Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Launch
The St. Patrick’s Day committee will host the launch of this year’s Parade in Adie’s Bar on this Friday night 2nd March at 8.30pm. The committee invites you and your friends for the beginning of a great run into our St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Lough Ree Monster Meeting
The next meeting of the committee will take place in Lanesboro Parish Hall on this Wednesday night 28th February at 9pm. There are a multiple number of aspects to the organising and running of the festival and we would like you to feel you would like to be part of the group and help create a bigger and more diverse Festival.
Parish Hall AGM
The Lanesboro Parish Hall AGM will take place on Tuesday night next 6th March in the Parish Hall at 8pm
Birth
Many congratulations to Anne Marie and Gareth Johnston, Curreen, Rathcline Road on the recent birth of a baby boy.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
We are all looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day this year. What with it falling on a Saturday we are hoping again that it will once again be a bright sunny day with a parade also being bright and sunny and bringing something special to Lanesboro and Ballyleague and to all the people attending.
We are renowned for having one of the very best of St. Patrick’s Day Parade around and there is an onus on us all to help create another fabulous day in Lanesboro and Ballyleague and to continue to build on anything we have done before. We are expecting that all businesses on the route from St. Faithleach’s to Lanesboro Community College will make a huge effort to create the atmosphere in the days leading up to the parade and again on the day.
This year the winner of the overall winning float will receive the first prize of €500.
As usual there will be the annual draw running in conjunction with the parade and we encourage everyone to support the draw. Tickets are now on sale and you are asked to be generous in your support. Tickets are €2 each or a book of 3 for €5. There will be five prizes with each name drawn receiving €100 each
Application forms are now available from Teresa Donlon, Freda Connaughton or at O’Brien’s Shop.
Social Services Whist
The month passes by so quickly and as Friday next is the 2nd March it means that the Lanesboro Social Services Whist Drive will take place in the Parish Hall at 8.30pm. Your support and the support of your card playing friends means a huge amount to the Lanesboro Social Service committee and the committee re seeking your support again in Friday night. As usual light refreshments will be served. Please come along and bring your friends.
Defibrillator Course
The Defibrillator course is once again being organised for those that have not already done a defibrillator course or for those that need to do their refresher course. We all know the value of being competent in the use of the defibrillator. There is also a need to ensure you do not let your training lapse hence the great need for continued upskilling with your refresher course.
To book in for the next training and refresher leave your name and phone number into Martina O’Brien. Call in, phone 3321107 or 0863858934.
History Conundrum
While reading a historic piece last week on Lanesboro and Sir George Lane a historic conundrum arose. I was always of the opinion that Lanesborough was called after Sir George Lane. In 1666 Sir George Lane was granted lands in the counties Dublin, Meath, Kilkenny, Longford, Waterford and Cork. Sir George was the son of Richard Lane of Tulsk, county Roscommon and was granted the Irish peerage title, Viscount Lanesborough, in 1676. He was Secretary of State for Ireland and received lands in the baronies of Roscommon and Ballintober, county Roscommon and in county Longford in April 1678 and May 1679 respectively.
However, according to the Down Survey 1656 to 1658 from Trinity College the following is quoted: Town of Lanesborough: Down Survey name CLANSIE was owned in 1641 by James Dillon and 1670 owned by Sandyes Ffreake and the Townsland of Aughamore (St. John’s church) – Down Survey name CARROLURGGE was owned in 1641 by Mary Clarke and in 1670 owned by Mary Clarke.
If Lanesborough was named after Sir George Lane and he did not receive land until around 1666 where did Lanesborough get its name and where did the name Lanesborough come from?
Tidy Towns Table Quiz
Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns committee will hold their annual fundraising table quiz in St Faithleach’s GAA clubhouse on Friday March 2nd at 9.30pm.
The committee is preparing at the moment for a whole series of new features starting in the village during Spring and Summer 2018 with planned works at Ballyleague marina and the entrance to the village.
Last year they spent well over 10,000 euro on new stone walls and foot trails so they are appealing for your help and assistance in raising funds.
Teams of 4 can take part for just €40. There will be take home prizes for the teams in first and second place and there will be lots of spot prizes on the night. The committee would like to invite all local community groups and businesses to submit a team for the quiz.
Seachtain na Gaeilge
While it is referred to as Seachtain na Gaeilge the Irish Language Festival really takes place over a longer period of time. It commences on Thursday next 1st March and finishes on the end of the day of the celebration of St. Patrick 17th March. Seachtain na Gaeilge is the largest Irish Language Festival in Ireland and around the world. While we have no local events scheduled during the festival time you can play your part with your use the Irish language no matter how small. Your language, your spirit, your country
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Elizabeth, Mary and Tommy Murray formerly Green Gardens and the extended Murray, Rathcline, Walsh and Fallon families, on the death of Angela Murray, California and formerly Green Gardens, who passed away recently.
This Week in our Library
Knitting & Crochet Group
Knitting & Crochet Group continues every Monday 2-4pm. All Welcome!
Lasraí Writers Group
‘Poetry and Music Hour’ will continue at Lanesboro Library on Monday 12th March from 4.15 to 5.30pm. Come along and share a favourite poem or song!
The group is looking forward to seeing you there and meeting new people interested in poetry and music and song.
ESOL Class
ESOL Class continues every Tuesday at 7pm.
Healthy Ireland at your Library
As part of Healthy Ireland at your library,
Lanesboro Branch Library will host a very informative talk with Nutritionist Laura Thompson on Monday 5th March 6.30-8pm.
This event is free and open to everyone so come along and enjoy!
Books & Babble at the Library
Baby Book Club for parents/carers with children aged 0-2years will recommence on Wednesday 28th February at 10.15am.
The session will include stories, songs and early language and literacy activities.
Come along and join in the fun!!
Book Club
Book Club continues on Friday morning 23rd March at 11am. Come along for a chat and a cuppa!
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder
We are still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference. Thank you.
Library membership is free for everyone and provides you with complimentary access to books and p.c.’s in the library as well as a range of digital services.
Download free eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines and newspapers with your library card and pin.
Learn a new language online with Mango (over 71 languages available) or learn a new skill with Universal Class which offers over 400 free online courses.
Call to the library for your free library card & pin or further information.
Accommodation Database
The lough Ree Angling Hub is drawing up a House/Accommodation to Let – Short/Medium/Long Term and if you have such properties you should contact the Lough Ree Angling Hub at their Ballyleague office.
Set Dancing
Set Dancing continues every Tuesday night in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse from 8pm until 10pm. To ensure that the set dancing continues it means that your support is required. Go along on a Tuesday have a great night dancing, you are not required to bring a partner and it is a most enjoyable and memorable social night. Go along have the fun of the night and look forward to the following Tuesday.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday last 14th February are: N/S 1st Frank and Frances Brennan, 2nd Bernadette Clancy and Mary Mc Gushin and 3rd Philomena Walsh and Mary Farrell. E/W 1st Freda Kenny and Una Lawlor, 2nd Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne, 3rd Elizabeth Clyne and Mary Connor.
50/50
The winning ticket drawn in Adie’s Bar for the Rathcline 50/50 was a pick ticket and in the name of Caroline and Mike, 18 The Green. Carline and Mike are the winners of €275
Tickets are on sale locally at €2 each. Alternatively, you can by the pink ticket for the year for just €100 and have 2 free weeks. The club would like to thank everyone that continues to support the draw on a weekly basis and the many people that buy the one-year ticket.
Not too long ago the pool each week was nearing €500 and we would encourage you to get your weekly blue envelope and help drive the weekly amount back to where it should always be. Your support is much appreciated.
Athlone Samaritan Volunteers
Athlone Samaritans are seeking volunteers to assist with the great work the Samaritan community does all year round. You do not need experience or qualifications as full training will be provided. Athlone Samaritans provides 24-hour emotional support. To find out more phone 085 284 5010 or email athlonevols.com
Tourism Co-Op Draw
Last Tuesday the Lough Ree Tourism Co-Op held their weekly lottery draw for a jackpot of €10,700. The numbers drawn were 4, 27, 28 and 30. There was no winner of the jackpot and the roll-over for the coming week stands at €10,00. The winner of the €50 prize was Kate Murphy c/o Bernadette Clancy, Rathcline Road the three €20 prizes were won by Claire Kenny Church View, Ann Clancy, Barnacor and Mags Gillen. The co-op really appreciates your continued support.
50 Years Ago, Golden Anniversary
A school reunion of all who started Secondary School in Lanesboro Vocational School on Sept 1st, 1968. This Sept will be the 50th anniversary of that happening.
Liam Finnegan would love to hear from all who started that day, or maybe from family as contact details will be needed for all.
It would be great for everyone to meet up again after all this time on Sept 1st at their old Alma Mater
Liam is delighted to have the total support of the School Principal and staff behind this venture so please contact him with your contact details or if family members could forward me contact details of those living away.
You can contact me on any of the following: Tel: 086 2585656, email liamfinn55@gmail.com or on Facebook – Liam Finnegan
Motor Neurone Fundraiser
There will be a major fundraising event in The Pier Rakish Paddy, Lisnacusha on St. Patrick’s Night, Saturday 17th March in support of the ongoing development work into Motor Neurone Disease. Make this a date for your diary and go along to support aa great cause.
Ronan Mc Cormack Memorial 2018
The Ronan McCormack Charity Challenge 2018 was launched recently.
We are now on the cusp of the 6th annual challenge and even at this early stage the interest and anticipation is overwhelming. The 2018 event takes place on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd March. As is usual the challenge kicks off with a choice of a 5k or 10k moonlight run on Friday 2nd March. The following morning it will be the turn of the cycle challengers who will take part in either a 65 or 125km route. The eagerly anticipated darts competition takes place on the evening of Saturday 3rd in Foxes Bar, Athlone Road Roscommon.
This event is organised to remember Ronan, a wonderful young Roscommon man who left this world at the very young age of just 26 years. Ronan was a kind fun loving young man who always was eager to help anyone with his friendly smile and caring attitude. Ever practical, Ronan would be thrilled to know that in his memory to date 131,915 (one hundred and thirty-one thousand, nine hundred and fifteen euro) has so far been raised for charitable organisations.
The charities for 2018 will be Roscommon Special Olympics, Children’s Special Needs Services Galway and Pieta House West. Online registration is up and running.
The twice weekly training for walkers/joggers/runners continues each Tuesday and Thursday. Cycle training continues Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9.30am. All training session start from The Quad Centre Roscommon Town. Training is open to everyone from the complete beginner to the experienced runner or cyclist. This is a wonderful opportunity to get fit and healthy after the winter break. For further information check out Ronan Mc Cormack Charity Challenge on Facebook or 086 1721181
Fashion Show
Keep your diaries free on the 10th of March folks for what promises to be a fabulous night of fun, frolics and fashion!! Mean Scoil Mhuire Convent of Mercy Secondary school Longford are hosting a Fashion Show Fundraiser for the school in the Longford Arms Hotel at 7.30pm. Showcasing the exceptional fashion our local shops have to offer, it is a night not to be missed! Tickets available from school and all participating outlets.
Annual World Day of Prayer 2018 – Theme: All God’s Creation is very Good. An Ecumenical Service of Prayer, focusing on creation and our responsibility to care and look after it, will be held on Friday next in The Methodist Church, Battery Road, Longford (opposite the Garda Station) at 7:30pm followed by light refreshments. Everyone, adults and young folk, are welcome.
3 Counties Cycle
3 Counties Cycle (in aid of Abbeylara Lip Sync Battle). Sunday 12th of March. Routes 30k & 70k through Longford, Westmeath & Cavan. Refreshments provided. Registration at 8.30am in Abbeylara Parish Centre. See Facebook for more info.
Rathcline GAA
John Drake Cup: The first game of the new season will take place in Clonbonny on Saturday next 3rd March at 5pm. This is the reserve league and we look forward to a great turnout of players and supporters to Clonbonny.
AGM
The AGM of the club took place on Saturday 10th February in the clubhouse in Clonbonny.
The chairman Liam Connerton welcome everyone. He said it was a great year for the club and he was hoping that the coming year would be as good and even better. Liam thanked everyone that helped to make the year so successful and he looked forward to everyone again putting their shoulder to the wheel and making 2018 so much better.
In what was one of the most inclusive reports ever, Cathal Chapman, secretary, wrote extensively in a very detailed and comprehensive report. He covered every aspect of the club’s involvement over the year and wrote frankly in all cases. He was clearly aggrieved with the handling of the Michael Hanley injury by Longford CCC and the frustration of the club. He spoke of the quality of the pitch in Clonbonny and the need to maintain that quality. Cathal wrote of the need to take the recommendations of the installers Prunty Pitches on
board to maintain the quality of the pitch. He complimented Marie Farrell for her excellent work as treasurer. Marie and her fundraising teams did excellent work for the club throughout 2017. Cathal said that the teams did very well to achieve their successes over the year despite player absentees and injuries. Cathal also expresses his gratitude to chairman Liam Connerton for all his work over the year.
Cathal complimented both Minor and Ladies club for their outstanding work over the years and he wished the outgoing committees the very best and welcomed the new committees. He thanked everyone that help out and supported the club in anyway this past year and there were many.
He extended his sympathies on behalf of the club to all members and supporters that suffered bereavements over the year and he congratulated all club members and supporters who celebrated joyous occasions during 2017.
Marie Farrell produced a very detailed report of the club’s finances for the year. She showed a great turn around in the club’s finances and with the same focus by all in the coming year the club should be in a good position going forward.
Marie showed the many fund-raising events during the year and she thanked all thee many people that gave greatly of their time in making each event an outstanding success.
Marie confirmed that the club had once again booked with Galway’s Race track committee for the club’s annual Race Day for Monday 30th July. With limited places available the club would advise early booking for this magnificent day. Tickets cost €120 per person and it is real value for money for all you receive on the day.
The executive elected for 2018 is: Chairperson Liam Connerton, Vice Chairperson Gerard Farrell, Secretary Cathal Chapman, Ass Secretary Pat Connerton, Treasurer Marie Farrell, Ass Treasurers Albert Cooney and Alan Fayne, Registrars Denis Crinigan and Peter Skelly, Players Registrar Brendan Rhatigan, PROs Caroline Ginty and Joe O’Brien, Health and Wellbeing Officer Bríd Gordon, Irish Officers duties will be carried out by the Shannon Gaels Minor Club, Coaching Officers Seadna Ryan and Denis Connerton, Development Officers Liam Connerton, Albert Cooney and Cathal Chapman, Field committee lead Mike Greene and Johnny Hanley, Co Board Delegates Louis Skelly, Peter Skelly and Seamus Flynn, 50/50 Co-ordinators Madaleine Murray and Mike Greene, Minor Board Liaison Alan Fayne, Ladies Club Liaison Madaleine Murray, Insurance Officer Cathal Chapman, Finance Committee Alan Fayne, Gerard Farrell, Una Clarke, Stephen Rooney, Pat Connerton, Brendan Rhatigan, Chris Cullen, Brendan O’ Sullivan, Marie Farrell, Albert Cooney and Lorraine Farrell
Welcome: We would like to welcome Neil O’Connor to the club and further bolster our playing numbers.
50/50
The winning ticket drawn in Adie’s Bar for the Rathcline 50/50 was a pick ticket and in the name of Caroline and Mike, 18 The Green. Carline and Mike are the winners of €275
Tickets are on sale locally at €2 each. Alternatively, you can by the pink ticket for the year for just €100 and have 2 free weeks. The club would like to thank everyone that continues to support the draw on a weekly basis and the many people that buy the one-year ticket.
Not too long ago the pool each week was nearing €500 and we would encourage you to get your weekly blue envelope and help drive the weekly amount back to where it should always be.
Your support is much appreciated.
Presentation: The presentation of the 2017 Intermediate championship medals will take place in the Swan Tavern on Saturday next 3rd March. Guest of honour and making the presentations will be Dublin star Jack Mc Caffrey who will be taking Sam Maguire with him.
Good Luck on Sunday On Sunday next Longford will take on Wexford in Pearse Park at 2.30pm. We urge everyone to go along and support them as they continue to strive to victory and promotion.
Ronan Mc Cormack: The 6th Ronan Mc Cormack Charity Challenge takes place in Roscommon on 2nd & 3rd of March. This event involves a choice of 5 or 10km timed Moonlight Challenge run or walk and either a 65 or 125 cycle followed by a fun social night and darts competition. Online registration is now open at Active.com/Ronan Mc Cormack. This challenge is for everyone regardless of age or ability. You are invited to come along and enjoy a great night of fun friendship challenge and craic.
For further information phone Jacqui at 0861721181 or check out the Ronan McCormack Charity Challenge event on Facebook.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
U13 Leinster league: On Saturday last our U13 team travelled to Ballinalee for the final game in their group stages where they took on Eastern Gaels. They had an excellent victory and now qualify for their semi-final in a couple of weeks’ time. Well done to managers Tony and Gaye for their all their hard and dedicated work.
U15 Leinster League: On Saturday last in Clonbonny we entertained Donaghmore Ashbourne from county Meath in the last game of the Leinster League. Following this win, we are in the semi final on Monday 19th March. Well done to all the mothers for their baking and having a great spread for players and mentors alike from both sides in Clonbonny. It was a perfect finish to a perfect day. Thank you all again.
During this game one of our players suffered what looked a serious injury. Thankfully he recovered well and did not need hospitalisation. We wish Matthew Hawes a speedy recovery from his injury.
Playing these Leinster Inter County Leagues is wonderful for both our U13 and U15 teams. It brings us to different pats of Leinster pitting our football skills against clubs in other counties. The victories and experiences we have had so far has given both teams tremendous confidence in their abilities. It is a fabulous sensation for all our players and parents are asked to make sure their sons are not missing out on this great experience. If there are any young footballers yet to come along then they should do so and be part of this fabulous journey. Be part of the journey it is the making of our young people.
As I write 5 of our club players are involved today (Monday) with their school, Mercy Ballymahon, in the Leinster Final. We wish them the very best of luck and we expect that they will be feted as Leinster champions in next week’s notes.
Our minor team got their league off to a bad start last week when they were defeated by Carrick Sarsfields. We are looking forward to an improved performance next time out in the Special Minor League.
Defibrillator Course: The importance of being capable of using the Defibrillator situated inside the main door of the clubhouse should not be lost on any of us as we never know the time or hour that having been trained in its use will play a vital part in keeping someone alive. This was a case a couple of years ago in our pitch. As a club together, senior, minor and ladies we would encourage many of our parents and supporters to undertake the upcoming course. Please give your names to Martina O’Brien, Corner Shop, 3321107, 086-3858934 or martinaclyne1@gmail.com as soon as you can.
Finally, as a club we would like to extend our deepest and sincere sympathy to the mother, father, sister, club mates and school mates of young Aodhán Ó Conchubhair (14), Dingle, Co. Kerry who was involved in an accidental clash of heads when playing for his school Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Dingle, in an U15 Kerry colleges game on Wednesday. As part of the GAA family we all feel his great loss to his family, community and school.