Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Historic Occasion
Little did those taking part in the first leg of the ‘Saddle Up’ fundraiser for the Rathcline club on Saturday last know that they were creating their own unique piece of history when they became first to officially cycle on the almost completed Greenway in the very first official event over the new greenway stretching from Kilnacarrow to Cloonbearla.
Not only was this a historic day but it was an emotional day for those of us involved from the very start as it seen the first component of a two-part strategic plan being used for the very first time.
A lot of discussions, negotiating and planning has gone into the successful development of this new greenway. The discussions began with Bord na Mona a number of years ago and with that particular area of bog drawing to its natural conclusion it in a way made the agreement easier to finalise and as the end came Bord na Mona were delighted to play their part in the creation of this beautiful greenway along the end of their bog.
Dónall Mac an Bheatha, the senior planning officer with Longford County Council, played the/ most significant role in the acquiring and planning of this route. Gerald Farrell made representations to his party colleague Minister Michael Ring TD. The application and funding from the Department of Rural Community Development came twice for the greenway hence we are where we are today. Our own Brian Ross, an engineer with the Longford County Council came into the regeneration section to oversee the job and he ensured that everything was continuing to plan. Brian’s work became a labour of love and he relished the opportunity of creating for his native parish. Two obstacles remained in the plan and that was access to the walkway and also a bridge over the stream leading to the bog. Coillte provided the access through their plantation from the Kilnacarrow road down to the stream where Vinny McGowan, McGowan Fabrication in Lanesboro built the access bridge and now the plan was completely in place. All of this progress is being fully supported by the Lanesboro Ballyleague Collaboration Group.
While it was hoped that the greenway would be open in May/June the upheaval within Bord na Mona due to the power station closure meant that things got delayed. Once workers became available again the weather became inclement making the bog too wet for working machinery. In fairness they did as much as they could in very trying conditions.
If you were to see the pathway a week ago you would not believe that it would be possible to cycle across to Cloonbearla. As a matter of fact, if you had seen it Thursday evening you say that it would not be possible to be ready for 7.30am on Saturday morning. While many Bord na Mona men worked on this greenway and we thank them greatly we must make special mention to the men of last week Declan Fallon, Eoghan Reynolds, Shane McGowan, Niall Murray (Cashel), and Niall Casey, ably led by Sean Casey for what was truly a herculean feat in making the pathway usable on Saturday.
There is a bit more work to be done in terms of black topping and the spreading of quarry dust and the installation of picnic benches along the route but we are now looking at the conclusion in the very near future.
This is the first step in making Lanesboro and Ballyleague accessible to many more visitors. It is the first of what we hope will create another visitor attraction to our community and with further plans in the pipeline we hopefully will be seeing many more visitors to our community.
Already there are a huge number walking the roadway down through Clonbonny and now the option of walking onto the bog and watch the development of the Wilderness Park as our boglands returns to nature.
This is a magnificent and memorable day for our community, and it is a reason we must celebrate with the creation of a new opportunity for all our people. It gives us a reason to be proud and gives us the confidence to proceed with our other community plans that are being proposed.
On a personal note I would like to thank everyone that had hand, act or part in this exceptional development.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Geraldine and Frank Cafferty and family, Rathcline Road, on the death of Geraldine’s sister Mary McInerney, Baunkyle, Corofin, Co. Clare on Thursday 10th September.
Just Transition Funding
Taken from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) press release on Wednesday last.
“The Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a key pillar of the government’s just transition plan for the Midlands region. The objective of the Just Transition Fund 2020 call is to fund innovative projects that contribute to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of the Wider Midlands region and which have employment and enterprise potential. Provisional offers totalling €1.2 million have been made to 16 successful applicants under the 2020 Fund. The offers relate to Strand 1 applications for less than €100,000 in funding”.
The great news from Strand 1 of the Just Transition Funding is that three projects relating to Lanesboro and Ballyleague have received funding following last Wednesday’s announcement.
FDT Consulting Engineers & PM Ltd have received funding for a number of feasibility studies into Lough Ree Technology Clusters. FDT is a Consulting Engineers and Project Managers company based in Dublin of which John Hanley, son of Mary and the late Fergus Hanley, Ballyleague is Managing Director.
Roscommon County Councils application for funding in relation to the proposed Lough Ree Bay Boardwalk which is being proposed in conjunction with the Lanesboro Ballyleague Collaboration Group has received funding.
Longford County Council has had its application for funding for a feasibility Study into the creation of an Anaerobic Digestion plant at Lanesboro accepted for funding.
For Lanesboro and Ballyleague this is a wonderful opportunity to have studies carried out in our locality. We are very confident that they will lead to many new jobs and exciting developments to our area.
With the imminent closure of ESB and Bord na Mona there is a great need for new developments for the area to keep and attract people to the area to ensure that we become leaders in employment in the midlands.
There has been ongoing exceptional work done behind the scenes and from what I have heard there is a every reason to be confident on our future. The recent coming together of two local men has given great confidence and leads to the belief that no stone will be left unturned in preparation of their proposals for the future of our community.
What we must bear in mind is that for almost 70 years Bord an Mona and ESB created jobs for so many people and as time went by it created for their families too. Both companies have given our young people the opportunities to be educated and offered the prospect to live locally and work or go away, gain experience and return to work with either company. We in turn have, in all those years, given to both companies a loyal and dedicated workforce.
At the turn of the year all of this comes to an end and work will be very scarce in our area with Bord na Mona and ESB closing. Consequently, we need most if not all of the projects to be successful in their conclusions and see developments be attracted to Lanesboro and Ballyleague. We need to be supportive and encouraging in all that is proposed as we seek to have our community bounce back in the most positives of ways.
There are other exciting and local projects yet to be adjudicated upon by the DCCAE and we hope that at the end of October these local projects will also receive funding. While we await the October decisions, we must be proactive in ensuring that all we can do will be done.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to P.J. and Joan Donnellan, Rathcline Road and the extended Donnellan family, the Duignan family, Malahide, Dublin, on the death of Mary Duignan, formerly Donnellan, Ballyleague, who died on Saturday last 12th September.
Saddle Up
As you may have read earlier the Saddle Up for Rathcline created its own piece of history on Saturday last. The Rathcline club has new and exciting developments in plan with the funds raised and they would encourage your support.
If you did not do the cycle and would like to contribute to the cycle you can still do so on the Go Fund Me page using the following link
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Rathcline-gaa
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Horohoe families, Salmon’s Lane on the death of Seamus Fallon, Whitehall, Tarmonbarry husband of Tessie (nee Horohoe).
Roscommon Biography
A Dictionary of Roscommon Biography is selling remarkably well so much so that the book has almost sold its entire first issue. For just €30 you are receiving a hugely interesting and invaluable book steeped with an amazing amount of detail and interest for us all. The book can be purchased in O’Brien’s.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the McCord family, Stonepark, Longford on the untimely death of Andrew McCord. Andrew’s mother is Gillian McCord who worked for many years as secretary to the late Dr Niall Walsh at his surgery in Lanesboro.
Rattle and Hum
Over the past few weeks, the familiar rattle and hum of Bord na Mona work can be heard at all the usual workplaces. A good number of workers have been brought back to carryout work in many locations hence the sound of machinery working on the bogs and locos to be seen travelling along many of the regular routes.
The present work is being done to remove all of the peat from the bog. It is ironic that the lorries that once were drawing peat to the power station are now drawing it away to the Bord na Mona briquette factory at Derrinlough, Co. Offaly and to a horticulture company in Northern Ireland.
It is great to see so many of the Bord workers are back working busily at their work. Their absence throughout the area was sorely missed.
I have been told that the power station is due to come back onload for three months beginning early October. It will be a nostalgic time as we never thought we would never see smoke coming from the chimney ever again and our delight will be short lived as the power station is due to close once and for all on the 31st December.
What is to happen at that date is the great unknown as the Just Transition Commissioner Kieran Mulvey has asked that the power station be retained for a period of time to see if it could be put to further use while ESB are, reportedly, obliged by their planning permission to dismantle it and return the site to a brown field site.
Towns Lotto Winner
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lotto on Tuesday 8th September were 17, 26, 28 and 29. There was nobody with these four numbers and the jackpot for the draw on Tuesday 18th August stood at €1,700. The consolation prize of €50 went to Michael Greene, The Green and the three €20 prizes went to Alan Farrell, The Yacht Bar, Martina O’Brien, Corner Shop and Sarah Hopkins c/o Mags.
Cloontuskert Cemetery
Due to Covid 19 restrictions sadly there will be no Cemetery Sunday this year.
We propose to have a Mass offered in the church at an available date.
The committee depend each year on your kind donations to maintain and offset the expenses associated in the upkeep of the Cemetery.
As there will be no collection in the Cemetery this year we appeal for your support, anyone who wishes to make a donation can do so by contacting any of the following Frank Curley Treasurer Sean Carty Johnny Malone Peter Cox or to our go-fund me page
We also have a donation box at the entrance of both Cemeteries which can be used on your visit to the Cemetery.
Masses next weekend
For next week you will see the townlands arrangements below.
Saturday 19th September 7.30pm Mass the following areas Radharc na Muileann, Rathcline
Sunday20th September 9.30am Massit is the turn of Rathcline Road, Rapareehill
11.30am Mass on Sunday 20th September completes the full cycle of areas and townslands with Mass for The Green, Thureen, Tullyvrane.
Holy Hour will take place every Friday in St. Mary’s church from 6 until Mass time at 7pm.
Confessions will take place in the side room of the church from 6.30pm every Friday evening prior to Mass
Rathcline Lotto
The draw of the 50/50 took place on Monday night 7th September in Adie’s Bar. The jackpot pool stood at €191 and the name on the winning ticket was Caroline Gray, Knock Manor.
The club apricates the support of everyone that bought tickets for the draw and we look forward to greater support driving the 50/50 pool to record heights.
Living Well
Living Well – next programme dates are the 22nd of September(10.30am-1pm), 1st of October(7pm-9pm)
If you are living with a long-term health condition you may be interested in doing the Living Well Programme. This is a six-week programme 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.
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/
Wedding
The marriage took place in St. Mary’s church, Gortletteragh, Co. Leitrim of Colin Fayne son of Paddy and Anne Fayne, Cullentra and Edel Gilhooley daughter of Ollie and Geraldine Gilhooley, Tooman Gortletteragh on Friday 28th August. Best man was Alan Fayne brother of the groom and Ray Cullinan, cousin of the groom. Bridesmaids were twins Caroline and Aisling Clancy friends of the bride. The chief celebrant was Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan uncle of the groom assisted by Fr. John Quinn PP Gortletteragh. The wedding reception was held in the Lough Rynn Castle Hotel.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
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 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
You can contact Library on: email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie , on Facebook you can private message: @lanesborolibrary, or telephone Stella: 043 3321291
Rathcline GAA
Saddle Up Success
Just a brief note on the Saddle Up for Rathcline fundraiser held on Saturday last. The early morning risers and first cyclist had a very special privilege being the very first people to officially cross the new cycleway from Kilnacarrow to Cloonbearla. It was fitting that the sun shone brightly on our historic cyclists.
The day was a huge success and the club would like to thank everyone that supported the fundraiser in whatever way. From what I hear everybody enjoyed their time on the bike through the bogs and onto the Royal Canal as far as Mullingar Pewter and back home to Clonbonny.
A full detailed report will follow next week
If you did not do the cycle and would like to contribute to the fundraising, you can do so on the Go Fund Me page using the following link
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Rathcline-gaa
Great work being done
The work on the new development in Clonbonny has already started. David Dowd along with his son Luke have done a wonderful job in clearing the site. The site is on the left hand side of the road when you cross Clonbonny bridge and it is now almost ready for the commencement of this new and exciting project.
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.
50/50
The draw of the 50/50 took place on Monday night 7th September in Adie’s Bar. The jackpot pool stood at €191 and the name on the winning ticket was Caroline Gray, Knock Manor.
The club apricates the support of everyone that bought tickets for the draw and we look forward to greater support driving the 50/50 pool to record heights.