Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Carmel and James Hayes and family, Thureen on the death of Carmel’s mother Mrs. Eileen Lawlor, Donard, Co. Wicklow who died on Wednesday 31st March.
Living Well Programme
New and extra Spring Dates have been added to the HSE, Free Living Well Programme.
The Living Well Programme is a workshop for adults living with a long-term health condition. The workshop is delivered over six workshops (2.5hrs x6) and is free of charge to those diagnosed with a mental or physical illness.
You will develop self-management skills and confidence to live well with your health condition.
To avoid disappointment please book your place early by calling 086 6078950.
Death
It was with the greatest sadness and regret we learned of the death on Tuesday last 30th March we learned of Mrs. Maura McDonnell, Barnacor. Maura was predeceased a number of years ago by her husband Frank. She was the quintessential Irish mother, quietly spoken with a tremendous sense of humour and devotion to her family. Maura was a lady that was never without her warm and welcoming smile. She had a tremendous aura about her that endeared her to everyone that had the pleasure to know her. The news of her death brought a huge depth of sadness to the community with the realisation of us losing a terrific lady.
Maura’s remains were removed from her daughter Yvonne’s residence on Thursday last to St. Mary’s Church for her Funeral Mass. Following Mass, she was laid to rest alongside her husband Frank in Clonbonny Cemetery. To her son Francis, daughters Josephine, Veronica and Yvonne, sister Ann, brother Tom, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Reasons to Celebrate.
The sporting story of Easter Sunday came from the race meeting at Fairyhouse when the Birdinthehand Syndicate’s horse Skyace won the featured Grade 1 Mares Novice Hurdle and along with that a first prize of €60,000. Members of the syndicate based in Dubai were interviewed before the race and the organiser of the syndicate Cathal Mc Hugh was very confident that the horse would win as was his trainer John (Shark) Hanlon. Going back to the after-race celebrations we seen local girls Aoife Connaughton centre screen enjoying the victory. Aoife, daughter of Josie and Freda Connaughton, Longford Road is a teacher based in Dubai and is married to Cathal McHugh. Congratulations to one and all and we hope that there will be many more great days to come.
Sympathy
Former local postman Tommy Flanagan, Derryadd, Kenagh passed away on Saturday last 3rd March. Tommy was predeceased by his wife Ann. Tommy is survived by his family Helen, Carmel, Kevin, Brendan and Leo, his sister Bridie to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Local Connection
Local man Chris Cullen, a weekly reader of the Wicklow People spotted on last weeks paper where a presentation was made to a teacher at the Clonegal National School, the school he attended as a young man. The retiring teacher was none other than local Derrygeel lady Eithne Murray who retired following 40 years of service. Eithne is sister to Kevin Murray and Annie Mae. We wish Eithne many years of health and happiness in her retirement.
Local Lifestyle Blogger
Geraldine Greally, Roscommon formerly Geraldine Murray, Thureen is a local Midland’s lifestyle blogger and influencer. Geraldine showcases all things fashion, skincare and beauty in her new Instagram Blog ‘Geri’s Closet’.
Local boutiques, pharmacies and lifestyle outlets are welcome to get in touch with Geraldine to feature in her free weekly fashion & skincare Spotlight. She is also available for personalised style consultations. For collaborations you can contact Geraldine on 086 3276584 or follow her @ggrealy on Instagram
Our Rural Future
Minister for Rural and Community Development and Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys last week launched the Governments ambitious plan for rural communities.
This plan can be a wonderful opportunity for the Lanesboro Ballyleague community but to be able to attract workers as the plan requires there is an urgent need in our community for high-speed broadband which is essential for remote working and for us to be competitive in attracting workers and businesses.
Among the 152 different actions are relocation grants to attract workers from cities to work remotely and to live in rural communities.
The aim of the plan and actions is to encourage rural living creating better work/life balance, revitalise communities where traffic and school numbers and exorbitant house prices are not an issue.
Situated on the River Shannon with a wonderful quality of life, only 1½ hours from Dublin and Galway, great schools we have developed into a great, creative and exciting place to settle.
This plan has a five-year lifespan and what is missing in our community we hope and expect will be up and running by then.
The pandemic has stifled development in communities, and we look forward to the day the restrictions will be lifted and developments especially on our streets will make it not just a beautiful and exciting place to visit but also to live, work and avail of developing amenities.
Presently, there is huge amount of work being done by locals who are developing plans for the future of our community and when these reports are published, we will need serious and sustained support of officials and politicians to make it happen.
The local Collaboration Group set up by the County Councils of Longford and Roscommon have been supporting six studies/developments along with proposing a further five projects for the area. There is a fantastic opportunity to create a large number of jobs, not only replacing what was lost with the closure of the power station, but far exceeding that number and making our community a real midlands centre for technology, business and tourism.
Lanesboro Library
In line with Government Level 5 restrictions, Lanesboro Library will remain closed until further notice.
All the online services can be accessed on our website by selecting ‘Your Online Library’. www.longfordlibrary.ie
Use your library card number & pin to log in to your account.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.
Any enquiries, please email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Contact Stella on 3321291 for library information.
Rathcline GAA Draw Results
Rathcline GAA would like to thank everyone in the community and from all corners of the world for their support for the Annual Draw which took place at Casserly’s SPAR on Easter Sunday evening last. The funds from the draw will help towards further developments which will take place at Clonbonny over the coming months. Rathcline GAA is also looking forward to the return of our games in the near future. The results of the Annual Draw were: €3,000 Finian McDonagh c/o Josie Connaughton; €1,000 Laura Skelly, Aughamore; €500 Alan Hanley & Lorraine Farrell; €250 Olive Rowan, Derrygowna; €250 Senan, Cian & Grace Kelly, Ballymahon; €250 Anthony Melia, Cashel. Exclusive Prize for Online Tickets; €100 Michael Morrissey, Canada.
Best wishes to our winners, members and supporters.
St. Mary’s Church
Weekly Masses
Mass continues to be celebrated privately every day by our priests at the usual times Monday to Thursday 10am, Friday 7pm Saturday 7.30pm and Sunday 11.30am and Masses can be seen on the St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro Facebook page.
Shrine Candles
To cover the rising cost of the church shrine candles it is regrettable to say that the cost of each candle must rise to 25c. Your usual generosity will be appreciated.
Mass intentions will continue to be booked for weekdays for the present. People wishing to book masses can do so by contacting Fr Sergiy before or after mass during the week in the Sacristy. All that have booked masses are asked to rebook them for weekdays for the foreseeable future.
Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays in the church from 10.30 to 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 will resume on Friday evenings, starting this Friday evening and it will take place between 6pm and 6.45pm.
Urgent contacts
Fr. Sergiy Ruchenko can be contacted at the presbytery or by phoning 3321166 or 0833892362. Alternatively, you can contact Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who are assisting Fr. Sergiy during his ministery in the parish.
New e-zine
A new and independent Irish-based literary and arts e-zine entitled Bealtainehas launched with a focus on all things intersectional, inclusive, environmental, and empowering. The e-zine was established by Seán Flynn and Molly O’Connor. Their aim is to showcase talent which can capture the modern Irish verve. They publish high quality stories, poetry, essays, photography, and art creating an e-zine that delivers a visually stunning ensemble.
The works touch on a variety of themes including racism, homelessness, and environmentalism. The launch date for the first edition is Friday 16th April and further details on its availability will be made know very soon via their Instagram @bealtainemagazine.
This promises to a very worthwhile publication and one we should be really looking forward to reading.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Thanks
Many thanks to Coaching Officer Stephen Rooney, club and county senior football star Oran Kenny for the continuing of the skills challenge. There will be a few more coming in the next couple of weeks and we hope that all our young players are availing of the efforts of Stephen and the lads. We hope that all parents availed of the video and encouraged their young players to practice and develop their skills.
It seems as if it will not be long now before we see a return to all underage training and games, so we encourage all players in the minor club to continue working on their fitness and skills.
Join our underage club.
With the return to training for underage players about to begin we would like to welcome all recent and new residents to the parish of Rathcline and we would like to invite you and your family to be part of our club. The club involves itself in underage games for the youngsters of the parish and integrates new people to our parish into the community and we would love to have you as part of our GAA family. Please contact Joe O’Brien in the corner shop and he will direct you to the right people for the age group of your budding footballer.
Club involvement
If you have intentions of being involved with the Minor Club, it is essential that you complete the Safeguarding course as well as completing the Garda Vetting form.
At the moment the recommended coaching courses are in abeyance due to the current pandemic. You will be notified by the club or in these notes the dates that the coaching courses are recommencing.
Contact Mark at Secretarybng.shannongaels.longford@gaa.ie for information on safeguarding and Garda Vetting.