Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Hidden Jewel
Such was the weather over the Bank Holiday weekend that people came to Lanesboro and Ballyleague in their droves to enjoy all that we have to offer. Our natural beauty along with the Shannon, the bay area, the amount of space to socially distance, the playground, the car parking facilities, the walkways through the woods, Sliabh Bán and the recently completed bogland walk meant that visitors had plenty of options when they chose to visit us.
The activity on the water was phenomenal with holiday boating, speed boats, fishing boats along with a multitude of swimmers both young and old, paddle boarding and jet skis making it a hugely busy place. The picnic baskets were also there in abundance.
Add in the Longford County Council opening the public toilets after a protracted closure for one reason or another. The public toilets will be open from 8am until 9pm during the summer season and 8am until 5pm during the winter months.
The area also benefitted greatly with the Clancy family opening the Distillery Yard on Friday last providing coffee, teas, minerals, and ice cream all in the vicinity of the car park and playground.
A customer visiting the area for the very first time told us that we were a ‘hidden jewel’ and that they would be back with all the amenities available locally. It was great to hear comments such as those and it is incumbent on us to provide the missing links that will make people mention Lanesboro and Ballyleague when they want to go on a day out. Hopefully, the partial lifting of restrictions will go some way to providing people what they would expect when they visit resorts and that the full lifting of restrictions in early July will see our community continue to grow with visitors and we will be able to provide for almost all of their needs.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Kevin and Martina Casey and family, Gardenstown on the death of John’s brother Kevin Casey, Mohill, Co. Leitrim on Saturday 29th May.
Distillery Yard opens beside the river
There was great excitement down in the Carpark and Playground area over the weekend with the opening of Distillery Yard, Coffee & Chill on the site at the back of the Old Post Office. The brainchild of Peter, Sheila & Mike Clancy, the people behind Lough Ree Distillery, this is a simple idea, executed brilliantly. For the last 15 months the whole country has missed the simple pleasures in life – somewhere to grab a drink or an ice cream, and sit down, relax and have a chat with family and friends. And now Distillery Yard has given us just that, right here in Lanesborough, in a safe, socially distanced environment, with a stunning view over the new harbour and lake. The area is a hive of activity all day long serving walkers, triathletes and people with kids using the playground, and it was great to hear so many positive reports from locals and visitors alike about the quality coffee and great atmosphere in Distillery Yard. It really is a fantastic addition to the area, and we wish Peter, Sheila and Mike every success, and hope like they do for a long hot summer which will attract many visitors to our beautiful town.
Welcome Back
As I write the notes the local pubs, restaurant and café are busily preparing for their reopening. It is great to see all the businesses of the town reopened and great to have our neighbours opening their doors once again. We wish them the very best for a long and busy time ahead.
Future Triathletes
On Sunday morning last a sign of things getting back to normal could be seen when four members of the Lanesboro Triathlon club namely Shane Healy, Michael Sorohan, Jim Brunt and Sinead (Feeney) McHale had a big number of budding triathletes out on the road teaching them the cycling rules and regulations. It was a tremendous sight and fair play to the senior members of the club for coming out and helping the budding triathletes.
Exam Time
Thousands of students will sit down on Wednesday next 9th June to do their Leaving Certificate and that will include many from our community in Lanesboro Community College and in schools in Roscommon and Ballymahon and Strokestown. The exams will continue over a three-week period with the last exam on Tuesday 29th June.
We wish each and every one of the students the very best of luck.
Catalytic Convertor thefts
Over the past couple of weeks, I have learned of the theft at adjoining estates on the Longford Road of catalytic convertors from two cars. The thefts took place in the dead of night in Knock Manor and Curragh Rua. If anyone remembers seeing anything suspicious in either or both estates, can they contact Lanesboro Gardaí.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
Thankfully after a long break Athletics ‘return to training’ at the track. Training continues every Tuesday evening and will continue every Tuesday at 6:30. Come along and enjoy the fun with your friends while training to compete in great events county and countrywide.
Tidy Towns Lottery
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns has made a great return and the committee would like to thank everyone for their wonderful support. The numbers drawn were 1, 2, 12 and 15 but there was nobody with the four numbers. The €50 prize was won by Peter Mullooly c/o Mags, Frances, c/o Mags, Lily Farrell c/o Xlntee and Freda Connaughton, Longford Road. The jackpot for the next draw now rises to €3.400.
St. Faithleach’s Lotto Returns
The St. Faithleach’s GAA club lotto make a return following its Covid break. The jackpot for the first draw back stands at €12,000 and the draw will take place at St. Faithleach’s clubhouse on Tuesday 15th June. Tickets are on sale locally and are now on sale in O’Brien’s shop. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Sandra Morris, Radharc na Muileann daughter of Tom and Kathleen Morris and Gerry Killian, son of the late J.P. and Mary Killian, Saints Island, Newtowncashel who recently announced their engagement.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Paddy Lindsay, formerly Cloontuskert, his son Michael, on the death of their wife and mother Myra Lindsay, nee Jameson, Cherry Drive, Roscommon Town. We also extend our sympathy to Myra’s brothers and sister, the Jameson family John, Curraghroe, George, Ballyleague, David (London), Tony (U.S.A.), Arthur and sister Bernie.
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.
To book a seat call Lisa or Dylan here in town at 04333 21734 or go online today and book at www.loughreeboattrips.com
Marathon Running
In the local sporting world Hugh O’Kane would come across many local people with his involvement in refereeing and officialdom in Basketball and GAA.
On his birthday 4th July he is running a marathon in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital a cause very close to his heart and he is looking for whatever support you can give him in raising badly needed funds. He expresses his deep gratitude in advance.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline club’s 50/50 draw took place in the clubhouse on Monday 31st May. The winning ticket drawn was in the name of Freda Kenny, Blenavoher who received €150.
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 next 13th June for Sunday service 11.30am and on Sunday 27th June – Holy Communion service.
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
Club Longford
The first early bird draw as part of the Club Longford draw took place on Monday 31st May. The early bird prize was for 4 Green Fees at the K Club and the winner was Enda Manning from Drumlish. 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.
Buy your tickets early and you will be in for the early bird draws that take place on Sunday next 13th for and overnight stay for two people in the Wineport Lodge, Glasson along with a dinner for 2. On Sunday 27th June there will be a draw for €250. On Sunday 11th July One night stay in Kilronan Castle or Lough Rynn Castle with a dinner for two included and the final early bird draw takes place on Sunday 18th July for a €500 prize.
Lanesboro Library
Tel: 0433321291 Email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Photocopying & Scanning services are available
Send into the library service you’re printing, and they will print for you.
Computer & Study facilities are unavailable as per Government guidelines.
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
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
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.
All our Online Services can be accessed on our website by selecting ‘Your Online Library’. www.longfordlibrary.ie
Use your library card number and 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.
Ballyboro
The hugely successful fun coaching sessions for the under 6s came to a conclusion on Sunday morning last. Over 40 boys and girls participated over the past few weeks, and all were rewarded with medals and goodies. The club is grateful to all who helped out over the period and to all the parents for their cooperation.
The newly instituted Summer League begins in earnest this week. Over a five-day period, the club will field eight teams. On this Tuesday 8th in the under 16 League Ballyboro Harps travel to Dernafest, Lough Gowna to play UCL, kick off 7.30. The same evening the under 12s are away to Ballymahon, 7pm start. On Wednesday the under 13s play Gaels United in Abbeycartron at 7pm. The under 14s play Melview in Abbeycartron on Thursday, 7pm kick off. On Saturday morning at 11am the under 11s are in action where Stonepark provide the opposition in Abbeycartron. Also playing at 11am on Saturday in the top pitch at Abbeycartron, the under 16 Lions team play Kenagh United.
It’s the girls turn on Thursday with a home double header against Kenagh. The under 11s play at 6pm, while the under 13s are in action at 7pm.
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 Fermoyle, Green Gardens, Gurteengar, Killinure and Knock Manor.
At 9.30am Mass on Sunday the townsland of Knock, Lehery and Lismacmanus.
The 11.30am Mass will see parishioners from Lisduff, Lisnacusha, Lisrevagh, Mahoraveen, Main Street and Mount Davis.
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
Wonderful sight
On Friday evening last I diverted to Clonbonny on my way home. The sun was high in the sky and as I crossed the bridge, I was greeted with the fabulous sight of so many youngsters covering almost every blade of grass on both the senior and juvenile pitch. It was a wonderful sight to see so many youngsters out and being coached in all the fundamentals of the game. As I see it the future is bright in the club with so many players training and so many coaches giving of their time to help develop all of the enthusiastic youngsters.
If you have not been to Clonbonny yet with your youngster(s) do come along and enjoy all the excitement that was clearly evident on Friday evening last. The schedule of training is to be seen below.
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.