Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Make sure you Vote
Last week I recounted the story of John Bellingham Swan being able to buy his place in the Irish Parliament and that only the gentry were entitled to vote. A long hard fight was fought to ensure the vote for all and that right to vote stands to this very day.
Irrespective which of the candidates you support I would ask you to ensure that you do vote on Saturday next 8th February. Your local polling stations will be open from 7am to10pm.
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) of thinking there will be many 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.
Lourdes Invalid Fund Collection
Saturday and Sunday next 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.
Death
There was great sadness in the area when it was learned on Thursday last 30th January of the death at Mullingar General Hospital of Peggy Crehan, Gortgallon. Peggy was a former teacher at North Yard National School until its closure, Slatta N.S. and Cloontuskert N.S. until her retirement. Being a teacher, she had a great interest in learning and development of youth, and she cherished seeing her students achieving educationally. Peggy loved imparting all possible knowledge hence she was always ambitious for all her students. Peggy herself was an avid reader and had a great fondness for literature. She was a keen gardener and whist player. Peggy was a woman who loved to challenge her knowledge and she attended many quizzes far and wide. Peggy had a warm and welcoming smile and was a lady in whose company you would always love to be in. She had a wide number of interests, too many to mention here. Her willingness to be helpful will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure to know her. Her passing will leave a great void in the hearts and minds of the community.
The attendance at the reposing of her remains in Leavy’s Funeral Home, the removal of her remains to the Church of the Holy Rosary on Friday and again at her Requiem Mass and burial in Cloontuskert Cemetery was both large and representative. To her husband Mark, sons Mark and Shane, daughters Mary and Elaine, sister Noreen Gibbons, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Change of Date
Due to totally unforeseen circumstances the Éigse Pete Carberry weekend of Uilleann Piping and Irish Music had to be put back a week. The music weekend will now take place on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April in Lanesboro. The change of date is due to the announcement of the Longford County Fleadh Cheoil taking place on 18th and 19th April the original date of Éigse Pete Carberry.
Last year was a hugely successful inaugural Éigse Pete Carberry weekend remembering the piping of Pete Carberry. Musicians came from all over the country to celebrate the piping of Pete and the musical exploits of the Carberry family. Many of his children and grandchildren have followed the Irish Music tradition of Pete. The weekend music expanded from St. Mary’s Hall to the library, bars and shops creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout Lanesboro and Ballyleague. The uniqueness of the sound quality had to be heard to be believed.
We are expecting that the second Éigse Pete Carberry weekend will be another rousing occasion and it is most definitely be a weekend not to be missed. If you want to hear Irish Music in its purist state and played like you cannot believe, then you must be in Lanesboro for the weekend. As mentioned previously the weekend date had to be changed from the original date and it will now take place in Lanesboro on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April
The committee is receiving requests for all types of accommodation for the weekend and if you can help in putting people up you can drop an email to me joeaobrien@outlook.com phone 0862460840 or call into the shop and leave your name.
Locals in London
The Longford Association in London will host its 65th Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday night next in the legendary Clayton Crown Hotel, Cricklewood. This is an ideal occasion for all our locals in the greater London area to have a night out together. You may not have met many or any locals since you emigrated, this is an ideal opportunity to have a great night out while meeting locals from home and making mainly new Longford friends. Tickets are £60 and with Declan Nerney providing the music it is sure to be a very lively night. Call Aidan Ganly today to book your ticket 07786 081999.
Monthly Whist Drive
Your continued and growing support for the monthly Whist Drive and your generous donations has been a huge help to the work of Lanesboro Social Services committee. The committee continues to do magnificent unseen work in the area with people that are struggling and are in need of support. The committee thanks you all and urges you to continue supporting the Whist Drive and if you can bring a friend or two along with you.
The Whist Drive will take place this coming Friday night 7th February in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 8.30pm. For those that enjoy playing cards an enjoyable night is assured. As usual refreshments will be served.
Massive Disappointment
Each time I get a report from one or another club in the area stating that their AGM had to be postponed due to lack of numbers or nobody would take a place on an incoming executive I feel a great sense of disappointment.
Last Saturday night was one of those nights when a very small number turned up at the Rathcline GAA Annual General Meeting. From that small turnout there was nobody to take the position of Chairman hence the abandonment of the meeting. Once again, for the second time in the past few years the club has once again be put in the hands of the trustees.
In a parish that has seen loads of development in its underage structure and a young senior team with barrow loads of potential it is surprising that nobody has bothered to put themselves forward for a position on the executive.
In our community we have undoubtedly many hugely talented people, male and female, with skills that can develop the executive to a level that would be the envy of most clubs in the country. The Rathcline club needs to develop its off-field structure as much as it has done with its on-field structure. The Rathcline Club is calling on you to make yourself known and attend the next meeting which will be publicised very soon on Social Media and in all local businesses.
Lanesboro Community Games
Well done to our U13 Chess team who took on a strong Ballymahon team, last weekend. They played really well and finished all square at the end, but were beaten narrowly, on a countback. They are a young team and should be a formidable group for any opponent, in next year’s competition. The team members were Ronan Lyons, Diarmuid Hanly, Dan Casey, Alice Farrell, Mikey Sorohan, Conor Dennigan, Shane Farrell, Tommy Dennigan, Donncha Farrell and Senan Cox.
A huge thank you to Michael Lyons who managed and coached the team.
Lough Ree AC
The AGM took place on Tuesday 28th January in St Mary’s Parish Hall. There was a good attendance and a new committee was formed with lots of plans for the year ahead. Training is due to commence shortly, and parents will be informed of the registration night in due course. The club expressed its thanks to Tesco Roscommon for their kind donation during the year which will go towards training equipment and to Longford Sports Partnership for their grant which will go towards the provision of coaching courses for parents.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the game held on Sunday night last 2nd February were 1st Peter and Mary Gregg, 2nd Eugene Kelly and Barney Kenny. The last game winners were Jack Bannon and Tom Skelly. Raffle winners Kathleen Finnan, Mike Flynn, Brendan Hanley and Annie Eggelton. The game continues every Sunday night. No partner needed. Refreshments served.
Ballyleague NS Enrolment
Ballyleague N.S. Enrolment: Parents of new entrants who wish to enrol their children for School Academic Year 2020/2021 are invited to visit the school on Wednesday, 19th February from 2:15pm until 3pm. If this date/time is unsuitable, please contact the school on 043-3321906 to make alternative arrangements. We look forward to meeting you on the day.
Bord na Mona 1968
Last week Mary O’Halloran, nee O’Donoghue, The Green, discovered an old Bord na Mona work agreement from 1968. It was very interesting to see the working hours and wage structure from back then. Working hours were 42½ hours per week – five-day week with 8½ hour working day excluding unpaid meal breaks with the normal starting time of 8 a.m.
The wage rates were for general labouring was 5 shillings and 3 pence per hour and it went to 5 shillings and 6 pence in 1969. Weekday overtime was time and a half and on Sundays and Public Holidays it was double time. Annual leave in 1968 was 2 weeks and 4 working days.
It was interesting to read all the conditions and especially the fact that the management could decide what would be determined a wet day for the workers.
With the forecast demise of Bord na Mona inside this year it is great to have a historical document such as this as a record from the early days of Bord na Mona in our community.
Our Library Events
Children’s Art Course
Six week Children’s Art Course with Stephanie of Hanlon Art Works, will begin on Saturday 15th February from 11am to 12 noon.
All materials will be provided and children will learn to paint on canvas, slate, paper etc over the course of the six weeks.
Cost of the course is €10 per week.
Places are limited to 10 children so early booking is advised!
Contact library on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie to book your place.
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 to 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.
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
A limited number of the Ballyboro Oskar Night DVD’s are on sale and it gives you a chance to relive the great drama of that special Movie night. In total there were 8 films 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
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 28th January were 4, 12, 15 and 16. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool has now risen to €7,300. The €50 prize winner was Bernadette Dowd, Thureen and three winners of the €20 were; Peter Mullooly c/o Mags, Jack and Billy Mullooly c/o Mags and Chris Kennelly Rathcline Road.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 27th January and the envelope drawn out was in the name of Jonny Sweeney, Ballyleague. This week’s winning pool was €331.
You have four options when buying your tickets, (1) buy your €2 ticket, (2) 3 the 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 weekend of mixed fortunes on the playing fields.
The under 14s recent run of good form continued when they had a convincing win over Mostrim United. Eoin Cox helped himself to a hat trick, while Joey Trimble, Sam Murphy (a cracking effort), and Christian Donlon scored a goal apiece in an emphatic 6-2 victory. Team: Sam Glennon, Josh Crawford, Jack Casey, Alex Forde, James Mimnagh, Luke Cullen, Joey Trimble, Christian Donlon, Sam Murphy, Ben Murphy, Eoin Cox, Sub: Ruairi Carling.
The under 9s were involved in two very entertaining and closely contested games with Melview. Michael Hogan, Ethan Donnellan, Tom Hession, Saoirse Feeney, Darragh Shanley, Adam Greally, Conor Kilcoyne, Darragh McGloin, Éanna Kenny, and Ellen Cox were on duty for Ballyboro.
The under11 Lions found Melview a tad too good for them on Saturday. Though the team tried hard they had to give best to the Longford town team. Ballyboro Lions: Mikie Sorohan, Eoin Beattie, Emre Kaya, Ciaran McGloin, Keilon Gilmore, Dan Casey, Harry Brogan, Jack Cassidy, Óisín Dillon. Sub: Hayden Smyth.
The under 12s got off to a terrific start in their game with UCL. Goals from Cody Phelan, and Matthew Murray gave hope of a significant win, but unfortunately that was as good as it got for the Ballyboro boys, as UCL went on to score six goals without reply. Team: Adam Farrell, Logan Birmingham, Eoin Beattie, Ciaran McGloin, Billy Murray, Cody Phelan, Rian Shanley, Matthew Murray, Óisín Dillon. Sub: Ryan Mimnagh.
Fixtures: The under 12s play Newtown Cubs in Abbeycartron on Sunday at 2pm. The under 13s play Inny FC on Saturday at 11am in Abbeycartron. Killoe Celtic provide the opposition for the under 14s on Sunday in Abbeycartron, kick off 11am. The under 8s will be taking part in a Blitz on Saturday in Streete starting at 11am. The under 10s are at home to Melview Tigers on Saturday, kick off 1pm.
Rathcline
AGM
Sadly, the turnout at the AGM on Saturday night last was abysmal hence the meeting had to be adjourned. The club has once again been handed over to trustees which is an embarrassment for the executive committee who had worked so hard and guided the club over the recent years. The current executive felt, after a number of years, their work was done, and it was time to hand over the reins.
The club is steeped in the history of the parish for well over 100 years and it is very sad to see that we have to resort to the Trustees going off searching for a new executive once again.
There are many people with great quality in the requirements for running a club in our parish, some steeped in the GAA for a long time and some with young people donning or about to don the club jersey. We would love to see them get involved in the progression of the club.
We have teams at all grades with tremendous potential on-field and we need a great executive to keep them together and encourage them to fulfil their undoubted ability with county titles. We hope that at the next meeting, that will be hosted by the trustees, there will be a big attendance and a number of people ready to take the club onto a new level.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 27th January and the envelope drawn out was in the name of Jonny Sweeney, Ballyleague. Jonny’s winning pool was €331.
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