wish him huge success with this new collection of poems.
Best Wishes
Fr Larney Shine formerly CC for Ballyleague and the Kilgefin parish who during diocesan changes by the Bishop was transferred to the Parish of Tulsk has recently retired. We remember Fr. Larney fondly in our community and we wish him a long life of health and happiness in his retirement.
Harvest Festival
St John’s Church, Lanesborough invites everyone to their annual Thanksgiving Service on Sunday next 13th October at 4pm
By Post
Such has been the demand for the second print of the Sliabh Bán book from home and abroad that it has been decided to offer anyone away from the area the opportunity of having the book posted to them. Begin the conversation with Joe O’Brien joeaobrien@outlook.com phone 086-2460840 or 043 3321107 during shop opening hours and we organise to get the book sent to you.
The book is available for sale in O’Brien’s costing €20 and for post and packaging within Ireland it is an extra €12, GB €32, USA €42, Australia €42, South Africa €42 and EU €41.
Accommodation Providers
Are you interested? 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.
Blood Donation Clinic
The next Blood Donation locally will take place the Longford Arms Hotel on Tuesday 29th Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st October. The clinic will be open from 4.30pm to 8pm.
The need for blood continues to increase and it is very important that you help by making your donation and encouraging others to accompany you to make your blood donations.
Breakfast Morning Returns
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns group are hosting their very popular Breakfast Morning in Lanesboro Parish Hall on Sunday 17th November from 9 30 am until 12.30 pm. Tickets will be on sale locally at the usual price of €10. This has been a very enjoyable event over the last few years. Your support would be very much appreciated. The funds raised go towards keeping the town and outskirts in top condition.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Anna, son Ruairi and daughter Maeve and sisters Kate, Anne and Gaye Hyland and the extended Hyland family, Augharanna on the death in England on Saturday 14th September of Mickey Hyland. Mickey will always be remembered for his warmth, kindness. He stood out in any crowd and had the uncanny ability to engross people in any topic. When you met him one of his instant features was the warmest smile that never seemed to fade. In his footballing days Mickey was an outstanding player with Rathcline. To this writer Mickey Hyland along with brothers Albert and Mickey Gill were my first sporting heroes and it is with great sadness that I now record Mickey Hyland’s passing.
Junior Certificate Results
Many congratulations to all the students in our community that received their Junior Certificate. By all accounts the results at Lanesboro Community College were excellent and we wish the students the very best in the future as they go towards their Leaving Certificate
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the game played on Wednesday 2nd October are N/S 1st Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray, 2nd Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey, 3rd Mike Flynn and Mary Mc Gushin. E/W 1st Una Clarke and Tom Feeney, 2nd Philomena Walsh and Katharine Harrison and a tie for 3rd place between Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne & Elizabeth Clyne and Mary Connor.
Defibrillator Training
Many a time I have written in these notes of the absolute need for people to be trained in the use of the defibrillator. We had our own experience in Clonbonny a few years back but seldom a week goes by, but you hear of a similar incident and only for the ability of a person trained in the use of the defibrillator there would have been a fatal outcome.
A new course will commence in the near future and if you have not already done the course you must register your interest and if you need a refresher course you must also register your name. To register you should call into Martina O’Brien in the shop, or phone Martina at 043 3321107 or 086-3858934 or email martinaclyne1@gmail.com
These courses are for the Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Kilgefin, Rathcline, Cashel and Killashee communities.
Windsong Music School
A real and wonderful opportunity for musical people looking to take expert tuition in various musical instruments and also the theory in a local environment. Tuition is for all ages in singing, piano, harp, cello, violin and theory. Junior and Leaving Certificate courses taught. For information you should ring 087 3649005 or email windsongmusicschool@gmail.com.
Taste of the Lakelands
The Taste of the Lakelands Food Festival will once again take place in Lanesboro for one day only on Sunday next 13th October. This is an annual and exciting event in our community, and it draws people from all over the region and hopefully there will be a great community response to this day. Great work has gone into the preparations of Sunday’s event where it is expected that up to 40 food and craft stalls will be attending.
Activities on the day to include: Food Producers Marquee, Food Demonstrations in the Hall, Craft Fair and Face Painting for Children.
Activities will start at 10am and continue until 5pm. The food producer’s marquee will be sited immediately behind the Parish Hall while the Food Demonstrations, Face Painting and Craft Fair will all be in the Parish Hall.
The line-up for the Cookery Demonstrations are both local and of the highest quality chefs in Ireland. Each and every one of them award winners in their own right.
At 10am Margaret Sexton will open proceedings involving young people themed Cupcake Decorating which should be spectacular involvement for the young people and the young should not miss this demonstration.
11am Stephen Dowd Premier Food Hub
12 noon Alison Crean The Abbey Hotel Roscommon
1pm Fiona Egan Cloughan Farm and Cookery School
2pm David Porter Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa
3pm Owen Atkinson Viewmount House, Longford
4pm Daniel Skukallk Nine Arches Restaurant, Ballymahon
Wedding
The marriage took place in the Church of the Blessed Virgin, Newtowncashel on Friday last 4th October of James Hanley son of Johnny and Bernie Hanley, Corrigeen, and Bríd Killian daughter of Brendan and the late Bridgie Killian, Newtowncashel. Bestman was John Hanley, twin brother of the groom and groomsmen were Kevin Hanley and Alan Hanly both brothers of the groom. Chief bridesmaid was Barbara Campbell friend of the bride, Geraldine Kiveney, sister of the bride and Linda Merrigan friend of the bride. Page boy was Tiernan Hanley son of the couple. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Mickey Murtagh assisted by Fr. Kenny and Fr. Reilly. The wedding reception was held in the Hodson Bay Hotel. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Lough Ree AC
The club would like to wish our Fermoyle team from 3rd/4th class & John Farrell representing 5th/6th class the best of luck in the upcoming Connaught Primary Schools Cross Country Championship on Sunday next 13th October.
Sympathy
The death took place at her residence on Monday 30th September in Dublin of Marian Beirne, formerly of Trilamartin, Curraghroe. Marian was predeceased by her parents Tommy and Ettie. Her remains reposed at Leavy’s Funeral Home on Friday last. Following the removal of her remains to St. Cecelia’s Church and Funeral Mass on Saturday her remains were laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her brother Declan, sisters Elizabeth and Carmel, relatives and many friends.
Unveiling Ceremony
Cloontuskert Cemetery committee will be unveiling the statue of Our Lady of Fatima and the three visionaries at Cloontuskert Cemetery on Sunday next 13th October at 3pm.
Proceedings will commence with the blessing of the statue and the consecration of the holy souls to the Sacred Heart of Our Lady of Fatima for her protection. This will be then followed by the Rosary. Everyone is invited to attend.
General Meeting
A General Meeting of the St. Faithleach’s club will take place on Friday night next 11th October in the clubhouse at St. Faithleach’s GAA club at 8pm. This is an important event as we review all aspects of the club and need everyone’s input. Please feel free to come and share your views and ideas. We want to make the club as strong as possible in all aspects- playing, coaching, welfare, administration and facilities and as a community your voice is important.
Tidy Towns Lotto
The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning 1st October were 10, 12, 22, and 25. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool has now risen to €5,700. The winner of the €50 prize was Tara Cullen, Rathcline Road, and the three winners of €20 each were Geraldine Linnane, The Green, Ann Clancy and Mike Greene, The Green.
The Library this week
Knitting & Crochet Club
Knitting & Crochet Club continues every Monday 2-4pm.
New members always welcome!
Poetry & Music Group
Poetry & Music group continues on Monday 7th & 21st October – 4.15-5.30pm.
All welcome to come along and join in with this very vibrant group!
ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) takes place in the Library every Tuesday evening 7-9pm.
Contact Nuala Donlon on nuala.donlon@lwetb.ie for further information.
Mud Bugs Nature Workshop for children
Book your child’s place for this wonderful Nature
Workshop
with Jess from Mud Bugs – a fun packed session
of arts & crafts!
Suitable for children aged 5 to 10 yrs. old. Venue: Lanesboro Library
Date: Saturday 12th October. Time: 11am
Places are limited so act fast! To book contact
the library on 0433321291, message on messenger or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
This event is part of the October Book Festival
and is free of charge.
Mindfulness with Paul Marsden
Lanesboro Library will host a very interesting talk on Mindfulness with Paul Marsden this October 14th, as part of the Healthy Ireland at your Library programme.
Topics covered will be Using Mindfulness to help cope with stress, anxiety and depression and Tips for good mental health.
All are welcome to come along to this free event. No booking is necessary.
Venue: Lanesboro Library, on Monday 14th October from 7pm to 8.30pm
Aisling Festival – Arts & Crafts event
Lanesboro Library will be facilitating a fun Arts & Crafts event as part of Aisling Festival. This event will suit children aged 6-12yrs and you can book by contacting the library on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie.
Venue: Lanesboro Library on Wednesday 23rd October from 3.30pm to 5pm.
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
Weekly 25 Drive
The results from Sunday 6th October: 1st Petey Donlon and Pauric Farrell. Joint 2nd Basil Mitchell & John O Byrne/PJ Glennon & Michael Finnan. Last game Mike Flynn & Aidan Carling. Raffle winners P J Glennon, Mickie Connaughton, Anne Corcoran, John L Farrell. Game every Sunday at 8 30 sharp. All welcome. No partner needed. Refreshments served.
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 30th September and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was the Tadgh Rowan, Cloontaghbeg. The winning pool was €440. Thanks to the Rowan family 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.
Table Quiz
Michael Cleary is taking part in this year’s Dublin City Marathon to raise funds for Join Our Boys and seeks your support. He is hosting a table quiz in the clubhouse on Friday week 18th October. Table of four is €40 and all money raised goes to the Join Our Boys Fund. All are welcome.
Sacraments Enrolment
In the parish of Rathcline enrolment for First Holy Communion and Confirmation is on Saturday 7th December at 7.30pm Confirmation will take place on Friday 20th March at 4pm while First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday 23rd May at 11am.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The Lough Ree Golfing Society final will hold their final outing of the year at Strokestown Golf Club on next Friday 11th October at 11am. There is a very close contest for Golfer of the Year, with Timmy Glynn, Mick Brennan, and Aiden Cassidy within 3 points of each other.
The AGM of the Society will take place after play finishes. Tea and scones supplied before play. The Society would love to welcome new members.
Connolly Cup Winner
Lat Sunday County Senior Final was a tremendous day for one teacher in Fermoyle National School. Sean Mc Cormack not only played a leading role in Killoe’s victory, but he was also captain of the team and it was great to see him lifting the Connolly Cup. We are sure Sean got a great welcome back to the school. We congratulate Sean and his teammates on their great win and wish them well in the Leinster Championship.
Taste of the Island
The RAI award winning 4* Abbey Hotel Roscommon will host a unique Taste the Island event on Sunday week 20th October from 2-5pm.
‘Embracing Local’ will give all local artisan food and drink suppliers in the region a unique opportunity to showcase your produce and wares on the day. Cookery demonstrations from our award-winning chefs. To register call 086 3276584 #tastetheisland
Table Quiz
Near neighbours St Bridget’s Killashee are embarking on a major development at their club pitch and as part of their fund raising, they are holding a Table Quiz in the Chestnut tree Killashee on this Friday night 11th October at 9pm. Tables of 4 €40. Great prizes and raffle on the night. I hope there will be excellent support from our local community.
Monster Tractor Run
A Monster Tractor Run will take place in Strokestown on Sunday 20th October organised by Mid Roscommon Vintage Club. The event is in aid of the Kilglass based Sick Children’s Fund. All tractors; modern and vintage and vintage cars are invited to the run. Entry €20. See main article for details. Please support this worthy cause.
Glitz and Glamour
Cashel G4M and O’s are hosting a night of Glitz and Glamour in support of the Ollie Cox Injury Fund in the Local, Newtowncashel on Saturday night 19th at 8pm.
This will be a lady’s night to remember with expert advice on style, hair, make-up, health and fitness.
Tickets cost just €10 and there will be music and a draw supplementing the night. You can also contribute on www.gofundme.com/f/ollie-cox-injury-fund
For further information please phone 0879852484.
The place where I was Born
An Áit ‘nar Togadh Mé – The place where I was Born is the latest publication by local Kenagh man Paddy Egan. This book takes a nostalgic look back at a way of life around Kenagh during the nineteen forties and fifties. Reading the book, I am sure will bring back many memories from their childhood and it is surely an essential read. The book is available in O’Brien’s.
Strokestown Further Education Centre
As a number of our community are eligible for places as the below courses it is important that they take advantage of these opportunities. Places available on our GRETB QQI Accredited Training Course. Levels 3, 4 and 5, catering for all needs and abilities. This is free course available to those in receipt of a social welfare payment. Under 26’s receives more money, free childcare places, travel & meal allowances, career guidance support and employer links. Contact your Local Social Welfare Office or call Rachel at the Centre on 071 96 34935 or self-refer on fetchcourses.ie. Check out our Facebook page for more information.
Dinner Dance
The annual Longford Region Pioneer dinner dance takes place in The Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule on Friday night next 11th October. Traditionally this is one of the highlight events of any year. Music by J and S Sound. Tickets are available from Breda Moran
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 3342255 for information.
Ballyboro FC
The under 13 team continued their recent
run of good form when they accounted for Mostrim on Sunday last. While the
Ballyboro lads were the better team overall, the 7-1 winning margin flatters
them somewhat as Mostrim had the better of the early exchanges and scored the
first goal. Anthony Cox’s first ever goal for Ballyboro settled the team, and
they went on to play some excellent football to win decisively in the end. Team
and scorers: Aidan Kelly, Anthony Cox(1),Jack Casey(1),David Cox, Jack Beattie,
Billy Murray, Cody Phelan, Euan Cullen, Rian Hogan(1),Ben Murphy(2),Daniel
Hogan(1).Sub: Christian Donlon(1).
The under 14 team were also in fine fettle as they got the
better of Ballymahon on a 3-0 scoreline. Ballymahon threatened early on but a
resolute Ballyboro defence kept them at bay, aided by an inspired performance
by Joey Trimble playing in the unaccustomed position of goalkeeper. Christian
Donlon(2) and Eoin Cox scored for Ballyboro. Team: Joey Trimble, Josh Crawford,
Jack Casey, Cormac O’Dowd, Ruairi Carling, Alex Forde, James Mimnagh, Christian
Donlon, Gabriel Klava, Eoin Cox, Rory Killian. Subs: Kevin Donlon, Jack Phelan,
Luke Cullen.
An understrength under 12 team found UCL Falcons too good for
them, going down by six goals to one. Rian Hogan scored the Ballyboro goal.
Team: Adam Farrell, Eoin Beattie, Aidan Kelly, Ryan Mimnagh, Cody Phelan, Eoin
Connell, Rian Hogan, David Dowd, Rian Shanley. Subs: Dan Casey, Ciaran McGloin,
Harry Brogan, Matthew Murray, Liam Rhatigan.
For the first time in a number of years the club will be
fielding an all-girls team. Thanks are due to Sean Cox and Patricia McCormack
who have agreed to take charge of the under 11 girls’ team. With the Astro Turf
pitch nearing completion, it is hoped that this and some future developments
will see more girls’ teams’ playing in the near future.
Fixtures: The under 8s will have two teams taking part
in a Blitz in Streete on Saturday starting at 11am. The under 10s play Killoe
Celtic at Killoe Astro on Saturday at 11am. The under 12s play Ardagh United on
Sunday at 2pm in Abbeycartron. The under 13s are away to Inny FC on Saturday, kick
off in Streete is at 11am. The under 14s play UCl in Dernafest Lough Gowna on
Sunday at 12 noon. Gaels United provide the opposition for the under 15s when
they meet at Abbeycartron on Saturday at 4pm.
Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 30th September and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was the Tadgh Rowan, Cloontaghbeg. The winning pool was €440. Thanks to the Rowan family 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.
Under 20
Saturday last was one of the wettest days of the year and when it rained it really rained. Not only was it raining water but in Clonbonny too where it was raining scores. 34 scores in total over 60 minutes in the most miserable of conditions. Rathcline Under 20’s took on Colmcille in what was a terrific game which the standard was exceptional and at the final whistle both teams could not be separated on a scoreline of 1-16 each. Both teams and managements must have been delighted to be part of such an exceptional game. The performance of these lads really shows the depth of talent that is in our players and there is no doubt our future is safe if they maintain this rate of development. Following our great start to the Under 20 we have now qualified for the semi/quarter final stages that will be played in the next couple of weeks.
Table Quiz support
St Bridget’s Killashee club is embarking on a major development at their club pitch and as part of their fund raising, they are holding a Table Quiz in the Chestnut tree Killashee on this Friday night 11th October at 9pm. Tables of 4 €40. Great prizes and raffle on the night. Let us hope there is a very good representation from the club.
Under 12 Parish League
Saturday morning last Clonbonny was a hive of activity when our young players up to Under 12 played in the revived Parish League. A very dedicated organising group ensured that most if not all young players were in attendance. It was only mighty to see so many young players displaying their skills and enjoying themselves thoroughly. The organising group must be complimented for their resurrection of this once famous tournament in the club. Thanks to everyone from players, parents and organising committee for a great day.
Congratulations
The Rathcline club would like to congratulate senior player James Hanley and Bríd Killian, Newtowncashel on their wedding on Friday last.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the extended Hyland and Connor families Augharanna on the death of former player Mickey Hyland in England recently.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Club General Meeting: General meeting of St Faithleach’s club, for all members including players, parents, mentors etc, takes place in the Clubhouse on Friday October 11th at 8pm. This is an important event as we review all aspects of the club and need everyone’s input. Please feel free to come and share your views and ideas. We want to make the club as strong as possible in all aspects- playing, coaching, welfare, administration and facilities and as a community your voice is important. #YourClub #YourCommunity #YourGAA #YourLGFA
Table Quiz: Michael Cleary is taking part in the Dublin City Marathon to raise funds for Join Our Boys and seeks your support by hosting a table quiz in the clubhouse on Friday 18th October. Table of four is €40 and all money raised goes to the Join Our Boys Fund. All welcome.
Coaching: The online football foundation course is now free for anyone to access and will remain open until the 31st October. For details of course of how to log in contact Wally Burke, Coaching Officer.
Lotto: Jackpot stands at €12,000; envelopes are available in all local retailers for €2. Your support is appreciated.
Cards: Take place every Tuesday evening in the clubhouse. Bridge takes place every Monday. New player always welcome.