Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Defibrillator Training
What we need now are new people prepared to get trained in the use of the defibrillator and also to have people doing their refresher courses.
There will be a new course beginning shortly and if you want to be included in the new course or refresher course you are invited to leave your name and phone number with Martina O’Brien in the shop or ring Martina at 086 3858934.
Welcome to Lanesboro
Following the death of Lanesboro Community College Principal Bernice Martin, a new principal has been appointed over the summer holidays. We would like to welcome Hazel Hannon as the new Principal of Lanesboro Community College and we look forward to Hazel helping the school continue its upward trend.
Death
The sound of silence descended on the entire community and surrounding parishes on Thursday last 26th August when we were all shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and untimely death of Tom Feeney, Gurteengar. This was a huge shock to us all as Tom whose personality was such that we thought that he was one of those special people that would live for ever.
Where can you start to document Tom’s life? It is a story that is endless. Born in 13 Knock, a most fabulous underage footballer, went to England at a young age, travelled on to Australia for a number of years, came back home where he met his wife Mary, a Ballygar woman, and they returned to England for a few years before the lure of his native soil called him back to Lanesboro. Tom worked a number of jobs but its was the FÁS supervisor job in Cashel and Killashee that gave him tremendous satisfaction, it was a job where he could engage with local people and exchange stories and tales. He completed a Diploma in Social Care, afterwards he went to work with the Brothers of Charity in Roscommon. It was here that his caring and loving nature came to the fore in a most wonderful way. He was a character beyond characters, a word for everyone, a smile and never ever to leave anyone alone in their time of need. Tom for a long time was the chairman and rock of the Shannon Gaels Minor Club a position he loved as he enjoyed nothing more than to see the youth of the club develop and grow. He was a rambler and loved nothing more than to continue the old tradition of rambling where every door in the parish was open to him. Tom could be seen doing his daily cycle covering a large part of the parish. Socialising, music and the game of cards were always foremost to him, be it 25, Whist or Bridge. Around his house he loved gardening and he always kept hens that is until the pine martin came visiting. Never one to be idle that smell of decent weather in spring meant that for the next few months he would be working turf in many of the local bogs helping, family, friends and neighbours. One thing that he was wonderfully proud of was that through all his life he never broke his confirmation pledge and remained a Pioneer to his last breath. To say Tom will be missed is an understatement as his kind heart, hearty welcoming greeting, quick wit and his constant helping of others will never be forgotten. Tom passing leaves us with a sad heart, a lasting memory and a smile on our face when we think of him.
Tom’s remains were removed from his home on Sunday last to St. Mary’s Church for his Funeral Mass. Following Mass Tom was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery.
To his wife Mary, family Kieran, Sinead, Damien and Claire, sister Gabrielle, relatives and wide circle of friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Boat trips booking out very fast
With fabulous weather forecast for the coming week and through the weekend there is no doubt that the Access for All boat will be one of the most popular boat trips on the Shannon. The Access for All boat is making trips three times a day Monday to Sunday – 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm. It has become a wonderful success with many people going on several repeat trips. The trips cater for both able bodied and those with disabilities. Bookings continue to be very high and early booking is advisable to ensure travelling at your chosen time and day.
This is an absolutely brilliant trip with an excellent on-board staff that will make the 1½ hour trip feel like a very short time.
To book a seat call Lisa or Dylan at 043 33 21734 or go online today and book at www.loughreeboattrips.com
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
We were shocked to learn of the death of our ex-member Tom Feeney who passed away suddenly and unexpectedly last Thursday 26th. Tom was a popular and colourful member over the years.
The President, committee and members wish to extend our sincere sympathy to his wife Mary and their family. May he rest in peace.
Training continues
Barbara Dowling, as part of her fundraising is going to paddle the length of Lough Ree (32km) on Saturday 25th September (weather permitting). If you would like to support Barbara on her quest you can do so on her funding page https://www.ifundraise.ie/6523_christmas-in-june-for-brain-tumour-ireland.html?fbclid=IwAR2hmMW_rV22qulWQTaLyXcvyU-Adv4PfJvbtj5CYHl3KlGV6hymXz8j-38
If you wish to sponsor the event you can contact Barbara at irishchristmasinjune@gmail.com
Presently, Barbara has just passed 50% of her target to enable her to put on her Christmas in June concert. Please help her to achieve her target.
Second Wave
The second wave of great weather was widely welcomed and brought a tremendous amount of activity on the water with a huge number of boating traffic overnighting in the marina’s and along the quay wall. The young and not so young availed of the risen water temperatures and took to the water be it swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding and jet skiing.
The streets were again filled with lots of people with all businesses seeing lots of new and welcome customers. Hopefully there will be an Indian summer, and which will extend our summer and shorten the winter.
Sean Farrell Memorial
On Friday next 3rd September at Roscommon Golf Club there will be a Charity Gold Day in honour of the late Sean Farrell Ballyleague. The tee times are from 9am to 4pm.
A team of 4 people will cost €240 and this will include a meal. If you are not playing you may be interested in sponsoring a tee for just €100.
All the proceeds are in aid of the Irish Cancer Society and your support for our local man Sean will be greatly appreciated.
To book a tee time or to sponsor a tee box you should contact Eamon Barry 087 2341396 or Ian Campbell 087 6549256.
Birth
Many congratulations to Derek and Denise Casserley, Knock, on the recent birth of a baby girl.
Film Success
Little did we know what the arrival to Lanesboro of Lee Williamson would make and how his arrival would put our area on the world film map. Lee happened to be photographing at the sand beds one day when he heard what he described as shrieking coming from the other side of the harbour. He went to investigate in case someone was in trouble, but he need not have worried as it was Colm Daly and Gerry Mitten doing their daily Shannon swim – an all-round activity for the lads. From there the seed was sown in the mind of Lee who put the idea of doing a short video of daily Shannon swimming. He discussed it with Colm about making a swim video and Colm agreed. Lee developed the idea further and got Colm to open up about and narrate his life experience and passion for the water.
Putting this all together with his Shuttermanic Productions produced a short three-minute film entitled ‘Snámh’ that the entered in Pinewood Studio’s competition for first time film makers.
The film was awarded the prestigious accolade of having the winning film with a 2022 screening at the Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival in the home of film making, Hollywood, Los Angeles.
There is wonderful excitement for the success of the film and the notoriety it brought to our community not only for the lads but also for the utter beauty shown in the film of the bay area.
We look forward to the Lee and Colm enjoying their trip to Hollywood and we look forward to the adjudication as we are sure the judges will be blown away with Lee’s fabulous work.
Good luck and continued success.
Future Rugby Stars
Local lads Eoin Kelly, son of Ollie and Majella Kelly, Cloonadra and Lee Kilcoyne son of David and Ursula Kilcoyne, Kilrooskey were selected on the Connacht Rugby Inter Provincial panels for the ongoing Inter Pro series. We wish the lads the very best of luck and all our support.
Sympathy
We would like to extend or deepest sympathy to Seadna and Teresa Ryan and family on the death of Mrs. Carmel, Kelly, Longford Town last week. Carmel was aunt of Seadna.
Ballyboro FC
This year there will not be a Registration Night as in previous years. Membership can be paid for existing players through Pay Pal. There will be a link on the WhatsApp groups for the various teams. In recent years there has been a substantial increase in playing membership. Players can avail of the greatly enhanced playing facilities. In addition to the state-of-the-art Astro Pitch the newly developed grass pitch is now in use. New players are always very welcome at the club. Parents of players who wish to play for the club are requested to email ballyboroastropitchcommittee@gmail.com
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in the Tourism Office on Tuesday morning 24th August for a jackpot of €4,500.
The numbers drawn for this week were 12, 17, 20 and 23. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot for Tuesday 31st August rose to €4,600.
The winner of the €50 consolation draw was won by Bernie Hanley c/o Mags, and the three €20 prizes were Cillian and Senan Cox, Curraghrua, Teresa Ryan, c/o Mags, and B. Mc Dermott.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline club’s 50/50 draw took place on Monday night 23rd August in Clarke’s Bar. The winning envelope drawn was in the Jacinta Healy, Church View who won €150. The club would like to thank everyone for their generous support.
Tickets are available online https://member.clubspot.app/club/rathcline-gaa/fundraiser/tickets or in any of the local shops and the club would encourage your support.
The draw for two tickets for last Sunday’s Hurling All-Ireland Final was won by Alan Hanley, Corrigeen.
Problem to be Solved
Gerard Farrell contacted me on Friday evening last to tell me that the water problems on the Rathcline Road were soon to be a thing of the past. Following much representation, he was delighted to announce that there will be a whole new main water line from O’Brien’s Corner right up to Harold’s crossroad. “It will eliminate all the bursts once and for all”.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Annette and Frank Regan and family, Rockwood, on the death of Annette’s mother Mary Teresa Callan, Clontarf, Dublin who passed away on Sunday 22nd August.
Promising Projects
The main topic for the past number of years when it comes to tourism in Lanesboro and Ballyleague is the lack of all types of accommodation. In recent weeks two proposed developments have begun to provide some accommodation in the area.
Firstly, we had Louis Mullooly receiving planning permission to build pod accommodation on his land in Lehery, something that was badly required in the area, and we look forward to the erection of the pods in the very near future.
Last weekend Gerry Donlon, Strokestown Road, made it known that he was applying for permission to build a Camper Van Park on the Strokestown Road on the family land.
The surge in the use of camper vans in recent years has been phenomenal and while many camper vans used the car park for overnight stays there were no facilities that they would have become accustomed to in other sites. This new park will create an excellent opportunity for many more camper vans to visit and stay in Ballyleague and enjoy the beauty and hospitality that we have to offer.
Gerry is a very prominent member of the Lanesboro Ballyleague Collaboration Group who are seeking to develop Lanesboro and Ballyleague as a visitor centre. The group are also supporting all efforts to have replacement work brought to the community to replace jobs lost with the closure of the ESB Power station and the downsizing of the workforce at Bord na Mona. The group are actively working with both Longford and Roscommon County Councils. We are hoping that there will be new and exciting announcements to be made in the near future that will further enhance our community.
Lanesboro and Ballyleague is still requiring further accommodation in the form of a hotel, guest houses, holiday house rental and B&B’s. When things open up following the lifting Covid restrictions we intend to invite representatives from Failte Ireland to our community to explain what is required to go into the accommodation business and what supports are there for those wishing to take up the many opportunities.
Intermediate Champions
Many congratulations to the St. Brigid’s Killashee club on winning the 2020 Intermediate Championship Final in Pearse Park. A special word of congratulations to their manager local Ballyleague man Raymond Curley. Killashee were underdogs going into the final but Ray was extremely confident that his team would be victorious on the day – how right he was.
Living well Programme
New September Dates announced for the HSE Living Well Programme
If you are living with a long-term health condition this programme will help you learn the tools to live a healthy and active life. For more information or to book your place contact Olga on 086 6078950 or by email olga.maguire@mayocil.ie
Please note you do not have to disclose your health condition on the programme You can find out more information on the programme on the www.hse.ie/livingwell
Budding Artist
For the second time in recent times the budding artist that is Daniel Healy, aged 6, son of proud parents, John and Eilish Healy, Tullyvrane has had his artwork published by the biweekly British soccer publication Match. It is a fantastic achievement for one so young to have his work featured in such austere publication. As you can see Daniel’s work is worthy of the acclaim he is receiving.
Lanesboro Library
Tel: 0433321291 Email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Photocopying & Scanning services are available
Send on your printing and the library service will print for you.
Computer & Study facilities are unavailable as per Government guidelines.
The library opening hours are
Wednesday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Friday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Saturday 10am-1pm
Summer Stars Reading Programme
Summer Stars reading programme is in full swing at the library. Drop in and pick up your Reading Card and pick up some little gifts as you read over the summer months!
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.
All our 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.
St. Mary’s Church
Weekend Masses
On Saturday evening next Mass at 7.30pm those from Aughamore, Aughaloughan, Augharanagh, Barnacor, and Blenavoher.
At 9.30am Mass on Sunday it will be turn of Carraroe, Carrowstrawley, Cashelbeg, Church Road, Church View and Clonbonny.
The 11.30am Mass will see parishioners from Clonfower, Corrigeen, Cullentra, Curraghrua, Cnoc na Gaoithe and Derrygeel.
Parish Grouping: This year Fr. Merlyn, Fr. Turlough and Fr. Sergiy will continue to work closely together and more so in the three parishes of Rathcline, Newtowncashel and Killashee. They will now share the Masses out, with the priests taking a turn in each parish at the weekend.
Weekend Offerings It would be greatly appreciated if your weekend offerings for a number of weeks were enclosed in one envelope and the total amount of your contribution written on that envelope. Using each weekly envelope to make a donation is not necessary as your contribution is credited to your account number on the envelope, on the week of your donation.
Priest dues, monthly etc. are separate and the usual envelopes in the box should be used.
Thank you for your continued contributions.
Return of Anniversaries: Following a parish pastoral council meeting it has been agreed that bookings for Sunday Mass anniversaries to resume. Family members who wish to attend are asked to take their place on the gallery or take up just one or two seats in the main body of the church. It is also hoped to introduce the Friday evening Mass as a shared Mass, to facilitate as many as possible.
Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays in the church from 10.30 to 8pm. It is very important that there will be at least two people in the church for each hour of the Adoration.
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.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament has resumed on Friday evenings, starting this Friday evening and it will take place between 6pm and 6.45pm. Exposition will be followed Mass at 7pm. It is also an opportunity to avail of the opportunity for Confession.
Parish contacts
Fr. Sergiy can be contacted at the presbytery or by phoning 3321166 or 0833892362. For added support and assistance, you can also contact Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
12-kilometre Swim
A number of swimmers from the local Orca swimming group took part in the 12-kilometre swim from Tarmonbarry to Lanesboro on Sunday last. It was a great day out in weather that was very conducive to a good swim and all swimmers thoroughly enjoyed the swim.
The Orca swimming group are a hardy number of people that enjoy their daily swim every day of the year in all kinds of weather.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Death of former Chairman: On Thursday last 26th August our club was shocked to learn of the sudden death of Tom Feeney, Gurteengar. Tom played underage with the club where he excelled before emigrating to England. On his return Tom became involved with the minor he left so many years ago. Tom managed teams became chairman and gave so much of his time to the development of the young players of the time and the club. There is no doubt, but all of the young players of that time will have many stories to tell of Tom such was the character he was and the craic and enjoyment he got from having an audience for many of his stories – he never left the youngster without a smile. Tom’s lifelong interest in cards ensured that the Good Friday game of cards was always a success during his time, he had that uncanny knack of getting everyone to support him. Tom worked extremely hard with the club and it is with a profound sadness we record the death of one of the great Shannon Gaels men. Rest in peace Tom, you will be always remembered.
Good Luck:
By the time most people read these notes we hope that the club will have two county titles under or belt. On today, Monday, our Under 12 team will travel to Edgeworthstown to play Wolfe Tones in their League Cup final. On Tuesday our Juvenile will play St. Dominick’s in their Shield Final – no venue at the time of writing.
The minor club wishes the senior team and management the very best of luck when they take on Granard in the first round of the championship in Devine Park, Edgeworthstown on Sunday next at 3pm.
Rathcline GAA
It was with much shock and sadness that Rathcline GAA learned of the news of the sudden passing of Tom Feeney, Gurteengar. Tom was the heart and soul of our Minor Club – Shannon Gaels – for many years. Many of our players enjoyed wonderful football careers that were supported in their formative years by Tom’s dedication. He raised funds, sold tickets, provided transport and managed teams in an era when it was so badly needed. Many members in our club have so many happy memories as we share stories about Tom. His personality and jovial way endeared him to all who knew him. He maintained a huge interest in Rathcline GAA and supported the Club in every way that he could. He has left a large void in our local area, as he was a great community person, neighbour and friend. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Mary, to Kieran, Sinead, Damien and Claire and their families, and to his sister Gabrielle. Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas sioraí do.