Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
The news of the death of J.P. Jordan at his residence on the Green on Sunday 1st May shocked and saddened us all. While we knew he was in failing health the news of his death came as great shock. When J.P. first came to work with Bord na Mona, himself and his wife Margaret lived in Cloontuskert for a time before moving to the their forever home on the Green. A native of Carrowmore, Knock, Co. Mayo he never lost his love of his county and supported Mayo football through all their trials and tribulations. J.P. worked with Bord na Mona until his retirement where he was renowned for his excellent skill as a fitter. By his nature he was a very quiet and most inoffensive man with never a wrong word to say of anybody. If he could not do you a good turn he most definitely would not do you a bad turn. He was a man very proud of his children and their achievements and a doting grandfather. J.P. was an avid reader and he held a great interest in history and politics. His great hobbies were in steam engines and the workings of the engines along with the developing technologies. J.P. was an exemplary neighbour and always available to help whenever it was needed and his passing will leave a great void in our community.
J.P. reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home on Wednesday. On Thursday his remains were removed from his residence on the Green to St. Mary’s Church for Mass of the Resurrection. Following Mass he was laid to rest in Clonbonny cemetery. To his wife Margaret, daughters Maria and Carmel, son John, sister Phil, brother Michael, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
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.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Penny and John Farrell, Clonfower and their daughters Alice on the death of Penny’s father Dr. Adam Kowalczyk, Swindon, England who passed away on Monday 4th April. His funeral service will take place this coming Thursday followed by cremation at Kingsdown Crematorium
Day with the Stars
Formerly Midsummer Day with the Stars will make a very welcome return as a Day with the Stars at Roscommon Racecourse on Sunday 19th June. This year the day will feature Nathan Carter, Mike Denver, Robert Mizzell, Jimmy Buckley, Philomena Begley, Patrick Feeney, Ray Lynam, Claudia Buckley to name but a few. This comeback of music celebration promises to be one of the fantastic days ever in Roscommon. Tickets can be booked and purchased in O’Brien’s 043 33 21107. Tickets are priced at €30. Children U12, accompanied by an adult, will be admitted free of charge. The gates will open at 12 noon and the show will commence at 2pm.
Sympathy
Our deepest sympathy to PJ and Joan Donnellan and family, Rathcline Road on the death of PJ’s sister Florrie Bates, Shrewsbury, England on Thursday 7th April. Herr Requiem Mass took place at Shrewsbury Cathedral on Friday last followed by cremation at Shrewsbury Crematorium.
Excitement now at fever pitch
Last weekend seen the semi-finals of the All-Ireland Under 20 taking place. On Saturday the Kildare U20 team that included Luke Killian overcame the challenge of Sligo to win their place in the final next weekend. Excitement is now fever pitch on the hill of Rathcline and seeping through to the entire community as we wish Luke and his teammates the very best of luck when they take on Tyrone next weekend. At the time of writing neither venue or date had been set.
Trócaire Box
Have you still got your Trócaire box? If yes, can you return it to the church and place it in the basket at the front of the altar after Mass.
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.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Laura and Gerry Shanley and family, Main Street on the death on Tuesday last 3rd May of Laura’s father Mick O’Neill, Carrickathane, Aughnacliffe. Following his Funeral Mass at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Ballinalee, Mick was laid to rest in St Emer’s Cemetery Ballinalee.
Kilgefin Parish
Welcome
The community extends a warm welcome to Fr Joseph Wenjeslaus to the Kilgefin parish. Fr Joseph will cover masses and sacraments until Fr. Dan returns on 25th May. All other enquiries please kindly contact our Parish Secretary Deirdre Glennon.
Thank You: We wish to thank most sincerely Mr. Paul Brennan who has been a reader in Ballagh Church for the last 40 years and is now stepping down. A very big thank you from Fr. Dan and all the people of the parish. If you would like to read at Mass please contact Fr. Dan when he returns, as our number of readers is very small.
Rest in Peace: We remember in our prayers Fr. Dan’s father, Sir Linus Ebebe Udofia whose Funeral Mass takes place on Tuesday 11th May. May he rest in peace.
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 3rd May the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €8,000 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €8,100 for the draw on Tuesday 10th May. The winning numbers drawn on the 3rd May were 7, 13, 26 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize was Rosaleen Egan, Derryhaun, and the three €20 prizes were won by Francis Clyne, Vera Whitty, Clonbonny and Martin Farrell c/o XLNTEE
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 2nd May took place in the Yacht Bar. The jackpot for the lucky winner stood at €555 and Shane Nealon, Lanesboro was the very lucky winner of the staggering amount.
The jackpot pool is starting to break the €500 barrier on a regular basis. The club would love to see the figure constantly topping the €500 mark making it a very valuable prize for the Monday night winner.
The Monday night draw 50/50 draw took place on Monday night 9th May at 7.30 pm in the Adie’s 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.
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.
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
Pride of place this week has to go to the under 12 girls who defeated Gael United 3-2 in a most exciting Shield final. Ballyboro got off to a great start and a superb team move ended when Ellen Cox finished low to the corner of the net. The Drumlish girls scored two goals to lead 2-1 at half time. Ballyboro took control again at the start of the second period with the defence standing strong before Sophie Cox scored the equaliser. In the last minute Siun McElgunn set up Saoirse Feeney to score and put Ballyboro 3-2 ahead. The drama wasn’t over yet as Gaels were awarded a penalty in added time but unfortunately for them the ball went wide. After final whistle there was wild jubilation among the great support as joint captains Sophie Cox and Hannah Farrell jointly held the trophy aloft after a fantastic game against a gallant Gaels United team. The entire squad of 20 girls played at some stage and they were : Clodagh Martin, Leah Mimnagh, Lillie Dowd, Saoirse Feeney, Saoirse Dillon, Ava Donohue, Sophie Cox, Ellen Cox, Hannah Farrell, Faye Hogan, Rosie Farrell, Chloe Kilcoyne, Millie Cassidy, Zoe Hassett, Katie Smith, Grace Farrell, Alyssa Birmingham, Sadhbh Neilon, Siun McElgunn. Great credit is due to the girl’s manager John Farrell assisted by Katie Curran for all their hard work with the team over the season.
The under 11 boys played Inny Rovers in the Shield final. This was a very closely contested game that could have gone either way. Inny went in front but Ballyboro drew level when a strong run and cross by Tom Hession was deflected into his own net by an Inny defender. The game looked destined for extra time but Inny snatched the winning goal in the third minute of extra time. It was a cruel way to lose but the Ballyboro boys can be proud of their performance. They displayed great commitment and resilience and were a credit to the club. Panel: Patrick McDonagh, Rian Morrissey, Michael Hogan, Tom Hession, Ethan Donnellan, Adam Greally, Daragh Shanley, Luke O’Halloran, Donncadh Farrell, Daragh McGloin, Éanna Kenny, Conor Kilcoyne, Owen Collins, Matthew Hanly, Jack Donoghue.
The under 13 boys were defeated by UCL Harps in the Shield semi final. The Ballyboro lads got off to a dream start when Oisín Dillon scored early on but UCL gradually assumed control of the game and they finished as convincing and deserving winners. While defeat was their lot on this occasion the Ballyboro boys had some very impressive displays over the season and many players improved considerably over the year. They can look forward with confidence to the new season. Team: Mikie Sorohan, Sean O’Dowd, Emry Kaya, Leon Malkowski, John Farrell, Ciaran McGloin, Rian Hogan, Harry Brogan, Eoin Beattie, Eoghan Mullooly, Oisín Dillon. Subs: Dan Casey, Patrick Gilmore, Sean Collins, Evan Rooney.
Ivan Petrova from Ukraine has joined the under 13 panel in recent weeks. Ivan has settled in very well and is very welcome in our club and we hope he enjoys his football with us.
The 5 a side Tournament for local National Schools takes place on this Thursday 12th. The action will be fast and furious on the Astro with 12 teams in action and 30 games to be played.
Christian Donlon departed for Croatia on Sunday last as part of the Irish International under 15 squad. The Irish team play Montenegro on this Wednesday, Uzbekistan on Thursday, and Croatia on Thursday.
Ballyboro play Moydow FC in their final game in the Combined Counties League on this Wednesday 11th at 7.15 at The Mall Longford.
Lanesboro Library
The opening hours of Lanesboro from Monday 9th May are: Monday 2pm-8pm
Tuesday 2pm-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm. The library will be closed all day on a Thursday. Friday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet group will revert to meeting every Monday 2pm-4pm from Monday 9th May.
Poetry & Music Circle
Poetry & Music circle will revert to meeting on 2nd & 4th Monday of each month 4.15pm – 5.30pm from Monday 9th May.
Thank from the family of Joan Browne
Joan Browne’s First Anniversary (Died 6th May 2021)
On the first anniversary of Joan’s death, her daughters Olive, Denise, Emer and Mary thank her extended family, wonderful neighbours and many friends for your kindness and expressions of sympathy. The communities in both Ballyleague and Lanesboro enriched Joan’s life over the years and supported us as we came to terms with her death. Your mass cards, phone calls and practical support were deeply appreciated, and the many messages of condolence continue to comfort us.
We thank all who took part in the Mass of the Resurrection in person or remotely, especially the celebrant Fr. Larry Behan; the singer and musician; and members of the Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club and Longford Bridge Centre who, together with the local community, formed a guard of honour.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered for Joan last Saturday in Ballyleague.
Buíochas ó chroí.
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 returned your Trócaire box please do so to the basket at the front of the altar after Mass.
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
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.
Games
There were a number of games during the week that gave our young players lots of football. The result were great and week forward to seeing more success for our U12, U15 and U18 teams in the days ahead.
Good Luck Luke
The club would like to wish Luke Killian son of former Shannon Gaels player Sean Killian and his wife Annie, the very best of luck when he lines out for Kildare in the All-Ireland Under 20 at the weekend. Luke is first cousin of our club players Shane Killian.
See on Rathcline GAA site the PRO Cathal Chapman’s latest update on the club is this week.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Well Done
A massive well done to the U16 girls and their managers David and Ursula Kilcoyne on a fantastic victory in the league final on Wednesday evening last against St. Marys. The girls thoroughly deserve the success after some fantastic performances so far this year.
Darkness into Light
Thank you to everyone who came along on Saturday morning and participated in the walk. Well done and thank you to Tanya O’Rourke on organising the event.
U15 Boys
The U15 boys will play Western Gaels at home on Tuesday 10th at 7pm and they will play Strokestown in Strokestown on Friday 13th at 7pm. Please Support the lads.
Underage Training
Underage training continues every Thursday evening at 6:30pm at the pitch. All levels and new members welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all.
Cúl Camps
Kellogg’s Cúl Camps will run at St. Faithleach’s GAA Complex from August 1st to 5th 2022 for Boys and Girls aged 6-13. To book your place visit http://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie
Blitz
Thank you to all who helped to organise the U15 Boys Blitz in St. Faithleach’s. Well done to our U15s and their manager Jerome Kelly for taking part.
Volunteers
The minor club are looking for volunteers to help at the Underage trainings on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. If you would like to help please contact David Harrison or any club committee member.
Lotto
No jackpot winner this week. The €40 winners were Declan and Martina Dunne, Oliver Finneran, Siobhan Mullen. Jackpot stands at €12000. Envelopes available at all local outlets. Thank you to our sellers and to Sean Cox for his great work overseeing the lotto.