Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Death
The area was very saddened to learn of the death at Portiuncla Hospital, Ballinasloe on Sunday 9th May of Mrs. Olive Cox, Trilamartin, Curraghroe. Olive was predeceased by her husband J.J. and her son Anthony. She was a native of Ballagh and she would be regularly seen cycling to and from her home to Ballagh. The journey was never a short one as her warm personality ensured that she would chat with many locals on her way. She was a lady with a great character and sense of humour. Olive was a great neighbour, friend, always helpful and her passing will leave a great void in the community. She loved Irish music and dance and indeed for a time she was an Irish dance teacher. Olive had a great taste for fashion and jewellery and was always immaculately adorned. Indeed, it is just a couple of years ago she won the Glamorous Granny at the Strokestown Show. In later years Olive friend base expanded when she used to travel to Strokestown Day Care.
Olive’s remains were removed from her residence to St. Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe for her Funeral Mass. Burial took place afterwards to Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her daughter Rosemary, son Danny, relatives and a wide circle of friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Former local passes away
The death took place at the University Hospital Limerick on Tuesday 18th May of Patricia Mc Carthy, Father Russell Road Limerick and late of Rathcline. Pat as she was more commonly known was the oldest member of the Murray family, Rathcline. She was predeceased by her father Jimmy, mother Ruth and brother Ray and husband John. Despite her absence of 71 years from the parish she loved nothing more to come and visit her sisters Gertie and Kathleen and the graves of her family in Rathcline Cemetery. It was on one of her visits to Rathcline cemetery that I last met and chatted with her. She was very proud of her parish and county and flew the Longford flag proudly. Everyone that knew her will be greatly saddened at her passing. We extend our sympathy to her sisters Gertie, Knock, Kathleen, Rathcline, Mary and Joan, England, brothers Jim, New York and Des, Drumlish, her family, relatives and many friends.
Relocated Business
Ronie Rutherford has relocated her Longford Remedial & Sports Injury Clinic back to her residence in Lanesboro.
Ronie’s business was a thriving success until Covid 19 struck and as sports are once again beginning to slowly open up, she decided to relocate back to Lanesboro. If anyone is in need of physical therapy, they can contact Ronie on 0872402323 to make an appointment.
Tidy Town Lotto Returns
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery returned to play on this Tuesday when the returning draw took place in the Tourism office for a jackpot of €3,200. The committee does trojan work in enhancing our town and your weekly support will be greatly appreciated to help fund the carrying out of new projects and developing the area.
Death
The region was shocked and saddened to learn of the death at University Hospital Roscommon on Wednesday 19th May of Jimmy Martin Ballagh. Jimmy a native of the Kiltoom area came to live in Ballagh when he married his beloved Eileen many years ago. Jimmy was a great family man with a great outlook on life and a man who loved to bring a sense of humour into many of his conversations. He was very principled man who lived his life accordingly. He was a man who farmed his land with great diligence and care for his animal stock. Jimmy as a young man qualified as a butcher who then moved on to the Department of Agriculture where he worked until his retirement. In his sporting days he won county medals with his native St. Bridget’s. In 1963, shortly after the formation of St. Faithleach’s he trained the club to their first county title. Jimmy was also a referee, and this brought him to not only many parts of county Roscommon but also to many parts of the country where he was one of the most respected intercounty referees of his time. Jimmy was a family friend for many a year and he always rambled into us especially after big games and the decisions of the previous day were well and truly dissected. When he left there was always a smile on our faces and to this day the mention of his name always brings back great memories. I am sure that everyone that met him will feel the same sad emotion at his passing.
Jimmy’s remains were removed from his home to St. Mary’s Church Ballagh for the Mass of the Resurrection. Following Mass, he was laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his wife Eileen, daughters Mary, Anne and son Tony, sister Theresa, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Car Winner
Many congratulations to Oisín McGowan, Ballyleague who was the Regal Competitions winner and whose lucky number of 416 was drawn out for the prize of a Blue Lexus IS300 Manual car. This was a wonderful surprise for this young man, and we wish him many happy and safe miles. Oisínis son of Vincent and Mary McGowan.
Memories
Last week I received a call from Val O’Sullivan, formerly of Knock and now a resident of Sligo. He was recalling the lime quarry and the many people that worked in Conroy’s quarry that we could remember. It was great to chat with Val after a long time and even better to be recalling the days of our youth with memories of the quarry and our trips to the woods.
Val was also one of the founder members of the brilliant ‘hop committee’ that brought so much enjoyment and fun to so many over a number of years in the Parish Hall.
He reminded me of the poem written by Seamus Kelly about the quarry.
The Quarry
Leave Lanesborough town and just come down
To see John Gill’s great quarry;
Then stay awhile, see how we toil
It’s a heavy cross we carry.
At eight o’clock the tool box lock
Is opened by the foreman;
The work we do the whole day through
Leaves each of us a sore man.
The engine roars, the rock it bores:
Is it any wonder
When by and by, the stones shoot high?
That face is rent asunder.
Again we leap upon a heap
Of broken rock and rubble.
Some swing the pick and mighty quick,
While others work the shovel.
The crow bar dings, the hammer sings
Upon some great big boulder.
At every stroke until it’s broke,
You don’t feel anything colder.
But if you try until you die,
You will not sledge like Beirne;
He has the knack, you must keep back
Ah, his money he does earn!
Then Fallon, Quinn, two stalwart men
Come all the way from Moher;
They never fail each day they sail,
Sure no men could be tougher.
And Mick McCann, the little man,
Comes up from Tarmonbarry;
Connolly, too, to him ’tis true,
They’ve no soft jobs in the quarry.
Brave Paddy Cox, cute as a fox,
His pay is now ten bob;
He serves the tea and you’ll agree
That Paddy’s is no soft job.
Wind or gale, snow or hail,
In any kind of weather,
The Walshes work, they do not shirk
Tom and his younger brother.
George comes at eight, he’s never late,
No worker could be smarter;
Then like a black he will attack,
He is the only carter.
As you know from Curraghroe
Tim Farrell comes each morn;
He has not seen where e’er he’s been
Such work since he was born.
New Business on Main Street
The Main Street continues to become more populated with businesses. Last Tuesday Sabrina Belton opened her Glam Bar Hair & Beauty Salon on upper Main Street just before the turn into the Green.
Sabrina and her hair stylist Ann Marie Belton have over 20 years’ experience between them.
The treatments they offer are: Makeup, Spray tanning, HD brows, lash, waxing, ear-piercing, nails, wash & blow dry, cutting, colouring, up styles, curls and much more. Bookings for hair appointments 083-0398480
You can also check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
Book your boat trip.
After a lot of hard work and preparation, the town’s new passenger boat service for trips on the river Shannon commenced daily sailings on Tuesday May 4th. This service is on board the new access for all boat which will bring out both people with disability and also able-bodied passengers on the Shannon from the bridge and the marina in Ballyleague at 10.30am and 2.30pm Monday to Friday.
This is a great and very welcome boost for the town and tourism in the locality. We have been waiting for decades for our own daily passenger boat service and here it is. Trips will be of 90 minutes duration and longer if required with angling and sight-seeing or other activities available. Weekend sailings will be available in July, August, and September.
To book a seat call Lisa or Dylan here in town at 04333 21734 or go online today and book at www.loughreeboattrips.com
Wonderful Work
The local Fás returned to work on the local Tidy Town scheme over the past two weeks. The work that they have done over the two weeks has been quite remarkable and it has made a massive difference to the town and entrances to the town.
It was as if they were expecting the announcement that was made regarding the National Tidy Towns competition on Friday last when it was announced that the National Tidy Towns competition will be adjudicated again this year.
Lanesboro, Ballyleague and Cloontuskert will I am sure make huge efforts to draw themselves closer to that coveted prize of National Tidy Towns winner.
There is a great onus on every one of us to make and effort to ensure that all our areas are clean, painted, neat and tidy as we help the Tidy Towns committee and the Fás workers to make our own area beautiful.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline club’s 50/50 draw took place in the clubhouse on Monday 17th May. The winning ticket was Sharon Campbell, Kenagh c/o Brendan Rhatigan who received €136.
Tickets are available online https://member.clubspot.app/club/rathcline-gaa/fundraiser/tickets or in any of the local shops and the club would encourage your support.
St. John’s Church Services
Church Services have returned to St. John’s Church Lanesboro and they will continue on Sunday 13th June – Sunday service 11.30am and on Sunday 27th June – Holy Communion service.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Maura Donohoe and family, Rathcline Road on the death on Wednesday last 19th May of her sister Evelyn Condon, Foxrock, Dublin.
Rathcline Community Walkway
Exciting new Rathcline Walkway will open at Rathcline GAA grounds, Clonbonny this September. This 900-metre walkway will consist of a two-metre-wide path and perimeter fencing around each of the club’s two playing pitches. The walkway will provide a safe, enjoyable and flat walking area to be enjoyed by all age groups and all members of our community. The project is part funded by LEADER and needs your support to make the project a reality. The club would be very grateful if you consider becoming a sponsor of this community project by contributing 100 euros. Each sponsor will have an engraved sign with their name attached to one of walkway fencing posts, to acknowledge your generous help in making this project a reality. If you wish to become a sponsor of this project, please contact a member of the club executive/pitch development committee. Contact details are available on www.rathcline.gaa.ie
Early Bird draw on Sunday.
The first early bird draw as part of the Club Longford draw will take place on Sunday next 30th May. The early bird prize is 4 Green Fees at the K Club. Tickets are priced €50 or 3 for €125 for a combined 1st prize of a Hyundai Tucson and a €2000 holiday at Center Parcs, 2nd prize is €2,000, 3rd prize 2 VIP tickets to a major concert in Croke Park, 4th prize €1,000 and 5th prize of €500.
Tickets can be bought from any of the Rathcline Club executive our county players senior and U20 or in O’Brien’s.
Lanesboro Library
Lanesboro Library is open again and the opening hours are below.
Photocopying and Scanning services are available
Send the library service your printing and they will print for you.
Computer and Study facilities are unavailable as per Government guidelines.
The library opening hours are Wednesday 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm; Friday 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. Saturday 10am-1pm
Grow it Forward with free seeds from your local library
GIY, in partnership with Healthy Ireland and public libraries will distribute 50,000 free food growing kits as part of a new ‘Grow it Forward’ initiative.
Get your #GrowItForward Seed Kits while stocks last at the Library!!
Contact us if you would like to try growing Carrots, Tomatoes, Peas, Beetroot & Oriental Greens. Included in the kits also are some gift tags so you can share your produce with friends & family throughout the growing process!
Email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie or call 0433321291 to register for a seed kit.
Foreign Currency & Used Stamps
The library staff are still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of Koins for Kids. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
They also collect used stamps in aid of ISPCC. Thank you.
All their 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.
Friendly Phone Call Service
This service is organised by Longford Community Resources. If you or someone you know would like to have a friendly chat or if you want information on local services just phone Terri 087 2915367 or email terri@volunteerlongford.ie. Peter is another person that can be contacted for information – just call Peter on 083 3051786.
St. Mary’s Church
Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays in the church from 10.30 to 8pm. It is very important that there will be at least two people in the church for each hour. Of the Adoration.
Celebration of Mass
When Mass is celebrated online the first two rows of the church are clearly visible. The new system has now been fully put in place and to avail of Mass online click on Churchtv.ie/Longford/Lanesborough to join in the Mass ceremony in our church.
Weekend Masses.
Mass: the maximum number allowed at Mass will be 50.
Holy Communion: will be distributed in the hand only.
Holy Water fonts will remain empty.
Funerals: a maximum of 50 mourners are permitted in the church
Marriages: a maximum of 50 guests are permitted at the marriage ceremony
First Friday and Communion Calls: calls may take place with prior approval of the household.
Confession: the Sacrament may take place in the Church and not in the confessional
Everyone attending the Church are reminded to observe social distancing, and to avail of the hand sanitising stations in the Church.
Weekend Masses
On Saturday evening next Mass at 7.30pm we welcome those from the townsland of Rathcline and the Radharc na Muileann estate.
At 9.30am Mass on Sunday the townsland of Rapareehill and the residents of the Rathcline Road.
The 11.30am Mass will see parishioners from Tullyvrane, Thureen and The Green.
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.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will resume on Friday evenings, starting this Friday evening and it will take place between 6pm and 6.45pm. Exposition will be followed Mass at 7pm. It is also an opportunity to avail of the opportunity for Confession.
Parish contacts
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.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Current training schedules
The current timetables have just been announced and all players are asked to be in attendance. Wednesday – Under 15/16/17 at 6pm and Under 18’s at 7pm. On Friday Under 15/16/17 at 5.30pm; Under 7 at 6.40pm, Under 9/11/12-13 at 6.30pm (4 groups with half pitch each). At 7.30pm on Friday the Under 18’s train.
Underage lead coaches
The following is the list of lead coaches with each age group. If you need to contact any of them, please contact our secretary Mark 085 1744376 or Secretarybng.shannongaels.longford@gaa.ie or call into O’Brien’s for contact details or phone me (Joe) at 086 2460840.
Under 7 – John Healy and Michelle Kelly; Under 9 – Paul Hession and Vinnie Farrell, Under 11 – Mark Kenny and Duncan Murphy, Under 12’s and 13’s – Stephen Rooney and James Casey, Under 14 and 15 – Sean Farrell and Lee Cullen, Under 16 and 17 – Padraig O’Dowd and Sean Casey, Under 18 Seadna Ryan and Sean Kenny.