Lanesboro Ballyleague
Feeder School
The Irish Times last week published their annual list of the 2nd level schools countrywide and the percentage of their students that went on to 3rd level colleges. Lanesboro Community College were placed in second place in the county of Longford with 86% in the total progression to 3rd level as a percentage of the 2016 class. Lanesboro Community College was only bettered by St. Mel’s College Longford by a mere 2%. The 2010-2016 progression table of schools also showed Lanesboro Community College being listed among the top schools and one of the most progressive over the past six years.
This is a reflection of the ongoing and tremendous work being done by the staff at Lanesboro Community College in the development of all their students and creating a great working environment and relationship between teacher and student.
Next year, 2017, there will be no Leaving Cert class as the College commenced a Transition Year class and that proved to be a wonderful success.
Well done to the staff and students on achieving great results and creating the environment for future further success at Lanesboro Community College.
Sub Aqua Club Featured
Each week on the Winning Streak programme there is a featured piece on different clubs and associations that have benefitted from Lottery funding. On Saturday night last our own Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club featured and their spokesperson Michéal Farrell gave a tremendous in-depth description of all the work they do on a voluntary basis. The cameras caught members diving and displaying the up to date technology that is required for Search and Rescue missions. The lottery grant is wonderful and it helps greatly at a time but it is your continued support that helps sustain the club.
Lanesboro primary School Carol Service
The students of Lanesboro Primary School will host their Annual Christmas Carol Service in St. Mary’s Church on this Wednesday 14th December commencing at 6.30pm. The staff and pupils invite everyone to come along to this very special occasion for all the young students of the school.
Meals on Wheels
Saturday night next 17th and Sunday morning 18th December at all Masses in Lanesboro the Annual Church Gate Collection for the meals on Wheels Service will take place. The meals on Wheels Service is particularly good to Lanesboro and Rathcline and we urge anyone going to mass that weekend to contribute generously to ensure that this service continues in the parish. Our parish benefits greatly from the many services of Longford Social Services
Longford Social Services bring people to and from hospitals, clinics and St. Joseph’s Care Centre Longford which are invaluable services to those within our community that needs them.
If you are not available to contribute at that weekend you can leave your donation into O’Brien’s Shop.
Traditionally the collection takes place the last weekend before Christmas and your generosity has been wonderful and we urge your usual generous contributions.
Christmas Party
The Resident’s, Management and Staff of Costello’s Nursing Home invite you to attend their Resident’s Christmas Party in the Nursing Home on Sunday 18th December from 3.00pm – 6.00pm. There will be music and refreshments served. They invite all relatives and friends of their residents to attend. They look forward to seeing you all then!
St. John’s Christmas Services
On Saturday 24th December, Christmas Eve, Christmas Service and Holy Communion Service will take place in St John’s Church Lanesborough at 8p.m.
Christmas Taste of the Lakelands
The Christmas Taste of the Lakelands on Thursday last was a huge success. The extravaganza was held in the grounds of the Convent B&B courtesy of Chris and Claire Webb and it was a fitting location for this marvellous evening. Great credit must go to Chris, Claire, Stephen Dowd, Helen Feeney, Josephine Kenny and anyone else that helped to make the evening such a success. It was another great occasion for the town and let us hope that 2017 will be another great year for the town.
Thank You
The Lough Ree Monster committee would like to sincerely thank Chris Webb, Claire Webb, Stephen Dowd, Helen Feeney, Josephine Kenny for allowing the Lough Ree Monster Festival committee to sell tickets for the many prizes that were donated and put forward by the committee itself. The winners of the draw were Mark Kenny who won the SuperValu sponsored Hamper, Kathleen Dennigan won the PS Red sponsored Voucher, Brid Mc Dermott won the Christmas Cake sponsored by Stephen Dowd, Eimear Farrell won bottle of wine sponsored by James and Josephine Kenny, Olive Rowan won bottle of Wine sponsored by James and Josephine Kenny, other winners of the Monster Festival sponsored prizes were Barbara Ferguson, Brenda Reynolds, Mark Kenny, Emer Flynn, Marie Farrell, Cloontuskert, Frank and Pauline Casey and Alan Farrell.
The Lough Ree Monster committee would like to say a very big thank you to everyone that bought tickets and for your generous comments about the festival. A special word of thanks to Mike Greene, Madaleine Murray and Teresa Ormsby for selling on the night.
Death
The first day of Christmas 8th December proved to be a tragic and very sad day for our entire community when it was learned of the death of David Donoghue, Moher. David was master at his chosen trade as a mechanic. From his very early days he was interested in cars and the mechanics involved in making engines run smooth. As time went by it was only natural that his love of cars would bring him to car rallying where his skills and craft was always to the fore. A teetotaller David enjoyed life, was excellent company and trusted friend for his huge number of friends. He was always full of life and craic and brought much happiness to those that became an acquaintance or friend. He was generous to a fault, always willing to lend a hand and did so without even a thought. David was a young man with a great and abiding faith, he was regular pilgrim on Croagh Patrick. He was one of a kind and his passing will leave a great emptiness in everyone that had the pleasure to know or even come in contact with him – an encounter that they will always remember. David was cherished by everyone that knew him. The attendance at the reposing of his remains at Smyth’s Funeral Home Roscommon, on Saturday the removal of his remains to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro for his Funeral Mass and burial in Cloontuskert Cemetery on Sunday was ample testimony to the esteem in which David was held.
To his mother Mary, father George, brothers Frank and Raymond, sisters Jennifer and Georgina, grandmother Una, his friend Sinead, relatives and host of friends we extend out most sincere sympathy
Christmas Day Run
Each year the Annual Christmas Day Run from Newtowncashel takes place and it is always a wonderful success thanks to you that have done it year in year out since its inception. The run is the main fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis This year the committee is hoping for another successful run and are once again calling on your fantastic support. It is now time to get out and get some training done in preparation for the day.
It is very important that all entrants maximise their sponsorship so that the committee can make a major contribution to Multiple Sclerosis for the coming year on your behalf.
Sponsorship cards are available from O’Brien’s, Casserley’s and from the Flood family, Lehery.
Christmas Draw
The Annual Rathcline Christmas draw will take place in Clarke’s Bar on Sunday 1st January 2017. Tickets will be on sale from this week priced €20 each. There will be 8 prizes commencing with 1stprize €3000, 2nd €1,000, 3rd 500, 4th €250, 5th €200, 6th €200, 7th €200 and 8th €200. Tickets are now on sale and your usual most generous support will be greatly appreciated.
Christmas Show on Thursday
Rehearsals are now over and all the hard work by the Lanesboro Community Colleges Transition Year students is ready for your attendance at their Variety Show on this Thursday 15th December in Lanesboro Parish Hall. There is much to see and entertain you at what promises to be a fabulous night. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show will commence at 8pm. Admission is adults €10 and Children €5.
winner on his great fortune and we wish him continued luck.
Blood shortage over Christmas Period
As you know there is always a shortage of blood during the Christmas time due to the length of the holiday and there being no Blood Donation Clinics. Christmas time is a wonderful time of the year for family and friends but it is also a time of great need for blood donors. Your support is needed more than ever on Sunday 18th, Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th December in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Please go along and be you be a first time, returning or experienced blood donor and help with the demand and be secure in the knowledge that your blood donation is helping in the recovery of a person’s life. Your donation really counts and there is no better Christmas present for a person in need.
The hours of the clinic are: Sunday 18th 12 noon to 3.30pm, Monday 19th 5 pm to 8.30pm and Tuesday 20th 5pm to 8.30pm
Annual 25 Drive Deferred
The Annual Anthony Healy memorial 25 card drive scheduled to take place on Sunday 18th December in Clarke’s bar has been deferred until the New Year as a mark of respect to the Donoghue and Healy families on the death last week of David Donoghue.
50/50
On Monday night 5th December, the 50/50 draw took place in the Peer Inn and the lucky winner of last week’s pool of €391 was Jack Rooney, Rathcline.
The club thanks you for your continued support. Blue weekly tickets are on sale in all local businesses and yearly pink tickets are also available costing €100.
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club
Harvest Festival
The Harvest Festival Dinner will take place on 22nd December. Sit down dinner in the evening with a party afterwards in Gav’s bar Kenagh. Tickets are available at €20. Booking essential to secure a spot on the table. Tickets can be purchased from a member or ring 087 9765911
It’s promised to be a great night for anyone who like a bit of dancing and having a great time!
The Christmas Party will take place Mullingar Park Hotel on Saturday next 17th December.
The club will be back training in the pool in Longford on 5th January
Christmas Swim: The Annual Christmas Swim will take place after the 11:30 Mass in Lanesboro
Anyone taking part are asked to meet at the clubhouse in the car park.
Rathcline Meet
The club will hold a very important club meeting in the clubhouse in Clonbonny on Saturday evening next 17th December at 6pm. It is essential that everybody attends this very important meeting
Hardy people need apply
The annual Christmas Day Swim will once again be hosted by the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club on Christmas morning. If you would like to take part, you should just register your interest with any member of the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club or turn up on the day. The club would like that you take a sponsorship card as all the monies collected is shared with selected local charities. The River Shannon and the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club awaits all you hardy swimmers that would like to take a dip on Christmas morning. The Swim will take place after 11.30am Mass in Lanesboro and if you don’t swim it will be great to see you lining the bridge supporting the swimmers.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to May Carroll, Ballagh, Imelda Carberry, Cloontuskert and Patricia Carroll USA on the death of their sister Joan Carroll McHugh
Rhode Island, USA and formerly Kilnalossette, Curraghroe. A Remembrance Mass will be celebrated in Ballagh Church at a later date.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
Having being blessed with the weather for the last 13 weeks we brought the process to an end last Sunday with our final run. Katie Murray was our star of the day equalling her personal best. With no run, next Sunday, we hope everybody has a well-deserved rest before the Christmas Day Run which we hope will be well supported. We appreciate the generosity of The MS Christmas Day Run Committee for allowing us to use the hall at the same time as they have their walkers and runners finishing what has become a both a very successful and enjoyable event for the last number of years. Hope you all have a chance to rest next Sunday and be well prepared for the Christmas Day run.
Last man standing for the Ladies
Rathcline ladies are back with a new competition “Rathcline Ladies ’s Last Man Standing”, kicking off on the 2nd January. To join simply follow the link below, sign in and get your picks in. You can then pay and share with your mates.
https://www.runlastman.com/competitions/4339-rathcline-ladies-rathcline-ladies-s-last-man-standing
Thank You
Annette Coffey would like to thank everyone that sponsored prizes for the Christmas party held in the Parish Hall on Friday last. It was great to see so many of our local citizens out and enjoying themselves and joining in the entertainment.
First Goal Winner
The Rathcline Ladies first goal competition is held every week on a selected match and the winner of the €50 for last week were Cormac, Rachael and Abbie mc Gann, Kenagh.
If you would like to partake contact Michael Greene. Entry is only €2.
Howie the Rookie
December the 10th sees Ballymahon local, Jude McLynn, take on the mammoth task of performing the thrilling play ‘Howie the Rookie’. Written in 1999 by one of Ireland’s greatest modern playwrights – Mark O’Rowe (Intermission, Terminus) – the play was originally intended to be performed by two actors but was adapted in recent years by O’Rowe purposely so that Tom Vaughan-Lawlor could perform same, which sees one man tasked with telling the story of both Howie and The Rookie. This is a show not to be missed and will surely be the most challenging role McLynn has taken on to date, following a lead role in ‘The 39 Steps’ (2012) & the part of the matchmaker with Athlone Little Theatre’s production of ‘The Chastitute’ (2013). Tickets are now available through email noegopromo@gmail.com or by texting 0872415178 & will be running from Thursday 15th, to Sunday 18th December. Tickets cost €12. The show is being produced in conjunction with ‘The Bog Lane Theatre’ Ballymahon & 50% of the total funds raised are being kindly donated to St Joseph’s Nursing Home in Longford Town. Please be advised that this play contains strong language throughout and is not suitable for persons under the age of 18.
Monster Christmas Draw
The Lough Ree Pike Angling Club is holding a Monster Christmas draw for fishing and non-fishing club members.
The draw will take place in the Yacht Bar on Sunday next 18th December at 4pm. There will be pries of hampers and spot prizes and the club looks forward to seeing all members and friends at the draw.
The club would like to thank all their members for their support over the past year. The club would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Tourism Co-Op Draw
For the draw on Tuesday 20th December the subsidiary prizes will increase for this draw only and they will be as follows 1st €100, 2nd €50, 3rd €50, 4th €50. The committee thanks everyone for their continued support.
Teathbha on Sale
The annual County Longford Historical Society publication Teathbha Journal 2016 was launched recently. As usual this is another great publication by the Historical Society with some wonderful contributions. One photograph in particular caught the eye. There was a photograph of the 1953 Longford team that won the All-Ireland Junior Final and included in the photograph was local man James Harold, Main Street. The publication cost only €12 and it is money well spent
Longford Sports Partnership
Facebook: www.facebook.com/longfordsportspartnership: Website: www.longfordsports.ie Tel: 043-3349402
Youth Christmas Retreat
Youth 2000 is holding a Christmas Retreat in Newbridge College from Friday next 16th to Sunday 18th December. Youth 2000 invites all young adults between the ages of 16 and 35 to a catholic retreat at the college. Parental consent is essential for all those under 18. All meals are provided for and accommodation is on site. Do not let money be an obstacle just bring a sleeping bag and a donation. There are free buses picking up at various locations throughout the country. Booking is essential. For more information see www.youth2000.ie Youth 2000 Ireland Facebook page or phone 01-6753690.
New Walking/Hiking Club
Are you interested in joining a Walking/Hiking Club in the Longford Town Area? We hope to set up a walking/hiking club early in the New Year If you would be interested please contact Sheila (Coolkeen Adventures Hazelwood Shopping Centre (Outdoor Clothing and Accessories Store) Contact No 086 8637000 or call into the Store, we are in the Supervalu Shopping Centre in Longford. All ages welcome to join and it’s a great way to meet new people make new friends and to enjoy the Outdoors.
Singing for Simon
Saturday night next 17th December St. Mary’s choir will hold a Carol Service to raise funds for Midlands Simon Community. The Carol service will take place opposite the church.
Step into the New Year with Operation Transformation
Longford Sports Partnership in conjunction with RTE’s Operation Transformation and Sports Partnerships nationwide hold an annual walking event in January of each year.
Join the Operation Transformation Walk 2017 at 9.30 a.m. on Saturday, 7th January in the Mall. This year we will be joining in with Parkrun which takes place every Saturday morning at 9.30 a.m. in the Mall. Walkers / Joggers / runners / buggies, all welcome. Advance registration online with www.parkrun.ie essential. You must print off your barcode and bring it with you. No barcode, no time! Following this initial walk on 7th January, Longford Sports Partnership are holding a series of events in January / February 2017. All welcome to join in and start off the new year in good spirits 🙂 Anyone who would be interested in promoting the following events in your area, please contact Longford Sports Partnership & we can provide you with individual posters.
Below is a list of the Operation Transformation events for 2017:
Nationwide Walk / Run in conjunction with Parkrun – 7th Jan 2017 – The Mall, Longford Town.
Green Gyms / Walking Group – 11th Jan – 1st Mar – Leebeen Park, Aughnacliffe
Green Gyms / Walking Group – 11th Jan – 1st Mar – The Green, Edgeworthstown
Workplace running programme – 11th Jan – 15th Feb – The Mall, Longford
Walking Group in conjunction with Bridgeways Family Resource Centre – 11th Jan – 1st Mar – Ballymahon
Walking Group in conjunction with Lús na Greine Family Resource Centre – 11th Jan – 1st Mar – Granard
Walking Group – 14th Jan – 4th Mar – Ballinamuck
Operation Transformation Nationwide walk / run in conjunction with Parkrun – 18th Feb – The Mall, Longford Town
For more information on the above events, please visit Longford Sports Partnership’s website. Advance registration essential on www.eventbrite.ie. If you do not have access to online registration, please contact Longford Sports Partnership.
Register in advance for a Free T-Shirt on completion of the programme – while stocks last!
Also, please find attached Longford Sports Partnership’s calendar of events for 2017.
Rathcline GAA
The club will hold a very important club meeting in the clubhouse in Clonbonny on Saturday evening next 17th December at 6pm. It is essential that everybody attends this very important meeting
The club will hold a very important club meeting in the clubhouse in Clonbonny on Saturday evening next 17th December at 6pm. It is essential that everybody attends this very important meeting
The Western Gaels draw will take place in Adie’s on Saturday night next 17th December. All ticket sellers are asked to return their tickets on or before Saturday.
The Annual Rathcline Christmas draw will take place in Clarke’s Bar on Sunday 1st January 2017. Tickets will be on sale from this week priced €20 each. There will be 8 prizes commencing with 1stprize €3000, 2nd €1,000, 3rd 500, 4th €250, 5th €200, 6th €200, 7th €200 and 8th €200. Tickets are now and your usual most generous support will be greatly appreciated.