Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Countdown to Quirky Friday Quiz
This Friday night 24th October the Quirky Friday Quiz will be held in Adie’s, Joe’s and Clarke’s, as the man said ‘simultaneously and at the one time’. This promises to be a fantastic night, one that the area has never witnessed before. The Master of Ceremonies will be none other than local man Joe Flaherty, Managing Director, Northern Region, Iconic Newspapers which includes the Longford Leader. It will challenge your worldly and more so local knowledge on all aspects of life and you will be royally entertained throughout the night. Every club and organisation in the area is asked to inform their members and invite them to a wonderful night out in Lanesboro. Teams of 4 cost €40.
Computer Science Club – Parents
Following on from the success of last year’s Computer Science Club it has been decided to run the club again this year. There will be a meeting of parents on Thursday night 23rd October in the Lough Ree Resource Centre at 8pm. If you as a parent feel your youngster wants to be involved in the club them you should attend this meeting.
Lanesboro Community Games
Parents are urged and encouraged to make this meeting their business.
The AGM of Lanesboro Community Games will take place in St. Mary’s Hall on Wednesday 22nd October at 9pm. If you would like your child to be involved in any of the many disciplines under the banner of Community Games, please attend the meeting. Parental support and assistance is vital to ensure the continuation of these activities. In the past year we have had children participating in Athletics, Art, Duathlon, Handwriting, Swimming, Talent (singing, recitation, and dance), Badminton, Basketball, Chess, Cross Country, Debating, Draughts, Gaelic Football, Indoor Soccer and Project competitions. To register your interest in these or other activities (see Community Games website), please attend the meeting.
St. Faithleach’s fall at final hurdle
Sunday last we all travelled to Hyde Park with great expectations and hopes of a historic victory. Unfortunately, we were to be disappointed as St. Faithleach’s ran into a St. Brigid’s side that used their experience to the fullest and nullified the St. Faithleach’s players in vital positions.
However, the team played right to the end and showed remarkable gut and resilience. It is always a great character of people when they never lie down even in the face of adversity. The lads can hold their heads high and remember they are a young side with a lot of talent. Their day will come; the most important thing is that this final should be a ladder to future success rather than a slippery slope into mediocre football. The area is rightly proud of your achievements as could be seen in the support received from all sections of our community. You day will come, we again, will rise with you in support of a famous day in the red and white of St. Faithleach’s.
Vocations
A course will be run by Sr. Gabrielle Farrell OLA and Fr. Alan Neville MSC over five residential weekends beginning in December. It is open to men and women between the ages of 21 to 40. For information you may contact Sr. Gabrielle 087-3584447 or Dr. Alan 085-7664480 or go to their website www.exploreaway.net
Wedding
The marriage took place on Saturday 11th October of Laura Mulryan, daughter of Pat and Marcella Mulryan, Church View and Alan Mannion, son of Paddy and Margaret Mannion, Stonepark, Roscommon. Chief bridesmaid was Trisha Parker, cousin of the bride, Karina Coffey, friend of the bride and Rachael Early, niece of the groom. Bestman was John Mannion, brother of the groom; groomsmen were Sean Mullaney, friend of the groom and Philip Cox, also a friend of the groom. The pageboy was Sean Mannion nephew of the groom and Flower girl was Ava Donlon, friend of the groom.
The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Michael Reilly, Lanesboro. The wedding reception took place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Death
It was with great sadness on Monday the 11th October the parish of Rathcline lost a true friend, Patricia Farrell, more popularly known as Patsy. She departed this world in the loving care of the nurses and staff of Costello’s Nursing Home, Ballyleague. Patsy a native of Newtownforbes moved to the parish when she married Joe Farrell many years ago and moved to Lisnacusha. Joe predeceased her just two years ago. She was a very likeable lady who manner, warmth and sincerity endeared her to everyone. It was widely acknowledged that she never shirked anything – she was renowned a very hard working lady and a wonderful mother to her four children. Patsy was a friend to all generations and to all of us that remember her we will do so very fondly and her passing will leave a great emptiness but will also leave us with great smiling memories. The attendance at the reposing of her remains on Wednesday at her residence told of the respect in which she was held in our community. Her remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro on Thursday for her Funeral Mass and burial took place to Rathcline Cemetery where she was laid to rest alongside her husband Joe.
To her sons Ronnie, Paul and Joe, daughter Jacinta, brother Tommy, relative and many friends and many friend we extend our deepest sympathy.
Conversational Italian
Are you interested in learning conversational Italian? If yes, then you are invited to express your interest to Stella at Lanesboro library as soon as possible
AGM
The AGM of Lanesboro Tri Club will take place on Sat 8th Nov at 8:15pm in the club rooms, located in the Co-Op Hall, Lanesboro. It is very important that all members be in attendance. If you would like to become involved in a vibrant, exciting and growing club then come along on the night.
Rathcline GAA Lotto and 50/50
On Saturday night last 18th October the following numbers were drawn for the Rathcline GAA lotto 2, 8, 18, 25, 30 and 31. There was no winner of the €2400 jackpot and the jackpot for next Saturday night 25th October will now rise to €2500. The four winners of the €25 prizes were Vincent Connelly, Ballymahon Mart, Carmel O’Donoghue, Ballyleague, Sean Farrell, Lisduff and Carolyn Cooney, Lehery.
The new 50/50 proved to be a great success and the first winner of €324 was Mia Dowd, Caramanagh. The club would like to thank you for your support and urge you to continue with the 50/50 draw and purchase your envelope in O’Brien’s, other local outlets and from members of the club. The draw takes place every Monday night.
Lanesboro Bridge
Lanesboro Bridge held a Howell game on Wednesday last 15th October and the results are; 1st Bernadette Clancy and Mary Mc Gushin, 2nd Katharine Harrison and Una Clarke, 3rd Noreen Dunne and Mike Flynn, 4th Frank and Frances Brennan and 5th Mary Casey and Geraldine Cafferty.
Strictly Dancing Dancers Announced
The dancers for the Strictly come Dancing across the Bridge have just been announced by the Rathcline and St. Faithleach’s clubs over the weekend. The dancers representing both clubs are Alan Fayne, Martina Healy, Lee Cullen, Ursula Kilcoyne John Coffey, Brendan O’Sullivan, Rachael Collins, Fidelma Brennan, Jodi Horohoe, James Quigley, Claire Egan, Kenneth Madden, Gerry Nerney, Michelle Killian, Aaron Madden, Caoilfhionn Thompson, Daithi Mulvihill, Patrice Nolan, Colette Wyse, Darragh Hussey, Rita Mc Cormack, Geraldine Hanley, Padraig Murray, Steve Ormsby, Susan Linnane, Caroline O’Reilly, Ollie Trimble, Helen O’Donnell, Michelle Carroll and Brendan Ward.
Tickets became available last week for the Strictly Come Dancing across the Bridge that will take place in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone on Saturday 29th November. Ticket sales are excellent with a lot of people booking or buying their tickets. This promises to be a fabulous night with a host of locals taking to the stage in search of the inaugural Strictly Come dancing over the Bridge title. This night is a joint venture between St. Faithleach’s and Rathcline GAA clubs who are putting a huge effort into making the night a wonderful success. You can play your part too by coming along and supporting the dancers on the night. Tickets are priced €20 each and are on sale in O’Brien’s or from the committees of both clubs. You can book your tickets by phoning O’Brien’s 043-3321107 or emailing your request to joea@iol.ie. It would be a shame to miss out on your tickets for this night so make your purchase or booking immediately.
If anybody wishes to travel by bus to the night in the Radisson Blu in Athlone can they text to 089-2420497. This is a text only facility to book your seat.
Social Dancing
Social Dancing has recommenced in Ballyleague hall. It takes place every Friday night at 8.30pm. The classes cater for all levels of dancers from beginners to advanced dancers and they would like to invite you to come along every Friday for a great social evening.
Cairde Comhrá – Conversational Irish
Are you interested in reviving your Irish speaking? Cairde Comhrá is a group of adults who meet every Wednesday night, 8pm – 10pm, in the Co-op building in Kenagh (The old National School). In an informal setting, the group try to improve whatever level of Irish they have. New members are welcome to join – so if you have very little, a little or a lot and they would like the opportunity to improve your “cúpla focail” please come along.
Have you some spare time?
Athlone Midlands Samaritans are seeking additional volunteers to maintain their befriending service. There is no experience necessary as training will be provided. If you are interested you are invited to call or text 085 2845010. The Samaritans provide a 24hour emotional support on Freephone 116123
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge
The results of the most recent competition are; N/S: Gross and Nett: 1st Patricia McGann and Joan Browne, 2nd Mae Casey and Margaret Gillen, 3rd Mary Conmy and Frank Conmy. E/W: Gross
1st Bernadette Gillen and Patsy Canavan, 2nd Ann Hagan and Carol Hamill and 3rd Bridie McGrath and Mary Moran. Nett:1st Bridie McGrath and Mary Moran, 2nd Bernadette Gillen and Patsy Canavan and 3rd Ann Hagan and Carol Hamill.
Lanesboro Pike Angling
Due to the ongoing problem in the Lanesboro area with regard to the infestation of Asian clam and following communication with Waterways Ireland Lanesboro Pike Angling Club will not be holding any competitions until further clarification is received. The club regrets this decision and they will keep you informed on any further developments.
Thank You
Lough Ree Sub Aqua club would like to sincerely thank everyone that contributed so generously to their Church Gate collection. Your substantial contributions show a great support for your local sub aqua club.
Shannon Gaels
Pride of Parish – on Saturday last our U12 team brought a county title back to the parish for the first time in a long time. We travelled to Pearse Park with great hopes as the previous games between ourselves and Northern Gaels were tight and close with only a point separating us on each occasion. The head to head was one each so Saturday’s final was the decider in every sense of the word.
We did not get off to a great start in the first half playing against a strong breeze. Our lads stuck in there until half time fighting hard but being 6 points down we wondered if their lead was too great. Out lads put in a fantastic second half and emerged county champions with four points to spare. Great credit must go to the lads and their mentors Ciaran Prior, Pauric Farrell and Seadna Ryan for the excellent condition they were in for this final. The panel that brought prise to our parish were: Shane Prior, Tullyvrane, Gordon Farrell, Carrowstrawley, Duileach Ryan, Main St., Sean Kenny, Killinure, Misco Kajan, Cnoc na Gaoithe, Seadhna Ryan, Main St., Richard Prior, Tullyvrane, Evan Chalmers, Clonfower, Kevin Tansey, Cnoc na Gaoithe, Ultan O’Sullivan, Lehery, Briain Casey, Lehery, Mark Dowd, Thureen, Óisín Kenny, Fermoyle, Conor Sorohan, Killinure, Shane Killian, Rathcline, Niall Chawke, Rathcline, Cormac Casey, Lehery, Cathal Casey, Green Gardens, Christopher O’Loughlin, Rathcline Road, Cian Farrell, Gurteengar and Sean O’Donohue, Mahoraveen.
A special word of thanks to Seadna, Pauric and Ciaran for the after match refreshments in Clonbonny.
In the game previous our minor team were beaten by Colmcille. Like the U12 players the minors played into the wind in the first half but unfortunately they left themselves with a mountain to climb having conceded four goals. Time and time again they have proved themselves to be a very resilient squad but on this occasion this mountain was just too high to climb. Despite holding Colmcille scoreless for the second half we could not just find the crucial scores to complete the comeback and failed narrowly to make it a double celebration.
The lads have one chance of a county title when they will again take on Colmcille in the League final which is most likely to be played on Sunday week.
The club would like to acknowledge the support our U12 team got from the Grattans supporters who stayed on to cheer on our U12 team. Their support was noted and deeply appreciated by the Shannon Gaels club.
On Sunday it was back to Pearse Park again for the U14 final against Carrick Sarsfields. After a titanic struggle we just came up short on a scoreline 3-6 to 2-6. The lads gave it everything they had but it was not to be their day. We can be rightly proud of their displays over the year and it is a shame it was not rewarded with a victory on Sunday to go with their League win earlier. Much credit must go to their backroom team of Jimmy Ruske, Mark Glancy and PJ Farrell.
Quirky Quiz – The club urges everyone to support the Quirky Quiz on Friday night at 9pm. WE believe it will be a very unusual and fun night out and one that everyone will enjoy.
Lough Ree AC
Summerhill College Sligo was the venue for the Connaught Primary Schools Cross-Country Championships, 2ith the qualifiers from the six counties in the region takin part. While the day missed the rain, this course was exposed to high westerly winds which may not have suited our lads. Star of the day was undoubtedly young Cian Mc Phillips. The Ardagh youth was a class act when winning the boys 5th/6th class event and showed why he is All-Ireland champion in his age group. Ardagh and Killoe schools were well represented.
Congratulations to Ciaran O’Dowd, who finished in the fifties from a field of 130 despite the fact that he was knocked twice, on this tight course. Well done to Fermoyle girls. As some of their teammates did not travel, they were on a lost cause. Newtowncashel’s Alannah Flood (25th) was best and she will be available again in the same category.
Newcomers to our Tuesday evening runs were David Dalton, Jane Mimnagh, Patrick and Lucy Lane. Indeed young Lane brought in the second best time of the 55 have taken part since September. Cian Walton had the best time and only last week became the only person to break the eight minute barrier for this trip.
Tennis Coach comes to Town
A professional tennis coach from county Meath has been appointed to the role of senior coach for the county’s newest sports club – the Lough Ree Bay Tennis club based in Lanesborough and Ballyleague
Thirty two men, women and children have already signed up for the club and coach Richard Turner from Kells – a high qualified level 2 tennis Ireland official is taking three weekly coaching sessions which are attracting new players from all over Roscommon and Longford.
“We are very pleased with the response so far and the commitment that is being shown” Richard said to the club members this week, “we intend to extend the weekly activities with a second coaching session for adults on Sunday mornings from 10.30am to 11.30am if it is needed.”
If you would like to take up the game of tennis under professional tuition please e mail your contact details to: loughreebaytennisclub@gmail.com
The club already meets for adult tennis coaching at 9.30am on Sundays at the tennis court in Ballyleague marina and it is hoped to start the 2nd session at 10.30am in the coming weeks if there is enough interest from new members.
Tennis coaching for under 14s is progressing at a very successful rate meanwhile in the area. Last weekend 18 children between 5 years and 14 years old met for the weekly session in Ballyleague hall and this weekend the coach Richard Turner will provide tuition for children aged from 5 to 8 years old between 6pm and 7pm in Ballyleague hall on Saturday while children between 8 years and 14 years old can come in for tuition between 7pm and 8pm on Saturdays.
The cost of the tennis coaching is just five euro per person for the hour so everybody is very welcome but please register an interest firstly at loughreebaytennisclub@gmail.com or contact members of the club steering committee Mark Kerrigan, Helen Johnston or Ciaran Mullooly (0433327691)
St. Faithleach’s
Hudson Bay Hotel Group – Senior Football Championship County Final:
Hard luck to our senior squad and management, defeated by St. Brigids in the Championship Final on Sunday last. Final Score: St. Faithleachs 0-07 St. Brigids 3-12. We are extremely proud of all players on the panel and express our gratitude for their dedication, commitment and efforts throughout the year. Team: Stephen O’Connor, Declan McCormack, Cathal Gunn, Derek Murray, Ciaran Brennan, Brian Murtagh, Kevin Farrell, Henry Kenny, Senan O’Grady, Darragh Hussey, Aidan Dooney (0-2), David Rooney (0-1), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-2), Ciaráin Murtagh (0-2), Enda Kenny. Subs used: Colin Gannon, John Mulryan Walsh & James Quigley. Subs: Alan Manning, Patrick Trautt, Paul Brennan, Alan McCormack, Clement McCormack, David Harrison, Shane Phillips, Mickey Cox, Jack Irwin, Jonathan Sweeney, Cian Gannon, Jonathon Hussey. Heartfelt thanks to our tremendous supporters throughout the club, parish and beyond.
Sponsorship: St. Faithleachs GAA club acknowledges the kindness of those who have sponsored and contributed towards the senior football championship County Final. We also acknowledge all who have assisted the Club in other Events. Joe Cribbin (Top Oil), AMBF Electrical, Johnston Pharmacy, Clarke’s Bar, Reuben Catering, Sharon McCormack Make Up, Angelina Fahy Catering, James Irwin Construction, Sean Murtagh Construction, Vincent McGowan Fabrication, Ballyleague Mushrooms Ltd Eugene Kiernan, Ollie Kelly Fabrication, Sean Kelly Construction, Eddie Shay Tyres, Sorohan’s – Lifebelt Bar, C + C Drinks, Chris Cullen Construction, Keane’s Super Valu, Lagan Cement, Brendan Gallagher Kitchens Lucan, Service Matters, Ventura Marquees, Trautt’s Checkout, Ray Curley, Ping’s Chinese, Brehon’s Taxi, Clarke Machinery/Sean Moran, Harry O’Donnell, Sean O’Donnell, Liam & Pat Connaughton, John Rice Taxi, Fergus Hanley Hardware, John & Nuala Gunn, Jimmy & Mary Mangan, Sean Cox Accountant, Shay Rohan Accountant. Roscommon Signs
U21 – D3 Championship: Our U21s have their 1st Championship game on Saturday next, 25th October against St. Barry’s at 4.00pm in Tarmonbarry.
Roscommon U17: Best of Luck to our St. Faithleachs reps with the Roscommon U17 Football development squad in their upcoming Connacht Blitz, Roscommon V Mayo on Friday 24th October at 7.00pm; Roscommon V Galway on Tuesday 28th October at 7.00pm. Both games are in the Connacht Centre.
Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others: Huge Congratulations to our “Mothers & Others Team” and their Management, on their success in the LGFA Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others National Blitz in Dublin on Saturday last. The Ladies played 5 games, won 4 and drew 1. Many thanks and much appreciation to the following for sponsorship of their jerseys, tops and t-shirts for the event-Terry & Imelda Mc Loughlin – Terry’s Meats, Joe & Martina Cribbin – Top Filling Station, Daybreak and Gareth Johnston – Johnston’s Pharmacy
Cards: Game continues every Tuesday in the clubhouse, 8.30pm. All are welcome. Results of last week’s games – winners, Frank/Sean. Runners Up, Tom/Brendan and Anne/Kathleen. The last game winners were Tom/Padraig.
Fitness Classes: Fitness class starting Tuesday 21st October in Ballyleague Hall from 8.30-9.30pm, for 8 weeks. Cost is €35 for 8 weeks or €5 per class. Places are limited; please call Qona Cox on 0862260309 for more info.
Halloween Disco: The club are holding a Halloween Disco on Friday 31st October in the clubhouse. Come along & celebrate Halloween with a Bonfire and Fancy Dress at 8.30pm. Spot prizes on the night.
Strictly Come Dancing – Fundraising Event: Announcing the dancers for our joint fundraising event with Rathcline GAA which will take place on Saturday 29th November in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone. Rathcline GAA Dancers – Alan Fayne, Lee Cullen, John Coffey, Brendan Sullivan, Colette Wyse, Claire Egan, Michelle Killian, Aaron Madden, Daithi Mulvihill, Patrice Nolan, Geraldine Hanly, Susan Linnane, Caroline O’Reilly, Michael Carroll & Brendan Ward. St, Faithleachs GAA Dancers – Helen O’Donnell, Ollie Trimble, Stephen Ormsby, Padraig Murray, Darragh Hussey, Caoilfhionn Thompson, Gerry Nerney, Kenneth Madden, James Quigley, Jodi Horohoe, Rita McCormack, Fidelma, Rachel Collins, Ursula Kilcoyne & Martina Healy. Tickets (€20) available from both Rathcline GAA and St. Faithleachs GAA club executives and many local outlets. You can also book your tickets by contacting the following: Joe O’Brien’s 043-3321107 or emailing your request to joea@iol.ie, Helen Kelly 0860809377 & Brenda Quigley 0868896969. Please ensure that you purchase your Tickets as soon as possible as limited number available. Transport to the event will be available on the night (details to follow).
Scór na nÓg: For anyone interested in trying to establish Scór in the club, please contact Jacqui on 0861721181. Disciplines include figure dancing, solo singing, recitation/storytelling, instrumental music & ballad group or set dancing. Take this opportunity to let your talent shine. To qualify for Scór na nÓg you must be under 17 years of age. This competition will start mid-November.