Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
New County Chairman
Many congratulations to Albert Cooney who recently took the reins of Longford GAA when he was elected to Chairman of the County Board at the recent county convention. Albert was Treasurer for the past five years and has a great in-depth knowledge of the requirements of Longford GAA.
We would like to wish Albert the very best for his term in office.
Food Hub €1.35M
Last Wednesday 8th January the entire community was delighted to hear the breaking news of the local Premier Lakelands Food Hub project receiving Government funding of €1.35 million. This money is €1.35 m of a €4.5m project for the community
The Premier Lakelands Food Hub was the brainchild of Stephen Dowd. Along with fellow hub directors Marie Farrell, Michael Casserley and steering committee of Emma Brennan, Ciaran Mullooly and Michael Nevin embarked on the drive to create a Food Hub in Lanesboro. Longford County Council and Enterprise Officer Michael Nevin were very supportive of the project and the hub will be built on their property next to the Fire Station on the Longford Road. Stephen Dowd is quoted “Premier Lakelands Food hub wish to thank all of our partners in the project and look forward to confirmation of matching funding in the coming weeks as we build a sustainable food enterprise for the Lanesborough- Ballyleague area”. Bord na Mona is to be major partner along with Longford County Councils; talks are ongoing on the transition on the initiative of Brown to Green.
This is the first project for the Lanesboro/Ballyleague collaboration group to be funded and
it is hoped that the just transition for the midland region will support this project for job creation.
Many individuals and companies have already expressed their interest in taking some of the available spaces in the hub. It is expected to have over 60 people working in the first year and well over 100 by year 5. This is going to be a major boost to the local economy. The creation of jobs will help greatly in revitalising our working community following the pending the loss of jobs in both Bord na Mona and ESB.
Comment
Lanesboro/Ballyleague is fighting back against the loss of jobs in the area. The announcement of the €1.65m that followed the announcement last January of €193,982 for the creation of the link from Lanesboro to the Royal Canal. Work on the Lanesboro/Royal canal link is well on its way to completion thanks to the great collaboration of Bord na Mona and Longford County Council under the guidance of Dónall Mac an Bheatha. It looks as if we will be walking and cycling that route by this summer.
There are many more potential business and tourism projects being investigated by the Lanesboro Ballyleague Collaboration Group for their potential feasibility and we are confident that a number of those projects will be seeking funding with the creation of many jobs. There are exciting times ahead for us all.
The creation of local quality jobs will allow our young people to remain and work in their own community rather than have to leave to find work or indeed to allow locals that are living and working away to return to their native sod for work and a wonderful quality of life for themselves and their children. We will also be once again welcoming new people to Lanesboro to work. This will be history repeating itself and like the Lanesboro/Ballyleague created by Bord an Mona and ESB in the 50’s the Lanesboro/Ballyleague 70 years on will once again be welcoming new people to live and work amongst us.
Thank you to everyone that has been supportive of the efforts of the collaboration group so far and the group will continue to work diligently for the betterment of our community.
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
Weekly Card Game
The results of the weekly card game played in St. Mary’s Hall on Sunday night last were: 1st Michael and Noel Maguire 11games, four pairs shared 2nd with 10 games and they were Joe and Packie Rooney, Michael and Kathleen Finnan, Kitty and Jim, om Rooney and Ivan Jones. He last game was won by Pat and Tom Rock. The raffle winners were Noreen Gibbons, Freda Connaughton, Pat Joe Fallon and Mick Maguire.
Great Recognition
The 2019 Longford GAA All Stars Gala Banquet took place on Saturday night last in The Longford Arms Hotel. This year inducted into the Longford GAA Hall of Fame was Seamus Flynn, The Green. Seamus has been a marvellous servant to the Rathcline club for so many years and in his playing, days was a seven time county championship medal winner with his native Clonguish. Seamus in the glory days of Longford GAA in the 60’s was a leading player in helping Longford win national League and Leinster Championship medals. Seamus was also named on the Longford team of the Millennium.
Last year’s Gala Banquet did not go ahead due to the tremendous achievements of Mullinalaghta, but it did not lessen the acknowledgement of Intermediate Player of the Year 2018 Iarla O’Sullivan. Iarla son of Micheál and Áine O’Sullivan had a tremendous year in 2018 and 2019 was even better. He excelled with the club back at senior level and has been playing very well with the Longford senior county team and also with his NUIG Sigerson college team.
We congratulate both Seamus and Iarla on their outstanding awards.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to James Casey his family, Carrowstrawley and the extended Casey family on the death of Paddy Casey, formerly Cornadough, Newtowncashel on Friday 10th January.
Triathlon Club
On Saturday night last Lanesboro Tri Club held its Club Open and Information Night in the club room on Main Street. A phenomenal number 32 of interested people turned up to see and hear what the triathlon Club of the Year is all about. In a short time afterwards, a big number had signed up to membership for the coming year.
The new members are joining an excellent club that actively promotes and encourages everyone no matter what the ability. The club have great training instructors and the ‘Couch 2 Tri is a wonderful initiative and it is a great introduction to the world of triathlons. No matter where you find a triathlon or indeed an Iron Man you will find at least one member of Lanesboro triathlon club.
If you missed last Saturday night and you would still like to try some of the training, you can still go along. You can attend up to three sessions before you have to sign up.
The training schedule is as follows for beginners Monday: 9.30pm to 10.30 pm pool session. The cost for the pool session is €6. You are advised to be early to sign in and be ready for the 9.30pm start. On Wednesday from 7pm to 8pm the introductory turbo session takes place in the club room. You need to bring your bike, towel and bottle of water. There are only 15 turbos and if you have one please bring it with you. Please be early for sign in and ready to start at 7pm. Friday 7.30pm Running Session at the track. Sign in and be ready for 7.30 start.
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.
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
New Year Draw
The results of the Rathcline GAA New Year draw held on Saturday night last were; 1st €3,000 John Jordan, The Green, 2nd €1,000, K,K, and S Mc Govern, Rathcline Road, 3rd €500, Declan Shanley, Killashee, 4th €250, Kevin Connaughton, Longford Road, 5th €250, Brady’s Cloontuskert, 6th €200 Eileen Mullen, Moher and 7th €200 Shannon Gaels Minor Club.
The club is greatly indebted to everyone that bought and sold tickets. It was another great success and again the club say’s a big thank you.
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 7th January were 1, 21, 26 and 29. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool has now risen to €7,000. The name on the tickets for the €50 prize Kate Ferguson and the three winners of the €20 were; Tony Mullen c/o Xlentee, Evelyn Rooney, Rathcline and Mary Tiernan, Ferefad, Longford.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 6th January and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was Padraig Kenny, Perth, Australia. This week’s winning pool was €312.
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.
Operation Transformation
Longford’s Operation Transformation Walk organised by Longford Sports Partnership will take place on Saturday 18th January
leaving from Ballymahon Community Library at 11am, with warm up from 10.45am. The route will be 5km.
Light refreshments will be served afterwards, and everyone is welcome.
Ballyboro
It was a highly successful weekend with all three teams in competitive action emerging victorious.
First into action were the under 10s and they played some tremendous football when recording a comprehensive win over Melview. Team and scorers: Stephen Farrell, Hayden Smyth, Alfie Murphy (1), Tim Kenny (1), Josh Curran (3), Shane Farrell (3), Jack Cassidy (1), Subs: Mikolai, Lorcan Hanley (1), Cathal Hanley (1), Charlie Moynihan, Darragh Donlon.
The under 14s came from 3-0 down to eventually get the better of Gaels United on a 6-4 margin. It was a game to remember for Ben Murphy as he scored a hat trick on his debut for the team. The remaining goals were scored by Christian Donlon. Sam Murphy and Eoin Cox. Team: Sam Glennon, Josh Crawford, Kevin Donlon, Cormac O’Dowd, Ruairi Carling, Alex Forde, Christian Donlon, Joey Trimble, Sam Murphy, Eoin Cox, Luke Cullen. Subs: Christov Molnar, Gabriel Klava, Ben Murphy.
Not to be outdone by their male counterparts the under 11 girls were also in great fettle getting the better of UCL Harps by 6 goals to 2. Team and scorers: Katie Hoey, Anna Cox (1), Marianna Donlon, Emma Feeney (1), Maria Ford (2), Sarah Healy, Emma Dowd, Kate Malone (2), Ava Brehon, Amy Burke, Lillie Dowd.
Fixtures: The under 12s play Kenagh United in Abbeycartron on Saturday at 11am. The under 14s play Castlepollard Celtic in Abbeycartron on Sunday, kick off 11.30. Both under 11 teams are at home on Sunday. The Lions play Stonepark at 11am, while the Tigers play Ardagh at 12 noon. The under 9s will be participating in a blitz at home on Saturday. Other teams involved are Ballymahon, Ardagh, and Stonepark, and the action gets underway at 11am.
Rathcline GAA
County Chairman
Many congratulation to Albert Cooney on his recent election as County Chairman for 2020. His term of office has started off in great fashion with the announcement of the new Longford GAA Supporters Club – Club Longford of which he is the Treasurer, followed on Saturday last with Longford’s great win over Dublin in the O’Byrne Cup semi-final. As they say at this early stage of his leadership ‘his cup has runneth over’ and long may he have success going with him. We wish him the very best of luck in leading Longford GAA
New Year Draw
1st €3,000 John Jordan, The Green, 2nd €1,000, K,K, and S Mc Govern, Rathcline Road, 3rd €500, Declan Shanley, Killashee, 4th €250, Kevin Connaughton, Longford Road, 5th €250, Brady’s Cloontuskert, 6th €200 Eileen Mullen, Moher and 7th €200 Shannon Gaels Minor Club.
The club is greatly indebted to everyone that bought and sold tickets. It was a great success and again we say thank you.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 6th January and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was Padraig Kenny, Perth, Australia. This week’s winning pool was €312.
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.
County Recognition
The 2019 Longford GAA All Stars Gala Banquet took place on Saturday night last in The Longford Arms Hotel. This awards night was very special for the club with two club members receiving their awards.
This year inducted into the Longford GAA Hall of Fame was Seamus Flynn. Seamus has been a marvellous servant to the Rathcline club for so many years and in his playing days was a multiple county championship medal winner with his native Clonguish. Seamus in the glory days of Longford GAA in the 60’s was a leading player in helping Longford win national League and Leinster Championship medals. Seamus was also named on the Longford team of the Millennium.
Last year’s Gala Banquet did not go ahead but it did not lessen the acknowledgement or achievement of Intermediate Player of the Year 2018 Iarla O’Sullivan. Iarla son of Micheál and Áine O’Sullivan had a tremendous club year in 2018 leading to this award and 2019 was an even better year where he excelled with the club back at senior level and has been playing excellently with Longford senior county team and also with his NUIG Sigerson college team.
We congratulate both Seamus and Iarla on their outstanding awards and the club is rightly proud of them. The club would like to congratulate all the recipients that received their awards on Saturday night.
Proud weekend
Saturday last was a particularly proud one for the club. We had a total of eight players representing us at county level. In the O’Byrne Cup game, the club had four representatives on the team/panel Daithí Mulvihill, Liam Connerton, Oran Kenny and Iarla O’Sullivan while in the county Under 20 game beforehand the club also had four representatives Dylan Clancy, Jacob Kajun Richard Prior, and Kian Gilmore. Good luck to the senior players in the O’Byrne Cup Final against Offaly on Saturday and also to the Under 20 players in the Philly Mc Guinness Cup game against Fermanagh.
Sympathy
The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to Longford Leader Sports Editor Padraig O’Brien and his extended family on the death of his mother Mrs Maura O’Brien, Park Road Longford.