Annual and great events
The next two notes, below, are seeking your participation. Both are annual and events that raise great money for local causes. Please do consider taking part in either and help make it as big an event as possible for both organisations running the events. Take part, encourage your friend and families to take part and make this Christmas day very special for so many.
Christmas Day Swim
The annual Christmas Day Swim will take place following 11.30am Mass in Lanesboro on Christmas morning. This year the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club is seeking as many people as possible to brave the elements and join them for this annual swim. Sponsorship cards are available from any member of the club or from O’Brien’s.
Christmas Day Run
The organisers of the Christmas Day Run from Newtowncashel to Lanesborough along with Longford MS Society would like to thank everyone for their continued support with the run. The event will take place again this year for the 28th time and we hope that we continue to have such great participation and raise much needed funds for the Longford MS Society. Should anyone wish to take part and have not already received a sponsorship card, cards are available from O’Brien’s Corner Shop or Brigid Mullooly Tel: 086 8807596. In Newtowncashel card are available from The Local or Michael Flood. Thanks to Peter Hanley Motors who have again for the 28th time sponsored these top-class Technical T-Shirts and there is one for every participant. Walkers start from the Hill in Newtowncashel at 11:45am while Runners start at 12:15pm. Refreshments will be available enroute and also at the Hall in Lanesborough after the event. Best of luck with the training!
Death
Wednesday last 5th December proved to be a very sad day for the community of our parish when it was learned of the death at Innis Ree Lodge Ballyleague of Mattie Connor Cashelbeg. Mattie had been in failing health for short time and his death came as a great shock to us all. Mattie worked his farm diligently and was at home whether he was in the meadow, bog, gardening or tending his livestock. Mattie had a great interest in all the events in our community and while he may not have been in attendance, he was a wonderful supporter. He also had a deep and abiding faith. Mattie was a wonderful neighbour and friend. He never left a person in need and his warm and alluring manner endeared him to everyone that had the pleasure to know him. His warm and cheery greeting and outlook will be heard no more. We are all at a loss of his passing.
Mattie’s remains reposed at his residence in Cashelbeg on Thursday last before the removal of his remains to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Friday for his Funeral mass. Following Mass Mattie’s remains were laid to rest in Cashel cemetery. To his brother, Johnny, sister Margaret, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
A Very Merry Christmas Concert
A very Merry Christmas Concert in aid of Concern will take place this coming Sunday night 16th December in St. Mary’s Hall commencing at 7.30pm. The night is being organised by Edel Loftus. Edel has been running charity events each Christmas to great success and we hope that the hall will be full to support Edel and the Concern Charity.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Marian and Ned Nealon and family, The Green on the death last week of Edward Mc Cormack, Grange, Mullingar on Tuesday last 4th December. We also extend our sympathy to the Mc Carthy family, formerly the Green as Edward was married to the late Mar Mc Carthy.
Birth
We would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to James and Marie Nolan, Rosie’s at the Lifebelt on the birth of a baby boy on Friday week 30th November.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Gerry and Teresa Farrell, Knock and Michael Farrell and his partner Sarah and their extended families on the death of Gerry and Michael’s mother Mrs Rita Farrell, Derryadd and formerly Farnagh Cottages, Longford who passed away on Thursday last 6th December.
Engagement
We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Johnny Kilcoyne son of Pat and Frances Kilcoyne, Barnacor and Kali V Sajo, Church View on their recent engagement.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs Phil Browne, her husband Jim and family, Ballyglass on the recent death of Phil’s sister Mrs. Eileen Shiel, Strokestown.
Lanesboro Community Games AGM:
At the recent AGM of Lanesboro Community Games, the following were elected:
Chairperson: Ciara Myhill, Joint Secretaries: Donal Hogan & Barry Hogan,
Treasurer: Padraig O’Dowd and Committee Member Karen Johnston. This committee
will oversee Community Games activities for 2019. It will organize the annual
Track & Field event along with other competitions. One of the main motto’s
behind Community Games is participation. Last year we had over 100 participants
from the area in the many activities available throughout the year. If you are
an adult (parent, teacher, coach or volunteer) who has an interest in helping a
team or an individual compete in any of the activities listed below, please
contact any committee member as soon as possible. The Committee will support any
team or individual wishing to enter any of the disciplines. The activities
cover age groups from Under 8’s up to Under 16’s:
Activities: Art, Cycling, Duathlon, Handwriting, Model Making, Recitation, Swimming, Culture Corner, Chess, Choir, Cross Country, Debating, Draughts, Drama/Comedy Sketch, Futsal, Handball, Tennis, Indoor Soccer, Mini Rugby, Mixed Distance Relay, Pitch and Putt, Rounders, Soccer, Spikeball, Skittles, Tag Rugby, Table Tennis, Table Quiz, Athletics, Gymnastics, Judo, Solo Music, Solo Modern Dance, Solo Singing, Badminton, Basketball, Camogie, Gaelic Football, Group Singing, Group Music, Group Modern Dance, Hurling, Irish Contemporary Dance, Projects.
More information is available online at www.communitygames.ie
If you would like to be included in the Lanesboro Community Games Text Group, please text your name and mobile number to Padraig @ 086-8147000. This group will receive texts in relation to Local Community Games Activities/Events throughout 2019.
Meal on Wheels
The annual Longford Social Services Meals on Wheels Church Gate collection will take place at all Masses this weekend Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December. Meals on Wheels plays a huge part in our community each week. We look forward to your usual most generous contributions as in previous years.
Rathcline Bakes
Over the past number of weeks, the Rathcline club has been seeking recipes from all and sundry for their publication of baking recipes. The result of the search was great hence the launch of Rathcline Bakes at their Cake Fair on Sunday last in St. Mary’s Hall.
The cover of the book was designed by young local artist Jack Casserley, Clonfower and included in the recipes is one for Kieran Glennon one of the very few 2-star Michelin Star recipients. Included in the book are some recipes from years back in the handwriting of the bakers along with some recipes from unexpected bakers in our community.
The club is deeply grateful to Claire Flynn XLNTEE Hair Salon Main Street and Michelle Kelly, Cloud 9 for their sponsorship of this book
The book is on sale in O’Brien’s at the price of €10 and the demand is likely to be great.
Rally Returns
The Midlands Motor Stage Rally that created so much excitement over the weekend that it took place here 2 years ago will once again return to the parish and Cashel on Sunday 24th March. It is an event we are really looking forward to.
Wedding
The marriage took place on Friday 30th November at a civil ceremony at the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone of Niall Mulryan son of Pat and Marcella Mulryan, Church View, and Elaine Ganley, daughter of William and Geraldine Ganley, Drinane, Ballygar, Co. Galway. Bestman was Brian Scally, best friend of the groom, and groomsman was Darren Ganley brother of the bride. Chief Bridesmaid was Emma Ganley sister of the bride and bridesmaid was Jo Ganley sister in law of the bride. Pageboys were Patrick and Nathan Ganley, nephews of the bride. Flower Girls were Ciara Downey cousin of the bride and Leah Mannion niece of the groom. The marriage ceremony was performed by Marie Browne. The wedding reception took place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Historic Moment
In recent months I wrote of the historic achievements of our young footballers This week I cannot ignore the historic achievements of the St. Columba’s Mullinalaghta team, panel, management and community who on Sunday last became the first ever Longford club team to win a Leinster Senior Club championship. This historic feat occurred in O’Connor Park, Tullamore on Sunday last 9th December.
As a community split by the bridge we know the trials and tribulations in trying to achieve and we stand fully square behind the half parish of Mullinalaghta and its people and congratulate them on being history makers. You are a remarkable community and club, many congratulations and the very best of luck to you in the All-Ireland semi-final against Dr. Croke’s form Killarney. Finally, it was great to see so many from the club at the match supporting Mullinalaghta.
Marriage
The marriage took place at St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford of Michael J Farrell, son of Peg and the late Mickey Farrell, Clonfower and Aoife Banks daughter of Joe and Aileen Banks, Dundrum, Co. Dublin. Bestman was Diarmuid O’Sullivan, cousin of the groom and Chief Bridesmaid was Niamh Banks, sister of the bride. The marriage rite was celebrated by Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan cousin of the groom and Fr. Michael Reilly. The wedding reception was held in the Farnham Estate Spa and Golf Resort, Cavan.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Nurse Donlon’s memories
Memories of Nurse Donlon continue to arrive at Stella’s desk in the library and it is hoped that the older generation amongst us that have so many vivid memories and it would be great to put them to paper and send them to Stella as soon as you can.
If you have memories of the Nurse you are invited to write them down and hand them into Stella in the library or you can email Stella at lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie alternatively you can drop them into O’Brien’s for delivery to Stella.
December for St. John’s Congregation
The Services in St. John’s Church during December and Christmas are: Sunday 9th December; Carol Service at 11.30am. Sunday 23rd Holy Communion with Sunday school involvement at 11.30am
At St Coman’s Roscommon: Carol Service Thursday 13th December at 8pm. Christmas Day, Holy Communion Service at 11.30am.
Defibrillator Course in January
A new Defibrillator course will take place in January and the organisers are urgently seeking many new people to take the opportunity of getting trained in the use of defibrillators. As this is a down time it is important that all clubs and organisations on both sides of the bridge encourage their members to attend and get trained up.
Rarely a day goes by in a workplace, sporting events or in public places that a person’s knowledge in the use of the defibrillator in not required hence the great need to have all area and events covered with people with the required knowledge.
Contact Martina O’Brien with your name and phone number, she can be contacted at the shop, phone 3321108, 0863858934 or email martinaclyne1@gmail.com
50/50
The 50/50 drive for Christmas has started.
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Caolan Ó Ceallaigh. The winning envelope was worth €303.
The club thanks everyone for their continued support and encourage everyone to persist in your support as your name will surely be drawn out soon. Tickets are on sale in local shops and businesses throughout the town at €2 each or 3 tickets for €5. 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 the many people that buy the one-year ticket.
€14,900 Tidy Towns
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery draw took place on Tuesday morning last on the Co-Op office. There was no winner of the €14,800, jackpot and the jackpot for this week, will now rise to reach and the worthwhile winning amount of €14,800. The numbers drawn were 9, 14, 20 and 24. The winner of the €50 prize was Jimmy Tarmey, Cloontuskert, and the three €20 winners were Mary Slattery, Ballyleague, Sarah Hopkins c/o Mags and Patrick Farrell c/o Xlntee.
The committee thanks everyone for tremendous and loyal support support.
Please note that winners can collect their winning cheques in the Co-Op office only and will be available from Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm.
Annual Wedding Fair
The Abbey Hotel Roscommon will host their annual Wedding Fair on Sunday January 13th from 2-5p.m. If you are a wedding supplier and would like to book your stand, please call 086 3276584 or email weddings@abbeyhotel.ie. All new wedding bookings on the day will get 10% off their wedding package and attractive discounts from our recommended suppliers.
Coffee Morning
Cllr Micheál Carrigy would like to invite you to attend a Coffee Morning in aid of Longford Hospice Homecare that he will be hosting on Friday next 14th December from 10am to 1pm at his Constituency Office at 2 Dublin Street, Longford. Go along and join Micheál for a cuppa and a chat. All donations going to this great cause. All Welcome.
Fireside Tales
The annual publication Fireside Tales by Jude Flynn has been launched for the 16 year. This yearly publication is anxiously waited on each year. It makes for excellent reading with many brilliant stories and tales from around Longford Town and County. The book includes contributions from locals Loretto Cooney and Michael Casey. The book is on sale for just €20 in O’Brien’s.
Thank You
The Christmas Lights Committee would like to thank all who generously donated to their collection last weekend which totalled €702.
This week in our library
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet group continues every
Monday 2pm to 4pm. New members always welcome!
ESOL
Class
ESOL (English for speakers of other languages)
continues every Tuesday evening at 7pm at the library.
Family
Time at Your Library
Family Time at your Library takes place on
Saturday morning 15th December 11am to 12 noon.
There will be Christmas Storytime with Penny who
will be giving lots of tips & ideas on reading to supporting language and
literacy development.
We will also have Lego, board games&
Christmas colouring!
This is a FREE event and all are welcome!
Book Club
December Book Club will take place on Friday
21st December at 11am.
Book choices for this month are ‘The Particular
Sadness of a Lemon Cake’ by Aimee Bender or ‘The Keeper of Lost Things’ by Ruth
Hogan. All welcome!
Opening
Hours
Monday 2pm – 8pm, Tuesday 2pm – 6pm, Wed &
Fri 10am – 1pm & 2pm – 5pm,
Sat 10am – 1pm.
Foreign
Currency & Used Stamps
We are still collecting unwanted foreign
currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a
huge difference.
We also collect used stamps in aid of
ISPCC. Thank you.
Membership
Library membership is free for everyone and
provides you with complimentary access to books and p.c.’s in the library as
well as a range of digital services.
Download free eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines and
newspapers with your library card and pin. Renew or request books on our
website [http://www.longfordlibrary.iehttp://www.longfordlibrary.ie/]www.longfordlibrary.ie<http://www.longfordlibrary.ie/
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 free library card
& pin or further information.
Ballyboro
The under 8s were enjoying their joust
with Gaels United at Drumlish when torrential rain called a halt to the
proceedings halfway through the first half. Even though it was a truncated game
the team were doing very well and are eagerly looking forward to their next
blitz. Panel: Ben Cassidy, Cian Shea, Donncha Farrell, Tom Hession, Darragh
Shanley, David Kenny, Matthew Murphy, Michael Hogan.
The under 14 team gave an impressive display
when they got the better of Ballymahon. Two first half goals by Christy Burke
and Ciaran O’Dowd set the team on the road to victory. The team comfortably
kept Ballymahon at bay in a scoreless second half to record a fine 2-0 win.
Ballyboro: Briain Farrell, Bryan Mullooly, Jack Flynn, Cormac O’Dowd, Paul
Byrne, Jimmy Farrell, Shane Ross, Sam Murphy, Ciaran O’Dowd, Christy Burke, Matthew
Heneghan.
It was certainly a game of two halves as
regards the under 16 team when they faced Ballymahon at home. A much-improved
performance in the first half saw them in front by two goals to one at the
interval. The Ballyboro goals were scored by Owen Farrell and Rian Murphy. However,
the second half was a different story as Ballymahon were largely on top for
long periods of the game, and they found the net on six occasions. Niall Fisher
and Owen Farrell scored consolation goals for the home team as the game
finished 7-4 in favour of Ballymahon. Ballyboro: Jack Madigan, Shane Killian, Cormac
Casey, Chris O’Loughlin, Kevin McDonagh, Kevin Tansey, Rian Murphy, Owen
Farrell, Niall Fisher, J ack Murray, Callum Gordon.
Fixtures: The under 9s will be participating in a blitz on Saturday at 11am at home. Other teams involved are Stonepark and Kenagh. The under 11s play Killoe Tigers in Killoe Astro on Saturday at 11am.
Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.
Defibrillator
The club is seeking names of people that are interested in helping out the club by completing the defibrillator course to take place in January. We look forward to a good number of parents of the underage club and supporters and officials from all our clubs to give their names and phone numbers to the minor (Seadna) or senior (Cathal) secretaries or to Martina O’Brien at the corner shop.
Festive Cake Fare This Sunday
The Rathcline GAA Annual ‘Festive Cake Fare’ took place on Sunday last in St. Mary’s Hall. The club would like to thank everyone that donated cakes and helped to make the cake Fare another great success.
Rathcline Bakes
The launch of the Rathcline Bakes recipe book took place at the Christmas Fare on Sunday last and it is a great book and most definitely well worth having. The cover of the book has been designed by local artist Jack Casserley and the book includes a recipe from Kieran Glennon a 2-star Michelin Star chef with Irelands leading restaurant Patrick Guilbaud’s. The club is deeply grateful to Claire Flynn XLNTEE Hair Salon Main Street and Michelle Kelly, Cloud 9 for their sponsorship of this book. The club also thanks Joe Duffy for printing the book.
Congratulations
The club would like to congratulate Mullinalaghta on their fantastic win in the Leinster Final on Sunday last. The victory was a joy to behold and a wonderful battling performance deserved the historic result. It is all systems go for their February date with Dr. Crokes and another memorable results. Thanks to all our supporters that travelled to support Mullinalaghta.
50/50
The 50/50 drive for Christmas has started.
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Michéal Mc Carthy, Curraghrua who was winning the 50/50 for the second time. The winning envelope was worth €305.
The club thanks everyone for their continued support and encourage everyone to persist in your support as your name will surely be drawn out soon. Tickets are on sale in local shops and businesses throughout the town at €2 each or 3 tickets for €5. 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 the many people that buy the one-year ticket.
St. Faithleach’s GAA