Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Triathlon Time approaching
Following the break of a few years the Lough Ree Triathlon club members are currently in the process of organising the return to Lanesboro and Ballyleague the Two provinces Sprint Triathlon. With numbers always above 600 it is with great excitement that we welcome the return of this nationally acclaimed race.
Currently Lanesboro Triathlon Club holds the title as National Triathlon Club of the Year, a well merited accolade and this year the Two Provinces Triathlon has again been awarded the honour once again as a National Series race.
The first events as is the norm for many years now are the hugely popular races that includes the Kidathon, the Two Province 12-13 Youth Series and also the Two Provinces 14-15 Youth Series all taking place on Friday evening 8th July. These races will start and finish in the race area at the marina behind the car park.
Saturday 9th will see the National Series Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon taking place. Along with the main race there will be a further four other races taking place within the event, namely the Two Provinces 16-17 Youth Series, Two Provinces Para Triathlon, Two Provinces Try-a-Tri and Two Provinces Aqua Bike. The Para triathlon offers a unique and inclusive opportunity for athletes with the recognised types of impairments to perform in the modern, exciting and sport of triathlon.
Your help required
To manage and maintain the high standard of the Two Provinces Triathlon the club is seeking the support of people from the local area to help with stewarding, marshalling and the running of the events on both the Friday and Saturday. If you can help please sign the sheet with your name and phone number that is in O’Brien’s shop as soon as you can please.
Jewel in our Crown
The annual Bealtaine Festival is Ireland’s national celebration of arts and creativity as we age held the premiere of Nigel Rolfe’s new audio visual work ‘Land Workings’ in the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre on Saturday evening last. It was a striking experience of that there is no doubt.
Corlea Trackway is an inspiring relic of prehistory: a togher – an Iron Age road – built in 148 BC. Known locally as the Danes’ Road, it is the largest of its kind to have been uncovered in Europe.
What is absolutely striking is the jewel we have in our midst is that it is a jewel we should be acclaiming and encouraging everyone far and wide to come along and visit. It is astonishing that this part of our history is right on our doorstep and is being quietly acclaimed rather than gaining the worldwide notoriety that it truly deserves.
The Corlea Trackway is run by the Office of Public Works and there is no doubt but a collaboration between themselves, Fáilte Ireland and Waterways Ireland (all 3 Government bodies) could see a bus service throughout the busy summer season on the Shannon to visit the centre. It is sad to think that so many tourists travel the Shannon, don’t know nor have the opportunity to visit Corlea Trackway and discover a hugely important part of our history. Corlea Trackway and availability of a bus service should be advertised on every boat that is rented out and that has the potential to travel to Lanesboro.
For the 2022 season Corlea Trackway is open until 4th October daily from 10am until 6pm with the last tour commencing at 5pm. The average length of the tour is 1½ hrs long
Christmas Concert in June
You may all remembers last year when I wrote about the exploits of Barbara Dowling, a proud 52-year-old Kerry woman, living on Saints Island, Newtowncashel with her husband Paul, son Oisín and dog tuppence who had her world turned upside down in July’19 when her doctor sent her for medical assessment or as she says herself an NCT. What was supposed to be routine tests turned into immediate admission to Portiuncla and an eight-week stint in three hospitals, Portiuncla, University Hospital Galway and Beaumont. Barbara was diagnosed with an inoperable Brain Tumour, MS and Thyroid Cancer. Following treatment, two years on Barbara had been declared as cancer free and thankfully one year further on Barbara is still cancer free, the thyroid has been removed and the relapsing- remitting MS is now slowed from progressing now that that treatment has started. As a result of the slowing down of the progression it may mean that she may get her full sight back, get full power to her arms, fingers and legs, say goodbye to the tremor s in her hands and as she says ”best of all” regain some form of balance. It has been a very hard but remarkable three years for this very resilient and determined woman.
In an effort to fund a very unique ‘Gala Christmas Concert in June’ Barbara embarked on a sponsored paddle from the bridge in Lanesboro to the bridge in Athlone which was very successful both in the paddling and fundraising of the required €5000.
With just six-weeks left until the concert, Sunday 26th June, to raise funds and awareness for Brain Tumour Ireland, Barbara is putting on a very unique Christmas in June Concert with an exceptionally large choir and orchestra. The concert will be unique playing such Christmas favourites like Polar Express and Jingle Bells with a twist and the majority of the arrangements are pieces that have never been performed here before.
The concert will take place in the Waterford Institute of Education Arena. The choir of 200+ will be accompanied by an orchestra of 200+ who will be travelling from all over Ireland, Europe, Great Britain and the USA in order to participate, all at their own expense and hail from RTÉ, BBC orchestras, Garda and Army bands and freelancers. The Orchestral and Choral aspects of the production will be spearheaded by Liam Daly, Dr. Kevin O’Carroll, Niall Crowley and Éimear Noone (of Oscar fame).The compѐre will be Evelyn Grant (Lyric FM)
All the monies raised through ticket sales are going directly to Brain Tumour Ireland (CHY20506). No funds will be going to cover expenses – all funds are for the charity. All instrumentalists and singers are contributing €25 in order to participate.
Tickets cost €25 and include complimentary glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate. Tickets can be bought on Eventbrite.ie just type in “Christmas in June in aid of Brain Tumour Ireland”
Thank you in advance.
Barbara can be contacted on irishchristmasinjune@gmail.com
Honda 50 Run
The Honda 50 Run returns to Lanesboro on Sunday 12th June all in aid of Longford Multiple Sclerosis. The Run will start from St. Mary’s Hall at 12 noon. The regulation of no helmet no start will be strictly enforced. For all other details contact Jimmy 087 2289468.
If you would like to support you can buy tickets prices at €5 for the following prizes 1st Carraig Beag 8kw solid fuel free standing stove valued at over €1,000. 2nd prize 3 night cruise for 3 people in any one of the boats based in Ireland, on the Thames, Scotland, France, Netherlands, Belgium or Germany. 3rd prize is a Meal for Two in the Copperstill Restaurant in Dromod. 4th prize a bottle of Brandy and 5th prize 2 Bottles of Wine. Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s or from Jimmy Clancy. They will also be on sale on the day at the registration in St. Mary’s Hall.
Cloontuskert Grotto
The grotto at Cloontuskert was erected in 1987 to commemorate the Marian Year to honour Our Lady of the Rosary. Sadly on the 8th December 2021 during storm Barra, it was extensively damaged by a falling tree. A committee has now been formed to take on the task of rebuilding the Grotto. The total cost of the rebuild including replacing the statue is €3000. The new committee hope with your support and generosity to fully restore the Grotto and once again make it a focal point to honour Our Lady. They have set up an idonate page for anyone wishing to be associated with its rebuild or you can give directly to the following committee members where they will gratefully accept any donations treasurers Dympna Trautt, Áine Brady or Johnny Malone, and Sean Carty. You can obtain further information by contacting 086 3551103.
Please see Cloontuskert Grotto Facebook Page to see more information on how to donate through idonate.
Visitors
On Sunday last a number of Canadians visiting Ireland arrived in Lanesboro stepping back in time as to where their forefathers left when the emigrated to Canada. They were hosted by John and Mary Casey and Gabrielle Stooks (nee Feeney).
During the week the family of Freddy McCrann were walking the walks that their father walked when he lived in Lanesboro. The McCrann family had a business where the old convent building (nun’s residence) and school and boarding rooms were located. The big hall was known at the time as McCrann’s hall where dances and plays took place. McCrann’s was also where the legendary Dessie Hynes lived and grew up with his relations. It was great to hear that both Freddy McCrann and Dessie Hynes are both hale and hearty and long may it continue.
A week of celebration in Fermoyle
The past week will go down in the annals of Fermoyle National School for a wonderful week of celebration. The girl’s football team started off the weeks celebrations with a fabulous win over Ballinalee NS in their final in Pearse Park. On Thursday, not to be outdone, the boys played Aughnagarron NS from the Granard area and they also ran out winner completing a remarkable weekend. On Friday the weeks celebration as the students of 5th and 6th classes were confirmed in St. Mary’s Church finishing off a wonderful week for those young people. We congratulate them all on their achievements and wish them much more success and happiness in their future careers.
Day with the Stars
Formerly Midsummer Day with the Stars will make a very welcome return as a Day with the Stars at Roscommon Racecourse on Sunday 19th June. This year the day will feature Nathan Carter, Mike Denver, Robert Mizzell, Jimmy Buckley, Philomena Begley, Patrick Feeney, Ray Lynam, Claudia Buckley to name but a few. This comeback of music celebration promises to be one of the fantastic days ever in Roscommon. Tickets can be booked and purchased in O’Brien’s 043 33 21107. Tickets are priced at €30. Children U12, accompanied by an adult, will be admitted free of charge. The gates will open at 12 noon and the show will commence at 2pm.
A week of great acclaim
The Silver Bell is a new play written by local man Alan Flanagan, now resident in Hackney, East London, about love and loss. It explores the place of care in intimate relationships, and asks what happens when all the time in the universe isn’t enough.
The play deals with Motor Neuron Disease and its effect on personal relationships.
The play has already had a run for a week in London before being part of the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival 2022 in the Teachers Club for the past week. It will now move on to Brighton for another run. The play stars Alan and Brendan O’Rourke (Game of Thrones) is receiving rare reviews.
Alan is a prolific writer and he is currently a scriptwriter for the popular TV series Hollyoaks. Alan writes play’s which he and a group of friends produce and perform at local venues in London. He will bring the play to the world renowned Edinburg Fringe Festival for two weeks in August.
Alan is son of Jimmy and Bernie Flanagan, Rathcline and we wish the hugely talented young man many more years of success.
Ballyleague Bingo continues
Ballyleague Bingo has returned to Ballyleague Hall on Thursday nights last and will continue every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
25 Card Game
The game will continue next Sunday with play starting at 8 30 pm sharp. Refreshments serve. Thanks to all for the support.
Kilgefin Parish
Priest – Fr Joseph Wenjeslaus 089 2733199
Adoration in Ballyleague Church every Friday morning 10.30am. – 11.30a.m. and every Friday night in Curraghroe Church 8.30p.m. – 9.30p.m.
Pilgrimage: One day pilgrimage to Lough Derg takes place on Saturday 20th August, 2022. Bus leaves Ballyleague Hall at 7am. Enquiries call Mary 043 3321969
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.
Tidy Towns Lottery
On Tuesday 10th May the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €8,100 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €8,200 for the draw on Tuesday 17th May. The winning numbers drawn on the 10th May were 9, 13, 26 and 30. The winner of the €50 prize was Mary O’Halloran, The Green, and the three €20 prizes were won by Seamus Clarke, Lanesboro, Tom Casey c/o Mags and Antoinette Shelly, Newtowncashel, c/o O’Brien’s.
The funds raised from the lottery is providing the financial support to do lots of planting around the town where the most recent is the shrubs planted on the recently renovated footpaths around the corner on the Longford Road.
Rathcline 50/50
The Rathcline GAA weekly 50/50 draw took place on Monday 2nd May took place in the Yacht Bar. The jackpot for the lucky winner stood at a remarkable and record figure of €735. Megan Fallon, Lismacmanus was the very lucky winner of this record amount.
The jackpot pool is starting to break the €500 barrier on a regular basis. The club would love to see the figure constantly topping the €500 mark making it a very valuable prize for the Monday night winner.
The Monday night draw 50/50 draw took place on Monday night 16th May at 7.30 pm in Clarke’s Bar.
The club would love to attract former residents, players and supporters living locally and away from home to play the Rathcline 50/50 online by downloading the Rathcline GAA club app and play the weekly 50/50. The cost of the yearly pink ticket is €100 giving two free draw entries and for 6 months the green ticket for €50 giving one free draw.
Your support can and will make a very positive difference to the club going forward.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 23rd to 27th May. The pilgrimage director is Msgr. Bernard Noonan PP Moate, Co. Westmeath, phone 090 64 81180. All bookings have to be made through Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lr. Baggot St., Dublin who are the flight operators 01 2410812.
Family Tree
Martin Morris, County Archivist will guide you in creating and exploring your family tree in conjunction with Newtowncashel ICA. You are invited to join them on Tuesday next 24th May in the Hill, Newtowncashel at 7.30pm. Members and non-members are all invited.
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. You can call Assumpta for any further information on 086 8114135.
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. If you want to book a seat or to get more information you can call Pam on 087 4146987 after 6pm.
Starring Internationally
The star of Christian Donlon Goncalves continues to rise and his star quality shows no sign of abating. Last week Christian represented Ireland in an Eight Nation Tournament in Croatia where he scored a goal and helped in the creation of others.
Christian plays his underage soccer with the legendary Shamrock Rovers in Dublin where he frequently stars. He is a student in Lanesboro Community College.
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 is 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.
Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg
A one-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Saturday 20th August. The bus will leave Ballyleague hall at 7am. For all enquiries and bookings contact Mary 043 33 21969. Information on the pilgrimage can be got at www.loughderg.org
Ballyboro FC
The under 8’s season came to an end when they participated in the final Blitz of the year in Abbeycartron. They fielded two teams and all enjoyed the occasion where great enthusiasm and no little skill were the order of the day. Team 1: Hugh Creedon, Charlie Hickey, Caden Donlon, Tadhg Shea, Senan McHale, David Kopic, Finn Fallon. Team 2: Ben Cassidy, Maireád Hanley, Katie Sorohan, Joe Greally, Tom Skelly, Ryan Molloy, Shay Molloy.
The under 12s displayed a never say die attitude in their Cup semi final clash with Gaels United. They performed exceptionally well against highly rated opposition going down by the odd goal in seven. Leading scorer Oisín Dillon helped himself to a hat trick. Team: Stephen Farrell, Cathal Hanly, Hayden Smyth, Jack Cassidy, Darragh Donlon, Alfie Murphy, Shane Farrell, Tim Kenny, Oisín Dillon. Sub: Alfie Brehon.
A very much under strength Ballyboro team were defeated by league leaders Moydow in their final game in the Combined Counties League.
Christian Donlon scored his first goal for his country when the Irish under 15 team defeated Uzbekistan in an eight nation Tournament in Croatia. Christian was also responsible for two assists in this game. Ireland finished third in the Tournament by virtue of a penalty shootout win over Wales where Christian’s expertly taken penalty kick helped his team secure a well deserved win. Despite carrying an injury into the Tournament Christian performed very well and the club is proud of his achievements with the Irish team.
The club will be hosting two Intersport Elverys FAI Summer Camps in the coming months. The first one takes place from 25th to 29th July while the second one will be held from 15th to 19th August. Parents can register their child on summersoccerschools.ie
The 5 a Side Tournament for National Schools’ in the club catchment area was once again an outstanding success. Full details next week.
Lanesboro Library
The opening hours of Lanesboro from Monday 9th May are: Monday 2pm-8pm
Tuesday 2pm-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm. The library will be closed all day on a Thursday. Friday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet group will revert to meeting every Monday 2pm-4pm from Monday 9th May.
Poetry & Music Circle
Poetry & Music circle will revert to meeting on 2nd & 4th Monday of each month 4.15pm – 5.30pm from Monday 9th May.
EmployAbility Midlands
If you have a disability, illness or injury and would like help to find a job, contact Brenda on 086 3872 855 or email: longford@employabilitymidlands.com or Siobhan on 086 833 8027 or email: siobhan@employabilitymidlands.com, we will be happy to tell you more about how we can help you find employment.
EmployAbility Midlands is funded through the Department of Social Protection to support people with disabilities to find and maintain employment in the open labour market.
St. Mary’s Church
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual Ardagh and Clonmacnoise Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 23rd to 27th May. The pilgrimage director is Msgr. Bernard Noonan PP Moate, Co. Westmeath, phone 090 64 81180. All bookings are to be made through Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lr. Baggot St., Dublin who are the flight operators 01 2410812.
Day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg
A one-day Pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Saturday 20th August. The bus will leave Ballyleague hall at 7am. For all enquiries and bookings contact Mary 043 33 21969. Information on the pilgrimage can be got at www.loughderg.org
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 returned your Trócaire box please do so to the basket at the front of the altar after Mass.
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
Cúl Camp date
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.
Successful Week
What a wonderful week it was for Fermoyle National School boys and girls. Staring on Tuesday the girls had a great victory in the football final over Ballinalee in Pearse Park.
Not to be outdone the Boys played their final on Thursday and they also emerged victorious when they defeated Aughnagarron NS also in Pearse Park.
Most of the boys and girls on Friday mad their confirmation ending off a very successful week of celebrations.
Congratulations to the players, their mentors and their school on a week of fine achievements.
Sympathy
The Shannon Gaels Minor club would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Hand family, Clonterm Longford and the Grattan Óg club on the sudden death of John Moran. John was a leading person in our underage amalgamation with Grattan Óg. He will be remembered fondly for his great way with everyone he worked with, young and old and also for his warm, friendly, genuine and genial nature. To his daughters Cathriona and Joeann, sons James and Kevin, mother Kate-Ann, sister Valerie, brothers Seamus and Martin relatives, club mates, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Important Cúl Camp
The Lanesboro Cúl Camp has now reached its current capacity of 80 kids. Please see below the link to complete for anyone who wishes to join the waiting list for additional places, which hopefully we will be in a position to offer in the weeks ahead.
Those who complete the form 1st – will be offered the 1st places so please register your interest asap if hoping to have your children attend.
https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.office.com%2Fr%2FZqufra8mAJ&data=05%7C01%7C%7Cf1974f9806594246ed8408da36b979e8%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637882467477041440%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=09YtKL7TAMM3jXriihxH7%2Fw12HJz3jdUnVlvJkCS1G8%3D&reserved=0
Rathcline GAA notes
Click on the Rathcline GAA website and see PRO Cathal Chapman’s latest update on the club is this week.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Well Done
A massive well done to the Junior men in a fantastic win against Elphin on Saturday evening. Final score Faithleach’s 2-14 Elphin 1-12
Darkness into Light
Thank you to everyone who came along on Saturday morning last and participated in the walk. Well done and thank you to Tanya O’Rourke on organising the event
Congratulations
To Christian Donlon Goncalves on playing for the Irish U15 international team and scoring his first international goal against Uzbekistan in Croatia. Fantastic achievement.
Underage Training
Training continues every Thursday evening at 6:30pm at the pitch. All levels and new members welcome. Looking forward to seeing you all.
Cúl Camps
Kellogg’s Cúl Camps will run at St. Faithleach’s GAA Complex from August 1st to 5th 2022 for Boys and Girls aged 6-13. To book your place visit http://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie
Volunteers
The minor club are looking for volunteers to help at the Underage trainings on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. If you would like to help please contact David Harrison or any club committee member.