Lanesboro Ballyleague
Enrolment Afternoon
Lanesborough Primary School are holding their Enrolment Afternoon for September 2018 on Friday 26th January from 1 to 3pm
Parents and children who are hoping to enrol in the school for September are invited to attend.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Molloy family, formerly of Rathcline Rd., on the death on Sunday 14th January of Gerry Molloy, Roscarberry, Co. Cork.
Community College Enrolment
Lanesboro Community College – Enrolment for September 2018
The closing date for enrolment of first year students who wish to start in September 2018 in Lanesboro Community College is Friday 2nd February at 1:00 p.m. For further information or to get an enrolment form please contact the school on 3321139 or admin.lcc@lwetb.ie”.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
You won’t find it coming around. There is just one week left in January and then 6 more before the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place in Lanesboro and Ballyleague on Saturday 17th March. For clubs, associations, businesses, schools, community groups and individuals it is time to begin the planning and creating.
This year St. Patrick’s Day is falling at the weekend and we hope that it will be bigger, brighter and full of new novel and creative ideas. We have one of the very best of Parades around and there is an onus on us all to help create another fabulous day in Ballyleague and Lanesboro
In a break with tradition the winner of the overall winning will receive the first prize of €500.
As usual there will be the annual draw running in conjunction with the parade and we encourage everyone to support the draw.
Application forms will be soon available from Teresa Donlon, Freda Connaughton or at O’Brien’s.
Ballyleague Break in
It is always said that somebody always sees something relevant but at the time it does mean anything to them. You are now being asked to think back from last Wednesday evening 17th January to Thursday morning in and around the Meadowbrook estate (site of the old St. Faithleach’s pitch). Between the hours of 5pm and 10am a house in the estate was broken into while the residents were away from the house.
Another resident in an estate off the Strokestown Road was awoken by the family dog and when the downstairs was being checked there was someone with a torch looking in one of the patio doors. I am unsure if this was the same night as the previous case.
Incidents such as those are something that we have been pretty free from for some time and it is very important that if anyone did see anything that they now feel is significant that they report it to the local Gardaí. We must be very vigilant at all times, check on our neighbours and make sure we lock up all our property and ensure, if we are away, that we have people to keep an eye on our house. Lanesboro Gardaí 043 3321102, Roscommon Gardaí 09066 38300 or Longford Gardaí 043 3350570.
All Ireland Final
Saturday 3rd February will be a red lettered day for one particular family in the parish of Rathcline as proud parents James and Maureen Fallon and family, Carrowstrawley will be celebrating their son’s appearance in the All-Ireland Junior club final when they take on Knocknagree from Cork.
Mark Fallon has been living in Multyfarnham for a few years now and threw in his footballing lot with the local side when he moved there. Little did he expect that it would lead to an All-Ireland Final, but it has, and we would like to congratulate him on playing a major role in his Multyfarnham team reaching final day and we wish him and his teammates the very best of luck in the final.
Death
While it was a fulfilling life it was not long enough for either her family or any of us that knew her, the news of the death on Saturday 13th January at her residence on the Green of Bernadette Gillen stunned us all. Bernadette had been ill for a very short time and her passing takes away one of the finest ladies to come to the town of Lanesboro. She was very proud of her native Lisummon and her native county Armagh. Bord na Mona called her husband to Lanesboro 51 years and Bernie joined him to live on the Green and to raise their family. She was a wonderful community woman right from the outset and her endearing nature ensure that fitted seamlessly into our community – she became a significant lady in our community. Her home her pride and indeed it always had an open door where everyone was welcome. Above all her family was the most important thing in her life and indeed when in her company she made you feel as if you were family such was her warmth, sincerity and her wish for you to be successful. She had a strong and deep faith and was a daily communicant and a long-term member of the Altar Society. She loved football and there was not a prouder lady in 2002 when Armagh won their first All-Ireland. Bernie was a woman who loved the game of Bridge and was an active member of both local Bridge clubs. The entire community will sadly miss the warmth, welcoming and cheerful Bernie and her absence leaves us all the poorer.
The attendance at the reposing of her remains at her home on Sunday and Monday again at her Funeral Mass and burial bore ample testimony to the esteem in which she was held. Her remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday and following her Funeral Mass she was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery.
To her husband Greg, daughters Margaret, Fiona, Teresa and Ciara, sons Anthony, Peter, Brendan and Martin, sister Maureen, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Margaret and Tom Nohilly and family, Rathcline Road on the death of Margaret’s brother Michael Walsh, Rochestown, Co. Cork.
New Crime alert initiative
In the wake of a number of violent attacks on elderly people in rural areas around the country in recent weeks, a new initiative on rural crime and health care in the community will be launched for the Lanesborough-Ballyleague, Rathcline-Kilgefin area on Monday night January 29th at 9pm in St. Mary’s Hall beside the bridge in Lanesborough.
This pilot plan will examine the demand for CCTV cameras in rural parts of each parish and give parishioners the very latest news and information on how new IT and digital skills training can not only help their security but improve their health as well.
We are appealing to ALL parishioners who are presently on the Community text alert programme scheme in the parish of Rathcline and the parish of Kilgefin to come along on Monday night next January 29th in St Marys hall at the bridge – when one of the speakers will be a relative of an elderly man who was- beaten and robbed in his own home in the midlands. The Gardaí have also been invited to attend. A representative of each community group in the two parishes is also invited to attend this important meeting. We do not want any part of the two parishes to be left out of the new scheme for the cameras so come along if you want your townland to be included. Do not say you were not asked.
For more information please call Debbie Tierney in Ballyleague at 086 2230971
Lough Ree Monster meeting
A New Year a new beginning. The Lough Ree Monster group will meet on this Thursday evening in the Parish Hall in Lanesboro. Would you like to be part of the group? Do you have ideas that will complement and enhance a festival in 2018? Play your part by attending the meeting at 9pm. Come along, have a cup of tea/coffee, join the discussion and let us see where the trip will take us.
With John Kenny writing the play ‘The Lough Ree Monster’, Dermot Healy producing and a major input from the Newtowncashel Drama Group, Newtowncashel played a major role in the first hosting of the Lough Ree Monster Festival in 2017.
We would like to extend a welcome and encourage people, artistic, creative and those willing to work with us for the benefit of the Lanesboro/Rathcline, Ballyleague/Kilgefin, Newtowncashel, Killashee and any other town or parish to join us and explore the project that will make it a festival of community’s celebration.
Offaly crime victim will address debate
Annette Meacle’s 54-year-old brother Richard McKelvey was dragged from his bed and beaten by a gang of four men at his home in Glassderry beg, Brosna near Birr, County Offaly just before Christmas. She said at the time he would never go back to live in the house again, but she is coming to the CRIME IT alert meeting in Ballyleague-Lanesborough next week to talk about the security measures that could be introduced in rural areas to allow people to live alone without fear of assault and robbery.
Annette has heard of the new technology that is now available to allow residents have a 24-hour camera monitored through an app on a relative’s smart phone and she is coming to St Mary’s hall beside the bridge in Lanesborough on Monday January 29th at 9pm to talk about it and what happened to her brother Richard.
“I have been heartened by the support given to our family since Kevin was attacked” Annette said, “I have told the group in Ballyleague that it is important we all focus on the preventions we can take and the role the whole community has in stopping crime. None of us realise it until it happens to somebody in your family.”
“We are holding this meeting to focus on how new technology and digital skills can help the whole community to look out for themselves and protect themselves in situations where we are in need of help” said Debbie Tierney – the young local women who is leading this initiative in the community, “I live in the area. This is a joint community project and I can see already that people here want to see how new digital skills can change their lives. Dozens of people have already taken part in a new training initiative since last December. Now we are going to see how a simple app can help protect your home and even raise an alert for the medical authorities if somebody is unwell in their home.”
The meeting on Monday night next January 29th is open to all residents of this area and a list of people who are interested in volunteering to have a smart camera erected outside their home on a pilot basis will be taken on the night of the meeting. Sgt Paul McDermott – the Crime Prevention Officer of An Garda Siochana in Longford-Roscommon will also be present along with members of the community text alert schemes from Kilgefin and Rathcline.
All parishioners are invited to attend.
Historic Digital Hub Town
As you may be aware, Lanesboro/Ballyleague have just launched our very own Town App. With many more digital developments in the pipeline, we are set to become Ireland’s first ever, DIGITAL HUB TOWN!!
We are very aware there are many people that are not familiar with modern technology, so in a bid to have as many people take advantage of the countless benefits that come along with these developments we are offering free training for any individual or groups to take part in.
The training covers the very basics in digital skills and no previous experience is necessary.
If you know someone who might benefit from being taught how to use their smart phone, tablet, laptop or PC. then let them know about our training classes. We want everyone to benefit from this opportunity and are offering full support to make it so.
Training takes place in Lanesboro Community College on weekday evenings and trainees will complete the course with a good working knowledge of how apps work and will have the skills to navigate the internet for their own needs.
For more information or to book a place on the Digital Skills Training Course, please contact Debbie on 0862230971.
Also, if you know of a group or business that is not currently listed on the Town App please let tell them to get in touch and I will add them, furnish them with log in details and training; if needed.
To download the Town App, please visit the ‘Play Store’ or ‘App Store’ on your mobile device and search for Lanesborough – Ballyleague App.
Thank You
Ballyleague Christmas Lights committee put in a very special effort this year with new lights in all parts of the village and there was great praise for the additional features. The voluntary work of the committee was certainly appreciated locally because a huge crowd turned out for the Ballyleague Christmas lights quiz last Friday night in Rosie’s bar. There were 24 tables in total and among the crowd were Minister Denis Naughton, Eugene Murphy and local councillor Kathleen Shanagher. There were 5 category winners on the night and each got a prize. Business winners: Joe’s Taxi (Joe Ginty, Caroline, Eugene Murphy), Sports winners: St. Faithleach’s GAA (Gerry and Martha Thompson, Seamus and Doreen Oates). This team was also the overall winners. Any other group category: (Tim Foxe, Mrs Gallagher and Mr. O’Farrell), Best pub winners: Yacht bar (Emer Farrell, Paul and Ita Farrell). Community Group winners: Ballyleague Men’s Shed (Joe Cribbin, Martina Ryan, Michael Golden, Kathleen Shanagher.
Thanks to the following groups for participating in the quiz: St. Faithleach’s GAA Club
Lanesboro Triathlon Club, Rosie’s Bar, Yacht Bar, Clarkes Bar, Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op,
Ballyleague Tidy Towns, Ballyleague Men’s Shed, Lough Ree Lanesboro Angling Hub, Ballyleague Pastoral Council, Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club, Joes Taxi, The Convent B and B,
Frank Regan auctioneers, Cloontuskert Residents Association.
Thanks for the following who donated spot prizes or sponsored a table
Joe and Martina O’Brien, Michael Casserly Spar, The Swan Tavern Bar, The Shannon Grill,
The Village Grill, Keane’s SuperValu, The Convent B and B, Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union, Rosie’s Bar, Pings Chinese, PS Red Restaurant, Eugene Murphy TD, Councillor Kathleen Shanagher, Hanley’s Hardware Store, Daybreak Filling Station, Cloontuskert Tidy Towns Committee, Councillor Dominic Connolly, Larry Brennan, Councillor Nigel Dineen, Councillor Orla Leyden, Peggy Moran, Ben Hussey Hair Saloon, Cody’s Dog House, Catherine Harrison, Hugh Baxter, Rathcline GAA Club, Sean and Pauline Farrell, Ciaran and Angela Mullooly, Fresh and Ready Vegetables and Donal Casey Accountant
The committee wish to thank each and every person, community group and business who supported them this year. Thanks to James and Marie for hosting the event in Rosies. We now have plans for further expansion in 2018/2019 thanks to your generosity and we will forge ahead.
Death
There was widespread sadness when the news broke of the death on Saturday 13th January at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe of Mrs Margaret Fitzpatrick, Cappagh, Curraghroe. Mai as she was most commonly known was in her 100th year and she live a long and rewarding life. She was predeceased by her husband Sonny, daughter Helen O’Grady, infant grandson Muiris and infant great-granddaughter Caoimhe. Mai was a woman of cheery disposition and she had the warmest of hearts as anyone that met her would attest to. She was a character and there are many legendary stories as to character she was. Mai was a lady that was always generous with her time. Her passing will leave an emptiness in the hearts and minds of everyone that came to know her. She was a hard-working lady and both on the farm and in the home affording her family every opportunity possible. The huge attendance at her obsequies was testimony to high esteem in which she was held.
Her remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home on Sunday last before being removed to St. Mary’s Church Ballagh. Following the Mass of the Resurrection Mai was laid to rest in Derrane Cemetery.
To her son Joe, daughters Kay, Maura and Nuala, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Lanesboro Community Games
Art and model making: The Lanesboro Community Games Art and Model Making competition will take place in St. Marys Parish Hall on Saturday 27th January from 4pm to 7pm.
Art U8, U10, U12, U14 & U16, Model making U10, U12, U14 & U16 based on a Community Games theme. Children to bring their own drawing material. Paper will be provided.
Event rules and details on www.communitygames.ie and the Lanesboro Community Games Facebook page.
Community Games Registration (€3) for children who haven’t already taken part in Community Games this year) will take place also.
50/50
On Monday night 15th January the 50/50 pool stood at €276 and the winning envelope drawn in the Clarke’s Bar was in the name of Johnny & Nuala Malone, Cloontuskert.
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. The club would like to thank everyone that continues to support the draw on a weekly basis and also the many people that buy the one-year ticket.
Not too long ago the pool each week was nearing €500 and we would encourage you to get your weekly blue envelope and help drive the weekly amount back to where it should always be.
Your support is much appreciated.
Lanesboro Gun Club
The Committee and members of Lanesboro Gun Club would like to express their deepest sympathies to the Gillen family, The Green, on the passing of Bernie Gillen.
Death
On Saturday 13th January at the Sonas Cloverhill Nursing Home Patricia Holden, Weekfield, passed away. Pat as she was more commonly known had not lived all that that long in our community. Pat and her husband Dougie settled into our community easily and she was known as a lovely quiet lady. Those that knew her well commented on the great lady she was and a wonderful neighbour and friend.
Her remains reposed at Smyths Funeral Home on Tuesday last and on Wednesday she was removed to the Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for the Mass of the Resurrection. A private cremation took place afterwards.
To her husband Dougie, son Tony, daughter Katherine, brother Micheál, sisters Maria, Ann and Noeleen relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Our local Library this week
Revised Library opening hours – please note a change to the hours on Wednesdays:
Monday 2-8pm, Tuesday 2-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm and 2-5.30pm, Thursday closed, Friday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm.
The Knitting and Crochet Group continues to meet in the library on Mondays, 2-4pm. All welcome.
Poetry and Music Hour continues at Lanesboro Library on Monday 22nd January 4.15pm – 5.30pm. Come along and share a favourite poem and listen to music. The group is looking forward to seeing you there and meeting new people interested in poetry, song and music.
Lanesboro Library Book Club will meet on Friday 26th January, 11am-1pm. All welcome.
Library membership is free for everyone and provides you with complimentary access to books and PCs in the library as well as a range of digital services. Download free audio books, digital magazines and newspapers with your library card and pin. Learn a new language online with Mango (over 71 languages available) or learn a new skill with Universal Class which offers over 400 free online courses. Call to the library for your PIN and further information.
Cloontuskert NS
Enrolment for the Academic Year 2018/19 is open until 28th February. Enrolment Packs can be collected from the School Office any Tuesday or Thursday between 10am and 3.30pm. Alternatively, you can contact the school on 0433321817 or email cloontuskertns@eircom.net.
Tourism Co-Op Draw
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lotto draw held on Tuesday 9th January were 3, 15, 24 and 29. There was no winner of the jackpot of €10,200. The winner of the €50 prize was Catherine Hannon, and the three €20 winners were Claire and Chloe Kenny, Church View, Francis and Eithne Clyne, Lanesboro and Cathy Donlon, Church view.
Rathcline GAA
Player of the Year Last Saturday night at a packed Longford Arms Hotel the annual Longford GAA Awards Night took place. We were privileged to have two of our players nominated for the Intermediate Player of the Year. Shane Donohoe and Shane Kenny were nominated, and it was an honour for the club to have Shane Donohoe announced as Intermediate Player of the Year 2017. We would like to congratulate Shane on his well-deserved award.
AGM
The club had a very good year culminating with a wonderful victory in the Intermediate Championship. Off the field the club had a good year also. The club will hold its AGM on Saturday 17th February in the clubhouse at 6pm. To help continue the success of 2017 and create a growth in 2018 the club would like to encourage anyone that has an interest in the development of the club both on and off the field to come along to the AGM. The club is looking forward to seeing a great number at the meeting.
Good Luck The National Football League begins this weekend with Longford taking on Offaly in Tullamore on Sunday at 2pm. We wish Denis Connerton and Shane Donohoe the very best throughout the League and we wish our two other players Liam Connerton and Shane Kenny speedy recovery as they recover from their injuries.
Mark Fallon Congratulations to Mark Fallon and his Multyfarnham team mates on reaching the All-Ireland Final on Saturday week 3rd February. The final will be played in Croke Park and we would encourage any of our club members be they at home or around the city to go along and support Mark and his Multyfarnham team mates on the evening.
50/50
On Monday night 15th January the 50/50 pool stood at €276 and the winning envelope drawn in the Yacht Bar was in the name of Johnny & Nuala Malone, Cloontuskert.
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. The club would like to thank everyone that continues to support the draw on a weekly basis and also the many people that buy the one-year ticket.
Not too long ago the pool each week was nearing €500 and we would encourage you to get your weekly blue envelope and help drive the weekly amount back to where it should always be.
Your support is much appreciated.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to our Children’s Officer Brid Gordon her husband Philip and family on the death of Philip’s mother in Athlone recently.
Forum on Football Thanks to Niall, Misco and Éanna for attending and representing us at the Forum on Football in Pearse Park on Saturday. It proved a worthwhile trip for Niall who won a T-Shirt in the draw.
North Leinster Final Well done to Éanna Mc Grath, Cillian Flood, Cian Gilmore, Cronan Flood and Oran Kenny and the Ballymahon Mercy team who had a great win over Oldcastle, Co. Meath on Thursday last in the North Leinster semi-final. We also say well done to Grattan’s player Rory Howlin who is a member of the Western Gaels panel.