Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Memories are made of this
The week past was one of the most miserable all year. Heavy downpours followed heavy downpours and you would wonder where it all would end.
Come Sunday morning at 6.45am not a cloud was in the sky and even at that time the temperature reading was a heady 6. The smoke from the PowerStation was going straight up, not even a breeze at that height. Was it a false dawn one wondered? The day was a day that the GAA were celebrating 125 years and the Gods looked favourably on them as the day became the best day of the year in every sense of the word. The parish celebrated the occasion in great style and for those present it was a day never to be forgotten. It was a celebration old style where it was a parish celebration rather than the celebration of a club. I must pay great credit to the club for such a day and I know that they have plans afoot for another special occasion on August Bank Holiday weekend. I am sure that it will be on par with all the events they have organised so far this year.
Seeing Eve Donnellan going off to her part-time job in SuperValu on Sunday morning brought some memories back to me – probably because of the day that was in it. Eve’s mother Denise and late father Peter had owned SuperValu before selling to Bernard Keane. It brought me back to my childhood when the same shop was owned by Winnie and Johnny Connor and I began to trace up and down the town of my younger days.
I started at the bridge and came up on the left hand side commencing at nurse Donlon’s shop, the Convent of Mercy and its boarders, Northern Bank, JP Leonard’s shop, Danny and Paddy Mc Guinness shop, Mc Nally’s Garage, Marty McNally’s Lough Ree Arms, Miss Dolan, Paddy and Ann Greene, Bertie and Kitty Leavy’s drapery, Mike Casey’s butchers, Guard Gallagher, Ryan’s Shop and Frank Casey’s Garage, Bill Feeney (now Yacht Bar), John and Mary Glennon drapery, Ger and Ena Farrell, Jimmy and Mary Farrell, Pat and Nellie Smyth, Joe and Mrs Josie Kiernan, Pat and Mrs Bannon, Anthony and Mrs Gaffney, the Parish Priests residence, the Garda barracks, Ivan and Mrs Farrell, Michael and Nancy Coffey, Sean Eivers and his mother Kate, Willie and Mrs O’Neill, Sean O’Neill, Tom and Hannah Eivers and Mrs Lynch, Mary and Joe Farrell, Phil and Nellie Ginty, Mike and Mrs Kenny, Pat and Mrs Carroll, John and Mrs Balfe and Jim and Mrs. Murray and PJ and Mary O’Flaherty hardware and supermarket. On the way down on the other side we had Paddy and Mary Kenny, John and Mrs O’Sullivan, Tom and Mena Feeney, Pat and Mrs Dowd, Jim and Elizabeth Murphy, Ger and Susan Hagan, Christy and Nora Farrell, Alex and Mrs. Coyle, Tomás Farrell, John and Mary Hester, Liza Clyne, Lizzie Maguire- later Beatrice O’Brien, Tom and Mrs Gillooly John Sullivan’s tailor, Joe O’Brien’s Chemist, Johnny and Mrs Harold shop and bicycles, Miss Killian, Ger Farrell’s shop and bar, O’Brien’s Corner Shop, Eddie Kelly’s Chipper, Miss Fox, Maura O’Brien’s chemist – later married Eamon Fallon, Mrs. Clarkes Bar, Tony and Mona O’Flaherty hardware, JP and Mrs Leavy headstones, Martin Mellaney, also known as Martin the Barber, Dinny Malone –cobbler, Tom Scally’s shop, Joe Casey’s Butchers, Dr. Tom and Maura Donohoe, Johnny and Winnie Connors, Mickey Flynn’s Garage, Fabian Walsh’s Bakery, Mike and Mrs Connaughton, the curates residence, Tommy and Mrs. Kelly – Post Office and the parish Hall. On the Ballyleague side of the bridge we had Davy Sheeran bar- now Sorohan’s, Harold Bar, Nancy O’Donnell’s and Kilcline’s shop where we visited after Sunday ‘Hops’ in the Parish Hall. Two others I have to mention on the Rathcline Road were Tommy and Mrs Fitzpatrick’s bicycle shop and Eddie Kelly’s cinema.
I am sure to some of the younger readers are wondering what town I am referring to as there are so many changes. It was a blast down memory lane and brought back many smiles as I went through each house and business. I hope that my memories will bring back the same happy memories that my trip did and indeed bring some people back even further.
This trip would not probably have happened if it were not for the celebrations of the GAA and for that trip down memory lane I am thankful. I, and I hope, all readers that remember their time spent in Lanesboro will have some fond memories from some if not all of the names of the people listed on the Main St and Knock. We remember them as we remembered all the families that gave so much to the parish and Rathcline club during their stay with us.
Lanesboro Community Games
The Lanesboro Community Games Sports day will take place on Monday next May 18th 2009 at 6.30pm on the track. Like the GAA the Community Games is the heartbeat of the community and is a great refection of community spirit. Every parent in the parish with young people eligible to participate should ensure that their child is there to partake in what traditionally is a wonderful day of fun. The Lanesboro area has a long and proud tradition of success and hopefully there will be many there on Monday to continue this great tradition.
Athletics Events are for Boys and Girls
U-8 60 Meters, 80 Meters.U-10 100 Meters, 200 Meters and 20 Meters Hurdles. U-12 100 Meters, 600 meters, Ball Throw, Long Puck – Boys. U-13 Walking Race.U-14 100 Meters, 800 Meters, 80 Meters Hurdles, Shot Putt, Long Jump, Long Puck – Girls.U-16 100 Meters, 1500 Meters, High Jump, Javelin – Girls, Discus – Boys.
Fun events for U-5, U-6 and for Parents!! Medals will be presented on the day for all events.
The county finals will be held in Ballymahon on Sunday June 19th 2009.
Congratulations to Seadna Ryan who came 1st in the under 8 freestyle swimming and to Tara Mc Cormack who came second in the under 12 swimming.
Congratulation to the under 10 football team for reaching the semi final and hard luck to them in semi final where they were beaten by Killoe.
Fianna Fail Church Gate Collection
The annual Fianna Fáil National Collection will take place at each Mass this weekend Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May. Your usual generous support will be once again appreciated.
Death
The death took place in the Thomond Lodge Nursing Home, Ballymahon on Saturday 2nd May of Mrs. Bridget Hurson, 64 The Green. Bridget was predeceased by her husband Michael and daughter Bridie. She was a native of county Monaghan. Bridget was a very quite lady who reared her family in the most loving and caring manner. She dedicated her life to her late husband and family and her effort were proudly rewarded by the calibre of her family. Her remains were removed from Thomond Lodge Nursing Home to St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro on Sunday and following her Requiem Mass her remains were laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery.
To her sons Jimmy, Mickie and John, daughter Rose Mary, relatives and friend we extend our sincere sympathy.
Lanesboro Pike Angling Club
On Sunday last the Michael Casey Perpetual Trophy competition took place on Lough Ree. There was a modest turnout with 6 boats and 15 anglers taking part. There was a large number of fish caught during the competition. But only 13 were weighed. First prize of €150 and the Michael Casey Perpetual trophy was won by Joe Mc Dermott with a fish weighing 9lb 2oz. Second prize of €100 went to Joe Farrell whose fish weighed 5lb 11oz. The third prize went to Brian Tabiner with a fish weighing 3lb11½oz. The draw for non fishing members of 4 shopping vouchers to the value of €50 was won by Richie Shea, PJ O’Neill, Kevin Chapman and Gerry Beirne.
The club would like to thank all the fishermen and look forward to seeing them again at the next outing. The club would also like to thank Joe and Martha Farrell for providing the refreshments after the competition.
Poet in our Midst
Congratulations to Emily Cooper daughter of Steve and Mary Cooper, Clonfower who recently won first prize in the Strokestown Poetry Competition for Secondary Schools in Roscommon. Emily is a student of the Convent of Mercy Roscommon.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
The club really celebrated 125 years of the GAA in style on Sunday last. The day stared out with a gathering of all grades of the club, ladies, underage and senior at the car park where they proceeded to parade to St. Mary’s Church for Mass. They were led by pipers from the Longford Pipe Band, club president Hilary O’Sullivan and club banner bearers. It was an impressive sight and quite moving to see the club represented in such fashion and in such numbers. The day was mightily impressive and it was a great credit to everybody that the day went so smoothly.
The club would like to thank Fr. Mickey Reilly for his warm welcome and striking ceremony. His input was greatly appreciated and indeed was the highlight of the day’s proceedings. We would like to thank both Eileen Kenny and Annette Farrell for the bows on the seats – they added greatly to the club presentation. We would like to thank all club participants and those that donated club memorabilia as gifts. A special word to Teresa Costello and the Scόr group for their musical contribution. Thank you to Theresa Mullooly for all her time she spent in making the big number of club flags. To James and Mary Casey for their excellent catering at the club ground – a big thank you. What can you say about out MC and commentator for the day Vinnie Mc Gowan? His performance added greatly to our celebrations
The club deeply appreciates the contribution of historic documents by Eddie Farrell and indeed are greatly indebted to Eddie for making the journey to Lanesboro to officially unveil the documents. The club wishes to thank the Strokestown club for the use of their jerseys – their colours are similar to the John Martins colours that were worn by the first teams from the parish. The club thanks all those that ensured that the club grounds were spic and span following the day’s festivities. We would like to thank Jimmy and Breda Brennan and family for their hospitality in the Peer on Sunday night and musicians on the night club member Kevin Carberry and Conor Boland. We would also like to thank St. Faithleach’s for the blitz they organised for the under 8’s and under 10’s and their hospitality afterwards. The club also thanks Joe and Martina O’Brien for cones for both the under 8 and 10 teams.
Finally the club would like thank all the players that took part – the under 12 boys who played the under 14 girls. The senior team in wellingtons who played the under 14 boys and that led to some comical moments.
A special word to the under 16 boys who had to forgo the opportunity to play a football game to give an excellent exhibition of rounders. Lads our contribution was much appreciated.
Finally, we would like to thank the ‘legends’ who turned out in such numbers to give the big crowd many spills and thrill and as predicted last week tears of laughter. A special word to Kevin Murray, manager of the John Martins team who gave his team such a rousing team talk that they took an early lead and I think were afraid to lose it such was his intensity. A word of thanks to Linda Kilcoyne and Lauren Guinan who did their best to stir their team into action – all to no avail.
We now concentrate to all on field activities and hope the spirit of Sunday last will drive all our players on to great things.
We look forward to our next club off field events on August Bank Holiday weekend.
Under 6 – training commences on Thursday week at 6.30pm. Under 10- lost to Killoe in the Community Games semi final and have no training this week. Under 14 – League continues every Tuesday evening. Under 16 – their game on Saturday last had to be called off at short notice due the inclement weather and they have a bye this Thursday in the league. Under 18 – the team play Cashel this coming weekend – see fixture list for details.
Lanesboro Primary School Enrolment
All new infants intending to attend Lanesboro Primary School this coming September are invited to an enrolment afternoon in the school on Friday 15th May between 1pm and 3pm.
Kids Angling Competition
On Saturday next 16th May, Lanesboro Pike Anglers will host a Kids Competition for boys and girls aged 15 and under. The competition is for Lanesboro and district and will take place along the hot water stretch. Entries will be taken at 10am and the entry fee is €1. There will be prizes galore to be won on the day.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The captain of Lough Ree Golfing Society, Paddy Donlon and the committee members, Frank Conmy, Charlie Brennan, Jim Finn, Joe Mc Grath and Brendan Whitty invite old and new members to an enjoyable day’s golf at Roscommon Golf Club on Saturday 16th May. The tee is booked from 10am to 11am and to be sure of getting on the time sheet please text your name to Secretary Frank Conmy, 087-9730611 as soon as possible as there are only a limited number of places remaining.
Membership is open to all golfers; ladies and juveniles especially welcome.
Ballyleague NS
Enrolment for the academic year 09/10 will take place in the school on Friday next 15th May between 2pm and 3pm. Application forms and alternative arrangements are available on request. Phone 21906.
Ballyboro
U11 Boys Final: Ballyboro V Lisryan. Final Score 5-4 (after Extra Time & Penalties)
The weather proved difficult for both teams in the U11 Premier Division Final on Wednesday evening last in Abbeycartron. Both teams were fighting fit and ready for action. A great crowd of supporters got behind the teams as the game kicked off. Boro signalled their intent early, Midfielder Kevin Sorohan put in an impressive performance. Boro opened up 7 minutes into the game when Mikey Cox delivered a cracking free-kick to Jonathan Hussey who put Boro ahead with a neat finish into the bottom right corner. Just before the break, defender Joseph Farrell, on his marker throughout, made a great clearance firing the ball onto Hussey up front who found Shane Phillips one-on-one with Lisryan goalkeeper. Phillips drove the ball into the back of the net and Boro were 2-0 up. Jack Irwin displayed some great defending skills, rock solid throughout. The 2nd half saw Lisryan fighting back strong & hard. Cian Gannon came on for Boro, got stuck into the game giving it his all. Lisryan scored their 1st goal in the 8th minute. Kevin Sorohan & Mikey Cox covered every ground while Lisryan pilled on the pressure to secure their 2nd goal in the 16th minute. Level at full-time saw the game heading for extra-time with both teams pulling out all the stops. Lisryan scored in the 3rd minute & were in the driving seat but Boro weren’t giving up. Goalkeeper Eran Farrell was outstanding in pulling off 2 fantastic saves before Jonathan Hussey delivered an impressive long-range free-kick to find Kevin Sorohan scoring for Boro & the sending the game to Penalties. Credit to keeper Eran Farrell who kept his cool was ready for the moment. After 4 nail-biting penalties taken by both sides, Boro claimed the Title with a 2-1 victory. Under immense pressure, penalty takers on target for Boro were Shane Phillips & Mikey Cox. A magnificent game of football and huge credit to all players on the panel for their efforts. Many congratulations to: Eran Farrell, Joseph Farrell, Jack Irwin, Kevin Sorohan, Mikey Cox, Shane Phillips, Jonathan Hussey, Cian Gannon, Conor English, Niall Nolan, Jamie Donohue, Cormac Thompson & Daniel Barry. Huge thanks to Manager/Mentors John Gannon & Michael Cox for their dedication and commitment throughout the year. Many thanks to all parents for their support throughout the league and to the great following of Boro supporters for the final.
U11 Girls Final: Ballyboro V UCL Dolphins. Final Score 6-4 (after Extra Time)
Our U11 Girls were defeated by UCL Dolphins in their Final on Saturday morning last in the Mall, Longford. Well done to all girls on the panel for a hard fought game of football between two strong sides. Team: Tara Nerney, Ellen Hegarty, Catherine Brennan, Niamh Scally, Rachel Costello, Rachel Banahan, Aoife Magan, Dearbhail Flood, Shannon Rooney, Leona Hoare, Lynn Gill, Niamh Gavigan. Goalscorers on the day for Ballyboro were Niamh Scally, Rachel Costello, Rachel Banahan and Aoife Magan. Congratulations to Aoife Magan who was announced as the Winner of the LDSSL U11 Girls Player of the League. Huge thanks to Manager/Mentors John Hegarty & Bernie Scally for their dedication & commitment throughout the year and thanks to all parents & supporters for getting behind the girls throughout the league & on the day of the Final.
U7: Ballyboro Lions V Erne Valley Rovers. Final Score 2-1.
The Lions completed their season unbeaten after a hard fought 2-1 victory of Friday last. Once again this was a great team performance with all players playing very well. 2 great goals from Liam Ormsby in the 1st half set the Lions on their way and they and they had to withstand a strong 2nd half comeback from Erne Valley after they pulled a goal back. Lions can now look forward to next season. Well done and congratulations to all players on the panel: Dylan Donlon, Michael Dunne, Nathan McGovern, James Browne, Orla Costello, Chloe Hussey, Jennifer Brennan, John McLoughlin, Evan Chalmers, Ultan O’Sullivan, Liam Ormsby.
Indoor Market
Indoor Market continues to grow in the Lough Ree Co-op Hall every Friday from 11am. – 2 pm. The latest addition is the fish stall. Why not pay a visit and pick up some good food.
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Ardagh Clonmacnois Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Wednesday 27th May to Monday 1st June. The pilgrimage will be led by Bishop Colm O’Reilly, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois. The pilgrimage Director is Monsignor Bernard Noonan, Moate phone 090 6481180 and the invalid section is dealt by Fr. Michael Scanlon P.P. Cloghan phone 0902-57122. The cost of the pilgrimage is €725 inclusive per person.
St. Faithleach’s GAA Club Notes:
O’Rourke Cup: We drew with Western Gaels on Saturday last. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 1-5 Western Gaels 1-5. Team: D. Thompson, B. Scally, D. Murray, D. Thompson, A. Murtagh, E. Kenny, S. Ormsby (0-1), G. Cox, A. Brehon, J. Connor, S. O’Grady, B. Murtagh (0-2), D. Hussey (0-1), A. Dooney (1-0), C. McCormack (0-1). Subs: P. Murray. Next weekend we play Elphin, see fixtures for details.
Tansey Cup: We had a win over St. Croan’s on Monday last. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 2-7 St. Croan’s 1-7. Team: M Tarmey, P. Hunt, J. Vesey, D. McCormack, M. F. O’Grady (0-1), D. Murray, B. Scally, J. Quigley, P. Murray (0-1), K. Cox, A. Brehon (0-1), B. Hussey (1-0), P. Brennan (0-1), B. Reynolds (0-2), D. Rooney (1-1). Subs: D. Ryan, J. Connor, A. Kenny, P. Rooney. The next match takes place next Saturday against Dominic’s, see fixtures for details.
Junior Ladies: We play against St. Barry’s in the Final on Saturday next at 7.30pm in St. Faithleach’s. The club wishes all the ladies and mentors the very best of luck and encourages as many as possible to go along and support.
Congratulations: To Carol Manning & Emma Hussey with the Roscommon Ladies who captured the Division 3 National League Title on Saturday last in Kiltoom where they defeated Wicklow.
Lotto: Next draw on Tuesday 12th May, Jackpot €8,200. The team on duty is G. Donlon, P. Kenny, R. McCormack and T. Irwin.
The card game continues every Tuesday night in the Club House, 9 o’clock sharp. New Players welcome. The results of last week’s game were 10 games – Pat Joe/Tim. 9 games – Tom/Packie. Last game – James/Tommy. Ticket winners – M. Kyne, M. Flynn, P. Feeney, B. Hanly.
La na gClub Celebrations – Minor Club: Special word of thanks to Minor Club Secretary, Emma Brennan who organized the La na gClub celebrations for Sunday last which began with Mass at 11 o’clock in Ballyleague where all our players wore their St. Faithleach’s jerseys. Emma Brennan introduced the History of the Club. Many thanks to all children who participated in the Mass by doing special readings and bringing up gifts to mark the occasion. Many thanks also to Fr. Larney for his help. Later on Sunday evening our U6, U8 and U10 teams participated in a Blitz of matches with children from Rathcline GAA Club and a great evening was had by all. Refreshments were served afterwards in the Club House. Many thanks to all involved. Special thanks to Rathcline GAA Club who presented St. Faithleach’s GAA Club with a token to mark the occasion.
Upcoming Events: Minor Table Quiz, Sunday 17th May at 5.00pm, Tables of 4 costing € 20 per table, great prizes on the day. Social Night deferred until 13th June, details to follow.
Congratulations: To all the boys & girls from the parish who were Confirmed on Friday last in Ballyleague Church.
Roscommon County Community Games: Taking place on Sunday 31st May & Monday 1st June in St. Faithleach’s GAA Pitches & Grounds.
Congratulations: To the Ballyboro U11 Boys who won the LDSSl U11 Premier Division Title on Wednesday last where they defeated Lisryan 5-4.
Merchandise: Club Merchandise now on sale, please phone Derek Thompson on (087) 8172668. Golf Society: Anyone interested in forming a Golf Society please contact Derek Thomson on (087) 8172668 for details.