Lanesboro Ballyleague
The Green – A living History
In No 41 we had the mc Garry family followed by the Barden family and then Tim and Mrs O’Connor and their family, Terence, Kevin, Anne, Patricia, Mary and Madeleine. In No 42 We had the Kelly family Jimmy and Ita and their family – names to be filled in next week. Jimmy and Bernie Flanagan then followed and their sons Shane and Alan and it was then bought by Joseph and Mary Mc Donogh parents of Freda Connaughton. The house is now owned by Freda and Josie Connaughton. In No 43 there was a family Harry Fettke and his wife Eileen from Ortrun in old East Germany. They had a son Helmut. The next residents were Gerry and Tess Kirwan and their family of Geraldine, P.J. Val, Kathleen, Paul and Gerard. In No 44 there was Tom and Mrs Masterson and their children Mattie and Mary, the Masterson’s were followed by Mickie and Ann Fenelon and their children Raymond, Sandra and Gary and they were then followed by current residents Vincent and Ellen Reddin and their sons Niall and Darragh. In No 45 there was a Michael Kirwan and his family from Co Limerick, followed by the Caldwell family from Co. Dublin who moved to Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath and then James and Margaret Monaghan and their son Sean who is the current resident in 45.
Death
A number of years ago Ken O’Brien used to come fishing and shooting to Lanesboro as a young fella. Ken became part of our community back then and later on along with his wife Kay they moved from their native Dublin to live amongst us. Anyone that knew Ken would be shocked at his sudden and deeply saddened at the news of his sudden death on Thursday last 24th March at his home in Carrarow. Ken was the quintessential Dubliner – not short on wit, cheeky comment and the heart of gold and always willing to share his time and vegetables. Ken has a great love of his native Dublin football team. He had a great love of gardening and spent a great deal of his time in his poly tunnels at the back of his house. Ken was always willing to help and share if anyone needed assistance. He was a wonderful neighbour. He was a great friend as I can attest and I, along with everyone who knew him will grieve at his sudden departure.
His remains reposed at his residence on Monday in Carrarow. His Funeral Mass took place at St. Mary’s Church on Tuesday followed by cremation in Glasnevin Crematorium. To his wife Kay, daughter Niamh, sons Alan, Kenneth and Mark, sisters, brothers, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Tragic Time over Easter
Easter Saturday morning we awoke to learn of a lady missing in the town. The entire community responded in a manner in which we all knew they would and as the offers of help during Saturday flooded in. The Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club along with the Garda underwater search team and Search and Rescue units from Athlone, Longford, Roscommon and Mullingar dived during the day on Saturday until fading light brought the dive to a finish for the day. A greater number of divers had made themselves available for the Sunday dive. Thanks must go to every Search and Rescue unit for their prompt response to the call for assistance.
A call went out on Saturday night for volunteers to go to the car park on Sunday to do a shoreline and land search. The result of that call was truly phenomenal as a huge number turned out in the car park. Their services were not required as moments before the commencement time a body was recovered from the river. The family expressed their gratitude to everyone in the car park, divers and volunteers alike, for their generosity of time in their greatest time of need.
I would like to echo my thanks too as when I sent out the message for Sunday morning land and shoreline search via Facebook the response was magnificent and I had no doubt the people of our community would be in attendance in huge numbers and they were there. You are a great people and community and your efforts will never be forgotten.
On behalf of everyone I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the grieving family.
Lough Ree Monster Festival
The group is looking for any videos or photographs of the original Monster Festival and if you have some please bring them to O’Brien’s where they will be scanned and returned immediately.
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday week 30th March and if you can attend please do come along and be part of the growing momentum towards the Lough Ree Monster Festival in 2017. The meeting will take place in Clarke’s Bar at 9pm.
The first official event and public announcement of the Lough Ree Monster 2017 festival was in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The group would like to sincerely thank Chris Cullen for the use of his pick-up truck, Francis Clyne for driving the truck in the Parade, Mike Greene, Hughie Smyth for putting the float together.
The group encourages anyone that can to sign up for the upcoming Defibrillator course – bookings can be made with Martina O’Brien at the shop 3321107.
Census 2016
Just a few lines to remind you that the census 2017 will take place on Sunday 24th April. Over the coming weeks 3 local people in Lanesboro/Rathcline and 1 in Ballyleague – I am not sure about the rest of the Kilgefin parish will be calling to your door. They will be wearing a Census high visibility jacket and the will be carrying identification.
50/50
Brendan Farrell was the lucky name drawn from the many envelopes in the Rathcline 50/50 draw in Adie’s on Monday night last. The blue envelope only costs €2 and your support will be greatly appreciated and perhaps it will be your turn on Monday night next.
Blood Donor Clinic
There is always a constant daily need for blood and by extension it means there is always a need for your support in donating blood. On Tuesday 29th, Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st March the Blood Donor Service will be in the Longford Arms Hotel Ballroom from 4.30pm to 8.30pm each day. Please go along and make your blood contribution and help save the lives of those in need of blood.
Defibrillator Training
We all know the value of being trained in the use of the defibrillator. It should be and must be as much part of our lives as our body part. To know how to use the defibrillator can mean life or death for a person and in the unfortunate event of an accident of heart failure in your vicinity the ability to competently use the defibrillator would be crucial.
The defibrillator group under Kevin Madden will soon be holding a new training course and a re-cert course. We urge as many people from as many groups as possible to sign up for the course as we never know the time or the hour that your lifesaving skills with the defibrillator will be required. What with all the different events and festivals coming along the more people trained and recertified in the use of the defibrillator the better. To make booking for the new course or recertification please contact Martina O’Brien in the shop or phone 3321107
Social Services Whist Drive
With the coming of the longer day brings us closer to the summer break. To ensure that the funding remains available to Lanesboro Social Services during the summer months I encourage all card players to go along to the final few Whist Drives of the season commencing on this Friday night 1st April in St. Mary’s Parish Hall. All card players should go along and bring a friend and make it a great night of card playing fun amongst friends. As usual refreshments will be served and you will be helping a very worthwhile cause in the parish of Rathcline.
Hand in Hand says Thank You
The event for the Hand in Hand charity that took place on Good Friday in St. Mary’s parish hall was a resounding success and the organiser Sinead Connaughton would like to thank everyone that contributed in any way towards the success of the day.
Sponsored Canoe
Junior Hannon is about to fulfil a burning ambition when he will undertake the mammoth canoe from Lanesboro to Limerick. He will take on this feat commencing on Friday 27th May. Junior is doing this canoe to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society and he would like that everyone would sponsor and help this excellent cause and who are doing great work in their attempts to help fight cancer. Sponsorship cards are in O’Brien’s and many outlets throughout the area. Let’s give Junior some great support for this huge undertaking for the Irish Cancer Society.
Terry Mc Cormack Memorial Cycle
We have a community full of cyclists and I am urging each and every one of you to partake in the upcoming Terry Mc Cormack Memorial cycle that will take place on Saturday week 9th April. Registration will take place at Longford Rugby club from 9am. There is a cycle option of a 30k or 60k.
The entry fee is €25 and all funds will be donated to Fighting Blindness, to help fund vital vision research into treatments and cures for blindness.
For more information, contact Sean 086-2266498.
Fr all of us that has played football down through the years right up to the present day we could not but come across the name Mc Cormack and never a fairer family ever played in Longford GAA. The passing of Terry was a big blow to his family and indeed to all of us that knew him on or off the field. Terry had taken up cycling in later years and he would be seen in the shop chatting or pulling in to have a chat with some local as he passed through the town, indeed he could stop several times depending on who was on the street.
Get into Golf
Roscommon Golf Club is participating in this national programme to introduce Ladies into the game of golf.
All ladies interested in hearing what is on offer are invited to Roscommon Golf clubhouse on this Wednesday 30th March for all details.
At the end of the programme there is no obligation to join the club but participation ensures a very attractive introductory offer.
If required, golf clubs will be provided. All enquiries to 086-2608044 or 087-9078853
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The Ardagh and Clonmacnois Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from Friday 27th May to Wednesday 1st June. The Pilgrimage will be under the leadership of Most Rev. Francis Duffy, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois. The Pilgrimage director is Monsignor Bernard Noonan and the special section for the Sick is dealt with by Rev. Michael Scanlon. Flights are from Knock airport under the direction of Joe Walsh Tours, 143 Lr. Baggot St., Dublin 2 and you can also contact them by phoning 01-2410812 or 01-2410811.
Blood Donor Clinics
Did you know that 1 in 4 people need blood but only 1 in 33 give blood? This week there will be a Blood Donor Clinic in the Longford Arms on Wednesday 30th and Thursday 31st March from 5pm to 8.30pm.
On the following week in the Abbey Hotel Roscommon Tuesday 5th, Wednesday 6th ad Thursday 7th April there will be another Blood Donor Clinic between the hours of 5pm and 8.30pm. Your contribution will be invaluable and there is no reason not to give blood locally over the next couple of weeks.
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club
The club travelled to Killary Harbour in Galway last Thursday for the trainees first sea dive and to kick off the new season. Two good dives were recorded. A local tragedy brought all members back to base for duty on Saturday morning. Many thanks to the Athlone, Longford, Roscommon and Mullingar Search and Rescue Units who attended on Sunday morning. Sincere thanks also to the local GAA, triathlon and scout clubs and the Vertical Kayak Club, who along with the local community assisted in every way possible. A special thanks to Mags and Mrs Gillen and SuperValu who organised refreshments. It was community spirit displayed at its best under tragic circumstances. We extend our most sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.
Conradh na Gaeilge – Gur a maith agut
Míle buiochas to all those who supported our Bailiúchán Náisiúnta ar Lá Fhéile Phádraig. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Go méadaí Dia bhur stór.
Church Gate Collection
Longford MS will be holding their church gate collection at all Masses in Lanesboro on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd. Your contributions would be much appreciated.
Maria Edgeworth Literary Festival
The launch of the Maria Edgeworth Literary Festival 2016 will be held on Wednesday 6th April at 7.30 p.m. in the Green, Edgeworthstown. All are welcome.
Matt Farrell will give a talk “The Edgeworth’s in Context” on Wednesday the 6th. April at 7.30 p.m. in The Green, Edgeworthstown. All are welcome, admission free.
Lanesboro Library events this week
Art class 6 with Nicolette continues in Lanesboro Library on Wednesday 30th March at 8pm. The Cost of the course is €10.00 per night.
The Easter Rising 1916 Centenary Calendar is on sale in Lanesboro Library with wonderful drawings by Laura Doherty. Price €5.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder
The library staff is still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
Used stamps also being collected at the library for ISPCC.
Rathcline Ladies
The club activities have commenced for the coming season with the U16 team losing to a very strong Clonguish side on Thursday and the U12 team playing on Monday. Competitions will continue in these grades on Thursdays (U16) and Monday’s (U14).
Well done to the county U14 team who won at the weekend.
The clothes collection continues and the club would like to thank everyone that puts their old clothes into the clothes bank in the car park
Lough Ree Angling Hub
Table Quiz thanks: The Lough Ree Lanesborough angling hub will hold its next table quiz on Friday night next April 1st in the Swan Tavern, Lanesborough ay 9.30pm. Teams of four people for 40 Euro. Your support would be appreciated. Lots of prizes and good craic on the night. Our quiz master Eamon will surely have some more music rounds too!
This quiz is the 3rd in a series of FOUR taking place in the run up to the summer and the staging of 5 major fishing events here on Lough Ree in Lanesborough/Ballyleague in 2016.
Friday April 1st at 9.30pm:The Swan Tavern, Lanesborough Friday May 6th at 9.30pm,: Clarkes Bar, Lanesborough
All funds raised will help us to promote and market the area at home and abroad in advance of these major events which are taking place in the area this year: June Bank Holiday weekend: June 3-6th: International Coarse Fishing Competition. July 2/3: Qualifying event No 1 for places on the Irish team to take part in World Predator Boat championships here in October. August 6/7: Qualifying event No 2 for places on the Irish team to take part in World Predator Boat championships here in October. September: All Ireland Boat Championship here on Lough Ree on a date to be confirmed. October 5-10: World Predator Boat Fishing Championships with 200 competitors from 15 countries coming here for 6 days and 5 nights. It is now expected that local angling clubs will also hold additional Pike competition events between June and September October 7/8: Lakelands International Food & Craft Festival at the Marquee in Lanesborough car park
2016 is a major year for the regeneration of angling tourism locally with new accommodation and boat hire now required. If you would like to take part please contact Hugh Keane at 087 1010032 or e mail : loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com follow us on www.loughree.ie and on Facebook
Rathcline GAA
On Saturday evening last in Clonbonny our Reserve League 2 team hosted St. Columba’s Mullinalaghta in the second round of their league. St. Columba’s would be favourites for this competition and it was only bad luck that seen the Rathcline team emerge with only a draw. The draw will be a huge boost to the team and we look forward to travelling to Killashee on Saturday next for the 3rd round of Reserve League 2. The match has a throw in time of 7pm.
The senior team will play their next round of the Leader Cup on Friday week when they travel to Allen Park for round 2 against Clonguish with a throw in time of 8.30pm
The Under 14 Division 1 team will play St. Patrick’s Óg in Dunbeggan on Friday next at 7pm. The U14 Division 3 team will play on Saturday when they take on St. Vincent’s at 3pm.
The U14 Division 1 team will travel to the Laurels, Mullinalaghta on Tuesday 5th at 7pm.The Special Minor team will travel to Allen Park on Friday evening where they take on Clonguish Óg at 7pm.
There will be a blitz for all children under 8, U10 and U12 in Clonbonny on Saturday next 2nd April from 11am to 12.30pm.
For those who have not registered there is a further opportunity to do so this Wednesday night in the clubhouse from 7.30pm to 8pm.
All cyclists in club are reminded that the Terry Mc Cormack Memorial cycle 30k or 60k option will take place on Saturday week 9th April. Registration is from 9am. You are asked to support; all funds go towards Fighting Blindness.
The 50/50 winner last week was Brendan Farrell who received €435. Everyone within the parish is urged to contribute €2 weekly towards the club and the 50/50 draw. Tickets are on sale in local bars and shops or from club executive members.
The club held their annual 25 drive in St. Mary’s parish hall. The winners were 1st Noel and Peggy Moran, joint second Josie and Freda Connaughton and Joe and Tom Mulvihill. The spot prizes for non-card players were won by Pat Rafferty, Becky Hanley, John L Farrell, Pat and Linda Kilcoyne, Tina Dowd and Richard Shea. The club would like to thank the following for their sponsorship of spot prizes: SuperValu, Casserley’s Spar, Adie’s, The Yacht Bar, Clarke’s bar, Daybreak, Ballyleague, Sean Mimnagh, Sean Mimnagh, Terry’s Butchers, Seadna Ryan, Kevin Hanley, David Dowd, Michael Hanley, Margaret Gillen, Tom Feeney and O’Brien’s Corner Shop
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Junior League: St. Faithleach’s face Shannon Gales in Croghan at 11am on Sunday 3rd.
Junior Ladies 9-a-side League: The Junior Ladies kick off their 9-a-side league on Sunday 3rd April against Clann na nGael at 12pm.
U16 Girls Championship D1: St Faithleach’s play St. Barry’s at 11am in Ballyleague at 11am. (Please note all games in group are changed from 4pm to 11am.)
U14 Boys League D3: Play Strokestown on Thursday 31st at 6:45pm in Ballyleague.
Drug and Alcohol Awareness Night: Is to be held in the Clubhouse on Thursday 14th April at 7pm, all players aged 14+ are welcome to attend, as well as management, parents and members of the community.
Learn to Jive: Always wanted to learn to jive? Well now is your chance as Colin Butler in conjunction with St. Faithleach’s are running a five week course in Ballyleague Hall starting on Tuesday 5th April. Please see our Facebook page for more details.
Lotto: Last week’s numbers 14,12,15,26. No jackpot winner. €20 winners; Evelyn Clarke, Peter O’Reilly, Bernie Kilcoyne, Chloe Kenny, Francie Grehan. Team in charge for next draw Qona Cox, Mary Hussey and Monica Connaughton. Annual Lotto is now due and teams will be calling over the next week. Jackpot stands at €12,000.
Cards: Take place every Tuesday night at 8:30pm in the Clubhouse. Last week’s winners; Winners: Karl & Norman, second Jimmy and Martin, last game Michael Finan and Michael Rodgers.