Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Death
On Tuesday last 14th April the entire area was saddened to learn of the death at Tullamore Hospital of Peter Hanly, Lehery. Pee as he was most commonly known had been sick for two years. The spirit of Pee was clearly evident as for the past two years he suffered greatly but the measure of the man was the measure of his fight and that was phenomenal. Many times he rallied greatly in his attempt to recover. Pee was a native of Lisnacusha, he spent his working life in the power station on Lanesboro. He was also talented as a plumber and many houses in the area has the hand of Pee Hanley in the plumbing. Needless to say he was a hardworking man and a great neighbour. He would never see anyone in distress and was always available to lend a hand. With his wife Maura they resided on the Rathcline Road until they bought their present home in Lehery where Pee turned his hand, excellently, to farming that was deeply engrained in him since his youth in Lisnacusha. Pee was straight and true in all his deeds and actions and it was the quality of the man. He was a man who has a deep faith and his religion meant everything to him. The attendance at the reposing of his remains at his residence on Wednesday and again at his Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro, on Thursday bore ample testimony to the respect in which he was held. Following his Funeral Mass his remains were laid to rest in Rathcline cemetery. To his wife Maura, sons Lewis, Raymond, David and Mark, daughters Áine, Kathryn and Therese, brother Pat and sister May, relatives and many many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Business Memories coming to an end
Cyril O’Dowd says he remembers seeing a photograph of his mother playing tennis on the tennis court at the back of the Lough Ree Arms that was then owned by Rose Shannon. He reminded me that the mill at mill house was once a working mill, ‘Clyne’s Mill’, where all the local farmers brought their corn. Cyril also remembers a man that they used to call ’The Saint’ who live in a hut beside the mill. He would not pass the holy water font when attending mass as he did not feel himself worthy. If you encountered him at the mill he would lead the rosary. John Casey confirmed that his name was a Billy Mahon, otherwise known as Billy of the mill or The Saint.
Donal Mullooly, New York, again, contacted me to remind me that Mrs. Shields snr, Rathcline also had a shop with essential items in her home and he used to run errands across the field for his father.
Nancy Kelly, Cloontuskert, told me of Paddy Casey having his bakery beside Kyne’s house in Ballyleague before moving over to Lanesboro and from whom Fabian Walsh bought the bakery. I omitted that Philip Mc Garry bought the bakery when it was closed and had a thriving business there before moving to the Longford Road – to where Clarke’s are now.
That, I felt, was as far as I could go with the businesses of the parish past and present and I would like to thank everyone for their contributions. I think between us all we have come up with a truly comprehensive historic business trip of the parish and a wonderful trip down memory lane that took us back many a day.
An email from Mary Dore just arrived to my inbox with a further comprehensive list and I have decided to hold it over until next week for publication.
I hope you have all contacted Stella in the library with old photographs and memories of the Main Street. I am sure her trip through the businesses of the Main Street will be fascinating and a must for everyone.
Accommodation badly needed
The need is great and if you can help by providing accommodation on an on-going basis please contact Gerald Farrell, Alan Farrell or O’Brien’s Corner Shop where I will be happy to advertise your accommodation.
Last week I had a German family of five seeking bed and breakfast as they went through the area to the west of Ireland and they could not find any bed and breakfast accommodation. Throughout the summer is would be a nice business and it surely would build to a thriving business as more and more people are being encouraged to the area.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Pauline and Padraig Connaughton, their family and the extended Larkin family on the sudden death of Pauline’s brother Pat Larkin, Kilcurry, Ballymahon on Thursday last 16th April.
Exciting Bog Walk
An exciting bog walk led by Bord na Mona Ecologist, David Fallon, will take place on Sunday 10th May. David is one of the leading authorities on the bogs in the area and his talk will, no doubt, be fascinating as always. With all the changes that are about to take place in the next few years in the landscape of the bog this walk will be hugely interesting and informative.
For those attending you are asked to meet at Curraghroe Church at 10.45am as the walk will commence at 11am. The walks will take place on rehabilitated peatlands Derrycashel and Clonshannagh bogs. As you will be walking through the bogs you are asked to ensure that you bring suitable footwear.
Engagement
Congratulations to Oonagh Casey, Curreen, Rathcline Road, daughter of James and Mary and Kevan Mc Hugh, son of Martina and Bridget Mc Hugh, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal who announced their engagement last week.
Lanesboro Fine Gael
The AGM of Lanesboro Fine Gael was held on Monday 16th February. The meeting was well attended and lively debate took place.
Committee elected: Chairperson Paul Martin, Vice Chair Albert Cooney, Secretary Deirdre O’ Dowd, Treasurer Adie Farrell, Vice Treasurer Pat Brennan, PRO Louis Skelly.
James Bannon TD attended along with our local Councillor Gerald Farrell. Cllr Farrell discussed upcoming tourism developments for the area including the angling hub and new cycle routes for the area. Gerald welcomed the opening of the new fire station in Lanesboro and paid tribute to the work of Adie Farrell and the late Paddy Belton. The Asian clam situation was also discussed at length and the recent start of the dredging was welcomed. Broadband was also discussed at the meeting. Cllr Farrell welcomed funding that had been allocated for Rathcline Graveyard. Cllr Farrell called for more investment for rural jobs, particularly in our local area.
Fishing Festival – a piece of History
The Lanesboro International Fishing Festival was first mooted by Mick Wyse, Chairman of the local fishing club in 1995. Two years later when word went out about the festival entries came from Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Leicester, Wigan and other areas of England and from all over Ireland – north and south. The match was fished over three separate days at the end of August.
By the time of the festival Mick Wyse had passed away and the organising committee ensured that he left a wonderful legacy.
The match committee for the competition was Chairman Brian Tabiner, Vice Chairman Pat Mulryan, Secretary James Maloney and Treasurer Noel Rhatigan.
For the record the overall winners were Nick Harrison 46pts, Lloyd Clarke 44pts and Barry Walsh 42pts. The overall weight for the match was 1059.9 kg or 2220lbs.
I would like to thank Ollie Trimble for the information for this item.
20 years on and we are again holding an International Fishing competition this coming June.
Minister to open Fishing Festival
The Minister for Inland Fisheries Mr. Joe McHugh TD will be in attendance at the ESB Hot water stretch in Lanesboro on Saturday 30th May where he will officially open the International Angling competition that takes place through at the weekend.
Work Opportunities
By a happy coincidence Lanesboro Community College is offering 2 P.L.C. courses this year which should feed directly into the exciting new Center Parcs development in Ballymahon. Students completing either the ‘Outdoor Recreation’ course, held largely in the Boyle area, or the ‘Fitness and Health’ course, held in Lanesboro Community College and on the track, will have a huge advantage when applying for employment with Center Parcs. Both courses run from September 2015 to May, 2016, and will be of approximately 20 hours per week duration. Candidates are expected to hold the leaving cert or an equivalent qualification, or have suitable experience in the subjects covered.
As there is likely to be a big demand for places prospective students are advised to contact Breda at the school, phone 04333 21139, or email lanesborocc.ias@eircom.net
Fair Day
The reenactment of the traditional Fair Day will take place in Lanesboro on Saturday 2nd May. This is a new date and venture for the Fair Day committee and they have also extended the occasion from one day to two with a Family Fun Day on Sunday 3rd May.
Saturday will see the Fair Day take place in the usual format. The best horse of the fair will be sponsored by Leavy Memorials. As usual there will be the now traditional Dog Show in the grounds of the Yacht Bar and it will be sponsored by Maxi Zoo. There will be many stalls on the day selling Tack, Food, Animal health products, refreshments, Home baking, Amusements, Music and much more.
On Sunday the ‘Family day’ there will be a Bonnie Baby competition which will be sponsored by Keane’s Supervalu, a Pie Eating competition, Music in local bars, Bar Man’s Race, ‘Bikes on Display’, Vintage cars in the car park and Amusements.
This is a bold undertaking by the Fair Day committee and one that deserves to be supported in every way possible. To have a festival on May Bank Holiday is a great thing for our community and for everyone that plans to come here for the weekend.
Local clubs and associations are asked to get in touch with Samantha 087-9140903 or Steph 087-3446088. The committee is asking local clubs and associations to be part of the festival by putting on an event ensuring that all aspects and interests of the town’s clubs and associations are involved.
Thank You
Longford MS would like to say a big thank you to all who helped, organized and most importantly contributed to the recent church gate collection.
Vintage Photo Exhibition
Lanesboro library will host a Vintage Car Photographic Exhibition by Michael Connaughton dedicated to the memory of his late son Murray will take place in the library from Friday May 1st to Sat 16th May.
Lanesboro Primary School Athletes
There were great performances at the schools running relays from Lanesboro Primary School. The 6th class girls’ team won a fantastic silver medal on the line. They were all brilliant, Louise Costello, Orla Lyons, Vicky Kajan but Dami Salami was the star doing a fantastic anchor run to move the team up to a silver medal. The boys 6th class team did brilliantly also, Kevin Tansey, Duileach Ryan, Michael Salami and Misco Kajan, finishing an unfortunate 4th but were laps ahead of others in the field so it was a brilliant performance. Kevin gave them a great start. Cormac Casey ran a great race in the individual subs race, just outside the medals. Fermoyle teams also did very well, congratulations to all and to Fabian Walsh and Margaret Mullooly for coordinating the teams.
50/50
On Monday night last 13th April the weekly Rathcline 50/50 draw took place in Adie’s. The delighted owner of the winning envelope Liam Rhatigan, Carrowstrawley who was the lucky winner of €375. The next draw takes place on Monday night next yacht bar on Monday 4th May.
The club appreciates your support for the 50/50 and for only €2 you too can be a winner.
DVD back on sale
The sellout is now over as a new batch of DVD’s are now available for the Strictly come Dancing. Such was the initial demand that there was a complete sellout. The night was great, the memories are great and the DVD captures all the excitement of a fabulous night. Copies can be bought in O’Brien’s for €15 and it will be tremendous watching and hours of totally unbridled entertainment.
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Bridget’s Church, Fourmilehouse, of Philip Cox, son of Gerry and Teresa Cox, Doughill, Curraghroe and Michelle Fannon, Ballinderry, Fourmilehouse, Roscommon on Saturday 21st March. Best man was Sean Mullaney, friend of the groom and groomsmen were Alan Mannion friend of the groom and Ger Molloy friend of the groom and groom’s sister partner. The chief bridesmaid was Ciara Fannon, sister of the bride, bridesmaids were Eílísh and Jennifer Fannon, both sisters of the bride. Pageboys were Shay Molloy and Jack O’Shea nephews of the groom and Flower girls were Megan Molloy and Emily O’Shea both nieces of the groom.
The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Raymond Browne, St. Bridget’s Kilbride and the co celebrant was Canon Kevin Earley, Frenchpark. The wedding reception was held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
On-going Events at the Library
The following are the updated events at the Library and you are encouraged to take part in what event suits you.
Art Class no. 2 on Wednesday 22nd April at 8pm.
Italian Class Level 2: Class 3 on Monday week 27th April at 6pm.
Basic Computer Course starts on this Wednesday 22nd April, 3 to 4.30pm. There is no evening class as there were not enough numbers. Class costs €50 if paid upfront or €10 per week. If you are interested please call Stella on 043 332 1291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Daffodils are on sale in the library in aid of Irish Cancer Society for €3. Please support this very deserving cause.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder The library is still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
Used stamps also being collected at the library for ISPCC.
Knitting & Crochet Group meetings every Monday 2 – 4pm.
Active Age Group meetings every Tuesday 3 – 4pm. New members welcome.
ESOL classes (English for speakers of other languages) continue each Tuesday evening 7 – 9pm.
Book Club continues on Friday 24th April at 11am. All welcome.
Tea Day – Thursday 7th May is Tea Day. Longford branch Alzheimer Society of Ireland invites you to host a Tea Day in your home or workplace. Every € raided will be spent on vital services in County Longford. If you want to participate and want more information you are invited to contact Breda or Mary at 043-3348402/043-3347221 or email www.teaday.ie
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The sun shone all day, the fairways and greens were magnificent, and 27 members and friends of Lough Ree Golfing Society had a very satisfying day’s golf on Saturday last at the lovely Co Longford Golf Course.
The society is very grateful for the usual friendly hospitality from the Captain Peter Gregg and staff at Co Longford Golf Course.
The caterers also are to be complimented.
The golf was good and a great score of 38 points was enough to win the first prize for Fintan Jordan; second with 36 points was Sean Brennan and third on 35 points went to John James O’Shea. The front nine was won by John Martin on 21 points and the back nine was won by Paul Taylor with 19 points. Nearest the pin on the 8th was won by Joe McGrath. The first prize for ladies was won by Fiona Gillen with 28 points. Fiona however wished her prize to go to Catherine Brennan, our captain’s sister who travelled all the way from New Zealand to be with us and Catherine was presented with the prize. The second prize for ladies was won by Bernie Taylor on 21 points.
The society captain Michael Brennan presented the golfer of the year trophy for 2014 to a very popular winner: John James O’Shea. Well done to all and to everyone who played on the day: we all were winners!
Lough Ree Golfing Society is looking forward to another big turnout for their next outing to the lovely Castle Barna Golf Course in Daingean, Co Offaly on Saturday 16th May. The tee is booked from 11.30 to 12.30.
Marriage Education Facilitators wanted
Accord is seeking sensitive and caring people to train as marriage Education facilitators to help young people who are preparing for marriage. If you are will to give some voluntary time to train in this area you should contact the ACCORD office 043-3347222 for full details.
Medical/Defibrillator Assistance
If you need to contact the out of hours doctors service MIDOC you must ring 1850-302702.
If there is a need for the use of the defibrillator or ambulance you must ring 999 or 112. Ask for the emergency service, give your name, address and location when help is needed. You are asked to be as precise as possible to save time.
Longford Primary Schools Relays
Congratulations to Lanesboro Primary School Girls Relay Team who finished in second place in the senior race in Newtownforbes on Friday evening last. At the final changeover Dami Salami took the baton in 4th place and started to make up ground on the girl who was in third. It looked like with a bit of a luck she would finish in third place, but Dami stormed home to finish in second place to the delight of her team mates, Louise, Vicky and Orla. The senior boys finished in fourth position. Congratulations also to the Fermoyle third class girls team of Sinead Connerton, Polly and Josie Myhill and Aoife Kennelly who finished in 3rd place with a great final leg by Aoife. Well done to Longford Athletic Club for organising this great event for Primary Schools.
Last Saturday was the first competition of the year for younger athletes, i.e. Roscommon Championship Under 9 to Under 11 at the Indoor Arena in Athlone IT. We thought we would have more athletes but are glad to say that those who did compete did us proud. Star of the day must be Kieran O’Dowd who had a clean sweep in the Under 11 age group winning all four events, could we ask for more? In the under 10 boys age group, new member Joshua Crawford got a gold medal in the turbo javelin and silver in the long jump while his team mate Ruairí Carling won the 60m sprint with Cormac O’Dowd taking the silver medal. Owen Cox had a great finish in the 500m under 10 to take the silver medal. Best of the girls was Aoife Kennelly who ran a great race to finish in the silver medal position in the 500m under 10. In the under 11 girls, Katie Murray, Polly and Josie Myhill were our representative but full results on their placings are not through yet.
Pike Angling
On Sunday last 19th April the Lanesboro Pike Angling Club held a boat pike angling competition for the Michael Casey Perpetual Trophy. There was a good turnout with 9 anglers and 22 anglers taking part. There was a large amount of fish caught and a total of 27 fish weighed.
The first prize of €125 and the Michael Casey perpetual trophy was won by Brendan Griffith with a fish weighing 15lb 10oz. Second prize of €100was won by Padraig Lynch with his pike weighing 9lb 10oz. The third prize of €80 was won by Blain Carberry whose pike weighed 9lb 4½oz. Fourth prize of €50 went to James Farrell and his fish weighed 6lb 2oz. Andrew Rhatigan finished in fifth place with his pike weighing 6lb 1oz. The prize for the smallest pike was won by Cormac Lynch and the pike weighed 8½oz.
In the draw for the non-fishing members the top prize of a voucher for a two night bed and breakfast and one evening meal break in the Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny city for two people was won by Margaret Tabiner. The three prizes of €50 went to Tony Boland, Yvonne Gray and Conor Sorohan.
The club would like to thank all the anglers, stewards and everyone that helped out on the day. The club would also like to thank Alan Farrell, Yacht Bar for his hospitality on the day.
Shannon Gaels
Shannon Gaels Executive would like to thank everyone who supported our Table Quiz on Friday night last. We would also like to thank our spot prize sponsors: Terry’s Meats, Midland Ice Baths, Johnston Pharmacy, David Dowd Plant Hire, Casserley’s Spar Lanesboro, Supervalu Lanesboro, Declan Fox, Gerard Farrell and Joe and Martina O’Brien. The U14 DIV 1 team away to Longford Slashers on Tuesday 21st at 7pm. There will be an U8 Blitz in Clonbonny on Wednesday at 7pm. The U16 team will play Clonguish Óg on Wednesday 22nd April in Dunbeggan at 7pm and our U14 Div. 3 team play their 1st game on Friday 24th April in Dunbeggan at 7pm against Clonbroney.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior League: St Faithleach’s 1-19, Tulsk 1-09 Team: S. Connor, K. Brennan, D. Murray, B. Scally, K. Farrell, B. Murtagh, D. Harrison, C. Gunn(0-1), J. Quigley, D. Rooney(1-3), C. Murtagh(0-4), D. Hussey(0-1), H. Kenny(0-2), D. Murtagh(0-5) and E. Kenny. Subs: J. Walsh, J. Hussey (0-2), S. Phillips (0-1), J. Sweeney, B. Hussey and D. McCormack. Minor D2 League: Result: St Faithleach’s 2-10, Elphin 2-08. Team: M. Donnell, J. Irwin, J. Farrell, G. Carberry, R. Guinan, D. Nerney, C. Mangan, J. Hussey, (0-1), D. Kelly, C. Smith(0-1), D. Foley(0-2), C. Gannon(0-1), S. Walsh(0-2), D. Lulham(0-1), S. Phillips(2-2). Subs: E. Tynan, E. Farrell, K. Nerney, R. Trimble and C. Gannon U16 Girls D1 Championship Final: St Faithleach’s narrowly lost their final on Sunday last to Padraig Pearses. Team: D. Mc Caffery, P. Jeydreak, S. Hoare, N. Hegarty, A. Curley, M. Kelly, K.M Phillips, K. Byrne, E. Irwin, J. Banahan, S. Scally (0-4), N. Parker, I. Farrell, L. Farrell, O. Costello (1-0), Subs K. Mullooly, C. Curley. The girls would like to thank their management team of Carol Manning, Alan Manning and Maggie Curley, and all those who supported them throughout their championship campaign. U14 Boys: Kilglass/St Barry’s 4-9, St Faithleach’s 4-8. Team: Jack Tucker J.P O’Reilly, Adam Hegarty, Aaron Glennon, Mark Silva, Mark Cox, James Browne, Nathan McGovern, Michael Dunne, David Kilcoyne, Jack Murray, Oisín McGowan, Ronan Banahan and Lee Kilcoyne. U14 Girls Féile Quarter Final: Wednesday last seen the girl’s play St. Dominic’s in the quarter final rounds of the Féile competition, unfortunately it was not their day and lost to St Dominic’s. Team: O. Costello, H. Barry, C. Curley, C. Carroll, O. Irwin, N. Flynn, L. Costello, E. Irwin, M. Hickey, S. Hickey, L. O’Donnell, A. Trimble and M. Banahan. U12 Boys: In a competitive game on Sunday morning St Faithleach’s lost to Kilbride. Team: K. Hannon, O. Kelly, F. Dunne, D. Cullen, J. O’Connor, C. Gannon, J. Murray, C. Betts, O. Murray, L. Kilcoyne, S. Ryan, Subs: R. Byrne, D. Walsh and F. Reynolds. St Faithleach’s represent Roscommon in Croke Park: The U12 Boys team will represent Roscommon in Croke Park in the Respect Exhibition Go Games during Roscommon’s Allianz NFL against Down on Sunday next 26th. This is an amazing opportunity for the boys and we are delighted to have been chosen for the occasion. Roscommon U21: Hard luck to the Roscommon U21 panel and their management on their defeat to Tyrone last Saturday. Our club reps Diarmuid Murtagh and Kevin Farrell did both their club and county proud. Trip to Aghagallon : Following the hosting of St Mary’s GAA Aghagallon, Antrim in last year’s Féile Peil na nÓg , St Faithleach’s are travelling to Aghagallon on Sat 25th to renew friendships and play some challenge games against teams from three counties. We look forward to this event and hope that we can continue to foster the spirit of friendship, community and respect that we received from St Mary’s and that our association will be long lasting. Rathcline GAA
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to young Liam Rhatigan, Carrowstrawley, who was last week’s winner of €375 in the 50/50 draw. The draw is proving to be hugely successful as we have local winners regularly. This is our main source of income which is needed to pay off our big loan repayments. The draw takes place every Monday night at 9pm and envelopes only cost €2 and are available in all local businesses.
Division 2 – Our second league game of the season takes place the May bank holiday weekend. This will be our first competitive game of the new season in Clonbonny. We face Ardagh on Saturday May 2nd at 7pm. For the latest fixtures and results please see our website www.rathcline.gaa.ie Fixtures and Results section.
Longford GAA Annual Punchestown Race Day – The Longford GAA 13th Annual Punchestown Race Day will take place Wednesday April 29th. This has proved to be a very popular annual event. Tickets are priced at €110 and include four course meal, hot afternoon refreshments, admission, race card, celebrity, tipster, bookies in pavilion, bar facilities and music by Busy Fingers. Anyone interested in attending please contact Gerard Farrell on (086) 8745180.
Topaz Cash For Clubs – With only three weeks to go until the closing date for the Topaz Cash for Clubs we urge everyone to get their cards filled up. 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.
Sympathy – The club would like to extend our sympathies to the Hanly family, Lehery, on the recent death of Pee Hanly. RIP.
Minor Club
Table Quiz – Shannon Gaels Executive would like to thank everyone who supported our table quiz on Friday night last. We would also like to thank our spot prize sponsors: Terry’s Meats, Midland Ice Baths, Johnston’s Pharmacy, David Dowd Plant Hire, Casserley’s Spar Lanesboro, Supervalu Lanesboro, Declan Fox, Gerard Farrell and O’Brien’s Corner Shop.
Minor and U16 training takes place on Monday evening 20th April in Grattan’s at 7.30pm. U14’s – Division 1 team are away to Longford Slashers on Tuesday 21st at 7pm. The Division 3 team play their first game on Friday April 24th in Dunbeggan at 7pm against Clonbroney.
U8 Blitz will take place in Clonbonny on Wednesday 22nd April at 7pm.
U16 play Clonguish Óg on Wednesday 22nd April in Dunbeggan at 7pm.
Ladies Club
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 on 086 4046174.