Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Death
Sadness abounded when the news broke of the death at the Regional Hospital, Tullamore on Friday 5th November of Josephine Donlon, Lehery. Josie as she was best known was a native of Newtowncashel, was predeceased by her sisters Annie-Mai, Mary and Cathy and by her brother John. Josie had great foresight and was an extremely creative and talented lady. For a lady that suffered ill-health for a number of years she had a wonderful and vibrant personality. Her courage, strength and attitude was always filled with positivity. She was renowned for having the warmest of hearts. Josie’s passing left a great void in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew her. We will fondly remember Josie for all her qualities and be mindful of the happiness she brought to so many during her life.
Her remains reposed at Glennon’s Funeral Home on Sunday before her removal to St. Mary’s Church for the Mass of the Resurrection on Monday. Burial took place afterwards to Killashee Cemetery.
To her husband Patsy, daughters Jean and Leisa, son mark, brothers Barney and Jimmy, sisters Liza and Margie, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
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 next 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.
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 043 33 21139.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Manus and Loretto Gallagher, Barnacor, on the death of their daughter Suzanna, in Gortahork, Co. Donegal. Susie as she was known locally had in recent times been suffering with illness. She fought her illness with a great bravery, strength and courage. In recent days she had been looking forward to a new treatment, unfortunately, she was unexpectedly taken away all too soon. Susie is mourned by her parents, husband, Martin, daughter Síofra, brother, Alan, sister, Fiona, the Gallagher and Harte families, relatives and many friends.
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.
Death
It was with a great sadness we learned of the death at Innis Ree Nursing Home on Wednesday 10th November of Mrs Una Healy, Cloonadra, Ballyleague. Una was in her 97th year when she peacefully passed away. She was predeceased by her husband Jack and son Anthony. Prior to moving to Cloonadra Una was a long-time figure within the Cloontuskert community. She was a warm and friendly woman, a great conversationalist. She was a true family woman who worked tirelessly for her family and always encouraged progression and achievement. Una’s warmth and friendliness was legendary and her warmest of greeting was always accompanied by her inimitable smile. Her passing will sadden the hearts and minds of everyone that knew her, she be fondly remembered and she will be greatly missed. Her remains reposed at her residence on Thursday last. On Friday her remains were removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for her Funeral Mass. Following Mass, she was laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery.
To her daughters Mary and Una, sons Gerry, Jackie, Michael and Kieran, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
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 this 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 generosity is truly astonishing. Amazingly, your contributions of toiletries, clothes and money contributions continues to pour in for the Grafton Street Kitchens. No words can really describe your continued generosity. Rather than slowing down your contributions are continuing to flood in
Shoe Box Appeal about to close
The Shoe Box appeal is really growing and growing. Shoe boxes are being donated from all over the community and further afield. The appeal will close next week and if you are preparing a Shoe Box, please have it in by Monday next 22nd November.
Thank you in advance
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.
Christmas Party Night
Kick start Christmas early with a Festive Party Night at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon
Christmas Party Season is just around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with a well-deserved night out with work colleagues, family and friends at the Abbey Hotel Roscommon. This year the Abbey will host 2 party nights on Friday 10th and Friday 17th December, starting off the festivities on both nights at 8p.m with a mulled wine reception, a delightful 4 course festive menu followed by entertainment with a festive themed disco, featuring hits of the decades guaranteed to keep you on the dance floor til the late hours with Radio Compere and DJ Keith Shanley (Midlands 103 Radio and Christmas FM DJ) Cost is €39 per person with special B&B rates available on the night. To book call 090 6626240 or email events@abbeyhotel.ie
We wish to advise that all attending the party nights will be required to have a valid digital covid cert to gain admission. Full health and safety protocols will be in place.
Rathcline Ladies
Rathcline ladies lost their battle v Clonguish on Sunday in what was a terrific battle. This team has given everything in the last few months to ladies’ football. They should be very proud of themselves and their efforts.
Thank you to the management back-room staff and the executive for all their hard work during the year.
The club is planning to move on to a new year where they hope many more girls and ladies will join the club. This new blood is also needed to fill vacant positions within the ladies’ club. The date of the upcoming AGM will soon be announced, and you will see the notification please watch this space for our AGM date. Please do come along and play your part in the development of the club.
Finally, the club would like to wish the best of luck to Ardagh and Clonguish in the final.
Support for Junior
Junior Hannon has volunteered for the annual challenge of ‘Sleeping out for Simon’ at Longford Rugby Club that will take place on Friday night 10th December. You can support and sponsor Junior in his challenge in O’Brien’s.
The Simon Community for more than 50 Years has been rebuilding lives and tackling homelessness. As we are part of Midland Simon, we urge your support for those suffering from homelessness in our local communities.
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.
Rathcline AGM
The Rathcline Senior club will hold its AGM on Tuesday November 30th at 7.30pm via Zoom
Dukie
With over three decades working in the environment of the media Seamus Duke has many a story to tell. From his times with Shannonside covering the political and sporting life of the region to his now present role with Ros FM and the Roscommon People many a story has come to his attention. Seamus was one never to have just one pot boiling and his time as presenter of a music show as well as a DJ in Roscommon has led him through a varied life and many stories.
He has put a good number of the stories into print with his new book ‘Dukie’ that has been just published. It is one of those must books and it is available for locals in O’Brien’s at the price of €15.
Tidy Towns Lottery
The weekly Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery draw took place in the Tourism Office on Tuesday The numbers drawn for this week were 7, 17, 19 and 29. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot for Tuesday 16th November rose to €5,700.
The winner of the €50 consolation draw was won by Sean Connaughton, Curraghroe, and the three €20 prizes winners were Teresa Ryan c/o Mags, Josh, Emma and Zara Curran and Tommy Mc Carthy, Longford Road.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline club’s 50/50 draw took place on Tuesday night 9th November in Clarke’s Bar. The lucky winning envelope drawn was in the name of Mike Kelly and Caroline Gray c/o Adie’s who won €120. 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 FC
The under 13s were involved in a titanic tussle with Gaels United on Saturday. Both defences were in the ascendancy and goal scoring opportunities were at a premium. An early goal for Gael was countered by a Rian Hogan goal for Ballyboro. There were no further goals and the game finished with honours even 1-1. Ballyboro: Mikie Sorohan, Sean O’Dowd, Emre Kaya, John Farrell, Ciaran McGloin, Keilon Gilmore, Patrick Gilmour, Harry Brogan, Rian Hogan, Eoghan Mullooly, Charlie Moynihan, Subs: Evan Rooney, Liam Dolan, Senan Cox.
In the Combined Counties League three sublime goals from Jordan Donlon (2), and Oran Kenny was enough to secure the spoils for Ballyboro on a 3-2 margin. Ballyboro: Mark Tarmey, Ben Hussey, Dylan Donlon, Daniel Foley, Patrick Kenny, Alan Kenny, Daniel Lulham, Oran Wyse, Luke Lisle, Jordan Donlon, Oran Kenny. Sub: Chris O’Loughlin.
A much understrength under 17 team found Gallen United too good for them on Saturday.
The under 9s travelled to Killoe to take on the host team. Both clubs fielded two teams and there was some great play and plenty of goals on a beautiful November morning. Ballyboro Lions: Katie Sorohan, Jay Flynn, Jay Hanly, Tom Skelly, Senan McHale, Donal Cox. Ballyboro Bears: Leah Hanly, Aidan Cox, David Kopic, Hugh Creedon, Ben Cassidy, Ben Lackey, Sean Hogan.
Well done to Jack Casey, David Cox, and Anthony Cox and the Longford League squad who recorded a 4-1 win over the Drogheda League in the Kennedy Cup.
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 week 27th November.
The class is 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
News from Longford GAA
The Longford GAA Football Bursary Scheme is now open for players currently in 3rd level education who played on the County Football U17, U20 or Senior teams in recent years
The criteria to apply is as follows
Essential Criteria
In Order To Be Considered To Receive The Award
• You must not be in receipt of another grant, bursary/scholarship (College, GPA, Leinster GAA, other).
• A fully completed application form must be submitted on or before Sunday, 28th November 2021
Other Criteria required
• Have represented Longford GAA on One of the following County Football Teams:
➢ U17’s from 2019 or 2020
➢ U20’s from 2019 or 2020 or 2021
➢ Senior’s from 2021 or 2022
The link to application form is here https://forms.office.com/r/b5F3XQk1XD