Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Rathcline Lotto
On Saturday night last 15th March in the lottery the following numbers were drawn 7, 10, 13, 27, 34 and 38. The jackpot of €800 was up for grabs but there was nobody fortunate enough to have four of the numbers. The jackpot for Saturday night next will now rise to €900. The four winners of the €25 prizes were Roy Fitzsimons, Rathcline, Wally Burke, Ballyleague, Joe Prunty, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh and Michael J Farrell, Lehery.
Local connection to new GAA President
Aogán Ó Fearghail from Drumgoon, just outside Cootehill, Co. Cavan was recently elected the new president of the GAA at the annual congress in Croke Park. He will take up his new position on February of 2015. Aogán, from the outset, was the front runner for the position and the vote saw him win with an emphatic victory. If you ever have the privilege of meeting Aogán you will understand why his victory was so emphatic. He is the most unassuming man and at the same time captivates all in his presence.
The late Peter Mc Intyre from Cloontuskert and Aogán’s mother were brother and sister. There was great jubilation in the extended Mc Intyre and none more so than in the Kenny household in Shannon Grove where his first cousin Josephine (Mc Intyre) along with husband James and family celebrated Aogán’s great victory.
We wish him every success and no doubt we look forward to seeing him in the area when he visits his cousins.
Fr. Larney moves to new parish
Shortly after Fr. Larney’s recent move to Ballagh we were shocked and saddened when we learned last week that he was again moving, this time, to Kilmurray in the parish of Tulsk, Roscommon. Fr. Larney, when he left Ballyleague left a great void and even after the short time in Ballagh again he will leave a great emptiness. During his time in the parish of Kilgefin he built up a tremendous rapport with everyone both young and old and his departure leave us all feeling sad. We wish Fr. Larney the very best in his new parish and I am sure that the people of the parish are now fully aware of the calibre of the man they are about to get and they are a very privileged parish.
We would like to thank him for his time in the parish and for all the untold and unseen work he did with and for so many people. Your support, kindness and the quality in which you used your ministry in the parish will always be remembered.
We wish Fr. Larney the very best of health and happiness as he moves to Kilmurray and we look forward to welcoming him back in the area from time to time.
Lanesboro’s Got Talent
Are you ready for this? A variety show to equal the best will take place in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Saturday night 12th April at 8.30pm. The Shannon Gaels Minor Club who has had some marvelous productions of Search for a Star, in the past, will again produce this variety show. As is their wont, their previous productions well sellout nights and believe me this night promises to beat all.
The show will have our own version of Mrs. Brown’s Boys featuring the Fayne brothers Alan and Colin, Carmel Linnane, Claire Costello, Mark Cary, Darragh Byrne, Niall Keane, Lauren Guinan and Shane Kenny. Live acts will feature Gerard Farrell singing solo, noted musician Fran Deffew, the youthful Paul Prior on his piano to name just a few.
Tickets will be on sale next weekend and you are advised to buy early as there is no doubt that will once again be a complete sell out. Tickets are priced at only €10 and will be on sale in O’Brien’s and Cullen’s.
History Makers
On Saturday last 15th March the lost tradition of hurling in Lanesboro was restored when Lanesboro Primary School competed in their Cumann na mBunscoil hurling final. Not only did they compete in their hurling final but they had a tremendous win. It was a wonderful day of celebration for the young hurlers of Lanesboro Primary school and a day of great pride for the school and everyone who worked so hard to make this day possible. There was unbridled joy etched on the faces of the youngsters and indeed their parents as they did their victory parade through Lanesboro showing off their winning trophy.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the Lanesboro Bridge club competition held on Wednesday night last were; N/S 1st Mona O’Flaherty and Bernadette Gillen, 2nd Una Clarke and Philomena Walsh and 3rd Renee Walsh and Mary Jameson. E/W 1st Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray, 2nd Brid Mc Dermott and Una Lawlor and 3rd Frank and Frances Brennan.
Take a Bow
With the lengthening of the days and the arrival of more people to Lanesboro/Ballyleague over the past few weeks it was very heartening to hear so much great comment about the two villages about how well our community was looking.
Both groups, Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op and Ballyleague Village Renewal, working on the continuing enhancement of the area must take a bow for their tremendous and diligent work in the presentation of Lanesboro and Ballyleague. We must all continue to support both group in their endeavors to make our community a great place to visit and a wonderful place to live.
Local Fine Gael AGM
The AGM of Lanesboro Fine Gael was held on Thursday last 13th March. The meeting was well attended and lively debate took place.
The committee elected was: Chairperson Gerard Farrell, Vice Chair Albert Cooney, Secretary Deirdre O’ Dowd, Treasurer Adie Farrell, Vice Treasurer Pat Brennan, PRO Louis Skelly.
James Bannon TD attended. The upcoming local and European elections were discussed at the meeting with our local election candidate Gerard Farrell talking enthusiastically about the development of tourism in the area. The issue of broadband was also discussed at the meeting. Gerard also welcomed the funding that has been allocated for the water scheme on the Rathcline Road.
Locals lead Roscommon
Roscommon are flying high in both senior and U21 at the moment and local St. Faithleach’s men are to the fore with both sides. Wally Burke is a selector with the seniors and brothers Ciaran and Diarmuid are leading players on the Roscommon senior team that won promotion to Division 2 for next season on Sunday last.
On Wednesday last Diarmuid Murtagh put on a five star performance and led the way in the Roscommon U21 demolition of Mayo in Castlebar on Wednesday night. Ray Cox is a selector with this team and they now take on Sligo on his Wednesday night.
We congratulate the lads on their input either in management or players and wish them well in the league and championships.
Table Quiz
Longford Toastmasters are holding a Table Quiz in Longford Rugby Club on Thursday 27th March at 9pm (team registration at 8.30pm). Table of four persons cost 40 euro. Raffle and spot prizes on the night. All welcome.
Shannon Gaels
The club will host a variety concert, for one night only, in St. Mary’s Hall on Saturday 12th April at 8.30pm. It promises to be a spectacular night and one not to be missed at any cost. Tickets, at €10, will be on sale from this coming weekend in O’Brien’s and Cullen’s. Book early and don’t be disappointed.
Good luck to Liam Connerton, Owen Sorohan and their team mates in the Leinster U21 semi-final on this Wednesday evening in O ‘Moore Park, Portlaoise where they will take on Dublin.
Hard luck to our U16 team who were defeated by Slashers on Saturday last.
The club would like to congratulate and wish every happiness to Kevin Hanley and Fiona Egan on their wedding on Friday last.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Adult Football League: Our Seniors play against St. Croan’s this coming Sunday 23rd March at 2.00pm in Ballyleague.
Junior Ladies – D3 League: Our Junior ladies had a win over Four Roads on Sunday last in Four Roads. Final score – St. Faithleachs 3-11 Four Roads 3-04. Team: P. McCormack, A. Ormsby, E. Kenny, J. Melia, Q. Cox, N. Scally, J. Geoghegan (0-1), A. Mc Loone (0-3), R. Banahan (0-2), C. Skelly (2-2), E. Hegarty (1-1), M. Corcoran (0-1), T. Nerney 0-1). Subs: L. Mc Loone, C. Cleary and R. Hanley. The next game is at home against Shannon Gaels this coming Sunday 23d March at 12.00pm.
Minor Men – D4 League: Our minors were defeated by Elphin on Sunday last, in Elphin. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 2-09 Elphin 2-19. Team: J. Farrell, J. Sweeney, J. Irwin, D. Nerney (1-0), C. Mangan, M. Cox, D. Kelly (0-1), S. Walsh, C. Smith (0-4), S. Phillips (0-1), J. Hussey (1-2) Subs: E. Farrell, L. Parker (0-1), C. Gannon, J. Kelly, C. Gannon, M. Gill, E. Tynan and D. Foley. The next game is away to St. Ronan’s, Sunday 30th March at 12.00pm.
U16 Girls – D2 Championship: Our U16 Girls had a win over St. Barry’s on Sunday, at home. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 8-02 St. Barry’s 4-08. Team: D. McCaffrey, N. Hegarty, M. Banahan, K. Browne, I. Farrell, M. Kelly, L. Hoare, S. Hoare, A. Curley(2-0), J. Banahan, J. Farrell, N. Parker, L. Farrell(1-0), E. Irwin(3-2), L. Cox(1-0), O. Costello, J. Brennan(1-0), C. Glennon, C. Curley, K. Mullooly. The next game is away to Oran, this coming Saturday 22nd March at 4.00pm.
U16 Boys – D2 League: Our U16 boys play against Western Gaels, Wednesday 26th March at 6.30pm in Ballyleague.
U14 Roscommon Girls – Connacht Blitz: Best of luck to our St. Faithleachs GAA Club U14 Girls representatives on the Roscommon County U14 Girls squad in the Connacht Blitz this coming Sunday 23rd March.
Roscommon GAA: Congrats to Roscommon senior footballers on their promotion to Division 2 of the Allianz Football League, following their win over Offaly on Sunday last. D3 Allianz Football League Final, Roscommon V Cavan takes place in Croke Park, Saturday 26th April at 7.00pm
Senior Club Social and Presentation Night: Our senior club’s Presentation Night takes place in the clubhouse on Saturday 29th March. Further details will follow.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Special thanks to all members and supporters representing St. Faithleachs GAA Club, taking part in the Lanesboro/Ballyleague St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Rathcline GAA
There was no overall jackpot winner this week in the club draw. The winning numbers were 7, 10, 13, 27, 34, and 38. The €25 winners were Roy Fitzsimons, Wally Burke, Joe Prunty and Michael J Farrell.
Hard luck to the reserve team who were defeated by Granard on Sunday. It is imperative that players, who can play, do play. It’s a great competition for playing competitive football and it is vital that all players get involved.
Our first league match takes place next Saturday against Legan. Your support would be welcome, please check fixture list for time of throw in.
The club as a whole would like to wish the very best of luck to the Longford U 21’s and especially Liam and Eoin. The blue and gold take on Dublin this Wednesday night in the Leinster semi-final.
Minor Notes
Hard luck to our U 16 team who were beaten by Slashers in the league. Training continues for U 14, 16 and Minor during week.
The Rathcline Club congratulates Kevin and Fiona on their wedding day last Friday. A great night was had by everyone who attended: all the best in married life!
Rathcline Ladies
The senior league campaign gets underway this weekend against Edgeworthstown. Your support would be welcome. Please check fixture list for throw in time.
Training continues for U 14 and U 16 ladies on Saturday.