Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Did you offer your time yet?
To manage and maintain the high standard of the Two Provinces Triathlon the club is seeking the support of people from the local area to help with stewarding, marshalling and the running of the Kidathon on Friday 8th and the Two Provinces Triathlon on Saturday 9th July. If you can help please sign the sheet with your name and phone number that is in O’Brien’s shop as soon as you can please.
Dublin and Kerry
There will be great local interest in the All-Ireland semi-final on Sunday next in Croke Park at 3.30pm. This game is written up by all journalists and commentators and described as the game of the year.
To have a local interest in a game of this stature is wonderful. Without doubt the main man on the day will be the referee and that is where our interest lies in the fact that Paddy Neilan has been given the task of ensuring that the game is carried out to rule.
Paddy has been refereeing a good number of years consistently to a very high standard and it is no surprise that he has been handed this potentially game of the year.
Paddy is son of the Bernie and the late Paddy Neilan, Lough Ree Park. Apart from or team preference we will be cheering on Paddy first and foremost. We wish you the very best of luck Paddy.
That may not be the only connection to this game. Eoghan O’Donnell, captain of the Dublin hurlers recently switched his allegiance from the hurlers to the footballers. Eoghan a star player of Whitehall Colmcille GAA club is son of Micheál O’Donnell and Mary Kinsella. Micheál born and bred in Curraghroe has many family members still in Curraghroe Sean, Gerry and Nuala Gunn while other brother Harry resides in Barna, Co. Galway.
We wish Eoghan and his teammates the very best of luck.
Birth
Many congratulations to Laura Skelly and her husband Shane Fitzpatrick, Aughamore, on the birth last week of a baby girl.
Triathlon Weekend
Next weekend we welcome back the Two Provinces Triathlon after a few years break due to Covid restrictions. The Tri Club has put a huge amount of time and energy into preparing for what is always a wonderful occasion in the community.
Traditionally, the numbers of entrants in the races are huge and I have no doubt that the senior race on Saturday will once again be at full capacity.
The tradition of the weekend is that events will begin on Friday evening when the Junior Triathlon will take place and this is again filled with budding senior tri athletes and to see their complete commitment to their race is always a joy to behold.
Come along on one or both days, give a hand or just enjoy a national event in our community and join in a celebration of a great club bringing such a huge event to us.
Kayaking
Adult Kayaking takes place every Tuesday evening from the old harbour, Ballyleague. The Kayaking will take place from 7pm to 9pm and the cost is €20. Booking at 0872977769
Young people kayaking every Saturday morning from 11am to 1pm and covers young people from 10 to 17 years. The cost of the 2 hours is €20. Booking at 0872977769
Birth
Far from home in Melbourne, Australia Laura Casserley and her partner Ronan Kelly welcomed last week a baby boy. Laura is daughter of Declan and Catherine Casserley (nee Gannon), Clonfower. We congratulate the happy couple on the birth of Tadgh.
Kayaking Camp
A Kayaking Camp for young people between 10 and 17 is taking place from Monday next 11th July to Thursday 14th July and there are a limited number of places still available. Wetsuits are required and all other gear will be supplied. If you don’t have a wetsuit tracksuit bottoms or shorts will suffice. The cost is €70 per person and 2nd member from the same family €65. To book you place please contact 0872977769. Meet every morning for camp at the old harbour in Ballyleague. The camp will take place between 10am and 12.30pm
Train in the use of a Defibrillator
We all know about and appreciate those that are trained in the use of the defibrillator. You too can avail of the training and become vital cogs in your community for anyone that may be in need of someone with the skills of the defibrillator use.
The local defibrillator group is actively seeking new people in the Kilgefin, Ballyleague, Cashel, Killashee and Rathcline Lanesboro areas to become competent in the use of the Defibrillator. The group are also looking to retrain and refresh those that have already completed the course.
If you are interested please leave your name and phone number with Martina O’Brien personally in the shop or by phoning 086 3858934 or martinaclyne1@gmail.com
Your contributions badly needed
The importance of defibrillators in the general area cannot be overstated. The lives it can save and has done in previous times are well documented. Over the time of the Covid restrictions the opportunity to raise funds for the replacement of batteries and pads as well as funding needed to replace and upgrade defibrillators could not take place.
Now an appeal for essential funding is being made and the group is appealing to your generosity to ensure all the upgrades and replacements can take place.
If you wish to contribute we ask that you donate by leaving money in an envelope marked with your name into Martina O’Brien at the Corner Shop.
Change in Date
The scheduled Blessing of the Graves due for Lanesboro/St. John’s cemetery on Sunday next has had to be changed. The new date for the Blessing of the Graves will be Sunday 24th July at 6pm. The third blessing will take place in Clonbonny Cemetery on Sunday 17th July in Clonbonny Cemetery.
Out of respect and love to all our family members and friends it is very important that all graves should be tended to prior to the Blessings.
It is also very important that all cemeteries be left in a pristine state and no littering. Please bring away all rubbish.
Exciting Draw
Ballyleague Tidy Towns is currently running a fundraising raffle with some fabulous prizes including the wonderful top prize of a Two Night Stay for two at the magnificent Four Star Galmont Hotel and Spa, Galway, 2nd prize €100 SuperValu voucher from Keane’s SuperValu, 3rd €100 voucher from the award winning Lough Ree Distillery, 4th €100 voucher to the Purple Onion, Tarmonbarry, 5th Large canvas Poster of award winning film Snámh – Shuttermaniac productions, 6th Bottle of Lough Ree Distillery, award winning Barts Whiskey, 7th Moon River Boat Trip (Carrick on Shannon) for two adults and three children, 8th Bottle Lough Ree Distillery award winning Sling Shot Gin, 9th Moon River Boat Trip (Carrick on Shannon) for two adults and three children.
Moon River Boat Trip (Carrick on Shannon) for two adults and three children Tickets cost €5 each or three for €10 are currently available to purchase on line via our FB page or from Ballyleague Tidy Town members or in O’Brien’s shop. The support of the community would be really appreciated.
Holdups coming to an end
It appears that all the work on the Main Street will be completed by this coming weekend.
Great work has gone on over the past 11weeks and the contractors have painstakingly overcome many obstacles in their work. They have done marvellous work and as a community we would like to thank them for such a fine job.
Newtowncashel Cemeteries Committee
Newtowncashel Cemeteries Committee wishes to thank Mr. Noel Mulvihill for his dedicated and meticulous work in the upkeep of the cemetery in Saints Island, the Green in Barley Harbour, and Lady Well. His great work has been commended by many during his seven years that he was with the community in Cashel.
The committee would like to express its gratitude to the local community and far reaching Diaspora for the support they received since the Newtowncashel Cemeteries Committee was established.
Newtowncashel Cemeteries Committee now invites applicants for the position of caretaker at the graveyard at Saints Island, the Green in Barley Harbour and Lady Well.
The position is for 19 hours per week subject to applicants in receipt of Social Welfare payments and either a holder of a herd/flock number or have a family member (parent/fellow sibling) holding same. Payment, essential PPE and equipment is provided by Longford Rural Resources Scheme.
For further details contact J.P. on 086 8536435, Martin on 086 8040296 or Dónall on 086 1725470.
Newtowncashel Cemeteries Committee is an equal opportunities appointer and will support the successful candidate in the upkeep of these precious sites.
Welcoming the Teams
While we were waiting and settling down for the All-Ireland hurling semi-final between Kilkenny and Clare on Saturday last something was happening right in front of our eyes that we did realise.
Two of the young people waving the flags and giving a guard of honour to both teams was a son and daughter of Paul Donlon and grandchildren of Mattie and Anne Donlon, Clonfower. There was added jubilation in the Clonfower household as Anne is a native of Kilkenny and naturally engrossed in Kilkenny hurling and their fortunes.
Recruiting
There is a golden opportunity for anyone interested, male or female, to become a part of the Lanesboro Fire Brigade. Convenience to the station is the main priority as the Fire Service gives tremendous training in terms of the call outs for fire and accidents and other different call outs. Train in first aid take you all the way to a first responder level that is an achievement in itself. Longford County Council Fire & Rescue Service is currently looking to create a panel for vacancies in the Retained Service of Lanesborough Fire Station. At Lanesborough Fire Station you will learn lifesaving skills, First Aid training/First Responder training and it is a golden opportunity for you to be giving back to your community.
The website is www.longfordcoco.ie or you can contact via email humanresources@longfordcoco.ie Longford County Council is an equal opportunities employer.
To qualify you must be living and working within a 5-minute mobilisation/response time to the Fire Station and must have a reasonable level of fitness.
Parish Hall Caretaker
St. Mary’s Parish Hall Committee is currently looking for a caretaker through the community employment scheme. Anyone that is interested can ring Sean on 086 1427143.
Club Longford to continue supporting development
Club Longford is a committee of 12 volunteers based both within and outside the county, with experience in business and legal affairs and with a passionate interest in Longford GAA in all codes. It is a group working for the present and future of Longford GAA. No expenses are paid to any member even though some travel great distances on a regular basis to be part of Club Longford.
Your support last year proved to be of a great assistance towards the promotion and development of Gaelic games men and ladies in Longford.
While funding does not bring immediate improvement or success it does begin sowing the seed for the development of the players and ultimately bring success in the coming years. To help create this year on year development your support is again required.
Your support of Club Longford helps to realise the dream of making Longford teams at all grades competitive and winning at the top level within Leinster and nationally.
The prizes for the draw are: 1st Prize: Volkswagen Golf 2.0l R-Line or €40,000, 2nd: €1,500 Center Parcs Voucher (Sponsored by M&N Nolan Motors), 3rd: 2 VIP Tickets to Garth Brooks in Croke Park + Accommodation, 4th: €1,000 (Sponsored by Nally’s Forecourt Ltd. Ballymahon), 5th: €500 (Sponsored by Lir Analytical), 6th: Overnight Stay for 2 with Dinner at Viewmount House, 7th: €250, 8th: €250, 9th: €250 and 10th: €250.
If you buy your tickets now you will be in for all the early bird prizes. The dates of the early bird draws are: 16th July €250 cash prize and the final early bird is 23rd July 10.2 inch Apple Ipad.
Tickets are priced at €50 each or what was the hugely popular option last year of 3 for €125
Tickets can be bought by contacting me at joeaobrien@outlook.com , 0862460840, through PayPal or in the shop or from Louis Skelly.
Choir Invitation
Longford Voices United Contemporary & Gospel Choir is inviting new members to join. We sing all genres of music in a fun and lively style. Information can be got by phoning 0872101376
Weekly Card Game
The results from last Sunday night are 1st Peter Donlon & Brendan Hanley, 2nd Kathleen & Annie. Last game winners were Eugene & Barney. The raffle prize winners were Aidan Carling, Martin McDermott, Sean Parker & Tom Nohilly. Light refreshments will be served on the night.
Please support 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 in the region of €3000.
With the work coming near conclusion the committee would like to thank everyone that has donate to the rebuild and ask anyone that it has slipped their mind to make their donation as soon as possible.
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.
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
Smart Recovery
SMART recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery support group where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour.
There is a meeting every Friday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm in Vita House, Roscommon. For information you should phone Conor 086 1702912 or info@smartrecovery.ie
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 Lottery
On Tuesday 28st June the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €8,700 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €8,900 for the draw on Tuesday 5th July. The winning numbers drawn on the 28st June were 1, 20, 23 and 28. The winner of the €50 prize was F& E Clyne, Lanesboro, and the three €20 prizes were won by Martini c/o Mags, B. McDermott and Johnny Malone, Cloontuskert.
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 ongoing creation of the orchard and the shrubs and roses planted on the recently renovated footpaths around the corner on the Longford Road. Your support is enabling all the ongoing work and we encourage greater support for funding of these and other upcoming projects.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline GAA weekly 50/50 draw took place on Monday 20th June took place in the Yacht Bar. The jackpot for the lucky winner stood at €554. The winner was Emily Fallon, Lisrevagh.
The Monday night draw 50/50 draw took place on Monday night 4th June at 7.30 pm in the Adie’s Bar. The club is extremely grateful for your continued remarkable support.
Your support is and continues to make a very positive difference to the club going forward.
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. You can call Assumpta for any further information on 086 8114135.
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
Lanesboro Library
The opening hours of Lanesboro 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
Dog Owners
On Tuesday 19th July from 2pm to 3pm the Dogs Trust will give a talk on “caring for your dog of all ages”
Creative Storytime
On Wednesday 20th July from 11am to 12noon there will be ‘Creative Storytime with Hannah’. This is suitable for your people aged 6 to 9 years.
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet group will meet every Monday 2pm-4pm
Poetry & Music Circle
Poetry & Music circle will revert to meeting on 2nd & 4th Monday of each month 4.15pm – 5.30pm.
Photocopying, printing and scanning services are available at the library. Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Kilgefin Parish
Parish Priest: Fr Dan (089 2706060)
Adoration in Ballyleague Church every Friday morning 10.30am. – 11.30a.m. and every Friday night in Curraghroe Church 8.30p.m. – 9.30p.m.
Pilgrimage: One day pilgrimage to Lough Derg takes place on Saturday 20th August, 2022. Bus leaves Ballyleague Hall at 7am. Enquiries call Mary 043 3321969
Cloontuskert Cemetery Mass: The annual Mass for all the deceased who are laid to rest in Cloontuskert cemetery will be celebrated at 6p.m. on Sunday 14th August and all are welcome to attend. May they rest in God’s eternal peace.
Ballyleague Bingo: Bingo will take place in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night at 8.30p.m. Please support.
Progressive 25 card game in St Faithleach’s Clubhouse every Tuesday at 9pm. New players and beginners very welcome.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: Bishop Kevin will lead the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes from 24th – 29th August. To book, please contact Joe Walsh Tours on 01-241 0800 or download the booking form at www.joewalshtours.ie
Medjugorje: Official Diocesan Pilgrimage in August led by Bishop Kevin Doran – OPEN TO ALL AGES Dates: 10th – 17th August 2022, ALL AGES WELCOME. Children and Teenagers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by parent/guardian). Cost €650 PPS. Single Option €790. For more Information and registration details please see www.elphindiocese.ie/medjugorje2022/ or contact: Frank McGuiness, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, St. Mary’s, Temple Street, Sligo, Tel: 087 9880690 Email: frank.mcguinness@elphindiocese.ie
The Hub at Knock Shrine is open during July & August: Parents – Need some time for yourselves? Welcome to the HUB at Knock Shrine, open through July and August, the HUB offers a range of fun activities for children and young people visiting Knock Shrine. From the ARK kids Club for children aged 5 years and over to our drop-in centre with arts & crafts, prayer, music and much more. Don’t miss our Family Day on 21st August, a day for families and children with a range of fun activities, all in the beautiful grounds of Knock Shrine. Learn more about summer fun at the HUB at www.knockshrine.ie or phone us on 094 93 75321.
Are you Living in Ireland Undocumented? Do you know someone who may be an undocumented migrant? Undocumented people can apply for a legal status now. Applications for the new government undocumented scheme are open until 31 July. Don’t miss this life changing opportunity. To check your eligibility and get support to apply visit the Migrants Rights Centre Ireland website www.mrci.ie or email info@mrci.ie or contact 083-07553
St. Mary’s Church
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.
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.
Shannon Gaels
Cúl Camps
The long waiting for the young will soon be coming to an end with the Kellogg’s Cúl Camp will commence on Monday next. We wish all the young players a very happy, exciting and enjoyable Cúl Camp.
Fixtures
Due to a shortage of numbers our 17 players have been amalgamated with St. Patrick’s Ardagh for this competition. This Tuesday the team will play Grattan’s in Dunbeggan at 7pm. The following week Wednesday 13th the team will play Ballymahon Forgney Gaels in Clonbonny at 7.30pm.
On Tuesday 12th the Under 13 team will play championship against St. Vincent’s Drumlish in Clonbonny at 7.30pm
On Monday 11th July the Under 15 amalgamated team will play the St. Dominick’s St. Vincent’s amalgamation in Clonbonny at 7.30pm
If you can please come along and support the players in one or all of the games
Last call
The Lanesboro Tri club is looking for people to act as stewards for the upcoming Junior Triathlon and Two Provinces Triathlon in Lanesboro and Ballyleague on Friday 8th Saturday week 9th July. If you would like to make yourself available please leave your name and phone number into O’Brien’s shop, ph 3321107 or email me joeaobrien@outlook.com