Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Sympathy
The death took place of Mrs Bridget Smith, Carnadough, Newtowncashel, recently. She was mother of Pat Smith Mount Davis and sister-in-law of Mrs Mary Farrell, Main Street to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Rise the Dust
A new ‘all set’ CD by the extremely popular Céilí group Rise the Dust has just been launched. The cd entitled all set is for all set dancers and it most definitely is a must for anyone that has even the tiniest interest in Irish music. The members of the group that produced this fabulous cd are Johnny Duffy, Mahoraveen, an excellent exponent of the banjo, who has a deep interest and love in Irish music and was a member of the terrific group Rig the Jig. Brendan Doyle, renowned for his button accordion playing, is also steeped in Irish music and like Johnny was one of the members and leading performer in Rig the Jig. The two lads are joined by the excellent Liz Ryan whose playing of the piano is legendary. Liz was a member of the very popular Glenside Céilí band before linking up with the lads to form Rise the Dust. For the cd they have a guest musician in the form of John Duffy an accomplished drummer who performs with local group Actin de Maggot.
This cd is going to sell hugely and you should not miss out on music that will raise your heart and have your toes tapping right throughout. The cd is on sale in O’Brien’s.
Try–a–Dive
Lough Ree Sub Aqua club is inviting everyone to come along to the Mall on Thursday night next for try-a-dive. You can go along for 7.45pm and try scuba diving. It is a wonderful sport that can take you worldwide and being a member of the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club means you have a lot of fun and sport with local people and you will also be a wonderful help to people in need of the services of the club country wide. All equipment will be supplied on Thursday night and the try-a-dive is free.
Things Happening in Lanesboro
Over the past few months and the weather being as good as it has been for many year we have all enjoyed what has been the best summer in years. Like housekeeping when the sun shine brightly on a house it show up all that needs to be done in terms of painting and cleaning.
The town of Lanesboro is no different and while work was done recently on the Main Street replacing a footpath that was wearing away the biggest topic of conversation was the Shannon along the fishing area on the hot stretch and all the way down to the duck pond. The low levels of water showed this area to be a very dirty and in need of urgent cleaning and indeed repair. I have been reliably informed all parties with an interest in the waterways of Ireland will sit down together to discuss and hopefully draw up a plan to improve the water stretch. On a visit down along the Shannon banks last week it was great to see the workers in the water clearing some of the weed that is making the area so unsightly and practically impossible to fish.
For many years now the water line from the pump house at the back of the power station up to the reservoir in Carraroe has caused a multitude of problems, it was always breaking down due to the age of the water line. During discussions with Adie Farrell it was wonderful to hear that Longford County Council have just received permission to prepare contracts for pipe laying all the way from the pump house to the reservoir. With the completion of this very needy work there is no doubt but Eugene Kelly’s work on the Rathcline Road will be a lot less.
Adie also informed me that on this coming Wednesday Longford Westmeath VEC will sign contracts for the new two room extension at Lanesboro Community College. This is great news for the school and also in the hope for the creation of local employment.
With the new Fire Station about to begin in the near future these should be busy time in and around Lanesboro. It will be made all the more special if there are jobs created for local people on these projects.
Clarkes Bar Night at the Dogs
On this coming Saturday night there will a Night at the Dogs in Clarkes Bar in aid of the Marathons4Muireann fundraising. The first race is at 10pm and there will be a raffle also on the night. Dogs sponsorship in both naming and sponsoring of races can be made beforehand and also on the night. €2 bets on the night. Your full support will be greatly appreciated. With Declan undertaking the 4 marathons on October Bank Holiday weekend it is very important that every give their full support for the next couple of weeks.
Lanesboro Triathlon Club AGM
The AGM of Lanesboro Triathlon Club has been set for Friday 8th November 2013 at 8pm. The meeting will take place in the club rooms in the co-op hall, Lanesboro. Can all club members please check their e-mail for agenda and nomination forms.
All motions and proposals for the upcoming AGM can be sent to exec@trilanesboro.com
Out and about: Well done to all the club members who braved the cold waters and participated in the Killary Great Fjord swim on Saturday last. Best of luck to all those competing in the Dublin City Marathon on Mon Oct 28th
National Awards for Mother and Son
Lanesboro triathlon club members mother and son Marie and Naoise Sudway, Rathcline Road and Dublin, have just received notifications of their tremendous achievements over the triathlon season. Marie has been crowned National Series champion in her age group and she has also captured the national Sprint championship. It has been a really fantastic year swimming, biking and running for Marie as she cane 39th in the World 70.3 championship in Las Vegas and 27th in the World Sprint championship in London.
Making it a family occasion was the news that her son Naoise came second in the 16-17 year age group in the National Series and also in the National championships.
It will be a joyous night at the Triathlon Ireland awards night for the Sudway family and Lanesboro Triathlon club when the awards are handed out in the Aviva on Saturday 2nd November.
ame 39th in the World 70.3 Championships in Las Vegas and 27th in the World Sprint Championships in London.Shannon Gaels
Our U16 team were very unlucky on Sunday last when they lost the U16 Shield final in Dunbeggan. The game was a cracker and it was a shame that it did not go to another day such was the quality and intensity of both teams. The lads lost out on a scoreline of 13pts to 12pts. We congratulate Colmcille for being part of a terrific game and we also congratulate our team management for having the players in such great shape.
On Sunday last the presentation of the minor championship medals were presented to the minor team following their outstanding success earlier in the season. Former Mayo star and RTÉ pundit Kevin Mc Stay presented the medals to the winning panel. We would like to thank Kevin for his time and also for the wonderful words spoken to the assembled audience. We sincerely hope that the players will take on board Kevin’s sentiments as there is no doubt they will be faced with the many scenarios he highlighted as they proceed through life.
We would also like to say a special thanks to everyone that helped out during the presentation in many ways.
The club once again hosted a play in St. Mary’s Hall on Saturday night last. While the hall was not full there still was a good crowd there. Those that did not attend missed a most wonderful night of entertainment. The club would like to thank everyone that donated spot prizes and also Martina O’Brien, Casserley’s and Cullen’s for selling tickets
Local Lad makes Combined Colleges Team
Congratulations to Fiachra Beirne on making the Combined Colleges panel that will face the Australian International Rules team in a warm up game in preparation for the Ireland Australia series beginning in Cavan’s Breffni Park on this Friday at 7.00pm. Fiachra is son of Pat and Anne Beirne, Mahoraveen. He made his presence felt in the trail game against an Australian amateur side- from where the final panel was selected – he scored 10 points in that game.
The competition for places was extremely intense and to make the panel comprising of inter county players of the calibre Longford’s Michael Quinn, Meath’s Bryan Menton and Louth’s Brian Donnelly. Fiachra will be representing his college Marino College on the panel and they will face the full Australian team in Parnell Park, Dublin on this Wednesday.
We congratulate Fiachra on his achievement of making the panel and look forward to him making his ‘mark’ on Wednesday.
Defibrillator Training
Names are again being taken for new people interested in training in the use of the defibrillator and also for those that need to do the refresher course. There can never be enough trained in the use of the defibrillator and if you have not yet been trained in its use you should leave your name to Martina O’Brien. Both the refresher and training courses are to commence in the near future.
Parents and Prospective Coaches
Shannon Gaels GAA club intends to run a Foundation Coaching course in the near future. For all parents and prospective coaches this course is essential and it will help every child to be coached in the correct and proper manner. The course will be over a few evenings and it is very important that everybody with the intention of helping with underage teams even at coaching session should have this course done. As part of best practice within the Shannon Gaels club it is essential that everyone do this course. To enrol please contact Joe O’Brien 086-2460840 or joea@iol.ie or you call to shop and leave your name.
Athlone Samaritans
Athlone Midland Samaritans urgently needs volunteers. No experience is necessary as training will be provided. If you would like to volunteer please call 0852845010 immediately.
If you have the time it should be put to exceptional use and to help those in need of the Samaritans
Longford Toastmasters
Would you like to be more confident at speaking in public and to learn how to improve your communication skills? Longford Toastmasters are looking for new members to join our club. We meet on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month in The Longford Arms Hotel from 8.20pm until 10.30pm. Our next meeting takes place on 17 Oct. All are welcome to our enjoyable and sociable meetings and no experience is required. For further information please contact Mary on 086 1219281 or Terrie on 086 1706367.
October Book Festival at Lanesboro Library
On Wednesday 16th October at 1.30pm there will be a ‘workshop’ with Author Alan Early including a reading from his Arthur Quinn trilogy, a couple of Viking-based and story-telling games and a questions and answering session. This workshop is suitable for 5th and 6th class children.
Friday next 18th October at 2.15pm there will be a Seamus Heaney Poetry workshop for Second Level students with Frank Galligan
Friday week 25th October at 12 noon
Halloween Show with Chris Thompson 7 a cast of ghostly characters! Come along dressed in your Halloween costume and listen to the famous Chris Thompson telling tales about witches, ghouls and goblins.
Finally Tuesday 29th October at 2pm there will be a Halloween Arts and Crafts.
Create you very own Halloween masterpiece, all materials provided. Please book in advance as numbers are limited. Will suit children aged between 9 and 12.
Social Dance Classes
Social Dance classes in the Quad centre every Thursday evening and it’s for absolute beginners in Jive, Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Slósh dance. No partners are needed. All ages are welcome and it will take place from 8.15pmpm to 10.15pm. For further information you are asked to call 087-3536502
Baptism
The baptism took place recently at St. Mary’s Church, of Kyle Fallon, daughter of Blain and Sarah, Lisrevagh. We congratulate the happy couple.
Getting Married in 2014?
There are still some places available on the Accord pre-marriage course on Monday 2nd and Thursday 5th December. This course runs over two evenings from 6.00 pm to 10.30pm. You are invited to contact Accord in longford at 043-3347515.
Table Quiz in Lifebelt Bar
On Friday night next 18th October, Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee will host a Table Quiz in the Lifebelt bar at 9pm. Everyone is invited to come along and enjoy what should be a fantastic night of fun.
Choir Members Sought
The Edel Loftus choir are now meeting to prepare for Christmas. The choir will meet in St. Mary’s Church, on the gallery, after 11.30am Mass on Sunday next 13th October. New members are invited and will be very welcome and all other members are asked to attend the meeting. The choir is open to male and female members so why not go along and enjoy being part of the choir.
Be Slim and Beautiful for Christmas
For the first time in Longford – starting 14th October at 7.30pm there will be a weight loss challenge for 12 weeks leading to a beautiful, fit and healthy you for Christmas. Each night you will receive information from the unique body scanner which will tell you about your percentage (%) body water, body fat, muscle mass, physique rating and metabolic age. This will be followed by an educational, informative and fascinating information session and discussion about nutritional requirements and products. This could change your life for the better for only €58. Be part of it and don’t miss out – places are limited. Call Anne now 086-1223464. Meetings will take place in the Drama Room of Stonepark School every Monday night at 7.30pm commencing on Monday 14th October.
Lough Ree AC
Moyne College was the venue for the Connaught Primary Schools cross-country championship for the first time. The Connaught senior men and women races were also included. With up to 500 youngsters taking part, this was a major undertaking. Congratulations to all concerned for a job well done i.ie Registration, parking, stewarding and canteen facilities. With the fine weather, it was an enjoyable days sport.
Take a bow Alannah Flood@ To finish 13th from a start of 120 athletes is some achievement particularly as this was her first competitive cross-country race. Alannah missed the county finals but got into the event as a ‘guest runner’. Fermoyle NS qualified a team for 3rd/4th class800m, but were not placed. Eabha Healy was first home followed by Caoilinn Flood and Ella Hogan but had to back a long way for the fourth finisher.
Staying with the 5th/6th class and Fermoyle school, they had won the county, they were a useful bunch but nobody must have told them that it was a race as Lucy Ann Myhill, Aoife Nolan, Áine Kennelly, and Aisling Farrell finished together in that order from a mass start of 122 girls. How did they manage it? Róisin Brennan and Hazel Johnston finished separately completing the team.
Not much to say about the boys which are a poor reflection! No school team from this area qualified except some individuals Cian Walton (3rd/4th class), whom the club rates highly, finished somewhere in the middle of the field of 136 runner. It is unusual to say of one so young that the 800m seems too short for him. Another young lad on the up is Óisín Kenny who finished a few places behind Cian.
Our weekly road run at Clonbonny continues on Tuesday evenings at 6pm as long as daylight allows.
Last week Cian Walton brought in the best time of the 35 runners, most of whom were older than him. For the 3rd week in a row, Byron Deignan improved his time. The results can be seen in O’Brien’s window.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
U16 Boys – D2 Championship Final: Hard luck to our U16 panel of players and their manager, Bob McCormack who were defeated by Strokestown in the championship county final in Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday last. Final Score: St. Faithleachs 0-6 Strokestown 2-08. Team: M. O’Donnell, C. Mangan, M. Cox, J. Farrell, E. Farrell, C. Connelly, J. Irwin, J. Hussey (0-1), D. Kelly, C. Gannon, S. Walsh, D. Nerney, G. Carberry, D. Foley (0-1), S. Phillips (0-4). Subs: L. Parker, K. Nerney, M. Gill, C. Gannon. S. Farrell.
U16 Boys – D2 League Semi-Final: Our U16 boys are in the league semi-final against Elphin this coming Saturday 19th October at 4.00pm in Ballyleague.
U14 Girls – D2A Championship Final: Best of luck to our U14 panel of players and their manager/mentors, Noel Banahan, John Hegarty, Maggie Curley and Padraig Banahan, in the championship county final against Four Roads, this coming Saturday 19th October at 1.30pm.
Minor Ladies – Championship Quarter-Final: Our minor ladies play against Oran in the championship quarter-final this coming Sunday 20th October at 11.00am in Ballyleague.
Fitness Challenge 2013: St. Faithleachs Fitness Challenge is now full. All spaces have been filled and we will not be accepting any more people. The Fitness Challenge kicked off Tuesday night last with a fantastic turnout for the circuit class. The most difficult part is starting and everyone showed great enthusiasm, so no doubt we will have some great results in 8 weeks. Please remember to come early for the weigh-in as we would like classes to start on time. Friday’s “Mystery Class” was Tai Chi with Gill. It’s not as easy as it looks incorporating stretching and turning in a sequence of movements. Said to restore calmness and peace of mind as well as having multiple health benefits, it even managed to stop the group chatting for more than 5mins! The 9am start on Sunday morning didn’t deter anyone and we had another fantastic turnout for the outdoor session at the pitch. The 5k hopefully seems less daunting now and we are comparing stats from last year to check how consistent we are.
Upcoming Play: Look out for “3 act play” on 23rd and 24th November with local actors taking part. Further details will follow.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were 13, 16, 24 and 30. There was no jackpot winner. The next draw will take place on Tuesday 22nd October for a jackpot of €9,600. There was no jackpot winner and the five €20 winners were – Conor McGrath, Jimmy Tarmey, Dan Cox, Oliver Carroll and Eddie Shea.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 9.00pm. All welcome. The results of last week’s games are – winners, Padraig/Tom, runners-up, Tom/Brenda. The last game winners were Mark/Noreen. Deepest sympathy to Ann Mulhern on the death of her brother Dan Giblin, Strokestown.