Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
The Gathering
Take from the official website “The Gathering Ireland 2013 will be a spectacular, year-long celebration of all things Irish. Throughout 2013, Ireland will open its arms to hundreds of thousands of friends and family from all over the world, calling them home to gatherings in villages, towns and cities.”
Lanesboro will be part of the festival that will welcome home family, friends, long lost and newly found relations and indeed anybody that want to be part of a wonderful initiative.
It is hoped that many people that have not returned in years along with those that come on a regular will visit Lanesboro and be part of what surely will be a magnificent homecoming and gathering.
Lanesboro and the parish of Rathcline have welcomed so many people to be part of the community through Bord na Mona, ESB and may other businesses since the early 50’s. We have had a tremendous diverse people where everyone was local and we want to welcome one and all back to celebrate our sense of place with everyone that made Lanesboro what it was in the early day to what it is today.
We want to create a sense of place like never before we want to welcome absolutely everyone with a Lanesboro connection to come back and make the year 2013 very special to everyone and their families.
At present we are organising a website, creating an email address for the Gathering and going to building a database of all people away from Lanesboro and also those at home with their names and names of family and friends that they would like to be informed as to where and when the events and celebrations are happening in Lanesboro.
Next week everyone will be notified of a meeting and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Local Artist plays electric Picnic
On Wednesday last on the Evening Herald there was a preview of Electric Picnic that took place in Stradbally, Co. Laois and an archive photo from that article showed local girls Sarah Mc Weeney and deirdre farrell enjoying the festival a few years back.
It was ironic that the picture should include Sarah as this year her group ‘Red Sail’ were to play at the ‘Picnic’ over the past weekend. Sarah a daughter of Aidan and Eileen Mc Weeney, Curraghroe, is very talented musician and showed her talent for many years. She completed her degree in the famous Ballyfermot College that over the past number of years gained worldwide recognition at the world famous Grammy and Academy Awards for the tremendous quality of the students graduating from the college.
Sarah during her time in the college linked up with Wexford man Dan Comeford, From Wexford and Simon Fitzpatrick to create the group Red Sail.
The group is an alternative folk group with just the three members and they create some wonderful music. Since their formation just a year ago they have been extensively gigging in Dublin and extending further and further in to the country where they are building a large fan base.
Earlier this year in May they released their debut EP’ Paper Cutout’ which has been on the playlists of many radio stations both here in Ireland and also in England. The EP is available for purchase and download on iTunes and also available from Tower records in hard disc.
I think their music is great and well worth a listen and the promoters of one of Ireland’s biggest and best festivals also think so by the booking of Red Sail for last weekend. Hopefully it will not be too long before we have them in our local area and everyone can enjoy their terrific music.
Whist Drive Returns
The first Friday of September is the sign of things to come as it signals the return of the monthly Lanesboro Social Services Whist Drive and the beginning of Autumn/Winter time. The break seems so long this year most likely due to the bad summer weather.
Friday night next 7th September is the first night of the new season and the committee would like to welcome all card players to St. Mary’s Hall at 8.30pm for what I am sure will be once a gin a great night of card playing. Your support is deeply appreciated each month and the Social Services group would like to see a wonderful turnout for the first game of the new season.
As usual light refreshments will be served and a great time is assured.
Death
It was with extreme sadness and regret we learned of the death at University College Hospital, Galway on Sunday27th August of Martina Rock, Church View. Martina although a young lady had been ill for a time but she bore her cross with great fortitude, dignity and bravery. When the news of her death broke it still came as a shock to us all. She was a native of Derryhaun where her family was hugely respected. Martina was a very personable lady and her manner endeared her to the many that came to know her. Her warm smile and happy heart will be remembered fondly by everyone. Her passing will leave a great void not only with her family but with the entire community that acknowledge her wonderful traits. She was a devoted wife and mother. Her remains reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home on Tuesday last before removal to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague. Following her Funeral Mass burial took place to Clonbonny Cemetery. The attendance at both was a testimony to the esteem in which she was held. To her husband Pat, son Enda, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Mindless Idiots
In times gone by in these notes I have complimented the wonderful work being done on both sides of the bridge. I quoted from a letter sent to both Longford and Roscommon County Councils about how beautiful our area was in the eyes of visitors.
Well, on Sunday night last in Ballyleague, just past Sorohan’s Bar where there are benches situated and at either end of the bench there are flower boxes some mindless idiots with absolutely no pride in themselves nor with any respect for the people that worked so hard to make the area beautiful decided that it would be fun to pull up the flowers and litter them all over the footpath.
You begin to wonder about the mentality of people that would do such things. Appreciation of peoples work must always be recognised. With the results of the Tidy Towns taking place on Monday next in Dublin it is totally a lack of brain and civic pride that makes people do such things.
The committee and the Gardaí would appreciate any information you may have on this reprehensible deed. If you know anything please do not hesitate to contact.
Picture above of Joe Browne who does so much wonderful work all year round in keeping Ballyleague tidy clearing up after the destruction of Sunday night.
Championship Semi Final
Saturday evening next in Pearse Park the Rathcline Intermediate team will take to the pitch in Pearse Park at 7pm for their Intermediate championship semi-final against Granard. The previous game between them in the qualifying round finished in a draw and so Saturday night it is all to play for. We wish the lads well and look forward to a victory and a place in the final in a few weeks against either Carrickedmond of Cashel.
All supporters of the rathcline GAA young and old are encouraged to go to Pearse Park to cheer the lads on to victory.
Scouts AGM and Registration Night
Registration night for new and existing scouts will take place on Monday night 10th September in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesboro at 9pm. The registration fee for the coming year is €50 per child under 18 and €20 for 18 to 21year olds. The troop is recruiting new leaders and full training will be provided.
The AGM will take place on Wednesday 12th September in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro at 9pm and all are invited to attend.
Ethan continues winning ways
During Roscommon Open week at Roscommon Golf Club local young man Ethan Connell continued his successful winning streak when he won four junior competitions over the week. Well done Ethan.
Lanesboro Karate Club
The club will reopen on Monday next 10th September for 6.30pm to 7.30pm for juniors and from 7.30pm to 9pm for seniors in St. Mary’s Hall. The up and coming event for all students, senior and junior, is the grading for their belts on Monday 24th September.
The club welcomes new members and for further information you are asked to contact Sensei Kevin Mc Kenna, 3rd Dan instructor, phone 086-0807012,
Defibrillator Training
The closing date for new and refresher defibrillator training courses is fast approaching and if you wish to be a first responder you should leave your name into Martina O’Brien at the Corner Shop immediately or phone Martina 043-3321107. Please ensure you leave a contact number when enlisting.
First responder is a very meaningful position to hold within our local communities and your action can and will save lives.
The date for the courses will be announced shortly and your support and training is vital. It is extremely essential that all clubs and associations in the community have members trained up in the use of the defibrillator.
Ros 5K Road Race
This week the Ros 5k Road Race will continue on this coming Wednesday 5th September, 7pm, Taughmaconnell – hosted by St. Ronan’s AC
Wednesday 12 September, 7pm, Lanesboro – hosted by Lough Ree AC
The Lough Ree Athletic Club would like to invite all runners to take part in the series that will take place in Lanesboro on Wednesday 12th September at 7pm. It will be great if the large number that took place last year is surpassed by this year’s numbers. It is a great circuit and should be a wonderful evening for all participants.
Entry into the race is €10.
Ladies go for County Final Glory
Rathcline Ladies Intermediate County Final versus Mullinalaghta takes place on this Saturday 8th September at 12 noon in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park. Our ladies will be going for a remarkable double championship wins as they won the Junior Championship last year and a victory on Saturday will return them to senior football next year. The ladies have put in a remarkable year of effort and toil and a victory on Saturday will be just reward for all their efforts. All the supporters of GAA in the area are asked to go along and cheer on the ladies to victory.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The club will reconvene for the coming season on this Wednesday 5th September in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesboro. The competition will commence at 8pm sharp and the club welcomes back all previous members and also invites all bridge players that have not yet joined the group to come along and enjoy an evening of bridge playing and the friendships it brings with it.
Lanesboro 2000 Bridge Club
The last Summer Bridge competition for 2012 took place and the following are the results: N/S. 1st Carmel Kelly and Breda McKnight, 2nd Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon, 3rd Renee Walshe and Mary Mc Gushin and 4th Brendan Dowling and Des Watts. E/W: 1st Chris McGrath and Kitty Dowd 2nd Mona O’Flaherty and Maura Hanley, 3rd Brendan Murtagh and Tom Feeney and 4th Mary Jameson and Loretta Cooney.
The committee thanks everyone for supporting the summer Bridge and hope you all have a rest before the Club Bridge starts on Monday 10th September.
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club
Following the extensive damage done to the boats, van and equipment at the Lough Ree Sub Aqua centre at Lanesboro car park the club hosted a fundraising night held at St. Faithleach’s clubhouse on Friday night last. To put it mildly the night was a huge success and a wonderful time was held by everyone that attended. The Lough Ree Sub Aqua club is deeply indebted to everyone that bought tickets and
made significant contributions.
The support received from so many quarters has been truly magnificent and the support has softened the blow that the club members felt on that fateful evening of Monday 16th July.
To enable the club to get back in business immediately the club needed to purchase a replacement compressor pump and the success of the night, thanks to your donations, will go a long way towards achieving this goal.
The club will continue to accept contributions and if you can help please do as the club carries out tremendous work in search and rescue. Once again your contributions have proven that we have a community on both sides of the bridge that is without equal when it comes to supporting our own in need and long may it continue to be that way.
Wedding
The marriage took place on Thursday 16th July at the Church of the Holy rosary, Ballyleague of Maura O’Halloran daughter of Mary and Paddy O’Halloran, Cloontuskert and Tadhg Hanrahan, son of Timothy and Nancy Hanrahan, Athea, Co. Limerick. Matron of Honour was Áine Brady, sister of the bride and bridesmaid was Teresa O’Neill, sister of the bride. Bestman was Brian Hanrahan, brother of the groom and groomsman was Timmy Doyle best friend of the groom. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Larney Shine, Ballyleague assisted by Fr. Bowen, Athea. The wedding reception took place in the Radisson Hotel, Athlone. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Second Bus to Lough Derg
The bus to Lough Derg on Sunday 16th September is now full. There have been further enquiries and there will now be a second bus put on to cater for the extra people. This bus will travel on Saturday next 8th September only if there is sufficient interest. If you want to travel on this date you should make immediate contact with Mary at 043-3321969.
Lanesboro Community Games
Well done to all the Lanesboro participants in the recent Community Games All-Ireland Finals (track and field events). It was a great honour for these children and teenagers to represent their parish and Co. Longford at the national finals. On this occasion the competition was very strong and the standard very high. Some of our competitors narrowly missed out on qualification from the heats and their strong performances bode well for next year. Thanks to the Community Games committee members, the parents and special thanks to Steve Peters for his help in preparing the athletes in advance and on the day.
Indoor Market
The Lanesboro and Ballyleague Indoor Market takes place in St. Mary’s Parochial Hall, Lanesboro, every Friday from 11am to 1.30pm. There is a range of stalls supplying local: home baking, jams, eggs, mushrooms. Also jewellery, beauty products, cards, aloe vera products, books & bric a brac, knitted items, dried flowers & handbags. Fresh flowers, hanging baskets & flower arrangements. Fred’s Fish available – fresh fish for Friday. Free car parking to rear of building (beside the playground). Tea, Coffee and light snacks will also be available. You are invited to call 087 3965568 for all your queries.
Learn to play the Piano
A qualified piano teacher, with Royal Irish Academy Of Music is available to give piano lessons in the Killashee area. If you are interested you should phone 0860781841.
Pilates in St. Mary’s Hall
Pilates will commence for all in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro on this coming Thursday 6th September commencing at 7pm. Pilates is suitable for all abilities and ages. There are a large number of benefits to be gained by Pilates and they include; improvement of postures, re-aligns your spine, increases your core strength and stability, strengthens your back, improves circulation, helps prevent injuries, aids digestion, and improves balance and co-ordination.
If you feel that you can benefit from the improvement of all or any of the above then you should go along to the hall on Thursday week 6th September at 7. If you need further details or want to pre-register then you should contact Bonnie 087-2238237 or email bonniemorrin@yahoo.ie
St Faithleach’s pipped at the Post
Saturday evening last at a damp St. Faithleach’s pitch The home side took on Connaught Champions in the final of the Roscommon Senior League, The O’Rourke Cup. This was a tight and tense game throughout and it was unfortunate that St. Faithleach’s were just behind at the finish.
Having gone behind early in the first half St. Faithleach’s struck back with a brace of goals to draw level at half-time 2-3 to 1-6. The second half was teek tough and in the end it was the experienced St. Brigid’s that emerged victorious much to the disappointment of the very big local support.
This was a great game, even in defeat, for St. Faithleach’s as they prepare for their quarter final of the championship when they renew rivalry with Roscommon Gaels. We wish the team the very best in the next round of the championship which is the ultimate goal of the senior team. The quarter finals will take place on Saturday15th and Sunday 16th September.
Children’s Fishing Competition
Lanesboro Pike Angling club is holding a children’s fishing competition Saturday next 8th September. This competition is for children aged 13 years and younger. Entry fee will be €1 per child. Fishing will start at 11.00am. at the hot water stretch in Lanesboro. The club looks forward to seeing a large number of young fishermen and ladies there on the day enjoying a wonderful competition.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
O’Rourke Cup Final: Our Seniors were defeated by St. Brigids in the League Final on Saturday last. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 2-08 St. Brigids 2-13. Team: B. Carberry, A. McCormack, C. Brennan, D. Murray, R. Cox, D. Harrison, H. Kenny(0-1), M. Reynolds, S. O’Grady(0-1), B. Murtagh, D. Hussey, E. Kenny, C. Murtagh(1-4), A. Dooney(1-0), D. Murtagh(0-2).
Junior Ladies Championship: Our Junior Ladies play against St. Dominic’s in the Championship semi-final on Sunday next, see fixtures for details.
U14 Girls Championship: Our U14 Girls were defeated, away to Four Roads on Sunday last. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 3-04 Four Roads 4-07
Lotto: The numbers drawn were – 7, 20, 26 and 27. There was no jackpot winner and the five €20 winners were – Mary Fogerty, c/o bingo, Michael Fallon, Roscommon, Sean Hanley, Kilnalosset. Denis Murphy, Cloontuskert and Tommy Reilly, Cloonadra. The next draw takes place on Tuesday 11th September 11th September for a jackpot of €6,800.
Cards: takes place every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 9.00pm. All welcome. The results of last week’s games were – winners, Mick/Paddy, joint runners-up, Sean/Seamus & Brendan/Tom. The last game winners were Pat Joe/Tim.
Sympathy: The club extends deepest sympathy to Pat Rock & Family on the death of Martina Rock, Church View.
Rathcline GAA
The biggest game of the year so far, the Intermediate Championship Semi Final, takes place this Saturday. Granard provide the opposition, and throw in at Pearse Park is at 7pm. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Good luck to the Rathcline Ladies in their Intermediate Championship decider against Mullinalaghta on Saturday.
The winner of the draw for the pair of tickets to the All-Ireland Hurling Final was Jim Finn, rathcline Road. The winner of the €30 cash prize was John L Farrell, while Dessie Mc Dermott won €20.
This week’s lotto numbers were 1, 6, 9, 15, 18 and 44. There was no winner of the €1,000 jackpot. The four winners of €25 each were Johnny Malone, Yvonne Crinigan, Derek & Shane Casserly and J & F Connaughton. Next week’s jackpot will be €1,100.
Finally, sympathies to the Rock family, Church View on the recent death of Martina.
Lanesboro Triathlon Club
Masters Swimming: The Roscommon Masters Swimming Group shall re-commence on Sept 11th at the Roscommon Leisure Centre – Sessions are 9 – 10pm on Tuesdays. You need to be able to swim 1 length of the 25m pool. Cost: Sept – Oct 2012 / 8 sessions at €50. Nov – Dec 2012 / 7 sessions at €45 OR all 15 sessions €85 payable in Sept.
Annual General Meeting: The Lanesboro Triathlon Club shall hold be holding their AGM on Saturday Oct 06th at 8pm in the Co-Op hall. All members are asked to attend.
Lough Key Triathlon: We are using the Lough Key Sprint Triathlon in Boyle, as our club race and family day out for 2012. The race takes place on Sun 09th September. If you have not already registered, please log onto http://loughkeytri.com/ for race information. Further information on the format of the Lanesboro club race can be viewed on our website www.trilanesboro.com
Ironman 70.3 Ireland: On Sunday last our club members Sean Farrell, PJ O’Neill, Martin Gillen, Ronie Masterson, Marie Sudway and Ciaran Sudway took part in the gruelling Ironman 70.3 event at Salthill, Galway. The race started with a 1.9k swim in Galway bay followed by a 90k cycle and finished off with a 21.1k run on the Galway promenade. Congratulations to all for putting in fantastic performances, especially to Sean Farrell who was first club member home in a phenomenal time of 4 hours 56 minutes and to Marie Sudway who was first home in her age category qualifying her for the Ironman World Championships 70.3 race in Las Vegas.