Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Horse Fair and
Dog Show
The
excitement leading up to the Horse Fair and Dog show will peak on Saturday next
3rd March when all the great work and planning by the hard working committee
will come to fruition when once again the horses, ponies, donkeys will parade
through the Main Street to the field at the back of St. Mary’s Church where the
trading of the day will take place at the annual Lanesboro Fair Day.
As
in keeping with the day there will also be the Dog Show that is a tremendously
popular feature of the day with a huge number bringing their dogs to the show.
This show has become an integral part of the day’s activities and the
excitement it creates locally among young and older dog owners leading into the
day is only mighty and it brings a huge amount of enthusiasm to the entire
area.
The
day is without doubt a real throw back to olden times and it is always
wonderful to see so many former residents bring their families back to
Lanesboro. The day is as important as a day that residents and former residents
meet and reminisce on the many happy and wonderful days spent here in Lanesboro.
A
sign as to how much the local people embrace the Fair and Dog Show can be seen
with the number of volunteers that make themselves available for the day. This
day is about our community and the memories of the many people that came and
made Lanesboro Fair Day a very special one in the days gone by.
Come
along meet old friends, make new ones and enjoy a wonderful and very special day
at the famous Lanesboro Fair Day. If you have the memory of Lanesboro Fair Day
and cannot make the journey on Saturday just sit back and remember the days of
old and the many happy fairs of Lanesboro – we will be witnessing that same
excitement again on Saturday. We will all be joined together in the living
memory of many great friends and our times at Lanesboro Fair Day.
New Website for
Cloontuskert – The Abbey
A
new initiative for Cloontuskert – The Abbey, to gather memories, stories and
photographs since the erection of the Bord na Mona houses. Padraig Best has had
this brainchild and he is seeking to support of everyone so that the story of
Cloontuskert can be archived for future generation to understand the story of
the community.
If
you have information you can send it to Padraig at the website set up for this
initiative http://www.memoriesofhome.me/. If you have not
got access to a computer you can come to me at the shop and I will scan the information,
return you document immediately and forward the copy to Padraig.
Lanesborough
Gun Club
A meeting will be held at 10pm, on Friday night next 2nd
March 2012 in Adie Farrell’s meeting room. All members are asked to attend to
discuss important club matters.
Calling
all Footballing Ladies
The Rathcline Ladies GAA has recently commenced their
new season. They are seeking all ladies footballers to come along and join in
the fun and development of the club.
Last year was a tremendous year when the club got back
into the footballing groove and duly won the county final and went to the
Leinster semi-final. This year the club wants to build on this success and grow
into a top successful club once again.
You are invited to be part of the club and you can do
so by registering with the club for the coming year. The club caters for under
14 up and it welcomes anyone wishing to come and join. Contact Madaleine Murray
or Paddy Nolan to register.
Tracy wins
County Final
Congratulations
to Tracy Tobin, daughter of Graham and Maura Tobin, Rathcline Road on winning
the solo singing category in the Longford County Scór Final on Saturday night
last in Ardagh. Tracy will travel to the Down clubhouse on the outskirts of
Mullingar on Sunday next for the Leinster semi-final. Tracy has been involved
with her mother Maura in the preparation of the Shannon Gaels minor club
contestants over the past few years and it is a fitting reward for all her hard
work in Scór. You are encouraged to go along and support Tracy and if you want
a great evening of entertainment then this is the place to be as well as
supporting our own. Good luck Tracy.
Lanesboro Social
Services Whist
Lanesboro
Social Services welcomes everyone to their monthly Whist Drive that will take
place on this Friday night 2nd March in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at
8.30pm. As you know Lanesboro Social services is a lifeline to many people in
this time of great need and their main fundraising event is their monthly Whist
Drive that take place on the first Friday of every month during the card
playing season. Come along and have a great night of fun and card playing. As usual,
refreshments will be served.
Found in the
Library
A small blue card wallet with key cards inside was left in the
Library on Friday 17th February and if you are the owner please
contact Stella at 043-3321291 for details.
Are you a Dog Walker?
Lanesboro and Ballyleague are
blessed to have two excellent and hardworking Tidy Town’s committee that over
each twelve month period continues to work tirelessly and the improvements to
be seen on both sides of the bridge are great.
There is one overriding problem
that both committees, pedestrians and indeed the walkers of the area encounter
as they make their way through the pathway. That is the large amount of dog
excrement that litters the pathways on both sides of the bridge. At the
entrance to the car park Longford County Council have provided a dispenser with
bags so that any dog walker without a means to clean up can avail of one of
these bags. If this is done will be of huge assistance to the many people that
are walking that they will not be stepping into it, especially at night. It
will also be a huge benefit to the hard working committees on both sides of the
bridge.
Please take heed to the need to
have Lanesboro and Ballyleague in pristine condition for the tourist season that
is upon us and the tidy towns competition that will take place later in the
year. The aim of everyone in should be to keep Lanesboro and Ballyleague clean
and tidy and no matter how hard the committees work this can only be attained
with you playing your part for your community.
Maria to represent St. Faithleach’s in County Rose Final
Congratulations to Maria Quigley,
sponsored by Geraldine & Stephen Donlon, Sherdons Restaurant, Ballyleague
who, on Saturday night last, was crowned Rose of St. Faithleach’s. Maria will
now represent the club at the Rose county final in Kilronan Hotel in the near
future. We wish Maria and her escort Declan Mc Cormack every success on the
final night.
Donate Blood
The Blood Donation Clinic is
encouraging everybody that can to go along to the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on
this Wednesday 29th February or Thursday 1st February.
The clinic will be open from 5pm to 8.30pm and with a continuous demand for
blood it is very important that everyone that can donate do so on Wednesday and
Thursday.
Lanesboro
Ballyleague Indoor Market
The Lanesboro and
Ballyleague Indoor Market is held in St. Mary’s Parochial Hall, Lanesboro, on
Friday from 11am to 2pm. There is a range of stalls selling local home baking,
local jams, free range eggs & mushrooms, gold, silver, gemstone and
costume jewellery, goats milk beauty products, sensy flameless candles, books,
bric a brac & cd’s, Forever aloe vera products. John King (Healer and
Angel Cards readings), fab hand-made cards and hand-made knitted scarfs /
hats, etc. Also dried flower arrangements and handbags. Free
car parking to rear of building (beside the playground). Tea, Coffee and light
snacks will also be available. Contact Breda at 087 3965568 for further
information.
Meals on Wheels
Longford Social Services
is a non-profit voluntary organisation that supplies hot and nutritious meals
to the nutritionally needy in both the town and county. The eligibility is
those that because of age, disability or illness are unable to prepare meals
for themselves. The meals consist of hot soup, chilled main meal and desert and
are supplied at a reasonable and affordable cost. Longford Social Service can
be contacted by phone at 043-33 50114/3350138.
Eucharist Congress
The booking for various
events of the international Eucharistic Congress is being organised through the
Parish Office at St. Mary’s Athlone, where Fr. Turlough Baxter will act as
co-ordinator. The event will take place in Croke Park on Sunday 17th
June. The Ardagh Clonmacnoise dioceses will receive a certain number of tickets
which will be made available to parishes. Each parish will have to make
bookings for parishioners wishing to attend and bookings have to be made before
16th March. Those wishing to attend are asked to make their bookings
immediately.
Death
It was with great regret
and sorrow we learned of the death at Costello’s Nursing Home Ballyleague of
Mrs Rose Murtagh, Erra, Curraghroe. Rose was predeceased by her husband Pat,
son Michael and daughter Joan. Rose was a great lady that met the difficulties
that life handed her with a great resolve. She was a lady that worked hard for
her family and raised a wonderful family despite the early passing of her
husband Pat. Rose was a well-respected and highly thought of lady and her
passing will leave a great void in the hearts and minds of those that has the
pleasure to know her. Her remains reposed at the residence of her son Tom until
her removal to St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe on Thursday last. Following her
Funeral Mass her remains were interred in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her sons
PJ, Tom, Kevin, Andy relatives and many friends we extend our heartfelt
sympathy.
Shannon Gaels
Minor Club
The
first game of the new season for our under 16 team will take place in Clonbonny
on Saturday next at 4.30pm and there will a game each week for next 3 weeks.
Under
14 panel will commence training on Sunday 18th march in Clonbonny at
12.15pm. Parents are asked to ensure that all their lads eligible for this
under 14 panel be in attendance for training. It is important for a full
turnout.
The
minor team will continue training and the league is presently suspended to
allow the county minors every opportunity to prepare for their Leinster
campaign. Alan will be in touch with all panel re training.
We
congratulate Tracy Tobin on her great success in the senior Scór final in
Ardagh on Saturday last. She will now take part in the Leinster semi-final on
Sunday next at the Downs clubhouse. This is a great reward for Tracy for all
the work she has done with us in Scór na nÓg
St. John’s Candles.
Already
there has been a great uptake on the sales of the commemorative candle with an
imprint of St. John’s Church emblazoned on the candle; the committee would like
to thank everyone that has responded so positively. They can be bought at €7 in
O’Brien’s, Gareth Johnston’s Health Bank or from any member of the committee.
This
is a very special year for the congregation of St. John’s Church as they
celebrate 150 year of their church on the weekend 20th April where a
number of events will take place throughout the weekend. The committee is still
seeking any memorabilia, artefacts or old photographs relating to St. John’s church.
There has been an excellent response to this call and it is great to see such a
great response. If you have any material
relating to the Church please contact Philip Mc Garry, Gardenstown or Tora
Crooke, The Green or any member of the congregation.
Free Pre-School
Year
Head
Start Pre-school for 2½ – 5 year olds is now taking enrolments for September
2012 and on an on-going basis for the free pre-school year and non ECCE
children. For more information you are invited to contact Denise at 043-33
21321 after 1pm.
Lanesboro Bridge
Club
The
results of the competition held on Wednesday last 22nd February are;
N/s 1st Frank & Frances Brennan, 2nd Bernadette
Gillen & Bernadette Clancy and 3rd
Katharine Harrison & Philomena Walsh. E/W 1st Una Lawlor &
Brid Mc Dermott, 2nd Mae Casey & Noreen Dunne and 3rd
Mary Casey & Geraldine Mc Cafferty.
You
are reminded that the ‘Pairs Competition’ will take place on Wednesday 7th
and Wednesday 14th March.
Lanesboro Library
Story time With
Frances: Plant the seed and your child will grow to love to
read!
Storytime for 4
to 6 year olds will be held in Lanesboro Library on Saturday 10th
March from 12 to 1pm.
Planned Wildlife Walks
Irish Wildlife Trust has
just announced their schedule for the year and would like to invite anybody
with an interest in wildlife to go along and join them on their walks. If you
have an interest in wildlife and you want to get involved you are invited to
contact Noreen Mc Loughlin at 087-4127248 or email
Noreen.mcloughlin@gmail.com The
schedule of activities for the coming year are Sunday 11th March at
2pm; Canal Walk in Ballymahon; Sunday 15th April at 2pm Newts in
Newtowncashel, Thursday 3rd May at 7.30pm Bats in Ballymahon –
presentation by Dr. Tina Aughney followed by bat walk; 30th June/1st July at
2pm Bee & Butterfly afternoon, Derrymacar, Newtowncashel; Sunday 15th
July at 2pm Children’s Nature Walk, Lanesboro
While
the following have no set date at the moment the events scheduled are; August:
No events, September: Evening moth trapping + Fossil presentation by Pat &
Derek Martin, October: Mushroom hunt, November: Wildlife of Doonis bog
presentation by Chris Martin
And
December: Mammals in Longford presentation
Rathcline GAA
Congratulations
to Tracy Tobin on winning the County Solo Signing Scór competition. Tracy will
now represent the club in the Leinster semi-final in the Downs, Mullingar this
Sunday.
Final
reminder to all members to pay their membership money for the year. Players’
fees are €50, to be given to Brendan Rhatigan or Michael Hanley. It is also
important that all non-playing members pay their fees, which stand at €20.
The
Annual Longford GAA Race Day at Punchestown Racecourse will take place on
Wednesday, 25th April this year. Anybody interested in attending can
contact Liam Connerton, Albert Cooney or Chris Cullen.
The
club will soon be raffling premium tickets to a pair of sold-out concerts in
Croke Park. There are four tickets to see Westlife up for grabs; while there
will be two tickets to the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Both concerts take place in
June.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Minor
League:
Our Minor Men were played their 1st League game against St. Dominic’s at home
on Sunday last. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 0-10 St. Dominic’s 3-11. Team: J.
Walsh, J. Farrell, D. Gibbons, J. Irwin, K. Kelly, M. Cox (0-1), J. Sweeney, D.
Murtagh (0-6), C. Gunn, J. Hussey (0-1), S. Phillips, C. Gannon, C. Gannon, K.
Farrell, J. Kelly (0-2).
Rose
of St. Faithleachs:
The annual St. Faithleachs GAA Club Rose Night took place on Saturday night
last in the Club House. Chairman of the Organising Committee, Derek Thompson,
welcomed the Rose Entrants & Escorts along with the large crowd of
supporters and thanked the Main Sponsor, Louise’s Beauty Studio, Roscommon
along with all other Sponsors. The Rose entrants were as follows: Aileen Fallon
sponsored by Sean Cox, Accountant, Kevina Cleary, sponsored by James &
Breege Nerney, Claire Brennan, sponsored by Vincent McGowan Metal
Fabrication, Laura Cox, Sponsored by Joe
& Martina O’Brien, Lanesboro. Catherine Quigley, Sponsored by Joe Cribben,
Daybreak, Ballyleague. Maria Quigley, sponsored by Geraldine & Stephen
Donlon, Sherdons Restaurant, Ballyleague. Laura Mc Loone, Sponsored by Trautt’s
Checkout, Cloontuskert. The club would like to express their thanks to the
sponsors of all the Rose entrants. Judges, John Ward, Róisin Guihen (2011
Roscommon Rose) & Mary Conry Chandler had a tough task to decide on the winning
Rose from such an outstanding bunch of young ladies. Many thanks to our M.C. on
the night Mark Casey who put in a great performance while interviewing all the
Rose entrants. The Club’s Escorts, Brian Scally & Declan McCormack did a
fantastic job & received gifts sponsored by Nivea Products. The club
expresses their thanks to the lads along with their sponsor, John Wards
Menswear, Roscommon for their attire on the night. There was great excitement
when John Ward announced the 2012 Rose of St. Faithleachs, Maria Quigley. Maria
was presented with the St. Faithleachs Sash & Tiara by Rachel Garvey our
2011 Rose, along with a Bouquet of Flowers sponsored by Lena Duncan, Buds to
Blooms, Lanesboro and a selection of gifts from Louise’s Beauty Studio & Aphrodite’s
Hair Studio, Roscommon. Congratulations to Maria who will now represent the club
in the upcoming Rose of Roscommon in Kilronan Castle where she will be escorted
by Declan McCormack. All participating Rose entrants were presented with a
Rose, sponsored by Buds to Blooms along with gifts sponsored by John Mc Keown,
Nivea Products. Many thanks to the Judges who were also presented with a small token
of appreciation from the club. Many thanks to all other kind sponsors including
K.C. Sports, Mullingar & Lanesboro/Ballyleague Credit Union and all who
sponsored/donated spot prizes for our raffle & all who bought raffle tickets
on the night. Thanks to the organising committee, especially Bernie Cotter who
did tremendous work in preparation for this event & to Derek Thompson who
organised the music for the event. Thanks to photographer, Gerard O’Loughlin
and to the staff of the clubhouse, all who helped with preparations for getting
the clubhouse ready for the event. To all who prepared food & refreshments
for the event, all who attended the event & all who helped in many ways,
the club says a very big thank you. Thanks to the Rose entrants & escorts
who made the event such a memorable night. We wish Maria Quigley, our 2012 St. Faithleachs
GAA Club Rose along with her escort, Declan McCormack, all the very best of
luck in the Roscommon Rose Competition.
O’Rourke
Cup:
1st League Game this coming Saturday against Kilbride in Kilbride @ 7.00pm.
50th
Anniversary:
2012 brings a very important year for St. Faithleachs GAA Club as we celebrate
our 50th Anniversary. This is an exciting time for the Club & Parish. In an
effort to complete a history of the past 50 years of the club we are looking
for your help. There are many photographs & artefact from down through the
years which we would dearly love to see. If you, or anyone you know may be in
possession of such items, please contact a member of the Committee or email us
at stfaithleachgaa@gmail.com.
Cards: The card game continues in the
clubhouse every week at 9pm. All card players and invited and will be welcome
to attend. The results of last week’s games: Winners on 12 games – John O/Pakie.
Runners-up – Fr. Larney/Sonny. The ticket winners were – Noreen, Sean, Mark,
Padraig & Kevin.
Upcoming
Events: Colm
Mulligan plays in the clubhouse on Friday 16th March. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
– Once again St. Faithleachs GAA club will be having a Float in the
Lanesboro/Ballyleague St. Patricks Day Parade. We would appreciate your help and support. For
anyone interested in organising or participating in a drama group within St.
Faithleachs GAA club, please contact us.
Women’s
Mini-Marathon:
Calling all the ladies who would be interested in taking part in the
Mini-Marathon in June to raise funds for the development of the new Stand at
St. Faithleachs GAA Club. Your efforts and support would be greatly
appreciated.
Congratulations: To Aisling
Lannon who celebrated her 21st Birthday recently.
Sympathy: The Club
extends deepest sympathy to the Murtagh Family on the death of Rose Murtagh,
Erra. To her sons, Andy, Kevin, Tom & PJ, extended family, relatives &
friends. The Club extends deepest sympathy to our Club Secretary, Caroline
Connaughton, on the death of her aunt, Mary Joe McGuan, England.