Shannon Gaels Sketch Makes History
Sunday evening last was a momentous day in the history of the Shannon Gaels Minor Club when for the first time ever they qualified an act as county Champions. The club had two wonderful acts going forward to Sundays final and there were high hopes that we could have two county champions. The ballad group performed magnificently but they were pipped by an excellent Ardagh act. There is no doubt that they did their club and parish proud.
The sketch again performed excellently and on the night emerged victors much to the delight of the large number of supporters that travelled. The act now goes forward to the Leinster semi-final in Ballymore, Co. Westmeath on Sunday next at 3pm. We hope that a huge number from the parish and the club will travel to support these young talented youngsters.
Death
It is with great sadness I record the death taking place following a short illness at the County Hospital Roscommon on Thursday 18th November of June Shields, Rathcline Road. June was predeceased some years back by her husband Mike. June was the ultimate lady and a wonderful family woman who dedicated herself towards her family. In times past she was a member of St. Mel’s Choral Society and she was also a keen golfer. She was a kind and helpful neighbour where she will be sadly missed. Her remains were removed from her residence on Sunday to St. Mary’s Church and following her Funeral Mass on Monday her remains were interred in Rathcline cemetery. To her sons David and Mark, daughters Tina, Lesley Ann and Brenda, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy
Lanesboro Social Service Whist Drive
The monthly Whist Drive in aid of Lanesboro Social Services will take place on Friday night next 3rd December. As you are already aware, the work this committee does is both tremendous and selfless and they deserve every support in the monthly Whist Drive. Go along and give them your support on this Friday night in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 8.30pm.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Breda and Jimmy Brennan, Peer Inn Lisnacusha, and Ger and Eileen Kenny, Killinure, on the death of their mother Annie May Kenny, Newtowncashel last weekend. Annie May was also sister to Josie Donlon and we also extend our sincere sympathy Josie her husband Patsy and family and the extended Kenny and Casey families on their sad loss.
Active Age Group
The Ballyleague Lanesboro Active Age Group was very active last week. A number from the group travelled to Galway for two days, taking in an International Food Festival, as well as the usual visits to the shops. All returned in good humour, wondering where to next!
The Active Age Group meet in St. Mary’s Parish Hall every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm and always welcome new members
Congratulations
We would like to congratulate Claire Cleary, Áine Collier and Mairéad who won the Intermediate Shield in Orienteering challenge in Lough Key Forest Park last week. Claire, Áine and Mairéad are all members of Ballyboro Scouts.
Thank You
Kevin mc Kenna would like to thank everyone in the Lanesboro Ballyleague area for all their kind sponsorship in helping him go to the World Championships in marina di Carrara, Italy recently. Kevin won gold and was crowned World Champion in the 60kg points karate. Kevin won silver in the traditional 60kg points and bronze in the traditional 65kg points.
Lough Ree AC
After seeing clips of the All Ireland Cross-Country on TV from snow covered Derry at the weekend, it was a blessing in disguise that the club had no qualifiers for the Ulster venue. Still, it does not take from the disappointment of incomplete teams at the Connaught Championships, particularly for those who were good enough to turn up.
With the cross country season now over, the next dates for the club are the church gate collection which will take place at all Masses next weekend 4th and 5th December, with the club’s AGM taking place on Tuesday night 7th December in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 9pm.
It is very important that both events are fully supported. It is essential that all views, ideas and suggestions are voiced at the AGM to make 2011 a very special one for the club.
The club are still hosting the fun-run in conjunction with MS on Christmas morning from the Community College to the bridge. The club also has a DISCO to organise before the end of December. All in all it will be a busy time for the club executive, the young athletes and parents alike in the coming few weeks.
Fermoyle N.S. Parents Association
Fermoyle National School Parents Association will hold their AGM on this Thursday night 2nd December at 8.30pm in Fermoyle National School. All parents are invited to make a special effort to attend.
Shannon Gaels AGM
Following a hugely successful and history making year the club will hold their AGM on Friday 10th December in the clubhouse in Clonbonny. Every parent and those interested in the continued promotion and development of underage football and Scór na nÓg in the parish are invited to attend. With the tremendous success of the year past the club hopes for a record attendance this year. It is vital for the parish to support the efforts of executive by their attendance at this meeting.
How is your training coming along?
I presume you are all now in serious training for the annual Christmas Day Run/Walk in aid of Multiple Sclerosis. As you know the run/walk takes place between Newtowncashel and Lanesboro with the walkers setting off at 11.45am and the runners at 12.15pm.
This is the 20th anniversary and it would be marvelous to have a record number taking part. With almost 6 weeks to go to Christmas Day, time is running out to get training and support the very special occasion. As we are in very trying times financially everybody is asked to make that extra special effort as this is the main fund raiser for the MS society and your sponsorship means that there is a continuous support for those suffering with MS.
Sponsorship cards are available from O’Brien’s Corner Shop, Michael Flood, Newtowncashel (Tel: 086-0880855); Brigid Mullooly, Lanesborough (Tel: 086-8807596) and from Casserley’s Shop and Fallon Bar Newtowncashel.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
The club would like to congratulate the Fermoyle National School on winning the schools league on Saturday last in Pearse Park when they had a titanic struggle over a strong Aughnagarron team. It was a marvellous performance by all.
Sympathy- The club extends its deepest sympathy to Breda Brennan, Ger Kenny and their family and extended families on the death of their mother Annie May Kenny, Newtowncashel last weekend. The club also extend its sympathy to Josephine Donlon, her husband Patsy and family on the death of her sister Annie May Kenny, Newtowncashel last weekend. The club also extends its deepest sympathy to the Shields family Rathcline Road on the death of their mother June last week.
Congratulations to both our Scór na nÓg teams that competed in the county final last Sunday in Ardagh. The Ballad Group was unlucky to be beaten in what was a hugely competitive Ballad Group section. In the sketch section which was also as competitive our luck stayed with us and we were crowned county champions and made history by being the first underage team in the club to win the county sketch title. All roads now lead to Ballymore on Sunday next at 3pm. If possible please come along and support the club.
Boat Pike Angling Competition
Lanesboro Pike Angling Club will be holding a Boat Pike Fishing Competition on Sunday next the 5th Dec in Lanesboro. Fishing will take place between 10.30am to 3.30pm.
Entries will be taken from 10.00am at the Lanesboro harbour next to the duck pond.
This is a catch and release competition and all boats must carry a suitable tank to hold fish. It is also required that all anglers have club insurance. For safety reasons it is also advised that all anglers wear life jackets on the day. The entry fee will be €30 per boat with a maximum of 4 rods per boat and no more than 2 rods per angler. There will be €1,000 in prize in prize money given out on the day. There will also be prizes for all non- fishing members. The presentation of prizes will be held in the Yacht bar.
The club would like to thank ESB for sponsoring this competition.
Birth
Congratulations to Andrew and Mary Flynn, Cloontuskert on the recent birth of a baby girl
Christmas Trees for Ballyleague
The Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns committee has been busy this week. After a very successful fundraising table quiz recently the committee purchased and erected six fantastic new Christmas trees in the village over the weekend. The trees are located at Ray’s Filling station in Ballyclare, St. Faithleach’s Clubhouse, The Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague National School, The Strokestown Road junction and outside the Credit Union Office. Special lighting will be added to all of the trees in the coming days and additional trees will be lit up on the Strokestown Road to bring a bit more of the spirit of Christmas to the entire community. Our thanks to the volunteers who once again put the trees in place in sub-zero temperatures at the weekend. If you would like to make a donation towards the cost of the village Christmas trees and lights please contact Chairman Denis Dunne at 0433321150 or e mail: keepballyleaguetidy@gmail.com
Annual Art Exhibition
Brushstrokes Art Group will hold their annual Christmas Art Exhibition and sale at the MJS Premises, Main St. Lanesborough from Saturday December 4th to Sunday 12th The exhibition will also include Jewellery from Sparkles Jewellery, and pottery by Thomas Lynam Ceramics.
An official launch will take place on Sunday 5th at 12.30 where the traditional mulled wine and mince pies will be served.
The Exhibition is free and all are welcome, so do come along, you may well find an original Christmas gift for that someone special.
Monster Bingo
The Rathcline GAA club is holding a Monster Bingo on Sunday 12th December in Ballyleague Hall at 3pm. This is an event not to be missed and not alone should you go but you should also bring your friends and support the club. The jackpot will be €2000. Sharpen your pencils and markers and make sure you get there early to get your seat.
Annual Draw
Carmel Linnane and Liz Balfe are holding their annual Christmas Draw. The proceeds of the draw are in aid of African students. The draw will take place in The Yacht Bar on Saturday 18th December. The prize list is: 1st prize €150, 2nd prize 6 bottles Wine, 3rd prize bottle Brandy, 4th prize box Biscuits & Sweets. There will be many more prizes on the night.
Forget-Me-Not – Your Local Cottage Industry
Invite you to an Exhibition & Sale of their work at Clonmee, Lanesboro, Co. Longford 14th Nov-19th Dec- 12 noon-7pm daily. Choose from – Jewellery, Needle Craft, Crochet, Knitwear, Woodcraft, Stained Glass, Teddy Bears, Soaps & Candles, Christmas Decorations and much more. The exhibition also includes Ceramics by award winner Thomas Lynam.
CD for Christmas
Once again Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan, son of Pat and Josie O’Sullivan, Lehery, has again been busy on the music front. Fr. Brendan a renowned singer has with the St. Mel’s Cathedral Folk Group has just launched a new CD for the Christmas entitled Cathedral Echoes. It is well worth a listen and it is priced only €10. A donation from the proceeds will go to the St. Mel’s Cathedral Restoration Fund. The CD is available for sale in O’Brien’s
St. Faithleach’s GAA
St. Faithleachs GAA Minor Club AGM: We held our Minor AGM on Sunday last in St. Faithleachs GAA Club House. Chairperson, Jimmy Brennan opened the meeting & welcomed all. Secretary, Emma Brennan read the minutes of last year’s AGM. Treasurer, Maggie Curley gave a detailed report of the Minor Clubs Income/Expenditure for 2010. Secretary, Emma Brennan gave a detailed report of all Teams activities & achievements for 2010 with congratulations to the Minor Ladies & U16 Boys along with their Management, on their winning titles this year. Emma also thanked all Manager/Mentors of Under-Age Teams, all supporters & parents for their support throughout 2010. Chairperson, Jimmy Brennan endorsed Secretary’s Report & added further congratulations to all our Under-Age Players who represented the Club at County level. Jimmy expressed thanks to the Field Committee, all who supported our Cash-for-Clobber, all involved in the development of the Dressing Rooms, all who supported the Minor Club throughout the year & all Sponsors of our Minor Club Teams. Senior Club Chairperson, Frank Curley, on behalf of the Executive Committee thanked all members of the Minor Club Board for their hard work throughout 2010, congratulated all on their activities & achievements & wished the Minor Club the very Best of Luck for the coming year ahead. Election of Officers as follows: Chairperson, Jimmy Brennan. Vice-Chairperson – Jimmy Mangan. Secretary & Assistant Secretary positions to be confirmed. Treasurer, Maggie Curley. Assistant Treasurer, Pauric Kenny. Registrar – Sheila Collier (Ladies) & Sean Cox (Under-Age). PRO, Mary Kenny. Minor County Board Delegates, John Tynan & Gerry Nerney. Ladies County Board Delegates, Sheila Collier & Lorraine Connor. Executive Delegate, Jimmy Brennan.
Senior Club AGM: Our Annual General Meeting of the Senior Club takes place on Friday 3rd December in St. Faithleachs GAA Club House.
The Dublin Gospel Choir: On Friday night last we held a hugely successful night in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague where we welcomed the Dublin Gospel Choir for a Night of Soul. Interval Act was a performance from Lanesboro Community College Choir under the direction of Jimmy Flanagan. Many thanks to LCC Choir Students as follows: Sharon Rooney, Tara Lee Lulham, Lauren Guinan, Chloe Kenny, Sarah Brennan, Anita Kenny, Andrea Carter, Gavin Tucker, Sean McGrath & their director, Jimmy Flanagan. Many thanks to the Social & Organisation Committee, along with the Parish Council & Fr. Larney Shine. Many thanks to all who supported the event, all who sold & purchased tickets. Many thanks to John Rice & Jonny Horohoe for their Shuttle-Bus service on the night. Thanks to the students of Lanesboro Community College who designed the Local Advertisement Boards for the event. Thanks to all the local business that helped out with ticket sales. Thanks to all who helped out on the night & all who helped out in any way.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were – 1, 5, 16 and 18. There was no jackpot winner and the five €20 winners were – A. J. Craven, Lecarrow. Eanna Nolan, Newtowncashel. Gerry Keenan, Cloontuskert. Ainne Brady, Cloontuskert. James & Mary Quigley, Weekfield. The next draw will take place on Tuesday next 7th December. The jackpot now stands at €2,200.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the Club House, 9.00pm. Results of last week’s games: Winners – 11 games – John O/Packie. Joint 2nd – Michael/Frank & Annie/Kathleen. Last game – Tim/Pat Joe. Ticket Winners – Fr. Larney, Noreen, Ann, Maureen.
Christmas Party/Karaoke Night: The Club are hosting a Christmas Party/Karaoke Night in the Club House this Saturday Night 4th December. Please come along & support what promises to be a great night’s entertainment.
Hunt-the-Wren: St. Faithleachs GAA Club is holding a Hunt-the-Wren Event for St. Stephens Day. All musicians, singers etc. we would be extremely grateful for your support. Further details will follow in the coming weeks.
Charity Shop
The Friends of Asthma Charity Shop on Main Street is delighted to announce the arrival of Santa Claus to the town on Saturday 18th December at 12 noon. Santa’s grotto in the Charity Shop will be open for visits on Saturday 18th from 12noon to 4.30pm and the following Monday to Thursday from 2pm to 4.30pm. Letters to Santa can be posted in the special post box in the Charity Shop any time before Christmas Eve.