Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
A battle so ferociously fought came to an end with the death of Donal Chapman, Lisnacusha, on Saturday 24th September in the care of the staff of the Padre Pio Ward at St. Joseph’s Care Centre, Longford. Donal was diagnosed with MS some 23 years ago and he fought his condition with a wonderful courage, spirit, dignity and a fabulous resilience as was the personality of this young man. He was predeceased by his father P.J. Donal spent his working life in banking and continued to do so until his MS got progressively worse. His MS did not deter the man from carrying out fundraisers when he did a Bungee jump and Parachute jump to raise much needed funds for the Longford branch of MS. Donal was very social person and always had the glint of mischievous devilment in his eye and a disarming smile. He was a great community man and had a great faith; indeed he would be in the church early for Mass and maneuvered his wheelchair around to have a few words with those that arrived early. He had a great love of the water and the local Lough Ree Sub Aqua club. We will remember Donal as a friend, a straight talker, a witty man and someone that brought an excitement no matter what environment he found himself in and was a man of great intellect. His absence will be greatly felt in the local community and further afield. He was lovingly cared for by his wife Martina, daughter Rióna, mother Mary and the Chapman family and the staff of the Padre Pio Ward. Wherever we go there will always be memories of Donal.
Donal’s remains reposed at his residence until his removal to St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday for the Mass of the Resurrection. Following Mass he was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery.
To his wife Martina, daughter Rióna, mother Mary, sister, Patricia, brothers, Liam, Cathal, and Kevin, mother-in-law Liz Edgeworth and her family, relatives and many friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Death
To say the community was shook to its core is an understatement when news broke on Sunday 25th September of the sudden death of John Heneghan at his residence in Curragh Rua. John formerly of No 8 the Green was predeceased by his father Pat. John worked in Burlington before moving to London and then back home to Ireland to work with McLoughlin’s in Longford. During his father’s illness John was always on hand to help along with his mother to care for him. Since then John was to be seen on the Green early every morning to help set his mother up for the day with a breakfast and all the shopping to being done. He was a mild mannered man; never heard to raise his voice indeed the only time he was to be heard over a crowd was with his very hearty laugh. The comment from all and sundry when John’s name was mentioned was genius and his intelligence was undoubted. He was without doubt a man with undoubted talent no matter what task was set in front of him. He met his Partner Wyn over 20 years ago and as the saying goes ‘when the Lord made them he matched them’ such was their bond to each other. He was a kind, patient, attention giving, sports loving –especially Formula1, man with a great love of family in particular his younger nephews and nieces. John’s passing will leave a great emptiness in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew him. Gone forever is the cheery welcome and warm welcoming smile and we will sadly miss it.
John’s remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Wednesday last before his removal to St. Mary’s Church on Thursday for his Funeral Mass; afterwards he was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery. To his partner Wyn, mother Maura, his sister Mary, his brothers Gerard and Mark relatives and friends we extend our earnest sympathy
Ladies County Final
The very best of luck to our local Rathcline Ladies Junior team who play Mullinalaghta in the county final on Saturday night next. The final will take place in Emmet Óg Park Killoe on Saturday 8th October at 12 o’clock. It would be great to see our ladies getting a great turnout of support. Please go along and cheer the girls to vctory
Mass with Cór Comáin Choir
On Saturday night next the 7.30pm Mass have the fabulous Cór Comáin Ladies Choir joining in Fr. Turlough’s Mass celebration. This will be a sung Mass and uniquely a first time for a sung Mass in the church. The Cór Comáin Ladies Choir will be under the leadership of Derek Mahedy.
On Sunday 9th the annual Thanksgiving Service will take place in St. John’s at 3pm. This is an event for the whole community.
Lanesboro Primary School Enrolment
Lanesborough Primary School is now accepting enrolments for September 2023. Please email the school at smgslb2020@gmail.com for an enrolment form. Alternatively you can phone the Principal at 0433321545.
Train how to use the Defibrillator
Defibrillators are devices that send an electric pulse or shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, an uneven heartbeat that is too slow or too fast. If the heart suddenly stops, defibrillators can also help it beat again. That is the very reason that we need more and more people trained up in the use of this vital life saving device. 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 – Thank You
The Defibrillator Group would like to sincerely thank everyone that has contributed so generously to the appeal for funding to replace batteries and pads and the constant need to upgrade all the defibrillators.
The importance of defibrillators in the general area cannot be overstated. The lives it can save and has saved in recent times 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.
Incident in Town
The Gardaí are currently investigating a reported serious incident that occurred in the town late Saturday night early Sunday morning. While the nature of this incident has not been made known by the investigating Gardaí local talk is that an assault taking place. Presently, investigations are ongoing and Gardaí are following a distinct line of enquiry.
If you or any of your younger family were in the town on Saturday night Sunday morning and seen or heard anything, no matter how insignificant you may feel it is, please contact the detectives in Longford 043 33 50570 or Roscommon 090 66 38300.
Fashion Show
The ICA is staging a Fashion Show with a difference where the show will embrace sustainability in the Longford Arms Hotel on Saturday 15th October with the doors opening at 7pm. The show will feature local fashion shops, Thrift shops, Upcycled and Preloved clothes. Tickets cost just €15 and it will include a free glass of wine on entry. Tickets are available by phoning 087 6791332 or they can be bought at the door on the night.
Halloween Tractor Run
A Halloween Tractor Run in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital will take place on Sunday 30th October. The registration centre will be The Local, Newtowncashelfrom 3pm. The tractors will leave Newtowncashel at 4pm. The entry fee is €20 per tractor.
Kids Halloween Disco
As part of the day’s celebration there will be a Kids Halloween Disco with free face painting, nibbles, music and fun in the Pier Inn from 5pm to 7pm.
And it does not finish there Following the earlier events the evening will draw to close with a Fancy Dress Night.
This is a day and night not to be missed as there is something there for everyone. Further details can be got by phoning Paddy 086 079 1177 or Emma 086 055 3904.
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.
Sunday night Card Game
The Sunday night card game continued on Sunday night last. The results from last Sunday night 4th September are: The game continues every Sunday night where the first cards are dealt at 8.30pm sharp. Light refreshments served.
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 in being involved you are asked to contact Patricia Manning for more details.
50/50
Congratulations to Finn Fallon, Lismacmanus who was last week’s winner of the Rathcline 50/50. Finn won the top prize of a wonderful €518. The draw took place in the Yacht Bar.
The club is extremely grateful for your continued tremendous support.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Tom and Margaret Nohilly and family on the death of Tom’s brother Fr. Michael Nohilly, Society of African Missions, Cork on Tuesday 27th September. Fr. Michael was laid to rest in the community cemetery following his Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, Wilton.
Church Services
The schedule for the Roscommon group of Parishes for the month of October is as follows:
Sunday 9th October Service of Harvest Thanksgiving in St. John’s Lanesboro at 3pm
Sunday 16th Holy Communion with Dean Gerald Field in St. Coman’s Church Roscommon at 11.30am
Sunday 23rd October Service of Holy Communion in St. John’s Church, Lanesboro at 11.30am
Sunday 30th October Service will take place in St. Coman’s Church Roscommon at 11.30am
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Liam Furlong, Longford Road on the death of his sister Mary Greene, in London last week.
Tidy Towns Lottery
On Tuesday 27th September the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €10,100 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €10,200 for the draw on Tuesday 4th October. The winning numbers drawn on the 27th September were 3, 8, 27 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize was Brendan Smyth c/o The Yacht Bar, and the three €20 winners were Lisa, Ciara, Kevin and Aoife Connaughton, Longford Road. Kathleen and Emily Morris Church View and Eugene Kelly, Rathcline Road.
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.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Geraldine and Robbie Chalmers and their family on the death of Geraldine’s mother Mrs. Frances Cox, Begnagh, Killashee on Monday 26th September. Frances was laid to rest in Ballinakill cemetery following Mass of the Resurrection in St. Patrick’s Church, Killashee.
Family Art Day
A Halloween Family Art Day will take place in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro on Sunday 16th October from 1pm to 4pm.
Go along pick your own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch take it away to the painting station and decorate your pumpkin.
When the pumpkin is painted you can head over to some of the other stations and make some creepy spiders, Halloween masks, gravestones, fabric pumpkins and even heads on sticks.
There will be a demonstration on some Halloween face painting and SFX that you can do at home.
It promises to be a wonderful day hosted by Hanlon Artworks. See attachment
Times Past in Pictures
Last week I published a photograph from the first class into Ballyleague Secondary School for the academic year 57/58. I did not have the names for the photograph until now. The photograph can be seen on www.joeobrien.ie .
Front row l-r; Brendan Gilmore, Seanie Reynolds, Des Murray and Jack Harte. Middle row; Johnny Hanley, Tom Kearney, Oliver Gavigan, Jimmy Mullooly and Tom Ginty. Back row l-r; Sean Flanagan, Tom Maxwell, Johnny Horohoe and Seamus Dennigan
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Lanesboro Primary School teacher Andrew Corr and his family on the death of his mother Elizabeth Corr, Burrish, Co. Mayo on Wednesday 28th September. Following Requiem Mass in the Church of the Holy Family & St. Oliver, Irishtown Elizabeth was laid to rest in Irishtown Cemetery.
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
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.
Former Resident Passed Away
The death took place at the Marlay Nursing Home on Wednesday last 28th September of Anna Dowd, Mount Argus, Harold’s Cross Dublin and formerly of Carrowstrawley. Anna was predeceased by her sisters Carmel (Casey) and Bridie (Creighton) and by her brother Dominic. She is survived by her sisters Máirín and Olive, the Casey family Caitríona, James, Ciara, Carrowstrawley, in-laws relatives and friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy. Her remains were interred in Rathcline Cemetery on Monday.
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.
Ballyboro FC
The under 13s run of good form continued on Saturday last when they travelled to Ballinamore and recorded a convincing 8-2 win over the home team Abbey Rovers. The early stages were closely contested but as the game went on the Ballyboro boys were in the ascendancy and they won decisively in the end. Team and scorers: Stephen Farrell, Darragh Donlon, Jack Cassidy, Cathal Hanley, Josh Curran, Shane Farrell(1),Alfie Murphy(1),Alfie Brehon, Tim Kenny(2),Charlie Moynihan(1),Oisín Dillon (3). Subs: Kyle Rice, Hayden Smyth, Ayden Odemis, Charlie Boardman, James Carroll.
The under 12 girls travelled to Kenagh where the home team got off to a flying start going 3-0 up early on but Hannah Farrell scored two goals to get Ballyboro back into the game, but Kenagh scored again to leave it 4-2 at half time. It was all Ballyboro in the second period and goals from Penelope Kennedy and Faye Hogan drew the game level in a breathless finish. Squad: Faye Hogan, Saoirse Feeney, Hannah Farrell, Zoe Hassett, Sadhbh Neilan, Rosie Farrell, Chloe Kilcoyne, Ava Donohoe, Millie Cassidy, Ellen Cox, Kallie Herbert, Sinead Murray, Penelope Kennedy, Pippa O’Shea, Emma Hopkins, Katie Sweeney, Laoise Farrell.
Not to be outdone by their younger counterparts the under 14 girls were also very impressive as they recorded a comprehensive win over UCL Harps in Dernafest.
Both the under 12s and under 14s went down to UCL and Abbey Rovers respectively. Ballyboro under 12s: Patrick McDonagh, Rian Morrissey, Éanna Kenny, Michael Hogan, Adam Greally, Ethan Donnellan, Darragh McGloin (1), Jake O’Shea, Donncha Farrell. Subs: Darragh Shanley, Tom Hession, Dorian Kaup, Conor Kilcoyne, Oscar Kaup, Owen Collins, Jack Donoghue. Under 14s: Evan Rooney, Sean O’Dowd, John Farrell, Mikie Sorohan, Ciaran McGloin, Eoghan Mullooly, Eoin Beattie, Leon Malkowski, Harry Brogan, Jake Rice, Oisín Dillon. Subs: Emry Kaya, Sean Collins, Keilon Gilmore, Cillian Carberry, James Cullen,
The under 10 team were in fine fettle when they got the better of UCL in their first game of the season. Some fine moves and great teamwork were on display as Ballyboro recorded an emphatic win. Panel: Caden Donlon, Charlie Hickey, Alice Malone, Ben Cassidy, Ben Lackey, Jay Flynn, Tom Skelly, Senan McHale, Finn Fallon, Sean Hogan.
Fixtures: The under 9s will be participating in a blitz in Ballymahon where Kenagh United will also be involved, The action gets underway at 10am on Saturday. The club will be fielding two under 11 teams this season. Team A are away to Gaels United while Team B are at home to Ballymahon. Both games are at 12.30pm on Saturday. The under 13s are at home to Melview Lions at 11.15am on Saturday while the under 14s are away to Ballymahon on Sunday, 11.30am kick off.
Copies of the Special Ballyboro Booklet are available at O’Brien’s and Casserly’s.
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.
Times Past in pictures
This week I feature two photographs compliments of Harry Hennessy. Harry did his apprenticeship and worked locally with Bord na Mona. He was a very involved in the community and took part in the pageant and plays during his time. Harry is a regular visitor back to Lanesboro from his Newbridge home.
The photographs last week were from Fr. Tom Kearney, Donamon, formerly and Newtowncashel. Fr. Tom is uncle to Jimmy Flood Lehery – school picture.
The names of the first class in Ballyleague were front row l-r Brendan Gilmore, Seanie Reynolds, Des Murray and Jack Harte. Middle row l-r Johnnie Hanley, Tom Kearney, Oliver Gavigan, Jimmy Mullooly and Tom Ginty. Back row l-r Sean Flanagan, Tom Maxwell, Johnny Horohoe and Seamus Dennigan. I believe there were 3 students missing from that photograph and from the information I received they were Mick Byrne, and Joe Murphy from Cloontuskert and Tom Killian from Newtowncashel.
The ICA photograph was from Mick Walsh, former resident of the Green who now lives in Newbridge. A fact of the Walsh and Hennessy family is that Mick’s son Keith married Harry’s daughter Suzanne.
See attachments for Pat Heneghan pictured with Bertie Allen in the BnM workshop
And pictured above are Johnny Brennan, father of Sean Brennan, Ballyleague, Mick Walsh (Dundalk), Harry Hennessy and Bertie Allen.
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.
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
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.
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
Photocopying, printing and scanning services are available at the library. Enquiries: www.lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The lottery draw took place on Saturday 24th September in the clubhouse. The numbers drawn were 6, 9, 12 and 21. There was nobody with the correct numbers however the three winners of the draw from purchased tickets for €40 each were Bridget Ward, Daneka Hanly and John Martin jnr.
The club thanks you for your continued and generous support.
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 will take place 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
The club would like to wish the ladies team the very best of luck in the championship final against Mullinalaghta on Saturday next in Killoe at 12 noon. We hope that a good number for our club will be in attendance giving the ladies lots of support
Rathcline GAA
See attachment for all up-to-date club news