Lanesboro Ballyleague
Will it become a reality?
Finally, what we always crying out for and bemoaning the fact that there was none available locally for us can soon become a reality. We have many events in the area that falls that bit flat due to the lack of Street Theatre. We see parades and events with Street Theatre creating a spectacular atmosphere. We now have every reason to be feeling giddy with anticipation as there is the beginning of this opportunity as Longford County Arts Officer Fergal Kennedy is creating a County Longford Street Theatre group and he is seeking support from Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Killashee and Cashel. I have always said that we have a remarkable number of artistic and creative people in our catchment area and here is the ideal opportunity for the use of your skills. As Fergus says “There is enough talent in the county to establish a miniature Macnas” and that is what we should do.
Fergus added further “we have a warehouse in town and we have engaged the services of ‘Artastic’ a professional street theatre group from Dublin to do prop and costume making workshops with our group. The idea broadly is that the adults would make the floats and costumes etc. and we would train schools students to dance and perform accompanied by local musicians in costume.
If you are interested and know of anyone else who might be interested, please let them know– we would be delighted to see them on this Thursday evening 15th for a short meeting in the Co –op at 8.00pm
This will only become a reality with your support.
Are you coming?
This Wednesday night at 9.30pm in Adie’s bar the Lough Ree Monster 2017 Festival meeting will take place. Join in with us, help us prepare what promises to be a massive festival in our community between Thursday 3rd and Monday 7th August.
Visualise the Monster coming from the cut down to the bridge in an array of lighting and amid a flotilla of water crafts, the banks lined with the biggest crowd ever seen in Lanesboro in excited anticipation and then the dramatic send off on the Sunday night. This is what you can be part of organising. You can also be part of creating an exciting five days of the Lough Ree Monster Festival.
Do come along, offer your views and help create something absolutely wonderful. It does not matter where you are from we would love to have you along with us.
Greenway for Lanesboro?
At its beginning in Dublin and winding its way through counties Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath and Longford and entering the Shannon at Clondra the Royal canal cut a sedate pathway through the aforementioned counties.
All of that is slowly changing and the once vibrant 90mile and 46 lock gateway for barges to the Shannon bringing business to and from Dublin that has lay silent for so long will once again be filed with the sounds of people and laughter.
A new pathway for walkers and cyclists is being developed all the way along the route from Dublin to Clondra. To date the pathway has made excellent progress as it is now at the Westmeath Longford border and a recent announcement by Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross in Ballymahon means that funding will now be available to take the pathway to Ballymahon and closer to its final destination.
Lanesboro has to be seen as a very important and essential element in the connection to the Royal Canal, it has an extremely active and vibrant Triathlon club that has a remarkable record since its inception and access to the Royal Canal would play a major part in the future development of the club allowing greater off road access to training and the development of the youth. The access from Lanesboro to Killashee would also allow for the many runners in the club and in the community. It would even be a wonderful walking area for the many locals who re regularly pounding the footpaths and roads around Lanesboro and Ballyleague. It would create its own tourist area and wonderful amenity.
There is a real opportunity for jobs to be created along this pathway and it is an opportunity that should not be missed. Along the Mayo Great Western Gateway which is just 26mile long there has been the creation of upwards of 90 jobs and in the short time since its creation the Greenway has already paid for itself.
Lanesboro and Ballyleague is becoming, once again, a tourism driven community and the arrival of a route to the Royal canal will be a hugely important tourism attraction and be the catalyst to the regeneration of the entire area as a tourist area.
Festival launch for Lanesboro and Ballyleague
Within the next 4 weeks’ visitors from all over the world will be in Lanesborough and Ballyleague for two major events that will rightly put the town on the map for many years to come.
The World Predator Boat Fishing championships will take place here from October 5th to the 10th with 200 anglers from 16 European countries here and then we have a spectacular line up of celebrity chefs and food producers for the Taste of the Lakelands Food Festival on Friday October 7th and Saturday October 8th when 2000 visitors are expected in the food show in the marquee behind the parish hall.
There’s already a real buzz around the town about these events with some anglers from Poland, UK, Hungary and Russian visiting the town to prepare for the fishing.
On Wednesday night of next week September 21st, the organisers of both events will stage a special community launch night in St Mary’s hall with all local residents, representatives of all local community groups and the traders and business owners of the town invited to come along.
The idea is to give everyone a full rundown on every single detail of the festival in October – letting them know when everything is on, where it is and what to expect. A special invitation will be issued to everyone in the community to get involved in the festival by helping to decorate our town, bring colourful bunting and international flags onto the streets at their homes and shops and put on a very special Céad Míle Fáilte for all our visitors from home and abroad.
Special details will be given on Wednesday night week of two very important events. The International festival will actually open with a great ‘Mardi Gras’ style family festival parade through the streets of the town on Thursday October 6th at 6pm when the International anglers will hold their own parade of nations behind their international flags and will be accompanied by local school children, community groups, the Castlerea street entertainment giant figures and the emergency services. This will be a spectacular family parade. We are now asking all local schools to try and prepare a special little ‘float’ with a small number of their students to take part – bringing colour, designs, masks, fancy dress and the flags of the nations into the streets. We will also launch details next week of a very special Friday night feature on Friday October 7th at 8pm when the ICA ladies of Lanesborough and Longford will do battle in a special celebrity cook-off with their Roscommon counterparts in the marquee. So please come along on Wednesday night September 21st at 8.30pm to St Mary’s hall beside the bridge for our launch and don’t say you were not invited. It should be a great night – ahead of a great few weeks here.
For more information, speak to Liam or Helen at 04333 21734 or e mail: tasteofthelakelands@gmail.com
Poetry on the Move
The very popular Summer ‘Poetry and Music’ at the Sisters Bistro will resume at Lanesboro Library, where the writers group meet. The Autumn gatherings will begin on Monday 19th September from 4.30 to 5.30pm.
Come along and share a favourite poem. The group is looking forward to seeing you there and to meet new people interested in poetry and music.
Death
It was with great sadness and regret we learned on Thursday 8th September of the death of Mrs. Kathleen Connaughton, Cullentra. Kathleen in her 93rd year had been in failing health in recent times. She passed away while she was with her daughter Olive in Cushendall, County Antrim. Kathleen was predeceased by her husband Tom many years ago. Kathleen was a native of Newtowncashel. She had a great lifetime interest in the family farm. She was a lady that loved to cook. She was a lady who would warm the heart of anyone with her warmth of greeting and welcoming smile. She was a lady whose manner endeared her to everyone that came to know her. Kathleen was a deeply religious lady which manifested itself in her gentle, kind and caring spirit. The impact of her life on other people was clearly evident by the attendance at the reposing of her remains and Funeral Mass. Kathleen’s remains reposed at her residence on Saturday until the removal of her remains to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro for her funeral Mass. Following mass her remains were laid to rest alongside her husband Tom in Cashel cemetery.
To her daughters Breda, Olive, Ann, sons Gerry and Padraig, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy
Set Dancing Classes
Classes will commence on Tuesday 20th September in St. Faithleach’s GAA club house at 8pm. Classes are suitable for beginners and you don’t need a partner. Come along and get fit while having fun.
For more info, please contact Mairéad on 0868546433
Sean Nos Dancing Classes
Classes for children will commence on Tuesday 20th September at 4.15 pm in The Hill in Newtowncashel. Under 6 years; 4.30—5.00. 6—9 years; 5.00-5.30. 9—12 years; 5.30—6.00
A teenage class can be arranged should there be a demand for it. Classes are for boys and girls. For further information or to book a place …Contact Mairéad 0868546433
Forward Planning
The Lough Ree Community Resource Group is hosting a Christmas Fair on Sunday 4th December in the Co-Op hall. More details later.
Lough Ree Monster 4 mile and 10k Race
A date for your diary and only 5 weeks away. The Lough Ree Monster group will hold a 10k and 4-mile Road race on Sunday 2nd October in Lanesboro. The group looks forward to all runners and their running club members and friends taking part. We would appreciate that the word will be spread far and wide and that it really be a monster turnout.
Bridge Club Reopens
The Lanesboro 1973 Bridge club will resume on this Wednesday 14th September in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 7.45pm. The AGM will take place on Wednesday 21st September.
Employment Course
Do you want to work for Center Parcs or similar tourism projects? Want 400 CAO points? The Tourism with Business at Longford College of Further Education is the course for you to further your education and skills. To apply go to www.longfordcfe.com or call Helen on 087 6795067
Tourism with Business Certificate
Are you looking for a career focused course? Then enrol on Longford College of Further Education’s 1-year Tourism with Business programme starting September 2016. Ireland is going through a tourism regeneration with employment potential from Centre Parcs and from initiatives such as The Wild Atlantic Way, The Greenway Cycle Project and Ireland’s Ancient East project. The course offers practical business skills for the workplace as well as accreditation from Quality Qualifications Ireland and awards up to 400 CAO points for progression to third level institutions. This course is free to those in receipt of BTEA or who qualify for a SUSI grant* and to holders of a medical card. The registration fee and government levy is €330 for all other students. To enrol go to www.longfordcfe.com click to enrol and follow instructions. (*Fees will be refunded on receipt of SUSI grant)
Outdoor Recreation and Fitness & Health courses
Lanesboro Community College is providing two courses – Outdoor Recreation and Fitness & Health beginning in September. Awards are accredited by QQI National Framework of Qualifications (formally FETAC). Enrolment is now open by contacting admin.lcc@lwetb.ie or phone Lanesboro Community College 043 33 21139.
50/50
On Monday 5th September last the 50/50 draw took place in Adie’s Bar. When the envelopes were counted there was €430 for the owner of the first envelope drawn. The lucky envelope belonged to Geraldine Linnane, The Green. The blue envelopes are on sale locally at local shops and from club members and they cost only €2 each. Alternatively, you can opt for the pink envelope for €100 and that has you in the draw for 52 weeks. Your support is greatly appreciated and it is great to see that the jackpot is hovering around the €400 mark over the past few weeks.
Meet with Center Parcs
The new group formed by the Traders of the area met had a follow up meeting last Wednesday night and it was agreed that a new name should be agreed on to make the group inclusive for everyone. The group would like to invite everyone to their next meeting in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on this Wednesday 11th September where a representative from Center Parcs will address the meeting. The meeting will take place at 8pm, please come along
Great Excitement
An evening time photograph of the marina featured on Facebook by Brigid Mullooly on Saturday gained the comment that the area was similar to the Riviera and judging by the Brigid’s photograph you would think that this was the case.
On Saturday last the North Shannon Regatta for Shannon One Design took place in Lanesboro. The annual Cruiser Long Distance Race took place on Saturday starting from Lough Ree Yacht Club in Athlone and finished in Lanesboro. It was a very impressive sight to see a large number of boats with their sails up in the bay as they sailed into town. For all of you that know the bay area between the bridge and the entrance to Lough Ree (the cut) I am sure you can visualise a big number of boats with their sails up sailing that particular areas and made all the more impressive with a good wind blowing.
What was seen on Saturday really highlights the great need to have a sailing club developed in the Lanesboro Ballyleague which is a wonderful location with its close proximity to Lough Ree. We can see the sight and beauty of sailing crafts in our heads and now we need to see them frequently on the river. Those that were lucky enough to be at the Shannon had a first-hand view and could see the possibilities and beauty of the bay area populated with sailing boats.
A Massive Thank You
Lanesboro Triathlon Club, once again hosted a very successful sponsored swim on August Bank Holiday Monday raising €5000 for this year’s chosen charity, Hand in Hand. Last week a cheque was presented to charity representative Jennifer Carpenter by members of the organising committee. On behalf of the chosen charity, Jennifer thanked Lanesboro Tri Club, the sponsored swim organising committee members and all the swimmers and volunteers who made this event possible. To ensure all funds raised, went directly to the chosen charity, Lanesboro Tri Club executive covered the expenses for the event. Mark Kenny, Club Secretary, paid tribute to the many volunteers on the day who helped with catering, water safety, first aid and much more. “It would be impossible to run this event without the continued goodwill and support for which we are all deeply grateful.” The charity Hand in Hand has a significant importance in Lanesboro as it was this charity which came to the aid of a local family at their time of need, when their young child was diagnosed with cancer. Jennifer explained how the charity is there to assist and provide practical support for families in Ireland who have been affected by childhood cancer. To learn more about their services, go to http://www.handinhand.ie
Pictured above are Frank O Conor (Club Treasurer), Barry Hogan, Sean Farrell (Organising committee), Jennifer Carpenter (Hand in Hand), Mark Kenny (Club Secretary)
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Pat and Mona Hanly and family Lisnacusha, Maura Hanly and family, Lehery on the death of Michael Fitzgerald, Peterborough, England. Michael was husband to May Hanly formerly Lisnacusha who was sister of Pat and the late P Hanly.
Thank You
The Defibrillator group would like to say a very sincere thank you to everyone that contributed to their Church Gate collection in both Lanesboro and Ballyleague which came to €450.
Cycling, Walking or both
Saturday evening last a lady came into the shop enquiring as to whether there was a cycling or walking club in the area. She was surprised to learn that we had neither. Perhaps people interested in one or the other or both could put a group together to cater for those wishing to partake in those activities especially when they arrive in Lanesboro and Ballyleague.
Maybe I am ill-informed and there are one or other of such groups in the community. If there are, please let me know and I will be happy to advertise it for you.
Art classes return
Art classes in Ballymahon are to re-commence in October with Tutor Frances Kelleher. Beginners classes on Tuesday mornings and Improvers in the evenings, time to be decided. Please contact Frances at hfkelleher@eircom.nett or text her at 087-9913 651. Or phone Bridgeways Resource Centre at 09064-32691. Newcomers and improvers welcome.
Geese Shot
Since the great flooding of the Turlough a number of wild geese had settled in the area and were well known to locals of that particular area. They would swim up close to those that they knew where they were sure they would get some feeding. This is the first year that this particular wild duck has come to the area and it was hoped that they would stay and become a feature of the wildlife of the area. They were friendly and as I already said would swim toward you. However, last week someone thought it would be a great challenge to shoot these birds and it has brought a great disappointment to those that watched and welcomed the geese to the area. Luckily all the geese were not shot but some of them were injured and hopefully they will return to full health in the coming days and weeks.
Women in Business
Leitrim and Longford Women in Business Networking Event. “Network for Success” – will hold their event in the Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill on Tuesday 27th September.
This is a great opportunity to hear from Inspirational Women in business on how they became a success, learn their top tips and secrets to success. An event that’s sure to leave you inspired, energised and motivated as well as enthusiastic to grow your network and drive your business to new levels of success.
Agenda: 10am – Registration Tea/Coffee. 10.30 – Welcome. 10.40 – Facilitated networking session.11.15 – “In conversation with” Norah Casey, Chairwoman, Harmonia Ltd., Anne Heraty, CEO, CPL Resources PLC, Suzanne Jackson, Sosueme.ie
MC & Chair for the day will be Carole Coleman
12.30 – Lunch: 2pm – Close
This is an excellent opportunity for all Ladies whether in business or interested in getting into business. It is rare that an opportunity such as this will come close to our door soon again and it is surely a must for all Ladies to Network.
The cost is a mere €15 and you can book through the local Longford and Leitrim Enterprise office
Great Success
The Newtowncashel Centenary Photographic Exhibition in the Hill a few weeks back was a remarkable success. Such was the success of the exhibition that there was a need to have a further exhibition. The date for the further exhibition is this coming Friday night16th September and it will take place again in the Hill from 6 to 10pm. If you did not get to it last time around, make it your business to attend on Friday as this is one exhibition well worth seeing. This will be your last opportunity to see this excellent exhibition.
Rathcline GAA
On Sunday afternoon last our short stay in senior football regrettably came to an end. It was a very disappointing time for our players. After the euphoria of last year and winning the Intermediate championship and beating a senior team in Drumlish to gain League 1 status we expected, with the talent available at that time, we could consolidate our position in senior until the undoubted potential of our younger players gained the necessary experience to compete for county senior titles. We really do have that talent in our club. Alas, it was not to be and we find ourselves out of all senior competitions and we face 2017 at Intermediate level. Now is the time to regroup and put ourselves back into contention in 2017. We must compliment every player that gave of his time to the seniors during the year. You were a credit to us and continued to strive gallantly right up to Sunday last.
The club would like to thank Colin Hannify, Brendan Rhatigan, Jeaffrey Mc Gann, Sean Kenny and physio Ray Cox for their hard work during the year.
The Under 21 championships will commence late in September. Training is ongoing under the directorship of Sean Farrell and Anthony Farrell. Every player in the parish is asked to make themselves available for training leading up to the first round game against Ballymahon Forgney Gaels in Clonbonny. A note for parents- if your son is underage for Under 21 and is not turning out can you please bring up the subject and encourage him to training in Stonepark on this Friday night at 8.30pm
Lines are on sale for the chance to win 2 tickets for the All-Ireland final on Sunday next and be part of the unbelievable atmosphere of All-Ireland Day. Tickets are only €2 each and are on sale locally. The draw will take place in the clubhouse on Friday night.
Congratulations to Geraldine Linnane, The Green, on winning the 50/50 last Monday. Geraldine received €430. Blue envelopes are on sale for €2 each or if you prefer you can pay for a year at €100 and be in for the full 52 weeks.
Our under age (08 and 10) teams took part in a challenge against St Michaels Ballygawley, Co. Sligo in Clonbonny on Saturday 3rd September in what was a very wet morning. We had a great turn out and everyone enjoyed a very enjoyable mornings football thanks to Alan Maxwell and Lee Cullen who look after the under 10 team and to Joe Rooney who took the under 08 team on the day as Stephen Rooney was away. Our under 6 team had a fun morning also with a big thanks going to Eilish Rhatigan for organising some games inside in the clubhouse. All children received some taytos sweets and drinks afterwards and not forgetting to thank the parents that help on the day with refreshments for all the parents that attended.
Best of luck to our under 12 team that play in the plate final next Saturday morning in Pearse Park when they will take on Northern Gaels at 10.30am. Shannon Gaels under 14 team were out today against Ballymahon and had a good win and they will be out again for another match on Tuesday evening when they take on Colmcille in Clonbonny. On Saturday next at 4pm our minors will play the Minor B Cup semi-final in Clonbonny at 4pm. On Monday next at 6.30 our U16 team will play host to Shamrock Gaels in Clonbonny. Where you can please come along and support the young players of your club.