Lanesboro Ballyleague notes Monday 11th April 2022

Lanesboro Ballyleague notes

Happy Easter

Eastertime is a not only one of the holiest times of the year, but it is also a time where times are getting brighter and there is much more excitement in people. I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter. I hope wherever you are to travelling to or from that you arrive safely and that your return journey will be equally as safe. For those of you staying at home I hope your easter is filled with the excitement that Easter brings.

Death

It was with the greatest of sympathy we learned of the death at Mullingar Regional Hospital on Thursday last 7th April of Teresa Fallon, Ballagh. Teresa in recent years had been a resident of Innis Ree Nursing Home. A native of Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh she had a great love of culture and tradition. Teresa loved football, she loved going to matches and always was an enthusiastic supporter. In her younger days she was adept at football and particularly soccer. When she moved to Ballagh with her husband Frank she brought with her a great vibrancy, decency and kindness with her to her new community. She continued her sporting interest with her support of St. Faithleach’s never forgetting her home club of Crossmaglen and the pride she felt with the great All-Ireland winning teams of Crossmaglen and Armagh. She always had a great interest in travel instilled in her younger years with her working in a travel agency in Dundalk and in later years in East West Travel in Roscommon Town where she was noted for her skill and knowledge in every area of the world. She was noted as an excellent neighbour and her hand of help was always available to anyone in need. Teresa was an active member of the Lanesboro Badminton club and always brought competitiveness and great fun to the club. She had a wonderful devotion and great pride in her husband Frank, her 5 children and 14 grandchildren who she cherished most of all.

The attendance at the reposing of her remains at her residence on Sunday last and again at her Funeral Mass and burial in Kilgefin cemetery bore ample testimony to the esteem she held.

We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband Frank, sons Niall, Frank, David, Patrick, daughter Aisling, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.

Easter Dawn Service

For the first time ever there will be an Ecumenical Easter Dawn Service on the Shannon river banks at 6 a.m., on Easter Sunday morning.  This is a joint celebration of the Resurrection with the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic churches in Lanesboro.  Everyone from all religions and none are invited welcome to join in the celebration of Eastertime.

Holy Week Ceremonies

I have been notified of the Holy Week Ceremonies in St. Mary’s Church. Holy Thursday: Mass at 7.30pm. Good Friday: Passion of Our Lord at 3pm and Taizé Prayer around the Cross within the church at 9pm. Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil at 7.30pm. Easter Sunday: Masses at 9.30am and 11.30am.

Ballyleague Bingo

A sure sign that things are getting back to normal can be seen with the news from the local committee that Ballyleague Bingo returned to Ballyleague Hall on Thursday night last and will continue every Thursday. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.

State of Play

The piece below was prompted after seeing the planning permission by ESB for the power station site.

Looking at the Longford County Council website on the planning section I seen that ESB were seeking permission to demolish the power station and all buildings on the site. The skyline is about to change forever. We are now aware of the intentions of ESB as it was a great source of conversation since the last of the workers left over a year ago. The debate went on with many views on what was going to happen. We also note that ESB are proposing the development and operation of electricity grid services – namely a battery energy storage system (BESS) and a Synchronous Condenser (Sync Con) on the site of over 32 acres which is part of their total site.

For a community that gave as much to ESB as they did to us it is really pitiful to see that there will be no jobs created with the new proposals nor will land become available to the community for any proposals that might help create jobs in the future. Having received a call from a former manager it was confirmed to me that the batteries they are proposing are similar to 40ft containers on the site. I am led to believe that the Sync Con will most probably the size of the stand in St. Faithleach’s. The proposed site developments can and will be serviced remotely and there will be just drive in to check on their workings.

As sad as that may seem from ESB it is more pitiful to see that the Government whose representatives were so vocal that the community would not suffer due to the closure of the power station and the downsizing of Bord na Mona have remained absolutely silent. Both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael leaders were met prior to the last election and were in support of replacement jobs for the area. The adage of ‘they would say anything to get elected’ is proving to be very true.

I can assure anyone reading this that the community is not idle but is very proactive with so many people putting forward proposals demonstrating the creative community we are and the jobs and vibrancy we want to see returning to the community and general area. What we need is political people and those of influence beginning to be active with and working in partnership with the local Collaboration Group. The group is not prepared to let the brain drain seep out of our community and see the area condemned to a black hole with no hope and no future. We deserved much better than that and we are prepared to work hard to help achieve it.

In recent times Lanesboro Community College has been going from strength to strength topping with Leaving Cert results and college placements as well as a huge number qualifying as tradesmen of the highest standards. The school continues to grow and develop in a most confident way with new classrooms being built such is the acknowledgement of the excellence at the school. It cannot be allowed to happen that all of the students, following their third level achievements and tradesmen qualifications who want to live and work in their own community cannot do so and have to move to faraway places. The fight to get jobs for the area will continue with great intensity than ever.

We have an inordinate number of former residents and students that have gone on to be huge achievers in their own careers and a number of them have spoken of the opportunity to establish in their own community given the correct conditions. None of this cannot happen without the political support which to date is sadly lacking. A portion of the ESB site would also be a huge addition in our aim to attract employment.

Tourism and accommodation are other features that are lacking in our community, and it is well recognised that we have to lift our game in this respect. There are many proposals currently being explored none more exciting than the Feasibility Study for a Boardwalk that would link both Lanesboro and Ballyleague with a bridge over the ‘Cut. This proposal has the prospect of creating one of the most scenic and exciting tourist developments not only in both counties but in the country. It is also proposed that the Boardwalk be fully be lit by hydro power which is completely innovative for such a project, and it means it can be walked day and night.

25 Card Game

Game next Sunday with play at 8 30 pm sharp. Refreshments serve. Thanks to all for the support.

Interesting community engagement

On Saturday the 23rd, the Irish Architecture Foundation, a group that are working very closely with Cloontuskert and want to engage with the community in Lanesboro especially those with a connection or former connection with Bord na Mona. They are arranging a get-together of people connected to the Bord na Mona villages in Kilcormac and should be a lot of fun. They are arranging a free bus to travel from Cloontuskert and Lanesboro, and will stop at Lough Boora Discovery Park, visit St Cormac’s Park in Kilcormac and have a community event in the town. The community there have a local economic development committee who have been exploring “brown to green” tourism opportunities, so there should be a lot to share and learn from.  The Irish Architecture Foundation is aiming for about 70 people attending, including residents and representatives from Lanesborough and Cloontuskert. 

On the 24th, the team in Cloontuskert will be hosting a heritage day, including a bog walk and talks. This is open to all in the area to attend. 

One thing to note is that the Irish Architecture Foundation have piqued the interest of a cultural correspondent from the Irish Times, who is interested in the experiences of the communities bearing the brunt of climate actions, and what they are hoping for in the future. It is looking like she will be able to attend these events, and while she is looking at this from the lens of culture and the arts, it could be a great chance to draw attention to what is going on. 

Bernadine Carroll, the engagement officer, has also been speaking to local architect Tracey Connaughton about working on this project locally, teaming up with the two architects already working in Cloontuskert. It is hoped that she would be able to travel with the local community members on the 23rd and get some inspiration together as to what might want to be achieved. 

If you are interested in taking part in this trip to Boora and Kilcormac, please leave your names in with Joe or Martina O’Brien as soon as possible as places on the bus will be limited.

Sympathy

We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Patrick and Sinead McHale, Knock and their son Senan on the death of Patrick’s father John McHale, Rochdale, Greater Manchester on 15th March. It is a particularly hard time for Patrick and his family as only two months earlier their mother Kathleen passed away.

Ed Sheeran tickets draw on Monday next

World superstar Ed Sheeran is preparing for what should be two magical concerts in Croke Park on his ‘Mathematics Tour 2022’ on Saturday 23rd April or Sunday 24th April.

Two of our local clubs Shannon Gaels Minor Club and Rathcline Ladies have come together to offer a draw for 2 tickets for the Saturday and the second prize of 2 tickets for the Sunday concert.

There are not many opportunities to see world superstars and specially to see them live for just €2. This surely is an opportunity not to be missed. The draw will take place on Tickets are available in all local shops and pubs or in O’Brien’s. The draw will take place on Monday next 18th April.

Former resident passes away

For many years the Gallagher was synonymous with the town and the Rathcline club. The six young brothers brought a great vibrancy to the town and club. For us in the older generations their exploits are still remembered.

It was with great sadness that, I learned, during the week of the death on Tuesday 5th April at Cork University Hospital, of Paddy Gallagher who was living in Glounthane, Co. Cork. Like the Gallaghers Paddy was a high achiever, he worked with ESB for many years until his retirement where his expertise was sought nationally and internationally. On his retirement he was made a fellow of the Institute of Engineers of Ireland.

Paddy was predeceased by his wife Marianne, his brothers Noel, Joe and Louis, sister Olive Cahill. He is survived by his children Conor, Caitriona, Cormac, David, Fiona and Lisa, brothers Val and Ron and sisters Judy and Mary and their families to whom we extend our deepest sympathy. We also extend our sympathy to his nephew James, his wife and Andrée and their family who are living locally in Gortgallon.

Brown Coins

Ballyleague National School Parents’ Association are currently undertaking a fundraising initiative by collecting ‘brown coins'(1c, 2c & 5c coins).  Do you have a jar/container of these coins in your home and are willing to donate them to the school? If so, please contact Angela Mullooly (087-7955098), Noreen Hanley (087-6944775) or Claire Flynn (086-8814590) to arrange collection/delivery.

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

Rathcline 50/50

The Rathcline 50/50 draw took place on Monday night 4th April in Clarke’s bar. The winner of this week’s 50/50 draw was Teresa Fallon, Main Street who won the sum of €255. The rise in the prizemoney is marvellous and the aim of keeping the prize at a consistent €400 a week is most definitely getting closer.

The draw on Monday night 11th April is taking place in the Yacht Bar. The club welcomes 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

The first print is running out such has been the demand for the recent book Blow In’s written by Andrew Knowles. The general consensus is that it is a most enjoyable read hence the great demand. Word of mouth can spell the success or failure of any publication and most definitely it has been to cause of the success of this book. The book can be bought 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 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

Following the covid restricted 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.

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

The under 13s displayed great resilience, tenacity, and no little skill when they overcame a four-goal half time deficit to record a famous win over Abbey Rovers in a Premier Division playoff game last Tuesday. The Ballinamore boys made the best use of a gale force win to lead 4-0 at half time. However, aided by the elements an inspired second half performance by the Ballyboro boys was reflected in goals by Rian Hogan (2), Harry Brogan (2) and Oisin Dillon. It was a remarkable comeback that secures the team a place in the Shield semi-final. Ballyboro: Mikie Sorohan, Sean O’Dowd, John Farrell, Ciaran McGloin, Eoin Beattie, Eoghan Mullooly, Sean Collins, Harry Brogan, Patrick Gilmore, Rian Hogan, Oisin Dillon. Subs: Leon Malkowski, Emry Kaya, Evan Rooney, Senan Cox.

The under 13s were also in action on Thursday where they faced UCL Harps in the Under 13 Cup. Once again, they played very well but unfortunately for them a controversial last-minute goal secured the spoils for UCL. by a 3-2 margin. Rian Hogan and Eoghan Mullooly scored for Ballyboro.

The under 12s also played twice during the week. First up was a Plate semi-final versus Newtown. This was a hard-fought encounter with much good football displayed by both teams. The Ballyboro boys just had the edge and goals from Oisin Dillon (2) and a rasper from 20 yards by Alfie Murphy saw them emerge on top 3-2. Team: Stephen Farrell, Hayden Smyth, Jack Cassidy, Darragh Donlon, Tim Kenny, Alfie Murphy, Oisin Dillon, Alfie Brehon, Subs: Ferat Pulcu, Charlie Boardman. The under 12s had a more comfortable win on Saturday when they accounted for Inny Rovers by a 6-0 margin. Once again, the team displayed great teamwork and Oisin Dillon was on fire helping himself to five goals with Tim Kenny notching the sixth.

In the under 14 Cup Ballyboro found the going tough against a very good UCL Harps team. Though the team tried hard and played some good football at times, they had to give best to a superior UCL team on the day. Ballyboro: Mikie Sorohan, Leon Malkowski, Michael Nolan, Billy Murray, John Farrell, Ethan Slattery, Cody Phelan, Noah McLoughlin, Matthew Murray, Rian Hogan, Eoin Connell. Sub: Sean O’Dowd.

In the Combined Counties Division 1 Cup the League table toppers Moydow defeated Ballyboro. Ballyboro looked the better side in the first half and were a tad unlucky to be a goal down at the interval. However, the second half told a different story as Moydow assumed control to win decisively. Ballyboro: Kevin Tansey, Ben Hussey, Jonathan Hussey, Patrick Kenny, Luke Lisle, Alan Kenny, David Rooney, Stephen Walsh, Mirco, Darragh Hussey, Jordan Donlon. Subs: Daniel Foley, Dylan Donlon.

The under 16s received a walk over from Abbey Rovers and will now play Ballymahon A in the Cup semi-final.

Tidy Towns

On Tuesday 5th April the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €7,500 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €7,700 for the draw on 12th April. The winning numbers drawn on the 5th April were 1, 7, 18 and 25. The winner of the €50 prize was Kathleen & Eileen c/o XLNTEE and the three €20 were Leah Flynn, c/o XLNTEE, Bernie Hanley c/o Mags and Derek Murray.

During December and January, a large number of daffodils were planted on the three approach roads into the town. It is hoped to continue this planting over the over the coming years to brighten up our approach Roads during springtime.

Lanesboro Library

Tel: 043 332129. Email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie   

Easter Arts & Crafts with Stephanie

Easter Arts & Crafts with Stephanie takes place on Wednesday 13th April from 2 – 3 pm. 

All materials will be supplied for this fun afternoon.  Children aged 5+ please.

Places are limited so book early by calling 0433321291 or emailing 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 7th April 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

John West Féile na nÓg

For Féile this year we will play with Grattan Óg under the banner of Western Gael in Division 2. We will play on Saturday next 16th April in Allen Park in a group of four that will consist of Killoe Óg, St. Colmcille’s, St. Patricks Óg and ourselves Western Gaels. The first game will take place at 10am where we will play St. Patricks Óg and the second game at 10.40am.

We wish the players and mentors the very best of luck.

GAA Academy

The club would like to invite every young player from the ages of U7 to U17 to join our club. We have just commenced the Shannon Gael GAA Academy in Clonbonny for boys and girls under the guidance of new Games Promotion Officer Declan McKenna.

Declan will focus training that supports the ABCFs. Agility + Balance + Co-ordination and Fun during all his sessions. Interested parents are invited to contact Declan on 087 7031407.

Come along with you youngster, join us and together we will flourish.

Declan’s role is (1) to support Gaelic Games and athletic development for all children in the two Primary Schools. (2) To organise and co-ordinate our nursery section and provide guidance to our voluntary coaches. (3) Assist with the implementation of coaching and skill development initiatives that are suitable to players from U7 to U17. (4) Facilitate the development of coaching in the club by setting up courses and workshops.

Good Luck

The club wishes clubmen Gareth Johnston, Pierre Boudin and the county minor team the very best of luck on Wednesday 20th April in the final round of the round robin. The game is scheduled to take place at a Longford venue and at the time of writing there is no time either.

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 next15th 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.

Rathcline GAA notes

Click on the link and see PRO Cathal Chapman’s latest update on the club is this week.

https://1drv.ms/b/s!AnjTDxytk4Mnv3QCTTfBx59BAy7v

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