Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
New Year – New Hope
As we look at Lanesboro/Ballyleague and our surrounding communities it can be said that it is a good job to see the back of the year 2022.
Despite the wonderful hugely provoking and encouraging results of the Boardwalk feasibility study commissioned by Roscommon County Council I have to say that nothing else has happened by either council to encourage the development of Lanesboro/Ballyleague in terms of tourism or job creation.
As I have said in earlier communications we can have feasibility studies as much as we like and we have got funding for a good few of them from Just Transition, However, when it comes to action on them that is where we seem to come to a dead end. Promises made are not kept; a commissioned Economic and Enterprise study not acted upon make you wonder what the collaborated efforts of the dedicated people on both sides of the bridge are for. John Hanley M.D. of FDT has relentlessly continued to do fabulous work of feasibility studies helping to better his home community as does Stephen Dowd who is personally doing trojan work to achieve the Food Hub and any other man would have thrown in the towel long ago but for Stephen’s complete and utter determination he will not let his vision die.
Like Lanesboro of old, Lanesboro should be the job hub for our community of Lanesboro and Ballyleague and for all the surrounding communities. It should be fulcrum for the revitalisation of all our communities.
With the rush by the Green Party and their supporters in Government FF/FG to close the power station and downsize Bord na Mona to practically nothing, there is the one glaring opportunity that the Green Party and friends have missed both here and in Shannonbridge. Rather than having people stuck in traffic jams throughout the cities and on the M50 – the biggest traffic jam of all – both Lanesboro and Shannonbridge could have been could have been the job hubs with traffic flowing freely to both centres for just 15/20 mins. hence achieving some of their goals.
Support for our Lanesboro Ballyleague community and surrounding communities continues to be in very scarce supply which is the greatest shame of all considering all the politicians that stood on the platform outside the Power station in 2019 and made promising statements in regard to support for the community.
The brain drain has begun in our communities due to inaction of our politicians and something must be radically done to stop it before there is nobody left from the younger generation. There has to be the creation a job hub creating sustainable communities and bright futures for our young people throughout the region. Let us hope that will begin in 2023.
P.S. a former manager of the power station told me that the company was going to make a €500,000 contribution to our community through Longford County Council. I just wonder did they make good on this offer.
Wedding
The marriage took place at the Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar of Sarah Kearney, daughter of Eddie and Lorraine Kearney, Fortwilliam, Newtowncashel and Michael Morrissey son of Regina and the late Pat Morrissey, Tullyvrane, Lanesboro on Wednesday 28th January. Chief Bridesmaid was Maeve Kearney, sister of the bride while bridesmaids were Ruth and Louise Kearney, both sisters of the bride. Bestman was Sean Morrissey brother of the groom and groomsman was Noel Donlon, friend of the groom. Pageboys were Liam Muldoon, Michael Muldoon and Brian Chapman all nephews of the bride. The Flower Girls were Aoife and Helena Chapman both nieces of the bride. The wedding ceremony was performed by Wedding Celebrant Brian Dore. The reception took place in the Bloomfield House Hotel. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
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.
Finally, congratulations to Andrew Nolan who finished in fourth place in his first Shot Putt competition in Athlone after Christmas. This was a super result Andrew
Moon Road
Moon Road is how one user of the Rathcline Road described the condition of the Rathcline Road up to the reservoir. Following the laying of a new water pipe the road was patched and allowed to settle. Unfortunately for regular users the road has now being likened to a roadway on the moon such are the amounts of holes created by the settling. Water is lodging in major puddles making driving on the road extremely hazardous especially for winter driving where some of the road surface cannot be seen and has been described as an accident waiting to happen. Thankfully the pipe work has meant that there are now no more leaks along this stretch of roadway.
This is one of the busiest roads in our area with the large number of residents on it and also with Fermoyle School meaning that buses (national and secondary) and parents driving and collecting their children have to deal with this deteriorating road surface.
If resurfacing cannot be done at the moment there is an urgent need to improve the road surface by patching and making it safe for all its users.
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.
Dead Right Denis
You have to agree and admire Roscommon TD Denis Naughten for his current assessment of the current hospital crisis when he promoted the idea of using Roscommon hospital during this totally unacceptable treatment of patients sitting in armchairs and hospital trolleys. Denis suggested that rather than bypassing Roscommon Hospital to overcrowded hospitals they should open the closed wards in Roscommon Hospital and threat patients at the excellent Medical Assessment Unit currently in place at Roscommon Hospital.
A very logical suggestion that will no doubt be ignored by the HSE as always.
Tri Club Open Night
Lanesboro Triathlon Club is recognised as one of the best in the country and the yearly Two Provinces Triathlon garnishes similar acclaim as can be seen by the huge number taking – part each year.
Lanesboro Triathlon Club is holding their open evening in at their clubroom on Main St, Lanesboro on this Saturday 14th January 2023 at 8pm. Come along to hear some members speak of their experiences with the club, find out about the training on offer and see our well equipped club room. Triathlon is for all. New members very welcome.
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.
Ballyleague Lights Thank You
Ballyleague Tidy Towns and Christmas Lights Committees would like to wish everybody in the community a very happy new year. We thank you for your support during 2022 and look forward to working on your behalf once again during the coming year.
The committee is extremely grateful to those who have donated thus far and for those wishing to support our efforts, you can do so by following the go fund me link https://gofund.me/74ef4ded or in person to Noel Moran, Gerry Trimble or John Loughlin or indeed in one of the collection boxes in local Businesses.
Every donation counts and is very much appreciated!
Wedding Fair
Local lady Geraldine Murray and the Abbey Hotel Roscommon the Midlands premier family run wedding venue are extending an open invitation to all newly engaged couples to join them on Sunday 15th January from 2-6pm. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and light refreshments. Meet their dedicated wedding manager, chefs and wedding banquet team as well as a selection of recommended wedding suppliers. There will be a 10% discount off select wedding packages on the day. Viewings can be arranged in advance by appointment. Register your details by email to weddings@abbeyhotel.ie to be entered in a free draw to win his & hers hamper. Follow us on Facebook Instagram and Twitter for updates.
Christmas Lights Appeal Thank You
The Lanesborough Christmas lights committee would like to thank the following businesses for their generous donations: Bernard Keane, Joe & Mary Ghee, Caroline Rattigan, Steve & Teresa Ormsby, Johnston Allcare Pharmacy, Margaret Gillen, Dr. Colm Farrell, Engine Spares, C.B. Gillen & Co., Orla O Brien Pharmacy, Eamon Farrell Carpentry, Lanesbrew, Pings Chinese, Claire Mullen & Donal Casey Accounting. We would also like to thank everybody who gave donations into Joe & Martina’s shop and Mags Hair Salon.
You can still make your contribution to Margaret Gillen, Brigid Mullooly, and Mark Casey or leave it into O’Brien’s for collection.
Roscommon’s Republican Dead
The sale of the Roscommon Republican Dead has proven to be a hugely 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.
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.
Ballyboro activities resume
Action resumes on the playing fields at the weekend. Four games on Saturday. The under 8s and under 10s play Gaels United in Drumlish in a double header. The under 8s kick off at 10am while the under 10s start at 12.30pm. The under 16s are at home to Inny Fc, 2pm kick off. The under 12 girls play Abbey Rovers at home, 10am start. Just two games on Sunday where the under 12s are at home to Newtown Blues at 1pm while the under 14 girls are also at home where Kenagh United provide the opposition 10am start.
Power Station Memories
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.
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.
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 4th January when the numbers 2, 9, 12 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 10th January has now reached €11,500. The winner of the €50 prize was Elliot Fallon c/o Jean, Pam Feeney, Rathcline, Mary Donohue, c/o Mags, and Freda Connaughton, Longford 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 a record high prize of €1,002 was in the name of Martina Irwin, Main Street. Congratulations Martina on this wonderful win.
The club is extremely grateful for your continued tremendous support and wishes everybody a wonderful 2023.
Ballyboro FC
The under 16s brushed away any post festive blues when they played table toppers Inny Rovers in a real arm wrestle of a contest on Saturday last. Fortunes fluctuated throughout this encounter with both teams having periods of dominance. Early well taken goals by Cody Phelan and Billy Murray were followed by a Jack Casey goal halfway through the second half to leave the Ballyboro boys 3-2 in front but a late Inny goal ensured that the spoils were shared 3-3. Ballyboro: Euan Cullen, Jack Beattie, Jack Casey, Jack Brogan, Shane Gavigan, Cody Phelan, David Cox, Michael Nolan, Billy Murray, Wesley Hughes, Ben Murphy. Subs: Christian O’Reilly, Daniel Hogan Conn Maxwell, Paulius Buliosa, Anthony Cox, Eoin Connell.
The under 12s fielding somewhat under strength, had to give best to an impressive Newtown Blues team. Though the team tried hard and created a few goal scoring opportunities they went down 3-0 to the Newtown boys. Ballyboro: Patrick McDonagh, Rian Morrissey, Éanna Kenny, Tom Hession, Ethan Donnellan, Adam Greally, Darragh McGloin, Michael Hogan, Conor Kilcoyne. Subs: Senan Dermody, Luke O’Halloran.
The under 10 Tigers played Gaels United in a game that was nip and tuck all the way through and finished 3-3 with Ballyboro unlucky not to win it in the end. Congratulations to Jack Donnelly, Peter Farrell and John Bawle who all made their debuts. Panel: Donal Cox, Aidan Cox, Caden Donlon, Ryan Molloy, Finn Fallon(1),Joe Greally, Patrick Farrell, Adam Kruk, Adam Farrell, Peter Farrell, John Bawle, Jack Donnelly(1),Shay Molloy(1).
The under 8s were involved in a very entertaining tussle with Gaels United. Ballyboro were ably represented by James Linnane, Patrick Linnane, Ryan Molloy, James Fallon, Pat Glynn, Tiernan Hanley, Tomas Kenny, Harry Tarmey, Leo Donnellan, Philip Kucier, Joe Gilmore, Aaron Raftery, Elliott Casserly, Tadhg Rowan, and Adam Farrell.
The under 12 girls hosted Abbey Rovers in a very entertaining encounter. Excellent goalkeeping from Ava Donoghue and goals from Hannah Farrell and Niamh Casey saw Ballyboro 2-1 ahead at the break. The Ballyboro girls dominated the second half and a real squad effort resulted in 3 further goals from Hannah Farrell and left Ballyboro 5-1 in front at the final whistle. Squad: Sadhbh Neilon, Saoirse Feeney, Saoirse Dillon, Hannah Farrell, Chloe Kilcoyne, Rosie Farrell, Millie Cassidy, Kallie Herbert, Laoise Farrell, Ava Donoghue, Niamh Casey, Pippa O’Shea, Emma Hopkins, Sinead Murray, Ellen Cox.
Fixtures: Five games on Saturday. The under 9s travel to Streete when they will be involved in blitz action with Inny Rovers, and Kenagh United with the action starting at 10am. The under 11 Tigers are at home to Abbey Rovers 1 at 12.30pm while the under 11 Cougars play Melview Tigers in the Mall Astro at 1pm. The under 16s play Abbey Rovers in Ballinamore 2pm start. The under 12 girls are at home to Kenagh United at 10am. On Sunday at 1pm the under 12s are at home to Kenagh United.
Weekly Card Game
The results from last Sunday night’s game, 1st January, are: 1st Tom & Jack, 2nd Tom & Ciara. Last game Kitty & Jim. Raffle winners were Peter Donlon, Josie Connaughton, Johnno & Tom Mulvihill. The committee and players would like to extend their sympathy to Barney Kenny and family on the death of his brother Seamus last week. 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
Thank You:
Fr. Dan would like to thank everyone that remembered him over the Christmas 2and sent him Christmas cards and gifts.
Fr. Dan is now on a short break until Friday next 13th January. You can feel free to contact him in case of sick or emergency calls.
Deadline; The deadline for any notices for the newsletter is Wednesday – email to kilgefinparish21@gmail.comm
St. Mary’s Church
Speak with a Priest: if you wish to talk with any of the priests you can call into the sacristy after any Mass.
Adoration: resumed on Tuesday.
Rosary Group meet in the church on Monday to Friday at 9.30am and on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.
Remembrance Candles
Remembrance Candles and name of those that died during the year are available at the back of the church and a family member is asked to bring them home.
Parish contacts
Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.