Thank You
Last week I sang the praises of a number of people and organisations in relation to the new pathway/cycleway across the bog from Kilnacarrow to Clonbearla. In my haste I omitted the major role that Coillte have played in the route agreement. Their management were very forthcoming when approached and I would like to say a very big thank you to them for the ease and speed of agreement.
The comment and curiosity to last weeks disclosure was immense which we hope will continue into the future hence making this pathway/cycleway a very busy crossing and aa huge success.
Break in
When you work very hard to build up your business and just when you have that business beginning to thrive there is no worse feeling than having all your hard work and commitment to your customers and community swept right from under your feet. This is what happened in the early hours of Thursday morning when Casserley’s Spar and Applegreen (formerly Flaherty’s) was broken into and not only was the safe and ATM robbed but also a large quantity of cigarettes and alcohol. The thieves not only robbed but turned everything over in the shop and sprayed the contents of the fire extinguishers all over the place to get rid of evidence. Not very many locals, if any, would have known the route they approached the shop. They dismantled all alarms hence they had time to do their depredation.
A long time a member of the Gardai told me that someone always sees something even though at the time they may not realise the significance in what it was they saw.
These thugs have to be caught they have to be jailed for this dastardly deed. To arrive in any town/village and practically take away a person’s livelihood, something they worked tirelessly to build up, and be part of a community should be punished by the severest of sentences when they are caught.
Comment
The robbery last week raises the question of policing that I have written about so many times. Why has Longford Town not got enough Gardai to police it without draining the Lanesboro force? Why has Garda numbers in Lanesboro and indeed Longford Garda stations been allowed to drop so much? These are question not only for this Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan, Commissioner Harris and the Government party but for all the previous Governments and Commissioners that have overseen the demise of the Garda force in Lanesboro. They are only now trying, but failing, to rectify the problem of downgrading all the Garda stations that are left open. Our country is rapidly becoming lawless and what we have seen with the response to Dublin, Drogheda and Longford Town it is clearly evident the Government are throwing a small pot of water on a forest fire. It is time for the judiciary to hand down longer and more severe sentencing and the word concurrently should be replaced with the word consecutively.
The people of Stepaside deserve to be protected, but Minister, so do all the people of this area served by Lanesboro Garda station. All rural Garda stations are now serving an enlarged areas with less Gardaí and most times no support. Give us back our Garda force and reinstate the number previously stationed in Lanesboro.
It is not that I am expecting any response from anyone as none was forthcoming from my previous commentary on policing. I do ask if those in authority can justify to Mike, Nancy and Derek Casserley, their staff and all of us the policing rationale allowing for what happened to the Casserley family.
Finally, can the Garda Commissioner and Minister for Justice defend their neglect of an adequate policing force to the Gardaí stationed in rural Ireland?
Birth
Many congratulations to Eamon Farrell and his wife Ciara Gillen, Tullyvrane on the birth last week of a baby girl.
Gun Club
Subscriptions for the forthcoming season are now due on or before 31st July 2019. It is responsibility of each member to ensure that membership is in place for the season ahead. All subscriptions are to be paid directly into club’s bank account. Please contact a member of the committee to arrange payment.
The club would like to thank all members and especially D. Dowd who took the lead on the recent conservation challenge resulting in a high score achieved at County level.
Well done to G. Hand who took top prize at a recent Olympic Trap event on a score of (97/100)
We are hoping to run a day out in the near future for the club, any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated, please contact committee.
Threat to Bord na Mona and ESB
Developments on Friday last has thrown a great cloud over Bord na Mona and ESB and indeed all the local communities. The power station had been off load for maintenance for the past three weeks for its annual overhaul. Unbeknownst to us there was an ongoing issue with ESB and the Environmental Protection Agency regarding the hot water emissions back into the Shannon in what we commonly know as the ‘hot water stretch’. While the water is so low the EPA directive says that the heat of the water is excessive. This is because the water comes through the gusher into a narrow channel whereas the same issue does not occur at the Shannonbridge station due to the width and flow of the river there.
On Friday last Born na Mona transport workers were beginning to rail peat into the station in preparation of it coming off load and back into production. However, this work was stopped early on and little or no peat was brought in.
The hot water issue had again raised its head and the station did not and would not come back into production until the hot water emissions issues can be rectified. As I write I believe ESB and the EPA are in discussions and ESB are also meeting separately.
It is not known how whether this issue can be resolved to the guidelines and if not, how long the station will be out of commission. This shut down is causing great concern for both the workers in Bord na Mona and the power station. It is a cause of great concern to the seasonal workers and also the businesses of the area that are so dependant on the extra cash generated in the areas over the summer months.
Hopefully, by the time these notes go to press there will be a resolution of the issue and production of milled peat and electricity will be back again in Lanesboro
New email address
Please note that my email address has changed. Anyone wishing to send me items for the paper or personal emails are asked to send to joeaobrien@outlook.com
Abandoned Cars
At the moment there are two abandoned cars in the area with one on the Main Street with a damaged window and front bonnet and bumper. This has been parked on the Main Street for a while now and it is very unsightly. With so many tourists in the area an we are going into the height of the tourist season it should be a matter of priority that it is moved. The second car is on the Longford Road and it is parked outside the gates of Bord na Mona. The way it is parked is causing big problems for people coming out of the Bord n Mona workshop and offices. This is a straight stretch of road with an opportunity to pass other cars but for those coming onto the road the position of this car means that vehicles have to go out onto the road to see if there is any traffic approaching from the Lanesboro direction and do that on this stretch of road is very dangerous. The owners of both cars should be asked to remove them immediately.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Shane Donohoe, son of Martin and Fiona Donohoe, Rathcline Road and Anne Duffy, Magheraveen who announced their engagement last week.
Clonbonny Cemetery on Sunday
On Sunday next the Blessing of the Graves in the parish will be in Clonbonny Cemetery and finish on 21st in Lanesboro graveyard.
We hope that people with family graves in the graveyards ensured that their family plots were tended to and cared for, making sure that each graveyard was in pristine condition.
Annual Pilgrimage
The annual one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Sunday 25th August with the bus leaving the grounds of Ballyleague Hall at 7am. All enquiries should be made to Mary, phone
Two Provinces Triathlon
We are only a few days away from the biggest event of any year in Lanesboro/Ballyleague with the arrival of the Two Provinces Spring Triathlon and Kidathon. Each year Lanesboro Tri club stage a sprint triathlon that you believe could not be better than the previous one but invariably it proves to be infinitely better. The planning is now completed for this year and for the next few days you will see the area between the duck pond and the harbour transformed into a starting, transition area and finishing for the triathlon
Preparations are well under way and one of the final tasks of preparation is the cleaning of the weeds along the swim route.
It is expected that there will be in excess of 600 competitors taking part and the logistics of running such a large race is no mean feat. The Triathlon club encourages everyone to come out and cheer on the swimmers, cyclists and runners. No matter where you are from the car park to Scramogue and on the Rathcline Road to Harold’s Cross your support as they are passing would be greatly appreciated.
The Kidathon will take place on Friday evening at 7.30 when the first wave will enter the water. The Two Provinces Kidathon is one for the 8 to 15-year olds. A 100m shoreside swim, followed by a 5km cycle on closed roads and ending with a 1km sprint to the finish. There will be a presentation disco at 8.30pm where all the competitors will receive their awards.
If you can volunteer some of your time on Friday or Saturday to ensure that this year will be another great success for the club and community, you can leave your name into Joe or Martina O’Brien
We wish all the competitors a wonderful day in the waters and roads of Lanesboro and Ballyleague.
Road Closures
Finally, for safety reasons the following road closures will be in place during the Two Provinces Triathlon and Kidathon:
On Friday evening next 12th July, there will be restricted access to the Rathcline Rd from 7:30pm-9pm, from entrance to event car park to Harold’s Cross.
On Saturday next 13th July, the R371 from Ballyleague to Scramogue will be closed to traffic from 10.45am-2pm. The Rathcline Road will be closed to traffic from 11:30am-1:30pm, from entrance to event car park, to Harold’s Cross.
The club takes great pride in hosting a race where water and road safety are priority, where each competitor comes home safely and enjoys their experience. The club would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and support and hope you can come out and support all the athletes along the route during this fantastic local race.
Pictured above is the reed cutting boat that did great work.
Opportunity Lost
The fishing area from the duck pond right up to the hot water gusher is unsightly with weed and water lily’s practically closing in the fishing stretch. Looking at it either from the bridge and or riverbanks it does not look good for us as a community. It was a lost opportunity for us when the reed cutting boat was in the vicinity that it did not clear away some or all of the growth from the duck pond to the gusher and especially now as the Power Station was off load and the flow was a great deal slower. Hopefully, in the coming days this boat will return and complete this stretch of water.
Sliabh Bán Book
The hugely popular history on Sliabh Bán is back on sale and as we are going into holiday season it would make a wonderful read over the summer or even as a present for all those returning during holiday time. The book is available for sale in O’Brien’s costing €20.
Book for Cúl Camps
The Cúl Camps will take place at the Rathcline club
grounds, Clonbonny, from Monday 22nd July to Friday 26th
July. You can book your place on Longford GAA website or contact Damien
Sheridan
087
9126556 or GAA Coaching Office, Pearse Park, Battery Road,
Longford.
Developments at the Track
Please note: In compliance with health and safety regulations, the pitch and track area will NOT be accessible to the public throughout the period of the construction work on the Astro pitch and main pitch.
This project is funded by the local community and the EU Leader Funds through Longford Community Resources Ltd and Longford County Council
For further information contact: ballyboroastropitchcommittee@gmail.com
Bríon O’Rourke
Bríon O’Rourke (pictured) is the son of Breffni O’Rourke, former Rathcline man and grandson of Kay and the late Gerry O’Rourke, Knock, and Fidelma O’Rourke a Castlerea Co. Roscommon native. Bríon (aged 21) and from Galway city has been selected to represent Ireland at the U23 World Rowing Championships 2019 to be held in the USA from 24-28 July in Sarasota, Florida. Bríon currently rows with NUI Galway (NUIG) Boat Club and has previously competed for Ireland at Junior level and Senior level at the Home Internationals in Cardiff and Glasgow.
Bríon started his rowing career in 2012 with St. Joseph’s College ‘The Bish’ in Galway city, and medaled on numerous occasions at junior national level as a member of Bish crews. Since joining NUIG Boat Club in 2016, he has medaled in the men’s senior 8 at the Irish Championships in 2017/18. With NUIG in 2017, he also won a national title at Intermediate level (men’s coxed fours) and two Irish University championships. He won gold at the London Met Regatta on three occasions (2017-19) with an NUIG coxed-four. As a member of a highly rated NUIG crew, he reached the quarterfinals of the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta in 2018, losing narrowly to Columbia University USA. He is currently a third year Mechanical Engineering student at GMIT Galway where he is on a sports scholarship. He has also competed for GMIT in the Irish University championships.
We wish Bríon the very best of luck with the Irish team in Florida.
Almost Sold Out
With time running out until one of the biggest local days out at the Galway Races, there just a limited number of spaces left for the Annual Rathcline GAA Race Day that will take place on Monday 29th July at the famous Galway Races Festival. This is a hugely popular day and a great celebration of the club in our community. Anyone that has already been there with the club will tell you that it is a very special day out. The location and comfort of the Killanin Stand is a feature that makes this venue the best race day out of any.
The day out includes a location in the main pavilion in the Killanin Stand overlooking the finishing line, admission to the races with a free race card, free parking, four course meal, €5 drinks voucher, Tipsters in the Pavilion, Bar facilities, Tote in the Pavilion, Best Dressed Lady competition, after meal entertainment. All this for just €140.
If you would like to book your tickets phone Liam Connerton 086-8776405, Stephen Rooney 086-3176301 or Alan Fayne 087-1157806. Don’t delay book your tickets now and avoid disappointment.
32 in 32
Declan Loy from Castlebellingham, Co. Louth was in Lanesboro on Thursday of last week as he was attempting to complete a feat that would see him enter the Guinness Book of Records. Declan had set himself the task of completing 32 triathlons in 32 days, one in each county in Ireland. He was on his eight day when he arrived in Lanesboro to do the Longford leg of the 32. Declan was joined by a number of swimmers and cyclists from Lanesboro Triathlon club and others from many other parts of the county and indeed Roscommon. While it was a low-key event there was a great excitement for Declan and his challenge. Each day means a 1km swim, 100km cycle and a 10km run.
Declan is doing this to raise money and an awareness for Super You, an Ireland wide organisation that seeks to motivate and inspire young people. Anything we can do to encourage and enthuse young people should be supported.
Declan said: “Our goal is to launch a six-week empowerment programme to 32 schools with around 5,000 children.” The challenge is due to complete on July 28th in Dundalk. If you can support, please do.
Pictured below are swimmers and cyclists as they warmed to their tasks in assisting Declan.
Cloontuskert Cemetery
Cemetery Sunday in Cloontuskert graveyard will be celebrated on Sunday 11th August at 6pm.
Tidy Towns Lotto
The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning last were 3, 4, 8 and 11. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool now rises to €4,400. The winner of the €50 prize was Mary & Geraldine c/o SuperValu, and the three €20 winners were Martini c/o Mags, Mike Mulvihill, Clonterm, Longford and Brigid c/o Mags.
Winners can collect their winning cheques in the Co-Op office only and will be available from Monday to Friday from 9am to 2pm
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Mary Tiernan, Ferefad, Longford. The winning envelope this week was worth €398. Congratulations to Mary who is a weekly player and the club would like to say thank you for your continued support of the 50/50. Buy a €2 ticket and who knows it could be your name on the next winning ticket drawn on Monday night next and help keep it over the €500 mark.
Tickets are on sale in local shops and businesses throughout the town. at €2 each or 3 tickets for €5. As you now know there are two alternatives for those that would like to play the 50/50 by paying in advance. Option 1 is the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and Option 2 is the pink envelope where you pay €100 for a 12-month period with two free draws. Those tickets are available in any of the local outlets or from any member of the club executive.
It’s all happening at the Library
Our local library is a hive of activity throughout the summer with many and varied events happening for young and old alike. Go along bring your young people along and see the great variety of events happening.
Poetry & Music Group
Poetry & Music group continues on Monday 23rd July – 4.15-5.30pm.
All welcome to come along and join in with this very vibrant group!
Babble & Books Parent & Toddler Group
Babble & Books Parent & Toddler Group continues every Wednesday morning at 10.30am at the library.
Summer Stars Reading Programme
Summer Stars Children’s Reading Programme will run until August 31st!
Grab your reading card at the library and start your reading adventure.
Don’t forget to pick up some fun incentives along the way!
Weekly draw for a fabulous backpack containing some surprises for completed entries!
Children’s Summer Events
Board Game Battles – Every Friday afternoon 3pm – 4pm during July
& August, come along with your friends to the library and test each other’s
skills at our Board Game Battles!
Games include, Snakes & Ladders, Ludo,
Chess, Draughts, Connect 4, BattleShip, Dominos, Frustration & Operation!! We also have decks of cards available!
All ages welcome! – No booking required – children must be accompanied by
a parent.
Kids Summer Movie Club – On Saturday mornings during July & August, Lanesboro Library will be hosting a Kids Movie Club from 10am to 12noon. No booking necessary.
Come along, bring a blanket or cushion to sit on
and join in the fun!
Also available are Dress Up Box, Lego &
Colouring Tables to keep your little ones happy!
Children must be accompanied by a parent.
Foreign Currency & Used Stamps
We are still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
We also collect used stamps in aid of ISPCC. 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.
Check out our Online Services where you can download free eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines and newspapers, learn a new language or do an online course. All you need is your library card and pin. Renew or request books on our website www.longfordlibrary.ie
Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.
Leader Cup
Sunday next in Clonbonny at 2pm we will take on Longford Slashers in the Leader Cup. This is a hugely important game for our lads, and we would urge everyone to come to Clonbonny to support the team.
Following a very close and tight game on Saturday evening in Carrickedmond we were very unlucky to come away with a narrow loss and we look forward to getting back to winning ways on Sunday.
The Day at the Galway Races
Yes, the best day of the year is fast approaching – the Annual Rathcline GAA Race Day this year will take place on Monday 29th July at the famous Galway Races Festival. Each year this Race Day proves to be a very popular so much so that there are just a limited number of places left for this year’s Race Day. It is the norm that most of our racegoers stay in Galway overnight and continue the excitement of the Galway Race week. This is a day not to be missed as anyone that has already been there will tell you. The location and comfort of the Killanin Stand is a feature that makes this venue the best day out of any and the opportunity to see the hose passing the winning post right in front of you is a great thrill.
The day out includes a location in the main pavilion in the Killanin Stand overlooking the finishing line, admission to the races with a free race card, free parking, four course meal, €5 drinks voucher, Tipsters in the Pavilion, Bar facilities, Tote in the Pavilion, Best Dressed Lady competition, After meal entertainment. All this for only €140.
To book your tickets phone Liam Connerton 086-8776405, Stephen Rooney 086-3176301 or Alan Fayne 087-1157806. Don’t delay and avoid disappointment.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Mary Tiernan, Ferefad, Longford. The winning envelope this week was worth €398. Congratulations to Mary who is a weekly player and the club would like to say thank you for your continued support of the 50/50. Buy a €2 ticket and who knows it could be your name on the next winning ticket drawn on Monday night next and help keep it over the €500 mark.
Tickets are on sale in local shops and businesses throughout the town. at €2 each or 3 tickets for €5. As you now know there are two alternatives for those that would like to play the 50/50 by paying in advance. Option 1 is the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and Option 2 is the pink envelope where you pay €100 for a 12-month period with two free draws. Those tickets are available in any of the local outlets or from any member of the club executive.
Cúl Camps
The Cúl Camps will take place at the Rathcline club from Monday 22nd July to Friday 26th July. You can book your place on Longford GAA website or contact Damien Sheridan 087-9126556 or GAA Coaching Office, Pearse Park, Battery Road, Longford.
Royal Canal Cycle
The Royal Canal fundraising cycle, ‘Saddle Up for Rathcline’ will take place on Saturday 17th August. This is a sponsored cycle along the Royal Canal all along the recently renovated route from Maynooth to Lanesboro. The route distance is approximately 120km which you can cycle or for the novice cyclist or club supporter you can take the option on one of the 15km. Bicycles will be provided and for those taking part in the 15km cycle. The cost /sponsorship is €50 per person and it is hoped to have teams of 4.
The cycle will finish in the club grounds in Clonbonny with the official switching on of the new scoreboard.
There will be a social evening at the club grounds with a barbeque commencing at 8pm. This event is open to the entire community and supporters.