Lanesboro Ballyleague
Name the Bridge
A novel idea had led to the Lough Ree Monster committee holding this draw as a fundraiser for the upcoming festival.
The winning ticket will have the honour of naming the Lanesboro /Ballyleague for the week of the festival. The name can be family name or any such name as long as it family appropriate. The committee will have a photograph embossed on two signs and placed one each side of the bridge for the week with the winner’s name on it. It can be your bridge for the week. This is a very unique draw and I am sure it is going to prove to be very popular and it will create a excitement as to who the winners will be and what they will call the bridge.
This can be a fabulous opportunity for those home or away to support the festival and also have the honour of their name on the bridge for the week.
Tickets will be on sale locally, from any member of the committee and they cost €2 each or 3 for €5.
If you are away from home and you want to buy some tickets you can contact me joea@iol.ie phone 086-2460840.
This is a most unique opportunity for some lucky person or family.
Best chips in County Longford
What we already knew the rest of the county is now discovering. Sean Mimnagh’s Shannon Grill in a Longford Leader poll was just voted as having the best chips in County Longford. Sean faced tough opposition but to his credit his chips are consistently the best you can get anywhere. Well done Sean, now our secret is out.
Death
On Thursday, last 8th June there was great sadness in the area when news broke of the death at Mullingar General Hospital of Bernard Mc Cormack, The Green. Barney as he was more commonly known worked on Bord na Mona until his retirement – in his earlier years he cycled to work from his home in Derryharrow, the far side of Longford to his work at Derrarogue bog. He always had a warm and friendly manner which endeared him to those that came to know him. Barney was a man big in stature and big in heart. He would have been a very strong man and loved the manual way of life. He was a man who loved to go to bingo with his wife Mary where they travelled far and wide during his retirement years. Barney had a keen and lifelong interest in gardening. He was a great neighbour until failing health intervened to alter his lifestyle. Barney was a grand man and his passing leaves a sadness in our community.
His remains reposed at his residence on the Green on Saturday last before being removed to St. Mary’s Church. Following his Requiem Mass on Sunday he was laid to rest in Clonbonny cemetery. To his wife Mary, daughter Rosemary, brother John, grandsons John and Danial we extend our sincere sympathy.
Support for Donal
Donal Chapman, Lisnacusha is undertaking a charity skydive in aid of Multiple Sclerosis Longford and he is seeking your support. Sponsorship cards are on counters in all businesses in town. This will be a huge undertaking by Donal and he really deserves all of our support.
Sympathy
The death has occurred of Elizabeth Anderson (nee Mc Dermott), New York following a short illness. She was a native of Lisnacusha and sister of the late Alex, Lisnacusha. Elizabeth is survived by her three sisters Bernadette Dowd, Thureen, Bridie, California and Philomena, New York.
Keith raises Green Flag
The Green Flag recognises and awards Schools that have met the environmental management programme. Last Thursday 8th June Cloontuskert National School who had been awarded their seventh consecutive Green Flag had their flag raising.
They invited 2fm Breakfast Republic lead presenter Keith Walsh to the school to raise the flag. Keith was born in Lanesboro and lived on 56 The Green for his early years made the journey to the school with his sister Áine following the Breakfast Republic programme that morning.
He was regally entertained firstly by the singing of the Junior Infants, Senior Infants and 1st class with a variety of songs while the 2nd, 3rd, 4th 5th and 6th classes showed their musical prowess with many instrumental tunes. Keith then faced many questions from the eager pupils who were enthralled with Keith’s down to earth manner. I doubt if any of his average daily listenership of 167,00 ever asked as many and varied questions as the youngsters asked of him.
Prior to moving outside Acting School Principal Therese Concannon on behalf of the school presented Keith with a Kevin Casey, Sculptor, Salmon of Knowledge Bog Oak Sculpture. It was a most beautiful piece.
Moving outside meant that the entire school was able to do their very own dance they created and it was a great sight to see all the pupils performing the dance so well. Following the dance Keith raised the seventh Green Flag on behalf of Cloontuskert National School.
All done it was time for refreshments and the parents association had laid on a tremendous spread for all and sundry.
Overall it was a beautiful occasion put on by the school and it was a privilege to be invited and be part of a proud day for Cloontuskert National School. Therese along with her staff and parents can be rightly proud of the achievement of the day.
Tourism Co-Op Draw
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lotto on Tuesday 6th June were; 2, 11, 17 and 26. There was no winner of the jackpot of €7,100. The winner of the €50 prize was Tommy and Marian Murphy and the three €20 winners were Peter Mullooly c/o Mags, Joe Farrell Yacht Bar and Paddy Stapleton Killashee
50/50
Monday night last 5th June the 50/50 took place in the Yacht Bar. The winning pool amounted to €317 and the winner was Cillian and Senan Cox, Curraghrua. The club would like to congratulate the lads on their win and thank them for their support and we would like to thank everyone that continue to buy tickets for their great support.
Tickets are on sale locally at €2 each and your support will be greatly appreciated. Alternatively, you can by the pink ticket for the year for just €100 and have 2 free weeks
Could you sell €2 lotto envelopes in your workplace or your neighbourhood weekly? If you can help in any way with the sales of lotto please contact the Executive
Death
It was with great regret we learned of the death at Innis Ree Nursing Home on Thursday last 8th June of Pat Murray, Cloontuskert. Pat was predeceased by his wife Doreen seven years ago. He worked with Bord na Mona for 40 years until his retirement. Pat was a great lover of Irish Country music and an excellent dancer. He had also a keen interest in the GAA, Soccer and Horse racing. He was an excellent conversationalist and liked nothing better than a good chat. Pat was a very dedicated family man and throughout his declining health over the past number of years his family returned the love and dedication he shared with them. The attendance at the reposing of his remains in Farrell’s Funeral Home and again at his Funeral Mass bore ample testimony as to the esteem in which he was held.
Pat’s remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Friday last before being removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague. Following his Funeral Mass on Saturday his remains were laid to rest alongside his wife Doreen in Cloontuskert cemetery. To his daughter Madaleine, sons Padraig, Conor and Derek, brothers Thomas and John, relatives and many friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Midsummers Day with the Stars
The annual Midsummers Day with the Stars is back again at Roscommon Racecourse on Sunday week 25th June. This event has continued to grow greatly in the past few year and why wouldn’t with stars like Nathan Carter, Big Tom, Michael English, Jimmy Buckley, Cliona Hagan and many more providing the entertainment on the day.
Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s admission is €25 and the show will begin at 2pm.
Community Games
Last Sunday 4th June the County Community Games Track and Field events were held in Ballymahon. With over 30 athletes from Lanesboro, we competed in over 30 events.
Well done to all athletes who took part on the day, they did themselves proud, and despite the poor weather conditions enjoyed themselves.
Special mention must go to the medal winners on the day who put in excellent performances:
Aoife Nolan: 1st in Girls U16 200m – Aoife now has the opportunity of representing Longford in the national event in Abbottstown 18th August. Caoilinn Flood: 2nd, Girls U14 Shot Putt: Roisin Brennan: 2nd Girls U16 Discus. Josie Myhill: 3rd Girls U12 Ball throw. Jane Dowd: 3rd Girls U14 Long jump. Liam Ross: 2nd Boys U16 100m sprint (photo finish)!
Our Relay teams also brought home some silverware: U16 Mixed 200m Relay (Richard Prior, Leah Wyse, Aoife Nolan, Liam Ross) came 2nd and U16 Girls 100m Relay (Hazel Johnson, Roisin Brennan, Orla Lyons, Dami Salami) came 3rd.
Special thanks to Margaret Mullooly who thoroughly trained and prepared the athletes and was the team manager on the day.
Thanks to all who helped on the day, including Track and Field day volunteers – who gave up their day to help organise and run the events (Orla Keane, Ronan English, Aoife English, Marie English, Padraig O’Dowd, and Mark Brady) and those who helped make sure athletes were togged and made their events on time (Ronnie Johnson, Duncan Murphy, Eilish Rhatigan, Lucy Ann Myhill) and many more who helped both on the day and the lead up, training beforehand.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the Murray family, Ballyleague on the death of Kieran Murray, Maguiresbridge, Co. Fermanagh and formerly Ballyleague. Kieran was brother of the late Jarlath, The Green and uncle to Tommy, Greg, George and the late Marian. His remains reposed in Smyth’s Funeral Home Roscommon on Thursday before being removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary Ballyleague. Following his Funeral Mass on Friday Kieran’s remains were laid to rest in Cloontuskert cemetery.
Defibrillator Course
The Defibrillator course completed last week with new and refresher courses coming to a completion. There were over 60 trained in the course and Kevin and Evelyn would like to thank everyone that completed both courses.
A new course will take place in the Autumn and for those not already having done the course they should give it serious consideration as the benefits on the use of a defibrillator are enormous and can be the difference between life and death.
Lough Ree Monster Festival Update
The Lough Ree Festival will be launched on Friday and Saturday night 28th and 29th July in St. Mary’s Hall when the John Kenny written, Dermot Healy directed play The Lough Ree Monster will make its stage debut. The play has a host of locals from Cashel, Ballyleague and Lanesboro and it promises to be fabulous launch nights. Rehearsals are progressing in the Hall twice and sometimes three times a week in preparation for the big weekend.
Tickets will soon be available to book for the two nights and there will be details in the next week or so.
The full music programme for the Monster Festival is nearing completion and there is an exciting line up to cover all music tastes throughout the weekend.
Already we have Cliona Hagan, who is after blasting onto the Irish country music scene less than twelve ago, Cliona has definitely left her unique stamp with her latest singles; “We’re All Gonna Die Someday”, “Cowboy Yodel Song” And “I Need Someone to Hold Me When I Cry.” Cliona will be preceded by young and highly thought of young man David Kiernan who is making waves on the music scene.
Katie Gallagher who has been described as a bright, up-and coming singer/songwriter/musician Ballymahon lady who is really making a name for herself on the music scene will play before Entertainer of the Year, the legendary Mike Denver. Longford rock band Reprisal, a trio from Longford, who play hard hitting energetic rock will play before the AC/DC tribute band IE/DC. This line up is without doubt once of the best line ups anywhere in the country and the committee has worked hard to ensure that the people of the area will get the very bestof entertainment.
At the moment, we are also looking at having a famous name and his band play a free concert on the Saturday afternoon
The Lough Ree Monster will emerge from Lough Ree on Friday night 4th and we look forward to a massive crowd down at the river to welcome the Monster back after a 25-year absence. The Monster will remain in the bay area for the weekend and it will leave in the midst of a firework display on the Sunday night.
Make sure you are in the area for this fabulous weekend and join in the fun of the Lough Ree Monster. This is the place to be for a fun weekend of music and entertainment.
Rehearsals go to the stage
The cast of the Lough Ree Monster has completed the reading of their lines and moved to St. Marys Hall on Wednesday night last in preparation for its debut on Friday 28th July. The play will also take place the following night Saturday 29th July and both nights will be used as the official launch nights of the Lough Ree Monster Festival.
There is a wonderful cast working on this hilarious play with some members of the cast coming from the hugely successful Newtowncashel Drama Group and some new members coming from Lanesboro and Ballyleague. The play is being directed by the vastly experienced Newtowncashel man Dermot Healy who has directed many of the Newtowncashel drama Group plays.
Tidy Towns
Preparations are gathering pace for the upcoming judging by the National Tidy Towns adjudicators. The judging normally takes place on the first 3 weeks of June. Your support is greatly appreciated by painting a wall/gate, putting out hanging baskets and window boxes. The committee would like if each and every business would also give the area in front of their premises and along where the footpath meets the road a sweep. Everything that can be done should be done to assist the hard-working committee
Tourism Course
Longford College of Further Education are now enrolling for the Tourism with Business level 5 & 6 courses beginning September 2017. With the imminent arrival of Center Parcs, tourism related employment is expected to grow in County Longford. To apply go to www.longfordcfe.com or email hjohnston.tcl@lwetb.ie
Come to our Meeting
The Lough Ree Monster Festival committee meet every Wednesday in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 9pm and we would love to have more people from the community of Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Cashel and Killashee join us for what promises to be a special event for the entire community on Friday and Saturday 28th/29th July and August Bank Holiday.
Annual Kayaking Camp
The annual Kayak Summer Camp will take place in Lanesboro/Ballyleague from Monday 26th June to Friday 30th June. The camp will be for ages 10 to 17-year-old. For further details or to book your place phone 087 2977769 or 087 6675275. Book early and avoid disappointment.
Convent of Mercy 1977 L.C.
Did you do your Leaving Cert. in the Convent of Mercy in 1977? It is hoped to have a reunion of the class of 40 years ago – Are you one of the girls that began secondary school in September 1972 or the intervening years and in June 1977 sat your Leaving Certificate in the former Convent of Mercy, Secondary School in Lanesboro? The get together will more than likely happen in September or October. Members or that class are asked to contact Geraldine (087 2224048) or Bridie (087 2218484) or e mail lanesborolc1977@yahoo.com
Seeking Cúl Camp Helpers
If any young person is interested in assisting at the Cúl Camps this summer then they should express their interest in doing so to Longford County Board in writing and the expression of interest should be signed by the person wishing to take part and also signed by a parent/guardian. You must indicate the number of camps that you are available to attend.
Any young person under eighteen wishing to be a helper or an assistant coach should also make sure a parent/guardian signs the parental consent form for E -vetting for the named child. E-vetting is a must for children assisting at camps. There is a step by step guide available on the Longford GAA website www.longfordgaa.ie
Upcoming EDI Courses
First Aid Course commencing 19th, 20th, 21st June 2017 at 10:00am – 4:00pm.
Cost: €200
SAFE Pass Course commencing 12th June 2017 at 8.30am – 5.00pm.
Cost: €125 (This includes SAFE Pass card)
To register your interest, contact the EDI Centre, Longford. Tel: (043) 33 47515; email: enquiries@edilongford.ie
To secure a place a deposit of €30 is required.
Please note: Funding may be available for people in receipt of certain social welfare payments, call in to your local Intreo/DSP office or ring (043) 33 40000 to check your eligibility.
Rathcline GAA
Death: The club would like to extend their deepest sympathy to Rathcline Ladies Chairperson Madaleine and her extended family on the death of her father Pat Murray on Thursday last.
Good Luck
The Longford team face Louth in the All-Ireland Qualifiers in the Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda on Saturday next at 5pm. We wish Liam, Shane, Denis and Cian the very best of luck and look forward to a victory.
50/50
Monday night last 5th June the 50/50 took place in the Yacht Bar. The winning pool amounted to €317 and the winner was Cillian and Senan Cox, Curraghrua. The club would like to congratulate the lads on their win and thank them for their support and we would like to thank everyone that continue to buy tickets for their great support.
Tickets are on sale locally at €2 each and your support will be greatly appreciated. Alternatively, you can by the pink ticket for the year for just €100 and have 2 free weeks
Could you sell €2 lotto envelopes in your workplace or your neighbourhood weekly? If you can help in any way with the sales of lotto please contact the Executive
Minor Club
Cúl Camp dates: The Cúl camps will take place in Rathcline from Monday 24th to Friday 28th July. The cost of Cúl Camps this year is €60 for 1st child, second child €50 and third/fourth €40.
Bookings can be made online www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie or to Damien Sheridan, GAA Coaching Officer, Pearse Park, Battery Road, Longford, phone 087-9126556.
U8 Respect Exhibition blitz will take place in Kenagh on this Wednesday at 7pm. The other teams involved in the blitz will be the home team St. Dominick’s and Longford Slashers.
Our U12 team will be out the next two Thursdays when they will welcome Allen Gaels to Clonbonny on this Thursday evening at 7.30pm. The following Thursday evening 22nd June we will welcome Clonguish Gaels to Clonbonny for a 7.30pm throw in.