Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Closure
Yet another dark day has befallen our community with the announcement of the closure of the popular Costello’s Nursing Home in Ballyleague. Owned and ran by husband and wife team of Shay and Sarah Costello this popular nursing home had approximately 28 residents and employed a staff of up to 40 full time and part time.
Costello’s had become a landmark in our community and was renowned for the excellent care and attention it gave to its residents and for the quality and care continuously given by its loyal staff. The management structure within the nursing home was second to none.
It is not two years ago since the closure of the power station and downsizing of Bord na Mona staff locally and this recent announcement has come as another hammer blow to the community.
Shay and Sarah have been running the nursing home for many years and we wish them a happy and healthy retirement and may they have every happiness in the next stage of their lives.
Lanesboro/Ballyleague Town Twinning
In October 2007 our Lanesboro Ballyleague Twinning Group visited our recently twinned town of Lanesborough, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Since then, a number of groups from the US visited us and stayed with families locally. In recent times Covid restrictions meant that the committee could not have meetings. Now that we are back on track the committee will be holding an A.G.M. shortly. We are asking people to be part of this exciting committee. Please have a good think about this and your ideas will get a good hearing at the A.G.M. It would be great to see a big number showing an interest in this very exciting twinning committee. It is a wonderful opportunity for the 30/40/50 generation to involve themselves in the workings and visiting/hosting our twin towns. There are surely new and novel ideas to be had. As mentioned earlier the date of the AGM will be announced soon.
Birth
Many congratulations to Fiona and Cathal Chapman, Lisnacusha on the birth of a baby boy on Wednesday last.
Kayaking
Adult Kayaking takes place every Tuesday evening from the old harbour, Ballyleague. The Kayaking will take place from 7pm to 9pm and the cost is €20. Booking is, essential as demand is great, at 0872977769
Young people kayaking every Saturday morning from 11am to 1pm and covers young people from 10 to 17 years. The cost of the 2 hours is €20. Booking is essential at 0872977769.
Thank You
The committee of Rathcline Cemetery would like to thank everyone that prepared their family graves leading up to the Blessing of the Graves. Your very generous contributions towards the upkeep of the cemetery were greatly appreciated.
Upgraded footpaths and road
After almost three months the contract to replace most of the brick footpaths and resurface the Main Street came to an end. The general consensus from all and sundry was that the contractors did a wonderful job. As you can imagine the traffic was a huge nightmare for the workers and it did seem as though there was extra traffic travelling through the town. The work was completed in time for the Triathlon weekend and done to an extremely high standard. Breedon, formerly Lagan Asphalt was the main contractors. The subcontractors were Mayo men who worked out of Ballinrobe. Despite their long drive to and from Mayo daily they did remarkable work. As a community we must thank them for their excellent work.
In the week leading up to the Two Provinces Triathlon there was a great concern for the road surface just over the bridge on about a 20m stretch. We must compliment Director of Services with Roscommon County Council, Shane Tiernan, for ensuring that the road was repaired and in excellent condition for the triathlon.
Train in the use of a Defibrillator
We all know about and appreciate those that are trained in the use of the defibrillator. You too can avail of the training and become vital cogs in your community for anyone that may be in need of someone with the skills of the defibrillator use.
The local defibrillator group is actively seeking new people in the Kilgefin, Ballyleague, Cashel, Killashee and Rathcline Lanesboro areas to become competent in the use of the Defibrillator. The group are also looking to retrain and refresh those that have already completed the course.
If you are interested, please leave your name and phone number with Martina O’Brien personally in the shop or by phoning 086 3858934 or martinaclyne1@gmail.com
Engagement
Many congratulations to Ryan Fallon, son of Joe and Mary Fallon, Lisrevagh and Catriona Maher daughter of PJ and Geraldine Maher, Curraghroe who recently announced their engagement.
Your contributions badly needed
The importance of defibrillators in the general area cannot be overstated. The lives it can save and has done in recent weeks are well documented. Over the time of the Covid restrictions the opportunity to raise funds for the replacement of batteries and pads as well as funding needed to replace and upgrade defibrillators could not take place.
Now an appeal for essential funding is being made and the group is appealing to your generosity to ensure all the upgrades and replacements can take place.
If you wish to contribute we ask that you donate by leaving money in an envelope marked with your name into Martina O’Brien at the Corner Shop.
Wedding
The marriage took place at Castle Dargan Resort, Sligo of Paul Horohoe, son of Geraldine and the late Patsy Horohoe, Salmon’s Lane, Ballyleague and Sharon Feeney, daughter of Pauric and Karen Feeney, Rooskey. Bestman was Mark Horohoe brother of the groom, groomsmen were Patrick Feeney, brother of the bride and Dylan Horohoe son of the groom. Chief bridesmaid was Siobhan Mortimer friend of the bride and the bridesmaids were Daneka Galvin, friend of the bride and Sophie Mulhern cousin of the bride. The marriage ceremony was performed by registrar, P.J. O’Neill. The wedding reception was held in the Castle Dargan Hotel.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
One year on
Congratulations to Brenda, Regina and their staff of Lanesbrew Coffee Shop who last week celebrated the first anniversary of their opening on Main Street.
Last chance for the Club Longford Draw
Time is running out to get your ticket for the Club Longford draw with some magnificent prizes to be won. The draw will take place on Saturday next 30th July which is only a very few days away. Your support of Club Longford last year gave great impetuous to the promotion and development of men and ladies teams in Longford.
Immediate improvement or success is not immediately seen but great progress has been made in the development of our players and ultimately this will bring success in the coming years. Your great support for the draw will once again be greatly appreciated
Your support of Club Longford helps to realise the dream of making Longford teams at all grades competitive and winning at the top level within Leinster and nationally.
The prizes for the draw are: 1st Prize: Volkswagen Golf 2.0l R-Line or €40,000, 2nd: €1,500 Center Parcs Voucher (Sponsored by M&N Nolan Motors), 3rd: 2 VIP Tickets to Garth Brooks in Croke Park + Accommodation, 4th: €1,000 (Sponsored by Nally’s Forecourt Ltd. Ballymahon), 5th: €500 (Sponsored by Lir Analytical), 6th: Overnight Stay for 2 with Dinner at Viewmount House, 7th: €250, 8th: €250, 9th: €250 and 10th: €250.
Tickets are priced at €50 each or what was the hugely popular option last year of 3 for €125
Tickets can be bought up to Friday night by contacting me at joeaobrien@outlook.com, 0862460840, through PayPal or in the shop or from club organiser Louis Skelly.
Golfing Society
The July outing of the Lough Ree Golfing Society took place at Mountbellew golf club on Friday last 22nd July. It was the best supported outing so far this year. The weather was excellent, and the course was in great condition. This was reflected in the scores returned on the day. The winners of both the ladies and gents section returned exceptional scores, with Margaret Walshe having 24 pts on the front nine, and Joe McGrath having a tremendous score of 28 pts on the back nine, my first time to see 28pts scored on 9 holes. Kevin McLoughlin surely thought he might have won with 42pts, but with Joe burning up the course he had to settle for second; Tony Carleton had an excellent 36pts for third. Added to this was the number of players in the 30s. In the ladies section, E Lyons and M Feehily had very good 34 and 31 pts returned for 2nd and 3rd place. Lough Ree Golfing Society wishes to thank Mountbellew GC for the use of the course. The results on the day were, Ladies 1st Mgt Walshe 46pts, 2nd E Lyons 34pts, and 3rd M Feehily 31pts. N/P N Beirne, L/D M Feehily. Men’s 1st J McGrath 45 pts, 2nd K. McLoughlin 42 pts, 3rd T Carleton 36pts. N/P P Taylor, L/D M McAlister, F/N M Brennan, B/N M Kelly.
Birth
Many congratulations to Trish Feehily, Curragh Rua and Aidan Fallon, Carrick-on-Shannon on the recent birth of a baby girl. Trish is daughter of Marian Feehily and Tom Conboy, Cloontuskert and we congratulate the proud grandparents.
Change of Night
The hugely popular Traditional Irish Music Night usually held in the Pier Inn (Rakish Paddy) on the last Friday night of each month has had to be changed. Instead of this Friday night it has been changed to this Saturday night and there is no doubt but that it will be a nother fabulous night.
Go along, enjoy the music and craic
Exciting new signs
Ballyleague Tidy Towns on Sunday 7th August will unveil their new tourist signage in Ballyleague. The signs will be of a huge benefit to tourists and will have a positive and visual affect.
Consequently, it has been decided to hold back the draw for one week to coincide with the launch of the signage. The fundraising raffle has fabulous prizes including the wonderful top prize of a Two Night Stay for two at the magnificent Four Star Galmont Hotel and Spa, Galway, 2nd prize €100 SuperValu voucher from Keane’s SuperValu, 3rd €100 voucher from the award winning Lough Ree Distillery, 4th €100 voucher to the Purple Onion, Tarmonbarry, 5th Large canvas Poster of award winning film Snámh – Shuttermaniac productions, 6th Bottle of Lough Ree Distillery, award winning Barts Whiskey, 7th Moon River Boat Trip (Carrick on Shannon) for two adults and three children, 8th Bottle Lough Ree Distillery award winning Sling Shot Gin, 9th Moon River Boat Trip (Carrick on Shannon) for two adults and three children.
Moon River Boat Trip (Carrick on Shannon) for two adults and three children Tickets cost €5 each or three for €10 are currently available to purchase online via our FB page or from Ballyleague Tidy Town members or in O’Brien’s shop. The support of the community would be really appreciated.
Championship Time
Rathcline will embark on their championship campaign on Sunday evening next when they travel to Allen Park, Newtownforbes for the first of their group games against Killoe. The throw in is timed for 5.15pm.
St. Faithleach’s will commence their Roscommon Senior Championship on Friday week 5th August when they travel to Johnstown to play Clann na nGael at 8pm.
The very best of luck to both teams in their opening games.
Another Busy Weekend
Last weekend proved to be another very busy weekend in Lanesboro and Ballyleague with the northern section of the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Annual Boat Rally mooring in Ballyleague before crossing to Portrun for the beginning of the 60th running of the Shannon Boat Rally. For us of the older generation we have very fond memories of the excitement and celebratory boat rally night in Lanesboro as it stopped off during their weekend rally.
On Friday camper vans started to converge in the car park and the grounds of the hall for their now annual weekend visit to Lanesboro. This is a wonderful sight in the car park with a huge number of campervans gathering and enjoying the hospitality of our community.
All in all the streets and businesses of the town was hugely busy and it was great to again have that wonderful holiday feeling in the area. As I mentioned last week the area is getting busier and busier with more and more people coming to visit Lanesboro and Ballyleague.
Access for All boat
Lough Ree Access for all boat is a boat built for you is offering a special 1-hour summer promotion. Subject to the demand the trip will cost €20 and the sailing will take place at 4pm. For information and booking call 089 2625505 or www.loughreeboattrips.com Early booking is advisable
Sunday night Card Game
The Sunday night card game continued on Sunday night last. There was a tie for 1st with Liz & Niall and Kay & Anne sharing the honours on the night. Last game was Johnno & Tom Rooney. Raffle winners were P.J. Glennon, Aidan Carley & Peter Donlon. The game continues every Sunday night where the first cards are dealt at 8.30pm sharp. Light refreshments served.
Cloontuskert Cemetery Mass:
The annual Mass for all the deceased who are laid to rest in Cloontuskert cemetery will be celebrated at 6p.m. on Sunday 14th August and all are welcome to attend. May they rest in God’s eternal peace.
Cloontuskert Grotto Unveiling
The unveiling and blessing of the reconstructed Grotto in Cloontuskert will take place at 7pm on 15th August Our Lady’s Day. All are welcome.
Kilteevan Graveyard Mass
The 29th annual graveyard Mass will be celebrated in Kilteevan Graveyard on Saturday 30 July at 7:30 pm, weather permitting. Otherwise, Mass will be celebrated in the Church. The annual maintenance collection will also be held with a donation box available. Sunday Mass as usual on 31 July at 10:00 am.
Ladies Soccer Team
The ladies section of Ballyboro FC is seeking ladies to go along and join in the formation of a ladies soccer team. If you are aged 16 and upwards you are invited to express your interest to Graham Taaffe 087 2636701
Piano Lessons
Weekly piano lessons are available all year round by a young supportive enthusiastic tutor. For further information you should contact Madison 086 0704461.
Ballyboro FC
Last Call
Anyone who has any suitable memorabilia for the Opening Day booklet is asked to submit same to any club officer as soon as possible.
The Official Opening of the club’s outstanding new facilities at Lanesboro Community will take place on Saturday 20th August.
The first of the Summer Camps commenced on Monday and will continue until Friday next.
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
Smart Recovery
SMART recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery support group where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour.
There is a meeting every Friday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm in Vita House, Roscommon. For information you should phone Conor 086 1702912 or info@smartrecovery.ie
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.
Living Well Programme
Living Well is a free online group programme delivered over six workshops (2.5 hrs x 6). It is delivered by trained leaders, most of whom are also living with a long-term health condition. You will develop self-management skills and confidence to live well with your health conditions. Monday, 5th, Tues 20th of September, 10.30am to 1pm, and Wed 26th Oct 10.30am to 1pm
To Book Your Place please contact Olga Maguire on 086 0142688 or email omaguire@southmayo.com
You can find more details about the programme on www.hse.ie/LivingWell
Tidy Towns Lottery
On Tuesday 19th July the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €9,100 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €9,200 for the draw on Tuesday 26th July. The winning numbers drawn on the 19th July were 2, 14, 17 and 27. The winners of the €50 prize were Jay, Leah and Becky Hanley, Corrigeen, and the three €20 winners were Martina c/o Mags, Claire Flynn c/o XLNTEE and John Rice, Cloontuskert.
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 ongoing creation of the orchard and the shrubs and roses planted on the recently renovated footpaths around the corner on the Longford Road and the flowers on the Ballymahon Road. Your continued support is enabling all the ongoing work and we encourage greater support for funding of these and other upcoming projects.
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.
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
Lanesboro Library
The opening hours of Lanesboro 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 meet every Monday 2pm-4pm
Poetry & Music Circle
Poetry & Music circle will revert to meeting on 2nd & 4th Monday of each month 4.15pm – 5.30pm.
Photocopying, printing and scanning services are available at the library. Enquiries: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Kilgefin Parish
Parish Priest: Fr Dan (089 2706060)
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
Cloontuskert Cemetery Mass:
The annual Mass for all the deceased who are laid to rest in Cloontuskert cemetery will be celebrated at 6p.m. on Sunday 14th August and all are welcome to attend. May they rest in God’s eternal peace.
Cloontuskert Grotto Unveiling
The unveiling and blessing of the reconstructed Grotto in Cloontuskert will take place at 7pm on 15th August Our Lady’s Day. All are welcome.
Kilteevan Graveyard Mass
The 29th annual graveyard Mass will be celebrated in Kilteevan Graveyard on Saturday 30 July at 7:30 pm, weather permitting otherwise, Mass will be celebrated in the Church. The annual maintenance collection will also be held with a donation box available. Sunday Mass as usual on 31 July at 10:00 am.
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes: Bishop Kevin will lead the diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes from 24th – 29th August. To book, please contact Joe Walsh Tours on 01-241 0800 or download the booking form at www.joewalshtours.ie
Medjugorje: Official Diocesan Pilgrimage in August led by Bishop Kevin Doran – OPEN TO ALL AGES Dates: 10th – 17th August 2022, ALL AGES WELCOME. Children and Teenagers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by parent/guardian). Cost €650 PPS. Single Option €790. For more Information and registration details please see www.elphindiocese.ie/medjugorje2022/ or contact: Frank McGuiness, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry, St. Mary’s, Temple Street, Sligo, Tel: 087 9880690 Email: frank.mcguinness@elphindiocese.ie
The Hub at Knock Shrine is open during July & August: Parents – Need some time for yourselves? Welcome to the HUB at Knock Shrine, open through July and August, the HUB offers a range of fun activities for children and young people visiting Knock Shrine. From the ARK kids Club for children aged 5 years and over to our drop-in centre with arts & crafts, prayer, music and much more. Don’t miss our Family Day on 21st August, a day for families and children with a range of fun activities, all in the beautiful grounds of Knock Shrine. Learn more about summer fun at the HUB at www.knockshrine.ie or phone us on 094 93 75321.
Are you Living in Ireland Undocumented? Do you know someone who may be an undocumented migrant? Undocumented people can apply for a legal status now. Applications for the new government undocumented scheme are open until 31 July. Don’t miss this life changing opportunity. To check your eligibility and get support to apply visit the Migrants Rights Centre Ireland website www.mrci.ie or email info@mrci.ie or contact 083-07553
Newsletter
Any articles for the newsletter must be in by Wednesday nights at the latest. Details to be emailed to Kilgefinparish21@gmail.com contact number 0862626639
St. Mary’s Church
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.
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. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
Shannon Gaels
Our two teams out over the week had mixed fortunes with the U15 team beating Northern Gael in a goal fest while the U17 team were beaten by Southern Gaels.
This week sees the U13 team play Longford lashers in Michael Fay Park on Tuesday and the U15 play St. Pat’s Óg in Ardagh on Thursday at 7.30pm.
Club Longford Draw
The Club Longford Draw takes place on Saturday next. Tickets are available from Joe O’Brien up until 10am Saturday morning.
The prizes are 1st Prize: Volkswagen Golf 2.0l R-Line or €40,000, 2nd: €1,500 Center Parcs Voucher (Sponsored by M&N Nolan Motors), 3rd: 2 VIP Tickets to Garth Brooks in Croke Park + Accommodation, 4th: €1,000 (Sponsored by Nally’s Forecourt Ltd. Ballymahon), 5th: €500 (Sponsored by Lir Analytical), 6th: Overnight Stay for 2 with Dinner at Viewmount House, 7th: €250, 8th: €250, 9th: €250 and 10th: €250.
Tickets are priced at €50 each or 3 for €125
Good luck
We would like to wish the senior team the very best of luck on Sunday next 31st July when they begin their senior championship campaign against Killoe Young Emmet’s in Allen Park. The throw in has a schedule time of 5.15pm