Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
A great air of sadness engulfed the community on Wednesday 20th April when news broke of the death at Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar of Renee Walsh, Rathcline Road. Renee along with her husband Fabian came to Lanesboro in 1963 when they bought the local bakery on Main Street. A native of Dublin city she brought with her a real uniqueness and an unquenchable spirit. Right from the very start Renee got involved with the local community by joining many local groups. It did not take long for her to become a focal point within our community. Renee was a very progressive thinker and was involved in the setting up of many progressive groups in our community. In recent years the local Active Age group brought her a great deal of pride. She had a very affable personality and was a lady of great style. Renee was a lady that kindness and goodness poured out of in abundance. The warmth of her smile mirrored her heart that was filled with gold. She had a great love of cards especially whist and bridge, was very active in the Lanesboro guild of the ICA. Everybody that met Renee was left with a lasting memory of being in the company of a real genuine lady. She always quoted the old adage “Life is for Living” and hers was truly a life well lived. The attendance at the reposing of her remains in Glennon’s Funeral Home on Monday and again at her Requiem Mass in St. Mary’s church on Tuesday bore ample testimony to the high esteem in which she was held. She was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery.
To her husband, Fabian, daughter Diane, sister Gerry and brother Sean, relatives and many friends we would like to extend our deepest sympathy.
Great joy on the Hill
On Wednesday evening last on the hill of Rathcline there was one particular family glued to the Leinster U20 final in Portlaoise where Kildare took on the might of Dublin. Sean and Annie Killian a few years ago returned home from Jersey and took up residence in Sallins, Co. Kildare where their son Luke joined the local GAA club. Luke has progressed immensely since his return and has played at midfield for Kildare in all their Leinster U20 Championship games to date. Wednesday night was wonderful night for Luke, his team mates, his parents and county when Kildare overcame in a thrilling match a much fancied Dublin side by two points. Luke is grandson of a very proud Mary Joe and the late Sonny Killian.
Our support is firmly behind Luke and the Kildare team when they play Sligo in the All Ireland semi-final on Saturday next in Breffni Park, Cavan at 4pm.
While we are at it
The sons of two former Rathcline players Seamus Nolan and Michael Hanley are featuring with Roscommon Minors this year. Éanna Nolan is grandson of Bridie and the late Peter Nolan, Carrickmoran and further down the road a mile to the home of Mike and Eileen Hanley, Cashelbeg who are grandparents of Ryan Hanley. Roscommon appear to be in a strong position for a semi-final place and we wish the pair of lads and their team mates the very best of luck in the rest of the championship.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Fr. Dan, Ballyleague on the death of his father Sir Linus Ebebe, in Nigeria. His father’s death has come shortly after his mother death a few months. We wish Fr. a safe journey back to the arms and comfort of his family.
Consequently, Fr Joseph Wenjeslaus will cover for masses and sacraments for the next 3 weeks . All other enquiries please kindly contact Parish Secretary Deirdre Glennon.
Cloontuskert Grotto
The grotto at Cloontuskert was erected in 1987 to commemorate the Marian Year to honour Our Lady of the Rosary. Sadly on the 8th December 2021 during storm Barra, it was extensively damaged by a falling tree. A committee has now been formed to take on the task of rebuilding the Grotto. The total cost of the rebuild including replacing the statue is €3000. The new committee hope with your support and generosity to fully restore the Grotto and once again make it a focal point to honour Our Lady. They have set up an idonate page for anyone wishing to be associated with its rebuild or you can give directly to the following committee members where they will gratefully accept any donations treasurers Dympna Trautt, Áine Brady or Johnny Malone, and Sean Carty. You can obtain further information by contacting 086 3551103.
Please see Cloontuskert Grotto Facebook Page to see more information on how to donate through idonate.
Thomas making the Xtremepush
Xtremepush is a global Multi-Channel Experience and Engagement Marketing Platform enabling hundreds of leading enterprise brands to drive engagement and increase revenue.
While reading last Sunday’s Business Post I came across local man Thomas Kearns son of Maureen and the late Tom Kearns telling his story so far to the paper. Thomas is managing Director of the company he co founded with Kevin Collins and Padraig Shanley and he tells a great story of his business and its achievement.
It is always great to read of the achievements and successes of local people and we wish Thomas much more success and may his high rising star never cease in the upward trajectory.
Corlea Interpretive Centre Reopens
The most interesting of local history sites locally is the Corlea Interpretive Centre on the way to Kenagh. Following the winter break the centre has reopened for the coming season. The tour is give by the very knowledgeable staff and remarkably all of this comes free of charge. For anyone that has not yet been there or is having visitors and looking for a place to go then this is the very place to go.
In addition to the Interpretive Centre there is now a magnificent walkway created around the centre and one that many local are currently using as one of their regular walks.
Ballyleague Bingo continues
Ballyleague Bingo has returned to Ballyleague Hall on Thursday nights last and will continue every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
25 Card Game
The game will continue next Sunday with play starting at 8 30 pm sharp. Refreshments serve. Thanks to all for the support.
Thank You
Roscommon branch of MS wish to sincerely thank all who donated to their recent church gate collection. The total raised was €157.80.
Darkness into Light
After a two years absence due to Covid restrictions the in person Darkness into Light 5k will resume supporting Pieta House. We all know the outstanding benefit of Pieta House and the support they continue to offer. Every community has people within it that need the Pieta House support and their free services makes it accessible for everyone.
Pieta House provide a professional one-to-one therapeutic service to people who are in suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. All of their services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed.
This year the Electric Ireland Darkness into Light 5k will take place at 4.15am on Saturday 7th May in 4 centres locally. In Longford Town at the Mall and in Ballymahon from Ballymahon Vocational School and in Roscommon Town from the Convent Gym and also in Strokestown starting off from the Strokestown Community Centre.
Registration can take place online at www.darknessintolight.ie to avoid the delay of morning registration.
- Alternatively sign up to one of our in-person walks across Ireland and the world.
- Taking part your own way and sharing your sunrise moment with family, friends or colleagues.
- Take part in the Darkness into Light Challenge – when you select this option, we’re waiving the sign-up fee for anyone who pledges to fundraise €200. Get creative with your activity, and remember that no matter how you choose to take part this year, you’ll be giving the gift of hope to those in your community in suicidal crisis, or self-harming.
Please support/donate and take part it may create that vital support for someone that may be in need and who know you are taking part. That awareness might just be the pivot that will give the confidence to the person to chat with you and avail of the Pieta House services.
Brown Coins
Ballyleague National School Parents’ Association are currently undertaking a fundraising initiative by collecting ‘brown coins'(1c, 2c & 5c coins). Do you have a jar/container of these coins in your home and are willing to donate them to the school? If so, please contact Angela Mullooly (087-7955098), Noreen Hanley (087-6944775) or Claire Flynn (086-8814590) to arrange collection/delivery.
Tidy Towns
On Tuesday 26th April the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €7,900 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €8,000 for the draw on Tuesday 3rd May. The winning numbers drawn on the 26th April were 2, 10, 14 and 25. The winner of the €50 prize was Marie Casserly c/o Mags, and the three €20 prizes went to Denise c/o Mags, Katarzyna Kavanagh, Rathcline Road and Lauren Moran c/o the Yacht bar.
The funds raised from the lottery is providing the financial support to do lots of planting around the town where the most recent is the shrubs planted on the recently renovated footpaths around the corner on the Longford Road.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline GAA weekly 50/50 draw took place on Monday 25th April took place in Clarke’s Bar. The jackpot for the lucky winner stood at €442 and Annelisa Casey from Rapareehill was the very lucky winner.
The jackpot pool is continuing to remain in the mid to high €450 level sometimes breaking the magical €500 barrier. The club would love to see the figure constantly hitting the €500 mark making it a very worthwhile prize for the Monday night winner.
The Bank Holiday Monday 50/50 draw took place on Monday night at 7.30 pm in the Yacht Bar.
The club would love to attract former residents, players and supporters living locally and away from home to play the Rathcline 50/50 online by downloading the Rathcline GAA club app and play the weekly 50/50. The cost of the yearly pink ticket is €100 giving two free draw entries and for 6 months the green ticket for €50 giving one free draw.
Your support can and will make a very positive difference to the club going forward.
Great weekend
Many youngsters from the Rathcline Parish had a great sporting weekend. It all kicked off on Friday evening where the primary Schools Cross Country competition took place at the Clonguish GAA grounds. Fermoyle had a remarkable evening winning gold in the 6th class boys with Oisín Dillon, Rian Hogan, Sean O’Dowd and Dan Casey the winning team. Mikey Sorohan won the subs 6th class race. The 4th class girls team of Georgina Johnston, Ava Donoghue, Saoirse Dillon and Faye Hogan also won gold. The 3rd class boys team of Tom Hession, Cian Shea, Michael Hogan and Donncha Farrell finished fourth in their race while Ethan Donnellan won the subs race.
They were not finished just yet as on Saturday the Shannon Gaels Under 12 team comprising of many of the runners travelled to north Longford for the Colmcille Invitational Under 12 tournament comprising of teams from Cavan, Leitrim, Roscommon and Longford. In the group games they had hard fought wins over Fenagh (Leitrim), Northern Gaels and Granard to reach the semi final. They seemed to be getting stronger as the games went by and had a resounding victory in the semi-final over fellow group winners Clonbroney Ballinalee. The final proved to be a very tight and tense affair with scores at a premium but the local team managed to emerge two point victors over Arva (Cavan).
Well done to all the young people and their mentors on a weekend that they will never forget.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 23rd to 27th May. The pilgrimage director is Msgr. Bernard Noonan PP Moate, Co. Westmeath, phone 090 64 81180. All bookings have to be made through Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lr. Baggot St., Dublin who are the flight operators 01 2410812.
What to do in Dublin
During last week I found myself in Dublin early in the morning and having to spend a good part of the day before I could head for home. Wondering where I could spend my time while waiting was my issue. I decided to go to our family grave in Glasnevin cemetery. While there I discovered there was a history tour taking place. The tour was astonishing it took us to central people and events that formed our nation and history. It brought us to the resting places of: Charles Stewart Parnell, Éamon de Valera, Countess Markievicz, Maud Gonne, Michael Collins and many others.
We had a stop at the elaborate crypt of Daniel O’Connell, legendary statesman and founder of Glasnevin Cemetery.
We got an insight into the intricate monuments and Celtic crosses that populate the grounds.
There were stories of some of the less famous, but no less interesting individuals who have been laid to rest in Glasnevin.
This tour took around 2 hours and on the tour I noticed a sign for a place I had not in since I was a young fella and that was the National Botanic Garden. There was access directly from the cemetery to the gardens.
The day was dry is a little overcast but a wonderful day to be strolling in the 50 acres of the Botanic Gardens. The first thing noticeable when walking around was the beautiful and strong aroma of the flowers. It was really amazing the large number of people and school tours that were there. Sadly, I did not avail of the tour but it was a beautiful way to spend a few hours in Dublin.
While the there is a small charge for the very worthwhile guided tours, entry to both places is free.
I thought I would share this with my readers as both places are really worth visiting when you have a few hours to kill in Dublin.
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.
Mini Marathon
Following the Covid restricted 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 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 is 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.
Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg
A one-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Saturday 20th August. The bus will leave Ballyleague hall at 7am. For all enquiries and bookings contact Mary 043 33 21969. Information on the pilgrimage can be got at www.loughderg.org
Ballyboro FC
Congratulations to Christian Donlon who has been selected on the Irish international under 15 squad who will compete in a four nation tournament in Croatia next week.
The 5 aside Tournament for National Schools in the club catchment area, organised by the club in association with the Community College, will be held on Thursday 12th May. This is the third year this very popular Tournament will be staged on the Astro and as usual it has attracted a bumper entry from the local schools. To date Lanesboro NS, Fermoyle NS, Ballyleague NS, Ballagh NS, Kilteevan NS, Whitehall NS, Ballyfeeney NS, Newtowncashel NS and Cloontuskert NS are all confirmed participants. The finalists’ in both A and B competitions will all receive medals. The Peter Kelly Memorial Shield, sponsored by Stephen Kelly will be presented to the winners of the A competition, while a Shield Sponsored by the Community College will be presented to the winners of the B competition. There will be trophies for Player of the Tournament and Goal of the Tournament. It promises to be a very eventful day.
The under 11 team had brilliant win over Melview in the semi final of the Plate. The team’s performance was outstanding all through with some scintillating football played. Ethan Donnellan helped himself to a hat trick with Darragh Shanley scoring the other goal in a comprehensive 4-1 win Panel: Tom Hession, Michael Hogan, Darragh Shanley, Darragh McGloin, Luke O’Halloran, Ethan Donnellan, Adam Greally, Owen Collins, and Éanna Kenny. The team play Inny Rovers in the final on Bank Holiday Monday.
It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for the under 12s. In one of the games of the season they just got the better of UCL Harps in a nine goal thriller in the quarter final of the Tynan Cup. They were 3-0 ahead at half time having dominated proceedings. However a plucky UCL side fought back to level matters in the dying stages, but ace goal poacher Oisín Dillon clinched the game for Ballyboro with a clinical finish in injury time. Ballyboro won a titanic tussle 4-3 with Oisín Dillon (3) and Alfie Murphy (1) the goalscorers. Fortune did not smile on the team in the Shield final as they went down 2-1 to Spartac Granard. Granard had the edge in the first period and went a goal up. The second period was largely dominated by Ballyboro and Oisín Dillon scored a deserved equaliser, only to see their hopes dashed when Granard scored the winner in injury time. Team: Stephen Farrell, Josh Curran, Cathal Hanley, Jack Cassidy, Darragh Donlon, Alfie Murphy, Tim Kenny, Shane Farrell, Oisín Dillon. Subs: Alfie Brehon, Kyle Rice, Hayden Smyth, James Carroll, Feral Pulcu.
Ballyboro’s last home game of the season in the Combined Counties League proved to be an eventful affair. Colmcille provided the opposition in what proved to be a goal fest in which the home team prevailed by five goals to four. Goalscorers were Ben Hussey (2), Ryan Guinan, Max Webb, and an o.g. Goalkeeper Dylan Donlon pulled off a penalty save at a crucial stage. Team: Dylan Donlon, Luke Lisle, Gareth O’Reilly, Greg Cassidy, Patrick Kenny, Ryan Guinan, Ryan Byrne, Alan Kenny, Max Webb, Ben Hussey, Chris O’Loughlin. Subs: Daniel McDermott, Oran Wyse, Gabriel Klava, Cillian Cox, Daniel Lulham.
The under 13s play UCL in the Plate semi final on this Wednesday at 7pm in Dernafest Lough Gowna.
EmployAbility Midlands
If you have a disability, illness or injury and would like help to find a job, contact Brenda on 086 3872 855 or email: longford@employabilitymidlands.com or Siobhan on 086 833 8027 or email: siobhan@employabilitymidlands.com, we will be happy to tell you more about how we can help you find employment.
EmployAbility Midlands is funded through the Department of Social Protection to support people with disabilities to find and maintain employment in the open labour market.
St. Mary’s Church
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 23rd to 27th May. The pilgrimage director is Msgr. Bernard Noonan PP Moate, Co. Westmeath, phone 090 64 81180. All bookings are to be made through Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lr. Baggot St., Dublin who are the flight operators 01 2410812.
Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg
A one-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Saturday 20th August. The bus will leave Ballyleague hall at 7am. For all enquiries and bookings contact Mary 043 33 21969. Information on the pilgrimage can be got at www.loughderg.org
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
Once again we wish Gareth, Pierre and the Longford Minor team the very best of luck when they take on Wicklow in the Leinster Minor quarter final in Pearse Park this Wednesday night 4th May at 7pm. Go along and cheer on the lads.
Great week of football
Last week I mentioned that it was going to be a very busy week for the club at all age groups. It proved a fantastic week with all the team winning all the games they contested. The Under 12’s started the week winning their league game on Tuesday and capping off a great week for the club winning the Colmcille Invitation 4 county tournament.
We have also to congratulate the Fermoyle Primary School on their great results at the County Longford Primary Schools Cross Country Championship on Friday.
Busy again
The coming seven days up to Monday next will see our U12, U15 and Minor teams again playing games. Go along and support the lads, they will appreciate your support.
Cúl Camp date
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.
Famous Victory
What a day in Colmcille for their U-12 Invitational Tournament 2022. We started off the morning in Group 4 with 3 hard fought matches. After lots of score and points tallying by the officials, we topped the group in 1st place – putting us in the top division Cup semi-finals. A top class performance in the semi saw us see off Clonbroney/Sean Connolly’s to reach the Cup final versus the very heavily backed tournament favourites ‘Arva’ from Cavan.
The team saved their best performance until last and rightly took the title with a 2 point win over Arva. It was an outstanding performance by all throughout the whole day. While this team may lack a little in physique, they certainly make up for in skill and courage. They are an unbelievable bunch and the future is bright for them all. Thanks to all the players and to all the parents/supporters. What else would you be at on a wet Saturday only supporting this great bunch of players. The next league match against Killoe will be in Clonbonny on this Tuesday evening next at 6:30pm. See you all there.
Panel: Lillie Dowd, Alfie Murphy, Josh Curran, Shane Farrell, Donncha Farrell, Tom Hession, Tim Kenny, David Kenny, Darragh Donlon, Jack Cassidy, Adam Greally,
Michael Hogan, Ethan Donnellan, Oisín Dillon, Emily McDermott, Hannah Farrell, Coinneach Gordon, Darragh Shanley, Laura Rhatigan, Stephen Farrell, Hayden Smith, Erin Rumley
See attachment
Darkness into Light
The club would like to encourage everyone that can to take part in the Darkness into Light 5Km on Saturday morning. www.darknessintolight.ie
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Darkness into Light
Walk will take place at sunrise on May 7th at St. Faithleach’s Complex to support people affected by suicide and self-harm. See our social media pages for links on how to join us and donate.
Underage Training
Training continues every Thursday evening at 6:30pm at the pitch. All levels and new members welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all.
O’Rourke Cup
The senior men will take on Boyle in Ballyleague on May 6th at 7:30pm in the Senior League. Best of luck lads. Please support
U16 Girls
The best of luck to the U16 Girls and their management as they take on Tulsk on Tuesday May 3rd in the Division 4 League Final. Please support the girls
Lotto
The jackpot stands at €12000. Envelopes to play the lotto are available at all local outlets. Thank you for your continued support.
Cúl Camps
Booking are now open for the Kellogg’s Cúl Camp that will take place at St. Faithleach’s club grounds from 1st to the 5th August 2022. Available for Boys and Girls aged 6 to 12. Booking can be done on the Cúl Camps website.