Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
Losing a spirited battle causes a tremendous grief not only in the family but also in the wider community and so it was last week when we learned of the death on Thursday 29th June of Pauline Smyth, Ballyleague at University Hospital Galway. Pauline, a native of Granard, was predeceased by her husband Sean less than three years ago. At the time of Sean’s death Pauline had been battling her own illness and she did this with a great strength, positivity and dignity. Her unique warm, cheery and welcome greeting and smile warmed the heart of everyone as she did her daily walks through the community. A great conversationalist in whose company you always enjoyed. She had a wonderful positive approach to life and she never let her illness dampen this outlook. Pauline had a great interest in and encouraged greatly the need for education and this can be clearly seen by the progression of her children Adam and Leah. Pauline was a great friend, a wonderful and considerate neighbour and a woman who was most ladylike. Her battle was long fought with an indomitable spirit that makes her passing all the more sorrowful. The attendance at her Funeral Mass on Sunday bore ample testimony to the esteem in which she was held.
Pauline’s Funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Holy Rosary on Sunday 2nd July that was followed by a private cremation ceremony. To her son Adam, daughter Leah, her sisters Pat, Mary, Beryl and Jeanne, her brothers Edward, Philip, Matt, Mel, James and Kevin, relatives and a huge circle of friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Car Charging Points Needed
At this time of year electric cars are becoming commonplace in Lanesboro and Ballyleague due to locals investing, holiday makers, day trippers and people visiting families and friends.
Unfortunately for us and also for the car owners there are no points for the cars to be charged in the area. It is time now that this investment should take place immediately especially as we are all encouraged to buy electric.
All Ireland Record Breaker
Last Saturday the Lough Ree Athletic Club travelled to Tullamore for the U12/13 All-Ireland Outdoor Finals. All the hopes were pinned on local Knock Manor youngster Andrew Nolan who had qualified in the Shot Putt and Turbo Javelin. Andrew earlier this year won the All-Ireland and did so with great aplomb, not only winning the tile but also breaking the National record for and U12. Saturday hope were high in a very evenly matched field but once again Adam came up trumps and just like the indoors Andrew won gold and again he broke the national record with some tremendous throws. He now has the proud honour of hold both U12 All Ireland tiles and national records which is a magnificent achievement.
In his weaker discipline Andrew took place in Turbo Javelin.
We congratulate Andrew and we celebrate his wonderful achievements with his parents Enda and Martina, his brothers and the Lough Ree Athletic Club.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.joeobrien.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Andrew-Nolan1.jpg?resize=445%2C422&ssl=1)
Cemetery Sunday Masses
Cemetery Sunday and the Blessing of the Graves for the parish will continue in Rathcline Lanesboro Graveyard on Sunday 9th July at 6pm and on Sunday 16th July Mass and the Blessing of Graves will be in Clonbonny Cemetery at 6pm.
All families that have relatives buried there are asked to tend to their family plot and try to ensure that everything is in a pristine condition.
When tending to your family graves you are reminded not to dump as there are no facilities for disposing of wreaths, flowers etc. You should bring it home and dispose with your household waste.
Tidy Town’s Lotto stands at €14,000
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery for Tuesday 4th July stands at €14,000. This is a wonderful opportunity to win a large amount of money for just €2 each envelope or 3 envelopes for €5.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday 27th June for a jackpot of €13,900 were 15, 16, 21 and 24. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the €50 prize was Jack Farrell c/o XLNTEE, and the three €20 prizes went to Hughie Smyth, Main Street, Shane Healy Ballyleague and Michelle and Edward Kelly, Rathcline Road.
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns committee would like to thank you for your continued generosity and this support is ensuring that Lanesboro continues to look beautiful.
Club Longford Annual Draw
The annual Club Longford Club draw will take place once again this year with the first prize of a Brand New Hyundai Tucson Diesel or €40,000 Cash. The following is the list of further prizes: 2nd €1,500 Center Parcs Holiday Voucher or Cash Equivalent – Sponsored by M&N Nolan Motors); 3rd €1,000 Cash (Sponsored by Peter Hanley Motors); 4th €1,000 Cash (Sponsored by Elgin Energy); 5th 2 All Ireland Football Final with Overnight Stay and Dinner in the Croke Park Hotel; 6th 2 Nights B&B with Dinner for 2 in the 4 star Montenotte Hotel, Cork; 7th €500 Cash (Sponsored by Lir Analytical Ltd.) and 8th €500 Cash.
Tickets are priced at €50 each or 3 for €125. Tickets are available locally from the Rathcline club who are handling the Rathcline Club tickets or from O’Brien’s Shop. The draw will take place on Saturday 22nd July.
The annual Two Provinces Triathlon
The excitement is beginning with the announcement of this year’s Annual Triathlon taking place in Lanesboro and Ballyleague this coming weekend 7th and 8th July. The Two Provinces Triathlon kicks off on Friday 7th July with the Kidathon followed on Saturday by the senior Two Provinces.
The Kidathon will include a swim, bike and run and it will take place between 7.30pm and 8.30pm. There will be traffic restrictions on the Rathcline Road from the quarry entrance to Harold’s Cross and at the car park and harbour from 7.30pm until 9pm.
The senior Triathlon will include the swim, bike and run and it will commence at 11am.
This will be road closure from the Sliabh Bawn Hotel to Scramogue Cross from 11am until 2pm and there will be restricted traffic from the car park entrance to the Sliabh Bawn and also on the Rathcline Road from the quarry entrance to Harold’s Cross again between 11am and 2pm.
Lanesboro Car Park and Harbour will be fully closed on Saturday 9th July.
Gun Club
Memberships are now due for the forthcoming season 2023/2024. Can you please contact a member of the committee to arrange payment of same?
Cloontuskert Cemetery Sunday
Cemetery Sunday will be celebrated in Cloontuskert Cemetery on Sunday 13th August at 6pm. All families as asked to maintain their family graves in preparation for Cemetery Sunday.
Wedding Bells
Congratulations and best wishes to Michelle Hurson, daughter of John and the late Mary Hurson, Thureen and Adrian Guinan, son of Sarah and Kieran Guinan, Shannonbridge, Co. Offaly who were married in the Johnstown Estate Enfield, Co. Meath on Saturday 10th June surrounded by their family and friends.
See Manchester United Live
There is now a great opportunity for Manchester United fans to go to Old Trafford to see one of the games listed below. The bus leaves and returns to Roscommon and you can make your booking with Danny at 086 8417264.
Manchester Utd v Brentford takes place on 7th October. This is a one night trip – bus, ferry, hotel, breakfast, match ticket and bus to and from Roscommon for just €299. Manchester Utd v Wolves on the 13th August – again this is a one night trip with the same arrangements as above for €299. Manchester Utd v Everton on 9th March – this will be a two – night stay. The cost will be €379 with the same bus arrangements. You should book your game immediately as places will go very quickly.
Rathcline 50/50
On Monday 19th June the Rathcline GAA 50/50 weekly draw took place in Clarke’s Bar. This week was another week of very successful selling and the winning pool remained high with a great pool of €644. The winning ticket drawn out was in the name of Josh Curran, Killinure.
The winning cheques as always be collected in O’Brien’s. The Rathcline 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night at 7.30pm and your continued generous support is greatly appreciated.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
Tullamore was the venue for the U9/U11 Athletics paired events and U12/13 National Athletics Championships on Saturday last 1st July. Despite the unsettled weather, this event attracted a very large crowd from all over Ireland. The sole competitor for the club was Andrew Nolan, who competed in the U12 Shot Putt and Turbo Javelin. Andrew is already the National Indoor Shot Putt Champion and record holder. True to form, Andrew did not disappoint and took home the Gold medal and set a new national record. He also competed in the Turbo Javelin and finished a creditable 4th. Congrats
to Andrews and his family and thanks from the Club for putting Lough Ree AC on the map.
Congrats also to athletes from our sister club in Roscommon, Suck Valley finish 3rd in the Boys U11 60 meters paired event and also to Longford AC, who won the U12 Boys relay and to John Fitzpatrick who took gold in the High Jump U13.
Access for All boat
The Access for All boat is for everybody. The boat can cater for three large wheelchairs but you don’t be to be a wheelchair user to avail of the excellent trips. Guided fishing excursions can also be organised. Advanced booking is recommended. You can contact by email www.loughreeboattrips.com or phone 089 2625505 or 043 33 84175.
The summer sailings are 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm.
Annual Day at the Galway Races
The Annual Day at the Galway Races will once again be hosted by the Rathcline Club on Monday 31st July. This is a wonderful day out and a wonderful opportunity to partake in the style and spectacle that is the famous Galway Races. The package will include Racecourse Admission, complimentary car parking, Champagne reception on arrival, Race card and pen, a racing tipster that may be able direct you in the right direction when searching for winners, a Four Course meal, complimentary wines with the meal, Afternoon Tea, Reserved table for the day, Best Dressed lady & Gent competition, after meal entertainment. There will also be full bar facilities and Tote betting facilities.
A bus will be provided if there is sufficient demand.
Tickets cost €150 and for bookings and further information you should contact: Liam Connerton (086) 8776405, Stephen Rooney (086) 3176301, or Kevin Hanley (086) 8908436.
booking is made to ensure your place at this traditionally fabulous day out.
.
Flag Day in NTC
On Thursday the 15th June, Newtowncashel National School was very proud to raise both their flags, the Green Flag for Global citizenship energy and the Amber Flag which recognises the efforts to create a healthy, inclusive environment to support mental well-being in the school.
Well done to all the students and staff but a special word of thanks to Ms Stenson, Ms Murray and the Green schools and Amber Flag Committees. The school was delighted to take part in both of these fantastic initiatives and grateful for the learning opportunities gained.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.joeobrien.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Amber-flag.jpg?resize=700%2C484&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.joeobrien.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NTC-Green-Flag.jpg?resize=699%2C525&ssl=1)
Access for All boat
The Access for All boat is for everybody. The boat can cater for three large wheelchairs but you don’t be to be a wheelchair user to avail of the excellent trips. Guided fishing excursions can also be organised. Advanced booking is recommended. You can contact by email www.loughreeboattrips.com or phone 089 2625505 or 043 33 84175.
The summer sailings are 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm.
Lough Derg
A one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Saturday 19th August. The bus will leave from Ballyleague church at 7am. Lough Derg donation is €45 and the bus costs €15. For more information and bookings please call Mary 043 33 21939.
Local notes inclusion
Anybody that wants items included in the local notes is advised that they have their note with me on a Sunday night at the very latest. This is to ensure inclusion in the coming weeks notes.
Line Dancing
Line Dancing classes take place every Friday morning 11am at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town.
Line Dancing classes every Sunday at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town for beginners from 6pm to 7pm and Improvers from 7pm to 8pm
Dance classes takes place in Kilbride, Four Mile House every Tuesday 7pm followed by:
Jive & Waltz classes 8 45pm.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of those addicted to alcohol are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral. The meetings take place every Tuesday evening at 7pm.
Gaelic4Mothers and Others
What was a resounding success last year is once again back at Clonbonny on Wednesday evenings. Training will recommence at the Rathcline club grounds on this Wednesday and continue every Wednesday evening at 7.15pm.
It matters not if you played football before this is a wonderful opportunity to make a start or to take up playing again. If you are new to the area this is a fabulous way to integrate into the community, make new friends and enjoy the fun that Gaelic4Mothers and Others provide.
Advance Farmers Notice
Farm Plastic Recycling will take place at the St. Faithleach’s GAA grounds on Friday 7th July from 9am until 1pm. The full list and prices are available online at www.farmplastics.ie
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
The club is extremely grateful for your continued tremendous support.
ALONE
ALONE is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home.
Our work is for all older people and aims to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. We have a National network of staff and volunteers who provide an integrated system of Support Coordination, Practical Supports, Befriending, a variety of Phone Services, Social Prescribing, Housing with Support and Assistive Technology.
We use individualised support plans, to address health, financial benefits and supports, social care, housing, transport and other arising needs using technology and through harnessing other services.
We work to empower the whole sector of community support for older people through our Community Impact Network that provides Training, IT support and resources to other organisations.
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.
St. Mary’s Church
Alcohol Anon Meeting: Relatives and friends of those addicted to alcoholare welcome to attend this meeting in the Family Centre at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on any Tuesday evening at 7pm
Communion for Coeliacs: Gluten free hosts are available for all those who need them. Just make it known to the priest that you wish to receive a gluten free host at Holy Communion.
The Parish Hub: Maireád, the Parish Secretary is in her office on Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm. If you want to contact her by phone you can do so during the aforementioned working hours at 3321166. She will help you with any questions or booking related matters.
Speak with a Priest: if you wish to talk with any of the priests you can call into the sacristy after any Mass.
Talk to the Samaritans: Are you struggling to cope with life? Do you think it would help to talk about your problem in confidence? It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what happened to you. If things are getting you down you can turn to the Samaritans for help. The Samaritans are available on Freephone 116123, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
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@alone.ie or phone 086 0145 829
Parish contacts
Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
Kilgefin Parish
Elphin Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes – Assisted Pilgrim Section
The Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 23rd – 28th August, via Knock Airport. Application forms for the Assisted Pilgrim Section and full details are available from Very Rev. Ray Milton, PP, Pilgrimage Director, St. John’s, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. (090 6661115). Closing date for receipt of completed Application Forms is Friday, 16th June. All other enquiries in relation to the Pilgrimage can be directed to Joe Walsh Tours (JWT) at 01-2410800 or email info@joewalshtours.ie
Parish Webcam: Following consultation it was decided to cancel the webcam to Ballyleague church. The committee hopes to investigate a more cost effective similar service in the future.
Altar Servers: The parish would like to welcome all the candidates for the First Communion 2023 who are interested to serve at Mass in the three parish churches. Pateents are asked to contact Noreen Hanley for more details.
Church Maintenance: The Parish Finance committee would like to inform you that maintenance work will be carried out at Ballyleague Church in the coming weeks.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Cards
Cards take place every Tuesday night at 9pm in the Clubhouse. All welcome.
Underage Training
Underage training takes place every Thursday evening at 18:30 at the pitch. Kids must be over 4 years of age on January 1st 2023. New members and all levels welcome.
Clubhouse
The Clubhouse will be open every Saturday night from 7pm. Why not come on in for a chat and a bit of craic. If you want to book a party with us just contact any committee member. Thank you for your continued support.