Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
President Mary Mc Aleese visits Lanesboro
Lanesboro Ballyleague Community Playschool is very proud to announce the forthcoming visit to Lanesboro of THE PRESIDENT of IRELAND, MARY Mc ALEESE to the childcare service on the Green on Thursday 4th November.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to invite everybody to attend whilst the president is with us. Attendance will be by invitation only.
In order to mark this wonderful event and share it with the wider community Lanesboro Ballyleague Playschool is going to have an ‘Open Evening’ on Thursday 4th November from 7pm to 9pm to afford everyone the opportunity to view the refurbished premises. Refreshments will be served and the committee extends a general invitation. All are welcome.
Clubs and Associations to meet President
President Mary Mc Aleese has been invited by Lanesborough Tourism Co-operative Society to meet the various clubs and organisations in our town. The President will visit St Mary’s Hall on Thurs 04 Nov at 1030am.Each organisation will receive an invitation over the coming days. There will be a limit on the number of people in attendance due the size of the hall. If you wish to attend, it will be by invitation only, in order to control the number of people attending. To request an invitation, please contact Lanesboro Tourism Co-op office at 043 3321977 (office hours 930am- 1pm).
Horrendous Decision
On the Lanesboro Ballyleague notes I submitted to the Longford Leader on 4th October, I welcomed the arrival of our new Garda Sergeant Gary Loughrey to be based at Lanesboro Garda station.
As I was writing my word of welcome to Gary there were a number of people in the parish suffering great distress with their houses being entered and robbed and indeed in last week’s notes I commented on the culprits being caught and arrested. The amount of distress and angst that these robberies caused in the entire area had to be seen to be believed. Never before have I seen such a passionate reaction to these reprehensible deeds – the community response was one of total and extreme vexation. The swift action of our local Gardaí in apprehending these thugs has to be commended and has reassured local people of the great work being done in their protection by our local Garda force.
But, and this is a huge but, our joy is being short lived, instead of increasing the number of Gardaí into an area that stretches to almost Ballymahon semi circling back through Killashee we see our numbers again being decreased once again. As I have stated in articles on 16th June and 12th October of last year the area served by Lanesboro Garda station needs to be brought up to the previous numbers where the local Gardaí were not being stretched to breaking point.
Our new Sergeant who we welcomed and indeed took a leading part in the recent robbery investigations has now been moved to Longford and indeed this is another reprehensible deed bestowed on us by the powers that be thus ignoring the plight of the affected communities and the under staffed Lanesboro Garda force. It has be the shortest appointment ever made in Lanesboro and it shows a total disregard for the wellbeing people of Lanesboro and the parishes that the local barracks serves. It begs the question of the local Superintendent in Longford, the Chief Superintendent, the Garda Commissioner and Minister for Justice and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern TD as to the function of the Garda force stationed in Lanesboro. Are they aware of what is happening to us or more importantly do they care! Their indifference to the people of the communities served by Lanesboro Garda station truly beggars belief. Unfortunately, the absolute silence of all our public representatives is without doubt deafening and leaves a lot to be desired.
On the Garda website www.garda.ie under the heading ‘Working with Communities to Protect and Serve’ you read of the aims and ideals of the Gardaí – unfortunately this is asking too much of the resources that the powers that be provide us. The Gardaí in Lanesboro are doing a tremendous job under the strain of diminishing numbers and we can only acknowledge their utter determination towards serving us under the trying circumstances that they have to work under.
Now the onus is on everyone, both individually and as local community groups, served by Lanesboro Garda barracks to make their feelings known both to the local Superintendent, Battery Road, Longford and the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern TD, Department of Justice and Law Reform, 94 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 of our abhorrence of the manner they are treating our communities.
November Fashion Show
Lorraine Farrell and her hard working team have now got all in place for what promises to be a stunning Fashion Show to take place in Ballyleague Hall on Saturday night 6th November. The leading fashion houses in the area have pledged themselves to this exciting venture and indeed when one thinks of it the venue is eminently suitable for a fashion show. A wonderful line up of beautiful local models are almost all in place and this definitely is a night not to be missed. The proceeds of the night are in aid of Rathcline GAA and Action Breast Cancer.
Tickets are on sale now in O’Brien’s and other business in the town and we urge everybody to support by buying their tickets. Doors open at 7pm and the first model will stride down the catwalk at 8pm.
Death
It was with great sadness and regret we learned of the death on Friday last 15th October at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar of Pat Heneghan, The Green. Pat a native of Partry, Co. Mayo came to Lanesboro with his wife Maura to work as a fitter with Bord na Mona. Pat was a man of great knowledge and as a craftsman had few equals. He was a man with a wonderful disposition and tremendous wit – he would be recognized as a great character. Paddy was one of the founder members of the Christmas Lighting committee and his insightful views were always to the point. His passing will leave a tremendous void, not only with his loving family, but also in the hearts and minds of everybody that had the pleasure to come to know him. His removal from St. Mary’s Church from Farrell’s Funeral Home on Saturday last was both large and representative. Following his Mass his remains were interred in Clonbonny Cemetery. To his wife Maura, daughter Mary, sons Funeral Gerard, John and Mark we extend our sincere sympathy.
Ballyleague Bingo
Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night at 8.30pm. Please note the new time that came in last week and will continue throughout the winter and spring. The snowball this Thursday night stands at €4,800.
Death
There was tremendous sadness at the news of the death at the County Hospital Roscommon of Bridie Shiel, Weekfield on Friday last 15th October. Bridie was a lady that was so full of spirit and life. The manner in which she battled her illness has to be an example for us all. She will be sadly missed by everyone that knew her and her death has saddened each and every heart. Her remains were removed from the residence of her nephew James Irwin on Saturday last to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague and following her Requiem Mass on Sunday burial took place to Kilteevan cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathy to her brother Mike, nephews Tom and James Irwin, niece, Marian, relatives and many friends.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Renee, Fabian and Diane Walsh, Rathcline Road on the death of Mary Walsh, Phibsboro, Dublin last week.
Good Luck Tommy
The very best of luck to Tommy O’Donoghue, chairman of Longford Ladies County Board who takes charge of the Leinster ladies Club Final between Edenderry and Gusserane, Co. Wexford in Graigcullen on Sunday next.
Rathcline GAA Meeting
A meeting of the Rathcline GAA club will be held in the clubhouse in Clonbonny on this Friday night 22nd October at 8.30pm. Each and every club member is asked to attend this important meeting.
Date for your Diary
Shannonside Heritage has just announced the return of the very popular and long awaited traditional concert. This year’s event is entitled “Poems and promises”. The favourite and very popular musicians Johnny Duffy, Noel Carberry, Jimmy Flanagan, Brendan Doyle, Moyra Fraser, Martin Cooney, Vinny Baker and everyone’s favourite singers Willie Kelly and Siobhan Casey. As always, a night to be missed and the date is Friday 12th November in St. Mary’s Hall. Tickets, including a wine reception, €15. Tickets will be on sale in outlets throughout Lanesboro.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 13th October are; 1st Gemma Douglas & Cyril Hussey, 2nd Margaret Gillen & Mona O’Flaherty, 3rd Mary Fallon & Goretti Kenny and 4th Marie Sheeran & Mary Mc Gushin.
Lanesboro Gun Club
Lanesboro gun club will hold a meeting in Adie Farrell’s meeting room on this Friday night 22nd October at 8.45pm. There are a number of club issues down for discussions and all members are expected to attend.
Blood Transfusion
You have the opportunity to donate blood and help greatly to the need for blood for all hospitals that is at a critical level. The Irish Blood Transfusion service will be present in the Longford Arms on this Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st October from 4.30pm to 8pm. Please make sure you attend in good time as the closing time cannot be extended.
Lough Ree AC
Roscommon Primary School held their county cross-country championships at scenic Forest park on Thursday last. It attracted an entry in the region of 500 youngsters to the Boyle venue.
In the 5th-6th class 1000m Dylan Deegan (52nd) and Cian Donohue (53rd) were Ballyleague’s first two. When you add in that there was over 100 finishing behind them, it puts their performances in a different light – 166 finished this event.
Staying with the boys Eanna Donohue was 7th in the 3rd-4th class 600m. 7th from an entry of over 100 – a great performance that earned the Ballyleague youth one of the ten individual medals on offer.
Going to the girls Larissa Noone (22nd) was best of the 5th-6th class bunch with Lauran Cox and Kitija Leitarte further back. Noone is the best in the county over 100m but needs training for middle distance events.
Last but not least, the 3rd -4th class girls Ellen Irwin, Marcie Kelly and Sarah Scally represented Ballyleague NS. They needed a 4th runner to have a team. We knew Sarah to be very useful particularly over longer distances still it was not expected that she would finish as high as 2nd for a well-deserved silver medal. To add to her achievement, the girl who beat her was this year’s National Community Games winner Ruth Cox. Where does that leave Ellen Irwin (8th) and Marie Kelly who finished behind her? They were the real surprise of the day.
Every credit to Ballyleague for entering their youngsters even though they had not teams. Had they a girl in the 3rd-4th class race finishing 34th or better, they would have won the event and as far back as 54th they would have captured bronze.
The Connaught Schools Cross Country Finals will take place this Saturday in Sligo.
The Tuesday evening run in Clonbonny (6pm) is still drawing crowds with several ‘personal bests’ last week – too many to mention. This exercise will finish at the end of the month when the time changes. Again all are welcome again next week.
Ballyboro
U13: Ballyboro V UCL. Final Score 2-1
We had a win over UCL on Saturday last at home. This game got off to a flying start with both teams playing at a tremendous pace. Boro had the first chance with Mikey Cox putting Shane Phillips through only to be denied by the on-rushing UCL keeper. The resulting quick kick-out saw UCL charge down field and would have made Boro pay only for the last minute challenge from Max Zimarevs. Boro quickly moved the ball up field to find Conor Smith out on the wing where he beat his man and put in the perfect cross for the on-rushing Cian Gannon to slot home the opening goal after five minutes. This goal settled the pace down and both teams played some nice football. Eran Farrell was in fine form in goal for Boro bringing off some fine saves, Boro again pushed on and Jonathon Hussey was unlucky when breaking away on the right only to see his driven shot well saved. UCL tried hard to get back into the game but the Boro defence of Ryan Guinan, Daniel Barry, Ryan Gill & Jack Irwin held firm to see the half out.
Boro started off the second half really well and should have gone further ahead with the ever busy Conor Smith causing UCL all kinds of problems on the wing linking up well with Phillips and Gannon. UCL had their chances with a long range free kick striking the Boro crossbar but Eran Farrell held firm in goal and Kevin Sorohan came on in defence to really tighten things up. Boro now had most of the play and with ten minutes left they were rewarded when Phillips found Hussey free in the middle and he slipped the perfect ball through to Cian Gannon who fired first time passed the stranded keeper to put Boro 2-0 ahead. Jordan Donlon came on and did well and with the clock running down UCL put a long ball into the Boro penalty area and the attempted clearance came off the UCL number 5 and ended up in the net. Boro held out for the last few minutes to chalk up their first and well deserved win of the season. Man of the Match for Boro was Conor Smith. The Management, Players and Supporters would like to wish Conor Walton a speedy recovery from injury.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Junior B Championship Final: Pride of the Parish this week goes to our Junior Team who recorded a great win over Boyle on Sunday last in the Junior B Championship Final in Castlerea. Final Score: St. Faithleachs 0-10 Boyle 0-6. A great team effort from all players on the panel. The game was level at half-time with 4 points each. Faithleachs points in the 1st half came from Ciaran Murtagh (0-3) & Niall Kelly (0-1). Ben Hussey opened the scoring in the 2nd half before Boyle levelled & then went 1 point ahead. Ciaran Murtagh levelled the game once again before points from Raymond Cox, Ben Hussey, Ciaran Murtagh & Niall Kelly sealed the Title. Huge Congratulations to all Players on the Panel along with their Manager/Mentors, John Bill Hanly, Henry Kenny & Mickey Cox. Team: Steven Connor, Adrian Guinan, James Vesey(Cpt), Declan McCormack, Jason Tarmey, Padraig Murray, Michael Francis O’Grady, Paul Hunt, Niall Kelly(0-2), Brian Scally, Ciaran Murtagh(0-5), Philip Cox, Ben Hussey(0-2), Raymond Cox(0-1), James Quigley. Subs: Declan Beirne, Alan Kenny. John Mahoney presented the Cup to Captain James Vesey who thanked the Management involved, all players on the panel & all the supporters.
Minor Men: Congratulations to our Minor Men along with their Management who are through to the Division 3 League Final. They defeated Kilglass Gaels in the Semi-Final on Saturday last. Final Score 3-10 to 3-9. Team: Shane Garvey, Colin Gannon, John Walsh, Kevin Farrell (0-1), David Rooney, Damien Gibbons, Ciaran Murtagh (0-4) Capt., Jonathan Wallace, Niall Kelly (2-1), Michael Nealon, Diarmuid Murtagh (1-4). Sub: Lee Connell.
Minor Ladies: Our Minor Ladies were defeated by Oran away on Sunday last. Team: G. Corcoran, C. Brennan, R. Collier, C. Cleary, S. Carty, S. Brennan, A. Kenny, A. Ormsby, K. Murphy(2-3), A. Nerney, L. Mc Loone, J. Geoghegan, S. O’Neill(1-0), E. Kenny, R. Hanley. Subs: N. Carty, R. Hanley. Next weekend we play against Shannon Gaels, see fixtures for details. Training Wednesday & Friday evening.
U21: See fixtures for details of upcoming game.
Lotto: Numbers Drawn – 9, 11, 12 and 13. No jackpot winner. €20 Winners – Belinda Hanly, Kilmacoo. Tom Donlon, Moher. Tony McCaffrey, Ballyleague. Maura Quinn, Shannon Heights. Tom Mullen, Roscommon. The next draw will take place on Tuesday next 26th October in the clubhouse for a jackpot €1,900. The team on duty is: J. Brennan, A. Brennan, D. Mc Loone and J. Hegarty.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the Club House, 9.00pm. Results of last week’s games – 1st, Ann/Mike. 2nd, Packie/John O. Last game, Mark/Noreen. The ticket winners were – Mickey, Padraig, James and Padraig.
Halloween Disco: Our Minor Club are holding a Kids Halloween Disco in the Club House on 29th October.
Halloween Celebrations with ELVIS: Saturday 30th October, Halloween with a difference at St. Faithleachs GAA Club House. Eireann ELVIS, Irelands Award Winning Elvis Impersonator will entertain from 9.30pm in what promises to be a great night. Fancy dress optional.
The Dublin Gospel Choir: Friday 26th November in St. Faithleachs GAA Club House – By kind permission of Fr. Larney Shine and the Pastoral Council in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague Interval Act performed by the Choir of the Community College Lanesboro, under the direction of Jimmy Flanagan. Show Commences at 8pm sharp. Admission by ticket only. Tickets priced at €20 are available from usual outlets & any Committee Member.
St. Faithleachs GAA on FACEBOOK: We now have our Official St. Faithleachs GAA Facebook page up & running. If you have St. Faithleachs GAA Photographs or content you would like to include on our Facebook Page, please email same to stfaithleachgaa@gmail.com.
Sympathy: The Club extends deepest sympathy to the Irwin & Shields Families on the death of Bridie Shields.
25 Card Drive
1st Joe Rooney – Packie Feeney with 11 Games, joint 2nd M Finan & M Rogers and T Foxe & Pat Joe Fallon with 9 games. The table prizes were won by Edward & Joe 20th game and Johno & Brendan, 10th game. The raffle prizes went to Johno, Tom Nohilly, Pat Joe and Eugene Kelly.
Frank Moynihan Comes to the Co-Op
Lovers of good cooking should make a special note of Tuesday 7th December when Chef Frank Moynihan invites you to tastes of Christmas – a celebration of Christmas Day cooking.
Rural Transport Celebration
County Longford Rural Transport will hold a “Celebration Day” on Friday 22nd October with events in Granard and Lanesboro.
This is a National Day to highlight the benefits of the Rural Transport Programme throughout rural communities, delivered locally by Longford Community Resources Ltd. There are 36 community based Groups throughout the Country, funded by the Department of Transport and by the Department of Social Protection.
The events will take place in Granard Area Action Group office and Lough Ree Development Co-Op, commencing at 10.30am, with the focus on the main stakeholders – the passengers.
All interested parties are invited to come along on the day.