Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Death
It was with great sadness we learned of the death on Monday last 11th October at Portiuncla Hospital, Ballinasloe of Sr. Evelyn Moran a nun in the Mercy Community. Sr. Evelyn was pre-deceased by her parents John and Hannah, her sister Hannah Curran and by her brothers Fr. Pat, John and Phonsie she joined the Mercy Order in Ballymahon and went on to gain a degree as a teacher before qualifying as a nurse. Sr. Evelyn taught for a number of years in Lanesboro Girls National School among many other schools where she is fondly remembered. She was a lady of great generosity especially to her extended family never forgetting nor without acknowledging their special occasions. She was a very devout nun whose vocation meant everything to her. As a nurse she had the uncanny quality of been a great comfort and reassurance to the sick and dying. Sr. Evelyn always loved coming back to the parish and the excitement of meeting all the locals she knew when growing, living and teaching her was etched on her smiling face. She was in ill health for a few years a cross she borne with a great acceptance and courage.
Her remains reposed in Glennon’s Funeral Home, Longford on Wednesday before she was removed to St. Mary’s Church. On Thursday her Requiem Mass took place followed by her burial in the Mercy plot in Clonbonny Cemetery.
To her sister Margaret Kilroy, her Mercy community, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Break – Ins
On Thursday evening last a number of break-ins took place in the area. The robberies took place in Shannon Grove, Ballyleague, Cullenoria, Curraghroe, Radharc na Muileann, Lanesboro, Derryhaun and Ballymahon. It has the appearance of a single group of thieves selecting houses at random as they made their way through our area. For such a long time we have been free of robberies and it seems that with the loosening up of restrictions the thieves are once again on the move.
We have all been drawn into a false sense of security over the past few years but now it is time to reassess everything and make sure that everything is safely locked away and no windows or doors are left open when your house is unoccupied. Think property safety at all times.
LCC Enrolment
Lanesboro Community College continues to enhance the quality of the students emerging form the school each year and the success of their achievements can be seen with record numbers enrolled for this year. The Department of Education’s further development of five extra classrooms tells of the tremendous work that is been done by a very diligent and resourceful staff.
Enrolment for first year students for the 2022/23 school year is now open and will close on 14th January 2022.
Application forms and further information can be got by contacting the school secretary at admin.lcc@lwetb.ie or by phoning 0906 500 140.
Donations
Your donations to the Grafton Street continue to pour in and your generosity truly knows no bounds. In Dublin, the Grafton Street Kitchen Group cannot believe your generosity and more so since the bags just keep coming and coming. They have not seen such a reaction from such a smally community so far away from Dublin. Indeed, Brendan O’Halloran feels the same way and wants to express his deepest gratitude to each and everyone of you. Last weekend a further three bags and a box of food from the Shannon Gaels Minor club’s final club day celebration.
The collection point is and will stay open in O’Brien’s
The main appeal is for white socks and wipes along with toiletries – shower gel, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, men’s large underwear and water wipes to include in their parcels.
If you have clothes that you no longer wear and you would like to donate them, they will be greatly appreciated. The clothes must be fit for immediate wearing and clothes you would wear yourself.
Shoe Box Appeal
Every year we pack shoe boxes full of items for kids in foreign countries for Christmas, which we are in no way against. I know there are kids suffering from poverty all over the world. This year in Ireland we are going to have more kids homeless than ever before. Brendan saw it first-hand last year in the many hostels he visited. So, we have decided to plead with all of you to donate a gift box/Christmas bag for kids, boys and girls in age groups. See the listed items and age groups for ease of use at the end of the notes on www.joeobrien.ie Monday 18th October. Eilish Dillon has worked very hard all weekend to get us into numerous schools in Co. Longford with great success. Our good friend and local supporting businessman Joe and Martina O’Brien are also on board, as a drop off point for anyone who wishes to donate the Christmas boxes into his shop. I’m appealing to people who do not have school going kids to donate what you can in a Christmas box, with age of child and boy/girl marked on it. We will be personally distributing these gifts to the hostels just before Christmas, so you know exactly where your donations are going. Go raibh maith agat.
If you need some empty shoe boxes, there are a large number available in O’Brien’s. Feel free to call in and collect empty boxes.
Death
When someone passes away you often feel that it is such a pity as you had not long enough to enjoy the company of that person and on Tuesday last 12th October it was the case when we learned of the death of Ann Furlong, Aughamore, Longford Road. Ann, a native of Ferefad, Longford, along with her husband Liam of almost 44years came to live amongst us from Liam’s home county of Wexford a short number of years ago. Ann was sister of the late Mary Coffey, Church View and was predeceased by her parents Jim and Angela, sister Patricia, niece and nephew.
Before we even got to know Ann stories of her warmth and hospitable nature preceded her. While her house and garden were always spic and span, she was never without welcoming young and old to her house. Ann’s nature was that of a lady, quiet and reserved but when she spoke, she did so candidly and everyone listened. Ann had that warm impish smile that showed her great warmness and genuineness. She will be sadly missed by all that came to know her.
Her remains were removed from Kelly’s Funeral Home, Longford on Friday last to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro for her Funeral Mass. Burial, following Mass, took place to Clonbonny Cemetery. To her husband Liam, sisters Kathleen, Philomena, Angela and Carol, brothers James, Gerard, Aunt Nan, relatives and friend we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Try a Dive Returns
Lough Ree Sub Aqua club are delighted to get back to training in Longford Pool beginning Thursday night 14th October at 9 pm. Anyone interested in trying a dive please contact training officer Gerry Lane or Chairman Frank Casey through our Facebook page.
This is a wonderful opportunity to try diving with the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club.
How to use the Defibrillator
Time and time again there is always an urgent need to know how to work the defibrillator. There is a new defibrillator placed on the Cross on the Green that brings to 12 the number of defibrillators in the Lanesboro Ballyleague area. With the number of defibrillators growing in the area there is a great need for more people to become adept in its use. It is imperative that all clubs and associations in the community have people trained up.
Very soon there will be a new course beginning and if you want to be included in the new course or refresher course you are asked to leave your name and phone number with Martina O’Brien in the shop or ring Martina at 086 3858934.
Big Car And Tractor Run
Roscommon Vintage Club are holding a big car and tractor run on Sunday next 24th October 2021. The run is being organised in aid of Lough Ree and Roscommon Sub Aqua Search and Recovery Groups. Entry fee for vehicles is €20 and registration will take place from 10.30am
The cavalcade will depart Church St, Strokestown at 12 noon; it will be comprised of three categories of vehicles and will take the following routes:
Classic/Vintage cars will depart Church St. at 12 noon for Longford, via Tarmonbarry, through Flancare Park to the (N63) and then proceed to Lanesborough via Killashee. At Lanesborough there will be a break to visit the Sub Aqua centre. The return route will go through Roscommon town via Circular Rd, FBD Roundabout and Main St and on to Fourmilehouse and Strokestown.
The modern tractor run, which will depart after the cars, will go out the Roscommon Rd (R368) to Sharkey’s Cross and turn left for Carnaska. At Lismehy junction it will turn right for Ballybeg and continue to Kilrooskey Cross and turn right for Beechwood. At Beechwood it will turn left for Lanesborough and continue through the town to Tullyvrane junction. At Tullyvrane it will turn right and continue to Rathcline Rd and back to Lanesborough again for break.
The vintage tractors will depart immediately after the main run and follow the route to Tuam Cross, where they will turn left for Kilnalosset, at Kilnalosset they will turn left for Doughill where a short break will take place. The vintage run will then return to Strokestown via Curraghroe and Scramogue. Vintage tractor drivers have the option of following the main run to Lanesborough if they so wish. Both tractor routes will be fully marshalled with stewards at all important junctions.
At the end of the run a social evening will take place in Compton’s Central Bar, Bridge St Strokestown where a big raffle of prizes will take place. The public are asked to support this worthy cause and all vehicle drivers are advised to drive safely.
Draw
There is a draw running in conjunction with next Sunday’s Car and Tractor Run supporting Lough Ree and Roscommon Sub Aqua clubs.
With no means of fundraising in recent times you are asked to support the draw. Tickets are€5 each and can be bought in O’Brien’s. The prizes are 1st Weekend away for two people at the Clewbay Hotel, Westport, 2nd Nespresso Machine, 3rd Dinner for two people and wine at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon, 4th Hamper, 5th Hamper, 6th Try a Dive for two with Roscommon Sub Aqua Club and Family boat trip on the Shannon with Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club
Colin takes to the Bike
Local lad Colin Fayne son of Paddy and Anne Fayne, Cullentra is taking to the bike next weekend in support of a very worthy cause. Colin now living in Leitrim is going to cycle the newly opened Royal Canal Greenway from Maynooth to Clondra in aid of Disabled People of Longford (DPOL).
Every year for the past number until Covid struck Ollie and Geraldine (nee Kirwan) Gilhooley held a Table Quiz to support DPOL and this year Colin has taken up the baton to raise the badly needed funds.
You have a few opportunities to support Colin by logging onto the GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/f/disabled-people-of-longfordcanal-greenway-cycle calling into the DPOL offices at Mount Carmel, Dublin Rd., Longford or locally with Mags Gillen at her hair salon.
Good luck for a great day cycling Colin.
Junior semi-final
A team that has been gaining momentum with a growing loyal band of supporters through the championship is the Rathcline Junior team that was formed this year after a number of years absence. The team is a mixture of young and old and it is proving to be a great blend so much so that they are the only club team not solely a Junior club left in the Junior A championship. The team play in the semi-final of the Championship on Saturday next in Pearse Park 23rd October where they will play Ballymore at 2pm.
The team has a large backroom team of Seadna Ryan, Sean Kenny, Brian Kennelly, Brian O’Brien, Brendan O’Sullivan, Michael J O’Reilly, Brendan Keane and Cathal Chapman.
Hopefully there will be a very big support for the team on Saturday.
Tickets again can be purchased online by going onto the Longford GAA site, then clicking the resources tab and then click ‘buy tickets’ and select the Junior semi-final Rathcline V Ballymore and follow the instructions.
We wish the panel and backroom team the very best of luck and we hopefully will be looking at a Junior final after Saturday.
Well done to the Rathcline senior team who secured their senior championship status for 2022 on Sunday last.
Support Rathcline Cemetery
The Rathcline Cemetery group are very grateful to everyone that has contributed to the annual collection for the maintenance and upkeep of the cemetery. There is a great deal of work done in the graveyard all year and your contributions make it possible to get this work done. You are asked to place your contribution into an envelope and leave it into Joe or Martina at the corner shop.
Sleeping out for Simon
Local man Junior Hannon will this year be taking up the annual challenge of ‘Sleeping out for Simon’ at Longford Rugby Club on Friday night 10th December. Sponsorship cards supporting Junior in the challenge are in most premises in town and we would encourage your full support.
County Championship Final
Sunday next 24th October we hope will be a red lettered day for the St. Faithleach’s club when their Intermediate team will take to the field for the Roscommon Intermediate Final where they will play St. Dominick’s. The game will take place in Hyde Park and the throw in takes place at 3pm.
The team produced a scintillating semi-final and we are all looking forward to a repeat performance on Sunday. This is the ideal opportunity for the St. Faithleach’s lads to avenge last year’s semi-final defeat by the same opposition and to regain Senior Championship status once again.
Manager Wally Burke with his backroom team of Gerry Byrne, Enda Kenny, Alan Brehon and goalkeeping coach Stevie O’Connor have left no stone unturned in preparation for this day.
We encourage as many a possible from the parish and the area to go and support the team where we hope it will be a day of major celebration.
To go to the match, you must download and purchase your tickets from the Roscommon GAA website where you go to the ticket section on the top right-hand side of the page. Click in there and select the Intermediate Final St. Faithleach’s V St. Dominick’s and follow instructions.
We wish the panel, management and the club the very best of luck.
Boat trips
The Access for All boat is making trips three times a day Monday to Sunday – 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm. It has become the success that it deserves to be with nothing but excellent comments from all those that have so far availed of the boat trip. 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 a knowledgeable 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
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in the Tourism Office on Tuesday morning 12th October for a jackpot of €5,200.
The numbers drawn for this week were 4, 9, 14 and 27. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot for Tuesday 12th October rose to €5,300.
The winner of the €50 consolation draw was won by Joe O’Brien, Corner Shop and the three €20 prizes winners were Mary Feeney, Ballymahon Road, Molly, Lucy and Emma c/o The Yacht Bar and Geraldine c/o Mags.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline club’s 50/50 draw took place on Tuesday night 12th October in Adie’s Bar. The lucky winning envelope drawn was in the name of Freda Kenny, Blenavoher who won €172. 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.
Clonbonny Cemetery
The Cemetery committee are at present setting up a go fund me page to allay costs for the upkeep of the Cemetery. Alternatively, donations can be left into Joe & Martina or Mags hair salon. Please put your donation into a signed envelope.
The committee would like to remind people that no dumping is allowed. You are requested to bring all plastic etc with you and to dispose of through household bins.
Ballyboro
The under 14s displayed great resilience when they recorded their first win of the season when they got the better of Ballymahon by a 4-3 margin after a hard-fought encounter that was laced with considerable skill by both teams. Ballyboro: Mikie Sorohan, Eoin Beatty, Aidan Kelly, Michael Nolan, Dan Casey, Cody Phelan, Billy Murray (1), Noah McLoughlin (1), Rian Shanley, Eoin Connell (1), Rian Hogan (1). Subs: Leon Malkowski, Ethan Slattery, Ciaran McGloin, Emre, Eoghan Mullooly, John Farrell, Mikie Fallon, James Cullen.
Like their younger counterparts the Combined Counties League team secured their first points of their season by virtue of a 3-1 victory in a feisty encounter with Tarmonbarry. The introduction of Jordan Donlon was pivotal to the outcome as his cultured left foot resulted in two sublime goals for his side. Team and scorers: Mark Tarmey, Ben Hussey, Greg Cassidy, Daniel Foley, Ryan Guinan, James Hanley, Alan Kenny, David Rooney, Luke Lisle, Dylan Donlon (1), Kevin Tansey. Sub: Jordan Donlon (2).
The under 15s were pipped 3-2 by Ballymahon. Fielding somewhat understrength, a couple of defensive lapses proved costly, despite the team playing some attractive football. Ballyboro: Paulius Buloiene, Aidan Kelly, Jack Brogan, David Cox (1), Jack Beattie, Billy Murray, Wesley Hughes, Kevin Donlon, Luke Johnson, Euan Cullen, Jack Browne. Subs: Conn Maxwell, Nathan McCloat, Brendan Mulvihill (1), Luke Cullen
The club wishes David Cox, Jack Casey and Anthony Cox the best of luck with the Longford League team when the play the Wexford League team in the Kennedy Cup next Sunday.
In an entertaining counter between two very good teams the under 12s went down 5-3 to Melview. Team: Stephen Farrell, Alfie Brehon, Darragh Donlon, Josh Curran (1), Oisin Dillon (1), Alfie Murphy, Tim Kenny, Shane Farrell (1), Charlie Moynihan. Subs: Cathal Hanley, Jack Cassidy, Hayden Smyth, Alesha Kaya, Laura Rhatigan. Ferat Pulcu, Miko Wolwiec, Charlie Boardman, Elliott Johnson.
The under 17s gave a much-improved display in their joust with Clara Town. The game was generally closely contested and it was only in the final quarter that Clara forged ahead. Ballyboro: Samuel Adey, Conor Lyons, Eimhin Farrell, Bryan Mullooly, Edgars Veinbergs, Noah Comher, Ciaran O’Dowd (1), Ryan Byrne (1), Matthew Browne, Gabriel Klava (1), Matthew Heneghan. Subs: Paul Lee, Eoin Cox.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
Lough Ree AC- Roscommon Underage Cross-Country Championships
Saturday 9th October saw the start of the cross-country season with the 2021 Roscommon weather at the spacious St Bridget’s GAA Grounds, Kiltoom. The perfect conditions made for a very enjoyable afternoon for all the athletes and supporters from the 5 Roscommon clubs. A huge turnout ensured some great competition, and it was great to see Roscommon international athlete Hollie Kilroe win the under 16 event. While Lough Ree AC was unable to field a full team in any event, we must mention the performance of new athletes Georgina Johnston and Lucy Flynn in the under 10 event. While both athletes found the going tough, they finished well; cross country is not for the faint hearted. Well done girls on your first cross county run, your club is very proud of you. New club Suck Valley, Athleague, won the Fabian Walsh Perpetual Shield for the most successful club on the day, an award that Lough Ree AC has won in the past. It was great to have Fabian there on the day to present the shield to the winning club.
Some of our athletes from Fermoyle School also competed in the Annual Longford Primary Schools Cross Country event in Moyne on Sunday 10th October. Performance of day was the great win by Oisin Dillon in the 5/6th class race, he was well supported by Rian Hogan in 4th place and Tim Kenny 16th, unfortunately they had only 3 competitors and lost out on team medals as teams positions are calculated on the first four home. The girl’s 5th/6th Class has a full team but unfortunately were just out of the medal position with the first lady home for Fermoyle Leah Kenny who had a great race. The 3/4th class boys team finished in 3rd position with Donncha Farrell leading the team home while Faye Hogan had a great run in the 3/4th class girls to finish in 8th position. Well done to all the competitors on the performances and many thanks to Longford A.C. and Moyne Community School for hosting the event.
Good luck to all the qualifiers in the next leg of the event, the Connaught Primary Schools Championships in Sligo next weekend. Timed Road runs have commenced on the new walkway at Kilnacarrow on Sunday at 12.30. All are welcome.
Lanesboro Library
Tel: 0433321291 Email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
New Library Opening Hours from 23rd October 2021
Monday Closed, Tuesday 2-8pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm & 2-5pm, Thursday 2-6pm, Friday 10am-1pm & 2-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm.
The Knitting and Crochet Group return to library on Tuesday 26th October and every Tuesday after that from 2-4pm. All welcome.
Poetry and Music Hour returns to library on Thursday 28th October 3-5pm and every 2nd Thursday after that from 3-5pm.
All welcome.
Beginners Coding with Siobhan starting soon at Library on Friday after school 3.30-5pm. Course is 4 weeks and costs €5. Age 8+. Numbers limited to 10. Contact Stella on 3321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie to book a place.
Age Friendly Digital Skills Course commencing soon at Lanesboro Library. A limited number of places are available.
Contact Stella on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie to sign up. The course will cover all Computer/Tablet/Phone uses e.g., Email, Zoom, Flights and Hotels, Online shopping, Renew your Motor Tax online and lots more. Course will run for 6 weeks.
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
The numbers that can attend Mass in St. Mary’s Church is now set at 120. Feel free to return to a mass of your choice.
On Saturday evening next Mass at 7.30pm those from Radharc na Muileann and Rathcline
At 9.30am Mass on Sunday it will be turn of Rathcline Road and Rapareehill.
The 11.30am Mass will see parishioners from The Green, Thureen and Tullyvrane.
New rota’s available
A new rota for readers, Eucharistic Ministers and money collectors is now available in the church porch from this weekend.
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.
Winter Fair
A new event at Knights and Conquests Centre in Granard, on the weekend of the 27th and 28th November.
Everything will take place indoor. There will be a seasonal selection of local artisan creations.
If you want to book a stall, contact Hazel McVeigh; email- granardshow@gmail.com or phone 087 3129847.
Shannon Gaels
End of Season Parish League and Social
Our Annual U-13 Parish league took place on Saturday morning last and was an outstanding success. With 50 players split across 4 teams, we had an exhibition of individual skills and quality team play. After 3 group games per team, the large crowd of supporting attendees were treated to a hugely exciting final between Meath and Kildare. At the end of a tight and tense affair, Meath came out on top to claim the parish league title for 2021. A dominant display by John Farrell earned him the player of the match award. Team Captain Rian Shanley collected the cup from Senior Club Chairperson Micheál O’Sullivan on behalf of his gallant team members John Farrell, Leah Kenny, Sean O’Dowd, Shane Farrell, Josh Curran, Hannah Farrell, Michael Hogan, Saoirse Dillon, Tom Hession, Niall Morgan and Dylan Horohoe. Special mention to team managers Shane Kenny and Dáithí Mulvihill for their invaluable team talks and experience to guide their team to the title and claim club managers of the year bragging rights 2021!! Our fun blitzes for 2nd class down saw 40 talented girls and boys play some thrilling matches where goal celebrations were the highlight of the morning. To bring the presentations to a close, Sean Casey (minor team coach) was presented with a club appreciation award for all his dedication and commitment with the minor panel throughout the year. The club would like to sincerely thank all those who helped out on the day to run such an enjoyable and memorable event for all the children. Thanks to our senior and minor club players who assisted with all games from umpiring and refereeing to management; to all parents and supporters who provided such a large variety of baked goods and refreshments to keep everyone in high spirits; Seadna Ryan and his club grounds committee for having our Clonbonny playing facilities in such pristine condition; we also mention Johnny Hanley for his great work during the year in having the pitch always marked and photographers Melissa O’Donoghue and Sinead Hogan for capturing such great snaps of the day and all our club coaches at each age level. Special thanks to Stephen and Tina Dowd for laying on a fantastic BBQ for all to feast on post games.
Finally, we would like to thank Duncan Murphy and his workplace TEG (Mullingar) who sponsored half-zip tops for our juvenile team ; Peter Shea at Salmon Software for sponsoring a team kit for our U-9 panel and Joe O’Brien for his constant support and correspondence.