Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
The Green – a living history
I made an error in my listing of no 3 it was Bernie and Sue Shields that lived in it and not June as previously inadvertently mentioned. Mary O’Halloran (nee Masterson no 44) told me prior to Mick and Annie Rose moving in that the Christmas decorations for the Green and Santa was all store there and there used to be a ‘sale of work’ held there to raise funds for the toys for the children for distribution at Christmas and she remembers her brother Matthew buying a salt and pepper set at the sale of work and they still remain in the family to this day. When I was naming the Wrafter family last week I omitted the name of Cathy.
Last week I mentioned the name Conway in no 5 with no details- since I have received the names Sean and Annie Conway and their children were Joe Raymond, Bernie, Frank, Maura, Susan and Rica
We move to no7 and while a mother and son lived there for a short time – nobody can remember the name of this family. Jim and Lil Donoghue from Clare were the next inhabitants and their family consisted of Mary – who has moved back to the Green and now lives in no 36, P.J., Geraldine, Dermot, Phil –who lives in no 2, and Niall who still resides in the family home.
If you are on any of the social media sites or just in contact with anyone that had or has any connection to the Green can you put it out there that this living history is ongoing. I would love to hear from people as to their thoughts and memories of the Green and try and connect everyone back to the Green. The thoughts and memories are not exclusive to those that lived on the Green but also those from the community that remember the Green being built, the arrival of new families and the excitement of the time.
P.C. Judge, can you get send me your contact details as Larry Gallagher would like to get in contact. You can reach me at 086-2460840 or email me joea@iol.ie
Family Reunions
Over the summer months it has been noticeable the number of former locals visiting the area that was once home for them. They were pleased and delighted to see that the area remained much the same and that so many people recognised and remembered them. Last week the Donlon family from Moher were in town and at a stage 11 of them were enjoying the hospitality of the area – unfortunately Gerry, Patsy and Noel could not make it. There were also Sheila Johnston and her husband Murray from New Zealand, TJ Eivers and family from England, The Mc Caffrey family from the USA to celebrate Gary’s wedding, the Murray’s Church Road, from the USA, John Fayne and family, Cullentra from England. There was also visiting families to PJ and Joan Donnellan from New York and Australia exploring their roots. All in all it has been a great summer of welcomes and we look forward to seeing many more families return to visit their roots and families before years end. I am sure I omitted others that have visited and I extend my apologies but these are some of the names that come off the top of my head as I write.
U12 Girls
The U12 girls finished off a wonderful second season of competition in Longford. The U12 team only in being for the past two years have made remarkable strides during that time and it is a credit to the players, mentors and parents for all the great work they have put in to give the girls football and to make them competitive within the county. We must compliment their mentors Syl Healy and Tina Dowd for their time and dedication and also the panel for their great work. The panel is Sarah Curran, Jane Dowd, Holly Wyse, Michella Hall, Zara Mulvihill, Eabha Healy, Alannah Flood, Caoilinn Flood, Orla Lyons, Roisin Brennan, Ciara Gavigan, Aoibhe Gethings, Anna Maguire, Noelle Carling, Abbie Mitchell, Lorna Quinn and Vicki Kajan.
There are exciting times ahead for these young players as they move to U14 level and the club is seeking new players for the U12 panel to supplement those that are leaving and moving to U14.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place last Monday night as usual and the winner this week of the prize of €390 was Seán Mc Grath, Derrygeel. Envelopes are available throughout the town priced only at €2 and it could be your turn to be a winner next time.
Drawing great attention
The history display of the businesses of Lanesboro and Ballyleague 1900 to the present day is still creating quite a stir with big numbers visiting the library each week. The display will continue until the end of August at the very least. The presentation is on display during the opening hours of the library: Monday 2-8pm, Tuesday 2 to pm, Wednesday 2 to 8pm, Thursday CLOSED, Friday 10am to 1pm and 2 to 5pm, Saturday 10 to 1pm.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock
The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place this year on Sunday 6th September. Further detail later.
Barry Raftery Conference
Wetlands heritage Ireland is hosting their 3rd Annual Barry Raftery Memorial Conference at Corlea Visitor Centre, Kenagh on Friday August 28th. The theme of the Conference is “Re-discovering our peatlands/ a community approach”. We have a packed Programme for the day starting at 10.00am. There will be presentations and addresses by people closely associated with our peatlands, its use and preservation. A thoroughly informative and enjoyable day is guaranteed. For bookings or information phone Corlea Visitor Centre 043 3322386 or Kieran Mc Entee 086 0596072. Coffee on arrival and lunch provided. Admission €10. Concession €5.00.
Lanesboro Community College
Further education courses (fetac/qqi level 5) in fitness & health and Outdoor recreation. Suitable for all ages.
Please contact 043 33 21139/lanesborocc.ias@eircom.net for application form and further details
Rural Development Programme, commonly known as the LEADER programme. Longford Community Resources Ltd has commenced the consultation process to develop the Local Strategy for next round of the Rural Development Programme, commonly known as the LEADER programme. Letters and submission forms are currently being circulated. If you have not received a form and would like to put your ideas forward please visit www.lcrl.ie and download the submission form alternatively you can email leader1420a@lclr.ie or call 043 3345555 and request one.
Championship Time
All roads will lead to Pearse Park on Saturday evening next for the semi-final of the Intermediate Championship when Rathcline will take on near neighbours and rivals Cashel at 5.1pm. The team has trained diligently under the guidance of Gareth Johnston with an eye to winning the Intermediate title this year and this game is the second last game towards achieving this goal. We wish the lads well and we look forward to a huge number from the parish turning out to support the lads and cheer them on to victory.
Cemetery Sunday in Cashel
The Blessing of the Graves will take place this coming Sunday 30th August in Cashel cemetery at 6pm.
Church Gate Collection
The annual church collection in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation will take place at all masses on Saturday and Sunday week 5th and 6th September. Each year your generosity has been magnificent and the organisers are once again appealing to your wonderful generosity.
Engagement
Congratulations to Christopher Breslin, son of Paddy and Ann Breslin, Cloontuskert and Deirdre Rushe, daughter of Ferdie and Maureen Rushe, Clooneen, Athleague, Co. Roscommon who announced their engagement in recent days.
Wedding
The marriage took place at The Church of the Good Shepard, Four Roads, Roscommon of Seamus Walsh son of Mary and the late Mick Walsh, Moher, Lanesboro and Marion Dolan daughter of Sean and Mary Dolan, Highfield, Four Roads, Roscommon on Saturday 15th August. Bestman was Brian Coyle, cousin of the groom and groomsmen were Brian Cormican, Cyril Crosbie, and Declan Kelly, all friends of the groom while the Chief Bridesmaid was Jennifer Kilmartin, friend of the bride and the bridesmaids were Ciara Mc Grath, cousin of the bride, Maria Brandon, friend of the bride and Nora Cunningham cousin of the bride. The flower girls were Nicole Cunningham and Elizabeth Coyle cousins of the bride. The marriage ceremony was performed by Fr. Francis Beirne, Four Roads, assisted by Fr. John Mc Manus, Ballyleague. The wedding reception took place in the Abbey Hotel and we would like to wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Thank You
A hugely successful barbeque was held at Clarkes Bar on Sunday 1th August. A total of €1,300 was raised for the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice.
The organisers would like to thank everyone bought tickets and supported on the day.
A special word of thanks to Terry Mc Loughlin, our local butcher who supplied the pig on the spit. To the sponsors Liam and Past Connerton, Keith Brady, Joe and Martina O’Brien, Corner shop, Tom Morris Hackney, Steve and Teresa Ormsby, Clarkes Bar, P.J. Kelly, Beirne and Beattie. Thanks to St. Faithleach’s GAA club especially Henry Kenny, Jimmy Mangan, for their help on the day and also to Adrian Guinan. Thanks also to those who volunteered and helped in the selling of tickets and door and gate men for their time.
A very big thank you to all the musicians who gave their time in providing a wonderful evening of entertainment – Jimmy Hussey, Joe Duffy, Brian Ross, Gerry Keenan, Noel Carberry, Jimmy Flanagan, Joe Mc Grath and Tommy K.
Lough Ree AC
Last Saturday saw the National Finals of the Community Games at AIT, Athlone. Congratulations to all our club members who qualified. Most notable performance for the club on the athletic front was from Conor Rohan who won a bronze medal for third place in the Under 16 Discus competition with a throw of over 41 meters, Conor was competing for Kilgefin, Roscommon and this is his second national medal in 2015, he is a great prospect for the future. Our Under 15 mixed relay team failed to make it out of the heats but had a great run nonetheless. Kieran O’Dowd in finished well in his heat in the 200m Under 10 to make it to the semi -final but just lost out on a place in the final. Full results of the athletic placings are not to hand at the time of going to press. Congratulations to club members Leah Wyse and Áine Kennelly who finished in second place the Under 16 Project.
Rathcline GAA
Intermediate Championship Semi-Final – All roads lead to Pearse Park on Saturday evening as we take on our local rivals Cashel in the Intermediate Championship semi-final. The game throws in at 5.45pm. It would be great to see a large crowd in Pearse Park supporting us in our quest for our first championship final in ten years. Best of luck to all the players involved and the management team.
League Division 2 – Well done to the lads on their 11 point to 3 win over Ballymore in the league on Friday evening.
Junior ‘B’ Championship – Hard luck to our junior team who were knocked out by Granard in the quarter-final of the ‘B’ championship on Sunday.
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to Sean McGrath, Derrygeel, who was last week’s winner of €390 in our 50/50 draw. The draw continues every Monday night at 9pm with envelopes available in local businesses.
All-Ireland Hurling Final ticket draw – We have two premium level tickets up for grabs for the All-Ireland hurling final in Croke Park on Sunday September 6th between Galway and Kilkenny. Cards with lines costing €2 are available in local businesses. The draw takes place in Adie’s on Friday September 4th at 11pm. Please support.
Ladies Club
‘B’ Championship Semi-final – Next Sunday the ladies will be in action in the ‘B’ championship semi-final. The opponents, venue and time will be confirmed later in the week. Best of luck girls.
Minor Club
Minor ‘A’ Championship – Hard luck to the Western Gaels team who were beaten by a point by Longford Slashers on Tuesday last in a closely fought game
Boat Raffle
Ballyleague & Lanesborough Area Mens shed completed a very successful boatbuilding training project over last winter and spring. The four boats have now been completed by the trainees and one of them will be raffled on Tuesday next September 1st at 10pm in The Lifebelt Bar (Sorohan’s), Ballyleague. The last of the tickets for the raffle are now in circulation – priced just 5 euro each – and can be purchased throughout the area. All tickets sold should be returned by members in an envelope marked Boat raffle to the Daybreak Shop in Ballyleague before 6pm on Tuesday September 1st for inclusion in the raffle. The boat for raffle is made of larch and oak and has been expertly crafted by master boat builder Tom Conlon and his trainees. The Mens shed would like to thanks everyone who has supported this project in any way over the last 12 months. If you would like to take part in the next boat building training course in 2015/2016 please send your name and contact details to ballyleaguemensshed@gmail.com
Pride of Place – A Thank You
Last week the judges in the national pride of Place competition visited the parish of Kilgefin – stopping off at St Faithleach’s clubhouse, Innis Ree Nursing home, Ballyleague riverside park & marina, Cloontuskert and throughout the area to meet the parishioners and get a taste of the terrific community spirit and pride in the area. Dozens of people were involved in organising the day and a huge cast participated in various events. As it would be impossible to thank each and every individual and organisation by name the Pride of Place committee chairman Gerry Trimble wishes to extend a general note of appreciation to all who took part and contributed in any way. You know who you are and your work is really appreciated. The national winners of Pride of Place will be announced in Ennis in November but already the parish is a winner – thanks to your efforts.
St. Faithleach’s
Senior Championship : Next game against St.Brigid’s. Junior B Championship: Result – St. Faithleach’s 5-09 Kilbride 3-11 Team: A. Manning, D. Dunne, P. Brennan, P. Kenny, J. Irwin, D. Nerney(1-2), D. Hoare, P. Reynolds, A. Brehon(1-2), B. Hussey(0-2), B. Reynolds(1-2), A. Kenny(1-0), J. Kelly, N. Dooney(1-0), S. Walsh(0-1). Sub: W. Donohoe. Junior Ladies: The Junior Ladies play St. Barry’s on Monday 24th in their fourth round of the championship. Minor: Play Oran on Wednesday 26th in Ballyleague at 7pm. Minor Ladies : Lost out to Shannon Gaels on Thursday last. The girls would like to thank their management team of John Hegarty and Carol Donlon for everything during the course of the season. U14 Boys: U14 Division 3 play -off takes place against Kilbride on Friday 28th at 7pm in Kilbride. U12 Boys: U12 Boys Division 3, St Aidans play St. Faithleach’s in Ballyforan on Sunday 30th at 11am. U10 Boys: County Go Games take place in the Connacht Centre of Excellence on Saturday 29th August. U10 Girls: Play at 7pm on Thursday 27th in Ballyleague. Mothers & Others: are holding a clothing collection at 3pm on Saturday 29th August on club grounds, for info contact Ursula Kilcoyne or any member of the Mothers and Others team for collection or drop off points. Fit Kid Camp: This year’s Fit Kid Camp was a huge success and the committee would like to thank everyone involved from the children who attended, the businesses that made donations, the individuals who helped out to the mentors and volunteers who gave their time so freely to the club and without who the camp could never have been such an amazing experience for all involved. We look forward to continued growth and support in 2016.
Pride of Place: St. Faithleach’s GAA was delighted to be part of Kilgefin Parish Pride of Place and would like to thank everyone from the community for making the day such a success, we were honoured to host the judge’s and all the various and wonderful community representatives who worked tirelessly to enhance our parish. Congratulations: To Diarmuid and Adrienne Thompson on the birth of their baby girl. To Seamus Walsh on his recent wedding and also to Mark Tarmey and Eva on their wedding day. Cards: Every Tuesday night at 8:30pm in the clubhouse. Joint winners: Kathleen /Annie, Jim/Frank, Last Game: Tom/ Padraig. Lanesboro Library
Book Club
Next Book Club meeting is on Friday 28th August at 11am where the book for discussion will be ‘The Forgotten Garden’ by Kate Morton.
A History of Business in Lanesboro and Ballyleague
Our exhibition ‘A History of Business in Lanesboro and Ballyleague – 1900-2015’ will remain in the library until the end of September. Please drop in and have a look at the array of historical photographs and artefacts on display.
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.