Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
On Thursday last 24th March news broke of the death at Mullingar Regional Hospital of Jimmy Carroll, Knock. Jimmy had many attributes and one that was mentioned time and time again was that “he was a gentleman”. He was quietly spoken with a wonderful warm nature and the warmest of greetings. The words of a poem springs to mind when we think of Jimmy “His life was one of kindly deeds, a helping hand for other’s needs” Jimmy was a man of our community, always remembering and supporting those that may at any time be in the need of assistance. He was a great supporter of all community events. Jimmy worked with ESB in the power station until his retirement. He was as popular with his workmates as he was with locals and that was clear to seen at the reposing of his remains in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Sunday last. Jimmy’s passing will leave a great emptiness in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew him. His remains were remover to St. Mary’s Church on Sunday evening. On Monday Jimmy’s Funeral Mass took place and this was followed by burial in Rathcline Cemetery.
To his brother Sylvester, sister Maureen, brother-in-law Padraic (Glinsk, Co Galway), nieces and nephews Shirley, Elaine, Andrew and Gordon, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Anna and Brian O’Brien, daughters Tonya and Mella, Clonbonny on the death of Anna’s mother Bridgie Dalton, Brookvale Avenue, Roscommon Town on Sunday 20th March.
Minors seek second Win
We would like to wish the very best of luck to County Minor team manager Gareth Johnston, his coach Pierre Boudin and their panel the very best of luck when they play Kildare in the next round in Newbridge at 12 noon on Saturday next 2nd April.
Former local passed away
The death occurred at the University Hospital Galway of former Lanesboro man Brother James Casey (deSales) a member of the Redemptorist Community. Bro. James a native of Clonfower was predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary, brothers Daniel and Michael and sister Kathleen. Although Bro. James had left the area a good number of years ago he always had a great interest in and kept in touch with the happenings of his local community.
His remains reposed in Esker Monastery on Tuesday 22nd March. Following the removal of his remains to Esker Church, his Requiem Mass took place and burial took place afterwards in the Community graveyard.
To his sisters, Ann, Mary, Teresa, the Casey family and extended family we extend our sincere sympathy.
Birth
Many congratulations to Michael Hanley and Una Mulvihill, Cashelbeg, on the recent birth of a baby boy.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Marie Fallon Curragh Rua on the recent death of her sister Margaret O’Sullivan, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex, London.
25 Card Game Returns
The 25 partners card drive has resumed on Sunday nights with play starting at 8.30pm sharp.
Lanesboro Anaerobic Digestion
Presently KPMG have been appointed to carry out the Lanesboro Anaerobic Digestion and Circular Economy feasibility study and the project has progressed to public consultation stage.
Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is described as the conversion of feedstock (any organic non-woody material) by micro-organisms in the absence of oxygen into biogas and digestate. Not only does it create biogas that can create heat and electricity but following the anaerobic digestion process the pure by-product can safely be spread on land creating an alternative to fertiliser.
With a survey carried out by the Farmers Journal last week showing that over 70% of those responding farmers said that they would be cutting back on the use of fertiliser this year.
This shows the great need for an AD plant not only in our community and the value to the environment.
While the price fertiliser continues to rise due to the Ukraine/Russia war this is a remedy that would suit the farmers and environmentalists and create greater opportunities for our community with the added creation of heat and electricity from the AD plant. It has the potential to be a district heating system, heating houses and businesses in its locality.
A positive result from this study can help in bringing confidence back to farmers in all sectors of our farming community. We look forward to a very positive outcome for Lanesboro from this Feasibility Study and the development of an Anaerobic Digestor plant in the locality.
Tractor, Motorbike and Vintage Car Run
Your local tidy towns committee would like to say their previously cancelled tractor, motorbike and vintage car run will now take place on Sunday 24th April. Entry €20. More details to follow or from any of the committee.
Speeding through the Town
Over the past year or two it has been quite noticeable the rise in the volume of traffic and the speed of cars through the town and in particular coming down the hill from the Ballymahon Road. It continues on a daily basis even with the road narrowed by the work going on with the replacing of the footpaths. Such is the speed that a car coming off the Longford Road has to accelerate away fast or get blow out of it – not their fault but the fault of the driver coming through the town faster than the speed limit.
As we are developing ourselves as a tourist town and tourist destination there is a great need to have the traffic travelling through the town to travel at a much slower speed.
For me, the introduction of what is called tabletops strategically placed from Lanesboro Community College to St. Faithleach’s GAA club would be the ideal way of slowing traffic. This would create a greater respect for the speed through the town and give the pedestrian a greater relevance. In many tourist towns we see these tabletops creating a great environment for pedestrians and slowing the pace of the traffic making them a pedestrian friendly and safer town.
Something must be done and to me this is the ideal solution to help us develop as a welcoming tourist community.
Ed Sheeran tickets
The Shannon Gael Minor club in conjunction with the Rathcline Ladies club are holding a fundraising draw for the chance to go to see world superstar Ed Sheeran on his ‘Mathematics Tour 2022’ in Croke Park on Saturday 23rd April or Sunday 24th April. The first and second prizes are 2 tickets for Saturday and 2 tickets for the Sunday.
This is a wonderful opportunity to get to see one of the world superstars and all for just €2. Cards of tickets are available from Mark Kenny, the minor club executive or from O’Brien’s
Climb with and for Charlie Bird
On Saturday next 2nd April you have the opportunity to walk with Charlie Bird climbing Croagh Patrick. If you cannot make it, you can do your own climb, in support, locally at Sliabh Bawn, Cairn Hill or where you find a climb or walk close to where you live. You can make your donation on www.climbwithcharlie.ie or set up your own fundraiser affiliated to the website.
The funds raised will go to supporting Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House, Ireland’s national suicide prevention charity. To date there is €670,000 raised which is phenomenal considering the cost of living rising over the past couple of months and the huge amount of money donated by Irish people to the Ukrainian Appeal.
In our community we have relatively recent memories of the effects of Motor Neurone has on people. Whatever we can do to assist, even in a small monetary way, in helping to find a cure for this disease. Every community has been affected by suicide and the growth of Pieta House in supporting families and those that are felt to be vulnerable has been truly magnificent and really worthy of support.
Please join in a climb or even a long walk, no matter where you live, and make Saturday a wonderful celebration of the life of Charlie Bird and the incredible strength he is showing for Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House, Ireland’s national suicide prevention charities.
Ploughing Season
The Longford Ploughing Championship took place in Carragh, Granard on Sunday last in remarkable weather which led to a huge crowd attending the return of the county ploughing championship. The Ploughing Championships will continue on Sunday next 3rd April with the Roscommon Championship taking place in Rockfield. Rockfield which is about 11km on the Castlerea Road out of Roscommon Town. Unfortunately, the weather forecast for during the week is returning to wet and cold, but the excitement created by the ploughing championship ensures that there will be another bumper crowd enjoying all the events in Rockfield.
The Ploughing Championship day is always a fun filled family day and there is no doubt that both Longford and Roscommon will leave many great memories for all those attending.
Gun Club
Clay Shoot
The club will travel to Lakelands Shooting Grounds Mullingar Saturday next the 2nd April for a member’s clay shoot. The competition will be run across Sporting, ABT, DTL & OT layouts. All members in attendance are required to have necessary safety gear such as ear protection, safety glasses and baseball hat. You are asked to be on site at 11.00am in Lakelands. Could local members to meet in Lanesborough circa 10.15am
AGM
There was good turnout at recent AGM with all club matters discussed. Current committee was re-elected. Thank you to members on returning tickets sold and prizes on the night.
We would ask all members to return tickets to the committee soon. The club will be hoping to arrange draw in the near future.
Boro Celtic to Celebrate
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the historic treble winning team of ’97.
A suggestion was made that it would only be fitting to acknowledge and mark this wonderful achievement. This event would be a celebration of the Boro Celtic club, not just the ’97 team and would include all past players, mentors and club officials.
Anyone interested in either the local re-union or a night away should contact Michael 086 3612152 or Steve 087 7847745. The decision is yours so make it known to either of the lads
St. Faithleach’s Dinner Dance
Following a year of unprecedented success, winning the county and Connacht Intermediate Championships, the Ladies County title and Under 20 Championship, the St. Faithleach’s club will hold a celebration night and presentation Dinner Dance in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone on Saturday night week 9th April. Tickets are priced at €50 each and the music will be provided by ‘Odd Sox’. The night will commence at 7pm.
Tickets available to purchase in Xlntee hairdressers Claire Flynn (086 881 4590) or from Tanya O’Rourke (087 794 9615) or you can buy in the clubhouse on Thursday nights between 8pm and pm.
Red Cross Appeal
If you have availability or can provide accommodation for Ukrainian refugees, you are asked to register with Irish Red Cross. Countrywide there has been a remarkable response by the Irish people in the donation of money as well as registering themselves for the provision of accommodation.
For more information or to register accommodation you are advised to go to https://registerofpledges.redcross.ie
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline 50/50 draw took place on Monday night February in Clarke’s bar. The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Cían who won for the second time in two weeks. Cian won the princely sum of €406 which was a remarkable rise in the weekly prize. The rise in the prizemoney is marvellous and the aim of keeping the prize at a consistent €400 a week is most definitely getting closer.
The draw on Monday night 28th March in is taking place in the Adie’s Bar. The club welcomes the new players to the weekly draw and thank everyone for their continued support and would encourage everyone to become involved in the weekly draw.
If you prefer you can play the 50/50 for a year pink ticket for €100 or for 6 months on the green ticket. These options are also available on the revamped and live Rathcline club app.
GROW
Grow is a Community Mental Health Movement which meets every Monday at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Rd., Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated or suffering from stress, please feel free to attend. Contact Assumpta for information by phoning her on 086 8114135.
Blow Ins – The Book
A new supply of ‘From here to There – Blow Ins’ a book by, now local man, Andrew Knowles is becoming a very popular book is now back in stock in O’Brien’s. Andrew and his wife Angie since their arrival have become an integral part of our community. The feedback on his book has been excellent and everyone says a “most enjoyable read” The sale of the book has been remarkable and it is a must read for everyone. The book can be nought in O’Brien’s for €10.
Easter Revision Course
Lorraine Kenny, Roscommon Maths Grinds, will be holding an Easter Revision Course on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th April at Jackson’s, The Square, Roscommon. On Tuesday 19th it will Financial Maths and on Wednesday 20th the course will cover The Line & The Circle. For information contact Lorraine at 086 3688302 or roscommongrinds@gmail.com
A booking deposit will be required.
Mini Marathon
Yes! Following a two-year absence, the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon will take place in Dublin on Sunday 5th June. As was the norm pre lockdown Pam Farrell is running a bus from Lanesboro to Dublin for the race. To book a seat or to get more information phone Pam on 087 4146987 after 6pm.
Support for Trócaire
Every year during lent there is an appeal by Trócaire for supporting developments by their volunteers in a particular country in their time of need. This year Trócaire is supporting the people of Zimbabwe that is been devastated by conflict, Covid and injustice.
If you have not already picked up your Lenten Trócaire Box you can do so by dropping into St. Mary’s Church when you are passing. The Trócaire boxes are available in the church porch and your support will be greatly appreciated. Your support no matter how small will be of huge benefit to the volunteers in their efforts to make life just a bit better for the people.
Convert your old VHS Tapes
Like many of us there are a multitude of old VHS tapes hanging around our houses and we do not know what to do with them. Declan Gilmore has come up with the solution. He will convert your old VHS tapes to DVD, USB or memory stick. Declan has the facility to convert and now he is offering a local opportunity to get your old VHS tapes converted.
Call Declan at 086 8342935
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to Covid-19. Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm. Text TALK to 50808 to begin.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of alcoholics are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre building at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on St. Mel’s Road, any Tuesday evening at 7pm.
Ballyboro FC
A stunning Anthony Cox goal in the dying embers of the game saw the under 16s secure the points in a close encounter with Spartac Granard. Trailing 1-0 at half time the Ballyboro boys raised the tempo in the second period and substitute Daragh Creedon’s well taken goal levelled matters before Anthony Cox’s cracking effort settled the issue. Ballyboro: Anthony Cox, Jack Brogan, Cormac O’Dowd, Jack Casey, Jack Beattie, Kevin Donlon, Gabriel Klava, David Cox, Euan Cullen, Wesley Hughes, Ben Murphy. Subs: Daragh Creedon, Blaine Carberry, Luke Johnston, Luke Cullen, Christian O’Reilly, Brendan Mulvihill, Paulius Buloiene, Nathan McCloat.
The under 11s game with Abbey Rovers was another very close encounter where two committed and skilful teams went at it hammer and tongs right from the outset. Team: Darragh McGloin, Rian Morrissey, Luke O’Halloran, Donncha Farrell (1), Tom Hession (1), Michael Hogan, Conor Kilcoyne, Darragh Shanley (1), Eanna Kenny.
The under 8s travelled to Dernafest Lough Gowna where they participated in a blitz along with the host club UCL Harps.
The club was well represented on the Longford League girls under 14 squad who played the Galway League at the weekend. Marianna Donlon, Sarah Healy, Emma Feeney, Emma Dowd, and Leah Kenny donned the county colours.
Tidy Towns
On Tuesday 22nd March the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €7,400 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €7,500 for the draw on 29th March. The winning numbers drawn on the 22nd March were 1, 4, 21 and 28. The winner of the €50 prize was Carmel Fallon, Rathcline Rd., and the three €20 were won by Mag & Peter c/o Mags, Alan Hanley c/o FÁS, and Eugene Kelly, Rathcline Rd.
During December and January, a large number of daffodils were planted on the three approach roads into the town. It is hoped to continue this planting over the over the coming years to brighten up our approach Roads during springtime.
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The St. Faithleach’s Lottery draw for a €12,000 jackpot took place on Tuesday last 22nd March at the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 9, 13, 18 and 20. There was nobody with the correct four numbers and the €12,000 goes forward to the next draw on Tuesday 5th April. The three winners of the €40 prizes were Michael Hanley, Ballinwooley, Raymond Farrell, Bogwood and Anne Feeney, Rathcline.
Lanesboro Library
Tel: 043 332129. Email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Easter Arts & Crafts with Stephanie
Easter Arts & Crafts with Stephanie takes place on Wednesday 13th April from 2 – 3 pm.
All materials will be supplied for this fun afternoon. Children aged 5+ please.
Places are limited so book early by calling 0433321291 or emailing lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet Group continues every Tuesday 2-4pm. Come along for a chat and a cuppa!
All welcome.
Sing, Storytime & Crafts with Penny
Sing, Storytime and Craft Activity with Penny takes place on Saturday April 2nd at 12 to 1pm at the library. This event is suitable for children aged 3 to 7 yrs. old. Spaces are limited so book now on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Poetry & Music Circle
Next meeting of the Poetry & Music circle takes place on Thursday 7th April 3-4.30pm.
Come along and join in with this very vibrant group. All welcome.
Longford Memories Book
This wonderful book by Brian Farrell, ‘Longford Memories – Reflections in a Time of Pandemic’ features interviews with our very own John Casey, Mary McGushin, Mai Casey and Chris Kennelly. Books are available to purchase at the library for €5. Contact Stella for details at 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie.
Foreign Currency & Used Stamps
The library is still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of Koins for Kids. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
The library is also collect used stamps in aid of ISPCC. Thank you.
St. Mary’s Church
Confirmation. Confirmation will take place this Friday in St. Mary’s Church at 4pm.
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.
Weekday Mass intentions can now to be booked for weekends as well as weekdays. The lifting of the Covid restrictions has returned the anniversary and family masses to be booked for any day from now on. People wishing to book masses can do so by contacting Fr Sergiy before or after mass during the week in the Sacristy.
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.
Trócaire Box
If you have not already picked up your Lenten Trócaire Box you can do so by dropping into St. Mary’s Church when you are passing. The Trócaire boxes are available in the church porch and your support will be greatly appreciated. This year Trócaire is supporting the people of Zimbabwe
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.
Shannon Gaels
Good Luck
The club would like to wish the very best of luck to County Minor team manager Gareth Johnston, his coach Pierre Boudin and their panel who play Kildare in the next round of the Leinster championship in Newbridge at 12 noon on Saturday next 2nd April.
Ed Sheeran Tickets
The Shannon Gael Minor club in conjunction with the Rathcline Ladies club are holding a fundraising draw for the opportunity to go to see Ed Sheeran in Croke Park on Saturday 23rd April or Sunday 24th April. The first and second prizes are 2 tickets for Saturday and 2 tickets for the Sunday.
This is a wonderful opportunity to get to see one of the world superstars and all for just €2. Cards of tickets are available from Mark Kenny, the minor club executive or from O’Brien’s.
We are looking forward to the support of everyone in the locality and far afield.
Under 11
U11 Go Games Football Fixtures start on Friday 15th April where we are at home, in Clonbonny, to Northern Gaels. The throw in is timed for 7pm. The following week we will entertain Longford Slashers again in Clonbonny at 7pm.
Under 9
U9 Go Games Football Fixtures start on Monday 11th April
As in previous years which has worked really well, Underage sections have the opportunity to select the venue they attend for each blitz.
Registration
As we now return to training and underage playing competitions beginning – CLUB REGISTRATION is now OPEN for 2022. All registration is completed online via https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foireann.ie%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cdf8ad6cb5bae4ff0c56c08d9efac1d52%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637804344767989671%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=3P547445ocTg0z%2B9OS%2BITJs2SKOZvPZpnpk3FWuGAIg%3D&reserved=0 (Return To Play | Membership | Games Management) system.
The club would like to welcome all recent and new residents to the parish of Rathcline and we would like to invite you and your family to be part of our club. The club involves itself in underage games for the youngsters of the parish and integrates new people to our parish into the community and we would love to have you as part of our GAA family.
Contact Mark @ Secretarybng.shannongaels.longford@gaa.ie if you have any queries about the Shannon Gaels Minor club or the registration process via Foireann.
Parents can also drop into me in the shop for information on registration.
Cúl Camp
The date of the Longford GAA Cúl Camp in Clonbonny so that parents can organise holidays and not have the disappointment of their kids missing the camp. The camp will take place from Monday 11th July.
Rathcline Ladies notes
The Ladies Club in conjunction with Shannon Gaels Minor Club are running a small fundraiser where you have the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Ed Sheeran kick off his Mathematics Tour 2022 in Croke Park on April 23rd & April 24th next. We hope to circulate €2 / line cards to all members / players over the coming days. Thanks for all the support as we kick off the 2022 season.
Rathcline GAA notes
See PRO Cathal Chapman’s latest update on the club is this week.
St. Faithleach’s GAA notes
U15 Boys League
St. Faithleach’s v Kilglass /St. Barry’s Thursday 31st at 7pm in Ballyleague. Please support
O Rourke Cup (D1)
St. Faithleach’s v St. Brigid’s Friday 1st at 8pm in Kiltoom. Please support
(Please note date change)
U16 girls v Western Gaels Friday April 1st at 6.30pm in Ballyleague. Please support.
Dinner Dance – Tickets still available for St. Faithleach’s Dinner Dance which takes place in the Radisson Blu Athlone on Saturday 9th April. All players, friends, family and community are invited to attend. Presentations on the night includes Intermediate County Championship Medals, Connacht Final Championship Medals, Junior Ladies Championship Medals and U20 Championship Medals. Music by the Odd Sox
Tickets are available in the clubhouse on Thursday 8-9pm or contact Claire Flynn /Tanya o Rourke
Well done to our U17 boys who won 4-11 to 4-10 against Castlerea on Saturday afternoon in Ballyleague
For anyone who has yet to register please log on to www. Foireann. Ie to pay your membership, alternatively please contact club register Monica Connaughton
Cards in clubhouse every Tuesday evening at 9pm. All welcome to join.
No winner of Lotto jackpot standing at €12000. Envelopes available in all local retailers.
Cúl Camps is coming to St Faithleach’s this Aug 1st to 5th. It is for boys and girls aged 6 to 13. Book at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie