Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death of former resident
Tuesday 23rd August proved to be a day filled with sadness when we learned of the death in Manchester, England, of Anne Black after an illness borne in Anne’s on inimitable way of courage, strength and positivity. Anne formerly Gilmore from the Green was predeceased by her parents John and Kathleen and her brother Enda just six months ago. Anne was a lifelong friend of Lanesboro and until she was unable to cross the Irish Sea she was a very regular visitor home. She was a woman of great character and spirit who loved nothing more that meeting and greeting everyone. A lady that left Lanesboro many years ago was still known by those young and old in the area such was her personality and her regularity of visits home. Anne’s passing will sadden the hearts of her family and all of those in our community that she left with so many great memories.
Personally, Anne was a feature all my life from when as a youngster she worked in our shop alongside my father and mother. She was loyal, full of spirit, a heart of gold, a wonderful sense of humor and dear friend. Ann will be deeply missed and our deepest sympathy is extended to her husband Peter, son, Gary, daughter Tracey, brothers, Brendan, James, Tony, Nicholas, Damian and Cosmos, sisters, Teresa, Colette, Caroline and Lorraine, relatives and friends.
Ann’s remains will be removed to St. Mary’s Church, Elbow Street, Levenshulme, Manchester on Thursday next 22nd for mass service at 6.30pm Her Funeral Mass will take place on Friday followed by her burial in Mill Lane Cemetery, Cheadle.
Text Alert
In 2012 Rathcline Text Alert system was introduced in the local community. For many years this system has served us greatly in getting word out about suspicious activity and messages throughout the community.
With the passage of time a lot has changed and the old system is very quickly becoming obsolete. With that in mind the ‘text alert’ group is currently investigating the possibility of becoming part of a countywide APP group that will bring all updates to your phone through this App. The notices you will receive will be specific to our local area and adding the App will be free of charge.
The benefits of this are that anyone in your household can add this App to their phones and get the notifications. This will be unlike previous times where just one person per household signed up for the service. With the convenience of this new App on your phone the text alert will be supplied with the relevant local information much quicker that the old system.
If you don’t have or don’t feel competent enough in the use of the Smartphone you still have the option to remain within the current text alert system. However, this service will require some payment and all this, along with App information, will be conveyed via the text messaging service in the near future.
Lanesboro Primary School Enrolment
Lanesborough Primary School is now accepting enrolments for September 2022. Please email the school at smgslb2020@gmail.com for an enrolment form. Alternatively you can phone the Principal at 0433321545.
Final Outing of the Season
The local Lough Ree Golfing Society will host their final outing of the 2022 season on Friday next 23rd September at Slieve Russell Golf Club at 12.30pm. This year has seen some very pleasant and interesting outings. The scores have been quite good throughout and I am sure that the visit to Slieve Russell on Friday will be no different. Slieve Russell being a championship course will raise the challenge to a higher level and there is no doubt that the Society players will rise to the occasion. Golfer of the year will be announced the day and the Society is looking forward to a great turnout.
Visitors
All through the summer season we welcomed many visitors to Lanesboro and Ballyleague. This year was noted for the amount of former residents returning to the area retracing their footsteps and catching up with locals. This year more than any it was a great pleasure to welcome and chat to all those returning from around the country and abroad.
When we thought we were settling into autumn and quite streets, in the past week, along comes Michael and Mary (Jordan) Flynn, Australia, Cathal Geheran and his daughters, Australia, his brother Gerry from Dublin accompanied him and Lisa Jordan with her daughter Jasmin and son Lucas from Australia.
Needless to say along with their Irish families we were all delighted to see them and welcome them back into the bosom of the community.
National Culture Night
The National Culture night takes place on Friday 23rd September. As part of National Culture Night the Ormsby family and staff in Clarke’s Bar will host the celebration locally with a great night of traditional music, song and dance. The night’s entertainment will start at 9pm and everyone is invited to come along, join in the celebration and enjoy the celebration of our culture.
The Cannonball Drive Through
The quietness of a Sunday afternoon was well and truly shattered with the roar of the Cannonball Run passing through the town. A huge number of Supercars, almost 190, took part in the longest organised road-trip in Europe that was in support of the Hope Foundation. The make of Supercars taking part included Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin, Porsche, Bentley and Maserati to name just some. It is not very often that we would have seen one of those cars going through Lanesboro and Ballyleague making the viewing more fascinating.
Town Twinning
The AGM of Lanesboro Ballyleague Town Twinning group took place in St. Mary’s Hall on Tuesday 6th September. The minutes of the previous AGM were read and a new committee was elected by the attendance. The new committee is Chairman; Andrew Knowles, Secretary; Anne O’Reilly, Joint Treasurers; Ann Marie Casey and Anne McCarthy, P.R.O.; Kathleen Kelly, Vice Chairman; Joe O’Brien.
Following the election of officers a discussion took place on the future pathway for the group. Further discussions will ensue at the next meeting. The date of which will be made known in these notes and on Facebook in the near future.
Girls Fitness Classes
A Girls Fitness class has just started on Tuesday 13th September in Ballyleague Hall. The classes are for 6 weeks from 6.45 to 7.30pm for ages from 13 to 17. The cost is €5 per class and the classes must be pre booked. Contact 0862260309 for bookings or further information. The adult class is now full.
Healthy Communities
Free Stop Smoking Service available in Ballymahon. Get the help you need to stop smoking for good. Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy will be provided for non-medical card holders. Available on Mondays 10am – 4pm in Bridgeways Family Resource Centre; Dean Egan Library Main St Ballymahon; Please contact Catherina (HSE Stop Smoking Advisor) on 087 4435256 for more information.
Roscommon Group of Parishes
The following are the upcoming Church Services for the Roscommon Group of Parishes for September. On Sunday 25th September Service of Holy Communion will take place in St. John’s Lanesborough at 11.30am.
Coffee Morning
The Lanesborough branch of Longford Hospice is holding a coffee morning on Sunday next September 25th from 10am until 12.30 pm in St. Mary’s Hall.
Defibrillator knowledge saves lives
We all appreciate the expertise that those trained in the use of the defibrillator bring to critical situations. You too can avail of that expertise and become vital cogs in your community. If anyone badly needs this expertise on the use of the defibrillator your new found knowledge in its use can proved extremely vital.
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 is also looking to retrain and refresh those that have already completed the course and need to brush up on its use.
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 clynemartina53@gmail.com
Defibrillator Funding
The Defibrillator Group continues to raise funds for the replacement of batteries and pads as well as funding needed to replace and upgrade defibrillators.
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.
The importance of defibrillators in the general area cannot be overstated. The lives it can save and has saved in recent weeks are well documented.
If you wish to contribute we ask that you donate by leaving money in an envelope marked with your name into Martina or Joe O’Brien at the Corner Shop.
Coffee Morning
A Coffee Morning Social will take place in St. Faithleach’s Clubhouse on Saturday next 24th September from 10am until 1pm. All proceeds will go to ongoing fundraising for the Mayo Roscommon Hospice
Souvenir Programme
The official opening of the Ballyboro All-Weather Astro Turf Pitch took place before a large crowd on Saturday last – see Ballyboro notes.
The club produced a wonderful and comprehensive Souvenir Programme edited by Eamonn Bolger that without doubt a collector’s item. There are many fine articles included but the crème de la crème is the inclusion of the Ballyboro Players Roll of Honour where every player (using the weekly reports of PRO of the Longford League, the very helpful, Sean Dempsey) that wore the Ballyboro jersey over the past 22 years of the club is listed. The list was compiled painstakingly by Eamonn Bolger and it is a testimony to Eamonn to see players listed from 2000 right up to the present day.
The souvenir programme is on sale in O’Brien’s costing just €5.
Dinner Dance
The Longford Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, Longford branch will hold their annual Dinner Dance on the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule on Friday 14th October. The music will be provided by the very popular J&S Sound. Dinner will be served at 9pm and there will be a lot of spot prizes won on the night. Tickets cost €30 and can be bought from Breda Moran or O’Brien’s shop.
Traditionally this is the night out of the year where a great night out is assured.
A.G.M.
The Rathcline Senior club will hold their A.G.M. on Saturday 1st October in the Clubhouse in Clonbonny at 6pm. After what is turning into a great year for the young senior team it is very important that all members and those interested in football and its development in the parish of Rathcline turn up for the meeting.
Championships mixed fortunes
On Sunday last the excellent run by Rathcline in the Longford senior championship was brought to a halt by Longford Slashers. For a team that so little was expected of in the early year it was a wonderful season for this young and budding team. The lessons of this year will stand greatly to them in the coming year and it is with great confidence that we can look forward to many successful years in Rathcline.
The St. Faithleach’s game against Western Gaels in Strokestown on Saturday was a real nail biter with the teams been level on 10 occasions throughout the game. It was nip and tuck from start to finish with nothing more than a couple of points between them. Going into injury time St. Faithleach’s were a point down. Such was their fighting and never say die spirit they fought back to emerge winners on a two point margin. This was a scintillating victory for the players, management and club supporters.
They now are in a playoff for a place in the quarter final next weekend. After tonight’s draw they will play Michael Glavey’s to secure their place in the quarter final. At the time of writing there is no further information on the date and venue.
The very best of luck to the panel and management and we encourage everyone to go along and give the team great support.
New CD continues to sell well
Frank Nelson has just released a new CD called ‘I’ll Put the Kettle On’. Frank has been very active on the music scene for over 30 years and the quality of his music and dances/shows is testimony to the reason he has been so popular. Frank is inexhaustible when it comes to releasing high quality CD’s.
This time he has really hit the high times with the quality and songs included. It is a must for followers of Frank and lovers of country music.
CDs are available in O’Brien’s costing just €15
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
After Mary O’Neill’s great lottery win the jackpot reverted back to €2000 for the draw on Tuesday last14th September. The numbers drawn were 7.8, 19 and 24 but nobody had Mary’s luck. The jackpot for the next draw on Tuesday 28th September stands at €2,200. The three winners of the €40 prizes were Paddy O’Rourke, Cloonadra, Martha Farrell, The Yacht Bar and Detta Cox, Ballyleague.
Tickets are on sale in local shops and hairdressers and from club members. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
Sunday night Card Game
The Sunday night card game continued on Sunday night last. The results from last Sunday night 4th September are: joint first Peter & Mary Gregg and Kathleen & Annie. Last game was Pat & Geraldine Greene. Raffle winners were Sean Parker, Pat Joe Fallon, Frank McCormack & Jack Bannon. The game continues every Sunday night where the first cards are dealt at 8.30pm sharp. Light refreshments served.
Legion of Mary
The Annual Legion of Mary Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Sunday next 25th September. The bus will leave Longford at 10am and will pick up at St. Mary’s Church at 10.30am. If you wish to book a seat you are asked to call Colette on 086 6081405, Ursula on 087 9016062 or Peter 09064 38445.
Boat Trips
Lough Ree Access for all boat is a boat built for you is offering three sailing trips a day 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm. This is a great trip of fascination onto Lough Ree and an
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
Volunteers required
Ballyleague Bingo urgently needs more volunteers to join them in the Bingo/Hall Committee. If you are interested contact Patricia Manning for more details.
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
50/50
Congratulations to Ruth Kearney, Newtowncashel, who was last week’s winner of the Rathcline 50/50. Eileen won the top prize of a wonderful €600. The draw took place in the Adie’s Bar.
The club is extremely grateful for your continued tremendous support.
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. Tues 20th 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 13th September the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €9,900 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €10,000 for the draw on Tuesday 20th September. The winning numbers drawn on the 13th September were 12, 19, 20 and 21. The winner of the €50 prize was Hughie Smyth, Main Street, and the three €20 winners were John Rice, Cloontuskert, Rosaleen Egan, Derryhaun and Cathal & Aoife McHugh c/o Freda Connaughton.
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.
Bridge Lessons
Lessons for newcomers to bridge will commence at 7.30pm on Monday 26th Sept 2022 at the Bridge Centre, Connolly Barracks Longford. Intending participants may attend as a partnership of two persons or as individuals. Turn left inside main gate and proceed to Centre car park on the right. To register your interest in taking lessons please call Ray at (086 2649604).
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.
Ballyboro Official Opening
Favoured by glorious autumnal weather, a carnival atmosphere prevailed as large crowds attended at the Official Opening of the club’s magnificent new facilities at Lanesboro Community College on Saturday last. All of the club’s players were involved in various activities during a historic and eventful day which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Treats of all descriptions were devoured with relish over what was an unforgettable day.
Liz Lavery Chief Executive of the Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board, and Club Chairman John Tynan unveiled the Plaque.
While great excitement was the order of the day there was also a very poignant moment when former school Principal Bernice Martin was fondly remembered with the unveiling of a special commemorative seat by her family. From the outset Bernice was totally supportive of the project and her unfailing commitment and dedication will never be forgotten by the club and the school..The club is grateful to the Treacy and Martin families for their presence.
The success of the day is due to the untiring efforts of so many people and the club greatly appreciates all who contributed in whatever capacity
To mark the occasion the club produced a Special Souvenir Booklet which was the subject of much favourable comment. It contains many interesting articles and also attempts to list all players, boys and girls who have played for Ballyboro since the club was formed in 2000. It is available to purchase at O’Brien’s Corner Shop.
It was fitting that the first game to be played on the new grass pitch following the ceremonials was a notable result for the club as the under 16s recorded an impressive 5-1 win over Straid Foxford in the Connacht Cup. From the first whistle the Ballyboro team played with an intensity and vigour allied to some clever possession football that the Mayo team could not match. Team and scorers: Michael Nolan, Jack Brogan, Jack Casey(2), Aidan Kelly, Jack Beattie, Cody Phelan, David Cox(1), Luke Johnston, Billy Murray, Ben Murphy(1),Wesley Hughes(1). Subs: Conn Maxwell, Daniel Hogan.
The under 14s gave a much improved display against Gaels United. Though the Drumlish boys emerged victorious on a 5-0 scoreline the winning margin does scant justice to a committed Ballyboro team who were unfortunate not to score on a couple of occasions. Ballyboro: Mikie Sorohan, Sean O’Dowd, Leon Malkowski, Emry Kaya, Ciaran McGloin, Dan Casey, Eoin Beattie, Eoghan Mullooly, Harry Brogan, Kyle Rice, Oisín Dillon. Subs: Sean Collins, Cillian Carberry, Evan Rooney.
Fixtures: All three boys’ teams are at home at the weekend. On Saturday the under 16s play Stonepark at 2pm. On Sunday the under 12s play Inny Lions at 1pm while the under 14s play Newtown at 11.30am. The girls under 12 team are away to Gaels United on Saturday, 10am kick off.
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
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)
Mayo Roscommon Hospice Coffee Morning in St Faithleach’s GAA clubhouse on Saturday 24th September from 10.00 am to 1.00 pm. Come along enjoy a cuppa and support this worthy cause
Adoration in Ballyleague Church every Friday morning 10.30a.m. – 11.30a.m. and every Friday night in Curraghroe Church 8.30p.m. – 9.30p.m.
Volunteers Wanted
Ballyleague Bingo and Hall committee need more volunteers to join them in the Bingo/Hall Committee. If you are interested you are asked to contact Patricia Manning for more details.
Ballyleague Church: We urgently need volunteers to take up the basket collection in Ballyleague Church at mass on Saturday and Sunday. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Fr. Dan.
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
Rosary Group meet in the church on Monday to Friday at 9.30am and on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.
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.
Parish contacts
Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
Shannon Gaels
Seniors: Hard luck to the senior team that went out of the championship on Sunday last.
Thank You: The minor club would like to thank all parents and young players that made such a great effort in the build up and supporting the seniors last Sunday.
Winding Down: The club’s activities are coming to a halt at the moment and the club would like to thank all parents, guardians and players for their great support of the club all season.
A special word for the coaches and team mentors for your dedication all season long.
Games Promotion Officer: Back in April a new Games Promotion Officer in the person of Declan McKenna was appointed to the minor club and we would like to thank Declan for all his ongoing tremendous work and ideas. Your work has been immense to all the young players in the club.
Rathcline GAA
Rathcline GAA notes to follow
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior Championship
Our Senior men took on Western Gaels in the final group game in Strokestown on Saturday evening last. It was a very tough test of character for the lads and Western Gaels put up a serious battle. We broke away at the end with some marvellous points. We progress to next weekend’s quarter final playoff where we take on Michael Glavey’s. Please support the lads. All ticket event. Tickets available on Roscommon GAA website.
Junior Ladies
The Junior Ladies played St. Mary’s last Sunday morning unfortunately on the receiving end of a 3-19 to 4-05 defeat.
All attention now turns to next Sundays Quarter Final when the Ladies take on Four Roads in Four Roads next Sunday 25th September with throw in at 11am. Please support the ladies. Best of luck to the team and their management.
U14 Girls
Massive congratulations and well done to our U14 girls and their management team of Sean and Qona on winning the league final against Padraig Pearses on Sunday afternoon last. The girls have done the league and championship double this season. A marvellous achievement. The club are very proud of you all
U17 Lads
The U17 boys had a great win on Sunday morning last as they won their game v Western Gaels on a scoreline of 2-11 to 0-02 points. This win gives the lads home advantage for the semi final in early October. Well done team and management
Volunteers
The minor club are looking for volunteers to help at the Underage trainings when they return. If you would like to help please contact David Harrison or any club committee member.
Tesco Community Fund
If you happen to be shopping in Tesco in Roscommon please drop a blue token into the collection box for the U12 Girls who are fundraising for new jerseys and some training equipment. Your little donation could make a huge difference! Thank you for your continued support
Coffee Morning
We are delighted to be hosting a ‘Coffee and Social Morning ‘ at St. Faithleach’s Clubhouse on Saturday September 24th starting at 10am. All proceeds will go to Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Come along for a cuppa and a chat.
Lotto
No jackpot winner this week. €40 winners were Detta Cox, Martha Farrell and Patrick O’Rourke. Thank you for your continued support. Envelopes are on sale in all local outlets.