New Midlands Correspondent
During last week RTÉ announced that Sinead Hussey would become the new Midland’s Correspondent. Sinead is daughter of Sean and Mary Hussey, Longford Town. Her mother Mary is Tynan from the Green and sister of Mikie and John.
Sinead has been North East correspondent for RTÉ for the past three years and prior to that she was star of local radio reporting for Shannonside Northern Sound, LMFM, North West Radio and also Newstalk. Who will ever forget the mammoth six-day count in Kenagh for the General Election in 2016 where she was the lead reporter never missing a beat. It is great to have another local representing the midlands in RTÉ. As you already know Sinead is replacing Ciaran Mullooly who recently retired from this position. We wish Sinead every success in her new post.
Fond Farewell
It was with great disappointment we learned of the departure last week of Fr. Sergiy from the parish of Rathcline. Fr. Sergiy was appointed to our parish almost two years ago at a time when we were deep in Covid restrictions hence he was limited greatly in the work and interaction in the community. Everyone that had interaction with Fr. Sergiy spoke very highly of him as a priest and a man. The war in Ukraine concerned him greatly as his parents were locked into Ukraine. Our hope is that he finds his family in great health and that his repatriation to Poland will see them united as a family once again. We wish Fr. Sergiy the very best of health and happiness in his new appointment in his native Poland. We thank him greatly for everything he did for us in our parish and remind him that he will be fondly remembered in our minds and prayers.
Lanesboro/Ballyleague Town Twinning
In October 2007 this town twinning group visited our twin town, Lanesboro, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Since then, a number of groups visited us and stayed locally. In recent times Covid restrictions meant that the Committee could not have meetings. Now that we are back on track the committee will be holding an A.G.M. shortly. We are asking people to be part of this exciting Committee. Please have a good think about this and your ideas will get a good hearing at the A.G.M. It would be great to see a big number showing an interest in this very exciting twinning committee.
Paddy’s on the line
Sunday next will see the All-Ireland Final between Galway and Kerry taking place in Croke Park. Following his outstanding semi-final display it is fabulous to see our local man Paddy Neilan getting selected as linesman and stand by referee for the final. We wish Paddy and the team of officials the very best of luck in the final.
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
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
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Liam Furlong, Longford Road, on the death last week at Naas Hospital, of his brother Seamus Furlong, Kildare Town on Tuesday 5th July.
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.
Death
It was with tremendous sadness we learned of the death on Wednesday 13th July at Roscommon University Hospital of Elish Gray, The Green, following a short illness. Elish came to Lanesboro and The Green when her husband Lynn received work on Bord na Mona in 1966. Instantly they became a part of our community and played a big part right up until recently. A native of Roscommon Town her love of her native place never diminished and she paid very regular visits to keep up with all her friends and the happenings of the town. She was a chatty and homely person in whose company you always felt at ease, she was always ready to support and aid anyone in their time of need. She was a very popular and active member of the Green community. In the early years in Lanesboro, Elish was very interested and supportive of the Lough Ree Athletic Club where her daughters Caroline and Tracy were leading members and later her grandson Jason was also a successful member. In her younger years Elish trained at the Culinary College in Donegal. She was a woman that loved to cook and bake and the results of her skill were always eagerly awaited. For Elish family always came first and foremost where she was an excellent wife and mother. She was an outstanding Bridge player and took part in both the local clubs weekly games where she was to the fore more often than not. She also loved the local monthly Whist Drives in aid of the local social services and especially the interaction with all the card players at the monthly drives. Elish loved travelling and shopping and had a great taste in dress style as could be seen from the results of her shopping trips.
Her remains reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon on Friday evening last and were received at St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Saturday for the Mass of the Resurrection. Burial took place afterwards in St. Coman’s Cemetery. To her husband Lynn, daughters Caroline and Tracy, grandchildren, Melissa, Connor, Jason and Shane, sister Dossie, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Longford Draw Bank Holiday Saturday
Time is running out to get your ticket for the Club Longford draw with some magnificent prizes to be won. The draw will take place on Saturday week 30th July which is only a short number of days away. Your support of Club Longford last year gave great impetuous to the promotion and development of men and ladies teams in Longford.
Immediate improvement or success is not immediately seen but great progress has been made in the development of our players and ultimately this will bring success in the coming years. Your great support for the draw will once again be greatly appreciated
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.
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 club organiser Louis Skelly.
Golf Outing
The Lough Ree Golfing Society is calling all golfers to their next outing that takes place on Friday next 22nd July to Mountbellew Golf Club. The tee is booked from 11am.The forecast is for the extreme heat to have gone and be replaced with ideal weather for a round of golf. New golfer to the Society will be very welcome.
Final Grave Blessing
The final Blessing of the Graves will take place in Lanesboro/St. John’s cemetery on Sunday next 24th July at 6pm.
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.
Draw on Bank Holiday weekend
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 online 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.
Old Chestnut
Once again, the old chestnut of accommodation has raised its head again in the Lanesboro/Ballyleague area. This summer more than any there is greater demand for accommodation and the demand seems to be growing year on year for all types of accommodation in the area. In recent days a number of people contacted me about accommodation especially B&B/hotel in and around Lanesboro/Ballyleague. I put out a request on social media for B&B and to my astonishment, apart from one; I did not receive an offer from anywhere locally. All of those seeking somewhere to stay were people wanting to return to the area with their now extended family to bring them back to see and reminisce where they grew up or lived in times past.
This past weekend a man came to Lanesboro for a reunion and had to leave town to get accommodation for his overnight stay. He was telling me that his grandkids are now at a stage that he would have brought his family to Lanesboro if only he could have obtained accommodation. Unfortunately, he came on his own and had to find a place to rest his head in another town outside of Lanesboro.
As a community we have to realise the great demands for accommodation and the benefits that can be gained for the host houses/hotel and the wider community all year round and especially during the summer months.
With the outstanding proposals of the Boardwalk, the amphitheatre and the Lanesboro Tourism Hub proposing the first ‘Surf & Turf’ Wave Centre for Ireland along Lanesboro and Ballyleague will become a major tourism centre right in the heart of Ireland.
It is important that we bring all the necessary infrastructure into the community before developments begins and show ourselves as the warm and welcoming community, we are renowned for.
There is a very comprehensive Feasibility Study carried out by Future Analytics/KPMG on the locality commissioned by Longford and Roscommon County Councils and it is well worth reading and seeing what the massive potential is seen for our community. Contact me if you would like a copy.
Access for All boat
Lough Ree Access for all boat is a boat built for you is offering a special 1-hour summer promotion. Subject to the demand the trip will cost €20 and the sailing will take place at 4pm. For information and booking call 089 2625505 or www.loughreeboattrips.com
Sunday night Card Game
The Sunday night card game continued on Sunday night last. The results from the games are 1st Johnno & Tom Rooney, 2nd Kitty & Jim. The last game winners were Peter Donlon & Peggy Moran. The raffle winners were Kathleen Maguire, Mary Gregg, Joe Dolan and Noel McDermott. The game continues every Sunday night where the first cards are dealt at 8.30pm sharp. Light refreshments served.
Funeral Mass on Saturday next
On the 3rd January Gerry McGrath formerly of the Green passed away in England. Following a Service in Oak Chapel, Crownhill Crematorium, his remains were cremated in Milton Keynes.
On Saturday next 23rd July Gerry’s ashes will return to St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro for his Funeral Mass that will take place at 2pm. The burial of his ashes alongside his father Tom and mother Delia will take place in Clonbonny following Mass.
Following the burial, the family would like to invite those attending back to Adie’s bar and restaurant.
Rathcline 50/50
Congratulations to Lorraine Mullen, C/O Xlentee, Lanesboro who was last week’s winner of our 50/50 Lotto and jackpot of €484. The draw took place in Clarke’s Bar on Monday 11th July. Monday nights draw takes place in the Yacht Bar on Monday 18th July
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.
Cloontuskert Grotto Unveiling
The unveiling and blessing of the reconstructed Grotto in Cloontuskert will take place at 7pm on 15th August Our Lady’s Day. All are welcome.
Kilteevan Graveyard Mass
The 29th annual graveyard Mass will be celebrated in Kilteevan Graveyard on Saturday 30 July at 7:30 pm, weather permitting. Otherwise, Mass will be celebrated in the Church. The annual maintenance collection will also be held with a donation box available. Sunday Mass as usual on 31 July at 10:00 am.
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.
Ballyboro FC
The Official Opening of the club’s outstanding new facilities at Lanesboro Community will take place on Saturday 20th August. To mark the occasion the club will be producing a special commemorative booklet. The club is appealing to anyone who has any material (photographs, match reports etc) suitable for inclusion in the booklet to forward same to Eamonn Bolger or any club officer. As the deadline for inclusion is fast approaching it would be appreciated if the memorabilia could be forwarded as soon as possible. The booklet will be a collector’s item in years to come and the club is anxious that notable achievements over the years will be recorded. All items received will be scanned and returned safely.
The club will be staging two Summer Camps in the coming weeks. Both the July camp and the August camp are now fully booked.
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.
Living Well Programme
Living Well is a free online group programme delivered over six workshops (2.5 hrs x 6). It is delivered by trained leaders, most of whom are also living with a long-term health condition. You will develop self-management skills and confidence to live well with your health conditions. Monday, 5th, Tues 20th of September, 10.30am to 1pm, and Wed 26th Oct 10.30am to 1pm
To Book Your Place please contact Olga Maguire on 086 0142688 or email omaguire@southmayo.com
You can find more details about the programme on www.hse.ie/LivingWell
Tidy Towns Lottery
On Tuesday 12th July the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €9,000 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €9,100 for the draw on Tuesday 19th July. The winning numbers drawn on the 12th July were 2, 19, 23 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize was Gerard Heneghan, Rathcline Road, and the three €20 prizes was won by Jacinta Healy, Church View, Vera Whitty, Clonbonny and Pearse McGann, 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 ongoing creation of the orchard and the shrubs and roses planted on the recently renovated footpaths around the corner on the Longford Road and the flowers on the Ballymahon Road. Your continued support is enabling all the ongoing work and we encourage greater support for funding of these and other upcoming projects.
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, yTuesday 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.
Cloontuskert Grotto Unveiling
The unveiling and blessing of the reconstructed Grotto in Cloontuskert will take place at 7pm on 15th August Our Lady’s Day. All are welcome.
Kilteevan Graveyard Mass
The 29th annual graveyard Mass will be celebrated in Kilteevan Graveyard on Saturday 30 July at 7:30 pm, weather permitting otherwise, Mass will be celebrated in the Church. The annual maintenance collection will also be held with a donation box available. Sunday Mass as usual on 31 July at 10:00 am.
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
Newsletter
Any articles for the newsletter must be in by Wednesday nights at the latest. Details to be emailed to Kilgefinparish21@gmail.com contact number 0862626639
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 Kellogg’s Cúl Camp was a wonderful success with record numbers attending. The club would like to thank Damien Sheridan and his team for coordinating the whole week of activities.
A special word of thanks to all our club volunteers who aided with parking for drop off and collection of all the young players and those that helped out in any other way.
Results and fixtures
It was a mixed week of results for our teams. The Under 13 team lost to St. Vincent’s while the Under 15 team beat St. Dominick’/St. Vincent’s and the Under 17 team beat Ballymahon Forgney Gaels.
The fixtures for this week are light. By the time you will have read this the U17 team will have played Southern Gaels in Cashel. Later in the week, Thursday the U15 team will travel to the Laurels for their game with Northern Gaels.
Rathcline GAA
To see all PRO Cathal Chapman’s club updates on www.rathcline.gaa.ie or in attachment
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Congratulations
Congratulations to Paddy Neilan, Ballyleague who has been selected to be sideline official in this week’s All Ireland Football Final between Galway and Kerry. Fantastic achievement.
All-Ireland Tickets
We are running a competition for 2 All Ireland Football Final tickets and an overnight stay in the Herbert Park Hotel. Tickets cost €10. Visit our social media pages or contact any club member to enter.
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. Book your place online
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
Jackpot €12000. No jackpot winner this week. Envelopes available at all local outlets. thank you for your continued support.