Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Summer Time
At 1am on Sunday morning next 27th March our night’s sleep will be shortened by one hour when summertime will begin and the clocks will all go forward 1 hour. This is the time of the year that we all look forward to summertime and what it brings for us all, the bog, making hay and silage, long walks, football and hurling championships, mountain and hill hiking, holidays, Galway and Roscommon, races, eating ice cream and long hot (hopefully) summer days.
Whatever your chore or pastime we hope that you will get maximum enjoyment and avail of a glorious summer.
Death
It was with great sadness we learned of the death on Monday 14th March at Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar of Brendan Ward, Longford Road. Brendan was more commonly known as ‘Happy’, formerly of the Green where he spent his youthful days before moving away to work. In recent years after many years away he moved back to live on the Longford Road. Such was his vibrant personality that he became very well-known with the generations that have grown up and moved into the area since his departure. Brendan was a trained BMW mechanic where it was said that his knowledge was second to none and people came from far and wide to avail of his expertise. He had a pride in his family and while he lived away from them, they were always foremost in his mind and, indeed, in almost all conversations he was referencing Mark, Lorraine and Tonette, grandchildren and great grandchildren. A man with music in his heart and soul and a wonderful dancer to boot, his fleet footedness attracted many ladies to the dance floor. Brendan was always ready with quick witted quips; he had that impish smile that told that he was ready for a bit of craic and devilment. He did not mind one little bit if the joke fell back on himself. He was a great supporter and had a great interest in all the local happenings. His heart was full of happiness, and he oozed great feelings amongst everyone he met, they always left with a smile.
Brendan’s remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Saturday morning before his removal to St. Mary’s Church for his Funeral Mass. Burial took place afterwards to Clonbonny Cemetery. To his daughters, Lorraine and Tonette, son Mark, sisters Maura, Theresa, Loretta, Harriette, brother Martin, grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Orchard Garden
A few weeks ago, I wrote about an initiative by Jim McCausland and Casey’s Centra, Roscommon. Having donated to Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op it was a great sight-seeing the creation of a fruit garden on the Longford Road. It is situated on the top of the hill at Bornacor and the garden was cleared and prepared by the local FÁS team for the planting of a number of the fruit trees. It is great to see the fruit trees planted in such a visible site creating the fruit garden – we can all watch and the trees flourish and fill each year with fruit.
As time goes by, we will surely see the great rewards of the donation and also rich harvests from the fruit trees.
A big thank you, once again, to Jim and Casey’s for the sponsoring of the fruit trees.
Former Resident passes away
We were shocked to learn of the death at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, on Saturday 12th March of a former Cloontuskert resident. Mary Rogers was living and working with ESB in Dublin since she left school. Memories of Mary are of a very stylish and pretty young woman. Her personality was of a very warm and friendly girl whose warm greeting and welcoming smile endeared her to all the got to know her. She was a lady of great humour and untold kindness, and the great memories that she left us with will always bring a smile to everyone that so fondly remembers her.
Her remains reposed at her home on Tuesday last before she was removed on Wednesday to the Church of the Holy Trinity, Donaghmede, for her Funeral Mass followed by cremation in Dardistown Crematorium.
To her husband Brian, son Alan, daughter Emma, brother Michael, sister Ann, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Parish Hall
The committee of our St. Mary’s parish hall is delighted to say that following the lifting of all restrictions the hall is now open for large or small bookings. The booking officer is Marie English, 086 3365881. Due to work commitments Marie may not be able to get to the phone when you call but she will return calls after work.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Dan Kavanagh, The Green and Michael Kavanagh and family, Rathcline Road on the untimely death of their young nephew Padraig Fallon, Dysart, Co. Roscommon. Padraig was son of Mary Fallon, formerly Kavanagh, and we extend our deepest sympathy to Mary, her husband James, her daughter Maura, her sons Seamus and Mícheál, relatives and friends. Padraig was laid to rest in Dysart Cemetery on Friday following Mass of the Resurrection in St Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy
25 Card Game Returns
The 25 partners card drive has resumed on Sunday nights with play starting at 8.30pm sharp.
Daffodil Day
The Irish Cancer Society annual Daffodil Day, will return for the first time in three years, will take place this Friday 25th March throughout our local area. There will be many hosting events and you are encouraged to be as generous as you can be as the Society continues to show the difference your contributions make to the lives of cancer patients and their families. The scourge of cancer is with us in families and our communities, it takes so much from affected families and Friday is a wonderful opportunity to help the fight against cancer. As well as raising badly needed funds the support generated gives so much hope and support.] It is incumbent on us all to make every effort to support the Irish Cancer Society as they strive to continue to research for the cure for cancer.
Tractor, Motorbike and Vintage Car Run
Your local tidy towns committee would like to say their previously cancelled tractor, motorbike and vintage car run will now take place on Sunday 24th April. Entry €20. More details to follow or from any of the committee.
Ed Sheeran
The Shannon Gael Minor club in conjunction with the Rathcline Ladies club are holding a fundraising draw for the chance to go to see world superstar Ed Sheeran on his ‘Mathematics Tour 2022’ in Croke Park on Saturday 23rd April or Sunday 24th April. The first and second prizes are 2 tickets for Saturday and 2 tickets for the Sunday.
This is a wonderful opportunity to get to see one of the world superstars and all for just €2. Cards of tickets are available from Mark Kenny, the minor club executive or from O’Brien’s
Climb with and for Charlie Bird
On Saturday 2nd April you have the opportunity to walk with Charlie Bird climbing Croagh Patrick. If you cannot make it, you can do your own climb, in support, locally at Sliabh Bawn or Cairn Hill and make your donation on www.climbwithcharlie.ie or set up your own fundraiser affiliated to the website.
The funds raised will go to supporting Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and Pieta House, Ireland’s national suicide prevention charity. To date there is almost €600,000 raised which is phenomenal considering the cost of living rising over the past couple of months and the huge amount of money donated to the Ukrainian Appeal.
We have relatively recent memories of the effects of Motor Neurone has on people and whatever we can do to assist, even in a small monetary way, in helping to find a cure for this disease. Every community has been affected by suicide and the growth of Pieta House in supporting families and those that are felt to be vulnerable has been truly magnificent and really worthy of support.
Please join in a climb or even a long walk, no matter where you live, and make Saturday a wonderful celebration of the life of Charlie Bird and the incredible strength he is showing for these two charities.
Boro Celtic to Celebrate
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the historic treble winning team of ’97.
A suggestion was made that it would only be fitting to acknowledge and mark this wonderful achievement. This event would be a celebration of the Boro Celtic club, not just the ’97 team and would include all past players, mentors and club officials.
Anyone interested in either the local re-union or a night away should contact Michael 086 3612152 or Steve 087 7847745. The decision is yours so make it known to either of the lads
St. Faithleach’s Dinner Dance
Following a year of unprecedented success, winning the county and Connacht Intermediate Championships, the Ladies County title and Under 20 Championship, the St. Faithleach’s club will hold a celebration night and presentation Dinner Dance in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone on Saturday night 9th April. Tickets are priced at €50 each and the music will be provided by ‘Odd Sox’. The night will commence at 7pm.
Tickets available to purchase in Xlntee hairdressers Claire Flynn (086 881 4590) or from Tanya O’Rourke (087 794 9615) or you can buy in the clubhouse on Thursday nights between 8pm and pm.
VAT on Energy
Over the past few weeks and months there has been an inordinate rise in the cost of living caused mainly by the invasion and the cause of war on Ukraine by Russia. Fuel charges and energy bills have taken huge rises and all of this has put added pressure on the upward spiral on the price of goods and materials. In fact, due to this war, so much food stocks have also become very scarce.
While we received and are very grateful for the €200 off the electricity bill that gesture has already been proven to be a drop in the ocean to struggling households. The most likely remedy for everyone would be for the Government to relax the VAT rate that is imposed on every bill. Some relief from the 13.5% would be a consistent way to help people during what is for them a time of great crisis.
Great start
Congratulations to Longford Under 17 (Minor) team manger and his coach Pierre Boudin, Rathcline Road, who plotted the downfall at the very first hurdle of current U17 All-Ireland champions, Meath, in the first round of the Leinster Championship on Saturday.
Both lads led this group of players to a convincing Fr. Manning Cup last year and are developing a very special team here.
On Saturday week 2nd April they will travel to Newbridge to play Kildare in the second game.
All Ireland Bronze
On Sunday last at the Irish Life National Juvenile Indoor Athletic Finals at the Athlone Institute of Technology local youngster Oisín Dillon, son of Denis and Eilish Dillon, Fermoyle ran a spectacular race to finish in third in the Under 13 600m. Oisín running for Longford AC finished his run with a very strong final lap to take him into third place. This is a wonderful achievement for this all-round sportsman and we congratulate Oisín.
ATM Update
Early last week there was some money in the ATM, but it ran out very fast. With an extra long weekend ahead of us the ATM remained empty which is not very good for the community. This saga continues to be an ongoing problem for our community. It is imperative that we all continue to make the calls to put some pressure on all our representatives local and national as the community is not listened to by anyone.
Red Cross Appeal
If you have availability or can provide accommodation for Ukrainian refugees, you are asked to register with Irish Red Cross. Countrywide there has been a remarkable response by the Irish people in the donation of money as well as registering themselves for the provision of accommodation.
For more information or to register accommodation you are advised to go to https://registerofpledges.redcross.ie
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline 50/50 draw took place on Monday night February in Clarke’s bar. The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was James Feeney, The Green, who won €246. The 50/50 pool is becoming to get back to a worthwhile figure following the greater movement of people in the community.
It is the aim of the club to continue to increase sales to the point that the jackpot prize every week will be in the region of €400. This can only happen with your support and encouragement to other to join in and play. The draw on Monday night 21st March in is taking place in the Yacht Bar. The club would like to welcome the new players to the weekly draw and thank everyone for their continued support and would encourage everyone to become involved in the weekly draw.
If you prefer you can play the 50/50 for a year pink ticket for €100 or for 6 months on the green ticket. These options are also available on the revamped and live Rathcline club app.
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.
Blow Ins – The Book
A new supply of ‘From here to There – Blow Ins’ a book by, now local man, Andrew Knowles is becoming a very popular book is now back in stock in O’Brien’s. Andrew and his wife Angie since their arrival have become an integral part of our community. The feedback on his book has been excellent and everyone says a “most enjoyable read” The sale of the book has been remarkable and it is a must read for everyone. The book can be nought in O’Brien’s for €10.
Easter Revision Course
Lorraine Kenny, Roscommon Maths Grinds, will be holding an Easter Revision Course on Tuesday 19th and Wednesday 20th April at Jackson’s, The Square, Roscommon. On Tuesday 19th it will Financial Maths and on Wednesday 20th the course will cover The Line & The Circle. For information contact Lorraine at 086 3688302 or roscommongrinds@gmail.com
A booking deposit will be required.
Mini Marathon
Yes! Following a two-year absence, the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon will take place in Dublin on Sunday 5th June. As was the norm pre lockdown Pam Farrell is running a bus from Lanesboro to Dublin for the race. To book a seat or to get more information phone Pam on 087 4146987 after 6pm.
Table Quiz for Ukraine
On this coming Thursday in Longford Rugby club there will be a table quiz in support of the people of Ukraine who are presently going through a torrid time. The cost of a table for 4 is €40. All proceeds will go to the Embassy of Ukraine Special Charity. The first set of questions will be asked at 8pm.
Support for Trócaire
Every year during lent there is an appeal by Trócaire for supporting developments by their volunteers in a particular country in their time of need. This year Trócaire is supporting the people of Zimbabwe that is been devastated by conflict, Covid and injustice.
If you have not already picked up your Lenten Trócaire Box you can do so by dropping into St. Mary’s Church when you are passing. The Trócaire boxes are available in the church porch and your support will be greatly appreciated. Your support no matter how small will be of huge benefit to the volunteers in their efforts to make life just a bit better for the people.
St. John’s Lenten Services
Lent Service Wednesday 30th March at 8pm in Lanesborough
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
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.
Ballyboro FC
Christian Donlon enhanced his growing reputation with his displays for the Irish under 15 team in two games against Wales last week. Wales won the first game 2-1 but the Irish boys got their revenge in the second encounter with a 3-2 victory.
The under 16s recent spell of good form continued on Saturday last when they had an emphatic win over Killoe Celtic. Eoin Cox with a clever finish was first off the mark for Ballyboro, and further goals in the second half courtesy of Jack Casey, Gabriel Klava and Eoin Cox saw the team emerge as decisive winners. Team: David Cox, Jack Brogan, Cormac O’Dowd, Jack Casey, Aidan Kelly, Kevin Donlon, Gabriel Klava, Anthony Cox, Wesley Hughes, Eoin Cox, Ben Murphy. Subs: Jack Beattie, James Mimnagh, Luke Johnston, Nathan McCloat, Conn Maxwell.
In the Combined Counties League, the Ballyboro team were in fine fettle when getting the better of Longford Rovers by a 5-2 margin Team and scorers: Mark Tarmey, Ben Hussey, Greg Cassidy, Daniel Foley (1), Henry Masterson, Alan Kenny, David Rooney (2), Derek Murray, Luke Lisle (1), Kevin Tansey (1). Subs: Dylan Donlon, Sean Casey.
The under 13s found Gaels United a tad too good for them going down by a 3-0 margin. Ballyboro played some good football but the Drumlish boys always had the edge. Team: Mikie Sorohan, Sean O’Dowd, Emre Kaya, Leon Milkowski, Ciaran McGloin, Dan Casey, Sean Collins, John Farrell, Harry Brogan, Eoin Beattie, Rian Hogan. Subs: Evan Rooney, Patrick Gilmour, Liam Dolan.
The under 9s played Stonepark in a blitz on Saturday with some very entertaining football and lots of skill from both teams. David Kopic, Jay Flynn, Charlie Hickey, Shay Molloy, Ryan Molloy, Tadhg Shea, Laoise Farrell, Sean Hogan, Senan McHale, Finn Fallon, Jay Hanly, Leah Hanly, Tom Skelly, Caden Donlon, Joe Greally, and Donal Cox ably represented Ballyboro.
Tidy Towns
On Tuesday 15th March the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €7,300 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €7,400 for the draw on 22nd March. The winning numbers drawn on the 15th March were 17, 20, 22 and 27. The winner of the €50 prize was Claire Mullen c/o Xlntee, Stella O’Sullivan, c/o Mags, Kathleen Kelly, Carraroe and Sinead Farrell, Lehery
Lanesboro Library
Tel: 043 332129. Email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet Group continues every Tuesday 2-4pm. Come along for a chat and a cuppa!
All welcome.
Sing, Storytime & Crafts with Penny
Sing, Storytime and Craft Activity with Penny takes place on Saturday April 2nd at 12 to 1pm at the library. This event is suitable for children aged 3 to 7 yrs. old. Spaces are limited so book now on 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Poetry & Music Circle
Next meeting of the Poetry & Music circle takes place on Thursday 24th March 3-4.30pm.
Come along and join in with this very vibrant group. All welcome.
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.
The library is also collect used stamps in aid of ISPCC. Thank you.
St. Mary’s Church
Confirmation. Confirmation will take place this Friday in St. Mary’s Church at 4pm.
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.
Weekday Mass intentions can now to be booked for weekends as well as weekdays. The lifting of the Covid restrictions has returned the anniversary and family masses to be booked for any day from now on. People wishing to book masses can do so by contacting Fr Sergiy before or after mass during the week in the Sacristy.
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.
Trócaire Box
If you have not already picked up your Lenten Trócaire Box you can do so by dropping into St. Mary’s Church when you are passing. The Trócaire boxes are available in the church porch and your support will be greatly appreciated. This year Trócaire is supporting the people of Zimbabwe
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
Congratulations
Many congratulations to the Longford minor (U17) team who overcame reigning All-Ireland Minor Champions Meath in the first round of this year’s Leinster championship in Pearse Park on Saturday last.
It was a very proud day for the club with team manager Gareth Johnston and coach Pierre Boudin leading the way in the management.
They will play Kildare in the next round in Kildare on Saturday week 2nd April.
Ed Sheeran Tickets
The Shannon Gael Minor club in conjunction with the Rathcline Ladies club are holding a fundraising draw for the opportunity to go to see Ed Sheeran in Croke Park on Saturday 23rd April or Sunday 24th April. The first and second prizes are 2 tickets for Saturday and 2 tickets for the Sunday.
This is a wonderful opportunity to get to see one of the world superstars and all for just €2. Cards of tickets are available from Mark Kenny, the minor club executive or from O’Brien’s.
We are looking forward to the support of everyone in the locality and far afield.
Under 11
U11 Go Games Football Fixtures start on Friday 15th April where we are at home, in Clonbonny, to Northern Gaels. The throw in is timed for 7pm. The following week we will entertain Longford Slashers again in Clonbonny at 7pm.
Under 9
U9 Go Games Football Fixtures start on Monday 11th April
As in previous years which has worked really well, Underage sections have the opportunity to select the venue they attend for each blitz.
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.
Cúl Camp
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 Ladies notes
The Ladies Club in conjunction with Shannon Gaels Minor Club are running a small fundraiser where you have the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Ed Sheeran kick off his Mathematics Tour 2022 in Croke Park on April 23rd & April 24th next. We hope to circulate €2 / line cards to all members / players over the coming days. Thanks for all the support as we kick off the 2022 season.
Rathcline GAA notes
See PRO Cathal Chapman’s latest updates within the club this week on the Rathcline App