Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Get Well
At present a large number of people within our community are in hospital or recovering from illness. We would like to extend our very best wishes to them all and assure them they are never far from our thoughts and always in our prayers.We look forward to seeing each one back in the bosom of our community very soon.
Death
It was a great shock to us all when we learned on Friday 6th January of the death at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar of Joan Johnston, Curreen House, Rathcline, following a very short illness. Joan was a native of Kenagh who married local man David Johnston and instantly impacted her new community with total integration in all community events. Joan was predeceased by her children Brian and Sharon, her sister Eileen and by her niece Kathryn. In her younger days Joan was a fine camogie player with her native Kenagh.
She was a woman that took a very active part in all the activities of the family farm and she was noted for her keen interest in the rearing of domestic and wild fowl. Joan was always seen as a woman of great wisdom. She was a woman with a great interest in the ICA where she played a very prominent role. Joan was a driving force in the St. John’s Church of Ireland parish where she played the organ and sang at all events in the church. Joan was a woman large in stature and heart with a strong personality and was renowned for her straight talking. She did not expect any more of anyone that she would not do herself; she was a great organiser who left no stone unturned in her quest for the betterment of her family and indeed everyone else. She was a warm and sociable woman with a warm and cheery welcoming smile. Joan and David were tremendous supporters of all local events and particular shows where they travelled far and wide in support.
Joan reposed in Glennon’s Funeral Home on Sunday 8th and her remains were removed to St. John’s Church on Monday for her Funeral Service with interment afterwards in the adjoining churchyard. She will be sadly missed by her family, husband David, daughter Jill, sons David, Ronnie, Mervyn and Gareth, grandchildren, relatives and many friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Ríl Óg at Royal Concert Hall
Local Irish music group Ríl Óg have just achieved another notable date when they were shortlisted as one of the few artists to take place in this year’s Danny Kyle Open Stage at Celtic Connections.
They will be performing onstage in The Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow on Sunday next 22nd January.
This is another forward progression in this exciting new group’s progression.
Local lad Dylan Hanly son of Lewis and Martina Hanly, Lehery is one of the founding members of the this group who continue to go from strength to strength.
The show will be broadcast live on Celtic Music Radio 95fm Glasgow & DAB in Glasgow and in Edinburgh
Highly Commended
In the Social & Behavioural Sciences section of this year’s BT Young Scientist competition local Lanesboro Community College student Ronan Lyons was highly commended for his project. Ronan’s project was – Learning environments that LAST: An enquiry into student opinion on Light, Air quality, Space and Temperature in classrooms. Ronan a 3rd year student is son of Michael and Mary Lyons, Longford Road.
Browsing through the results I came across another local connection in the Category Awards, Technology section when I saw the name Joe Molloy who was awarded 3rd Junior Individual. Joe was representing Gonzaga College, Dublin. He is son of Alan and Miriam and a very regular visitor to his father’s home place in Rathcline.
Death
On Wednesday last 11th January we lost another one of our finest ladies in our community when we learned of the death in the loving care of the Palliative Care team in the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar of Esther Donlon, Moher, Ballyleague. Esther a native of Littleton, Co. Tipperary, she moved to the Green when her father got work with Bord na Mona. She was predeceased by her parents John and Mary, her sister Peggy and her brother Eamon. While her family moved to Coill Dubh in Kildare Esther remained and married local man Joe Donlon and continued to live and rear her family in the community right up to her death. She was a genial and quiet spoken lady with a tremendous affectionate smile that warmed the hearts of everyone that knew her. Her sole interest was with her family and she worked hard as a home maker ensuring that all was the very best for them. Esther was a terrific neighbour and friend and her passing will leave a great emptiness in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew her. She was a kind-hearted lady who loved the simple things of life and enjoyed nothing more than the old tradition of rambling to friend’s homes as well as welcoming them to her for chats and a game of cards. She loved music and to dance and travelled all around to music sessions and dance the night away. She had a warm and welcoming personality and not only did her smile display and open heart but also a sense of divilment. She took up darts late in life and she proved to be natural, winning titles all over the country and representing Roscommon at intercounty level.
Esther’s remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Friday and Saturday before her remains were removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for her Funeral Mass on Sunday. Burial took place afterwards to Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her husband Joe, and family Patsy, Joe, John, Noel, Stephen, Thomas, Peter, Mary Geraldine, Maurice, David and Goretti, relatives and many many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Happy to say I was Wrong
Last week I wrote about Denis Naughten’s proposal to have ambulances diverted to Roscommon Hospital and commented that I did not think that the HSE would listen to Denis. How wrong I was because during the week the HSE directed ambulance drivers to go to Roscommon. How happy am I to acknowledge that I was wrong and it is great to Roscommon being utilised to its full capacity once again.
Thank You
Lanesboro Christmas Lights committee like to thank Casserly’s Spar, Yacht Bar and Johnston’s Pharmacy for their donations
Lough Ree AC training
Training commenced on Tuesday and will continue every Tuesday in Lanesboro Hall at 6 p.m. Please ensure your child is registered. Renewal memberships have been sent out to all emails so if you have not received an email just drop Margaret Mullooly a message or come along and register on a Tuesday evening.
Rathcline Ladies
The Rathcline Ladies held their AGM on Friday last 19th January in the clubhouse in Clonbonny. The following were elected to office for the coming year: Chairperson – Syl Healy, Secretary – Siobhan Curran, Assistant secretary Collette Wyse, Treasurer – Sheila Nolan, Assistant Treasurer – Annette Farrell, Child Welfare Officer – Amanda Gray, Registrar – Colette Wyse. The PRP position was not filled and will be filled at the next meeting
Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
There was great excitement when I learned that there will be a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2023. The greatest thrill, the biggest show in town, the greatest attraction and the excitement on the faces of both young and old is returning after a Covid interrupted few years.
Now is the time to get your creative team together to build your floats for the biggest celebration of the year. People should be really chomping at the bit with this wonderful news and the floats should be in greater numbers than the previous parades. We were always known as having one of the best parades around and hopefully there will be no doubt as to who will be the best this year.
Prior to Covid there was a ticket sale for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, alas Covid scuppered all the plans but the committee assures everyone that had bought tickets that their tickets are good for this years draw
Music of a Legend
The man with a great history of popular songs including the JCB Song, My Little Honda, The Transit Van and The Garda Car to name a few, the legend, Seamus Moore will play in the Pier Inn, Lisnacusha on this Friday night. Music will commence at 9.30 and make sure you go along early to ensure your seat for what is sure to be another great musical night in the Pier.
Lanesboro ICA
The Lanesboro Guild of the ICA meets on the second Wednesday night in the Parish Hall from 8pm to 9.30pm. The Guild would like to welcome anybody to their meetings and to become members. Refreshments will be served after each meeting and there will be an interesting speaker each night.
Local involved in Roscommon’s Republican Dead
The sale of the Roscommon Republican Dead continues to be a hugely popular and successful book written by local man Henry Owens. This is Henry’s follow up to the incredibly successful ‘Sliabh Bán’. The new book documenting all the people who died as a result of the Troubles between the years 1917 and 1923 in County Roscommon is selling very fast.
One of those featured in the book is local man John Scally, Gallagh, Ballyleague who was a member of the Cloontuskert Company, 3rd Battalion who was killed by a booby trap bomb. At the time of his death he was 31 years of age.
The book is on sale in O’Brien’s at €16 and can be posted with the additional p&p. A limited number of Sliabh Bán books are still available.
Shannon Gaels AGM
Last year proved to be a great year of growing and development for our club and the club will review the year and plot a path forward at the Shannon Gaels AGM 2023 that will take place on Fri 27th Jan at 8:00pm in the Clubhouse. We will have by then have details of Proposed Competitions and Youth Fixtures for 2023 that we can also discuss on the night. We would love to see all parents, newcomers to the parish, those with an interest in underage football promotion and those that not been involved with the club so far attend. The development of all our young people is our primary aim and we would love if you can attend and support the efforts of the club to further grow in 2023.
It would be great if you could make every effort to attend as we are looking forwarding to another exciting year ahead. Thanks very much
Ballyboro
Two goals behind after just 5 minutes the under 16s displayed great resilience and no little skill in very difficult conditions to overcome the deficit and come out the right side of a nine goal thriller with Abbey Rovers in Ballinamore. A well taken Wesley Hughes hat trick saw Ballyboro 3-2 in front at half time. The Ballyboro boys were generally in the ascendancy in the second period over a plucky Abbey Rovers team and further goals from Jack Casey and Cody Phelan saw Ballyboro 5-4 in front at the final whistle. Team: Euan Cullen, Jack Beattie, Anthony Cox, Aidan Kelly, Luke Johnston, Cody Phelan, David Cox, Jack Casey, Billy Murray, Ben Murphy, Wesley Hughes. Sub: Conn Maxwell.
The under 10 Lions went down 5-8 to Abbey Rovers. On a bitterly cold day some great football was played. Finn Fallon notched a hat trick for Ballyboro and birthday boy Jay Flynn helped himself to a brace. Squad: Ben Lackey, Tadhg Shea, Finn Fallon, Jay Flynn, Ben Cassidy, Senan McHale, Sean Hogan, Alice Malone, Aimee Glynn, Dillie Glynn, Charlie Hickey.
The under 11 Tigers recorded an impressive 8-2 win over Abbey Rovers. Team and scorers: Andrianns, Ben Smith, Andrew Nolan, David Kenny, Tom Hession (2), Donncha Farrell (2), Darragh Shanley (3). Subs Cian O’Shea, Matthew Murphy, Tyler Murray (1). The under 11 Cougars found the going tough against a very strong Melview outfit.
The under 12s despite displaying some flashes of inspired football were defeated by Newtown. Team: Patrick McDonagh, Rian Morrissey, Darragh McGloin, Jake O’Shea, Adam Greally, Éanna Kenny, Michael Hogan, Conor Kilcoyne, Subs: Ethan Donnellan, Luke O’Halloran, Eoin Collins, Senan Dermody.
In the Combined Counties Cup Ballyboro went down 4-2 to Inny Rovers. Inny raced into a four nil lead before a late rally saw goals from Jordan Donlon and David Rooney but it was not enough as Inny qualified for the next round. Team: Mark Tarmey, Ben Hussey, Derek Murray, Patrick Kenny, Aaron Convey, Jack Murray, Aidan Dooney, Keith Murphy, David Rooney, Jordan Donlon, Darragh Hussey. Subs: Mark Cox, Ryan Fallon, Stephen Walsh.
Fixtures: A busy weekend in store with eight teams in action. Five games on Saturday. The under 8s have a home blitz with Stonepark starting at 10am. The under 10 Tigers are at home to Spartak Granard, 12.30 kick off while the under 10 Cougars play Stonepark at the Mall Astro, 12 noon start. The under 16s are at home to Abbey Rovers at 2pm. The under 12 girls also have a home fixture v Kenagh United, kick off 10am. On Sunday the under 12s play Gael United in Drumlish 1pm start. The under 14s play Spartak Granard in Drumlish at 11.30am. The under 14 girls play Newtown at 10am in Newtownforbes.
Power Station Memories
Thank you to everyone that has so far got in touch with the school and Lee Williamson.
In association with Creative Schools, the Arts Council Dublin, and Shuttermaniac Productions Lanesboro they are looking for ESB-related stories and memories in order to produce an engaging short film as part of a Creative Schools Film Project. Perhaps there’s an endearing or funny story that you or a relative or neighbour remember at their time in and around the ESB.
Permission has now been granted for the taking down of Lanesboro Power Station. The pupils of Lanesboro National School, a school that has existed in the shadow of the station for the lifetime of the different stages of the stations are undertaking a project and they need any help you can give them.
The kids at Lanesboro will be presenting this story on film so please keep it short and entertaining if possible.
If you think you do have a wee anecdotal nugget, please get in touch with Lee Williamson, school principal Claire Murphy or teacher Niamh Rowan in Lanesborough NS.
Not only will this be a school project but also a part of the history of what stood in Lanesboro and gave so much employment since the mid 50s.
Leitrim’s Republican History
The recently enlarged Leitrim Republican History 1900-2000 has just become available in Lanesboro. Leitrim people have a renowned history in the involvement of its people in the Republican History of its county and Ireland and this book make for excellent reading. Cormac Ó Súilleabháin is the author of this fine book.
The book is for sale in O’Brien’s priced €35.
Lanesboro in the War of Independence and after – Book still available
As the decades of centenaries come to a close, it is good to know that copies of the book, Longford’s Republican Story 1900 – 2000, are still available.
The Lanesboro/Cashel area was a hotbed of activity in both War of Independence and Civil War and this book has recorded for ever more the bravery and courage of the men and women of Longford in the fight for freedom. It lists all of the men and women from this area who took part in those conflicts. Longford’s Republican Story is a unique and exceptional book that will never be equalled and will be in great demand while it remains in print. We understand the author, Seán Ó Súilleabháin, may give a talk in Lanesboro in the New Year on the republican history of the area. Copies of Longford’s Republican Story 1900- 2000, with almost 600 pages, and costing €35, are available in O’Brien’s, Lanesboro.
Train how to use the Defibrillator
The Defibrillator training will take place in the New Year. If you are interested, please leave your name and phone number with Martina O’Brien in the shop or by phoning 086 3858934 or email to clynemartina53@gmail.com
Roscommon Group of Parishes
The December schedule for the Roscommon group of Parishes is Sunday 1st January Morning Prayer in St. Coman’s Roscommon.
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
Old Days, Old Ways
Paddy Egan’s new book Old Day, Old Ways continues to be a runaway success. The book is a nostalgic look back at a way of life in Ireland over a century ago. The book is true nostalgia for the older generations that remember the days he writes about and for the younger generations an essential read telling the stories of traditional farming ways, old cures, tradition and sayings. It is a book that is very well worth the very reasonable price of €10. The book can be bought locally in O’Brien’s.
Tidy Towns Lotto
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery resumed on Wednesday last 11th January when the numbers 15, 18, 24 and 30 were pulled out as this week’s winning numbers. However, there was nobody with the correct sequence of numbers and the jackpot for Tuesday next 18th January has now reached €11,600. The winner of the €50 prize was Molly Lucy and Emma c/o The Yacht Bar, and the three €20 winners were Tiernan and Iarla Hanley, Corrigeen, John Rice, Cloontuskert, Marcelka Kavanagh, Rathcline Road.
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns committee would like to thank you for your generosity and your support is ensuring that Lanesboro continues to look beautiful even in the depths of winter.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place in Adie’s bar on Monday night 2nd January and the winning envelope for the great prize of €507 was in the name of John Murray, Church View. Congratulations John on your wonderful win.
The club is extremely grateful for your continued tremendous support and wishes everybody a wonderful 2023.
Weekly Card Game
The results from last Sunday night’s game, 15th January, are: 1st Tom Nohilly & Pat Joe Fallon. There was a three way tie for 2nd with Liz & Niall Hughes, Peggy Moran & Pat Rock and Eoin Casey & Brian Mulvihill. Last game was won by Barney Kenny & Eugene Kelly. Raffle winners were Geraldine Greene, Bridie Glennon, Michael Finnan . The game continues every Sunday night at 8.30pm sharp with light refreshments served.
ALONE
ALONE provides many services to older people. It recruits, trains and supports volunteers for two services of Visitation/Befriending and Phone /Befriending. Would you be prepared to provide companionship once a week? Full training and support will be provided. For more information contact Francis 086-1085965 or volunteer@alone.ie
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.
Local Health Service
The health service is here for us all, from routine to urgent calls. HSELive is here 7 days a week to answer questions. Freephone 1800 700700.
Roscommon University Hospital Injury Unit is available from 8am to 8pm seven days a week and the contact number is 09066 32212.
Emergency Department deals with serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies if you need urgent medical help. They are open 24 hours a day and can be contacted by phoning 999 or 112.
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.
Kilgefin Parish
World Youth Day: World Youth Day Pilgrimage to Lisbon, Portugal 31 July – 8 August 2023. The pilgrimage is open to 18–35-year-olds. The cost is 850 per person sharing and this includes flights, coach transfers, WYD registration, city centre hotel accommodation for six nights plus two nights in Fatima. Please support young adults from your parish to be part of this once in a lifetime experience with millions of young Catholics from across the world. All the details and how to register are available at https://www.elphindiocese.ie/wyd2023. Please contact youth@elphindiocese.ie if you have any queries
Accord: Accord is currently taking bookings for Pre-Marriage courses. Those intending to get married are asked to contact the Sligo Accord Centre (071 9145641) or go online at www.accord.ie . The Pre-Marriage course should be booked at least 6 to 8 months prior to the wedding. Also, Marriage Counselling services are available by contacting the Accord telephone number.
For more information you are invited to contact Helena at Helena.madden@aloone.ie or phone 086 0145 829
Anam Cara: Anam Cara Mayo the organisation that supports bereaved parents is holding a Parent Evening on Tuesday 24th January in the T.F. Royal Hotel, Castlebar. The event is free and open to all bereaved parents regardless of the age your child died, the circumstances of their death or whether their death was recent or not. Anam Cara now offers an online support service and, if needed, you are asked to contact them at www.info@anamcara.ie or phone 085 2888 888 for all queries and assistance.
Alone Volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make calls to older people once a week? Alone is seeking volunteers in the area. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interest you are asked to sign up at the following address https://alone.ie/volunteers/
Deadline; The deadline for any notices for the newsletter is Wednesday – email to kilgefinparish21@gmail.comm
St. Mary’s Church
The Parish Hub: Over the past few months we have been developing the Parish House as a resource centre with the establishment of the new Parish Office, Meeting Rooms, Resource Library and Oratory. Already, there have been a number of local gatherings and the plan is to make the house available for more in the coming weeks. The church hopes that it will become a resource centre for the whole community to utilise. Please call in to Maireád, the Parish Secretary during her office hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm. She will be delighted to show you around the new facility. If you want to contact her by phone you can do so during the aforementioned working hours at 3321166
Speak with a Priest: if you wish to talk with any of the priests you can call into the sacristy after any Mass.
Alone Volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make calls to older people once a week? Alone is seeking volunteers in the area. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interest you are asked to sign up at the following address https://alone.ie/volunteers/
For more information you are invited to contact Helena at Helena.madden@aloone.ie or phone 086 0145 829
Adoration: resumed on Tuesday.
Rosary Group meets in the church on Monday to Friday at 9.30am and on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.
Parish contacts
Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Condolences
We wish to extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of the late Esther Donlon, Moher. May Esther rest in peace.
Lotto
Numbers drawn were 02, 20, 21 and 24. No winner of the €3009 jackpot. The €40 winners were Jonny and Peter, Brendan Healy and Ray Richardson Well done to all. The next draw takes place on January 25th. Tickets are for sale at all usual local outlets. Thank you for your continued support.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Cian Glennon and Connell Kennelly on making their competitive debuts for Roscommon Seniors in the FBD league game against Sligo in the Air Dome on Friday night last.
Ireland Lights UP
The Ireland light up walk is back, meeting at the St Faithleach’s GAA complex every Thursday at 7:30pm. Come along and bring a friend. Everybody is welcome to come and join in.
Tesco Community Fundraiser
A huge thank you to everyone who supported the blue tokens scheme in Tesco, it helped us raise €610.00 for our junior club. Also our sincere thank you to Tesco Roscommon for including us in this fundraiser.