Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Play, this Saturday night
A play, Padraig Potts Guide to Walking, written and performed by the highly acclaimed Seamus O’Rourke will be staged in Lanesboro Parish Hall on this coming Saturday night 7th March at 8.30pm. Seamus is no stranger to Lanesboro’s Parish hall and his previous plays have received great attendances. This promises to be another great night of hilarity and a play not to be missed. As Seamus says of the play“The play follows the life of Padraig Potts McKeirnan, who has a habit of just eating whatever is on his plate… metaphorically that is… from growing up near the tiny rural village of Drumnamee, County Leitrim in the 70’s and 80’s to falling in love with Silvia Lang, a perfect protestant girl… to marrying Mary Tague, the priests housekeeper, who he never really liked… to getting rid of Mary Tague and her mother, who he claims invented vinegar… and eventually to the realisation that the world isn’t as big as he first thought”.
Tickets, €10, are available in O’Brien’s or can be booked by phoning Martina 043 33 21107 or can be bought at the door on the night.
It is time for Action
Two weeks ago I reported the drinking under the bridge and the littering of the area. After a break of one week they are back again drinking, littering. It is time that this was curtailed and the actions of some in our community is halted. The question has to be asked as to where they are getting the drink and who is buying it in quantities that can be seen with the amount of empty cans thrown around. Is there nobody to monitor what happens when young people in the early part of the evening circa 8-9pm. I think it is time that a Rota is drawn up of concerned people to ensure that our young people are not being drawn into this drinking culture. It would be wrong if our young were inveigled by peer pressure into going down under the bridge and drinking.
At intermittent times between 7.30pm and 9 pm every Friday night parents and locals alike should stroll down along the banks each side of the bridge to ensure nothing untoward is happening there. Our concerns are for our young and a few minutes of our time on a Friday evening should not be too much to ask. We should not allow our area to be desecrated by a mindless few.
Missing
Three lifebelts along the banks of the Shannon in the vicinity of the bridge have gone missing and one can only presume that vandals took them from their place of placement. The lifebelts, as we all know, are vitally important towards the saving of lives in the event of anyone falling into the water in this area. It cannot be stressed enough the value of the lifebelts and if anyone reading knows where they are can they leave them at the back of the hall where members of the local community can put them back in their rightful place. Vandalism such as this cannot be accepted within our community as we strive to make our area a better place for everyone to live in.
Lanesboro Social Services Whist
Lanesboro Social Service is an extraordinary committee in the parish of Rathcline. They do so much unseen work and support people in need in our parish. To do so they continually depend on your support and one of the means of support is the monthly Whist Drive that will take place on this coming Friday night 6th March at 8.30. The support of all card players will be greatly appreciated, especially the Bridge and 25 card players as Whist is a ‘trick’ game which is comparable to both mentioned games. Go along on Friday and have a fun night of card playing. As usual light refreshments will be served.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Ann and Gay Farrell and family, Lehery, on the death of Ann’s mother Mrs. Helen Mc Carthy, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare. He remains were laid to rest on Friday last 26th February.
The search and memories goes on
Have you looked up old photographs for Stella O’Sullivan in the library? She wants the old photographs of all the businesses of the Main Street going back as far as possible. If you think you have old photographs please go and search and bring them to Stella where she will copy/scan them and return them to you.
Paddy Greene ran a taxi business from his residence and Eddie Kelly had a taxi run to Dublin every Monday and Thursday. As well as previously mentioned Johnny and Winne Connors, Willie and son David Johnston had their own door to door milk delivery run and I am also led to believe that previous to that Clarke’s also had a milk delivery run the name Jack Mulvihill was mentioned as the delivery man. St. Mary’s hall was the barracks prior to the one we now know, being built in the mid/late 50’s.
If I am missing anyone please let me know, as Stella needs to know the businesses and she really wants the photographs to create the history on Main Street through photographs.
Céilí on Sunday next
Following the great success of the Céilí in December the committee will hold another céilí in St. Mary Parish Hall on Sunday week 8th March. The sets will commence at 4pm and the dancing will continue until 7pm. The last céilí was mighty and we are hoping that all local dancers will be advertising it at all their dance lessons and also at the celli’s they attend in the next few weeks.
As usual refreshments will be served and a number of door prizes will also be won in the raffle. Admission will be €10
County U21s
Longford had a convincing victory over Wicklow in Cashel on Wednesday night last. They will now play Louth in the quarter final in Cashel on this Wednesday night at 7.30pm. We wish our representation of Liam Connerton, Shane Kenny and Eoin Sorohan and their team mates the very best of luck against Louth and look forward to a semi-final place against the winners of Laois and Dublin.
50/50
The lucky envelope was drawn on Monday 23rd February in Adie’s by Seamus Flynn. The winning envelope was in the name of Malachy Mc Kearney, Weakfield and Malachy was the winner of €397. The next draw will take place on Monday 9th March in the Peer Inn.
For only €2 you too can be a winner and support the club. The club deeply appreciates the support it has received since the inception of the draw.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
We are only a few weeks away from one of the biggest occasions in the calendar year in the area. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is truly a sight to behold as the parade winds its way through Ballyleague and Lanesboro. It is an occasion not be missed either as a float entrant or a spectator. The committee do such a wonderful job in organising the event and they must be complimented for their great work. Hopefully the floats are all nearing completion and the parade will be bigger and more colourful than ever and that the attendance will break all records. It is a day of celebration and nobody does it better that the community of Lanesboro and Ballyleague.
The closing date for entry of floats is Thursday 12th March and all entries must be made to Freda Connaughton, Longford Road, or they can be left into O’Brien’s Corner Shop. All entries must be accompanied with a €20 entry fee and the importance of the entries being made in time cannot be stressed enough as the logistics of the day will then have be put in place and this takes time.
The day will commence with a traditional mass that, this year, will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro at 11.30pm. Music, song and dance will be provided by the parish choir and local dancers.
The prizewinning categories are; Best dressed window, Best club, Best junior, Most original, Best business, a new category this year, Best Vintage, and the Overall winner.
If you need further information contact Freda 086-1534232 or Teresa Costello 086-8127560.
Anthony Healy Card Game
Friday 13th is going to be a very lucky day for one very lucky person. Tickets are on sale for an absolutely wonderful prize and it is a draw that you should definitely have your ticket for such an excellent prize. The first prize is a heater stove that will be supplied and fitted by Shane Healy Plumbing and Heating and Gordon Heating Supplies. To buy and have one installed would be very pricey but to win it in the draw would be fantastic. Tickets are only €10 each and are on sale locally in almost all business premises.
The annual Anthony Healy Memorial Card Game will take place in Clarke’s bar on Friday 13th March starting at 9pm.
We all remember Anthony with a great fondness and his memory never diminishes and it is very fitting that the proceeds from the card game and the draw will go to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. You are asked to be very supportive of the draw and also the card game.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sympathy to Martin and Annette Farrell and family Clonfower, Christina Farrell, Mike Brennan and Roisín Brennan the extended Farrell families on the death of Bridget Mulvihill, Stonepark last week.
Lanesboro Pike Angling Club
Annual membership is now available from any committee member or from the Yacht bar. The fees are Adults €10 and OAP and juniors €5.
There will be a special prize for non-fishing members with details to be announced at a later date.
These coming years will be very busy and driven for the club and they seek your full support.
The recent formation of the angling hub to cater for an international fishing competition in 18 months’ time will have great benefits for the community and we would like to ask everybody to throw their weight in behind the club and the hub. This development will be very beneficial for the entire community.
Strictly DVD now on Sale
The DVD’s of the wonderful Strictly Come Dancing Over The Bridge has now become available. This night was one of the best nights ever in the communities of Rathcline and St. Faithleach’s and now that the DVD has become available the night will forever live on. Copies can be bought in O’Brien’s for €15 and it will be tremendous watching. Rathcline Cemetery
Presently, there is a lot of work going on at the cemetery and if you have a little time on your hands the committee would encourage support for Johnny Hanley in getting this work done completed in a short space of time as possible. Bring along a shovel and barrow and do your bit in getting the job complete. On entry you can see the work that has to be done and your time will be greatly appreciated.
Colmcille Gardening Club Colmcille Gardening Club invite you to a talk with Fíann Ó Nualláin, award winning garden designer, author and TV/Radio broadcaster. Topics include; Grow your Own vegetables, Sustainable gardening and First Aid for garden plants. The talk will take place on Saturday 7th March at 2.30pm in the Community Centre, Aughnacliffe. Admission €5 (including refreshments). Everyone welcome.
Shannon Gaels
Shannon Gaels Minor and U16 training continues on Tuesday 3rd March in Coop hall from 7 to 8pm
U13 and U14 training on Friday 6th March in Grattan’s from 6.30 to 7.30pm
Special Minor league begins on Next Sunday 8th March in Oliver Lynch Park against Northern Gaels at 12pm
Congratulations to Mercy Ballymahon U14 team who won U14 C semi-final on Friday last against Mountrath Co Laois. Well done lads.
Old Clothes
If you have old clothes you want to dispose of you can do so by contacting Mike 086 4046174 and he will arrange delivery or collection. Your donation will go towards supporting the Rathcline Ladies GAA club
Angling Hub
The next meeting of the new Lough Ree Lanesborough angling hub will take place on Tuesday March 10th at 8pm in Sorohan’s Lifebelt Bar Ballyleague at 8pm. The hub has been extremely busy since it was set up three weeks ago and meetings have already taken place with the Angling Council of Ireland, IFI, ESB and the Minister for Tourism Michael Ring.
A major coarse fishing competition is now scheduled to take place on the June bank holiday weekend and last week the Hub promoted the event at the area in front of 5000 anglers at the National Angling show in the Swords Exhibition Centre. The hub wish to thank Philip Gordon, Joe Cribbin and Alan Horohoe for taking the time to attend the show and promote the area. Thanks also to the Mens shed members Conor Bolan and John Burke who also helped on the day and to the Ballyleague Village Renewal group and the Lanesborough angling club who helped to sponsor leaflets and transport costs.
The hub will again be promoting the area at a major angling exhibition in Farnborough UK in late March and is presently seeking help with transport costs and leaflets. To assist please speak to Hugh Keane – the hub chairman or e mail: loughreeanglingbnub@gmail.com
The hub has also taken delivery of equipment supplied through the NCFFI and ACI for our new Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub Our thanks to Der Casey, Martin McEnroe and the lads who presented a selection of feeder rods, match rods, reels with line, life jackets and throw ropes to our Chairman Hugh Keane and Vice Chairman Gerald Farrell this week.
This gear has been issued to ourselves for use in coaching sessions for the hub. This equipment was much needed to further our young anglers, it is only for coaching purposes not to be handed out for keeps. Now we are looking forward to March and April so we can get on with this years coaching program! Anybody who is interested in coaching sessions please let Ciaran Mullooly know. Once again thanks to all involved so far
At a meeting of the Lough Ree Lanesborough hub on February 10th we handed around a sheet and asked people to volunteer for working committees. A number of people have subsequently contacted us and asked to be included on committees
So this is our line up as of February 25th, 2015
The Chairman is now asking members on these committees to go ahead and convene meetings of these working committees up to and on the second Tuesday of March when the hub meets next and committees can be finalised.
Public Affairs/PR/Marketing: Gerald Farrell, Hugh Keane, Mick Cahill, Mark Casey, Ciaran Mullooly and Kathleen Shanagher.
Development/Training/Coaching: Oonagh Flynn – St Christopher’s, James O’Flaherty, Carolyn Kyne, Joe Cribbin, Angela McCormack – Bros of Charity and Jimmy Flanagan – Lanesborough CC.
Finance/Sponsorship: Gareth Johnston, Hugh Keane, Gerard Farrell and Michael Nevin
Fishing Competitions: Alan Farrell, Eithne Clyne, Joe Cribbin, Philip Gordon, Paul Waghorn and Daniel Hoare
Hospitality/Accommodation: Alan Horohoe, James O’Flaherty, Gerald Farrell, Alan Farrell, Michael Cooney, Ursula Hannon and Gareth Johnston
Asian Clams: John Devaney, Oisín Naughton, Lanesboro Commerce committee nominee, Gerald Farrell, Joe Cribbin and Paul Waghorn
For more information come along to the next hub meeting on Tuesday night next March 10th at 8pm in Sorohan’s.
Novena of Hope
A bus will travel to the Novena of Hope in the Graan, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh on this coming Saturday 7th March. For bookings and further details you are invited to call Seamus 086-3901060.
Lough Ree AC
The International Indoor Arena in Athlone was the venue for the Connaught Indoors on Saturday and Sunday last. The club had a number of for athletes competing on Saturday in the Under 12 and 13 Age Group with the older age groups and the Senior Competition on Sunday. Details of placing’s are sketchy at the moment as the full results have not yet been published. However suffice to say we did not come home without medals, Caoilinn Flood jumped a personal best in the high jump under 13 to bring home the bronze medal while Mark Brady secured gold in the senior shot putt on Sunday. Congratulations to our medal winners and well done to all the participants. Full report to follow next week.
Annual Ronan Mc Cormack Challenge
Plans are well underway for the Ronan McCormack Charity Challenge 2015 which is happening in Roscommon on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th March.
It is that time of year again where organisers try to raise funds for charity, encourage participation and bring business into town. On March 6th and 7th Roscommon looks forward to welcoming runner’s walkers and cyclists from near and far and of all abilities to the start lines. Each person will enjoy a fantastic challenging experience whilst remembering a wonderful young man and his 2 friends along with helping our charities with much needed funding. Ronan was sadly taken from this world in a car accident in May 2010. He was just 26 years of age. This charity challenge is to remember Ronan and to remind people of the love and laughter, amusement and devilment that he brought to our world for the short while he was with us.
Over the last 2 years 600+ participants cycled 100km and/or ran 5km to raise €53,000 for The Jack and Jill Foundation and Roscommon Special Olympics Club. This year the chosen charities are the Jack and Jill Foundation and Pieta House West. There will also be a donation made to Burrenview Child Development Centre Galway and Roscommon Special Olympics Club.
The interest in this year’s event is amazing and the numbers participating will hugely exceed numbers from the previous 2 years. We have large groups out training during the weeks and at weekends. Training builds friendships and interest in a common goal. Registrations are flying in daily with huge interest from people outside of the county. Our Facebook page has close to 16,000 followers at the moment and growing daily. The event this year will be held on Friday 6th March with a 10km digitally timed Moonlight run/walk around Roscommon Town at 8.15pm and then on Saturday the 7th (which will be Ronan’s 31st birthday) there will be a cycle with a choice of 60, 100 and 160 km.
Any business that may be interested in becoming involved with the event should email t ronanschallenge@eircom.net or 0861721181. It is expected that this weekend will be very well supported and bring athletes/families/tourists into town. As in previous years the spin off if supported correctly will hugely benefit the local business community. Nothing similar to this event has been organised in Roscommon town before but the interest in it from people from the county and far beyond is growing daily and it promises to be a great weekend. After the trials of both challenges a social night will be held in Foxe’s Goff Street Roscommon on Saturday 7th where our annual darts competition will be held with valuable prizes on offer on the night. Places are filling up fast so it would be advisable to register soon to guarantee your place. You can do this through our Facebook page or by texting 0861721181.Organisers wish to thank most sincerely participants who have registered so far. Your support is more than appreciated. It will still be possible to register on the day. Registration for the 10km Moonlight run/walk will open at 5pm on Friday 6th. It will also be possible to register for the cycle during this time. On Saturday morning 7th Registration for the cycle will open at 7.15am. Sponsorship cards are also available and any donation however small can make a big difference. €10 buys one hour homecare for a child with special needs and €20 goes a long way to fund an hours counselling for someone who needs the service of Pieta House. If you need any further information please contact Jacqui on 0861721181 or Noel on 087-2265114 for further details.
Rathcline GAA
Padraig Potts’ Guide to Walking – The play Padraig Potts’ Guide to Walking, written and performed by Seamus O’Rourke will take place next Saturday night March 7th at 8.30pm in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro. A great night’s entertainment promised! Tickets are selling fast and are only €10. Get yours now to avoid disappointment. Tickets are available in O’Brien’s and from executive members and from the ladies club.
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to Malachy Mc Kearney, Weakfield, who was last week’s winner of €397 in our 50/50 draw. The draw continues every Monday night at 9pm and envelopes are available in all local businesses for only €2.
Topaz Cash For Clubs – Topaz have announced a new initiative for clubs and communities. When you spend €40 or more on fuel you collect a stamp. These cards and stamps are available in all Topaz stores nationwide and Cullen’s XL is our local one. Once your card is full with stamps you can return it to Cullen’s or to a member of the Rathcline executive with your club name written on it. The cards will then be returned to Topaz for a draw on May 15th where the prizes are as follows: 1 club will win €10,000. 10 clubs will win €5000. 140 clubs will win €1000. Every club thereafter will receive €250. We would ask everyone in the community to try and get involved and you can also get friends or family around the country involved collecting for our club.
Strictly Come Dancing DVD – If you missed our great night’s entertainment and our amazing dancers or you just want to relive the night again, then why not get your hands on the DVD of the night! DVDs are on sale in O’Brien’s, Adie’s and St. Faithleach’s clubhouse priced €15.
Membership is now due for the coming year. Our first game of the season will be a league game against Killashee on March 21st and it’s compulsory that all players must be registered before this if they want to play. Players’ registration fee is €50 and non-playing members is €20. Players are asked to pay their registration to Brendan Rhatigan or James Hanley. Non playing members can pay their fee to Peter Skelly or Denis Crinigan.
Longford U21s – Congratulations to the Longford U21s who beat Wicklow last week in the Leinster Championship. They now face Louth this Wednesday 4th March in Cashel at 7.30pm. Best of luck to Liam Connerton, Shane Kenny and Eoin Sorohan who are on the panel.
Minor Club
U16 and Minor training continues on Tuesday 3rd March in Co-Op hall, Lanesboro from 7-8pm. U13 and U14 training continues on Friday 6th March from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Grattan’s.
Mercy Ballymahon U14’s – Congratulations to the Mercy Ballymahon U14 team who won the U14 ‘C’ Championship semi-final against Mountrath, Co. Laois on scoreline of 1-11 to 1-09. Best of luck to them on their upcoming final.
Ladies Club
Padraig Potts’ Guide to Walking – The ladies club have tickets available for the upcoming play in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Saturday 7th March. Tickets are only €10 and it promises to be a great night.
1st round of league – The senior ladies have their first match of the year when they take on Killoe in Killoe next Sunday March 8th at 11.30. Best of luck with the new season to all involved.
U14 and U16 training continues every Sunday at 12 in Clonbonny. All new players are welcome.
Engagement – Congratulations to our number one keeper Karina Mulvihill who recently got engaged to Gerry Davis, Ballinalee. We wish you both all the best for the future!
Clothes collection – The clothes collection continues for the ladies club. Anyone who has old clothes they wish to dispose of please contact Madaleine or Mike.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
In conjunction with the HSE St Faithleach’s GAA ran a suicide awareness course, the club would like to thank Brendan Healy our Wellbeing Officer for organising the course which provided the participants with an insight of the issues and a deeper understanding of the subject which affects not only our players but the community at large. The club is committed to providing help and support to all our players/managers/mentors and indeed to all of the people within our parish. U16 Girls : Match against Padraig Pearses due to be played Sunday was cancelled due to weather conditions, the next game is against St Mary’s on Sunday next at 4pm. Minor Men : The match due to be played on Sunday 1st March was called off due to pitch conditions, The next takes place in Oran on Sunday next at 11am. Table Quiz: A table quiz will be held in the clubhouse on Friday 6th March, table of four is €40, all ages and abilities are welcome. Lotto: The jackpot of €12,000 was not won, the numbers drawn were 10, 28, 29 and 30. The five €20 winners were: Joe/ Martina Cribbin, Majella Kelly, Bill Keane, Maureen Kilmartin and Martha Thompson. Cards: Joint winners, Dan/Pat, Vincent/Annmarie, Bill/Kevin. Last Game Sean/Seamus. Card Game every Tuesday night in the clubhouse at 8:30pm. Congratulations to Paddy & Carol Neilan on the birth of their baby boy