Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Laying of new water pipe
Any of those that regularly use the Rathcline Road will attest the amount of water bursts along that road especially over the past year or two. For too long Eugene Kelly has been fighting the battle to have a new pipe laid down.
Joe Flaherty has been making strong representations on behalf of Eugene and Longford County Council with Irish Water to have this work done with immediate effect. Last week Joe was the bearer of great news when he was assured from Irish Water that the work on the new pipelaying would commence on this Monday.
We all know the inconvenience that this work will create during the laying of the pipe but in the long run it will a great relief to everyone living and using the Rathcline Road. This work is long overdue; we are sure that when the work is completed it will see the end of the water bursts along the road from the corner to Harold’s crossroads.
Spate of Robberies
In recent times we are fully aware of the spate of robberies on both sides of the bridge in our community. The fact that these robberies are continuing in the locality is very worrying. The past week seen the Ballagh, Kilrooskey and Longford Road areas affected.
Everybody is asked to make their property security number one priority…. These thieves are a brazen and daring lot. Even if you are working out in your garden/field please make sure that your doors and windows are securely locked. If you haver an alarm do make sure it is on. If you are away from your house, ensure you leave a light on; leave a radio on and if there are Christmas presents ensure they are left out of sight.
It is equally important that if you have elderly or vulnerable people living your in your area that you call in and keep an eye as you are passing. It is important that we play our part in ensuring the safety of our community, our property and our neighbours.
If you need to contact the Gardaí locally you should contact Longford 043 33 50570 or Roscommon 090 66 388300 or 999.
Christmas Lights
Work is ongoing to have the Christmas lights in Both Lanesboro and Ballyleague ready for the big switch on this Saturday evening. A tremendous amount of time in preparation for the light up has gone on by the committees on both sides of the bridge. By all accounts our community lighting will be bigger and better than ever this year. We congratulate both committees for their great work. If anyone would like to contribute towards the lights, they can do so in Ballyleague to Noel Moran, Gerry Trimble or John Loughlin or through donation boxes located in Inver Filing station, Credit Union and Keane’s Supervalu or in Lanesboro to Mark Casey, Margaret Gillen, Brigid Mullooly or leave your envelope into O’Brien’s for collection.
Shannon Gaels
Fr Manning Cup
Longford had a wonderful win in the Fr. Manning Cup on Saturday last when they convincingly overcame Sligo in the final in Pearse Park. The club were very well represented on the day with Gareth Johnston, the team manager, Pierre Boudin, team coach and Jimmy Farrell a prominent panel member. This feat has not happened the county since 2014 and Saturday was another proud day in the annals of the Shannon Gaels club. Many congratulations lads.
Sleeping out for Simon
Junior Hannon has volunteered for the annual challenge of ‘Sleeping out for Simon’ at Longford Rugby Club that will take place on Friday night 10th December. You can support and sponsor Junior in his challenge in O’Brien’s.
The Simon Community for more than 50 Years has been rebuilding lives and tackling homelessness. As we are part of Midland Simon, we urge your support for those suffering from homelessness in our local communities.
LCC Enrolment
All applications to the First Year Group in Lanesboro Community College are now being accepted.
https://lanesborocc.com/ please visit our school website and home page for relevant links. Please do not hesitate to contact the college for any further information or if you wish to make an appointment
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 https://lanesborocc.com/or by phoning 043 33 21139.
Windsong Music
The hugely popular Windsong Music is now enrolling for a new term and lessons are available for all levels in singing, piano, violin, cello and harp. Phone Edel Loftus 087 3649005 or 089 4974865 or you can email Edel at windsongmusiclessons@gmail.com
St. Vincent de Paul
Every year the Longford Branch of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul make an appeal for support to help. So many people find Christmas a harrowing time due to their situation of not been able to provide for themselves or their family members. The Longford branch of St. Vincent de Paul through your generosity really comes into its own and helps so many people within our communities that are really in need. This great support cannot happen without your tremendous generosity and it truly is tremendous.
This year again the dedicated members of St. Vincent de Paul are again calling on your generosity. Donation envelopes can be picked up in O’Brien’s or in the church. The envelopes can be left into Fr. Sergiy’s house or into O’Brien’s.
Do you know that your contributions can help provide food for a family that is struggling; help an elderly person stay warm this winter; help a young family with education costs like books and uniforms.
Stories About Lanesboro in New Book
The recently published, Longford’s Republican Story 1900 -2000, contains a wealth of stories about Rathcline and Lanesboro that many people will not have been aware of. One of the most fascinating items is a list of 72 men from the parish who were in the IRA during the War of Independence and 29 women who were in Cumann na mBan. The book describes the Turlough Ambush, on 17 May 1921, the most successful operation carried out by the IRA in South Longford. In the Civil War, Lanesboro Barracks was attacked on no less than six occasions, and the men who took part are listed. In April 1922, a Civic Guard was shot dead in bizarre circumstances during a raid on the Northern Bank in Lanesboro. The cause of death of a Black and Tan in a tailor’s shop, now O’Brien’s, in the town in April 1923 is a matter of debate. Was it an accident or an IRA ambush? Events in Lanesboro from the time Patrick Belton took part in the 1916 Rising, until the unveiling of a monument in the town in 2005 in memory of H-Blocks hunger striker, Martin Hurson, are extensively covered. This fascinating book with 600 pages and 500 photographs can be purchased in O’Brien’s
Christmas/New Year Draw
The annual Rathcline GAA Christmas/New Year draw is once again taking place and the draw will take place in Adie’s bar on Saturday 15th January. Tickets are again priced at €20.
First prize is €3,000, 2nd prize €1,000, 3rd prize 2 tickets for the eagerly awaited concert in Croke Park of Ed Sheeran on Sunday 24th April 2022, 4th prize €250, 5th prize €250.
Thank you
I know I am like a cracked record but each week your generosity continues to astound. White socks, toiletries, donation of money and clothing continue to be left into the shop supporting Brendan O’Halloran and his great work with Grafton Street Kitchens helping the homeless and helpless in and around Dublin City. Once again, I say thank you all very much for your incredible generosity.
Shoe Box Appeal
A number of shoe boxes are still arriving at O’Brien’s. Brendan and Eilish would like to thank everyone for exceeding their wildest dreams with the number of shoe boxes that were donated.
Annual Publication
The annual publication of the County Longford Historical Society Journal ‘Teathbha’ is now on the shop shelves. This is always a brilliant read outlining historical events and this year the publication is highlighting the centenary year of 2021. Once again, James MacNerney has proven to be an expert in the editing of this year’s book. Local historian and member of the County Longford Historical Society has two articles published.
Defibrillator Training
Time and time again there are urgent call outs a great need to know how to work the defibrillator. There are now a big number of defibrillators in the area there is a greater need than ever for more people to learn how to use the defibrillator or to do their refresher course. It is essential that all clubs and associations in the community have people trained up.
In the next few weeks there will be a new course beginning and if you want to be included in the 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.
Ballyleague Lights Up on Saturday
The official turning on ceremony of the Christmas lights in Ballyleague will take place after 7 PM mass in Ballyleague on Saturday next the 4th December. This year representatives of the St Faithleach’s team who won the Roscommon Intermediate Championship will perform the honour of flicking the switch.
The lights committee have once again this year invested heavily in new light features which will be in place along the length of the stone wall in front of Ballyleague school. In order to fund this project, the committee have a go fund me campaign running, via their Facebook page Ballyleague Christmas Lights. Donations can also be made in person to Noel Moran, Gerry Trimble or John Loughlin or through donation boxes located in Inver Filing station, Credit Union and Keane’s Supervalu.
Mary’s Meals Draw
Mary’s Meals organisation, Longford Volunteer group, is holding a mega draw with the opportunity to win a VW Golf Life Car from Brady’s Arva. Local businesses have also sponsored four further valuable prizes. Tickets can be got from Anne Carroll at the Sacristy after Mass each day. The draw will take place on Saturday 1st January. Tickets are priced at €20.
Christmas Party Night
Kick start Christmas early with a Festive Party Night at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon
Christmas Party Season is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a well-deserved night out with work colleagues, family and friends at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon. This year the Abbey will host 2 party nights on Friday 10th and Friday 17th December, starting off the festivities on both nights at 8p.m with a mulled wine reception, a delightful 4 course festive menu followed by entertainment with a festive themed disco, featuring hits of the decades guaranteed to keep you on the dance floor til the late hours with Radio Compere and DJ Keith Shanley (Midlands 103 Radio and Christmas FM DJ) Cost is €39 per person with special B&B rates available on the night. To book call 090 6626240 or email events@abbeyhotel.ie
We wish to advise that all attending the party nights will be required to have a valid digital covid cert to gain admission. Full health and safety protocols will be in place.
Lanesboro Primary Enrolment
Enrolment of children for Lanesboro Primary School is now being accepted for September 2022. You are asked to email the school at smgslb2022@gmail.com for an enrolment form. Alternatively, you can ring the school Principal Claire Murphy at 043 33 21545.
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The St. Faithleach’s Lottery draw took place on Tuesday 16th November for the jackpot of €12,000. The numbers drawn were 1, 19, 21 and 29 and there was no winner of the jackpot. The three winners of the €40 prizes were Brendan Healy, Mary and Michelle Corcoran and Naoise McCormack, Gortgallon.
The draw for the €12,000 jackpot will take place on this Tuesday evening at the clubhouse.
Rathcline AGM
The Rathcline Senior club will hold its AGM on Tuesday November 30th at 7.30pm via Zoom
EmployAbility Midlands
We are funded through the Department of Social Protection to support people with disabilities to find and maintain employment in the open labour market.
Do you have a disability, illness or injury and would like help to find a job?
If the answer is yes, you can contact Brenda on 086 3872 855 or Siobhan on 086 833 8027 and we will be happy to tell you more about how we can help you find employment.
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in the Tourism Office on Tuesday 23rd November. The numbers drawn for this week were 4, 6, 23 and 24. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot for Tuesday 30th November rose to €5,900.
The winner of the €50 consolation draw was won by Mary Rice, The Abbeyy and the three €20 prizes winners were Teresa Ryan c/o Mags, Bernie Hanley c/o Mags and Madaleine Murray, The Green.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline club’s 50/50 draw took place on Tuesday night 22nd November in the Yacht Bar. Stephen (Stella) McCarthy was the lucky winner of the draw and Deirdre won €143. The club would like to thank everyone for their continued 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.
Ballyboro FC
The under 11s were in sparkling form in their game with UCL Harps. This game featured some brilliant football from both teams and the Ballyboro boys were full value for their 6-3 win. Panel and scorers: Michael Hogan, Darragh Shanley (2), Donnacha Farrell, Tom Hession (2), Ethan Donnellan (2), Patrick McDonagh, Rian Morrissey, Conor Kilcoyne, Eanna Kenny, Darragh McGloin, Jack Donoghue, Luke O’Halloran,
The under 12s displayed great resilience in their encounter with Melview Tigers. There was very little between the teams and the game ended fittingly in a draw. 2-2, with Oisin Dillon scoring both goals for Ballyboro. Team: Stephen Farrell, Cathal Hanly, Hayden Smyth, Alfie Brehon, Kyle Rice, Shane Farrell, Tim Kenny, Oisin Dillon, Charlie Boardman. Subs: Aleysha Kaya, Ferat Pulcu, James Carroll, Milo Woloweic.
The under 12 girls were very unfortunate in losing 2-1 to Inny Rovers. Despite having most of the play and chances they were 2-0 down until a penalty expertly dispatched by Hannah Farrell provided late hope. It wasn’t to be in what was an excellent all round team performance. Squad: Saoirse Feeney, Rosie Farrell, Saoirse Dillon, Chloe Kilcoyne, Grace Farrell, Sadhbh Neilon, Sophie Cox, Hannah Farrell, Leah Mimnagh, Siun McElgunn, Zoe Hassett, Katie Smith.
The boys under 17 team were defeated by Tullamore Town.
Lanesboro Library
Tel: 0433321291 Email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Library Opening hours
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 meet every Tuesday from 2-4pm. All welcome to come along for a chat and join in this vibrant group.
Poetry and Music Hour meet again on Thursday 9th December 3-4.30pm. All welcome to come along and hear some wonderful poetry and music.
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.
We also collect used stamps in aid of ISPCC. Thank you.
St. Mary’s Church
Thank you
You are sincerely thanked for continuing to keep the offertory collection as such a high level throughout all the restrictions. Your continuous generosity means everything to the upkeep of the parish church.
New offertory collection boxes can be collected from the front seat of the church.
Mass attendances
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.
Weekend Masses
On Saturday evening next Mass at 7.30pm those from Fermoyle, Green Gardens, Gurteengar, Killinure and Knock Manor.
At 9.30am Mass on Sunday it will be turn of Knock, Lehery and Lismacmanus.
The 11.30am Mass will see parishioners from Lisduff, Lisnacusha, Lisrevagh, Mahoraveen, Main Street and Mount Davis.
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.