Lanesboro Ballyleague notes Monday 8th November 2021

Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes

Death

There was much sadness when the news broke on Saturday 30th October at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe of Pat Higgins, Church View. Pat, a native of Ardagh, along with his late wife Anne came to live in Church View a number of years ago and he endeared himself to everyone he met. He was also predeceased by his son Patrick and his brothers Tom, Jimmy and Eugene. During the time of the illness of his late wife he was very dedicated, devoted and attentive to her needs. During his working life he worked with Bord na Mona and Longford County Council. He was self-sufficient, an excellent gardener and prided himself in the growing of vegetables. Pat was a very sociable man who loved nothing better than a pint and a chat. He enjoyed the simple things of life. Pat was quite a religious man and he was a frequent visitor to the church. Pat enjoyed the name he was given locally when people were describing him ‘Pat the Hat’ he had an array of hats for all events; it was always a joy to see what hat he celebrated different occasions. He had a great interest in cars and loved the buying and selling. Pat loved his pipe; nothing gave him greater pleasure than to light up his pipe. In recent times he was not in the best of health and his absence from the community was felt and his continued absence will sadden the hearts of everyone that had the pleasure to know him.

Pat will be missed by his sister Mary, his brothers Peter and Joe, nieces Melissa, Caitriona, Bridget and Dawn, nephews Padraig, Peter and John, sister-in-law Bridie, cousins, relatives all of us that knew him. His remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Sunday before his removal to St Mary’s Church. His Funeral Mass took place on Monday and it was followed by burial alongside his beloved wife Anne in Clonbonny Cemetery.

Extraordinary Achievement

History was made on Saturday last in Pearse Park Longford when our neighbours St. Brigid’s Killashee performed an extraordinary achievement in winning the Intermediate Championship for the second year in a row in the one year. Due to the Corona Virus last year’s championship won by Killashee was only completed a few months ago and because there was no promotion Killashee had again to play at Intermediate level. Saturday last, they once again provided the performance to make it a historic and unique year in Longford football.

To the fore in this extraordinary achievement was Ballyleague man Raymond Curley who plotted and planned both victories for the St. Brigid’s Killashee team. Raymond as manager proved himself to be very astute and he left no stone unturned in his preparation of the team. He now holds the unique management achievement and an honour never likely to be repeated.

Well done Raymond, your management team and panel of players.

Connecting Communities with Peatlands

Irish Rural Link and Community Wetland Forum is inviting all bog land communities and individuals in the Longford and Roscommon area to St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro to their presentation ‘Empowering Communities to Connect with Peatlands’ on Saturday 20th November between 9am to 4pm. Assessing and strengthening community skills and knowledge to connect with peatland is very important. As this is the only gathering scheduled for County Longford and for east, north and south Roscommon it is vitally important for the local communities and local groups to be involved in the changing bog and peatlands.  

Try-a-Dive

The value of having the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club in our community cannot ever be underestimated. Their work is fabulous, their commitment is immense.

The club is always looking to attract new divers and presently are hosting a ‘Try a Dive’ in Longford Pool on Thursday nights at 9pm.

Anyone interested in ‘Try a Dive’ please contact training officer Gerry Lane or Chairman Frank Casey through their Facebook page.

This is a wonderful opportunity to try diving with the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club.

Winning Goal

There was tremendous excitement in the Maureen and James Fallon household in Lismacmanus on Sunday 31st October when Jack Tumulty came onto the field in the Roscommon County Final. The excitement hit the sky when shortly after his arrival he was on hand to score a goal and this goal proved to be the winning goal with Padraig Pearses winning by one goal. Jack who is a Leaving Cert student in Garbally College is son of Paul and Pauline Tumulty. Jack’s mother, Pauline, is sister of Maureen Fallon.

Tractor/Classic Cars Run

Sunday 24th October seen the town of Lanesboro buzzing with activity as over a hundred classic cars and tractors converged on the town at lunchtime, as they passed through the town. The big charity run was in aid of the Lough Ree and Roscommon Sub Aqua Search and Recovery Groups. The run had begun in Strokestown and had travelled to Lanesboro through the scenic Sliabh Ban foothills before crossing the bridge and going through Tullyvrane and Rathcline Road. After a break for refreshments at the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Centre the vehicles moved out again on their journey back to Strokestown. The event was a great success with a substantial amount of money was raised in aid of the Lough Ree and Roscommon sub aqua clubs.

Embroidery

Would you like your Towels, Sheets, Pillowcases, Face Cloths, Baby Blankets, Baby Clothes, Adult Clothes, T-Shirts and Dressing Gowns embroidered and personalised? Jacinta McCormack is presently doing a great range and if you would like to avail of her embroidery service you can call her at 043-3321280 or 086-8960825

Sympathy

We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Philomena and TJ Walsh and family, Rathcline Road on the death of Philomena’s brother P.J. Lennon, Birmingham, England and formerly of Williamstown, Co. Galway

LCC Enrolment

All applications to the First Year Group in Lanesboro Community College are now being accepted.

https://lanesborocc.com/ please visit our school website and home page for relevant links.  Please do not hesitate to contact the college for any further information or if you wish to make an appointment 

Enrolment for first year students for the 2022/23 school year is now open and will close on 14th January 2022.

Application forms and further information can be got by contacting the school secretary at https://lanesborocc.com/or by phoning 0906 500 140.

Longford Republican Story

Following on from the hugely successful Under the Thatch Seán Ó Súilleabháin has written a wonderfully comprehensive book entitled Longford Republican Story 1900-2000. Seán details all the people involved in Longford over the 100 years and it makes fascinating reading. It is a book that no house should be without. The book is available in O’Brien’s priced €35 each.

Sympathy

We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to Karen and James Maloney and family, Church View on the death on Friday 5th November of Karen’s father Tom Costello, The Spinney, Roscommon Town.

St John’s invite

St. John’s Church, Lanesborough invites everyone to the Service for Remembrance Sunday on Sunday 14th November at 11.30am

Annual ESB Mass

Each year, in November, the former workers of ESB Lanesboro hold a Mass in memory of their deceased colleagues in ESB Lanesboro. The annual event is an important part of the ESB Lanesboro calendar. It is always very well supported and it is usually followed by refreshments afterwards. Because of the continued high rate if the Covid 19 Pandemic there had to be some changes to the regular programme.

The Mass will take place in Ballyleague Church where you can attend in person or join the Mass online www.churchservices.tv/ballyleague

The Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday 17th November at 8pm.

There will be no refreshments afterwards.

For those intending to attend in person you are asked to wear a face mask and us the sanitiser provided.

Thank you

Your donations to the Grafton Street continued arrive in big numbers again this week.

Brendan O’Halloran, our local man, continues to give of his time during the week evenings for those less fortunate. There seems to be no end to the generosity of our local community as toiletries, clothing and money continues to pour in.

All of this means is that the collection drop off point in O’Brien’s will remain open for the foreseeable future

You are fully aware of what is necessary and your contribution s have been incredibly generous.

I cannot say enough about your contributions and generosity and the words thank you seems so little for all you have given to this very worthy cause.

For children this year we are organising a shoe box appeal. See the note below.

Shoe Box Appeal

Every year we pack shoe boxes full of items for kids in foreign countries for Christmas, which we are in no way against. I know there are kids suffering from poverty all over the world. This year in Ireland we are going to have more kids homeless than ever before. Brendan saw it first-hand last year in the many hostels he visited.

We have decided to plead with all of you to donate a gift box/Christmas bag for kids, boys and girls in age groups. See the listed items and age groups for ease of use at the end of these notes on www.joeobrien.ie. Eilish Dillon has continued to work very hard to get us into numerous schools in Co. Longford and her efforts have been very well rewarded. Joe and Martina O’Brien are on board, as a drop off point for anyone who wishes to donate the Christmas boxes into their shop. Brendan is appealing to people who do not have school going kids to donate what you can in a Christmas box, with age of child and boy/girl marked on it. We will be personally distributing these gifts to the hostels just before Christmas, so you know exactly where your donations are going. Go raibh maith agat.

If you need some empty shoe boxes, there are a large number available in O’Brien’s. Feel free to call in and collect empty boxes.

Defibrillator Training

Time and time again there are urgent call outs a great need to know how to work the defibrillator. There are now a big number of defibrillators in the area there is a greater need than ever for more people to learn how to use the defibrillator or to do their refresher course. It is essential that all clubs and associations in the community have people trained up.

In the next few weeks there will be a new course beginning and if you want to be included in the course or refresher course you are asked to leave your name and phone number with Martina O’Brien in the shop or ring Martina at 086 3858934.

Sleeping out for Simon

Local man Junior Hannon will this year be taking up the annual challenge of ‘Sleeping out for Simon’ at Longford Rugby Club on Friday night 10th December. Sponsorship cards supporting Junior in the challenge are in most premises in town and we would encourage your full support.

Lanesboro Primary Enrolment

Enrolment of children for Lanesboro Primary School is now being accepted for September 2022. You are asked to email the school at smgslb2022@gmail.com for an enrolment form. Alternatively, you can ring the school Principal Claire Murphy at 043 33 21545.

Boat trips

The Access for All boat is making trips three times a day Monday to Sunday – 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm. It has become the success that it deserves to be with nothing but excellent comments from all those that have so far availed of the boat trip. The trips cater for both able bodied and those with disabilities. Bookings continue to be very high and early booking is advisable to ensure travelling at your chosen time and day.

This is an absolutely brilliant trip with a knowledgeable on-board staff that will make the 1½ hour trip feel like a very short time.

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 2nd November for a jackpot of €5,500.

The numbers drawn for this week were 5, 11, 20 and 28. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot for Tuesday 9th November rose to €5,600.

The winner of the €50 consolation draw was won by Sharon Brady, Curreen, and the three €20 prizes winners were Dan Kavanagh, The Green, Fintan Jordan and Mary, Jonny and Chloe Hussey, Lough Ree Park.

St. Faithleach’s Lottery

On Tuesday last 2nd November the St. Faithleach’s GAA club lottery draw took place at the clubhouse for a jackpot of €12,000. The numbers drawn were 13, 17, 19 and 22. There was no winner of the jackpot and the €12,000 will once again be up for grabs in the next draw on Tuesday 16th October. The three winners of the €40 prizes were Pam Farrell c/o Claire, Enda Kenny and Gerry Nerney,

Tickets are available at all local outlets including O’Brien’s.

Rathcline 50/50

The Rathcline club’s 50/50 draw took place on Tuesday night 12th October in the Yacht Bar. The lucky winning envelope drawn was in the name of Marian Rice, Lisgobbin, Roscommon Fermoyle who won €125. 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.

Ballyboro

Pride of place this week goes to the under 12 girls who had a very impressive 4-3 win away to UCL. Played in difficult conditions the girls were 2-1 behind at the interval but they really sprung into life in the second half and three well taken goals secured a fantastic win. Panel and goal scorers: Sophie Cox, Farrell, Clodagh Martin, Leah Mimnagh, Lillie Dowd, Millie Cassidy, Saoirse Dillon, Ellen Cox, Saoirse Feeney (1), Zoe Hassett (1), Aylesa Birmingham, Faye Hogan (2).

The under 10 boys were also in fine fettle when they got the better of Newtown by a 5-4 margin. Both teams displayed great skill at times. Ballyboro: Andrianna Donilons, Donncha Farrell Smith, Tyler Murray, Darragh”Messi”Shanley (3), Tom Hession (2), Jay Flynn, Alfie Mollaghan, Cian Shea, Niall Morgan, Kyran Horohoe, Lee Carberry, Malachi Martin, David Kenny.

Defences were generally in the ascendancy in the Combined Counties game with Gaels United and goals were at a premium, but unfortunately for the Ballyboro lads it was the Drumlish men who secured the spoils with a goal in the last five minutes. Ballyboro: Mark Tarmey, Ryan Guinan, Greg Cassidy, Daniel Foley, Patrick Kenny, James Hanley, Alan Kenny, Dylan Donlon, Kevin Tansey, Oran Kenny, Jordan Donlon. Subs: Luke Lisle, Daniel Lulham, Chris O’Loughlin.

The under 8s belied the inclement weather with a spirited and skilful display in their encounter with Melview, Ronan Kelly, Ryan Curran, Mark Hession, Paudi Murray, Donncha Connell, Fionn Connell, Brian Connell, Luke Nolan, Fionn Curran, Oran Healy, Daniel Healy, Thomas Cox, Lee Donnellan, Efosa, Ann Casey, and Leisa Casey were on duty for Ballyboro.

The under 17s continuous improvement was evident in their encounter with Mullingar. Though they went down 3-0 the team put up a plucky display and were unlucky not to find the net on a couple of occasions. Team: Sammy Adey, Edgars Veinbergs, Ciaran O’Dowd, Paul Lee, Conor Lyons, Bryan Mullooly, Daragh Creedon, Mark Cullen, Gabriel Klava, Jack McGloin, Ryan Byrne, Subs: Eimhin Farrell, Cormac O’Dowd.

Lanesboro Library

Tel: 0433321291 Email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie  
Library Opening hours

Monday Closed, Tuesday 2-8pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm & 2-5pm, Thursday 2-6pm, Friday 10am-1pm & 2-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm.

Children’s Mindfulness Class with Jackie from Mindful Scholars, Celbridge will take place in Lanesboro Library on Saturday 27th November.

Suitable for children aged 6 to 10 yrs.  Class is free of charge and class size limited to 8 so book early to save a place.

‘This one-hour workshop will introduce children to mindfulness in a fun and creative way. Children will learn how to calm their busy minds. They will be introduced to fun and practical breathing practices that can help ease worry & tension. They will learn how to listen in a mindful way!

There will be storytelling along with arts and crafts… & much more! This workshop will be delivered in a relaxed, welcome & safe environment.’

Contact Stella on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie to book.

The Knitting and Crochet Group meet every Tuesday from 2-4pm. All welcome to come along for a chat and join in this vibrant group.

Poetry and Music Hour meet again on Thursday 11th November 3-4.30pm. All welcome to come along and hear some wonderful poetry and music.

Age Friendly Digital Skills Course commencing soon at Lanesboro Library.  A limited number of places are available.
Contact Stella on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie to sign up. The course will cover all Computer/Tablet/Phone uses eg Email, Zoom, Flights and Hotels, Online shopping, Renew your Motor Tax online and lots more.  Course is free of charge and will run for 6 weeks.

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

Thank you

You are sincerely thanked for continuing to keep the offertory collection as such a high level throughout all the restrictions. Your continuous generosity means everything to the upkeep of the parish church.

New offertory collection boxes can be collected from the front seat of the church.

Mass attendances

The numbers that can attend Mass in St. Mary’s Church is now set at 120. Feel free to return to a mass of your choice.

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.

November Lists for the Dead

Sheets for listing the dead are available in the Church porch

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.

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 has resumed 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.

Winter Fair

A new event at Knights and Conquests Centre in Granard, on the weekend of the 27th and 28th November.

Everything will take place indoor. There will be a seasonal selection of local artisan creations. 

If you want to book a stall, contact Hazel McVeigh; email- granardshow@gmail.com  or phone 087 3129847.

Shannon Gaels

AGM 2021: A very well-attended online AGM on Wed 03rd Nov last, brought great discussion and ideas around our club vision statement. Chairperson Sean McDermott thanked all for their attendance and support throughout the year. Special reference was made to our club’s community on the exemplary dealings with Covid-19 restrictions and associated protocols around training & matches. It was a difficult year for all, but one which saw us grow and evolve further as a club. Sean thanked all fellow executive members; players; club coaches; parents; both senior and ladies clubs; sponsors; grounds committee; Longford GAA games development officers and all others who helped or committed support to the future running of the club in any way. Special reference was made to our successful U12 winning team and also to the thoroughly enjoyable and exciting end of year parish league / social. The club is continuing to progress in a very positive direction and with many exciting plans in the pipeline, we are eagerly awaiting the return of next season when hopefully all normal operations will have resumed. Club Executive elected on the night for 2022 is as follows: Chairperson – Sean McDermott ; Vice Chairperson – Duncan Murphy ; Secretary – Mark Kenny ; Assistant Secretary – Jason Fallon ; Treasurer – Sean Farrell ; Assistant Treasurer – Vincent Farrell ; Public Relations Officers – Joe O’Brien & Melissa Cox ; Coaching Officer – Stephen Rooney ; Coaching Committee – Paul Hession, Gareth Johnston, Padraig O’Dowd, David Curran, James Casey, John Healy, Gavin Greally, Patrick McHale ; Child Protection Officer – Carmel Hayes (appointee of senior club)

Christmas Shoe Box Appeal

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Please Christmas wrap shoeboxes/boxes and mark BOY or GIRL and age group it is for.

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