Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Death
Sunday 6th February proved to be a very sad day for the people of our community and in particular when one of the mainstays of Main Street for so many years Ann Greene, passed away in Cork University Hospital. Ann, a native of Four-Mile-House, Roscommon was predeceased almost eight years ago by her husband Paddy. As long as I can remember Mrs Greene was a pivotal part of the town. She would involve herself in a lot of local activities and up to the very end she was secretary of the parish Community Alert group. A few years ago, she had a fall and broke her hip. A measure of the lady was that she would not let the replacement hip determine her life and she would daily be seen out walking with her walking stick in an effort to get back to normal living. She was a very devout lady attending mass at all opportunities and playing a major role in St. Mary’s church.
Like so many mothers of her generation she worked hard to ensure that her family could experience the opportunities in life that she only dreamed about as a youngster. As a neighbour and a town lady there was no finer, always available for anyone that was in need of help or support. She always yearned to see the town and community develop and grow. She had a great love of nature and enjoyed nothing more than a chat on the Main street whether it be local or visitor. Ann’s presence will be greatly missed by her family and friends and especially by all of us on Main Street.
He remains reposed at her residence on Tuesday before being removed to St. Mary’s Church. Following Mass of the Resurrection on Wednesday she was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery. To her sons Mark and Paul, daughters Kay, Fiona and Susie, sister Mary Ryan (Birmingham), relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Melissa Fitzsimons daughter of Edward Fitzsimons and Caroline Gray, New York and Knock Manor, Lanesboro and Paul Molloy son of Margaret and the late Tommy Molloy, Church View on the announcement of their engagement last weekend.
A Piece of Local History
On Tuesday night last 8th February Rathcline GAA club for the first time ever elected a woman as Chairperson on the Club. Pat Connerton was elected to chair the club for the year. Pat has held many executive members in the club and Tuesday proved to be the pinnacle when she made club and parish history having been elected as chairperson. Louis Skelly was elected to vice chairperson and Cathal Chapman was elected as PRO with Neill O’Connor elected as Players Registrar.
We wish Pat and her team a very successful season ahead and hope she is blessed with great luck.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Patrick McHale, his wife Sinead and son Seanan, Knock on the death of Patrick’s mother Mrs Kathleen McHale, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, formerly of Brikens, Claremorris, Co. Mayo on Tuesday 25th January.
Sports Capital Grants
The announcement of the Sports Capital Grants was made on Thursday last. Both Rathcline and St. Faithleach’s had sought funding for their proposed developments and it is with a happy heart I can say that both clubs were successful. St. Faithleach’s received €147,207 for the installation of new LED pitch lighting while Rathcline received €87,116 for the complete upgrade of their second pitch, drainage and erection of dugouts.
Congratulations to both club on the grants received and it is a signal that continuous great development continues to go on in both clubs.
Former Resident Passes Away
It was great sadness we read of the sudden death at her home in Abbeyderg, Kenagh on Friday last 11th February of Rita Casey. Rita was formerly Kelly and as a youngster lived in Cloontuskert before the family moved to Kenagh. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her husband John, daughter Genevieve, brothers Seán, Bob, Barney (Knock), Tom and sister Margaret. Rita was laid to rest in Abbeyderg Cemetery following Requiem Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Carrickedmond on Monday.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline club is now looking to reinvigorate the performance of weekly lotto. The 50/50 draw is the catalyst for the successful day to day running of club affairs. In 2021, it was proven that the senior team is ultra-competitive at senior level with serious expectations of success in 2022. In tandem, they now have a fantastic Junior squad which has brought an additional excitement to our parish. Combined with the club’s financial obligations to the Credit Union, affiliation fees and insurance; the club is highly dependent on the success of the weekly 50/50 draw. The attraction of the Club 50/50 is unique with one guaranteed winner every week. And if you are not in, you can’t win! The more entries: the bigger the pot of money to be won! The success of our draw lies with everyone with an invested interest in Rathcline GAA. For this reason, we are encouraging the uptake of yearly subscriptions (Pink Tickets priced at €100) and 6 monthly subscriptions (Green Tickets priced at €50).
Subscriptions can be given to any member of the executive or can be bought using the online Clubspot App (download from the App Store on your smart phone) or from Joe/Martina in O’Brien’s Shop.
The Rathcline 50/50 draw took place on Tuesday night 7th February in the Yacht bar. Unbelievably for the second week in a row the winners of the 50/50 draw were Cillian and Senan Cox, Curraghrua who this time won €160. The draw on Monday night 14th February is taking place in the Adie’s bar. The club would like to thank everyone for their continued support.
GROW
Grow is a Community Mental Health Movement which meets every Monday at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Rd., Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated or suffering from stress, please feel free to attend. Contact Assumpta for information by phoning her on 086 8114135
Rathcline Ladies Club
Following the AGM at the weekend the following have been elected to the Ladies Executive committee for the following year: Chairperson – Syl Healy, Vice Chairperson & DLP – Antoinette Kenny, Secretary – Siobhan Chawke, Assistant Secretary – Colette Wyse, Treasurer – Sheila Nolan, Assistant Treasurer – Annette Farrell, Children’s Officer – Amanda Gray, County Board Delegate – Syl Healy, Senior Club Liaison Officer – Colette Wyse, PRO – Éabha Healy & Aoife Nolan
Keep an eye on this space for some exciting fundraising events for our Club in the coming weeks
The excitement of Triathlon
The current National Triathlon Club of the Year, Lanesboro Triathlon Club is offering you the unique opportunity of trying out the sport of triathlon. The club is commencing a beginner’s programme ‘Zero2Tri’ for anyone that would like the prospect of competing in upcoming triathlons. As you know the disciplines that make up the triathlon are Swimming, Cycling and Running. In this Zero2Tri programme the club is keen to welcome novice swimmers.
The launch night for the Zero2Tri is on Saturday week 26th February in the club room (N39 D3C3) at 6.30pm on Main Street.
If you are new in our area and already completed Triathlons you are very welcome to join the club.
For information on the Zero2Tri and membership please contact exec@trilanesboro.com
Convert your old VHS Tapes
Like many of us there are a multitude of old VHS tapes hanging around our houses and we do not know what to do with them. Declan Gilmore has come up with the solution. He will convert your old VHS tapes to DVD, USB or memory stick. Declan has the facility to convert and now he is offering a local opportunity to get your old VHS tapes converted.
Call Declan at 086 8342935
Pioneer Association
For anyone interested in becoming a member in the Pioneer Association can do so by contacting the local contact in your parish. In the parish of Rathcline you should contact Breda Moran or Anne Carroll. A new pioneer newsletter of at least five issues a year will replace the weekly magazine and will be posted to directly to all contributors. It will cost just €20 for your yearly subscription. Please give your name, address and your subscription to Anne Carroll.
Addictive behaviour has increased during the Covid pandemic; the Pioneer Association can be of support and refuge to those that are suffering.
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to Covid-19. Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm. Text TALK to 50808 to begin.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of alcoholics are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre building at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on St. Mel’s Road, any Tuesday evening at 7pm.
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
The St. Faithleach’s club held their lottery draw on Tuesday last 10th February. The numbers drawn were 9, 13, 17 and 20. There was nobody with the correct numbers and the jackpot of €12,000 was not won. The next draw will take place for the €12,000 on Tuesday 22nd February.
The three winners of the €40 prizes were Ann Brehon, Doughill, Ray Richardson, Racecourse Road, Roscommon and Michelle Corcoran, Strokestown Road.
Tickets are on sale in all local premises and your great support is deeply appreciated.
Ballyboro FC
The under 10s performed very well in their game with Spartac Granard where great endeavour and no little skill was displayed by both teams. Ballyboro: Andrinnes Dnavott, David Kenny, Tyler Murray, Donncha Farrell (1), Darragh Shanley (2), Cian Shea (1), Ben Smith, Tom Hession (2), Thomas Fallon, Malachy Martin, Matthew Murray, Alfie Mulryan, Lee Carberry, Georgina Johnston, Kyran Horohoe, Cian Morgan, Andrew Nolan.
It looked ominous for the under 16s at half time as they trailed Abbey Rovers by three goals to one having played with a near gale force wind However their second half performance was greatly improved and they found the net four times despite playing against the wind before going down by a 7-5 margin, Team: Aidan Kelly, Anthony Cox, Jack Casey, Cormac O’Dowd, Jack Beattie, Euan Cullen, Sam Murphy (1), Eoin Cox (1), Ben Murphy (2), Gabriel Klava, David Cox Subs Daragh Creedon, Billy Murray, James Mimnagh, Nathan McCloat, Brendan Mulvihill, Mitch Clark, Luke Cullen, Rasa Buloine, Luke Johnstone.
In the Combined Counties League a somewhat understrength Ballyboro team faced a strong and impressive UCL team. Though the team tried hard and played some good football UCL were deserving winners by a 5-2 margin. Ballyboro: Mark Tarmey, Luke Lisle, Greg Cassidy, Jonathan Hussey, Paddy Kenny, Alan Kenny (1), David Rooney, Kevin Tansey, Stephen Walsh, Jordan Donlon (1), Merco. Subs: Stephen Ormsby, Garth O’Reilly, Henry Walsh.
The under 8s and their opponents UCL provided spectators with a feast of football on Saturday. Efosa Asemota, James Murray, Fionn Curran, Elliott Casserly Weiss, Paudi Murray, Brian Connell, Fionn Connell, Donncha Connell, William Casserly Weiss, Mark Hession, Ronan Kelly, Karol Rola and Leo Donnellan all gave displays that augur well for the future.
The under 12 girls came from a goal down to run out 3-1 winners in an exciting game at home to Newtown Rockets. Hannah Farrell scored the first goal for Ballyboro, Saoirse Dillon scored with a fantastic shot and Siun McElgunn wrapped up the win with an excellent finish from a tight angle. Squad: Clodagh Martin, Lillie Dowd, Saoirse Feeney, Saoirse Dillon, Hannah Farrell, Faye Hogan, Rosie Farrell, Ellen Cox, Chloe Kilcoyne, Niamh Casey, Zoe Hassett, Katie Smith, Grace Farrell, Sadhbh Neilan, Siun McElgunn.
Tidy Towns
On Tuesday 8th February the jackpot stood at €6,800 and if it was not won it will rise to €6,900 for the 15th February draw. The winning numbers drawn on the 8th were 4, 13, 14 and 22. The winner of the €50 prize was won by Tim O’Connor c/o Mags and the three €20 winners were Declan, Luke & James Curran, Rathcline, Sarah Hopkins c/o Mags and Bernie Hanley c/o Mags.
Lanesboro Library
Tel: 043 332129. Email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Poetry & Music Circle
Next meeting of the Poetry & Music circle takes place on Thursday 24th February 3-4.30pm.
Come along and join in with this very vibrant group. All welcome.
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet Group continues every Tuesday 2-4pm. Come along for a chat and a cuppa!
All welcome.
Beginners Coding Course
Beginners Coding with Siobhan starting soon at Lanesboro Library.
Course is open to children age 8+ and will run for 6 weeks. Class size limited so book early to avoid disappointment!
Contact Stella on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie to book a place.
#ScratchCoding
Art Classes for Adults
The very talented Stephanie Hanlon will run a 4-week Art Class for Adults at Lanesboro Library. Classes will run on Tuesday evenings 6.15-7.30pm starting March 1st.
Cost €10 each week and bring you are asked to bring your own supplies. Booking is essential by contacting Stella on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Easter Flower Arranging Classes
Mary Holmes will run 3-week Flower Arranging classes at the library starting on Tuesday evening 29th March at 6.15pm.
Each class costs €10. Learn to make a posy, a tulip basket and an Easter arrangement!
Booking is essential by contacting Stella on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Longford Memories Book
This wonderful book by Brian Farrell, ‘Longford Memories – Reflections in a Time of Pandemic’ features interviews with our very own John Casey, Mary McGushin, Mai Casey and Chris Kennelly. Books are available to purchase at the library for €5. Contact Stella for details at 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie .
Foreign Currency & Used Stamps
The library is 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.
St. Mary’s Church
Mass attendances
Now that restriction regarding numbers have been lifted you are all invited back to Mass in St. Mary’s. Feel free to return to a mass of your choice.
It is very important to note that you must still avail of the sanitising stations in and around the church and conform with the regulations regarding the continuing wearing of masks.
Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays in the church from 10.30am until 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.
Shannon Gaels
Registration
As we now return to training and underage playing competitions beginning – CLUB REGISTRATION is now OPEN for 2022. All registration is completed online via https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foireann.ie%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cdf8ad6cb5bae4ff0c56c08d9efac1d52%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637804344767989671%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=3P547445ocTg0z%2B9OS%2BITJs2SKOZvPZpnpk3FWuGAIg%3D&reserved=0 (Return To Play | Membership | Games Management) system.
The club would like to welcome all recent and new residents to the parish of Rathcline and we would like to invite you and your family to be part of our club. The club involves itself in underage games for the youngsters of the parish and integrates new people to our parish into the community and we would love to have you as part of our GAA family.
Contact Mark @ Secretarybng.shannongaels.longford@gaa.ie if you have any queries about the Shannon Gaels Minor club or the registration process via Foireann.
Parents can also drop into me in the shop for information on registration.
U16 league
Our U16 team are the first of our teams to commence competition. As we don’t have the required numbers for competition, we are amalgamated with Grattan Óg for this age group. Last week they had their first game in Higginstown, Granard where we emerged as winners on a scoreline of 2-8 to 1-6 to the home side. On Sunday last we welcomed Southern Gaels to Clonbonny but went down on a 1-14 to 2-7 scoreline.
Our next game will take place on Sunday week 27th when we travel to McGee Park, Colmcille to take on the local St. Colmcille’s at 11am.
Cúl Camp
The date has just become available, and we are publishing the date of the Longford GAA Cúl Camp in Clonbonny so that parents can organise holidays and not have the disappointment of their kids missing the camp. The camp will take place from Monday 11th July.
Rathcline GAA
See attachment for exciting club news