Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Death
The area was greatly saddened to learn of the death on Sunday 14th February at his residence of Sean O’Neill, Knock. He was predeceased by his parents William and Margaret. Sean had been in failing health in recent years. He was from one of the oldest and respected families in our parish. Sean had a great love of nature, the outdoors and great interest in farming and animals. He was a man that could turn his hand to anything and did everything with great taste – a great craftsman. Sean was very obliging and ever helpful and would never see anyone on their own in their time of need – he was a wonderful neighbour and friend. He was a laid-back man with an easy-going manner who had tremendous pride in the achievements of his two sons and in later years the great joy brought to him by his grandchildren. A testimony to the popularity and esteem in which Sean was held was clearly visible by the large and socially distanced turnout at his removal to St. Mary’s Church for his Funeral Mass and also at his burial in Rathcline Cemetery.
To his wife Mary, sons P.J. and Seamus, his brother Noel, daughters in law Anta and Lisa, grandchild Hetija, Billy, Luke and Emmie, brother Noel and sister-in-law Margaret, relatives, neighbours, and friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Former resident passes Away.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Paddy Curran and family, Killinure, Tommy Curran and family, Rathcline, Mary Curran and family, Rathcline, Tessie Farrell and family, Derrygowna and the extended Curran family on the death in Stockport, England of Peggy Cotton, nee Curran last week.
Peggy liked nothing better than to come home every year and visit her homeplace and catch up with many old friends from times past. We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Harry, daughter Debra and son Austin and many friends.
Death
It is very sad that we have to record the death at his home in Tuam, Kilrooskey, of Tom Parker on Wednesday 10th February in his 92nd year. He was predeceased by his children Michael, Marion, and Sheila. Tom was an ebullient character whose lively personality endeared him to everyone that came to know him. He was a great conversationalist where he loved the opportunity to chat. He was a man that hard work came naturally to and he always enjoyed being out working hard and meeting people. Tom was a real people’s person and enjoyed their company where stories and yarns were always to the fore. Wherever Tom went he left an indelible mark hence the widespread sadness at the news of his death.
Tom’s remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh on Friday 12th and following his Funeral Mass he was laid to rest in Kilgefin Cemetery. To his wife Imelda, daughter Imelda, son Stephen, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Nominated in Canada
It is always great to see members of our community doing well no matter where they may go, and it was marvellous to read of the nomination of Ann Clancy for the 2021 Woman’s Infrastructure Network (WIN) Emerging Leader award. Ann is daughter of Bernadette and the late Bart Clancy Rathcline Road and has been working in Canada for a number of years where she works as a manager in the Infrastructure and Environmental Management section of Hatfield Consultants.
This award recognises the contribution of exceptional women in the Canadian Infrastructure industry who have distinguished themselves in their career and have shown an admirable level of leadership, achievement and mentorship withing the industry.
We wish Ann every success and we hope that she will emerge winner.
Death
It is with great sadness and regret that we learned of the death on Thursday 18th February of Bernice Treacy, Ballyhubert, Scramogue. Bernice was more commonly known in our community as Bernice Martin and as principal of Lanesboro Community College. Four short years ago she came as principal to Lanesboro Community College and she continued the developing growth with her can do manner into the school of excellence it is today. Bernice was a warm and friendly lady and no matter in what company her wonderful personality shone out like a beacon. To think of Bernice your mind always draws you to her warmth and most welcoming smile. She was a lady with great charisma, and she was loved by her students and staff alike. Her passing will leave a great void in the school community and with everyone that had the pleasure to know her.
Bernice is survived by her husband Eric her young family Ella, Ava and Conor, parents Hugh and Bridget, sisters Gloria and Edel and brother Hughie, Eric’s parents John and Ann, Eric’s brother Ian and his sister Aislinn, extended family relatives and friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Following Bernice’s Funeral Mass in St. Anne’s Church, Scramogue on Sunday her remains were laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.
Sympathy
The name of Liam Burke is synonymous with fishing in Lanesboro. Liam for many years has been coming from his native Dublin to fish the River Shannon. It was rare that he ever came along as he was always introducing someone new to Lanesboro and its great fishing. Liam had been coming so long that he had built up a great friend base and it was great sorrow that we learned of his death on Sunday 14th February.
To his wife Monica, his sons Austin and Barry, his daughter Vanessa, grandchildren, brothers, sisters and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Support Rathcline Ladies
Rathcline Ladies GAA Club has been successful as part of the Lidl “Level the Playing Field” competition and is in with a chance to win sponsorship or a free set of jerseys but they require your support. Please follow these 4 simple steps to register your support
1. Download/Open the Lidl Plus app and follow the prompts on screen
2. Select the club you want to support
3. Spend over €30 in store and scan your Lidl Plus card to earn a stamp (over €60 = 2 stamps, over €90 = 3 stamps, etc.)
4. Collect 6 stamps and submit your completed card by Sunday, April 11th
Full details are available at: https://www.lidl.ie/serious-support
Death
On Monday last 15th February we were saddened to learn of the death in the care of the staff of Innis Ree Lodge Nursing Home, Ballyleague of Christina Farrell, Lehery. Dina as she was more commonly known was another of our oldest and most revered families in our parish. Dina was predeceased by her parents, her brothers, Peter, Pat and Michael, and her sister Brigid. She was always a lady whose demeanour was always ladylike and full of thoughtfulness. She had a most plausible manner and the warmth of the lady always assured you of her genuineness. She was an excellent neighbour, and her kindness was legendary. She was a lady that loved to chat, and she was an excellent conversationalist. You always left the richer after a conversation with Dina – it was always a pleasure to see her coming with her beaming smile and welcome.
Her remains were removed from Farrell’s Funeral Home on Wednesday 17th to St. Mary’s Church for her Funeral Mass. Following Mass, her remains were laid to rest in Rathcline Cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathy to her nephews, nieces, family, neighbours and friends.
Clonbonny Cemetery
I have been asked to let you know that there is no longer a pickup of grave clearings at Clonbonny Cemetery. It would be deeply appreciated if those that in recent time left clearings off family graves in the corner to collect it and dispose of it. The committee works hard at keeping the cemetery in tip top shape. The stone facing of the cemetery wall and the gates have made a huge difference in the presentation of the cemetery.
Community Supports
Longford Community Resources Clg continues to deliver supports to individuals and communities experiencing disadvantage throughout the county. Due to Level 5 restrictions these supports are now delivered mostly by phone or on-line.
Supports include:
Providing advice and information on entitlements.
Assisting people with CVs, job applications and interviews.
Assisting people identify and access accredited and non-accredited education and training.
Setting up your own business (if you are currently unemployed and in receipt of a Social Welfare payment).
They also support several community groups including Health and Well-being Groups; On-Line Crafts Group; Ethnic Minority Groups; English Conversation Classes; Parent and Toddler Groups; Intercultural Women’s Groups; Older People’s Network, Alzheimer’s Café, etc.
For further information on any of the free services available please contact Longford Community Resources on 043 334 5555 or email: enquiries@lcrl.ie
The Samaritans
There are a great number of Samaritan branches throughout the county and no matter where you are there is one close to you. If you are struggling with life and feel you need to talk to someone then the Samaritans are there for you. All you have to do is pick up the phone and discuss what is one your mind in confidence. It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what has happened to you that phone call is all you need to do. Freephone 116123, every day or night of the year as the service is available 24 hours a day. Don’t let anything fester in your mind make that call immediately.
Lanesboro Library
In line with Government Level 5 restrictions, Lanesboro Library will remain closed until further notice.
All the online services can be accessed on our website by selecting ‘Your Online Library’. www.longfordlibrary.ie
Use your library card number & pin to log in to your account.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.
Any enquiries, please email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Contact Stella on 3321291 for library information.
ALONE – Support for older people
ALONE who support older people to age at home have a COVID-19 support line for those who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to COVID-19.
Professional staff are available to answer queries and to give advice. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. If you feel you need to call you should do so and have the chat, do not let the day pass without making the call. The phone number is 0818 222024.
St. Mary’s Church
Masses
Mass continues to be celebrated privately every day by our priests at the usual times Monday to Thursday 10am, Friday 7pm Saturday 7.30pm and Sunday 11.30am and Masses can be seen on the St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro Facebook page.
Trócaire
Trócaire boxes are available in the church porch or you can make a direct contribution at www.trocaire.org
Mass intentions will continue to be booked for weekdays for the present. People wishing to book masses can do so by contacting Fr Sergiy before or after mass during the week in the Sacristy. All that have booked masses are asked to rebook them for weekdays for the foreseeable future.
Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays in the church from 10.30 to 8pm. It is hoped that there will be two people in the church for each hour.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will resume on Friday evenings, starting this Friday evening and it will take place between 6pm and 6.45pm.
Contacts
Fr. Sergiy Ruchenko can be contacted at the presbytery or by phoning 3321166 or 0833892362. Alternatively, you can contact Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who are assisting Fr. Sergiy during his ministery in the parish.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club notes
Thank you!
The Shannon Gaels minor club would like to thank everyone that contacted the club with regard to sponsoring of jerseys for the club. Your generosity is truly appreciated from the youngest members U6’s to the minor age U18 group of the club and by the new committee.
If you have not done so and still would like to sponsor additional gear for the club, please contact club secretary Mark Kenny at Secretarybng.shannongaels.longford@gaa.ie
Sympathy
The Shannon Gaels Minor club would like to extend their sympathies to the numerous local people that suffered bereavement over the past few week. The club also expresses its sympathy to the Tracy family, the staff and pupils on the death of Lanesboro Community College Principal Bernice Martin-Tracy.
Support our ladies club.
Rathcline Ladies GAA Club has been successful as part of the Lidl “Level the Playing Field” competition & is in with a chance to win sponsorship or a free set of jerseys but we need your support. Please follow these 4 simple steps to register your support
1. Download/Open the Lidl Plus app and follow the prompts on screen
2. Select the club you want to support
3. Spend over €30 in store and scan your Lidl Plus card to earn a stamp (over €60 = 2 stamps, over €90 = 3 stamps, etc.)
4. Collect 6 stamps and submit your completed card by Sunday, April 11th
Full details are available at: https://www.lidl.ie/serious-support
Thanks lads!
The club would like to thank the coaching officers for their very informative and helpful online Zoom meetings over the past few weeks.
Rathcline GAA
Rathcline GAA held a very well attended AGM over Zoom on Sunday night last. Chairman Micheál O’Sullivan welcomed everyone to the meeting and acknowledged that this past year has brought a massive era of change to the Lanesboro local community. Rathcline GAA members immediately got involved during the first lockdown in the pandemic in the delivery of shopping to our neighbours who were vulnerable or elderly and could not go shopping themselves. Another change was watching Rathcline games on TV as they were beamed into the homes of our supporters. The chairman also acknowledged that it has also been a massive year of change for the local community with the closing of Lough Ree Power and Bord na Mona. “I wish to acknowledge the huge contribution both companies have made to our local area over decades, and particularly to our members and their families” he stated. Already we can see the fruits of new initiatives in new walkways and new places to explore around our bog areas. The club is very proud of young players who have made large contributions to the Longford County senior team and panel, the u-20s and the Minor panel. Other club people have made contributions to the Administrative side of Longford GAA, including Albert Cooney, the chairman, Joe Rooney, Joe O’Brien, and John Finn. Congratulations was extended to Gareth Johnston who was selected as County Minor Manager 2021. The Minor AGM brought changes to their executive, and the chairman acknowledged the huge contribution made by the former executive over a long number of years. The Saddle-Up Committee, and Field Development sub-committee received huge support which will bring large changes to the club grounds at Clonbonny including a large walkway and further work to bring our second pitch up to standard. Combined with all of this, the mental health of young players and members is seen as extremely important, and a contribution to their motivation and their continued good health is the club’s investment in a new gym and new gym equipment for players and members. This is something for them to look forward to after this lockdown.
The chairman thanked the club sponsors – Bord na Mona, Bernard Keane in Supervalu, Casserly’s Spar, Johnston Pharmacy, and the Clancy Family in Lough Ree Distillery. “We are continually trying to increase our membership, and last year the club increased paid-up membership by 100%”, he stated. The chairman also sympathised with families who have lost loved ones since the last AGM, with particular mention of the passing of the principal of Lanesboro Community College – Bernice Martin. To her family, to the staff of Lanesboro Community College and to all those who lost family members during the year, we extend our deepest sympathies.
Rathcline GAA Annual Draw is ongoing at the moment. The draw will take place on Easter Sunday April 4th, with prizes of over €5,500. Tickets are available from all club members or online.
Rathcline GAA Executive Committee for 2021
Chairman: Micheál O’Sullivan; Vice Chairman: Pat Connerton; Secretary: Jimmy Flood; Treasurer: Marie Farrell; Assistant Secretaries: Neil O Connor and Sharon Gray; Assistant Treasurers: Stephen Rooney, Albert Cooney; Registrars: Peter Skelly, Clare Carberry, Brendan Rhatigan & Gerald Farrell; Players Registrar: James Hanley & David Rooney; Irish Officer: Shannon Gaels Minor Club; Children’s Officer: to be clarified, Shannon Gaels Minor Club; Coaching Officer: Seadna Ryan, Kevin Hanley & Kevin Connaughton; Development Officer: Liam Connerton, Ryan Fallon, Seadna Ryan & Sean Kenny; Field Committee Lead: Johnny Hanley, Seadna Ryan; County Board Delegates: Louis Skelly, Micheál O’Sullivan, Seamus Flynn Vinnie Farrell; Minor Board Liaison: Sean McDermott; Ladies Board Liaison: Colette Wyse