Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Exciting News
Over the weekend I was led to believe that we are going to see big changes in Lanesboro in 2022. The Lough Ree Distillery and the Clancy family are expecting, this week, to hear an announcement of funding for their proposed development at the old post office as you turn into the carpark. This will be a wonderful addition to the Main Street and the business of the town. The Clancy’s and Lough Ree Distillery are producing Gins and Whiskeys for the Christmas market from their hop and distillery on Main Street.
Following extraordinary work and persistence by Stephen Dowd it is expected that the Premier Lakelands Food Hub is expected to go for e-tender this coming week. This project when built has the prospect of a good number of jobs which will be a great boost for our community.
Hopefully both developments will have the capability to halt the brain from our locality and create additional jobs by attracting other companies to locate into our developing and thriving community.
Sympathy
On Saturday 4th December one of the former parishioners died suddenly at Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar when Celine Fallon Carrowmanagh and formerly Celine Greene of Tullyvrane passed away. She was predeceased by her late husband Pat just 18 months ago; by her parents Harry and Kathleen and also by her sisters Anne and Collette and her brother Henry.
Celine always retained a great affinity to her home parish and was always keen to revisit and chat with family and old friends. Wea all remember as a woman with great warmth and friendship. Her beaming smile told all there was to know about Celine – a warm heart and cheery disposition.
Following her reposing at her home Celine was removed to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro for her Funeral Mass. Following Mass, she was laid to rest alongside her husband Pat in Clonbonny Cemetery.
We extend our deepest sympathy to her family Mark, Regina and Deirdre, brothers Pete, Tom and Mike, sisters Marie, Helen, and Olive, relatives and many friends.
Death
On Tuesday last 7th December as a family of Sid, Seamus, Martina and myself we lost our mother Bridgie who was in the wonderful care of the staff of Innis Ree Nursing Home, Ballyleague.
Having lived in Lanesboro for almost 70 years and almost all the 70 years were spent behind the counter in the Corner Shop. Everyone that knew her has their own memory or story to tell of her in the shop or working with many groups in the town. She always spoke and felt blessed by the support of the local and surrounding communities.
As a family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren we were deeply grateful by the response to her death by everyone that contributed on Facebook, RIP.ie, in the written word and by their attendance at her reposing and Funeral Mass.
Bridgie reposed at her residence on Wednesday before being removed to St. Mary’s Church on Thursday for her Funeral Mass. She was later laid to reset alongside her husband Jimmy in Lanesboro Cemetery.
Birth
Our heartiest congratulations to Aisling and Stephen Healy, Corrigeen on the recent birth of a baby boy.
Christmas Shoe Boxes
Last week Brendan O’Halloran picked up the last of the shoe boxes from the shop which just about fitted into his overflowing van. I asked him to report the run so that you could all to see where your shoe boxes went to and as you can see, they did create a great excitement at all the centres they called to with the shoe boxes. Below is Brendan’s account of the exhausting Sunday drive.
As you know we set off from your premises yesterday at 9am. We arrived at the Women’s Refuge in Navan. Co Meath at 10.30am where we dropped off 75 boxes, then across the road was the Peter McVerry family hub where we dropped off 40 boxes. Then we drove on into the city, first drop in there was The Town House, Gardiner St which is now a type of family hostel, approximately 40 boxes, then up the road to the Horizon temporary accommodation 35 boxes.
Next stop the Salvation Army family Hub Crumlin where we met Dani and some of the families, another 50 boxes here, then off to the Salvation Army Hub in Coolock where we met Chloe and her colleague. We left off 60 boxes. They are going to save up some of the boxes for the kids with birthdays in the first quarter of 2022. This was the highlight of the trip for all of us as we met two little girls, aged 3 and 1yr. I decided to bring into two boxes that they could open in front of us, their faces and smiles made what we do all worthwhile. Our last stop was the old Travel Lodge Hotel Navan Road, now under the Peter McVerry Trust, in here there are 56 Families a mixture of Irish and families from war torn Syria. This is where the last of the boxes were dropped.
Everywhere we stopped the people were so grateful as all the women in charge said they didn’t know what they were going to do for the kids as there was no funding available for presents this year. Seems we arrived at just the right time. All this coming week I will be dropping at more hubs at Night after work and by Friday all will have been delivered.
On Saturday, my two boys and myself dropped boxes at the Teach Failte women’s refuge in Mullingar. Fidelma was delighted to receive them. Also, on Saturday Orla Egan Principal of St Joseph’s NS Longford Town took away 60 boxes for families who are unable to provide Santa for their kids locally.
Thanks to all who donated so generously, to you Joe and Martina for your patience and providing a drop off point, to Eilish Dillon a heart of gold, who also helped deliver, to my wife and boys for sorting and delivering, Mags Gill, Clare Quill, Molly, to Shane Healy, Alan Horohoe, John Spollen for collections from schools, Susan Carry from Kells, Susan O Reilly from Ashbourne, Cloontuskert Residents, my employer Bretland Construction for the use of their vehicles, and most important the support our community and further afield. To all the schools, school kids, parents and teachers for their enormous support, without all of these people this would not be possible. Proud of all of you is an understatement. If I have missed anyone I sincerely apologise.
Death
On Wednesday last 8th December we were shocked to learn of the death at Galway University Hospital of Mary O’Reilly, Greengardens. Mary who was formerly from Letterkenny, Co. Donegal was predeceased by her father Charlie and brother Andrew. Many years ago, she met and married Micheál O’Reilly, the Green and they set up their home in Greengardens. For the past number of years Mary had infrequently suffered from ill health which was borne with great spirit and fight. Her favourite pastimes were reading as she was an avid reader, dancing and fashion. She was a very glamourous lady who had the taste in dress style to compliment her great looks. Mary was a devoted wife mother, very house proud who loved nothing better than to be busy especially with her favourite pastimes of cooking, baking, knitting and crocheting. She was a lady fiercely proud of her home county but loved nothing better than the peace and tranquillity of Greengardens and her adopted town Lanesboro. She was a privately religious lady with a great devotion to Padre Pio. Mary loved to travel and to celebrate both retirement’s they were due to go off on a Caribbean cruise.
Mary’s remains reposed in Glennon’s Funeral Home on Friday and the removal of her remain took place to St. Mary’s Church on Saturday. Following the Mass of the Resurrection Mary was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery. To her husband Micheál, daughters Ann-Marie and Louise, sons Declan and David, her mother Maeve, sisters Ann, Carol, Angela, Dee and Fiona, brothers Martin, Cathal, Eugene and Michael we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Sympathy
It was with great sadness we learned of the death at Newbrook Nursing Home, Mullingar, of Margaret Kilroy, Mullingar and formerly of Lanesboro. Margaret a member of the Moran family from Carraroe married Marty Mc Nally many years ago where together they ran, very successfully, the Lough Ree Arms. Marty died very early in life and Margaret continued to run the hotel on the Main Street. She later met and married Sean Kilroy who was working with ESB. They continued to run the hotel until they sold and moved to Mullingar where they lived with their daughter Olivia for many years. Margaret in recent years had been in failing health and she moved into Newbrook Nursing Home where she got excellent care and attention.
Margaret is survived by her daughter Olivia, her son in law Phil, grandchildren Aaron, Sophie and Theo the extended Moran and Kilroy families and many friends to whom we extend our sincere sympathy. Margaret’s remains were removed to the Cathedral of Christ the King Mullingar for her Funeral Mass that took place on Monday 13th December and was followed by cremation in Lakelands Crematorium Cavan.
Death
On Thursday last 9th December at Oakwood Nursing Home, Roscommon one of our most respected men Johnny Banahan, Cappagh, Curraghroe passed away. He was predeceased by his grandson Joey and great grandchild Cody. Johnny was a man who enjoyed life to its fullest and his popularity knew no bounds. He was recognised as an excellent farmer that enjoyed the good life that farming gives to people loving to work with animals and keeping a pristine farm. He was always known as being a wonderful neighbour and friend – nobody was ever in trouble with Johnny about such was his generosity of spirit.
He was a wonderful family man who always loved to have young people around him. He was a very funny man and loved to be joking and playing pranks. Johnny for a number of years worked with Bord na Mona as a seasonal worker where he was noted as been a conscientious and hard worker. He left an indelible mark with all those he worked with during that time.
A feature of Johnny was anytime he left home he did so very well dressed such was the quality of the man.
His remains were removed from Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon on Saturday to St. Mary’s Church Ballagh for the Mass of the Resurrection. Following Mass Johnny was laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his wife Betty, family Ann, Martin, Elizabeth, Cathy, John, Noel, Majella and Timothy, his 26 grandchildren, his 7 great-grandchildren, in-laws, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
St. John’s Community
The arrangements for Christmas at St. John’s Church are Carol Service on Christmas Eve at 7.30pm and on St Stephen’s Day Holy Communion Service at 11.30am.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the extended Farrell and Gallagher families, Lisnacusha and Roscommon Town on the death of Mrs. Phil Gallagher on Wednesday 8th December. Phil was a native of Lisnacusha and sister of the late Joe Farrell. During her youth Phil was a member of the local drama group that was thriving at the time and she is fondly remembered for her many roles on the stage of the Pillar Ballroom.
ATM
In recent times there has been no end of complaints about the lack of accessibility to money from the ATM machine that is situated on the outer wall of SuperValu. It is either out of order or more often than not it has run out of money. This causes great grief to the staff of SuperValu as people think it is filled by the management of the store. It is not.
I don’t know what financial company that is filling and maintaining the ATM but it is long after time that they ensured that the machine is in full working order and properly funded.
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 Support
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ballyboro FC
Pride of place this week goes to the under 17s who recorded their first point in the Combined Counties League by virtue of a well merited draw at home to Tullamore Town. Indeed, the Ballyboro boys might have snatched full points if they had availed of a few gilt edged scoring chances. As it was the game finished 3-3 with Eoin Cox (2) and Matthew Heneghan finding the net for Ballyboro. Team: Sammy Adey, Edgars Veinbergs, Ryan Byrne, Conor Lyons, Bryan Mullooly, Cormac O’Dowd, Matthew Heneghan, Ciaran O’Dowd, Jack Phelan, Paul Lee, Eoin Cox. Sub: Jack McGloin.
The under 11s found a very good Gaels United a tad too strong for them. While the team tried hard and scored some well taken goals, they had to give best to the Drumlish boys. Panel and scorers: Darragh McGloin, Luke O’Halloran, Michael Hogan (1), Ethan Donnellan (3), Owen Collins, Darragh Shanley, Eanna Kenny (1), Rian Morrissey, Adam Greally, Patrick McDonagh.
The under 13s got off to a great start in their encounter with Ballymahon when Eoin Beattie availed of an incisive through pass from Leon Malkowski to calmly slot the ball under the advancing keeper. That was as good as it got for the Ballyboro boys as Ballymahon gradually assumed control and they finished as 4-1 winners. Ballyboro: Mikie Sorohan, Sean O’Dowd, Emry Kaya, John Farrell, Ciaran McGloin, Eoghan Mullooly, Dan Casey, Harry Brogan, Leon Malkowski, Oisin Dillon, Eoin Beattie. Subs: Patrick Gilmore, Sean Collins, Keilon Gilmore Aidan
Congrats to Mariana Donlon, Emma Feeney and Sarah Healy who were all part of the Longford League under 13 squad who defeated the Cork League 3-0 to win the Gaynor Cup Bowl at the National Finals in Limerick on Sunday last. Well done girls.
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.
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.
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 5, 23, 24 and 27. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot for Tuesday 13th December rose to €6,000.
The winner of the €50 consolation draw was won by F&E Clyne, and the three €20 prizes went to Mary Farrell, c/o Mags, Joe O’Brien, Corner Shop, and Johnny Malone Cloontuskert.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline club’s 50/50 draw took place on Tuesday night 7th December in the Yacht Bar. Bernie McKenna, Barnacor was the lucky winner of the draw and Bernie received €264 The draw on Monday night 13th December is taking place in Adie’s 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 & Music
The poetry and music group will meet on Thursday 23rd December in the library starting at 3pm.
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 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 10.30am until 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.
Mary’s Meals
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.