Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Deaths
On Thursday last 2nd December both sides of our community were rocked to their core when the news of deaths of two people who were integral to our community for many years happening within a couple of hours of each other.
Eileen Farrell
Eileen a native of Valentia Island, Co. Kerry and a member of the legendary O’Connell family married local man the late Luke Farrell and settled down living amongst us in Lanesboro. She was predeceased by Luke, her sisters Catherine and Mary and by her brother John. Eileen instantly became one of us and took up employment as a teacher in Fermoyle where she worked for 35 years and where she created a wonderful reputation as an exacting and excellent teacher. Eileen was a daily communicant and mass goer. She was a late convert to coffee shops where she regularly visited after morning Mass. She always enjoyed the company of people. She was an elegant and gracious lady, a great conversationalist and the most dependable of people. Eileen was always there when anyone needed assistance, comfort, or advice. Behind her veil of sincerity was mischievous lady who loved nothing more than to have a little joke at her or some of her friend’s expense. She always loved trends and fashion which was clear to be seen as was her love of gardening creating and maintaining an immaculate garden. An avid walker most times walking twice a day mostly with one of her many walking friends.
Her passing has brought a great sadness to our community and to everyone that knew her.
Eileen’s remains reposed at Glennon’s Funeral Home on Saturday before she was removed from her residence in Tullyvrane to St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro for her Funeral Mass. Following Mass, she was laid to rest alongside her husband Luke in Rathcline Cemetery.
To her daughter Deirdre, sons Padraig and Colm, sisters Chris Kennelly, Rathcline Road and Noreen McCormack, her brother Mick, grandchildren extended family and many friends to who we extend our deepest sympathy.
Brian McCormack
Brian came to Lanesboro as a youngster with his late parents Jim and Frances when his father moved to take up employment in the quarry. Brian was also predeceased by his granddaughter Caoimhe, his sister Kathleen, brother David and nephew Ronan. Living opposite Tommy Harold, Brian could not but be drawn into boxing such was Tommy’s enthusiasm for the sport. Brian joined Lanesboro Boxing club under the guidance of Tommy and John Hester. He was a natural for the sport and his talents led him to win a Leinster Juvenile title and much was expected for the future. Brian’s loved his boxing, but his nature was of a very relaxed manner and this manner did not suit the requirements for future success. He was a man who was loved by everyone he met. He was the most amenable of people, most helpful and loved the opportunity to sit and chat. Brian almost 20 years was involved in an accident that was to change his life forever. He was confined to a wheelchair, but it did not change his relaxed personality as he faced his adversity with a great acceptance and tolerance. Brian worked with ESB in the power station until his accident where he was a hugely popular member of staff and the most helpful to everyone that came under his guidance. Brian was loved within our community and his passing will leave a great emptiness to us all.
His remains reposed in his home in Gortgallon on Sunday. His remains were removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Monday for the Mass of the Resurrection and following Mass he was laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his astonishing wife Maura, children Neville, Rachel, Breiffni and Mary, brothers Johnny, Jim, Pat and Bob, grandchildren, extended family, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Lanesboro Fire Service
Lanesboro Fire Service are seeking two people male or female to join the local team. A person interested in such a post should be in a position to operate in a roster that guarantees their availability when on call and they should live and work within a 5-minute response time of the Fire Station. The position is open to all people within or community, Killashee or Cashel that can meet all the requirements.
Joining Lanesboro Fire Service as part of Longford Fire Service as a Retained Firefighter, applicants must be aged 18 years and over, meet the required health and physical fitness standards, have a good standard of vision and colour perception and preferably have a category B, full, clean driving license.
Applications should be made to The Chief Fire Officer, Longford Fire Station, Templemichael, Longford N39 FW96 or email firestation@longfordcoco.ie
Christmas Lights
Last Saturday evening Lanesboro and Ballyleague came to life with the switching on of the Christmas Lights. From end of the town to the other there is great lighting and sure sign of a community readying itself for a great Christmas. We must say a huge thank you to the committees on both sides of our community for the tremendous job they have done.
If anyone would like to contribute towards the excellent 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.
Stephanie and Kevin play their part
Local artist Stephanie Hanlon and her husband Kevin have been playing a major role in the brightening the shop fronts in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. Stephanie is a renowned local artist and the work she has done on shopfronts and private houses has been remarkable. Her work is admired by everyone. It is great to see the children and adults walking up and down the town and taking time to admire each window decoration.
Public Consultation
On Monday 6th December ESB held a Public Consultation Session in relation to the proposed works to enable development of grid services to support decarbonisation of the national grid.
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.
Meals on Wheels
With no Church Gate collection this year your support is asked for the Co. Longford Meals on Wheels collection. As you know support for Meals on Wheels is very vital for our community where many people avail of this fabulous service every week. Traditionally it is held in the days leading up to Christmas and your generosity is normally excellent in support of this hardworking group. There is a collection point in O’Brien’s shop and we would urge your fullest support. Thank you in advance.
Books for Christmas
There is a tremendous array of books available for the Christmas with most written by local authors and the others having a local interest. A number of Jack Harte’s books have recently arrived on the bookshelves including In the Wake of the Bagger and Jack’s latest book Laughing Boy that was adapted into a play are now on sale. The recent and very popular publication of poetry Ghost Homeland by Colin Carberry has been restocked. Sliabh Bán, out a few years now, written by Henry Owens, this book continues to sell in big numbers and it remains very popular. The annual Longford Historical publication is once again proving very popular. The recently published Longford Republican History 1900 – 2000 is a huge book with lots of local references and a book for any house. The recently published Dukie – The Game of Life by local journalist Seamus Duke covers his life spanning a number of decades, the book covers Seamus’ long and distinguished career in media in the midlands and west and features over 30 interviews with figures from the world of politics, sport, and local communities. The Swinging Sixties is a recent publication by prolific writer Paddy Egan from Kenagh. This book will take you back in time and relive the memories of what was one of the greatest eras since the beginning of time. Two other very popular books over the past year are again back in stock and would make great Christmas reading or as a Christmas present Light Reading for Short Journeys and In my Mind’s Eye.
All Ireland Winner
Congratulations to Rian Hogan son of Barry and Sinead Hogan, Mahoraveen who was part of the Longford mixed relay team that won Gold in the Community Games in Navan last weekend.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Zoltan Juhāsz and his family, Cnoc na Gaoithe on the recent death of his father Zoltan Juhāsz in Szeged, Hungary.
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, each year your donations are truly 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
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 the recounting of the Black and Tan shot in Lanesboro. Growing up my late father, Jimmy, always recounted the story told to him by John O’Sullivan, of how the Black and Tan happened to be shot.
The shop back then was a tailor shop where John was working, and this particular Tan had built up a rapport with those working in the tailors. One evening he came in excited about having got a new gun. He was showing it off and did not know there was a bullet in the breach. When examining the gun John pulled the trigger and shot the man. John was taken in for questioning but the fact that the Tan was friendly with the locals and especially those in the tailors it was recognised as an accident.
Stories such as the one above are recounted in this fascinating book with 600 pages and 500 photographs can be purchased in O’Brien’s.
Connacht Championship
On Saturday last St. Faithleach’s embarked on the Connacht Intermediate club championship when they took on St. Farnan’s from Sligo in Hyde Park. After a pulsating 60 minutes the two teams finished level with St. Farnan’s scoring the levelling score in the dying minutes of the game. St. Farnan’s momentum continues and went into a three-point lead, but St. Faithleach’s fought back and at half time of extra time the scores were again level. The final ten minutes was nip and tuck but in the end St. Faithleach’s were winners by the slenderest of margins on a 1-12 to 1-11 scoreline.
This one-point victory brings St. Faithleach’s to the Connacht Final where they will the winners of the Mayo Gaels v Cumann Peile Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir who play their semi-final next weekend. The final is scheduled for the weekend 8/9th January,
Well done to team manager Wally Burke, his management and panel on a wonderful win and we look forward to more success in 2022.
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.
Wilder & Gold
On the Weekend section of last Saturday’s Irish Examiner local lady Marie O’Dowd and her café/shop Wilder & Gold got prominent mention on an article written by Marie Toft on their family visit to the Royal Canal Greenway. Marie is daughter of Margaret and the late Kevin O’Dowd, Barnacor. Locally we all recognise Wilder & Gold as a must visit café shop when in Ballymahon. It is great to see our views confirmed by this excellent commentary.
No more Clothes
Such has been the incredible response to the call for clothes by those working the Grafton Street Kitchens that they had to suspend their plea for clothing. They would like to say a very big thank you to everyone that donated clothes in such huge numbers.
The appeal for white socks and toiletries continues and you are urged to continue your generous donations as we approach Christmas and the hardest part of the winter. You can continue to leave your donations into O’Brien’s.
For a community not having a history of having our people homeless or living rough the generosity you have shown has been truly remarkable. The meaning and spirit of Christmas has not been lost in our community. Thank you all very much for everything.
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, John Casey, has two articles published in this year’s publication.
About the Defibrillator
A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it’s an essential part in trying to save the life of someone who’s in cardiac arrest.
We can always remember the clash of two players in Clonbonny and the consequences of the Rathcline club having a defibrillator installed. The instalment of the defibrillator would have been useless unless there was someone in place adept in the knowledge of how to use it. That day there were a number available to help and aid the stricken player. Thankfully all ended well
Due to the Covid restrictions the training and refresher courses had to be deferred. If you are willing to partake in the training, you are asked to leave your name and phone number with Martina O’Brien in the shop or ring Martina at 086 3858934 or email martinaclyne1@gmail.com
Looking for your support
Earlier this year the defibrillator group spent over €3,500 in updating the entire system and in the coming weeks and months pads and batteries will have to be replaced. The great work of the group cannot take place without your financial support and to date your support has been fantastic. As there can be no church gate collections this year your support is called on in a different way. The group would like to ask for your support and to drop your contribution into the collection point in O’Brien’s shop. Thank you in advance.
Water paints very popular
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.
There is no doubt but her artistic style is very distinctive. 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. Some of her local paintings have to be seen to be believed.
Marie’s portfolio of growing work can be seen and followed at https://instagram.com/mariesudway
Jacinta’s Embroidery
There is great beauty in seeing your Towels, Sheets, Pillowcases, Face Cloths, Baby Blankets, Baby Clothes, Adult Clothes, T-Shirts and Dressing Gowns embroidered and personalised. This personalised embroidery would be a unique and wonderful Christmas present or indeed for any occasion during the year. Jacinta McCormack is presently doing a great range and if you would like to avail of her embroidery service you can call her at 043-3321280 or 086-8960825. Her work can be seen on display in O’Brien’s.
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 this Friday 10th and Friday week 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.
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 30th November. The numbers drawn for this week were 8, 12, 14 and 17. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot for Tuesday 6th December rose to €6,000.
The winner of the €50 consolation draw was won by Rosie Rhatigan, Fermoyle and the three €20 prizes winners were Denise c/o Mags, Mike Greene c/o FÁS and Brenda Carroll, LanesBrew Coffee Shop.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline club’s 50/50 draw took place on Tuesday night 22nd November in the Clarke’s Bar. Scott Cassidy, Church View was the lucky winner of the draw and Scott won €.206 The draw on Monday night 6th December is taking place in the Yacht Bar. 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.
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 table at the back of the church. There are just a few boxes left for picking up.
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 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.
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.
Rathcline GAA
AGM as reported by Chairman Micheál O’Sullivan
Rathcline GAA held a well-attended AGM on Tuesday November 30th last that elected a new Club President. Liam Connerton was elected Honorary President of the Club and succeeded Hilary Sullivan who passed away in May 2019. Liam gratefully accepted the position and stated that he was honoured and humbled to be elected by the Club and to follow in the footsteps of some great club people. In his chairperson’s address, Micheál O’Sullivan thanked everyone for their attendance and support throughout the year. He outlined that the club is healthy and thriving and is continually developing in order to provide facilities for all the club members and the local community. He congratulated the Senior team on winning the Division 2 League 2020 that was played in August. He commented that while relatively limited success was achieved in the senior championship during the short season, there were some exciting games played and the motivation remains strong. All agreed that this team has a very bright future. He paid compliment to those involved in the Junior team that reached the semi-final of the Junior A championship. He thanked his fellow members on the executive and those who helped out with all the various teams. He paid tribute to all those players who make a large contribution to county senior, u-20 and Minor teams. He made special mention of Gareth Johnson who managed the County U-16 Fr Manning Cup team to success in winning that competition. He complimented those from the club who retain administrative positions on the County Board. He mentioned the huge importance of the continual success and growth of the Minor Club as well as the ongoing development of the Ladies’ Club. The chairperson also thanked the whole community for their continual support of local fundraising initiatives including the weekly 50/50 draw and the upcoming Annual Christmas / New Draw with prizes of over €5,000. He thanked club sponsors including Bord na Mona, the support of Bernard Keane in Supervalu who helped to sponsor the Club gym, the Casserly family at Spar, Gareth Johnson from Johnson Pharmacy and to the Clancy Family in the Lough Ree Distillery. The chairperson reflected on the passing of people who contributed hugely to the club through the years including Eamon Kenny RIP and Tom Feeney RIP. A vote of sympathy was given on the recent passing of Josephine Donlon, Lehery. The chairperson complimented the Secretary Jimmy Flood for his detailed report on the Club’s activities and Treasurer Marie Farrell for all her work. The chairperson then called on Seadna Ryan who outlined the exciting development of the new 900m Walkway development at Clonbonny that will see an investment of close to €200k being spent on Clonbonny. This project is due to start in January 2022. Some lively discussions took place during the meeting about a number of important items on the agenda that reflected the energy that members have about the continued success and development of the club.
Rathcline Club Officers for 2022: Hon Club President: Liam Connerton. Chairman: Micheál O’Sullivan. Vice-chairperson: Pat Connerton. Secretary: Jimmy Flood. Asst Secretary: Neil O’Connor. Treasurer: Marie Farrell. Asst. Treasurer: Stephen Rooney / Albert Cooney. County Board Delegates: Louis Skelly, Micheál O’Sullivan, Seamus Flynn & Vinnie Farrell. Minor Board Liaison: Sean McDermott. Ladies’ Board Liaison Colette Wyse. Children’s Officer: Carmel Hayes. Insurance Officer: Neil O’Connor. Players Registrar: to be filled at beginning of season. Registrars: Peter Skelly, Brendan Rhatigan, Gerald Farrell. Coaching Officers: Seadna Ryan, Kevin Hanley. Irish Officer: Shannon Gaels. Field Committee: Johnny Hanley, Mike Greene. Pitch Development leads: Seadna Ryan, Liam Connerton.