Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Shannonside Camera Club
The next meeting of the camera club takes place on Tuesday 1st September in the ESB Sports & Social Club house at 8 pm. New members are very welcome. This is the first meeting after the summer recess-what summer? Club members can still email me their favourite photograph/(s) and they should be NOT more than 32kb and be in jpeg format. They will be posted on the on the Shannonside Camera Club site.
To see the Club’s site by going to www.mylocalnews.ie then click on Shannonside Camera Club and see relevant news, photographs and post any correspondence.
Lanesboro Notes Archive
An archive of the Lanesboro Notes is now available at www.joeobrien@iol.ie if you have news of note or notices you want included in the Lanesboro notes you can contact me via that site or at joea@iol.ie
Death
It was with the greatest sympathy we learned of the death on Saturday 8th August at his residence at Aughaloughin, Lanesboro of Frank Mulvihill. Frank had been in failing health for a short while and fought his illness to the bitter end in the care of his loving family. Frank was a man who warmed your heart by his very presence. He was a quiet and unassuming man who endeared himself to everybody that had the pleasure to know him. Frank spent his working life until his retirement with Bord na Mona where many of his work colleagues joined the Guard of Honour. His cheery and heartfelt greeting will be a sad loss to all of us that had the pleasure of his company. The attendance at both the removal of his remains from Farrell’s funeral Home on the Monday to St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro and again at his Funeral Mass on Tuesday and the laying of his remains to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery bore ample testimony to the esteem in which he was held.
To his wife Marie, daughter Edel, son Patrick, brother Tom, sisters Anna, Margaret, Carmel and Val, uncle Joe, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Captain’s Day
Saturday next 29th August Captain’s Day will be celebrated at County Longford Golf Club.
We look forward to a big turnout to celebrate Lough Ree Golfing Society captain, Mr Paddy Donlon’s Prize Day. The tee is booked from 10.30 am so be there as early as possible to ensure a smooth start. Please text your name to 0879730611 if you have not already done so. The competition will be single stableford and there is a prize for nearest the pin on the 4th hole.
A very enjoyable day for everybody is anticipated at this lovely venue.
Death
It is with great sadness and regret that we learned on the death at his residence in Cloontuskert of Tommy John Kelly on Sunday 9th August following a bravely fought illness in the presence of his loving and caring family. Tommy John was predeceased on six weeks previous by his son Michael. He was a native of Strokestown and he never lost the love of his native sod and regularly returned to have a drink in the company of old friend. Tommy John came to work with Bord na Mona where he was a respected member until his retirement. He was a great lover of GAA and was a founder member of the St. Faithleach’s GAA club and at the time of his death was club President. The turnout at both the removal of his remains from Mc Hugh’s Funeral Home to the Church of the Holy Rosary Ballyleague and again at his Funeral Mass and burial in Cloontuskert was ample proof of the esteem in which he was held. To his wife Nancy, sons Padraig, Oliver, and Bosco, daughters Mary, Triona, Margaret and Bernie, brother and sister, relatives and many friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
An Bord Snip Nua
The Ryan report that was commissioned by the Government may have seemed like a good idea at the time of it being set up but by the time of its publication it had passed its sell by date. A group set up to look at almost all but not all will always prove to be a lame duck as many details in this report are proving to be.
The biggest bugbear I have is the now obligatory attack on rural living as if was the fault of the rural people that we are in the state we now find ourselves. Can we hop on the Luas, Dart or the public bus system that operates in Dublin and other cities? Are there taxis passing our door so frequently that all we have to do is stick our hand?
One great example is the proposed cutting of the Longford Rural Transport Scheme under the leadership of Seamus Lee, Rural Transport Programme Co-ordinator LCRL. Although in its infancy in Longford the service is continuing to grow and be a tremendous lifeline to people living in neighbouring parishes and outlying areas allowing them access to Lanesboro every Tuesday and Friday and Longford every Tuesday. It has become a very vital link for the people, both young and old, that are using these services in ever increasing numbers. As a good number of rural dwellers do not own cars this service has given them the confidence to live independent lives.
In recessionary times it is very important for local businesses to be supported so as to ensure their survival and continue to give the service that has been given to their customers for many generations. The proposed loss or withdrawal of this service will further isolate people living in rural areas outside of Lanesboro and Longford. It will also be of a great financial loss to businesses in these towns and unfortunately hasten an added pressure on businesses that are already struggling to survive in tremendously difficult times.
Last weekend we seen an iconic business that was Casey’s Garage Roscommon go into receivership. Casey’s had been the forerunner in business in Roscommon for 80 years and was a landmark not only to Roscommon people but for a huge number of people in our catchment area. Nobody believed that this could happen but it is the reflection of the sad state we now find ourselves in. The shock, sadness and regret at the loss of Casey’s has really shaken everybody. Bit by bit we will see everything taken away from us, yes, taken away from us, by the Government if and when the Ryan report is implemented and all this to protect the greedy and hungry of those that have walked us into the crisis that the country now finds itself in. As long as the developers can be blamed by the Government and the Banks then there will be no culpability by either. Their hunger for money is insatiable and unfortunately it is only to support and help the self same people that have us in the dire straits that we now find ourselves. Perhaps now is the time for innovative thinking and leadership and not a time for taking from people in every which way.
It is very important for everyone that reads this column to stand up and be counted in supporting the Rural Transport Scheme and local business and not allowed ourselves be bullied into submission as has happened in the past. There is a great opportunity on National Rural Transport Day Friday 11th September to lobby politicians as both local and national politicians will be invited to travel on some of the services.
Where would one find better value than the Rural Transport Scheme which is not just for Older people, but for everybody, all age-groups are welcome. FTP holders travel Free, under 65 years and others is €4 return and €2 single.
Community College Reopens
Lanesboro Community College will reopen on Tuesday 1st September for first years and mentors only and on Wednesday 2nd September for all students.
Death
The death too place peacefully in Innis Ree Nursing Home Ballyleague on Sunday last 16th August of Ellen Smyth, Main St. Nellie as she was more commonly known was a thorough lady whose gentle and friendly ways won the hearts of those that come to know her especially those in the immediate Main Street area. Nellie was predeceased some years back by her son John. She was a kind and always helpful lady whose personality was made up of wonderful traits. Nellie life was simple, she liked nothing more than a game of bingo but first and foremost for her at all times was the care and love of her family. Her remains were removed from Farrell’s Funeral Home to St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro on Wednesday last and burial took place to Lanesboro Cemetery following her Requiem Mass.
To her husband Pat, sons Peter, Patrick and Hughie, daughters, Caroline and Eithne, sister, brother, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Pilates
Pilates with Bonnie will start on Thursday 10th September in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesboro at 7pm. Pilates is suitable for all ages and abilities. Please bring along your own mat. If you require further details contact Bonnie at 0872238237.
Courses
County Longford Vocational Educational Committee offer the following courses at Lanesboro Community College commencing during September – Horsemanship, Outdoor recreation, Secretarial Studies, Multimedia Production and European Computer Driving License ECDL. For further information you are asked to contact the Community College, phone 33 21139 or Longford VEC offices Battery Road Longford, phone 33 41030.
Death
It is with great sympathy we learned of the death of Mae Duignan, Barnacor at the Valeview Nursing Home Ballyleague on Tuesday last. Mae originally from Derryhaun was predeceased a few years back by her husband Johnny came to live with her daughter Caroline and husband Michael Mahon. She was a lady of strong character and belief. She was a lady that always raised your spirits after speaking to her and indeed she always appreciated a good laugh. Mae was a very active member until her illness of the local Active Age group. Her remains were removed from Farrell’s Funeral Home to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Thursday and burial took place to Clonbonny cemetery following her Requiem Mass. To her daughters Caroline and Rita, sons Michael, Seán and Gerry, brothers Peter and Robin Carberry, sisters Kathleen, Betty, Cella, Breda, Rita and Dolores, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Lough Ree 2000 Summer Bridge
The following are the results of the competition held on Monday 10th August are N/S 1st Loretta Cooney & Maureen Mulryan, 2nd Hannah Clyne & Maureen Hynes, 3rd Mark & Peggy Crehan, 4th Eileen Kelly & Nancy Dolan. E/W 1st itty Dowd & Chris Mc Grath, 2nd Noreen Dunne & Katherine Harrison, 3rd Una Clarke & Nora Kelly, 4th Brendan & Mary Murtagh.
Cloontuskert N.S.
Cloontuskert National School will reopen on Monday 31st August. The school will close at 12.30 pm on the day to facilitate a staff meeting.
Harvest Festival
The hugely popular and successful annual Harvest Festival will take place at Carrickedmond on Sunday 6th September starting at 2pm. The popularity of this festival is mainly due to it being a Vintage display and working field day where you go along and see harvesting with horse machinery, vintage tractor and machinery harvesting, harvesting with a scythe and reaping hook, threshing with drum and flail. There will also be horse ploughing and loy digging. There will be side events for all the family including dog show, pig on spit, crafts, baking, pony rides, and bouncing castle.
Music on the day will be provided by Frank Nelson, Jimmy Hussey, Tony Moran, Seamus Farrell and the Kavanagh family. There will be a dance and raffle on the night in the El Paso, Kenagh.
Admission on the day is €10 with children going free. Go along and enjoy a wonderful day and relive the memories of old.
All the proceeds of the day will go to supporting local Sub Aqua Clubs
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Monster Bingo – The Rathcline Senior Club is presently organising a Monster Bingo to take place in Lanesboro and Ballyleague Halls on Sunday 13th September at 3pm. The senior club is presently undertaking the development of an all weather pith and this pitch and wonderful clubhouse will to the enormous benefit to all families in the parish. It is essential that everybody in the parish and especially the families within the minor club make a huge effort at supporting the bingo. The jackpot will be €5,000 and the total prize money will be €9,000.
The club executive and officers have undertaken to travel to different parts of the midlands and west advertising the event and handing out flyers. The club is putting its shoulder to the wheel in terms of support and would deeply appreciate your attendance on the day. The success of this day is very vital to the development of the club grounds and the repayments of loans taken out to finish this wonderful development.
Under 6 and under 8 – Training continues every Thursday from 7to 8pm. Attendances have been very good which is very pleasing.
Under 10 Blitz – A parish league including all players in the parish will take place on Friday next 28th in Clonbonny commencing at 6.30pm.
Under 13 – The under 13 team had a great win over Drumlish in the under 13 championship last week. This is a great run for this team as they won the under 12 championship last year and continued their great form through to this year. Well done to all the panel, their team captain Gary Gallagher and their team mentors Micheál O’Sullivan, Brendan Keane and Brian Kennelly
Under 14 – The under team are preparing for their championship to commence. It is due to commence in the next week or so and we wish the panel and management well. The team will play in the St. Faithleach’s tournament on Saturday next 29th August. We would like to thank St. Faithleach’s for their invitation.
Under 14 girls – The season has now completed for the girls. This was the first season for the under 14 girls who acquitted themselves very well considering that almost all the team had at least one more year in the age group. We thank Michelle and Jacqui and anybody that assisted them for their time and efforts.
Under 16 – Games are now finished for the season.
Under 18 – The under 18 team has two games left in their league to complete their season.
Congratulations to Tanya and Sarah Farrell daughters of Pauric and Deirdre Farrell who were selected for the county under 12 team last weekend.
All Ireland Hurling – There will be a draw for 2 All Ireland Hurling Final tickets for all paid up club members.
Scόr – Now is the time to be thinking of Scόr and if anybody is interested in taking part this year they should make it known to any of the club executive. Scόr is a great social outlet for the club and can also involve those not playing football. It is a great enhancement of the club and we urge young people of the parish to get involved. There is a great variety of activities involved and it is a great involvement for our young people -,Figure Dancing, Solo Singing, Instrumental Group, Recitation, Ballad Group, Question Time, Novelty Act and Set Dancing.
Team photographs – Every team panel and managers from under 6 to under 18 are asked to be in Clonbonny on Thursday week 3rd September for team photographs. It is very important that everybody attend as these photographs are for the yearbook.
The Annual General Meeting of the club will take place on Friday night 20th November in the clubhouse at 8pm. Please put this date in your diary as it is very important that the club have a big turnout on the evening.
Defibrillator Course – The club will soon be embarking on a defibrillator and first aid course and would like to invite anybody with an interest in both to contact any of the club executive – Sean Kenny, Seadna Ryan, Brendan Keane, Michelle Lisle, Brendan Rhatigan or Joe O’Brien as soon as possible.
Referee Course – The club intends to hold a referee course in the near future. The course will cover the participants to referee all age groups and will be fully accredited from Croke Park. A leading referee tutor appointed by Croke Park will give the course. We hope a good number of young players and senior and junior players will make themselves available for the course. It is also important that all team managers and selectors complete this course as it is vital to coach all our players in the proper rules. The course will run over four nights 2 hours each night and is free of charge. If you are interested please contact Joe O’Brien immediately phone 086-2460840 or email joea@iol.ie Please give this course some serious thought.
DVD – There are extra copies of the Search for a Star DVDs available in O’Brien’s.
Sympathy– The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the Smyth Family Main Street on the death of Mrs Nellie Smyth and the Mahon and extended Duignan families on the death of Caroline Mahon’s mother Mrs Mae Duignan last week.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior Championship: We play against Kilbride in the Quarter-Final next Sunday evening in Kiltoom at 7.00pm. Best of luck to all. Please come along and support the team.
Junior B Championship: We were defeated by St. Dominic’s in Knockrockery on Saturday last. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 0-7 St. Dominic’s 1-9. Team: M. Tarmey, J. Tarmey, J. Vesey, C. Cox, P. Farrell, M. F. O’Grady, D. McCormack, J. Quigley (0-1), N. Kelly, A. Kenny, P. Murray (0-2), P. Flynn, D. Rooney (0-1), K. Murtagh (0-2), B. Hussey (0-1). Subs used: G. McGrath, M. Cox.
Junior Ladies: We were defeated by Strokestown on Friday evening last.
Lotto: Numbers drawn: 4, 9, 11 and 21. No jackpot winner. €20 winners – D & K Irwin, Lanesboro. Lorraine Mullin, Moher. Maureen Kyne, Ballyleague. Isabelle Ryan, Mountcashel. Ollie Keane, Bogwood. Next draw on 1st September in the Club House, Jackpot: €9,000
Cards: Every Tuesday night in the Club House, 9.00pm. New players welcome. Results of last week’s games – 12 games: Mickey/Mary. Joint 10 games: Sean/Seamus & P. J./Mike. Last game: Sean/Seamus. Ticket Winners: M. Crehan, S. Walsh, J. Madden, F. Connaughton.
Roscommon Junior All-Ireland Final: Hard luck to Club Representatives Martin Reynolds, Clement McCormack & Steven Ormsby with the Roscommon Junior Team who were defeated by Cork on Saturday last in the All-Ireland Final.
Paddy Bolger Memorial Tournament: This Saturday 29th August the Club will hold the Annual 7-a-side U14 Paddy Bolger Tournament in St. Faithleach’s grounds. We currently have approx 16 teams taking part. All available to help out on the day please let us know.
Minors: Our Minor team had a win over Ballinameen in Strokestown on Wednesday evening last.
U14 Ladies: We play against Clan na Gael on Tuesday evening, game also on Friday evening, see fixtures for details.
U12 Boys Championship: We had a win over Kilbride in our 1st Championship game, last Wednesday evening in Kilbride. Final Score St. Faithleach’s 9-10 Kilbride 2-3. Team: M., J. Irwin, J. Farrell, R. Guinan, M. Cox(1-1), D. Kelly, C. Mangan, D. Nerney (1-1), S. Phillips (0-1), J. Hussey (2-1), C. Gannon (1-4), S. Walsh (3-0), E. Farrell (1-1). Subs: L. Parker, E. Tynan, M. Gill, C. Gannon (0-1, D. Barry.
U12 Girls Championship: We were defeated by Elphin on Monday evening last. Team: A. Collier, E. Kenny, N. Carty, S. O’Neill (1-0), L. Gill, R. Costello, K. Murphy (0-2), N. Scally (0-1), E. Hegarty, R. Banahan (0-1), N. O’Donnell. Subs: C. O’Reilly.
Upcoming Events: Music in the Club House this Saturday night, all welcome. The Club are holding a BBQ at the end of August, weather permitting. Ladies Night to be held in the Club House on 25th September.
Fundraising Drive: The Club are in the process of seeking your support. Club Representatives will be calling to your area in the coming weeks, please support in any way you can. Many thanks to so many Volunteers offering their help to get the Dressing Rooms started.
Sympathy: The club extends deepest sympathy to Donal Ryan & all the Ryan Family on the death of his father, Joseph Patrick (Joe) Ryan, Curradrehid, Four-mile-house Notes