Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Potential Accommodation Providers sought
The invitation to anybody in the Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Killashee, Newtowncashel and the surrounding towns and parishes are beginning to express their interest in providing B&B, Guest House and house rental. Fáilte Ireland will come to Lanesboro and explain what is required for the provision of accommodation and the requirements as to how to get yourself registered.
If sufficient numbers express an interest then Fáilte Ireland will facilitate a meeting to talk through the requirements and standards required to run a successful B&B, Guest House or rented accommodation.
Lanesboro/Ballyleague in recent times has had a large number of events and people attending had either to decide not to come or stay a long distance away. With the All-Ireland Fleadh the Éigse Pete Carberry and many other events happening throughout the year there is a great need and indeed a great opportunity for people to create a business for themselves. If you are interested you can express your interest by contacting Joe O’Brien, Corner Shop, Lanesboro – 086-2460840; joeaobrien@outlook.com
Garda retirement
This week we lose one of our most popular Gardaí when Noel Egan retires. Noel was well respected in our community even though he was only with us for only six years. Before Noel was stationed at Lanesboro Garda Station, he was in Newtowncashel for 17 years until the closure of the Garda barracks there. Prior to that Noel had spent 16 years based at Kevin Street Garda Station in Dublin. Noel had his own unique way of policing which gained the confidence and support of all communities he was deployed in. He will be missed within our community and also from the local Garda barracks where was a great team player.
Noel, a native of Ballygar, Co. Galway was a great sportsman with hurling being his predominant game and a game he excelled at. He was a tough as teak full back for his native St. Brendan’s club who at that time were playing in the Roscommon championship. Noel also represented Roscommon senior hurlers in his time.
We would like to wish Noel, a long, happy and healthy retirement with his wife Rene, sons Cillian and Gearóid.
A retirement function for Noel will take place in The Pier Inn/Rakish Paddy on this Friday night 10th January from 9pm. All locals are invited to go along and wish Noel well in his retirement.
Sympathy
The sudden death took place at his residence on Thursday last 2nd January of Frankie Lane, Derryhaun. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his family, extended family within our community and his wide circle of friends.
Death
It was with great sadness we learned of the death on Thursday 2nd January of one of the stalwarts of our community at the Innis Ree Lodge Nursing Home of Eva Gibbons, Clonfower. Eva was from one of the oldest and respected families in our community was predeceased by her parents, brothers Tommy and Noelie, sister Katty. Eva was a woman of the land and she farmed the family farm with a great intensity and love. She was great lover of nature. Although she was a lady of quiet nature, she had a great warmth and friendly nature. Eva was an excellent neighbour. Eva was a very enthusiastic and keep supporter of all the happenings in the parish and her passing will leave a great void in the hearts and minds of all that knew her.
Her remains reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home on Saturday evening before being removed to St. Mary’s Church. Following her Funeral Mass on Sunday her remains were laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery. To her brother Kevin, sisters in law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Thank You
The organisers of the Meals on Wheels Church Gate collection before Christmas would like to acknowledge the sum of €755.05. Thank you very much once again.
Éigse Pete Carberry
Now this is a weekend for your diary. Following the hugely successful inaugural Éigse Pete Carberry weekend the second Éigse Pete Carberry weekend will take place in Lanesboro on Friday 17th Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April 2020.
Already the committee are receiving requests for accommodation and if you are interested providing accommodation can you leave your name and number into O’Brien’s for collection by a committee member.
Walkway/Cycleway
The other day I went down to Kilnacarrow after learning from Brendan Whitty that work had commenced from the Kilnacarrow side through the Coillte plantation of the new walkway/cycleway linking Kilnacarrow to Cloonbearla, the parishes of Rathcline to Killashee. The concrete bases for the bridge will be poured inside the next couple of weeks and the bridge, I believe, will be ready to be put in place by the end of February or early March moving the link closer to the work already done from the Killashee side and Cloonbearla. The project is due for completion end of April/early May.
When completed this route will open up a great excitement for walkers and cyclists onto the Royal Canal where there will be a direct route along the canal to Dublin. It also opens a direct route to the jewel in our crown the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre where tourist can go to visit the Iron Age Trackway. This Visitor Centre was known locally as the Danes’ Road. It was constructed from oak planks in 148–147 BC.
This walkway/cycleway will also open up walking and cycling trips to Clondra and Tarmonbarry and visa versa.
It will create for our community and visitors a great starting point for many interesting adventures.
As the Mid Shannon Wilderness Park develops it will become very inviting with more and more people coming to holiday and live amongst us. Just imagine walking and cycling through a vast swath of bog returning to nature with unique wildlife and birdlife to be seen on your travels.
This walkway/cycleway when completed will complete phase 1 of a long journey with Bord na Mona, Dónall Mac an Bheatha of Longford County Council and a few locals.
The next stage, Phase 2, will be when discussions conclude with Bord na Mona for access across the Bord na Mona bridge for pedestrian and cycling traffic. This route will be hugely breath-taking as it takes you over the Shannon and with further development will allow direct access to Sliabh Bán. The discussions with Bord na Mona are continuing and there are great prospects of an agreement. There are currently a number of obstacles to gaining full agreement but there is a great confidence on both sides that the obstacles can be overcome to create this new walkway/cycleway.
Along with accessing Sliabh Bán there is a much bigger plan to continue the walkway/cycleway through Strokestown (Strokestown House), Tulsk (Rathcroghan Project), Frenchpark (Douglas Hyde centre) and onto Westport to the Greenway. This is a route from Dublin to Achill that will never be equalled for its scenery and beauty.
Bord Failte in the past few years have created the Wild Atlantic Way followed by Ireland’s Ancient East. In recent times they have created Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and this Bord na Mona bridge has become a vital piece of infrastructure and it will be the link joining the Wild Atlantic Way to Ireland’s Ancient East through this bridge and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
It is all in front of us and hopefully 2020 will see great developments in putting our community firmly on the tourism map.
Zero 2 Tri
Lanesboro Triathlon club in the national club of the year and their exuberance is infectious such has been the new members signing up to the club for the coming year.
If you would like the challenge to train for all/any of the 3 disciplines, have 3 training sessions before membership, have a dedicated 6-month programme, have beginner focussed coaching, have a mentoring programme and scheduled training races then come along to the launch night of Zero 2 Tri at the Lanesboro Triathlon gym/club room at 7pm on Monday 11th January.
The club is also developing a youth section and it is now encouraging young males and females to join and partake in the many competitions that occur during the year. Swimmers, cyclist and runners are encouraged to consider joining to take on this exciting challenge.
Why not Join Lanesboro Triathlon Club today?
Go to www.trilanesboro.com/membership/ for more information
Christmas Day Run
As usual the Christmas Day Run/Walk/Push from Newtowncashel to Lanesboro was another outstanding success. This event is organised to raise funds for the Longford MS Society. There was a great turnout and there was great sponsorship support for all the participants. Entrants came from all over and the usual banter and Christmas cheer was evident throughout.
Great credit must go the Flood family and all those that year upon year come together to make sure that this event runs smoothly from start to finish.
Thank You
The Christmas Lights Committee would like to thank Joe and Martina O Brien for their generous donation to the Christmas lights collection. Thank you, also, to those who missed the church gate collection and left donations into Joe and Martina. We are hoping the rest of the business community will help alleviate the cost of the lights. Without support from the local businesses we will not be able to finance the Christmas Lights in future.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly card game played in St. Mary’s Hall on Sunday night last 5th January are: 1st Mike Flynn/Aidan Carling, 2nd Tom Nohilly/Pat Joe Fallon. Last game Tom Donlon/Brendan Hanley. The raffle winners were Kathleen Maguire, Tom Fox, Tom Nohilly, Brendan Hanley. The game continues every Sunday night at 8.30pm. No partner needed. Refreshments served.
St. Mary’s Parish Hall
Our St. Mary’s Parish Hall has a long and proud tradition in providing for the social, cultural, recreational and educational needs of the community. It is one of the most important and iconic buildings of its kind in the locality, as a gathering place for clubs, organisations, social groups, schools, families and family occasions. Its aim is to encourage active involvement of the people in the area, to celebrate and to foster a cohesive and harmonious focal point.
Recently a New Public Address System has been installed which will serve as a necessary and important service for functions.
The Progressive 25 game which is held in the Hall on Sunday nights starts at 8.30pm began on 24th March of ’19. To date it has already donated to St. Mary’s Parish Hall funds a clear profit of €6, 689.54c.
St. Mary’s Hall is self-financing and has to meet expenses as Insurance, Lighting, Heating and continual and ongoing maintenance.
The Hall Committee are very grateful to all those who give their support.
Ballyboro FC Oskar Night DVD
The DVD is now on sale with your chance to relive the great drama of that special Movie night on June 15th and get your Christmas presents sorted with a very special DVD including all 8 films that were produced and great memories of a special year. DVD on sale in O’Brien’s Corner shop now. Priced €20 each and special offer of 3 DVDs for €50. Postal orders (€30 each) will be taken by e mail only at: ballyboroastropitchcommittee@gmail.com
Last chance for Rathcline draw
The Rathcline club will hold their annual New Year draw on Saturday night next 11th January in Adie’s Bar. This is a draw that is hugely supported by club members, parishioners and many from outside the parish.
At the start of the year there are huge insurance and affiliation fees must be paid and this draw helps in a major way to alleviate this major outgoing in the club. You are encouraged to support the draw and make it a major success once again.
To date there has been great support for the draw, and you are encouraged to make sure you have your ticket before Friday week. The tickets are now on sale locally costing €20. The prizes will be 1st €3,000, 2nd €1,000, 3rd €500, 4th €250, 5th €250, 6th €200 and 7th €200. We encourage you great support of previous years and we look forward to a record number of tickets sold this year.
Second Volume Published
The second investigative instalment of the Shamrock 165 has just been published by Gavin Walsh. The first instalment detailing the crash which featuring local lady Evelyn Belton was an intriguing read and I have no doubt that this current book will be another excellent read. This is the second book of the trilogy continuing the exploration and investigation into the fatal crash of Shamrock 165.
The book Shamrock 165 ‘decision over Dolgellau’ is available for sale in O’Brien’s
5-a-side booking
Bookings are now being taken for weekly rental of the new Ballyboro FC 3G Pitch at Lanesborough Community College. To book in for a 5 side match or a 7 a side game in November please register NOW by signing up with a user account at www.bookapitch.com and the venue will be there for you to select under BALLYBORO ASTRO. If you want any more details send an e mail please to ballyboroastropitchcommittee@gmail.com
Tidy Towns Lotto
The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning 17th December were 3, 7, 15, and 30. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool has now risen to €6,900. The name on the tickets for the €50 prize Caroline Gray, the three winners of the €20 were; Cóilín O’Brien, Corner Shop, Phil Chalmers c/o Mags, Emma, Saoirse and Freya Feeney, Tullyvrane.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 30th December and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was Ruth Kelly, Ballyglass. This week’s winning pool was €230
Don’t forget the 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.
Ballyboro
2019 was a momentous year for the club and 2020 promises to be just as eventful. The club will be 20 years old in 2020 and a special souvenir booklet will be published to mark the occasion. Anyone with any material suitable for publication (photographs, newspaper cuttings etc.) are asked to contact any club officer.
Following the Christmas break action resumes on the playing fields at the weekend. The under 10s play Melview on Saturday at The Mall Astro at 1pm. The under 12s play Stonepark on Sunday at Abbeycartron, kick off 12.30. Stonepark also provide the opposition for the under 13s in a Major League first round encounter at 11am in Abbeycartron on Saturday. The under 14s play Gaels United at Abbeycartron on Sunday at 12.30. The under 11 girls play UCL Harps at Dernafest Lough Gowna on Saturday, kick off 12 noon.
Rathcline GAA
New Year Draw
As you know the club will hold their annual New Year draw on Saturday next 11th January in Adie’s Bar. This is a draw that is always hugely supported by club members, parishioners and many from outside the parish.
At the start of the year there are huge insurance and affiliation fees must be paid and this draw helps in a major way to alleviate this major outgoing in the club. As you are aware insurance is a major factor in all walks of life now and you are encouraged to support the draw and make it a major success once again.
To date there has been a great response for the draw, and you are encouraged to make sure you support by having your ticket before Friday week. The tickets are now on sale locally costing €20. The prizes will be 1st €3,000, 2nd €1,000, 3rd €500, 4th €250, 5th €250, 6th €200 and 7th €200. We encourage you great support of previous years and we look forward to a record number of tickets sold this year.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 30th December and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was Ruth Kelly, Ballyglass. This week’s winning pool was €230
Don’t forget the 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.
Happy New Year
The club would like to wish its club members, parishioners and supporters near and far a very happy and successful 2020.