Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Recent Rains
The past couple of weeks has seen a huge volume of rain falling in the locality causing no end of distress to farmers and many people living alongside the Shannon. It is also causing a cessation of walking for the growing numbers that are using our new Greenway. The approach to the bridge is now under water in a couple of places hence the path to the bridge is now blocked.
Having spoken to Longford County Council engineer Brian Ross about the problem he assured me that the pathway will be raised over the next week or two and access will be open once again.
Work up on the Greenway continues apace with the spreading and rolling of the quarry dust onto the route thus stabilising the surface and creating the very unique pathway to Cloonbearla.
The rainfall has called a halt to what is becoming a hugely popular walk for so many people, locals and strangers alike. It is always fabulous to meet, chat with and see so many people availing of our special amenity.
We look forward to getting back onto our Greenway and keeping up out walking regime as we prepare to be fit and well and we will be welcoming in Christmas in tip top shape.
ESB Discloses the Date
The other day I received a phone call to tell me that ESB had disclosed the fateful day and the date for the closure of the power station in Lanesboro. It was disappointing to learn that the date is Friday 18th December is the last date that the Lough Ree Power Station will produce electricity in Lanesboro and I believe Shannonbridge will close a week earlier on the 11th December as I believed the station would be with us until the last day of the year..
This date will also mean the end of Bord na Mona as firstly turf and then a peat supplier of to the station and by extension the closure of Bord na Mona as we have known it.
For almost 70 years we have had Bord na Mona and ESB in our community and they were fabulous for not only our community but also the region. The street was both ways and the local and regional community was terrific for both companies and their loyalty to both companies knew no bounds.
It will be a great sadness for us this Christmas as we lament the end of not one but several eras of workers in both the power station and Bord na Mona.
Conor Bolan penned what is a great piece on Facebook last week and he kindly allowed me to share it with you in these notes. Thank you, Conor,
Power Station losing Steam
The power station, that helped define our town.
Not long now, before her turbine’s final shut down.
It brought with it, much, needed work,
Brought people together who otherwise, might never have met.
It’s chimney stacks, which reached so high,
I recorded the time, they came tumbling down.
Replaced with a building, modern and sleek,
Needing just one chimney to filter it’s plume.
Long gone but not forgotten, part of its first chimney lies down, at my father’s yard.
A memory shared, just very recent, by a man whose father helped take it down.
The Christmas star which shone so bright,
What a year, to make its final spark.
A hot water stretch, that was famous throughout Europe.
Now too hot, it might boil the clams.
Tomatoes Tomatoes do you remember the tomatoes?
The steam from her boiler, heated them glass shells.
Was that not harnessing ecology with economy?
To put food on the table and employment as well.
I’m told it going to Africa, when its nuts and bolts are dismembered.
Will its carbon footprint, not be the same there as well?
My sister and friends, who helped fire up that turbine,
But now like some of those people, the fire will quench.
Bord ná Mona the ESB, will our town be ever the same again?
Burning turf, burning peat, the turbine of power is losing steam.
Annual Mass
The annual Green residents Mass that incorporates Cloontuskert and Derryhaun estates along with remembering all former deceased employees of Bord na Mona will take place on Wednesday 18th November in St. Mary’s Church at 10am.
With Covid restrictions being in place there can be nobody in attendance, but the mass will be streamed live on Facebook. Put St. Mary’s Parish Lanesboro into your Facebook search and you can participate in the Mass.
Unfortunately, we cannot have the usual after Mass gathering in the hall, but we look forward to a brighter 2021 when we can all congregate and meet old friends for a chat over a cup of tea after Mass.
Remembrance Tree
Lanesboro Community College has created a tree which is in place at the altar in St. Mary’s Church in memory of all those that have died in the parish in the last year. The tree will remain in the church for the month of November.
Sympathy
The death occurred on Monday 9th November in the care of the staff at Costello’s Nursing Home, Ballyleague of Sarah O’Connor, Gallagh, Ballyleague. Sadie as she was more commonly known, along with her husband Gerry and family, moved to our community a number of years ago. They settled in to become great neighbour and friends within the community. Sadie’s passing will leave a great emptiness to everyone that knew her.
The removal of her remains took place to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for her Funeral Mass. Following Mass, her remains were remover to the Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Gerry, children, Paul, Derek, Robert, Olive and Sarah, relatives and many friends.
Longford Town Promotion
Sunday last was a red lettered day for the Longford Town club, its players, management and supporters when in the final play-off game, they overcame Shelbourne to gain promotion to the Premier League of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.
Bishopsgate is the proud sponsor of Longford Town and the name Bishopsgate is a company owned by local resident Phil Munnelly. Phil has been a great supporter and major sponsor of Longford Town for a number of years and it is great to see his investment paying dividends
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Kieran and Bridie O’Dowd and family Rathcline and also to his sisters Doreen and Olive and his brothers Cyril and Noel and their families, on the death of their brother Brendan O’Dowd, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare.
We would also like to extend our deepest sympathy to Brendan’s daughters Rita, Kathleen, Madeline, Brenda and Emily, relatives and friends.
Annual ESB Mass
Each year, in November, a Mass is held in memory of deceased colleagues of ESB Lanesborough. The mass is normally followed by refreshments which gives everyone the chance to catch up and chat with old friends and former colleagues. This annual event is an important part of the ESB Lanesborough calendar, and it is always very well supported.
This year due to the Corona Virus Pandemic changes had to made as to organise the 2020 event. This year’s arrangements are as follows:
The Mass will be a virtual Mass. You can join it over the internet, on either a Smart TV or computer/laptop/tablet.
The internet address for the Mass is https://youtu.be/o22mC1UYxgM
The Mass will be streamed live on Wednesday 18th November at 8pm
Thanks to Fr. Larry Behan who is celebrating the Mass. Fr. Larry is providing pastoral support in Kilgefin parish.
While many will be able to view the Mass online, it is realised that it will not suit everybody. It is hoped that you understand that compliance with the HSE/Government guidelines around events and that your safety is of the utmost importance.
St. Vincent de Paul
Due to Covid 19 restrictions we currently cannot hold collections in person. Those who wish to donate may do so by using the St Vincent de Paul envelopes which can be obtained in O’Brien’s shop or from the local church. They can be returned to O’Brien’s or dropped into the letterbox in the presbytery in Lanesboro or the Cathedral in Longford. The funds raised will be spent in this community helping those who are in need of it for education, food, and fuel during this winter and beyond.
In the past your generosity knew no bounds and in the trying times of the Corona Virus Pandemic there never has been such a greater need for your support and we hope you reciprocate in a generous manner.
Roscommon Biography
The Dictionary of Roscommon Biography has proved to be a wonderful book creating a great interest with its astonishing detail. This is a must for Roscommon people and also those of us that know many families in the county. There is a remarkable fact unknown to me and others I spoke to of Ger Farrell (Adie’s father), and his brother included. It is a book once you open it you will find it difficult to leave down as the information just keeps jumping off the pages at you. This huge volume priced at only €30 can be purchased in O’Brien’s while stocks last.
Talk to the Samaritans
Are you struggling to cope with life? Do you think it would be a help to talk about your problems in confidence? It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what has happened to you the Samaritans are always there and ready to talk with you. Don’t let things get you down just contact, and someone will talk with you. The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year just phone 116123.
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The St. Faithleach’s lottery draw took place at the clubhouse on Saturday 7th November for a jackpot of €12,000. The numbers drawn were 1, 5, 15 and 27. There was no winner of the jackpot and the €12,000 jackpot remains to be won in the next draw that takes place on Saturday next 21st November. The winners of the three €40 prizes were Emily Rooney, Ballyleague, Mary and Michelle Corcoran, Strokestown Road and Jean Fallon, Cappagh.
Towns Lotto Winner
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lotto on Tuesday 10th November were 13, 14, 21 and 27. There was nobody with the four numbers and the jackpot for the draw on Tuesday 17th November stood at €2,600. The main consolation prize of €50 went to Sinead Farrell, Lehery and the three other €20 prizes went to Mary Connaughton, Knock, Mary Rice, The Abbey, Margaret and Jeanette Leckey, Church View.
The committee are very thankful for your continued and generous support especially in these very hard times.
St. Mary’s Church
Thank You
Fr. Sergiy would like to thank everyone that continues to drop in their envelopes into the Priests house every week. As everyone is in time of hardship it makes your continued generosity all the more spectacular. It is great to see that the weekly offering has again risen.
New Offertory envelopes
The weekly envelopes for the coming year will finish on Sunday next 22nd November and new Offertory envelopes will be available for collection in the church for use on Sunday 27th November.
Masses
With the new level 5 restrictions meaning that attendances at regular church services. However, the church will remain open for visitations and private prayer and you are invited to call in when you may be passing.
The daily masses are being streamed on Facebook ‘St. Mary’s Parish Lanesboro’ you can log on 10am Monday to Thursday, 7pm on Friday evening, 7.30pm Saturday and 11.30am on Sunday.
Mass intentions will continue to be booked for weekdays for the present. People wishing to book masses can do so by contacting Fr Sergiy before or after mass during the week in the Sacristy. All that have booked masses are asked to rebook them for weekdays for the foreseeable future.
Adoration and Confession will take place on Friday evenings from 6pm until private mass time of 7pm.
Fr. Sergiy Ruchenko can be contacted at the presbytery or by phoning 3321166 or 0833892362. Alternatively, you can contact Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who are assisting Fr. Sergiy during his ministery in the parish.
Church activities
Eucharistic Adoration will take place on Tuesday’s from 10.30am until 8pm and it is hoped that there will be two people in attendance for each hour.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions will take place on Friday evenings from 6pm until private mass time of 7pm.
Lanesboro Library
Lanesboro Library: Tel: 0433321291 email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
In line with Government Level 5 restrictions, from Thursday October 22nd,
Lanesboro Library will once again be closed to the public.
All our Online Services can be accessed on our website by selecting ‘Your Online Library’. www.longfordlibrary.ie
Use your library card number & pin to log in to your account.
Online Storytimes and Winter Crafts Competition will continue on our Facebook page.
Any enquiries, please call 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie in the following days
Wednesday 10-1 & 2-5pm and Saturday 10-1pm
Simple Winter Crafts Competition
Check out the simple Winter crafts on our Facebook page every Monday –
Send in pics of your completed craft and be in with a chance to win a prize at the end of November!
https://www.facebook.com/Lanesboro-Library-432171923496634
Living Well
Living Well – the next online programme dates for January 2021 are Thursday 7th January, Tuesday 12th January & Monday 18th January.
If you are living with a long-term health condition you may be interested in doing the Living Well Programme. This is a six-week online programme delivered in 2.5-hour weekly sessions where you will learn new skills to manage your health condition on a day to day basis. More now than ever it is important we look after are mental and physical health.
Please note you do not have to disclose your health condition on the programme. Please contact Olga on 086 6078950 or by email olga.maguire@mayocil.ie
You can find out more information on the programme on the website: www.hse.ie/livingwell