Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Lanesboro/Rathcline and the Dáil
Lanesborough through the Lens by local historian John Casey tells us that post famine the population of Lanesboro was 390 people. This was a time that only the aristocracy could vote and a time that seats could be bought by the nobility and gentry. The ordinary people of the country had no voting rights. In 1771 a section of the Clonbrock Papers tells us of the purchase of the Lanesboro seat to Government by one John Bellingham Swan who was private secretary to Lord Townsend and he lodged the sum of £1,400 which was £200 over and above the next bidder to become the member of Irish Parliament.
The next Lanesboro/Rathcline mention of a person with a connection to the Irish Parliament which was now Dáil Éireann was Rathcline man Patrick Belton who was elected for Dublin County and sat from 1927 until 1943. His sons Jack sat for Dublin North East from 1948 until his death in 1963 where his brother Paddy took his seat and was in the Dáil from 1963 to 1977.
During that period of time Rathcline man Luke Belton, brother of Dick Belton and nephew of the aforementioned Patrick Belton represented the Dublin North East constituency from 1963 to 1977. Luke was a publican in Dublin and a hostelry that was a welcoming place for many locals from Lanesboro and Longford.
Today, in the current election that will take place on Saturday week 8th February we have another Lanesboro man attempting to join the illustrious names of the Belton’s and John Bellingham Swan. This time the candidate will be running in the Longford Westmeath constituency and hoping to be a Longford representative in the next Dáil.
Joe Flaherty son of the late P.J. and Mary Flaherty, who had the supermarket and hardware store in Knock is running in this election for the Fianna Fail party. Joe, now living in Longford Town, won his place on Longford County Council in the recent election and has now put himself forward for election the upcoming General Election.
We wish Joe the very best of luck on February 8th and with a fair wind in his sail, we hope that he joins the eminent Lanesboro names gone before him.
Job Losses
For a long number of years there has been a thriving mushroom business carried out in Lanesboro and latterly Ballyleague. While the Lanesboro mushroom tunnels closed a number of years ago the Ballyleague tunnels continued to carry on a thriving business for the past 30years. In the early days it was by and large local people that worked in the tunnels, nowadays the vast majority of the workforce in Ballyleague are foreign nationals who are diligent workers and had great pride in their work and their workplace. They worked and lived in the Ballyleague/Lanesboro community contributing greatly both culturally and financially to our community.
Last week, came a massive blow when it was announced that the Ballyleague mushroom tunnels were to close this coming week which is a devasting blow to the 50 workers that are employed there and also a further blow to the local economy.
Where to from here for the 50 workers who find themselves in a community that at the moment has no alternative employment and is facing the loss of further jobs with the impending closure of the ESB Power Station and the layoff of most of the Bord na Mona staff.
The immediate prospects for our community looks bleak and it is hoped that the Lanesboro Ballyleague Collaboration Group can influence the political parties to serious look at the Lanesboro Ballyleague community, its hinterland and be proactive in response to the proposals being put forward so that people can work in and travel to work in our community in big numbers.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
With just over six weeks to go to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Lanesboro/Ballyleague it is time to be thinking of what theme your float will take this year. We are recognised as having one of the best parades in the area and I am sure that with the extra day (29th February) thinking there will be great ideas making the parade bigger, brighter and filled with new and innovative creativity. It would be great to have many new entrants into the parade this year to highlight our community as a very active and creative area.
Protest March
Bord na Mona workers and pensioners are appealing for broad community support for a protest march and rally that will take place in Shannonbridge on Saturday 1st February in advance of the general election. The pensioners and workers are looking for a real Just Transition for our communities following the ESB decision to close the peat stations.
Assembly in the vicinity of The River Café, Shannonbridge at 2pm with the march commencing at 2.30pm.
Lourdes Invalid Fund
Saturday and Sunday week the 8th and 9th February the Lourdes Invalid Fund committee will hold its annual Church Gate collection. Each year your most generous contributions contributes greatly toward the bringing of invalids to Lourdes. We once again ask for the continuation of your generosity and would like to say a very big thank you in advance.
Community College Enrolment
Lanesboro Community College enrolment for September 2020 closes on Friday next 31st January at 1pm. All enrolment forms as well as a copy of birth certificate must be returned to the college by 1pm Friday. Any further enquiries can be made in person at the school, admin.lcc@lwetb.ie or phone (043)3321139.
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.
Lanesboro Primary School Enrolment
Enrolment of pupils who hope to start in September 2020, will take place on Friday next 31st January at Lanesboro Primary School from 1pm. Parents, Guardians and their children are invited to attend the school in the afternoon for the enrolment of their children.
Wetlands and Woodlands Walk and Talk
On Saturday next 1st February a walk celebrating World Wetlands Day on 2nd February will take place along the shore of the bay area, the River Shannon and North Commons Woodland Walk.
The event will consist of a walk and a talk focusing on the Ecology of the area by Catherine Seale, Community Officer at the Local Authority Waters Programme along the lake shore/river front starting at Ballyleague marina and crossing over into Lanesboro to the North Commons wood.
This event is hosted by Ballyleague and Lanesboro Tidy Towns, the Local Authority Waters Programme and Roscommon County Council.
With Wetlands going to be a major feature, talking point and visitor attraction of our community with the wetting of the bogs in the near future this walk on Saturday will be an ideal opportunity to hear the thoughts of Catherine and also the opportunity to ask questions as to the future Wetlands on our bogs.
It is thought that the walk will take from 1hr to 1½ hrs. If you have binoculars bring them along. You are advised to wear suitable outdoor clothing for this time of the year. Children must be supervised at all times.
Following the walk everyone is invited to St. Mary’s Parish Hall for a cup of tea and a chat.
Club Longford
During 2019 conversations began about the formation of a County Longford GAA Supporters club. Talk progressed and Club Longford was officially launched at the Longford GAA Convention in December. Rathcline was well represented with the formation of Club Longford with John Finn, Seadhna Ryan and current county chairman Albert Cooney.
Club Longford in now up and running and everyone is encouraged to join up and help in the promotion of football and hurling in the county. Longford footballers started the year greatly with the team winning the O’Byrne Cup and on Sunday last opened their National League campaign with a win. Longford Hurlers also started their National League campaign with a win and there is great expectation that both will win promotion.
Rathcline provided a total of 10 to the county U20, senior footballers and hurlers last weekend.
When you join Club Longford you will receive a Longford GAA hat and pen. You will be added to a text service and receive text alert with announcements about the senior team before league and championship games. You will be entered into a draw for Two Football and Hurling All-Ireland final tickets. Joining will cost you just €40 and you can do so by logging onto www.clublongford.ie
Extended Service
The best of luck to Sean Mimnagh and his Shannon Grill staff on the extension of his services to his customers. Sean has recently commenced a home delivery service and the service is available from 5pm to 12 midnight each night. For further information and orders you can phone 0863164732.
AGM
The AGM of the Rathcline senior club will take place on Saturday next 1st February at 6pm. It is very important that all members and those interested in the development of the GAA in the parish of Rathcline should attend.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday last 22nd January are; N/S 1st Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray, 2nd Philomena Walsh and Katherine Harrison who tied with Maureen Hynes and Mona O’Flaherty and 4th Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey. E/W 1st Brid McDermott and Una Lawlor, 2nd Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne, 3rd Una Clarke and Tom Feeney.
Lanesboro Community Games
Art, Model Making and Handwriting Competitions: The Lanesboro Community Games Art, Model Making and Handwriting competitions will take place in St. Marys Parish Hall on this coming Sunday 2nd February, from 5pm to 8pm. (Please note time change. Any children taking part in the earlier National Schools Credit Union Quiz, are more than welcome to participate. Don’t worry if they are delayed).
Art U8, U10, U12, U14 & U16, Model making U10, U12, U14 & U16 based on a Community Games theme. Children to bring their own drawing material. Paper will be provided.
Art Titles Themes 2020
Badminton/Mini Rugby/Choir/Outdoor Soccer/Table/Tennis/Chess/One Wall Handball/Skittles/Gaelic Football/Quiz
Event rules and details on www.communitygames.ie.
All children are welcome.
Community Games Membership Registration for children who haven’t already joined Community Games this year (€5 per individual/€10 per family)
Our Library Events
Knitting & Crochet Club
Knitting & Crochet Club continues every Monday 2-4pm.
New members always welcome!
Poetry & Music Group
Poetry & Music Circle continues on Monday 10th February from 4.15 until 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.
Book Club
Our first Book Club of the new year takes place on Friday 31st January at 11am. Book choices for January are ‘My Year of Rest and Relaxation’ by Otessa Moshfegh and ‘Painter to the King’ by Amy Sackville.
Easter Flower Arranging Workshop
A four-week Easter Flower Arranging Workshop with Mary Holmes will start on Monday February 24th at Lanesboro Library – 6.30 to 8pm. Cost of course is €40.
Places are limited. To book contact library on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Foreign Currency & Used Stamps
We are still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of Koins for Kids. 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
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
Time for Vigilance
In the past few weeks there has been a number of robberies from farms in the Newtowncashel and surrounding areas. It is very important that people have photographs and all identifications such as serial numbers and identification marks all recorded in case of theft. It is also very important to heed the bark of your dog no matter what time of the day or night. All unusual traffic in your locality should be questioned and the number of the vehicle taken down.
Don’t forget our Rathcline Community Text Alert Group. If you see anything suspicious in our community ring Lanesboro Gardaí 3321102 or Longford Gardaí 3350577 they will check out the vehicle number and text alert everyone if needs be.
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
Fermoyle Mixed National School Enrolment
Enrolment for the year 2020/2021 is now open and closes on Friday next 31st January. You should contact the school office for enrolment forms. Phone 043-3321959.
Tidy Towns Lotto
The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning 21st January were 5, 9, 20 and 23. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool has now risen to €7,200. The €50 prize winner was Tiernan Hanley, Corrigeen, and the three winners of the €20 were; Teresa and Kathleen Church View, Anne Mc Cormack, Cloontuskert, and Geraldine Skelly, Aughamore.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 20th January and the envelope drawn out was in the name of Elizabeth Hensey, Weekfield. This week’s winning pool was €342.
You have 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
It was a highly successful weekend, not just in terms of results but also in the performance level of the five teams in action.
The under 13s recorded a resounding 4-1 win over a hitherto unbeaten UCL Harps team. The final score line did not flatter the Ballyboro boys who dominated proceedings from the outset, playing some superb football at times. Team and scorers: Ronan Cox, Aidan Kelly, Jack Casey, David Cox, Jack Brogan, Billy Murray (2), Euan Cullen, Christian Donlon (2), Wesley Hughes, Daniel Hogan, Ben Murphy. Subs: Ethan Slattery, Conn Maxwell, Brendan Mulvihill.
The under 10s showed great resilience in overcoming a 3-1 half time deficit to snatch a share of the spoils with a strong Newtown team, when new signing Alfie Brehon showed great composure in the final minute to slot home the equaliser. it was a fine all-round team performance with goalkeeper Stephen Farrell turning in a particularly impressive display. Team and scorers: Stephen Farrell, Hayden Smyth, Tim Kenny, Alfie Murphy (1), Josh Curran, Jack Cassidy (1), Aydin Odemis. Subs: Darragh Donlon, Mikolai Wolowiec, Alfie Brehon (1), Lorcan Hanley.
The under 8s fielded two teams in their joust with Kenagh United. Both teams displayed great enthusiasm laced with no little skill. Niall Morgan, Chloe Kilcoyne, Thomas Fallon, A.J. Brehon, Sean Hogan, Tom Hession, Darragh Shanley, Jay Flynn, Tadhg Shea, Cian Shea, Lorcan Vesey, Brian Raftery, Amelia Bury, and Karol Makiela ably represented the club.
The great improvement in the under 11 girls’ team was very evident in their performance against Newtown. When these teams met earlier in the season Newtown were convincing winners, but on this occasion the Ballyboro girls emerged on top winning by four goals to two. Panel and scorers: Lily Dowd, Emma Feeney, Sarah Healy, Sophie Cox, Maria Forde (2), Mariana Donlon Goncalves (2), Emma Dowd, Katie Hoey, Anna Cox, Ava Brehon, Kate Malone, Laura Rhatigan, Amy Burke.
Fixtures: The under 9s will be involved in a Blitz at home on Saturday along with Melview and Ardagh. The action gets under way at 11am. Both under 11 teams are at home on Saturday. The Lions play Melview at 12 noon, while the Tigers play Killoe at 1pm. The under 12s play UCL Falcons in Dernafest on Sunday at 12.30. The under 13s play Inny Rovers in Abbeycartron on Saturday, kick off 11am, while the under 14s meet Mostrim at Abbeycartron on Sunday at 11am.
Rathcline
AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the club will take place on Saturday next 1st February in the club house in Clonbonny at 6pm. All members are asked to make a special effort to attend. There are many decisions to be discussed for he the club’s progression and we would like to hear your thoughts and views. The club would like to welcome anyone with the interest in helping the club to develop both on and off the field. There are a number of new people in the parish over the past couple of years and we would like to invite you to the club’s annual meeting.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 20th January and the envelope drawn out was in the name of Elizabeth Hensey, Weekfield. This week’s winning pool was €342.
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.
Join Club Longford
Rathcline are well represented with Club Longford with John Finn, Seadhna Ryan and current county chairman Albert Cooney all founder members.
Club Longford in now up and running and everyone is encouraged to join up and help in the promotion of football and hurling in the county.
When you join Club Longford you will receive a Longford GAA hat and pen. You will be added to a text service and receive text alert with announcements about the senior team before league and championship games. You will be entered into a draw for Two Football and Hurling All-Ireland final tickets. Joining will cost you just €40 and you can do so by logging onto www.clublongford.ie
County Scene
It was a mixed weekend for our 10 club representatives on the county panels. On Saturday our four representatives on the county U20 panel suffered defeat in the Philly McGuinness Cup Final where they were defeated by Monaghan. Our four representatives on the county football had an opening National League victory against Louth. Our two representatives with the Longford hurling team also started off their National League campaign with a win over Monaghan. Good luck to the footballers against Offaly and hurlers against Louth next weekend