Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Attempted Robbery
On Saturday evening last an attempt was made by a single man to hold up Casserley’s Spar Supermarket in Knock. The incident happened around 8.30pm and for the great resistance of the staff the would-be robber would have gone away with the cash he demanded. This guy we believe stood for a time on at the wall of the Community College while waiting for his opportune moment. This would have been around the time when people were coming from Saturday evening mass and if you seen or noticed anything when in the area of Casserley’s you are asked to contact the local Gardaí 3321102 and if there is nobody there you are asked to contact Longford Gardaí 50570. Your help in this matter will be greatly appreciated.
As a community we must be extra vigilant as we are going into the long dark evenings. We must ensure that anything suspicious in our area is reported to the Gardaí to check out. If they feel it further needs investigation they will do so and/or will send out a Garda Text Alert.
The Green – a living history
We move on to No16 which was first the house that all the Christmas gear was held in and from where so much joy was delivered to so many children of the Green. Following the marriage of Mick O’Reilly formerly 27 to Annie Rose they were given this residence. They had 6 children John James, Michael, Gerard, Robert, Josephine and Dessie. In 17 there was The Roddy family from Longford, Gray’s from Ballymahon, Jimmy and Bridget Mc Namara and their children, Frances and Mary. It then became the second house for the Mc Quillan family who had no 18 as their main residence. It was then inhabited by John and Una Lawlor and their sons Shane, Ronan, Odie and Evan, followed by Paddy and Mary O’Keeffe and their family from Cobh and they moved back to Cobh, Co. Cork. The next family to inhabit no17 was Joe and Freda Kilbride and their children Emma and Shane, they were followed into the house by Gerard and Patricia Heneghan ad their children Michael, Gavin and Matthew, then by Adrian Guinan and Madaleine Murray and their children Lauren and Ryan and the current resident is Dessie O’Reilly
Winter Time commences
On Saturday night next before you go to bed don’t forget to change the time on your clock. On Saturday night/Sunday morning the clock will change with time going back one hour and the beginning of winter time.
Table Quiz
The Rathcline club will host a Table Quiz in the Peer Inn on this coming Friday night 29th October in aid of the players Training Fund. As you can appreciate this success and ongoing campaign has put a drain on finances for the training fund and the club is hoping for your support in the Peer on Friday night. The first question will be thrown in at 9.30pm and it is hoped that the Peer will be filled to capacity. Table of four will cost €40. There will also be a raffle on the night.
Exciting New Book Ciaran Mullooly has been driving up and down the highways and byways of the midlands for the past thirty years reporting for the evening news, a son of Dan and Molly Mullooly, Killinure, Ciaran is returning to his roots with a special book to be published in the next few weeks. Ciaran has been with RTE for 20 years, having started in the Longford Leader and worked with Shannonside before that and he also wrote a weekly column for the Roscommon Champion for the best part of 15 years. The book is very much a local journey for him through all of those days – recalling the many events that happened, the stories he covered and with a very special focus on our own town of Lanesborough/Ballyleague, the surrounding areas and the way we have also changed fairly dramatically over the course of those 30 years. It promises to be a great local read and a book well worth getting your hands on. We will have more details next week
Insulted and Ignored
Judging from the report recently published what was once a major emergency is now something of little to no consequence. It is amazing and frightening that something like the clams, an invasive species, that has the potential to do untold damage to the name of Lanesboro as a fishing village should now be seen as of no consequences to us as a community. The attitude that seems to prevail is that the loss of our good name as a fishing area and the famous hot water stretch should be of no interest to anyone only ourselves and the fishermen that visit us year on year.
If we were a trout or salmon fishery, I am sure, there would be a massive concern and interest to see the clams eradicated. If it was on the Lakes of Killarney I am sure a similar urgency would prevail but it is only a hot stretch of a few hundred meters in Lanesborough and is of no interest.
There is a tremendous shame on the agencies that have not done anything about what was an emergency over a year ago.
It does matter to us as a community, it does matter to those that are trying to encourage visitors to the area and it does matter to the business people of the area. It does affect the image of Lanesboro and Ballyleague as we prepared to host the World Championship Angling ‘Predator Boat’ in October 2016.
In my opinion we are been seen as inconsequential and only a minute part of a bigger picture that can be ignored. The proposal to put fishing bays further up from the gusher is something to pacify us and the legendary hot water stretch will be gone forever. Shame shame shame.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Josie Whiney who formerly resided at Barnacor. Josie was a very popular member of the local community and actively involved in organisations in our community. Josie passed away in England last week and we are all saddened by her loss.
Paint it Pink
An Afternoon Tea and Bake sale will take place on this coming Friday afternoon in Lanesboro Community College from 2.30pm. The event is in aid of the Irish Cancer Society Action Breast Cancer. This is a hugely important event for a cause that is ongoing throughout the country and it is well worthy of your support on Friday. Please go along and play your part.
Sympathy
In the past couple of weeks, Newtowncashel lost one of its finest ladies. Cissie Farrell, nee Flood, and her husband Paddy were related and well known to a huge number in our parish. Cissie and Paddy from time to time were regulars at morning mass in Lanesboro. Cissie’s passing will leave a great emptiness in the hearts of everyone that knew her and we sympathize greatly with her husband Paddy her family and all of her relations and her huge circle of friends.
People of Rural Ireland
Two weeks ago in the Anner Hotel in Thurles there was a meeting called by a group called the People of Rural Ireland to highlight the plundering of rural Ireland by gangs of criminals. Such was the reaction to the calling of this meeting was that over 2000 people from all parts of the country turned up on the night. The people of the country are suffering greatly at the hands of those criminals and there is now a call from the entire population to put pressure on the Government to put in place a defence and justice system to take these criminals off the roads of the country for good.
There is not an area of our community or counties of Longford or Roscommon that has not been affected by the rampaging that is currently rampant throughout the country. We recently seen the frightening events that happened in Edgeworthstown and it was great to see the individuals apprehended but so often it is not happening. Your home and your business is your castle and you worked hard to make it so. You deserve to enjoy the fruits of your labour and not have it taken away. While those apprehended invariably get free legal the victims are left to suffer the loss and when you claim on your insurance you get a premium rise to punish you on the double.
It is not feasible to have the Garda stations that have been closed reopened because they have mostly been sold but there is a huge need for additional Gardaí in every station, the station to be open all day every day. Extra manpower and extra new Garda cars to fully cover the area of the local stations and Gardaí should personally, like Gardaí of old, know everyone in their area and vice versa. There should never be an inadequate number of Gardaí to respond to the crime wave that is presently hitting our area.
The local Gardaí, in any area, should never be frustrated by a lack of numbers. It is long after time that the Government woke up and realised that the lack of numbers policing our area created by successive Governments is causing the continued upsurge in crime and it is time that they did something about it – immediate action, not idle promises as we move rapidly towards a general election.
Triathlon Club AGM
With a hugely exciting year ahead the Lanesboro Triathlon Club will host its Annual General Meeting on Friday week 6th November at 8:30pm in the Club Rooms. The rooms are in the Community Centre on the first floor of the old convent building. All members should by now have received nomination forms etc.…it is important that the members give their time to filling out the form and ensure that the nomination forms are returned. The club expects to see a large turnout on the night, for this very important meeting.
Death
It is with great sadness I have to record the death of Sally O’Donoghue, in the loving care of the staff at the Sacred Heart Home, Roscommon. Sally was predeceased a number of years back by her husband Paddy. Sally came to live amongst us in Ballyleague a good few years ago and it was not too long before she was a popular figure in our community. She has a great charisma and her warmth of nature endeared her to everyone that got to know her. She lived a good part of her live in Waterford and she never forgot the people of that county, she was high in her praise of the people and indeed she basked in the rise and glory of their hurlers in latter year. She had a great repertoire of stories and you were always the wiser and better for chatting with her. Sally’s memory will live long in the memory. Her remains reposed at the Chapel of the Sacred Heart Home on Thursday evening last until the m\ass of her Resurrection on Friday. She was laid to rest in St. Coman’s cemetery, Roscommon. To her sister Bridie, nieces, nephews and a host of friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Mothers and Toddlers
The Mother and Toddler group continues every Friday morning from 10.30 to 12.15 at the Playschool on The Green. You are invited to go along for chat and a coffee.
Conversational Irish for adults: Classes continue every Wednesday in the old school in Kenagh from 8.00pm until 10.00pm. If you ever wanted to improve your Irish speaking, this is the ideal opportunity in a relaxed and informal setting. If you only have the “cúpla focal” or if your school Irish has faded then why not revive it over the winter months. It is fun and relaxed with just a nominal charge to cover expenses. All levels of ability are welcome. For any further information please ring Seán at 086-4466029.
50/50
The Rathcline GAA club held their weekly 50/50 draw last Monday night 12th October in Adie’s. The winner was Tina Dowd who received €370. The club thanks everyone for their continued support.
Thank You
The Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club would like to sincerely thank everyone that contributed so generously to their Church Gate Collections last weekend.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 14th October are: N/S Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne, 2nd Frank and Frances Brennan, 3rd Mary Jameson and Patricia Mc Gann. E/W 1st Brid Mc Dermott and Una Lawlor, 2nd Mairéad Gill and Maura Hanly, 3rd Philomena Walsh and Katharine Harrison.
Are you a Volunteer?
Are you involved in a community or sporting organisation that requires Garda Vetting? There are new changes coming to Garda Vetting and Longford Volunteer Centre is hosting an information session on these changes in the EDI Centre on Tuesday 28th October. The session will take place from 7pm to 8pm.
Birth
Congratulations to Raimonds and Sandra Danilovs, Newcomen, Fermoyle, on the recent birth of a baby boy.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge
N/S: Gross: 1st Joan Donlon and Fergal McGuinness, 2nd Eileen Kelly and Nancy Dolan and 3td Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon N/S: Nett: 1st Joan Donlon and Fergal Mc Guinness, 2nd Una Clarke and Mary Mulvihill and 3rd Eileen Kelly and Nancy Dolan.
E/W: Gross and Nett: 1st Tom Feeney and Essie Nugent, 2nd Carol Hamill and Ann Hagan and Mary Jameson and Goretti Kenny
Honouring Great Men
At the Roscommon county final in Hyde Park on Sunday last the St. Faithleach’s winning championship team of 1965 were honoured and presented to the large attendance. It was fitting that the sun shone brightly on these famous men on Sunday as it did on the final of ‘65. Some of those pictured have gone to their eternal rest but they all have left us with great memories of footballers and the men they were and those living still are.
The photograph shows: Back row l-r Davy Sheeran, Noel Gavigan, Tom Maxwell, Mickie Kelly, Eugene Gavigan, Pat Mulleady, Frank Curley, Frank Madden, Joe Thompson, Dominick Madden, Paddy Best, front: Frank Fallon, Mick Byrne, Sean O’Donnell, Oliver Gavigan, Luke Madden, Seamus Gavigan, Frank Byrne, Barney Carberry, Gene Beirne, John Monaghan, Paddy Lindsey (mascot on the day).
PTAA Dinner Dance
The Longford Region of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association will hold their annual Dinner Dance in the Rustin Inn, Abbeyshrule on Friday 13th November. Music will be provided they the very popular TR Dallas. The dinner will commence at 9pm. This dance is one of the highlights of the year on the social calendar. Such is its appeal that it draws people from far and wide for a wonderful night. Tickets are priced at €25 each and they can be bought from Breda Moran.
Local Library Events
Book Club: Next Book Club meeting is on Friday week 30th October at 11am where the book for discussion will be ‘The Dandelion Years’ by Erica James. All welcome.
Knitting& Crochet Group: Knitting & Crochet Group continues every Monday 2 – 4pm. All are welcome to come along.
ESOL Class: ESOL Class (English for speakers of other languages) continues every Tuesday evening 7-9pm.
Under 11 Community Games Project: A taster of the Under 11 Community Games project will be on display in the library for the next three weeks. The Under 11 project was completed by Sienna Wyse, Aoife Kennelly, Isabelle Smyth and Kieran O Dowd, and is entitled ‘When My Grandparents Were Young’. Drop in and see the wonderful work these talented children have accomplished.
French Conversational Class: French Conversational Class no 2 continues on Wednesday 21st October 6.30-7.30pm.
Lasraí Writers Group: The next Lasraí Writers Group meeting will take place in the library on Monday 9th November 7-9pm. New members welcome.
Paint it Pink this October!: Paint it Pink ….Ribbons & pens on sale in the library in aid of Irish Cancer Society. Check out www.paintitpink.ie . Please support this worthy cause.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder: The library staff are 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.
Bingo in Ballyleague
Bingo in Ballyleague continues this Thursday night commencing at 8.30pm. The snowball stands at €2000.
Ballyleague Junior Tidy Towns Party
Daffodil Planting
To mark the mid-term break, all school children from the Junior Tidy towns teams in the following areas and estates in Ballyleague will be planting daffodil bulbs next week: Weakfield, Cloonadra, Ballyclare court, Ballyleague Central, Shannonside, Meadowbrook, Waters Edge, Strokestown road, Lough Ree Park, Cluain Dara, Shannon Grove, Ballyleague Marina area.
All teams are asked to meet on Saturday next October 24th at 10.30am in the new Ballyleague Riverside park – beside the Big Tree Library where the bulbs will be distributed and the first daffodils will be planted by the children in the riverside park area before moving back to their individual areas.
Parents are asked to come along with children on Saturday at 10.30am. For more information please contact James Hudson on 086 8588572
Junior Tidy Towns Party on Sunday
To mark the tremendous work done by the children of the community in 2015, Ballyleague Tidy Towns and Cloontuskert Residents association are teaming up to stage a ‘spooktacular’ Hallowe’en party for the juniors in Ballyleague hall on Sunday next October 25th from 3pm to 6pm. Highlights on the day will include a great magic show, face painting and a junior kids disco with the great ‘Tommy K the DJ’. All events are the day are FREE to the young boys and girls who spent most of the year litter picking, planting flowers, cutting grass, making bug hotels and much more in Cloontuskert and Ballyleague. Parents are also invited to attend the party where there will be special goodie bag giveaways for all the children and a special Recycled Fancy Dress event in association with Bearna Waste. Children are invited to come along in fancy dress costumes made ONLY from recycled materials such as card board or plastic bags. No new fancy dress outfits will be allowed into the hall – just recycled ones – so get out your card board and your imagination this weekend get ready for the party. For more info contact any member pf Ballyleague or Cloontuskert tidy towns committee or e mail: keepballyleaguetidy@gmail.com
Mudfest Challenge
October Mudfest: Sean Connolly’s GAA Club in Ballinalee are running a mud fest to raise funds for the club. The race is a 6km run across country and will include obstacles along the way. There is a prize for the fastest men’s and women’s team of €1000 each and a prize of €500 for the fastest individual male and individual female. It will take place on Saturday 31st October. Entry is €25 per person or €200 for a team of ten. Check out Facebook and www.octobermudfest.com for updates and details. Please spread the word.
St. Faithleach’s
Mothers & Others: Congratulations to our fantastic ladies on the Mother’s & Others team who won all five of their matches in the Gaelic 4 Mother’s & Others National Blitz, beating Whitehall Colmcille’s (Dublin), Quarry Blues (Cork), St. Colmcille’s (Meath), Naomh Mhuire (Galway), and host club Naomh Mearnog (Dublin). A great day was had by all and we would like to thank everyone who sponsored the team as well as Club Rossie for the use of the Roscommon bus. Golden Jubilee: St. Faithleach’s 1965 team were honoured at Sundays Senior Football Championship to mark the 50th anniversary of the club winning the senior championship. Thanks to all who made long journeys to be there on the day and to the many relatives and friends who came along to support the team members. Drive in Bingo: Drive in Bingo takes place on club grounds Bank Holiday Monday 26th at 3pm. Fun day for all the family and plenty of prizes to be won. Your support is appreciated. Battle of the Bridge: This year we as a club have once again teamed up with our neighbours Rathcline GAA to bring you “Battle of the Bridge” a white collar boxing event like no other, where representativeness from each club will go head to head in the ring. The event will be held in St. Faithleach’s and the weekend kicks off with a live band “Shaken Edge” on Friday night 13th November, White Collar Boxing on Saturday night 14th, and a tractor run and céilí on Sunday 15th November. More details can be found on our Facebook page “Battle of the Bridge” and in local media over the coming weeks. Halloween Party: Children’s Halloween Party will be held in the Clubhouse on Friday week 30th October from 5-8pm, all welcome and expect a few surprises on the night!! Cards: Every Tuesday night in the clubhouse at 8:30pm. Winners Michael Finan /Michael Rodgers, Runners up: Tom/Padraig, Martin /Sean. Last game Pat/Tom. The Station Mass for Ballyleague 1 will be held in the clubhouse on Fri 24th all parishioners welcome.
Sympathy: The club would like to express its sympathy to the family of Daphne Curley, Templemore, on her recent passing.
Rathcline GAA
Division 1 Promotion/Relegation Playoff – After a cold foggy night in Killoe we could not be separated from Fr. Manning Gaels in the Division 1 promotion/relegation playoff. The game remained close throughout and a last gasp Shane Kenny free ensured the match went to extra-time. After an additional 20 minutes nothing could separate the sides as the game finished Fr. Manning Gaels 1-13 to Rathcline’s 0-16 points. The game now goes to a replay in a few weeks’ time.
Leinster Intermediate Championship Quarter Final – We now know our opponents in the Leinster quarter final as the Wexford champions Glynn-Barntown beat the Louth champions at the weekend. All roads lead to Wexford on Sunday November 1st for our quarter final encounter. More details of this game will be in next week’s notes.
Division 2 Patsy Reilly Cup Semi-Final – The busy period for the team continues next Saturday when we face Sean Connolly’s in the semi-final of the Patsy Reilly cup in Clonbonny at 4.30pm. A win here and it would see us in another final and give us another chance to win more silverware. Best of luck to all involved.
Table Quiz – There will be a table quiz for the players’ training fund in the Peer Inn next Friday night October 23rd at 9.30pm. A table of four will cost €40 and there will be a raffle on the night. With the Leinster campaign soon to begin, funds will be needed for this campaign. We ask you all to please support the table quiz, get your thinking caps on and enjoy a night of trivia and craic.
50/50 Lotto Draw – Congratulations to Tina Dowd, Thureen, who was last Monday’s winner of €360 in our 50/50 draw.
Yearly Subscription to 50/50 – Our 50/50 draw which started a year ago has proved to be very successful. We have given away over €21,000 in prize money since the draw began. We are now giving people who live abroad or away from town the opportunity to be in with a chance of winning and supporting our Leinster campaign. After a 10 year wait we are now County Intermediate Champions and on the road to Leinster. A yearly subscription will include membership for the year along with a chance of winning an average weekly prize of €400. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Please contact any member of the executive or email us at pro.rathcline.longford@gaa.ie if you’re interested in subscribing.
“Battle of the Bridge” White Collar Boxing – Following on from last year’s successful Strictly Dancing Over the Bridge we have teamed up with our neighbours St. Faithleach’s again. This time for white collar boxing which will take place on Saturday November 14th in St. Faithleach’s grounds. Training has now begun for all boxers and next week’s training session will take place in the boxing club which is located in the Co-op hall at 8pm on Saturday evening.
125th Anniversary Celebrations – As the club is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year there will a special concert held on Saturday December 12th in the parish hall celebrating the occasion with lots of local talent on show. Put it in your diaries for a date not to be missed!