Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Death
One could say that the Main Street of Lanesboro has just gotten empty and desolate when we learned of the sudden death of one of best loved residents at Portiuncla Hospital, Ballinasloe on Friday 30th July. The news of Tony Linnane’s death brought a great shock and sorrow to the entire community. Tony from the Green was predeceased by his parents Mary and James, brothers Eamon, Vincent and Michael, sisters Maura, Susan and Kathleen and nephew Andrew. He was one of the most personable people you could meet and his warm and friendly greeting and chat with local and stranger alike endeared him to absolutely everyone. Tony had a great interest in people and loved nothing better than to stand and chat, listen to their stories and relate many local stories to them. With the parting of the ways, he always left people with a big smile. He was an excellent painter working with his brother Gerry before taking on the caretaker’s position at Lanesboro Primary School and spending over 30 years there. This was a position that suited Tony down to the ground as he loved interaction with the youngsters in their early years and was excited and delighted with their achievements throughout their careers. Tony was an avid reader and many a time you could see him passing by with an armful of books. He was noted for his remarkable kindness and his gift giving, something his nephews and nieces can attest to – his heart was one of gold. Tony’s sudden passing left us with a great void in our community something that will be hard to replace.
His remains were removed from Farrell’s Funeral Home on Monday 2nd August to St. Mary’s Church for his Funeral Mass. Following Mass Tony was laid to rest in Clonbonny cemetery.
To his brothers Jimmy, Gerry, Pete, Johnny and Kevin, sisters Geraldine and Carmel, nieces, nephews, extended family and wide circle of friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Under 20 Final
Last Saturday evening in Breffni Park, Cavan, the Roscommon Under 20 team produced an outstanding performance to defy the overwhelming odds when they defeated a much vaunted Down side. They will now take on Offaly in Croke Park on Sunday next at 1pm in what will be a unique occasion. The final will be played as a curtain raiser to the All-Ireland semi-final between Kerry and Tyrone.
There are a number of local connections to two teams. The Roscommon team is managed by Liam Tully who is married to local girl from the Green, Catherine Brophy and was manager of the Rathcline team when they won the Intermediate championship. Liam is assisted in the team management by local Cloontuskert man Wally Burke. Unfortunately, Cian Glennon, son of Ronan and Claire, Cloonadra who produced a scintillating game in the Connacht Final missed out through an injury he received in the dying moments of the Connacht Final victory missed last Saturday’s win and it looks likely he will miss the final on Sunday. Centre forward James Fitzpatrick who scored Roscommon’s first goal on Saturday is son of Mick and Charlotte Fitzpatrick. Charlotte is daughter of Bríd and the late Jim Walton formerly of Cloontuskert. Team captain is nephew of Rosie and the late Kevin Walsh. Rosie is another of the Walton clan, sister of Charlotte and daughter of Bríd and the late Jim Walton.
On the Offaly side and producing leading performances in helping Offaly reach Sunday is Conor Egan. Conor is grandson of Ciaran and Helen Egan, Banagher. Helen is sister of Carmel O’Shea from the Green and Teresa Reilly, Rathcline.
We wish all the very best of luck on Sunday and we hope it will be another wonderful game that the U20’s has been throwing up all through the competition.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The Lough Ree Golfing Society held their outing for August at Moate Golf Club on Friday last the 6th August. There was a remarkable turn out despite the huge amount of rain that fell during the week and a very wet forecast for Friday. Fortunately, the Society hit luck with no rain and sunshine intermittingly during the round. This resulted in some great scoring, with Joe McGrath burning up the course on 42pts and 39, 37, 36, 35, 33, coming after him. The course was in excellent condition, greens very fast and some very tricky holes especially the par 3s where only 2 members M Treacy and R Cullen landed on the green for nearest the pin with Mick winning out by a fraction. The18th hole was a great choice for longest drive with less than six inches separating Mick Brennan and Martin McAlister. It was very pleasing to welcome new members on the day where they expressed their delight with the occasion and the welcome they received. The Society is planning to go to Tullamore Golf Club for the September outing. The results of the day were 1st Joe McGrath 42pts, 2nd Mick Brennan 39pts, 3rd Kevin Mc Loughlin 37pts, F/N Tony Patton, B/N Paddy Murray, N/P Mick Treacy, L/D Martin Mc Alister, Ladies L/D Martina Feehily
Second Anniversary
It is just over two years -5th July 2019 to be exact – since the ESB first shut down the power station due to the EPA initiating legal proceedings due to the high discharge of hot water.
On Monday 22nd July over 300 people marched in protest from Ballyleague to the power station where many speeches were made and promises to the workers and the community in terms of not letting it close. The pledge of new business jobs was assured.
Not to let grass grow under their feet and to show a great determination, the Lanesboro Ballyleague Collaboration Group held a ‘think tank/brainstorming’ session for job creation on 21st September from which a huge number of ideas for development and the creation of jobs in the community to more than replace what was to be lost.
Two years on where are we now? Where are those, from all parties and none, that stood on the platform that night of the march and what have they done to further our calls for development? How many can say that they have contacted the Collaboration Group to offer advice, support or indeed see how they can help?
The ESB land which is the site of the power station site and surrounding lands remain untouched while we languish with inactivity on what is prime development land.
The advent of the Just Transition led to John Hanley and his FDT company receiving funding for a number feasibility studies. Roscommon Co. Co also got funding for another feasibility study for a boardwalk proposed by the Collaboration Group. Cloontuskert also received funding for a study into proposed centre there. The Just Transition are also supporting proposals for a second Access for All boat and a new reception building to assist them. Longford Co. Co. are supporting an exploration into the creation of an amphitheatre.
While the ongoing work on all the studies are to be commended. Without national political support for our community and a positive energy from the politicians into the recognition of the need for job creation not only for Lanesboro Ballyleague that will also satisfy the needs of workers from the surrounding counties of Longford, Roscommon and South Leitrim we will rapidly become a black hole. The immediate fear is that there is a brain drain from our area and if this is allowed continue there will be nothing for our young when they complete college.
Music Concerts continue
Last Saturday proved to be a washout and it meant that the proposed children’s concert in Clarke’s Garden had to be postponed much to the disappointment of a large number of young people.
Tickets for the next concerts are free, booking is essential, the events will be outdoor events, socially distanced and ticketed events only, and you can make your bookings through www.eventbrite.ie
Nest Saturday 14th the music will return to the Distillery Yard with Turquoise Orange making the Distillery Yard come alive with their music
Sat 21st Aug 4pm- Mick & Conor Lane – Distillery Yard.
Sat 28th Aug 4pm- Turquoise Orange- Distillery Yard.
As well as entertaining locals, these concerts are bringing visitors to our wonderful community, benefitting local businesses, so hopefully the weather stays good for the last three concerts.
Lanesboro Community Games
What we thought was lost again this year makes a very welcome return on Sunday next 15th August at the track. With the past two weeks of excitement watching the Olympic Games now is the opportunity for all our young people to replicate what they saw on TV and compete in the local Community Games. Young people have their athletic heroes and Sunday gives them the chance to start in the footsteps of their heroes. We hope that every young person in the parish will, turn up and enjoy the wonderfully enjoyable Community Games.
Community Games track events are taking place on Sunday the at the track and registration will take place at 5pm.
A COVID-19 health questionnaire needs to be completed at registration. Please observe the normal COVID-19 guidelines.
Check out the age calculator below to see what age group your child can compete in.
https://communitygames.info/index.php?page=age_calculator.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the extended Sweeney family, formerly Ballymore, Strokestown, and the family of Tadgh Cauneen, Ballymore, Strokestown, on the tragic death of Tadgh, following a traffic accident, on Friday 30th July.
Boat trips booking out very fast
The Access for All boat is making trips three times a day Monday to Friday – 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm and it is a very popular excursion for able bodied and those with disabilities. Bookings are very high and early booking is advisable to ensure travelling at your chosen time.
Such has been the popularity the Access for All boat is now sailing three times a day and seven days a week. It is very important that you book your trip day and time well in advance as the popularity of the trip has grown hugely and to avoid disappointment.
This is an absolutely brilliant trip with an excellent on-board staff that will take approximately 1½ hours.
To book a seat call Lisa or Dylan at 043 33 21734 or go online today and book at www.loughreeboattrips.com
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in the Tourism Office on Tuesday morning 3rd August for a jackpot of €4,200.
The numbers drawn for this week were 10, 24, 25 and 28. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot for Tuesday 10th August rose to €4,200.
The winner of the €50 consolation draw was Johnny Hanley, Corrigeen, and the three €20 prizes were won by F. Clyne c/o FÁS, Celine Hester, Knock and Sarah Hopkins c/o Mags.
Become a Host Family
InterStudies is seeking host families for the coming school year to host a foreign student who will be attending Lanesboro Community College for the academic year. This has been a very successful experience for hosts in the past. Families will be welcoming a new family member and the exchange of cultures is always interesting and enlightening and it have proven to be a very rewarding experience.
InterStudies are looking for caring and welcoming home for their students.
If you are interested, you should contact Jennifer Hutchinson at jennifer.h@interstudies.com or phone Jennifer 086 0679560
Lough Ree Athletics Club
The club welcomes all young people interested in taking part in track and field athletics to come along and share in the great times with the Lough Ree Athletic Club. Coaching takes place every Tuesday evening at 6.30pm.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline club’s 50/50 draw took place on Monday night 2nd August in the Pier Inn/Rakish Paddy The winning envelope was in the name of Paddy Donlon, Derryshanogue, who received €180. The club would like to thank everyone for their generous support.
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.
Further Kayaking Camp
Another Kayaking Camp and the final pre return to school camp will commence on Monday week 23rd until Thursday 26th August. As usual the lead coach and instructor Junior Hannon will be facilitating the camp. Places are filling up very fast and if you are interested your young person, you should make an immediate booking. All gear will be supplied except for the wetsuit. It is for young people between the ages of 10 and 17 and will take place in the old harbour beside Hanley’s Marina from 10am until 12.30pm.
The cost of the course is €70, second child of the same family €65and you should phone 0872977769 to make your bookings.
Just Published
Patrick J. Power, a son of a Garda, was born in Ballyfarnon and his father served the communities of Tulsk, Keadue, and Tarmonbarry hence Patrick got a real feel for living live on the move from one community to another and the life and characters that lived within them.
Patrick, himself, worked for Dublin Port where he started writing articles and submitting to newspapers. His writing became much acclaimed and his pieces were broadcast on RTÉ, BBC, along with many other national publications.
Patrick died in March of this year and his family committed to sharing Light Reading for Short Journeys in his memory. The book is a wonderful read of short stories varying from a childhood fishing on the Shannon up to a memory of Dublin pubs and well worth a read.
The book is available in O’Brien’s and it costs €12.
Lanesboro Library
Tel: 0433321291 Email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Photocopying & Scanning services are available
Send on your printing and the library service will print for you.
Computer & Study facilities are unavailable as per Government guidelines.
The library opening hours are
Wednesday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Friday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm
Saturday 10am-1pm
Summer Stars Reading Programme
Summer Stars reading programme is in full swing at the library. Drop in and pick up your Reading Card and pick up some little gifts as you read over the summer months!
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 & pin to log in to your account.
St. Mary’s Church
Weekend Masses
On Saturday evening next Mass at 7.30pm those from Radharc na Muileann and Rathcline
At 9.30am Mass on Sunday it will be turn of Rathcline road and Rapareehill.
The 11.30am Mass will see parishioners from The Green, Thureen and Tullyvrane
Weekend Offerings It would be greatly appreciated if your weekend offerings for a number of weeks were enclosed in one envelope and the total amount of your contribution written on that envelope. Using each weekly envelope to make a donation is not necessary as your contribution is credited to your account number on the envelope, on the week of your donation.
Priest dues, monthly etc. are separate and the usual envelopes in the box should be used.
Thank you for your continued contributions.
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.
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.
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 can be contacted at the presbytery or by phoning 3321166 or 0833892362. For added support and assistance, you can also contact Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
Volunteers
Accord Catholic Marriage Care service is currently recruiting volunteers to train as marriage preparation programme facilitators. You may contact the Marriage Care Service by email at info@accord.ie The closing date for receipt of registration of interest is Friday 27th August. For more information visit www.accord.ie
Ballyboro
The Ballyboro under 9 Euro 20 Tournament came to a conclusion when 8 teams played under the guise of the quarter finalists in Euro 20. Much excitement was evident as the youngsters displayed great enthusiasm and no little skill which augurs well for the future. All players received a medal and there were trophies for the winners and runners up. Thanks to all who helped make the event such a success, and in particular the chief organisers Barry Hogan and John Tynan.
16 people participated in the CPR and Defibrillator training course conducted by Stephen Kelly from Precision Health. Stephen has been a very generous benefactor to the club in recent years, He sponsored the club Defibrillator and donated a Shield for the annual inter schools 5 a side Tournament. The CPR and Defibrillator training was much appreciated by all present and the club is grateful to Stephen for his time and expertise.
The new season will commence in a months’ time approx. Registration will be held shortly and new and existing players are always very welcome at the club.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Well done The Minor club would like to congratulate the senior team on winning the delayed Division 2 league Final in Pearse Park on Wednesday evening last.
Team programmes We endeavour to comply by the below set dates. However there maybe situations beyond our control that cause some games and ultimately competitions to run over their scheduled slots.
Supermacs U12 Mini leagues – This competition commenced Monday 26th July and will be completed by 30th August
This competition will be followed by an U13 Championship
Topline Providers U13 Championship – planned to commence Monday 6th September and to finish by 16th October
Competition format will follow soon
Flynn & Lynch U15 Championship commenced 26th July and will be completed by 3rd September
Hertrich U17 Minor Championship – This competition is planned to commence Tuesday 31st August to be completed by w/e 17th October
Competition format will follow soon
Longford County Féile
It is proposed that we will run an U15 County Féile for Football on Saturday and Sunday September 11/12th
Competition format will follow soon
U14 Championship – It is proposed to run this competition from the 6th November for 4 weeks.
U19 Championship – It is proposed to run this competition from the 6th November for 4 weeks.