Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Welcome
We would like to welcome Fr. Sergiy Ruchenko to our parish and wish him a very enjoyable stay with us in our parish. Fr. Sergiy, a native of Poland took up his position with his first Mass in St. Mary’s Church on Friday evening last. He has been appointed by Bishop Francis Duffy for the year where after that period of time Bishop Francis intends to appoint a Parish Priest to our parish. Fr. Sergiy 3321166, 0833892362 will be assisted in his role by Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259.
Make sure you complete the Survey
Longford Enterprise Office are calling on all businesses in Lanesboro and Ballyleague to take part in a Community Survey. You are been encouraged to complete the survey before Friday next 28th August. This survey will assist in shaping the forthcoming Economic and Enterprise Development Strategy for Lanesboro and Ballyleague.
Future Analytics Consultants has been appointed by Longford and Roscommon County Councils to prepare an Economic and Enterprise Development Strategy. The Strategy will develop and deliver effective short, medium- and long-term path to enterprise and job creation in the area, building on existing and planned investment and innovation initiatives.
Participate in the Community Survey by clicking on to the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LanesboroughBallyleague
Storm Ellen
Strom Ellen, an unusually severe summer storm, came our way on Wednesday night last where there was a lot of power outages throughout our area. While we were told that the worst of the storm would be along the south and west coast the Met office told us that we would be on the edge of the storm in the midlands and how right they were. Winds of up to 102km (63.3 miles) per hour were recorded overnight at the weather station in Mount Dillon. Rain came with the storm and we were particularly lucky that nobody has been reported as having been badly affected by the either the wind or the rain that fell.
We all woke up to no electricity on Thursday morning and during the day it came to areas back bit by bit. Some did not get theirs back until Friday. It was more frustrating for the residents of the Rathcline as there was another major leak on the road and along with no power they were also without water.
Thankfully, as far as I know, there was no further damage done, everything has been repaired and let us hope that is it for a long time to come
Regatta and Rally
There are times that you cannot beat a bit of nostalgia. After 24 weeks of this pandemic and us limiting our movements we tend to find time to sit and reminisce. What is springing to mind at the moment with some of our older readers and shop customers are the halcyon days of summer in Lanesboro and Ballyleague with the yearly boat rally and regatta. Currently, the large number of boats on the river at the moment has aroused memories that were taking people back to the days of the Annual Summer Regattas down at the banks of the Shannon. I am sure the mention of the regatta will evoke many happy memories for so many people. It was a wonderful spectacle and a very special water-based day full of competitions and attractions on the banks of the Shannon in Ballyleague. The entire area along with a great array of boats were festooned in colours and bunting along with all the events on the day it created an incredibly special festival for us. The crowds there on the day were amazing with people travelling from all over to partake and for us as youngsters we were in awe of the star quality it always attracted.
The boat rally was always a wonderful sight as the boats came through the ‘cut’ from Lough Ree in huge numbers before filling the old harbour and mooring along the quay wall three to four deep. As kids we spent the Saturday down at the Shannon in awe of all the boats as they came into sight from Lough Ree and made their way to mooring. That Saturday night was always a great night of merriment with both Ballyleague and Lanesboro full to bursting point. The Anchor hotel as it was known at the time and the Lough Ree Arms providing the nights entertainment and dancing created one hell of a night in the community before the rally moved along the Shannon towards Carrick on Shannon.
In the words of the song ‘Those were the days my friend we thought they would never end’. Alas they did, while the rally continues in lesser numbers, the regatta has gone from us but the memories still live on for so many people.
Water Outages
A number of years ago Eugene Kelly told me of a submission by the water department within Longford County Council to have a new water pipe laid from the corner right up to the reservoir on top of the hill of Rathcline. Eugene, at that time, was confident that funding would be forthcoming, and the work would be done within a few years.
Forward on to this present day and there is still no sign of this work being done by Irish Water.
I am pretty sure that this must be very frustrating for Eugene as it is for the residents of the Rathcline Road as hardly a week goes by recently that there is not a major burst of the old copper piping along the Rathcline Road and the residents are out of water to their houses and land. Compounding Eugene’s tireless work last week was a burst that occurred at Curreen on the Rathcline Road. Just as it was repaired a further burst took place immediately just a number of yards from the repaired leak. For him this must be the most frustrating and exasperating stretch of water pipes he has ever come across.
The adage of ‘a penny wise and a pound foolish’ springs to mind as if the work was done laying the pipe there would not be major bursts along this stretch of road.
Rathcline GAA Launch
The Rathcline GAA is on an ambitious fundraising mission to complete a new development at their grounds in Clonbonny. You can read all about the proposals in the Rathcline GAA club notes below. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Living Well – next programme dates are the 9th,14th 22nd of September and 2nd of November
If you are living with a long-term health condition you may be interested in doing the Living Well Programme. This is a six-weekprogramme delivered in 2.5-hour weekly sessions where you will learn new skills to manage your health condition on a day to day basis. More now than ever it is important we look after are mental and physical health. Full training will be given to all participants in using the online platform
Please note you do not have to disclose your health condition on the programme. Please contact Olga on 086 6078950 or by email olga.maguire@mayocil.ie
You can find out more information on the programme on our website: https://www.hse.ie/eng/health/hl/selfmanagement/living-well-programme/
Vacancy
The Church View estate has an immediate vacancy for a Rural Social Scheme worker.
To qualify the person will need to have or have the use of a Herd Number and be in receipt of a social protection payment, i.e. job seekers allowance or farm assist. The hers Number can be in the parents or sibling’s name.
The vacancy will involve maintaining the estate, cutting and trimming grass, litter control, weeding and caring for plant beds etc.
The hours will be 19.5 per week or similar arrangement. Full stamp will be provided.
For more information contact Longford Community Resources clg. Rural Social Scheme Section, phone 0433345555 or contact JP 0868536435.
Rathcline Bow Out
For a young team like Rathcline’s the hope for a good championship draw evaporated when they were drawn in a group of three with what is likely to be the county final teams if they are drawn apart in the quarter and semi-final draw. Last Friday night the team travelled to Drumlish for what turned out to be their final game in this year’s championship.
While they put up a great fight it was not to be their evening.
Quarter Final
St. Faithleach’s will go into the quarter final of the championship next weekend against Shannon Gaels. As I write this note there has been no date, time or venue set for the weekend.
Following their great performance in their final group game against Creggs and the topping of their group they will go into their quarter final with great confidence.
Unfortunately, the new Government Covid-19 regulations means that nobody can attend the game which is a real disappointment for supporters. However, we wish the panel and management well and we look forward to being able to watch them at semi-final and final stages.
School Returns
Monday next 31st August seems to be the red lettered day for all local students and teachers as they return to the classroom. They were last in the schoolroom back in mid-March and from the comments I heard from teachers, students and indeed parents they are all looking forward to school opening. It is hoped that with the opening of the schools we will all be very soon back to normal.
At present all school principals and managements are flat out putting in place all the new settings in compliance with the new regulations for pupils upon their return to class.
Good luck to teachers and students and we hope that there will be an uninterrupted school term for everyone.
Towns Lotto
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lotto on Tuesday 11th August were 8, 9 14 and 24. There was nobody with these four numbers and the jackpot for the draw on Tuesday 18th August stood at €8500. The consolation prize of €50 went to Carmel Fallon, Rathcline Road, and the three €20 prizes went to Johnny Hanley, Corrigeen, Andrew Knowles, Ballyleague and M & E Hanley, Cashelbeg.
The committee urges your support for the lotto and thanks you for your continued great support.
Masses next weekend
For next week you will see the townlands arrangements below.
Saturday 29th August 7.30pm Mass the following areas Radharc na Muileann and Rathcline
Sunday 30th August 9.30am Massit is the turn of Rathcline Road and Rapareehill
11.30am Mass on Sunday 30th August completes the first full cycle of areas and townslands with Mass for The Green, Thureen and Tullyvrane
Rathcline Lotto
The first draw of the 50/50 since the lockdown took place on Monday night 10th August in Adie’s bar. The jackpot pool stood at €220 and the winning ticket was in the joint names of Carol Cooney and Adrian Fallon c/o Adie’s.
The 50/50 draw on Monday 17th August took place in the Yacht Bar and the winner of the pool of €322 was Johnny Malone, Cloontuskert.
The club apricates the support of everyone that bought tickets for the first draw and we look forward to greater support driving the 50/50 pool to record heights.
Rathcline Cemetery
As there was no Mass at Rathcline Cemetery to celebrate the life of the people buried there the annual collection was not taken up. If you would like to donate to the upkeep of the graveyard you can do so by dropping your contribution in and envelope into the box in O’Brien’s Shop.
Challenge to Gordon Ramsey
Looking at a photograph on Independent.ie the other day I thought one of those in the photograph looked familiar. The photowas part of an article where the Irish Naval Service was challenging celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey to a cook off on a naval vessel on the high seas. In the photo was none other than Zoe Gallagher, daughter of Joe and Annie Gallagher, Clonbonny who is part of the Irish Naval Service based in Haulbowline, County Cork. It will be interesting to see if the fiery Gordon will take up the challenge and if so, how will he cope on the open seas in one of the naval vessels.
Longford Bingo
Sunday next 30th August the monthly Drive – In bingo will take place in Pearse Park beginning at 2.30pm. There will be €2,500 in prizemoney to be won on the day. It is a great way of spending an afternoon so why not go along and hopefully you can be in the money for your trip home.
Lanesboro Library
Lanesboro Library Opening Hours Extended
Browse & Borrow service available on the following days- Wednesday and Friday 10am-1pm & 2-4pm and Saturday from 10am-1pm
For the well-being of everyone, please note the following:
- Visitor numbers will be limited to two customers or 1 family in the Library at any one time. Please queue safely outside the building.
- All Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Please wear a face covering when using our building – Thank You.
- Book Return: Books can be returned through the Book Drop to the side of front door.
- Computers/Internet: Public P.C.’s are available for use – Please phone 0433321291 to book your 30-minute time slot.
- Printing Services: Printing, Photocopying & Scanning service are available – Please phone 043 3321291 to book your time slot.
- Hand Sanitisation: Sanitisation Stations must be used and will be available at the entrance and within the library.
- Social Distancing and Respiratory Etiquette must always be observed.
- If you or anyone at home has symptoms of Covid-19, please DO NOT visit the Library, or return books for 72 hours, after you have completed a 14-day isolation period and are fever free for 5 days.
You can contact Library on: email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie , on Facebook you can private message: @lanesborolibrary , or telephone Stella: 043 3321291
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
Summer Stars Reading Programme
Pick up your reading card at the library, or download at www.summerstars.ie
Lots of fun activity sheets also available on www.summerstars.ie
You can contact Library on: email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie , on Facebook you can private message: @lanesborolibrary, or telephone Stella: 043 3321291
Ballyboro
Some very impressive skills were displayed by the younger brigade in Ballyboro when they undertook various skills assignments in recent months. Almost 100 hundred videos were submitted, and adjudicator Ann Quirke was kept busy viewing the entries and picking the prize-winners. All the entrants are to be complimented on the quality and versatility of their skills. Under 8: 1st Finn Fallon, 2nd Cian Shea, Joint 3rd Darragh Shanley and Ben Cassidy. Under 9: 1st Michael Hogan, 2nd Adam Greally, 3rd Tom Hession. Under 10: 1st Alfie Murphy, 2nd Tim Kenny, 3rd Darragh Donlon. Under 11: 1st Rian Hogan, 2nd Evan Rooney, Joint 3rd Eoin Beattie and Sean O’Dowd. Under 11 Girls: 1st Emma Feeney, 2nd Sarah Healy, 3rd Kate Malone.
The new season will be commencing in mid-September and registration will take place within the next week. New players are very welcome. All players can avail of the new state of the art Astro pitch and with the newly developed grass pitch progressing nicely it promises to be an eventful year for the club.
Rathcline GAA
Rathcline GAA Senior, Minor and Ladies clubs are preparing to start Phase 3 of its development plan at its club grounds in Clonbonny, Lanesborough, Co Longford, to be completed by October 2020. The club is experiencing a great period of growth with increasing numbers in our underage grades from nursery (under 6s) to minor grade (u18s), a vibrant ladies club at underage and senior level and the emergence of a very talented senior football team. The clubs continue to be the heartbeat of our community bringing our parish together to enjoy GAA activities.
In 2019, the Rathcline GAA Pitch Development committee was appointed and quickly set about an ambitious 5-year development plan for the club’s facilities. Please view our Pitch Development video to show the work completed to date and our ambitious plans for 2020. https://youtu.be/YCmwgJKkn9I
During 2019, the committee organised a very successful sponsored cycle “Saddle Up for Rathcline” to purchase and install an electronic scoreboard in Clonbonny.
The next phase of development involves the development of additional 1.5 acres of club owned lands into a playing/training area for our underage players, both male and female. This area is located across the road from the entrance to the grounds.
This project involves the landscaping and drainage of this currently unused area, erection of a Skills/Sports Wall for children to practice their skills and perimeter fencing on the site. The project also involves the erection of floodlighting and drainage on the existing club practice pitch which is used by all playing members. This area will be focus of our facilities to develop the young talent in the club from ages 6 to 18 years of age. The installation of a Skills/Sports Wall is a critical element of this development. This video gives an introduction to how this Skills/Sports Wall will help to develop our young talent. https://youtu.be/7q1pdP-QV-0
To help fund this project, the club’s pitch development committee is organizing a sponsored cycle along the Royal Canal Greenway on Saturday 12th September. This year’s cycle will mark the opening of a new cycle route which links Lanesborough to the Royal Canal Greenway at Killashee, making it possible to cycle from Lanesborough to Dublin on this Greenway, passing by the gates of Clonbonny GAA grounds.
We would be very grateful if you could consider a donation to this project which will help the club to develop improved playing/training/coaching facilities for our growing numbers of underage players. We aim to complete this Phase of the Development by October 2020. We have set up a GoFundMe page for our project fundraiser. https://www.gofundme.com/f/rathcline-gaa
Lotto Results:
The 50/50 draw on Monday 17th August took place in the Yacht Bar and the winner of the pool of €322 was Johnny Malone, Cloontuskert. The draw for Monday 24th August took place in Adie’s bar.
The club appreciates the support of everyone that bought tickets for the draw and we look forward to greater support driving the 50/50 pool on to record heights.
Championship Exit
On Friday night last our senior team travelled to Monaduff, Drumlish for the second-round game of their group. Despite defeat the previous week our young team travelled with a great deal of confidence that they could upset the odds against a strong and experienced Colmcille team. The team put in an excellent performance just coming up short when the final whistle went.
The championship this year is being played without relegation consequently we will not have to face the relegation playoffs. We can now concentrate on our league campaign and gaining promotion back to Division 1.
Bingo
The monthly Drive-In bingo will take place in Pearse Park on Sunday next 30th August. There will be €2,500 to be won in prizes and the first number will be called at 2.30pm