Lanesboro Ballyleague
Fermoyle Parents, students past and Present
All Parents, past pupils, teaching staff present and former are invited to attend a function to honour the recent retirement of Denis Connerton in St. Mary’s Parish Hall Lanesboro Friday 13th October 2017 at 7.30pm.
Walk/Cycle Part or all the Way
The saying is “Walk the Walk” so that is what is about to happen on Bank Holiday Monday 30th October when so far 3 walkers and 1 cyclist will take to the road as they walk from the Bridge in Lanesboro to the bridge in Athlone. Caroline Gray is our sole cyclist, she has not been on a bicycle since she was a child until the other day. It will be a great challenge for her to make the journey but all of us that know Caroline know of her strength and determination and her ability to overcome obstacles. Gerdie Farrell, Angela Knowles, Longford Road and Joe O’Brien are the walkers.
If you want to join in for any part or the whole walk please let us know we would love your company.
The walk is in aid of the Lough Ree Monster Festival to ensure that the festival will come back bigger and better in 2018. You support is essential that we can once again bring musical life to Lanesboro during the summer time. Sponsorship cards are available locally and the committee would really appreciate your generous support.
Try a Dive is Back
Have you ever thought of taking up the sport and skill of sub Aqua diving? The enjoyment and pleasure in this sport is truly magnificent and so invigorating and it can take you to many parts of the country and the world.
The search and rescue aspect of it means that you can be so helpful in recovering and rescuing people from perilous situations and bringing comfort to people.
The Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club will hold their annual Try a dive in Longford Swimming Pool at the Mall commencing this Thursday night 5th October 9pm. This is an opportunity to be availed of and not to be missed.
The Lough Ree Sub Aqua club is looking forward to welcoming you to become a new Scuba Divers to their team! For more information go to Facebook.com/loughreesubaqua/”
Taste of Lakelands
Last weekend the Taste of the Lakelands returned to Lanesboro for the second time. What a fantastic occasion it was and what tremendous work was done by the committee in making the second year even better than the first. Normally the second year does not hit the heights of the first but last weekend exceeded everything that went before it. The attendances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday easily surpassed the numbers of last year and the enjoyment of the throngs was clearly etched on the faces of all the visitors to the Taste of the Lakelands.
This committee seems to have a great way with the Lord as for the second year running, the weather was their friend in early October when during the summer we could hardly get two fine days together. The whole occasion showed off the beauty of Lanesboro and Ballyleague at its finest and if I had a penny for every person that told me that we had a beautiful community then I would be a rich man.
Chairman Alan Horohoe, director Helen Feeney their outstanding committee and everyone that worked with them must be complimented for their part in making this another fabulous weekend in our community. When you consider the size of our community and you see what the Taste of the Lakelands brought to us in terms of quality and profile and especially attendance you can see that there is a far seeing and progressive committee doing the right thing all the time. The attendance was estimated to be over 8500 over the three days and when you think that the last census figures told us that the total population of Lanesboro and Ballyleague was 1377 and the festival brought almost a multiple of over 6 times our population to Lanesboro and Ballyleague over the weekend.
Congratulations to the committee and everyone that helped create another wonderful occasion for our community and we definitely look forward to another hugely successful event in 2018.
Enterprise Town Adjudication
Work had been going on behind the scenes in preparation for the Enterprise Town adjudication. Amid the Taste of the Lakelands Festival on Saturday morning last two judges came to Lanesboro to adjudicate on our entry. There was a great deal of thought and effort put into the creation of this presentation and the presentation areas really made a great impression on the judges. The presentation made by many sections of the community was truly as good as you could get anywhere and hopefully altogether we done enough to win a main prize in the competition. The result will be known at a presentation on 15th November in Tullamore.
Lanesboro and Ballyleague really came together to highlight the benefits of living in this community and the future prospects for much greater developments in the Lanesboro and Ballyleague area over the coming years. We are sure that the developments will not only create employment for those away from home that want to return but also for our young people that are growing in our community and want to remain here.
We have an area in Ireland that is being created more beautiful day by day by three supreme Tidy Towns and development committees. We are quickly closing in on what the main tourist attractions have and there is no doubt that with the creation of new businesses and enterprises we will surpass many of them and Lanesboro and Ballyleague will be the place to be in the very near future.
I full appreciate that you will say that we do not have the accommodation, at the moment, to host big numbers but I have no doubt that when our plans come together so will many many bed rooms in many different ways. Perhaps in the near future we will see the Lough Ree Arms and Sliabh Bawn and many local people doing B&B from their own homes all to compliment the great work being done at present by Chris and Claire Webb in the Convent B&B.
A few interesting nuggets that emerged from the presentation: A feasibility study is being undertaken into the development of a Food Hub on the Longford Road which will create between 60 and 80 jobs and will be 30,000 sq. ft. in size. There is a proposal of an amphitheatre beside the river banks. The power station is being adjusted to make it capable of burning biomass products hence extending the life of the station into the future. There are discussions taking place at the moment with the prospect of linking by cycleway/walkway Lanesboro and Killashee off the main road and the extension of this that cyclists will be able to cycle to and from Dublin along the Royal Canal, work will commence in the near future and the Lough Ree Distillery is due to open in late 2018.
In the past 12 months there has been the inaugural Taste of the Lakelands, the 9th World Championships Predator Boat Fishing, Christmas Fares, the Lough Ree International Coarse Fishing competition, the Lough Ree Monster Festival in August and the second Taste of the Lakelands. The Lough Ree Triathlon entry was over 700 and a children’s triathlon on the previous evening and that had over 100 taking part.
Have you considered Refereeing
Refereeing is open to men and women from the age of 18 upwards. It is something that brings great satisfaction and also allows referees to progress up the ranks to whatever level their dedication takes them.
The image of a referee being a solitary occupation does not bear anything close to reality. You are a member of a team of referees in the county where there is great comradery. You also will have your own umpires that leaves you part of another team and a leader of that team.
At the moment, there are wonderful opportunities for young referees to climb the ranks within Longford and indeed in the Leinster ranks also. Now is the time to be giving it serious consideration.
Longford has a proud record of supplying referees to Leinster and the National Refereeing panel for many years and this opportunity is waiting for you with the right application. Currently, we are very proud to have Fergal Kelly and Patrick Maguire are members of the National Referee Panel.
Refereeing is enjoyable and it can also enhance your skills set. If you decide to explore the idea or want to include your name for the upcoming new Referee Foundation course feel free to contact Referees Administrator Joe O’Brien joea@iol.ie or phone 086 2460840.
You can see Manchester United
The Manchester derby will take place on Saturday 9th December when Manchester United will host Manchester City at 3pm. There is a great opportunity for you to avail of the opportunity when a Manchester United supporters club are running a bus to the Manchester for the weekend. For €399 you get a bus from Roscommon Town on Friday, ferry crossing and 2 nights B&B in a hotel.
If you want to be in Old Trafford for a Champions League game then you have the opportunity for the Manchester United against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday 5th December. The kick-off is at 7.45pm This is a day trip and costs €139. Bus from Roscommon with ferry and match tickets
If you want further details or want to book for either game you should contact Danny 086-8417264. As places are limited you should make immediate contact.
Community Games AGM this Wednesday
The Lanesboro Community Games committee is having their AGM at 9pm on this Wednesday 11th October in St Mary’s Parish Hall. The committee would welcome and encourage everyone, especially the parents of children living in the town and hinterland of Lanesboro to attend and support Community Games in Lanesboro. Community Games covers a broad medley of activities and it gives parents a chance, to allow their children to participate, socialize and display their talents. Over 100 children from the parish participated in Community Games events during 2017. You are urged to help continue to progress Community Games in the parish during 2018.
Following the outstanding success of our young people in the many activities there is no doubt that every parent in the community will want the opportunity for their own children to have the opportunity to reach and better the achievements of 2017. Your attendance is very important as it is a vote of confidence to the committee.
Sign up for Defibrillator Training
Being able to use of the defibrillator means you have acquired lifesaving skills. Names are now being taken for the training in the use of the Defibrillator. The training is free and training will soon commence. If you wish to take part in the training or need to upskill your use then you should leave your name into Martina O’Brien at the Corner Shop or phone 086-2460840 or 3321107
Death
In recent times we had learned of the failing health of Elizabeth Fleming, Thornfield, Rathcline.
Elizabeth who in the past number of months was in Innis Ree Lodge, Ballyleague before being transferred to Porticuncula Hospital where she passed away on Friday 29th September. Elizabeth was truly one of a kind, she was a great character and was the first person I knew that was on the anti-smoking platform. She was never afraid to speak her mind and at times blunt in her views. She was a teacher by profession – teaching was her great love – be it in school, be it in at her horse training facility, be it elocution, be it teaching Germans to speak English during the summer holidays or even a dance teacher. We all have a multitude of memories of Elizabeth. When we think of her we will always recall her smile that at time brought you into a false sense of security especially if caught you doing what you should not have been doing. So many of the people that attended the reposing of her remains and her funeral that has a plethora of stories to tell of Elizabeth. She was a devoted and dedicated family woman and nothing in the world meant more to her. Elizabeth’s memory will live long with everyone that had the pleasure to know her. The attendance at the reposing of her remains on Monday in her residence and again at her Funeral mass in St. Mary’s Church and burial in Clonbonny Cemetery bore ample testimony to the esteem in which she was held. To her husband Ollie, daughters Michele, Olivia, Tricia and Mary and a wide legion of friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Recent Break-in
In recent times there has been an unwanted trend building in the area where a number of premises were burgled. On the Roscommon Road opposite St. Faithleach’s Well a house was broken into with a number of items stolen and a lot of damaged done in the house.
A robbery took place in Farrell’s Gala supermarket where a large sum of money was stolen. There are photographs on social media asking to identify persons of interest.
Last week another robbery took place in the Curraghroe area where a private house was robbed.
In Cloontuskert a car and a window was damaged at No1 during the night two weeks ago.
If you have seen anything in and around any of these areas please contact our local Gardaí or the Gardaí in Longford or Roscommon.
Engagement
Many congratulations to James Hanley son of Johnny and Bernie Hanley, Thureen and Bríd Killian, daughter of Brendan and the late Bridgie Killian, Newtowncashel who announced their engagement last weekend.
Something for the long evenings
With the evenings staring to lengthen and if you are searching for something to watch over the longer evenings and nights you could do no worse than buy the DVD of the play ‘The Lough Ree Monster’. DVDs are available in O’Brien’s costing €15and you are assured of a great couple of hours with a local cast.
WIFI Investment
Last week funding was announced to make Lanesboro a WIFI town. What does that mean? Well I don’t know but I asked Chris Webb who would be an expert in the technical side of things and the following is his response
Investing in a state of the art Wi-Fi network will enable the Lanesborough Town to provide the following:
Free Guest Wi-Fi Hotspots
Lanesborough and Ballyleague to one of the first Towns in the to be ‘online’ with their own App.
We will be able to connect to our local/national/international tourist’s visitors.
Access for all, public/visitors to the internet, using smart phones and smart devices; laptops, iPads etc.
Lanesborough and Ballyleague to advertise events ‘live What’s on’ in the town via our very own App e.g. Trad night tonight in Clarkes
55’ Interactive IP rated media touchscreen to be placed in the town – YOU ARE HERE
Web pages and local website interaction – utilising BLE Beacons e.g. 10% of Polish coal in Supervalu today only
Of course, the ability to restrict the viewing of certain websites/web content
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Monday 2nd October are N/S: Gross and Nett: 1st Fergal McGuinness and Joan Donlon, 2nd Joan Browne and Patricia McGann, 3rd Philomena Walsh and Loretta Cooney. Nett: Ann Donlon and Freda Kenny. E/W: Gross and Nett: 1st Bernadette Gillen and Mike Flynn, 2nd Mary Jameson and Goretti Kenny and 3rd Tom Feeney and partner. Nett: Frank and Mary Conmy.
The club extends its sincere sympathy to club members Mairead Gill and her family on the death of Albert , her husband , recently and Mary Mc Gushin and the Fleming Family on the passing of Elizabeth, Mary’s sister .
Lanesboro Library
Library Opening Hours
Monday 2-8pm, Tuesday 2-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm and 5-8pm, Thursday closed, Friday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm.
The Knitting and Crochet Group meet in the library on Mondays, 2-4pm. All welcome.
‘Babble and Books’ Baby Book club, a free weekly baby book club for parents/carers and children aged 0-2 years continues on Wednesdays at 10.15am. Sessions include songs, stories, early literacy/language games followed by a cuppa and a chance to chat with other families!
Preschool Drop In and Sing-along on Wednesdays at 12.30pm. Pop in to the library on your way home from preschool to join the group sing-along and choose a book with your friends.
The next ‘Chat and Chapters’ social book club will be held on Wed 18th October at 6.45pm. The group will discuss the different books they have each been reading. This is a relaxed format with no pressure to read a specific book by a deadline, but an opportunity to chat about books and get new ideas for your reading list!
Book launch: Local Author, Robert Peacock, will be launching his recently published children’s book ‘Cara and the Mystery of the Missing Ball’ in the library on Mon 23rd Oct, 6.30-8.00pm. Come along to listen to a reading from the book, buy exclusive signed copies and enjoy light refreshments with a local author!
Halloween Lanterns art event: As part of this year’s Aisling children’s art festival, the library will host an art event suitable for children aged 6-9 years on Wednesday 25th October, 5-6pm. This event costs €5 per child which includes all the materials to make a Halloween lantern which the children can take home. This event must be pre-booked as places are limited. Call the library on 043 3321291 to reserve a place.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs Bridgie Mullen and her son J.T. Mullen and family, Erra, Curraghroe and formerly Cornadough, Newtowncashel on the death of their son and brother Gerry Mullen, Ballymahon last week.
50/50
Monday night last 25th September the 50/50 pool stood at €386 and the winner drawn in the Clarke’s Bar was Rebecca Fallon, Lisrevagh. The draw on 2nd October took place in Adie’s Bar and the winning prize pool was €379. The winning envelope drawn was in the name of Paul Farrell, Tullyvrane. Your support is greatly appreciated for the weekly draw. Tickets are on sale locally at €2 each. Alternatively, you can by the pink ticket for the year for just €100 and have 2 free weeks
Tourism Co-Op Draw
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lotto on Tuesday 3rd October were: 3, 6, 9, and 27. There was no winner of the jackpot of €8,800. The winner of the €50 prize was Rián Ó Ceallaigh c/o Xlntee hairdressers and the three €20 winners were Margaret, Shauna and TJ, Cloontuskert, Bill Keane Curraghroe and Mary and Teresa c/o SuperValu.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results for Wednesday 4th October are: North / South; 1st Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey, 2nd Mona O’Flaherty and Bernadette Gillen and 3rd Una Clarke and Eileen Kelly
East / West; 1st Brid McDermott and Una Lawlor, 2nd Maureen Hynes & Philomena Walsh and 3rd Mike Flynn and Brendan Dowling
Children’s Arts and Crafts
Children’s Arts and Crafts classes will take place in the Waterways Ireland building in Clondra on Saturdays at 9.30am and 11.30am. Classes cost €10 – siblings less. Materials will be supplied and you are asked to wear old clothes. You can drop in on the day or phone 087-6158772.
Badminton Club AGM
Lanesboro/Ballyleague Badminton Club are holding their AGM on Tuesday the 10th of October in St. Marys Hall Lanesboro at 9pm. All members are requested to attend. New members are welcome as always.
Ballymahon Art Club
Beginner art classes with tutor Frances Kelleher commencing Tuesday morning 17th October 10.30 to 12.30. Venue Ballymahon tba. Please bring along sketch pad, notebook, pencils and soft eraser.
Improver classes, Ballymahon Art Club, continue each Tues evening 7 – 9 at Betty Fox’s Main St. All welcome for each session.
Contact Frances hfkelleher@eircom.net or 087 9913651.
Lough Ree AC
Let us start by congratulating Christian Donlon Concalves, Cloontuskert National School on a fantastic run in the Roscommon Primary Schools Cross Country on Wednesday last. Christian finished in second place in the county from a field of well over 250 runners and that is with no real cross-country training. At the time of writing we don’t have any details on other athletes from the school. On Saturday Roscommon Convent field was the venue for the County Cross Country Championships. The weather held up for what was an entertaining morning of running on a tough and hilly course. Well done to our newest County Champions, Daniel Hogan U/11, Eoin Cox U/12, Kieran O’Dowd U/13 and new comer Spencer Browne who ran a great race in the boys U/14. Flying the flag for the girls were Ella Hogan who took gold in the U/14 closely followed by Shauna Mimnagh. Among our silver and bronze medal winners were James Mimnagh, Sabena Attis, Cormac O’Dowd and Sean O’Dowd.
Congratulations to Roscommon AC on winning the Fabian Walsh Shield for most successful club on the day, an honour Lough Ree AC had last year
Road running continues every Tuesday at 6.00pm, all welcome
Rathcline GAA
50/50
Monday night last 25th September the 50/50 pool stood at €386 and the winner drawn in the Clarke’s Bar was Rebecca Fallon, Lisrevagh. The draw on 2nd October took place in Adie’s Bar and the winning prize pool was €379. The winning envelope drawn was in the name of Paul Farrell, Tullyvrane. Your support is greatly appreciated for the weekly draw. Tickets are on sale locally at €2 each. Alternatively, you can by the pink ticket for the year for just €100 and have 2 free weeks
Would you consider refereeing?
Have you ever thought of taking up refereeing? Refereeing is open to men and women from the age of 18 upwards. It is something that brings great satisfaction and allows referees to progress up the ranks to whatever level their dedication takes them.
The image of referring being a solitary occupation does not bear anything close to reality. You are a member of a team of referees in the county where there is great comradery. You also will have your own umpires that leaves you part of another team and a leader of that team.
Now, there are wonderful opportunities for young referees to climb the ranks within Longford and indeed in the Leinster ranks also. Now is the time to be giving it serious consideration.
Longford has a proud record of supplying referees to Leinster and the National Refereeing panel for many years and this opportunity is waiting for you with the right application.
Refereeing is fun and it builds great friendship. If you decide to explore the idea feel free to contact Joe O’Brien joea@iol.ie or phone 086 2460 840.
Game this weekend: Both the Under 21 team and the Intermediate team are down to play this weekend at the time of writing. I cannot see both games taking place because of their proximity to each other and also due to the fact that the 1st round of the Leinster championship is down for the following Saturday. Keep an eye out on club updates on Social Media for what fixture is on at the weekend.
Leinster Club Championship: The first round of the Leinster club championship takes place in Clonbonny on Saturday week. As we are the host team it is incumbent of us to have the club grounds looking a great as possible. Everyone is asked to make themselves available to help out in preparation for the day. See notice in O’Brien’s window or Facebook.
Minor club
AGM: Following a very successful year the club will hold their AGM in the clubhouse in Clonbonny on Friday week 20th October at 8pm. It would be appreciated if all parents attended. The club is progressing greatly and your support will be greatly appreciated.
Helping hand: The senior club will need help over the next 10 days to have Clonbonny in top class condition for the Leinster club championship and please help out where and when you can.