Lanesboro – Ballyleague Notes
Bachelor of Lanesborough
Friday night next 24th in the Lough Ree Arms a pageant that promises to be most celebrated night ever in Lanesboro will take place and the proceeds will go to the Irish Cancer Society. Emma Donlon daughter of Gerry and Marie Donlon, Strokestown Road and Ann Duffy daughter of Johnny and Maura Duffy, Mahoraveen thought up this great idea to help raise badly needed funds for the Irish Cancer Society. This night promises to be a marvellous fun filled night and one not to be missed. The burning question of the week will be who is going to be the first official bachelor of Lanesborough. Presently there are more than 12 of the finest specimens of male talent and beauty lined up for this wonderful night. It is not too late to enter and if you wish to join the queue of eligible hunks seeking the inaugural title contact Emma at emmadonlon100@gmail.com
If you would like to support this excellent cause tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s and from Emma or Ann. You also have the option of paying at the door on the night. Tickets are priced at €10 each and your support will be greatly appreciated.
Kilgefin Rathcline going forward
The growth and development of Lanesboro Ballyleague was fashioned by the entry of Bord na Mona and ESB to Lanesboro in the early 50’s. These were huge developments for the area and in that time the communities progressed and prospered far beyond the wildest dreams – that was until recent times. Recent times seen our status as an energy and tourist town eroded by the downsizing of both Bord na Mona and ESB and the lack of facilities for tourists that wish to visit and stay in our area.
We, as an area, have been ignored in the development of infrastructure and employment that gave our region the vibrancy and life we all knew growing up. We have let ourselves slip off the pedestal that we once held and it is time that we started the fight back to enthuse not only our present communities but also those that remembers us for our vibrancy and skilled workforce.
Our communities have educated and given to so many of the counties of Ireland and so many countries of the world some of the finest brains and achievers that were ever produced in one small area.
We have accepted the economic downturn, the drain of our finest, and the lack of growth in business and employment without as much as a whimper. We are all to blame and to that end I suggest that we as a community both home and away help prepare Lanesboro Ballyleague to be in pole position when the green shoots of revival we often hear about begin to sprout. I hope you will agree with me.
We have been very successful in recent months in running community based activities and the acknowledgement of that can be seen in the article below where other associations are now offering to bring to us events in the knowledge that we can organise them successfully.
I ask each and everybody that has connections to the area, both living locally and out of the area, to make themselves available for one day in the coming months to put their knowledge and experience into ideas and plans for the area going forward in a structured and methodical manner. It is also important that the gained experiences are used and expressed into how they see our communities prosper and return to the vibrant area it once was.
We have so much expertise out there and it would be absolutely brilliant to have all our people together for one day to develop a plan for the area and prepare ourselves. Perhaps we can even be the case of creating the green shoots to sprout within the economy.
I ask you to give this some very serious thought and talk this out with your friends from the area and get back to me with your expression of interest. We can develop a new hotel, our tourism, our business and industry and our area in general but we cannot do it without the experience and know how that you have garnished during your life experiences and successes.
I ask you to email me joea@iol.ie with your thoughts, views and expressions of interest and let us go forward into the future with a bright and positive outlook for your community. Please spread the word it is very important for us all. It is your opportunity to be part of your community no matter where you live in the world.
Let us be positive and all make a difference together.
Busy times ahead in Lanesboro
Lanesboro/Ballyleague since Christmas has been a hive of activity with a host of hugely successful events and it is a tremendous credit to the organisers and those that supported that has made the area one of the most vibrant in the midlands.
The coming months sees more exciting activities being organised for Lanesboro Ballyleague area with a round of the national Powerboat championships just announced for Sunday 27th June. This is the first time that the championships have come to Lanesboro and will be held under the control of Sailing Ireland. Further details will be published as they come to hand in the coming few weeks.
Saturday 10th July the very first triathlon to be staged in the area will take place. This will bring a large number of athletes to compete in the three disciplines – swimming, cycling and rowing – that make up the triathlon. Already a number of local sportsmen can be seen on the roads on bike and running in preparation for the event. If you need to find out more regarding the Triathlon contact Teresa Costello at the Lough Ree Development Co-Op phone 043-3327070.
The ‘Summer School’ will again take place highlighting the local environment and history and again it should be a huge attraction for those interested in the development and retention of the wonderful environment that we have in our area. We are blessed with wonderful gifts of nature and it is our responsibility to maintain and protect what is special to us.
On 23rd July the Shannon Boat Rally will get together to begin the 50th year of the Shannon Boat Rally. The main objective is to bring boaters of all types together to participate in a ten day long fun event for families and friends on the river. Boats will travel from all locations to arrive in Lanesboro by Friday evening 23rd for an informal start of the activities. The following morning, buses leave Lanesborough at 9:15am (sharp) to Carrick-on-Shannon for the official opening at which the committee will be honoured to welcome Uachtaran na hÉireann, Mary Mc Aleese who will perform the official opening. The party continues in Lanesboro on the 24th and on the 25th all boats will depart for Portrunny.
All in all, this shows that we as a community are seen as vibrant and active and can carry out many activities that not only benefits the local community but also draws from the wider hinterland and provides a safe and welcoming environment for everybody. It is a credit to the people of Lanesboro and Ballyleague and an acknowledgment of their supportiveness in helping to make Lanesboro a better and more enjoyable place to live. May I say congratulations to you all and long may your hospitality reign in such a supreme manner.
If there are any further events that I have not listed I would happily add them to the list, just give me a ring 086-2460840, call to the shop or email me at joea@iol.ie
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Mary and James Casey and family, Rathcline Road, on the death on Wednesday last of Mary’s mother Breda Galvin, Fairhill, Cork city.
Ulster Bank back in Town
Following on the success of last week the Ulster Bank representatives will again come to St. Mary’s Hall Lanesboro on Friday next from 10am.
Lanesboro Community Games
The date for Lanesboro Community Games will take place at the track on Monday evening 10th May at 6pm. All young people from the parish are urged to get some training in for this big evening. It is also important that parents encourage and support their young people into preparing for the local finals.
Lough Ree AC
Sunday last saw the Connaught squad training session take place at Galway University’s Sports facilities. The organisers were blessed with lovely weather for a change. However, only two invitees from the club availed of the transport supplied. Let us hope that they got something from the day apart from the free gear.
As the Bishop is coming to the parish this week for Confirmation and some schools in the area have football fixtures, the sportsday for Primary Schools will take place the following week. It is hoped that all the schools will be fully represented with entrants in every discipline. It is only twice a year that the club seeks the co-operation of the local schools for completion.
The Connaught Schools Track and Field regional championships is fixed for Athlone I.T. on Wednesday 28th May.
Birth
Congratulations to Philip and Brenda Quinn, Rathcline Road on the birth recently of a baby boy.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the Jameson families Ballyleague and Curraghroe on the death of their brother Myles Jameson last week.
Night at the dogs
Cloontuskert National school invites all the communities of Ballyleague and Lanesboro to a ‘night at the dogs’ at Longford Greyhound Track on Friday 21st May at 8pm. Tickets are priced €10 each and your support will be much appreciated.
There is nothing better than a community night at the dogs where locals and friends enjoy the thrill of a night at the dogs.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
The fixtures for the coming week are: Under 10’s play in blitz in Longford Slashers grounds on Wednesday and they will leave from the church at 6.15pm. Under 16’s will play St. Mel’s on Thursday evening in Clonbonny at 7.30. On Thursday week they will travel to Ballinalee to play Clonbroney/Wolf Tones and transport will leave from O’Brien’s corner at 6.30pm. The under 14 team will commence their league campaign on Tuesday 27th April in Clonbonny where they play Granard Ballymore at 7.30pm.
Training for the under 6, 8, 10 and 12 continues every Thursday between 7 and 8pm. We would like to welcome new under 6 coaches Cliona Beirne, David Mulvihill and Niall Donoghoe to the coaching staff.
Good luck to Shane Donohoe and his team mates who take on Wexford in the Leinster Minor Championship in Pearse Park on Saturday at 3pm. It would be great to see a large support from the club at the match.
The club would like to wish Marie Mc Cormack, Emmet Óg, the very best of luck in the All Ireland Scόr finals in Killarney next weekend.
The minor club would like to extend deepest sympathy to Mary, James, Conor, James, Emer and Oonagh Casey on the death of Mary’s mother Mrs. Breda Galvin last week.
The club congratulates all the young boys and girls who receive Confirmation this week.
Birth
Congratulations to Karl and Lesley Ann Crawford, Rathcline Road on the recent birth of a baby boy.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Monday 12th April; N/S gross 1st Loretta Cooney & Maureen Mulryan, 2nd Hannah Clyne & Maureen Hynes, 3rd Des & Eileen Watts, 4th Ann Donlon & Freda Kenny. N/S nett 1st Loretta Cooney & Maureen Mulryan, 2nd Hannah Clyne & Maureen Hynes, 3rd Ann Donlon & Freda Kenny, 4th Des & Eileen Watts. E/W gross 1st J.J. Donlon & Joan Donnellan, 2nd Margaret Gillen & Mae Casey, 3rd Mary Conmy & Mary Jameson, 4th Vita Whelehan & Eileen Mulry. E/W nett 1st Mary Conmy & Mary Jameson, 2nd J.J. Donlon & Joan Donnellan, 3rd Margaret Gillen & Mae Casey and 4th Vita Whelehan & Eileen Mulry.
The President’s Prize (Mr. Des Watts) began on Monday 19th and continues on Monday night next 26th April.
Shannonside Heritage
Shannonside Heritage will be hosting their annual Country Market on Saturday 8th May in Lanesborough. This follows the great success of last year’s market, which saw a huge turnout to visit the large number of stalls displaying home-grown produce, plants and crafts. Put this date on the fridge door, and watch this space for further details.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Corrib Oil Senior League: We had a win at home to Strokestown on Sunday last. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 2-5 Strokestown 0-7. Team: D. Thompson, C. Brennan, J. Connor, D. Thompson, D. Murray, A. Murtagh, B. Scally, S. O’Grady (1-0), A. McCormack, H. Kenny (0-1), G. Cox (0-2), E. Kenny (0-1), A. Dooney (1-1), A. Brehon, D. Hussey. Subs: P. Wallace, S. Ormsby, C. McCormack, N. Reynolds. We play against Roscommon Gaels next Sunday in Hyde Park at 1 o’clock.
Tansey Cup: We drew with St. Dominic’s on Friday last. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 2-8 St. Dominic’s 1-11. Team: S. Connor, A. Guinan, J. Vesey, D. McCormack, J. Tarmey(0-1), P. Murray, B. Scally, D. Murray, B. Healy, P. Flynn, J. Quigley(0-1), A. Kenny, D. Rooney(0-1), B. Hussey(1-1), A. Brehon(1-2). Subs: J. Connor (0-2), P. Kenny. We play at home to against Fuerty next Friday at 7 o’clock.
Junior Ladies: We were defeated by St. Marys on Sunday last. Team: J. Corcoran, R. Collier, S. Ormsby, D. Trimble, M. Farrell, C. Brennan, A. Mc Loone, E. Hussey, C. O’Hara, E. Donlon, R. Hanly, L. Mc Loone, S. Gibbons. Subs used: S. O’Neill, M. Thompson, A. Ormsby.
St. Faithleach’s GAA Club Rose: We wish Cliodhna Thompson, St. Faithleach’s GAA Club Rose & Escort Brian Scally the very Best of Luck at the Roscommon Rose Selection which takes place in Kilronan Castle next Saturday Night.
Lotto: Next draw 30/4/10, Jackpot €10,500. Team on duty – S. Cox, M. Murphy, D. Dunne, N. Banahan. Annual Yearly Lotto Tickets can be purchased from 1st April.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the Club House, 9.00pm. Results of last week’s games: 11 games – John O/Packie. 10 games – Mickey/Mary. Last game – Peggie/Phonsie. Ticket Winners – James, Seamus, Frank, Pat Joe.
Minor Boys: Challenge Match against Newtowncashel on Wednesday. We welcome our new Minor Management, Brendan Doyle & James Vesey and wish them the very best of luck for the coming season.
U16 Girls: We were defeated by Western Gaels in French Park on Monday last.
U14 Girls: Well done to our U14 girls who have qualified for the Féile Quarter Final. They defeated Castlerea last weekend. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 4-5 Castlerea 0-1. Team: T. Nerney, S. Brennan, E. Kenny, N. Carty, N. Scally, N. Hegarty, K. Murphy, R. Costello, E. Hegarty, C. Brennan, L. Hoare, T. McCormack, R. Banahan, E. Collier, J. Geoghegan.
U12 Boys: Well done to our U12 Boys who took part in Blitz on Saturday last in Castlerea. Training Wednesday at 7.30pm sharp. 1st League game this coming Sunday away to Elphin at 1 o’clock. We welcome our new Manager Gerard O’Donnell, Selectors James Irwin & Paul Enright and wish them the very best of luck for the coming season.
U10: Training continues Tuesday at 7.00pm sharp. U8: Training commences this Thursday at 7.00pm.
2010 Club Membership: Membership now due for this year. Adults €40, Students €20, Family €80.
Fundraising Development: Many thanks to all who have supported our Development Fundraising to date. Members will be calling to areas during the week, all support greatly appreciated. You can also donate to any Executive Committee Member at the Club House.
Ladies Mini-Marathon: Mary & Emma Kenny are taking part in the up-coming Ladies Mini-Marathon in aid of proceeds towards the clubs Dressing Rooms. Sponsorship greatly appreciated.
Upcoming Events: Pool Tournament – Draw for upcoming Pool Tournament, see Notice Board in the Club House. Players arrange own game by 31st May. Minor Club – Blind Date deferred to later date. Adults Table Quiz in April. Sponsored Walk, 23d May. Bachelor of Lanesboro: In aid of the Irish Cancer Society takes place in the Lough Ree Arms on Saturday next organised by Emma Donlon.
Club Notifications: Anyone wishing to be notified of Club Events by Text, please contact Michael Cleary at (087) 2238293.
Club Merchandise: Anyone wishing to order St. Faithleach’s GAA Club Merchandise, please contact Derek Thompson at (087) 8172668.
Get Well Wishes: We would like to wish Bob McCormack our U14/U16 Manager a speedy recovery. Also to Francis Dunne, U6 we send get well wishes.
Sympathy: The Club extends deepest sympathy to the Jameson Family on the death of Myles Jameson.
Ballyboro
U12 – Ballyboro V Keenagh. Final Score 3-2.
We played away to Keenagh on Sunday last. Both teams started strong with chances for Jonathan Hussey, Shane Phillips & Cian Gannon. Defenders Maz Zimareves, Jack Irwin, Daniel Barry & Ryan Guinan proved solid for Boro while Keeper, Eran Farrell pulled off some great saves. Wingers, Conor Smith & Jonathan Hussey did well & worked hard. In the final minutes of the 1st half, Boro scored with a pass from Kevin Sorohan who found Shane Phillips on target. Keenagh still found time to grab an equaliser before the half-time whistle. Conor English came on for Boro in the 2nd half and worked well. In the 7th minute, Kevin Sorohan played a perfectly timed pass onto Shane Phillips who put Boro ahead once again with a cracking shot into the bottom corner. Keenagh built up the pressure and secured a goal in the 12th minute levelling the game 2-2. With very little between both sides, Mickey Cox proved very strong for Boro in Midfield & came into his own. In the 25th minute, Boro were rewarded, a lovely pass from Cian Gannon into Kevin Sorohan who scored a cracker & Boro were ahead. Conor Walton came on for Boro & played his part. Keenagh fought back & had chances but Boro secured the win on the day.