Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Has your planning started yet for your float in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ballyleague and Lanesboro?
With just a few weeks to go your preparations should now be coming to a finish. There have been many topics over the past 12-months to create an excellent and topical float. All schools, clubs, business and associations are asked to make this the best parade ever.
With all the issues of insurance over the past months and a number of parades around the country being cancelled due to exorbitant costs it is wonderful to see our parade committee committing to this year’s parade.
Application forms are available from Teresa Costello, Freda Connaughton or from O’Brien’s shop. The entry fee per float is €30
To help pay for the insurance and other organisational costs there is a draw taking place and everybody is urged to buy a book of tickets to help defray the costs of hosting the parade. A book of three tickets costs just €5, your support will be of immense help. There will be five prizes for the five people drawn on the night. The draw will take place in Adie’s bar.
We look forward to another fabulous St. Patrick’s Day parade commencing at St. Faithleach’s GAA club and passing through Ballyleague and Lanesboro.
Death
On Wednesday last 19th February we learned of the death at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe of Joe O’Connor, Lisnaria. Joe a good number of years ago fell into ill health and he accepted his illness with great dignity and courage. Joe throughout his life was a man of many talents but the one thing that will stand him out was his fondness for life. He was a man always with a smile and a man always ready for some devilment. Sometimes it backfired on him, but he accepted the fate as easily as nought and he always enjoyed the laugh on himself. Joe had a great interest in everything local and sporting. He had a particular love of greyhound racing. Joe was known locally as a bus driver but having grown up with Joe in and around our house and shop Joe will be known as a man who worked spreading lime for my father and a treasured family friend
All during his illness Joe was loving cared for by his remarkable daughter Nicola. For Nicola it was not a labour of love but a complete devotion to her father in his time of need. Her compassion, attention, dedication and love went far and away above any description you can imagine of caring.
Joe reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home Roscommon on Thursday before being removed to the Church o he Holy Rosary, Ballyleague. On Friday following the Mass of the Resurrection his remains were laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his wife Anne, daughter Nicola, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Lourdes Pilgrimage
This year the Ardagh Clonmacnoise Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Friday 29th May until Wednesday 3rd June and the inclusive cost is €749. Pilgrimage director is Fr. Bernard Noonan 09064 81180. The flight departure is from Knock Airport. For bookings contact Joe Walsh Tours 01-2410811/2.
Next Blood Donation Clinic
The next blood donation clinic locally will take place in the Longford Arms Hotel on this Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th February. The clinic will be open from 4.30pm to 8pm each day.
There are eight different blood types and at the end of this week there was only full supply for two. Please make every effort to attend help ensure that all blood types are fully available for the continuous urgent blood need.
Éigse Pete Carberry
The Éigse Pete Carberry Irish music weekend will take place on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April in Lanesboro. This will be the second year of this event and it will be preceded the weekend before by the County Longford Fleadh so it will be a tremendous celebration of Irish music over a 10-day period.
We all remember last year and what a huge success the inaugural Éigse Pete Carberry weekend remembering the piping of Pete Carberry was. The quality of the Irish musicians that came to celebrate from all over the country to celebrate the piping of Pete and the musical exploits of the Carberry family was truly fantastic.
The weekend music created a great vibe throughout the town, it extended from St. Mary’s Hall to the library, to bars and shops creating a great atmosphere throughout Lanesboro and Ballyleague.
We are expecting that the second Éigse Pete Carberry weekend will be another rousing occasion and it is most definitely be a weekend not to be missed. If you want to hear Irish Music in its purist state and played like you cannot believe, then you must be in Lanesboro for the weekend. As mentioned previously the weekend date had to be changed from the original date and now takes place in Lanesboro on Friday 24th, Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April
The committee is receiving requests for all types of accommodation for the weekend and if you can help in putting people up you can drop an email to me joeaobrien@outlook.com phone 0862460840 or call into the shop and leave your name.
Thank You
What a remarkable week! What a remarkable response!
Last Monday I was asked to put out a plea for support from the Fermoyle Parents Association for support to buy and install a defibrillator. Such was the response that by Friday I got a message to say that the funding was now complete, within five day the Fermoyle Parents Association reached their goal. I must say your rapid response and generosity knows no bounds and you must be commended.
The note below is the note I received for publication
‘Last week Fermoyle Parent’s Association sought your assistance to help raise money to purchase a Defibrillator to install at Fermoyle National School. The support has been absolutely fantastic and as a result we have achieved our goal and we will have enough money to purchase this life saving piece of equipment which will not only benefit all who attend the school but the people who reside in the surrounding area. Donations were received from many people who live locally but also from members of our Community who are residing in Australia, America and Canada. Thank you everyone who donated to this cause, it is greatly appreciated’.
Gun Club News
Meeting Update
Members met 24th of January last, to discuss the allocation of new equipment receipted from NWPS and possible fund raising. There was a huge turnout of members on the night.
Easter Draw
The club will be holding an Easter Draw on Saturday night 11th April in Joe Farrell’s Pub with over €2,000 in prizes. Music will be provided on the night by Fran Deffew. We have received a huge response from the local community and further afield with regard to sponsorship of prizes. The club would like to thank all sponsors for their assistance to date. Tickets are currently on sale with club members and local businesses. All your support would be greatly appreciated.
Clay Shoot
The committee made the decision on health and safety grounds to postpone our planned clay shoot on the 15th February due to the inclement weather brought by storm Dennis. We had over 5 teams prepared to travel. We will reschedule to a later date.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The club has decided to enter a float in this year’s local Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. We have received some great themes/ideas from members to date. We are hoping to finalise within the next few weeks.
Table Quiz
Killashee GAA club are seeking your support for a Table Quiz that will be held in McPartlands bar Clondra on this Friday night 28th February. The club has a major development plan in place, they are now attempting to offset some of the costs with this Table Quiz and they seek the support of our readers. The quiz will start at 9pm. The cost of taking part is €10 per person or €40 for a table. There will also be a raffle and spot prizes.
Weekly Card Game
The results of the game played on Sunday night last 23rd February are: 1st Joe Rooney/Packie Feeney. Joint 2nd Tom Donlon/Brendan Hanley and Gerry Ryan/Johnno Byrne. Last game was won by Mike Flynn/Aidan Carling. Raffle Tom Fox, P J Glennon, Dinny Bannon and Gerry Ryan.
The 25-card drive continues every Sunday evening at 8.30pm sharp in Lanesboro Parish Hall, refreshments served, and no partner needed. Thanks to all for their continued support.
Daffodil Day Coffee Morning
The annual Daffodil Day coffee morning will be held on Sunday 15h March in Lanesboro Parish Hall from 10am to 12.30 pm. Your usual support will be very welcome
Our Library Events
Knitting & Crochet Club
Knitting & Crochet Club continues every Monday 2-4pm.
New members always welcome!
Poetry & Music Group
Poetry & Music Circle continues on Monday 9th March from 4.15 until 5.30pm.
All welcome to come along and join in with this very vibrant group!
ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) takes place in the Library every Tuesday evening 7 to 9pm.
Contact Nuala Donlon on nuala.donlon@lwetb.ie for further information.
Book Club
Book Club for adults continues on Friday morning 28th February at 11am.
Book choices for February are ‘The End of Loneliness’ by Benedict Wells and ‘When All Is Said’ by Anne Griffin.
Easter Flower Arranging Course
Easter Flower Arranging course is now fully booked.
There has been a date change so course will now start on Monday March 2nd and following 3 Monday evenings 6.30-8pm.
Memory Matters & Brain Health
As part of Healthy Ireland at your Library, Lanesboro Library will host a very interesting talk on Memory Matters & Brain Health with Pauline Lee from HSE.
This event takes place on Monday 30th March at 7pm.
This is a free event, and all are welcome to come along.
Light refreshments will be served.
Contact library on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie for info.
Guidelines for Helping Children with Anxiety
As part of Healthy Ireland at your Library, we are delighted to welcome psychologist Paul Marsden back to Lanesboro Library to give a very interesting talk on ‘Guidelines for Helping Children with Anxiety’. The talk will be very helpful to parents & teachers where children are anxious at home, with their friends, coming up to exam time etc. This is a free event, and all are welcome along on Monday 20th April at 7pm.
National Library Open Day
Take A Closer Look at Your Local Library on National Library Open Day, February 29!
On Saturday, February 29th, Longford Libraries are taking part in the first ever National Library Open Day showcasing all that our public libraries have to offer. We are issuing a warm welcome to everyone in the county to drop in to their local library and see some of the many things that are happening there….our friendly library staff will have a cuppa ready and you can hear and see everything that the library has on offer. Here are some of the Events taking place in Longford Libraries on that day.
Lanesboro Library is inviting everyone to drop into their local library where young artists will be busy with Art teacher Stephanie, and there are is lots to entertain with board games, lego table, dress up box and books to tempt all age groups.
Longford and Granard Libraries Mindfulness for young children. Parents bring along your children for some tips on how to relieve anxiety in young children with Mindfulness expert Jackie Farrell. Longford library from 10.15 -11.15 and Granard library from 12.15-1.15 pm. Everyone welcome.
Ballymahon Library will host a creative fun Mudbugs workshop for children 5-7 from 10.30-11.30am and for 8+ from 12.30-1.30pm. Mams and Dads are encouraged to get creative also.
Drumlish Library is always a hive of activity for families and an Art In Nature project that has been running in local schools with artist Kevin Flood and environmentalist Brendan Farrell. In partnership with Dromard’s Men Shed everyone is invited to the Latin School in Moyne at 3pm to celebrate the completion of the project and to see a display of the work completed by all the groups who took part.
Remember the library is open to everyone and everything is free so please call in on Saturday 29th February from 10am and Take a Closer Look.
Check out www.longford.library.ie or Facebook and twitter for more information.
Foreign Currency & Used Stamps
We are still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of Koins for Kids. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
We also collect used stamps in aid of ISPCC. Thank you.
New Boat Project/ Angling Hub AGM
Lough Ree Angling hub will launch a new Access for All boat service on the River Shannon in June 2020. This new state of the art angling boat will be powered by two engines and will have the capacity to carry ten people and a crew of two on the river. This passenger boat will be the first in Britain and Ireland to carry seven people who are disabled and wheelchair-bound or have mobility issues. It will also serve as a heritage tourism service as required.
In preparation for the boat’s launch in June, the angling hub is recruiting and training a panel of up to 20 people who will operate the boat on a full-time, part-time paid and voluntary basis. Part of this group will also offer their services as angling ghillies to visitors to the area – when required.
A training course has now been organised for early May for people who are interested in committing themselves to taking part in this training and , to inform people who might be interested in taking part , an information meeting will take place on Wednesday February 26th at 8pm in St Marys hall beside the bridge in Lanesborough .
All those with an interest in boating and fishing are invited to attend – especially present or previous workers with Bord na Móna or ESB who may be looking for alternative employment.
This meeting will be followed by the Annual General Meeting of the Lough Ree Angling hub where plans will be confirmed for this year’s International Angling competitions in this area and new coaching events in the area.
You are cordially invited to attend
For further information please contact Alan at loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com
5-a-side booking
Bookings are now being taken for weekly rental of the new Ballyboro FC 3G Pitch at Lanesborough Community College. To book in for a 5 side match or a 7 a side game in November please register NOW by signing up with a user account at www.bookapitch.com and the venue will be there for you to select under BALLYBORO ASTRO. If you want any more details send an e mail please to ballyboroastropitchcommittee@gmail.com
Tidy Towns Lotto
The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning 18th February were 6, 9, 11, and 17. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool has now risen to €7,600. The €50 prize winner was Lily Farrell c/o Xlentee and three winners of the €20 were Chris Kennelly c/o the Market, Nadine and Oisín Mc Gowan, c/o Vinny and Mags c/o Mags.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 17th February and the envelope drawn out was in the name of John Joe Whitlow, Newtowncashel. This week’s winning pool was €251.
You have four options when buying your tickets, (1) buy your €2 ticket, (2) 3 the tickets for €5, (3) the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and (4) the pink envelope where you pay €100 for a 12-month period with two free draws. Those tickets are available in any of the local shops and pubs or from any member of the club executive.
Ballyboro
There was a much-curtailed fixture list at the weekend list due to the adverse weather conditions. However, both the under 8s and under 10s braved the elements.
The under 8s fielded two teams in their joust with Ballymahon and despite the blustery conditions both teams displayed great enthusiasm and flair. Ballyboro were represented by Niall Morgan, Aidan Cox, Donal Cox, Thomas Reilly, David Kenny, Matthew Murphy, Kyran Horohoe, Ben Cassidy, Finn Fallon, Tom Hession, Jay Flynn, Cian Shea, Saoirse Dillon, Donncha Farrell, Andrew Nolan.
The under 12s found a resilient Gaels United team hard to break down. Chances were at a premium as both defences were dominant and as a result the game finished scoreless. Team: Aidan Kelly, Liam Rhatigan, Eoin Beattie, Ciaran McGloin, Rian Shanley, Billy Murray, Cody Phelan, Matthew Murray, Oisín Dillon. Subs: Michael Fallon, Adam Farrell, Ryan Mimnagh.
Fixtures: The under 9s will be taking part in a Blitz at Dernafest Lough Gowna on Saturday along with UCL Harps, and Stonepark. The action gets underway at 11am. The under 11 Lions play Kenagh Eagles at home on Saturday at 11am, while the Tigers play Abbey Rovers in Ballinamore on Saturday, kick off 12 noon. The under 12s play Newtown Cubs at 12.30 on Sunday in Abbeycartron. The under 14s play Killoe Celtic in Abbeycartron on Sunday, 10.30 kick off.
Rathcline
Become a member
This year the club is encouraging everyone to become a club member. Being a club member shows your support for you club and parish. It also gives you your identity as a paid-up member of the Rathcline club. The more that will join will instil a greater pride in our club and your community. Membership of Rathcline retains your connection in your club that you may have played with and/or just supported. With a big membership we are able to connect to all the new residents in our parish whether as players, parent or just supporters. Rathcline is a club of the welcomes and we encourage everyone to become a member of our club.
Non-playing membership is €20 and playing membership is €50.
Contact Peter Skelly, Claire Carberry, Gerard Farrell, Brendan Rhatigan, Micheál O’Sullivan, Marie Farrell, Jimmy Flood, Neil O’Connor, James Hanley, David Rooney or any executive member for your membership.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 17th February and the envelope drawn out was in the name of John Joe Whitlow, Newtowncashel. This week’s winning pool was €251.
Don’t forget the four options when buying your tickets, (1) buy your €2 ticket, (2) 3 tickets for €5, (3) the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and (4) the pink envelope where you pay €100 for a 12-month period with two free draws. Those tickets are available in any of the local shops and pubs or from any member of the club executive.
Join Club Longford
Rathcline are well represented with Club Longford with John Finn, Seadhna Ryan and current county chairman Albert Cooney all founder members.
Club Longford in now up and running and everyone is encouraged to join up and help in the promotion of football and hurling in the county.
When you join Club Longford you will receive a Longford GAA hat and pen. You will be added to a text service and receive text alert with announcements about the senior team before league and championship games. You will be entered into a draw for Two Football and Hurling All-Ireland final tickets. Joining will cost you just €40 and you can do so by logging onto www.clublongford.ie