Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Your Assistance Sought
On Sunday week 10th November outside of Teresa and Gerry Farrell’s house at 1 Knock the family car was parked. Between 7.30 and 8pm a car coming up from the church crashed into and did serious damage to the family car. The extent of the damage was such that the car had to be written off. Unfortunately, the driver of the other car did not stop. The crash had to make a lot of noise and if anyone in the vicinity seen, heard or noticed anything could they please notify the local Gardaí. There had to be a lot of damage done to the car that crashed and if anyone knows of a car badly damaged on Sunday week last can they please notify the Gardaí. In cases such as this it is the injured party, Gerry and Teresa that have to suffer the loss of their car and not only that but the insurance also falls back on them. If you know anything please do come forward to the Gardaí and bring satisfactory closure to this hit and run.
Stella is looking for old Pictures
Stella O’Sullivan at the library would be very grateful for any old photographs or stories of business premises or business people in Lanesboro during the last century for an exhibition that is in the processed in the library. Photographs will be scanned and returned immediately to the owners. If you have any photos please contact Stella on 043 332 1291 or lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie.
There must be many old photographs in many houses throughout the parish and the town. I am sure that there are many stories to be told about them. Drop into the library to Stella and she will be happy to chat with you and everything you have for her will be greatly appreciated.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday last 13th November are: N/S 1st Elish Gray and Gemma Douglas, 2nd Maura Hanley and Mairead Gill and 3rd Mona O’Flaherty and Bernadette Gillen. E/W 1st Brid Mc Dermott and Una Lawlor, 2nd Frank and Frances Brennan and 3rd Eileen Kelly and Una Clarke. All members and prospective players are asked to note the new time change from 4th December when the game will start at 7.30pm sharp.
Deserved Recognition
On Saturday night last 16th November the Longford Sports Partnership Awards night was held in the Backstage Theatre, Longford. The guest of honour was the Mayo football star Andy Moran. The Hall of Fame Award went to local man Fabian Walsh and Andy Moran presented Fabian his award for his tireless work with the Lough Ree Athletic club and athletics in general down through the years. We all have come under the influence of Fabian at some stage in our life and his passion for athletics and the young people of the entire area was always clearly to be seen. Fabian always encouraged and the only hurt he felt was when young people did not do themselves justice. The hurt was for them and his word of wisdom on the journey home only helped the youngster to perform better the next time out. Fabian is and always was proud of the young people that took part in the club down through the years and indeed I have no hesitation that he remembers the name of every youngster that represented the club. There are many stories by Fabian and there are also many stories about him and each and every one of them brings a smile to our faces.
Fabian is one in a life time and it was a great day for the entire area many years ago when he came and took over the bakery – we have only benefitted from Fabian and the joy he brings to everyone. There will be no prouder people than his wife Renee and daughter Diane who know only too well his commitment and they will share with this wonderful acknowledgement of Fabians exceptional work with the youth of the area.
There is not a more deserving person than Fabian Walsh for the award. It is fantastic to see his tremendous work being recognised and we look forward to many more years of Fabian great work in the athletic club. Congratulations Fabian.
Get your tickets for a wonderful laugh
Lough Ree Theatre Company (LRTC) is staging a play in Ballyleague Hall on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November. A Wake in the West is a staged by the LRTC some 10 years ago and it is now back with some new members in the cast and there is no doubt that it will again be a massive success that it was back then. Tickets are selling well and you should not miss a wonderful night out and a play that will have you laughing the night away.
Tickets are on sale locally and also in O’Brien’s. The show will commence each night at 8.30pm and admission is €10.
Christmas Day Run
Sponsorship cards are now available for the Annual Christmas Day Run from Newtowncashel to Lanesboro. The run each year is in aid of Multiple Sclerosis. Historically there has been wonderful support both by those taking part and also by the huge number who contribute sponsorship. Last year exceeded all expectations and it is hoped that this year will once again be a huge success and the organising committee is hoping for records to be broken, once again, in the number of participants. This is the major Multiple Sclerosis fundraiser each year and your usual most generous support will once again be greatly appreciated. The walkers will commence their journey at 11.45am and the runners will start at 12.15pm.
Sponsorship cards are available from O’Brien’s shop or from any of the organising committee.
Rathcline GAA Lotto
The numbers drawn out on Saturday night last were 5, 8, 12, 18, 23 and 32. There was nobody with four of these numbers and the jackpot of €700 was not won. The jackpot will rise to €800 for the next draw on Saturday night next 23rd November. The four winners of the €25 were Brendan and Pauline Rhatigan, Fermoyle, Stephen Farrell, Rathcline, Lanesboro Community College and Mary Nally.
Death
The death occurred on Friday last 15th November at Mullingar Hospital of Catherine Casey, Lismacmanus. Kitty as she was more commonly known was predeceased by her husband Frank. She was a quiet and mild mannered lady. Her warm and welcoming smile endeared her to the many that came to know her. She was a deeply devoted and devout lady and a lady of great faith and by her passing will be sadly missed. Her remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Saturday last until the removal of her remains to St. Mary’s Church. On Sunday following her Funeral Mass Kitty was laid to rest alongside her husband Frank in Lanesboro cemetery.
To her sons James, Jerome and Pat, sisters Mary and Nellie, sister-in-law, Tess, daughter-in-law Ana, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Vote for Parish Council
Voting papers for the election of members to the new Rathcline Parish Council are now available in the church porch. Voting papers must be returned on or before Sunday 1st December. The only stipulation is that you must have the consent of the person you nominate.
Shannon Gaels AGM
The Shannon Gaels AGM will take place in the GAA clubhouse in Clonbonny on Friday night 6th December at 8.30pm. Please mark this date for attendance in you diary.
Parents of all players male and female, those interested in the development of underage football in the parish and club supporters are asked to make a very special effort to come along to the meeting and support bot the outgoing and incoming executive. The club is for and about the wellbeing of all the underage players under our care and the club strives to be better and the only way it can be better is through your input and views as to how we should progress and grow.
The club would like to wish new senior chairman Gerard Farrell the very best as he takes up the reins following the senior AGM on Saturday night last.
The club would like to congratulate the Lanesboro Primary school on their fantastic win in the schools league final last Saturday. A special word of congratulations to their management team and trainers, Seadna Ryan and new teacher to the school Andrew Corr.
Congratulations to Kieran Feeney on his appointment as county U16 manager for the coming year. Kieran has also included Eilish Dillon (Rhatigan) in his management team and we wish Kieran, Eilish and the team management the very best of luck in the coming season.
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. In a time that there is so much stress, depression and death it is very important that the excellent services of the Samaritans can be availed of by everyone that feels they are under pressure and need somebody to talk with if only someone to listen.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge
The results of the competition held on Monday night last 18th November are: N/S: Gross
1st Fergal McGuinness and Joan Donlon, 2nd Fiona Gillen and Phil Chalmers and 3rd Eileen Kelly and Nancy Dolan. Nett: 1st Fergal McGuinness and Joan Donlon, 2nd Fiona Gillen and Phil Chalmers and 3rd Donlon and Freda Kenny. E/W: Gross 1st Ann Hagan and Carol Hamill, 2nd Tom Feeney and Katharine Harrison and 3rd K. Hanley and M. Fallon. Nett: 1st Ann Hagan and Carol Hamill, 2nd Tom Feeney and Katharine Harrison and 3rd Kathleen Kelly and Brendan Dowling.
Lanesboro Primary School Success.
Saturday last was a wonderful day for the footballers of Lanesboro Primary School when they won their Cumann na mBunscol league final with a terrific performance in Pearse Park. Cian Glennon lifted the cup on behalf of his teammates and the man of the match was awarded to Seadhna Ryan. The panel that did their mentors Andrew Corr and Seadna Ryan so well was Duileach Ryan, Michael Kajan, Seadhna Ryan, Cian Glennon, Briain Casey, Kevin Tansey Jakub Kajan, Óisín Mc Gowan, Cillian Cox, Cormac Casey, Louise Costello, Jack Madigan, Michael Salami and Noelle Carling.
Art Calendar 2014
The Brushstrokes calendar 2014 is now on sale. There has been a great run on the calendars since they were first launched with many buying them and sending them abroad as Christmas presents. What a better gift for Christmas especially for those away from home. With 20 locals of the Brushstrokes having their work displayed in this calendar it is one not to be missed – so buy now before it is too late.
The proceeds of the sale of the calendar will be split between the Lanesboro Tidy Town committee and Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee, both of whom did and continue to do tremendous work and are thoroughly deserving of your support.
Triple P. Positive Parenting
Parents of children aged 1-7 years are invited to a free Triple P Workshop on “Dealing with Disobedience”. Tips include dealing with answering back, ignoring instructions, complaining and whinging. The workshops will take place on Thursday 28th November from 10am-12noon and 8pm-10pm at Lanesboro/Ballyleague Community Childcare, The Green, Lanesboro. To book a place please contact/text Anne on 0868062095 and stipulate what workshop you wish attend.
Marketer of the Year
Congratulations to local man Peter Mc Kenna, GAA Commercial and Stadium director of Croke Park who was recently announced as ‘Marketer of the Year’ for 2013. The judges were impressed with the skilful manner in which Peter marketed the two distinctively but interwoven brands. They also complimented him for his great sense of commercial awareness and sensitivity combining the old traditional ways of the GAA with the new and modern media and communications. All this has created a great inclusiveness which seen an increase in sponsorship, increased numbers at GAA games, greater audiences and record numbers visiting the GAA Museum.
Peter driven vision into the future has been well recognised and rewarded with this coveted award. We congratulate him in his tremendous achievements to-date and we are sure he will bring Croke Park to even greater heights in the years ahead.
Lanesboro Tri Club
National Series: Lanesboro Tri Club has cause for celebration once again! Triathlon Ireland has listed our club race The Two Provinces Triathlon on the National Series Calendar for 2014. This is a huge achievement for the club as over 40 events submitted applications to be included in this competition and we managed to get on the calendar for 2014. Not only did we make onto the list but Triathlon Ireland also reduced the amount of races in the series form 20 races to 16 and our race is one of them. So a huge congrats to everyone involved who gave so much time and energy to ensure this race is up there with the best in the country. Lanesboro and Ballyleague can look forward to once again welcoming to the locality, the cream of the crop of the triathlon world as they compete for points in the series.
Training: For anyone who is tempted to go into complete hibernation the training committee are determined to get you out and about working over the winter months. Hopefully as many members as possible will come out to the training sessions as feedback will be required to see what you want from training and what the club can do for you. Keep an eye on your emails regarding the training schedule.
Junior Members: Swimming for Junior Members is on at the same time as the adults on a Friday night. Last week at the pool some senior members of the club were shocked with the progress being made by our juniors…putting us all to shame!! Hope to see more juniors in training on Friday nights. Put pressure on the senior crew!!
Ironman Wales: A few members of the club have already signed up to do Ironman Wales next year. We wish them well with their training. Anyone else interested contact James Gallagher.
Lanesboro Ballyleague Badminton Club
Badminton season is now in full swing with Senior and Junior Badminton making the most of the autumn and winter evenings. We have set the date for our annual fundraising table quiz, which will be held in Clarke’s Bar on Friday the 6th of December at 9pm with lots of spot prizes on the night. We hope to see plenty of teams of four on the night for this fundraising table quiz for the Senior and Junior Badminton Club. If you don’t have a full team don’t worry, come along we can organise some teams, its part of what we do!
Panto Time
Its panto time again… oh no it isn’t., oh yes it is! Students from Ballymahon Vocational School are getting ready to take on the Dickens classic, ‘Scrooge, A Christmas Carol’. Why not join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in a show that will provide much interaction with the audience. So, get ready to embark on a pantomime experience unlike any other! Ballymahon Vocational School has a strong and rich history in pantomime and drama, dating over the years, thus patrons can be assured of a show full of drama, comedy and dance with a few surprises each night!! The show will hit the stage in the Vocational school on December 4th, 5th and 6th. Doors will open at 7.30pm and the show will start at 8pm. Adults €10, Children/OAP and Students €5. Prizes galore each night. Book your tickets by phoning 09064 3221. The students of Ballymahon Vocational School would really appreciate your support. The school is the alma mater of many from our area and it would be great to see a big return to their old school for a night with Scrooge.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Minor Men – D2 League: Our minors have a League game against Tulsk, Saturday 23rd November at 2.00pm in Ballyleague.
Minor Club AGM: St. Faithleachs GAA minor club AGM was held in the clubhouse on Friday last. Chairman, James Irwin opened the meeting and welcomed all. A minutes silence was observed for the victims of the tragedy in the Philippines. President, Pat Joe Fallon addressed the meeting, congratulating the underage teams and managements on their achievements throughout 2013, highlighting the ladies/girls teams on their championship titles for 2013 and wishing the minor club every success in 2014.
Outgoing secretary, Padraig Banahan read the minutes of last year’s AGM and gave a detailed report of the minor club teams activities and achievements for 2013 with special word of thanks to managers/mentors of all under-age teams along with their supporters and the support of their parents throughout the year.
Ladies secretary, Majella Kelly gave a detailed report of the ladies/girls teams activities and achievements for 2013, congratulating the U16 Girls and U14 girls on winning championship titles this year with thanks to their managers/mentors, supporters and all who helped out in many ways throughout the year.
Treasurer Shane Rohan gave a detailed report of the minor clubs Income and Expenditure for the year 2013.
Senior club chairman, Frank Curley, on behalf of the executive committee, thanked all members of the minor club board for their hard work throughout the year, congratulating the minor club teams and ladies/girls teams on their achievements along with their management and wished all the very best of luck for the year ahead.
Chairman, James Irwin thanked his fellow officers for their hard work during the year and expressed thanks to outgoing Secretary, Padraig Banahan for his work during his time as secretary along with thanks to outgoing PRO, Mary Kenny and outgoing ladies registrar, Sheila Collier for all their work, wishing them all the best of luck for the future. Congratulations were expressed to minor club and ladies/girls players who represented St. Faithleachs GAA Club at County Level in 2013.
Gratitude was expressed to Henry Kenny, field committee for his work with congratulations on the club receiving the award for ‘Club Ground of the Year – Roscommon 2013’.
Huge thanks to all sponsors throughout the year, all sponsorship was hugely appreciated. Thanks to all who helped out in the organisation of fundraising events during 2013 and all who supported. Many thanks to all who helped out in the club’s shop at sporting events throughout the year and all who helped out in the clubhouse. Thanks to Walter Burke and his team of Cúl Camp mentors and volunteers for the hugely successful Cúl Camp held in the club. Thanks to Ray & Qona Cox for the organisation and running of the Faithleachs Fitness Challenge currently taking place within the club. Thanks to all involved in the running of the annual Paddy Bolger Memorial Tournament 2013, referees, pitch committee and all who helped out on the day. Thanks to Frank Curley for his work in the clubhouse and to all who helped out in many ways throughout the year.
The following officers were elected for 2013: President, Pat Joe Fallon, Chairman, James Irwin, Vice Chairman, Gerard O’Donnell Secretary, Monica Connaughton, Ladies Secretary, Majella Kelly, Treasurer, Shane Rohan, Assistant Treasurer, Padraig Kenny, PRO, Pauline Phillips, Ladies Registrar, Bernie Scally, Under-Age Registrar, Sean Cox, Minor county board delegates, Gerry Nerney, Ladies county board delegates, Denis Mc Loone, Noel Banahan, John Hegarty and Janet Melia. Children’s Liaison Officer, Jimmy Mangan and Vetting Officer, Helen O’Donnell.
A Wake in the West: St. Faithleachs GAA Club fundraising event. Local drama Group presents “A Wake in the West” this coming Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th November in St. Mary’s Hall, Ballyleague. Tickets €10 available locally or contact the clubhouse. Your support for this event would be hugely appreciated.
Senior Club AGM: The Annual General Meeting of St. Faithleachs GAA Senior Club will take place in the clubhouse on Friday 29th November at 8.30pm. All senior/junior players and members of the club are encouraged to attend, new members most welcome. Mass for deceased club members will take place at 8.00pm before the AGM.
Fitness Challenge 2013: Week 6 – Tuesday night’s circuit had an extra blast at the end to keep the intensity on the increase. The level of fitness is noticeably higher at this stage and all the challengers are upping their game as we approach the final couple of weeks. We now have only 2 weeks left so put in the effort you never know you might even miss us a little in December! Friday night was a “Tums & Bums Class” so all the jeans are fitting much better already! It was another tough session with some new exercises introduced. The burnout at the end of the class tested everyone but as per usual the group was well up for it. Sunday morning was the eagerly anticipated team challenge. The group was split into 4 teams with each individual having to complete a task to win points for their team. The rain and the mud only added to the craic. The competitive spirit was awakened in most which provided a great atmosphere. The tasks varied from tests of strength, balance and power to pure silliness. This was topped off with the obstacle course to finish. Great craic was had by all and if the bodies aren’t sore from the exercise they should be from the laughing! Thanks to everyone for really getting into the spirit of things and hopefully all the mud washes out! The photos should be good!
Stewards Needed – St. Faithleachs 5k Run/Walk: With only 2 weeks to our 5k Run/Walk we are currently seeking names of volunteers for stewards to help out on the day, Sunday 1st December, anyone willing to help out for the couple of hours can you please contact Ray Cox.
St. Faithleachs 5K Run/Walk: St. Faithleachs 5K Fun Run/Walk takes place on Sunday 1st December at 12.30pm. You are encouraged to register online www.runireland.com as this gives us a good idea how many to expect and reduces the workload on the day.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the Club House, 8.30pm. All welcome.
Remembrance Mass
Innis Ree Lodge, Ballyleague will host a Remembrance Mass for all their previous residents on Friday night 29th November at 7pm. All families and friends are invited to come along and share in the Mass.