Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Ballyleague NS Twins
Ballyleague National School has the unique distinction of having six sets of twins attending their school. Pictured above are Katie & Emma in 6th Class, Caolan & Oisín in 3rd Class, Jamie & Abbie in 2nd Class, Fionn & Rory in 1st Class, Theodora & Valentina and Harper & Willow in Junior Infants.
Death
The sad news broke on Wednesday last 6th October of the death at Mullingar Regional Hospital Jimmy Kelly, Cloonadra. Jimmy and his wife Anna moved to our area 15 years ago on his retirement from England. Upon their arrival they very comfortably and immediately settled into our community way of life. Jimmy in recent times had been in hospital but his death came as a great shock to us. He was a very friendly and warm-hearted man. He was a man that always had a great love for the game of golf – a member of Roscommon Golf Club he played all the local courses. Jimmy was a proud native of Dublin became a very popular figure locally. He was a wonderful conversationalist and whose company you would always enjoy. He was without doubt one of natures gentleman and his presence will be sorely missed by all of us that knew him.
Jimmy’s remains reposed at his home until the removal of his remains to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Friday last for the Mass of the Resurrection. Following Mass Jimmy was laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Anna, daughters, Susan and Maureen, grandchildren Annabel, Charlie and Ronan, sisters, Marie, Emily, Sheila, Freda and Petra, brothers Paul, Hubert and Brian, relatives and friends.
Sympathy
It was with shock we learned of the sudden and untimely death of Michael Hyland on 14th September. Michael will be remembered for his time in Augharanna before moving to Mullingar. He was a very popular young man and an excellent footballer. His disposition was one of warmth and friendliness. He will be sadly missed by all of us in the parish. Michael left us with fond memories. We extend our deepest sympathy to his daughter Alanna, his mother Mary, brother, Martin, sisters Patricia, Frances and Anita, Denis, his aunts Kate, Anne and Gaye relatives and friends. In line with Michael’s wishes a private funeral has taken place.
Brain Tumour Ireland
Barbara Dowling and her team completed the trip from Lanesboro to Athlone in her efforts to raise funds for Brian Tumour Ireland. Barbra was hoping to raise €5,000 for her ‘Christmas in June’ concert in Waterford in June 2022. She has exceeded her target and all monies over and above will go directly to Brain Tumour Ireland.
Barbara will stage an enormous concert featuring an orchestra of over 200, choir of over 400, 4 conductors, all musicians and singers giving of their time freely at Waterford Institute of Technology.
Barbara as you may remember is a 52-year-old Kerry woman, living on Saints Island, Newtowncashel with her husband Paul, son Oisín and dog tuppence had her world turned upside down in July ’19 when her doctor sent her for medical assessment or as she says herself an NCT. What was supposed to be routine tests turned into immediate admission to Portiuncla and an eight-week stint in three hospitals, Portiuncla, University Hospital Galway and Beaumont. Barbara was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, MS and thyroid cancer. Following treatment, two years on Barba has been declared as cancer free.
Her paddle was all the more incredible when you consider that her physiotherapist told her that she had failed the balance test and that she was 100% a falls risk and that she had jelly legs.
Barbara would like to say a very big thank you that supporter her in any way and if you would still like to contribute to her Brain Tumour Ireland fundraiser you can do so online at https://www.ifundraise.ie/6523_christmas-in-june-for-brain-tumour-ireland.html
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.
Your generosity knows no bounds
It is truly amazing to see the way the continued donations for the Grafton Street Kitchen keeps pouring into the collection point in O’Brien’s. when I say that your generosity knows no bounds it is truly an understatement. The collection will remain in the shop for the foreseeable future.
Brendan O’Halloran continues to do selfless work in supporting the homeless and less fortunate. He finds time to share his spare time with the needy working with the Grafton Street Kitchens and his amazement to the huge support and donations from our local community has left him overwhelmed.
This week the main appeal is as it was last week 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.
While the past few days have been milder than expected the nights are beginning to get chillier and what every support you can give would be greatly appreciated. Again, this week at the Kitchen in Grafton Street over 300 were fed and given parcels while other volunteers were going around the city to areas where people are known to be living rough. Your donations are going to support all those people and you should feel comforted that you are making someone’s life just a little better and more bearable.
You are sincerely thanked for your tremendous generosity and you are encouraged to keep donating for those people whose daily life for themselves and their families is a living hell.
Some people have enquired as to whether they can donate money. If you so wish, please put money into an envelope with your name and address on it so that you can be receipted.
Local Artist Marie Sudway
If you enjoy both greeting cards and fine art, you will love the limited-edition prints featuring Marie Sudway’s paintings on which you can write your own special message for any occasion.
Her artistic style is impressionistic. Using pen and ink, mixed media, watercolours and oils, she paints wild and exotic flowers, cows, donkeys and other myriad features of Lough Ree and its natural surroundings.
Marie’s greeting cards are currently available at LanesBrew and Lough Ree Distillery (Lanesborough), Bee Healthy (Monaghan), Athlone Bookshop and on direct request from marie.sudway@gmail.com herself. Paintings can likewise be purchased at Andy’s Antiques (Ballyleague).
Marie’s extensive portfolio can be followed at https://instagram.com/mariesudway
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy Oliver Carroll, Mount Cashel, his brothers Desmond (Athlone), and Fintan (Limerick) on the death of their brother Padraig Carroll, Alberta, Canada on Wednesday 1st September.
Padraig had a long-term illness which he carried with a great strength of character and his passing will be deeply felt by his loving wife Judy.
Padraig’s ashes were repatriated to Ballagh on Tuesday 12th October where the Mass of the Resurrection was followed by his burial in Cloontuskert Cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathy to all his relatives and friends.
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.
Defibrillator Training
With a new defibrillator there is a great need for new people to get trained in the use of the defibrillator and to have people do their refresher courses. Knowledge in use of the defibrillator is extremely essential as we have seen locally in the recent past.
There will be a new course beginning in the near future 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.
Big Car And Tractor Run
Roscommon Vintage Club are holding a big car and tractor run on Sunday 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.
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.
Championship
On Sunday last in Hyde Park St. Faithleach’s with a scintillating first half set themselves up for victory over Castlerea. The scoreline at the end was 2-18 to Castlerea’s 1-10. They will now
Following the results of the group stage of the Longford championship Rathcline are in a relegation fight for senior survival. They will play Fr. Manning Gaels Drumlish in Allen Park on Sunday next at 12.30pm.
The Rathcline Junior team have qualified for the upcoming Junior ‘A’ semi final that will be played in the coming weeks.
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 5th October for a jackpot of €5,000.
The numbers drawn for this week were 7, 8, 22 and 23. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot for Tuesday 12th October rose to €5,200.
The winner of the €50 consolation draw was won by Richard Rooney and the three €20 prizes were Tiernan Hanley, Corrigeen, Martini c/o Mags, Mary Tiernan, Ferefad, Longford.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline club’s 50/50 draw took place on Tuesday night 5th October in Adie’s Bar. The lucky winning envelope drawn was Michelle Brady, Cureen who won €190. 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
Despite going down 6-3 to UCL Harps the under 13 girls gave a very encouraging performance in their first game of the season. The girls played some excellent possession football and their display augurs well for the rest of the season. Team and scorers: Leah Kenny, Anna Cox, Mariana Donlon (1), Amy Burke, Kate Malone (1), Emma Hoey, Emma Feeney, Sarah Healy, Alice Farrell. Subs: Kate Hoey, Maria Forde (1).
The boys under 15, under 16 and under 17 teams were defeated by Mostrim, UCL, and Monksland United respectively.
Christian Donlon is in the Irish under 15 squad who play Poland in two international games on this Tuesday and Thursday. Both games have a 3pm kick off and take place at Richmond Park.
The club hope to run a bus to the World Cup qualifier Ireland v Portugal in the Aviva next month, where Cristiano Ronaldo is sure to be the star attraction.
Ballyboro FC fields teams for boys and men at U6, U8, U9, U10, U11, U12, U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and adult. There are also teams for girls at U12 and U13. That is a total of 14 teams who all have to be coached, trained, and looked after in various respects over a season. While the club has 19 FAI accredited PDP coaches at Levels 1,2,3, more help is required to assist the voluntary coaches and mentors. Anyone who would like to help out in whatever capacity is asked to contact any club officer.
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 euro. 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
According to the new regulations the numbers that can attend Mass in St. Mary’s Church is now set at 120. Feel free to return at a mass of your choice.
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 St., and Mount Davis.
New rota’s available
A new rota for readers, Eucharistic Ministers and money collectors is now available in the church porch from this weekend.
October Rosary
October is always seen as the month of the Rosary. The Rosary will be prayed every Sunday every Sunday in October in the church at 3pm. All are welcome to take part.
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/Social Update
The end of season Parish league/Social morning is confirmed to take place
on Saturday next 16th Oct from 9:30am to 12:30pm.
Parish league teams shall be drawn from U-9 (3rd class players) to U-13’s [plan is to have 6 teams in total, with top 2 contesting the Parish League Final]
– Fun blitz to be ran for all remaining players [U-9 down]
– Senior players to manage teams
– Juvenile & minor players to referee matches
– All arrive for 9:30am with games to commence at 10am
– Refreshments/lunch [BBQ] served from 11:30am – 12:30pm along with some presentations