Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Variety Show
The Transition Year students of Lanesboro Community College will host a Variety Concert in Lanesboro Parish Hall on Thursday week 3rd December. The day of the variety show is making a comeback and the fun, laughter and sheer enjoyment to be got from a variety show is only fantastic. Variety shows are a throwback to the days of the John Player Tops of the Town and even further when a huge cast entertained royally the assembled masses and I am sure that this show will be packed to capacity. Admission is €8 for adults and €5 for under 16s. The show will commence at 8pm and the advice is to be there early as I am sure the sold out signs will be up in advance of the start time. The show in for the funding of the recently introduced Transition Year at Lanesboro Community College. The show is guaranteed to be a thoroughly enjoyable and hilarious evening of dance, drama and music.
MS Christmas Day Run/Walk
This year the Christmas Day run/walk from Newtowncashel will celebrate its 25th year and the committee would like to invite all runners and walkers that have taken part over the previous 24 years to come along on Christmas morning and be part of this landmark occasion.
To date over €180,000 has been raised for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and it would be wonderful achievement to top the €200,000 on this momentous occasion.
The time is now for all runners and walkers to put in the hard yards in preparation for the Christmas Day run. The walk will commence at 11.45am and the run at 12.15pm.
Sponsorship cards are available in O’Brien’s and now is the time in getting started on training and collection sponsorship.
Christmas Cooking with Gary O’Hanlon
Gary O’Hanlon has been the head chef at Viewmount House, Longford since 2008. During that time he has earned high plaudits and awards for his outstanding dishes. This coming Monday night you can have the opportunity of being in his company where he will impart many cooking tips for Christmas and many other dishes.
The Parents Association of Lanesboro Community College invite you to their fundraiser in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Monday 7th December at 7.30pm. Chef, Gary O’Hanlon (of Viewmount House, The Restaurant, and TV 3’s Seven o’clock Show) is giving a cookery demonstration with a Christmas theme.
Tickets cost €10 and are available in O’Brien’s (3321107) or by contacting Eithne (086)1584686 or Pauline (086)1932669 and other shops in the area. Your support of this event would be very much appreciated. Don’t miss the opportunity to furthering your culinary skills.
The Green a living history
On Thursday morning last I had an email from Eamon Mc Caffrey, Chicago and shortly afterwards Joe Mullooly, Killinure called into the shop to tell me that I omitted Denis Balfe from the Balfe family in no 21. Thanks lads and it now rectified.
This week we will talk about the Bord na Mona Apprentices who came to Lanesboro’s Vocational School for a few months as part of serving their time. Practically all of the apprentices stayed in houses in the Green. I am sure there are many people that will remember some of the names for their own reasons and all happy reasons.
The first list I have is from 1967 and as I go through the years some of the lists are not legible and if anyone remembers any that has been left out please contact me. We will start with Patrick Barrett, James Butler, Denis Casey, John Casserley, Dominick Kinahan, John Maher, Christy Mahon, Leo O’Gorman, Donal O’Grady, now resident in Ballyleague, Thomas Queena, Vincent Reddin, now resident on the Green, Gerard Ryan, Noel Scully and Thomas Wright. The second list of ’67 is Colm Allen, Patrick Callaghan, Patrick Collins, Michael O’Donovan, Michael Doyle, Joseph Eivers, Liam Elliffe, Sean Halligan, Dermot Hickey, Ian Lucas, James Lynam, Joe Miggin, Michael Shields and our own, the late Jimmy Tynan.
The next list I have is 1969 and the names are Edward Blanche, Patrick Byrne, Brendan Connolly, Christopher Cully, Patrick Daly, Joseph Duffy, John Hanniffy, Mick Hogan, Richard Kelly, Charles Mc Garrity, Bernard Mc Ginley, James Mc Cormack, Patrick Mc Evoy, Peter O’Brien, James Riordan and Kevin T. Murray
Just to recap on No17, I have 10 different families for this house; Roddy’s from Longford they may have moved to North Longford, Gray family, they either moved from or moved to Ballymahon, Jimmy and Bridget Mc Namara lived 1957 and 1958 and their daughters Frances and Mary, it was the Mc Quillan’s second house, John and Una Lawlor and sons Shane, Roman, Odie and Evan, Paddy and Mary O’Keeffe from Cobh, Co. Cork and their family; they moved back to Cobh, Joe and Freda Kilbride and family of Emma and Shane, Gerard and Patricia Heneghan before they moved to the Rathcline Road and their sons Michael, Gavin and Matthew, Adrian Guinan and Madaleine Murray and their family Lauren and Ryan, and the present resident is Dessie O’Reilly.
A further update – in no 10 before Ned and Marian Nealon was Tim Hannon and his family – they moved to the USA.
I am looking to see if anyone can remember a family of Kellet’s living on the Green and I would appreciate any information.
PC, when you are reading this can you get in touch with me, Joe, 086-2460840; joea@iol.ie
Player of the Year
Many congratulations to Shane Kenny, son of Sean and Maura, Fermoyle who was pronounced Intermediate Player of the Year at the annual Longford GAA All Stars award night held in the Longford Arms Hotel on Saturday night last. James Carroll, son of Sean and Anne Carroll, Rathcline was also got a well-deserved nomination for the Player of the Year. It is a reflection of the excellent year the club had on the playing field that two of our players should be nominated and we hope that the step up to senior will see the team again competing strongly at the highest level.
Brushstrokes Art Exhibition
Brushstrokes will hold their annual Christmas exhibition in St. Mary’s Hall from Thursday week 3rd December until Sunday 6th December, 2015. Brushstrokes are celebrating “20 Years a Growing” this year in 2015, so drop in and have a browse. There are works at prices to suit all budgets and they make an ideal, locally-made gift for Christmas.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 23rd November in Clarkes Bar. The winning ticket was in the name of Pat Mullen, Moher and Pat was the lucky winner of €365. Pat, since his arrival in Lanesboro has been one of the clubs best supporters over all the years through thick and thin. It is great to see him winning in the club draw.
Good Luck Killashee
Having already made history by being the first Longford club team, in any grade, to reach a Leinster Final, the Killashee team will attempt to go one step further when they take on Curraha from Meath in Pearse Park on Sunday next at 2pm. Killashee are managed by local man Ray Curley and we wish Ray, the Killashee squad and everyone involved with the club the very best of luck on Sunday and I encourage as many from the parish as possible to go along and support our neighbours on this historic occasion.
Memorial Mass in London
A Memorial Mass for deceased members and friends of the Longford Association in London will be celebrated on Sunday 13th December at 12 noon in St Gabriel’s Church, 390 Northolt Road, South Harrow, HA2 8EX. The Mass will be followed by a Reception in St Gabriel’s Club next door to The Church. All members and friends of The Association, past and present and people with Longford connections are welcome both at the Mass and Reception. The nearest Station is South Harrow.
This is a great opportunity for London based locals to network with locals and it will also be a great boost for the Longford Association in London.
Yoga and Yoga for Pregnancy
Yoga for beginners and improvers is about to begin in the very near future. Yoga being the complete way for a fit pregnancy will also be part of the current term of Yoga classes. Full details are available by contacting Lesley Crawford, Rathcline Road on 087-6507871.
Annual Cake Sale
Cloontuskert National School is holding their Annual Cake Sale in Ballyleague Hall on Sunday 6th December at 11.30 following 11am Mass. This year some local people will host their own stall, selling their own products. If anyone is interested in having a stall/table please contact Ann on 087 9185446 or Penny on 085 8709148.
Lanesboro Library
Knitting & Crochet Group continues every Monday 2 – 4pm. All welcome.
ESOL Class (English for speakers of other languages) continues every Tuesday evening 7-9pm.
Lasraí Writers Group: The next Lasraí Writers Group meeting will take place in the library on Monday 14th December 7-9pm. New members welcome.
Foreign Currency Appeal: We 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.
The opening hours for your local library are: Monday 2.00pm -8.00 pm, Tuesday 2.00pm -6.00pm, Wednesday 2.00pm -8.00pm. Each Thursday the library is closed. Friday 10.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-5.00pm and Saturday from 10.00am-1.00pm.
Free Electrical Recycling Day
Saturday next 5th December there will be a Free Electrical Recycling Day in the car park. They will be accepting from 10am to 4pm. It will be open to accept all types of batteries including farm fencing, automotive and portable batteries, torches, power tools and small electrical devices, large household electrical items such as fridges, freezers, washing machines and electric ovens, kettles and toasters, TVs, Aerial’s, battery operated toys, IT equipment – PCs, TVs, Monitors, phones and Energy Saving bulbs and other lighting equipment. They will accept anything household with a plug or battery.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 25th November are; N/S 1st Phil Chalmers and Maura Hanly, 2nd Mona O’Flaherty and Bernadette Gillen, 3rd Frank and Frances Brennan. E/W 1st Una Lawlor and Brid Mc Dermott, 2nd Eileen Kelly and Una Clarke and Philomena Walsh and Katharine Harrison.
Social Service Whist
The usual monthly Lanesboro Social Services Whist Drive will take place this Friday night 4th December in St. Mary’s Hall at 8.30pm. The Social Services continues to do excellent work throughout the year but a great draw takes place during the month of December and the winter months. Your support and donations to the local Social Services who support the needy of our parish in a tremendous way will be greatly appreciated. Your support at the Whist provides a massive boost to the committee and I would encourage everybody that plays cards to go along on Friday night for a great night of card playing and supporting a most valuable group in our parish.
Christmas Lights
The Christmas lights committee in association with Lough Ree Community Resources will hold their Christmas Lights Church Gate at all masses next weekend 5th and 6th December. Your support will be greatly appreciated
Annual Christmas Pike Fishing Competition
One of the most popular fishing competitions of the year will take place on Sunday next 6th December in Lanesboro. Lanesboro Pike Angling club will host their Annual Christmas Boat Pike Angling competition launching from Lanesboro Harbour.
Fishing will take place between 10am and 3pm.
This is a catch and release competition and all boats must carry a suitable holding tank. The entry fee will be €20 per boat with a maximum of 4 rods and no more than two rods per person.
Prizes will include a hamper for the heaviest fish and also a hamper for the smallest fish.
There will be a draw for non-fishing club members. First prize will be a hamper with many more prizes.
The draw and presentations will take place in the Yacht Bar.
Rathcline GAA
Intermediate Player of the Year – A huge congratulations to Shane Kenny, who on Saturday night, deservedly won the Intermediate player of the year at the Longford GAA All Stars. Shane has been the star man for Rathcline this season and it was only right that he received the credit he deserved on Saturday night. We hope to see many more years of outstanding performances by Shane in a Rathcline jersey and hopefully a Longford senior jersey in the not too distant future! Well done again Shane.
Dinner Dance – To celebrate the success of 2015 the club will be holding a dinner dance in the Radisson Blu Athlone on Saturday 23rd January. The players will be presented with medals on the night and our two cups will be on show. It promises to be a great night and more details will follow in the coming weeks.
50/50 Lotto Draw – Congratulations to Pat Mullen, Moher, who was last week’s winner of €365 in our 50/50 draw. The draw takes place every Monday night and envelopes only cost €2. As this is one of the main sources of income for the club we would remind everyone how important your support is for this draw.
Yearly Subscription 50/50 – Our 50/50 draw which started a year ago has proved to be very successful. We have given away over €23,000 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 the club. A yearly subscription will include membership for the year along with a chance of winning an average weekly prize of €400. We hope to get the subscription based 50/50 up and running for the New Year. 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.
New Year’s Draw – Our New Year’s Draw will take place on Saturday 23rd January at the Rathcline Dinner Dance in the Radisson Blu hotel in Athlone. Prizes are as follows: 1st prize – €1500, 2nd prize – €750, 3rd prize €500, 4th prize €200, 5th prize €200, 6th prize €200, 7th prize €100 and 8th prize €100. Tickets cost €10 and will be available this week from executive members and other ticket sellers. Again your support is crucial to make this draw a success.
Best of luck to Killashee in their Leinster Junior Club Final on Sunday against Curraha of Meath. The match throws in at 2pm in Pearse Park where Killashee look to make history.
Sympathy – We would like to extend our sympathies to former Rathcline player Seamus Nolan and to all the Nolan family on the recent death of Peter Nolan, Carrickmoran, Newtowncashel. R.I.P
St. Faithleach’s GAA
U20 B Championship Semi-Final Result: St. Faithleach’s 0-08 Kilmore/Shannon Gaels 1-06 Team: Callum Farrell, Jack Irwin, Mikey Cox, Eran Farrell, Darren Nerney, John Walsh, Jonny Sweeney, Diarmuid Murtagh(0-3), Kevin Farrell(0-1), Steven Walsh, Jonny Hussey(0-2), Shane Phillips(0-1), Jordon Donlon, Jerome Kelly, Luke Parker, Subs: Daniel Foley(0-1), Connell Connelly, Colm Mangan, Joseph Farrell, Mark Gill. Thanks to the management team of Damien Rooney, Aidan Dooney, Brian Murtagh and Paddy Neilan.
Senior Club A.G.M: Takes place on Friday 4th December in the clubhouse. Mass for deceased members takes place at 8.30pm with the A.G.M directly after. All members and players are asked to attend.
Minor A.G.M: Reconvened A.G.M takes place on Thursday 10th December, all members are urged to attend.
Congratulations: To Ciarán Murtagh who’s goal against Down in the Allianz League Final has been nominated for the Goal of the Year by TG4.
GAA Football Interprovincial Championship: Best of luck to Diarmuid and Ciarán Murtagh who are on the Connacht panel in the Interprovincial Championship. Connacht play Ulster on Saturday 5th December in Athletic Grounds Armagh at 7pm.
Congratulations: To all the Roscommon participants who received their Dermot Earley Youth Leadership Initiative certification in Croke Park last week and to our club rep Keeley Byrne.
Cards: Every Tuesday night in the Clubhouse at 8:30pm. Last week’s winners, joint winners John O/Paic, Jack/Brendan, runners up Peggy/Padraig, last game Frank/Sean.