Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Very sad notice
I just received an email with a very sad message for those who participated and those eligible for the Community Games.
Due to lack of interest and limited finance, regrettably Lanesboro will not be affiliating to Longford County for the 2023 Community Games.
Community College Enrolment
Lanesboro Community College has just announced enrolment for the school year 2023 is now open.
Lanesboro Community College continues to grow and go from strength to strength such is the quality of the teaching and academic success. Last year the college had its largest influx of first year students and they have been given permission for building a further seven rooms on the school site such is the demand for places in the school. Accommodating this new influx means more rooms are necessary for the growth of the college. Application forms and further information can be got by contacting the school secretary at https://lanesborocc.com/or by phoning 043 33 21139 or from the college website
Death
As news filtered through on Saturday 19th November the realisation dawned on us how quiet our life was going to be in the future. The sudden death of Peg Farrell, Clonfower came as a big shock to us all. She was born and reared Peg O’Brien from the neighbouring townland of Mahoraveen before marrying her late husband Mickie Farrell. She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Annie, her sister Elizabeth (Poole) and her brother John (Jack). Peg was one of those larger than life characters, a word for everyone, a friend to so many and her house was most definitely a rambling house where friend and stranger alike were warmly welcome and never let go without a cup of tea and a chat. She was a woman with the warmest of hearts, genuine and a real love of life and mostly of her family. Everyone had the same to thing to say about Peg, character, hearty laugh, her love of the bit of devilment and never afraid to say what she thought. Peg had a deep faith and belief and was a regular visitor to all the pilgrimage centres here and abroad. She had a great store of stories of old and enjoyed nothing more than telling them and it was inevitable that she told many against herself that ended with her more than hearty laugh. Peg was a wonderful neighbour, a wonderful friend, a woman that loved life and her native parish and was always overjoyed with whatever successes attained locally and in people’s lives. She has left a huge legacy and she will never be forgotten by everyone that had the pleasure to come in contact with her. Peg was a nurse who did her nursing in Mullingar and her caring nature also spilled over to her work with the local Social Services group in later years where she was an active member of the group..
The enormous attendance at the reposing of her remains in Glennon’s Funeral Home on Tuesday and again at her Requiem Mass in St. Mary’s Church and burial in Clonbonny bore ample testimony in which Peg was held. To her daughter Marie, son Michael, sister Josie O’Sullivan, grandson Michael Jnr., daughter-in-law Aoife, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Christmas Run Returns
I have just learned that the Christmas Day Run in aid of Multiple Sclerosis will return this Christmas Day following a Covid inflicted break.
More details next week
Christmas Fair
Lanesborough Parish Hall Committee is hosting a Christmas Fair on Sunday week 11th December from 11.30am to 1.30pm. Santa will be there in his grotto at no charge and a small treat for kids. There will also be stalls with lots of lovely wares. More details later.
New book on Roscommon’s Republican Dead
A new book documenting all the people who died as a result of the Troubles between the years 1917 and 1923 in County Roscommon will be launched on Sunday night December 4th. The book is produced by the Roscommon Republican Graves and Monuments Committee and is the result of research and photography carried out over the last number of years by Henry Owens, Strokestown and Thomas Flynn, Ballymoe.
The timing of the launch this year is to co-inside with the centenary of the events that led to the deaths of over forty people in county Roscommon during those years. The book is an excellent production and is attractively illustrated with photographs. Each victim of the troubled period is documented with a brief biography detailing their life from birth to final resting place and the circumstances of how they met their deaths.
The book will be launched by Tommy McKearney, Monaghan. Tommy is a native of Moy Co Tyrone, but now lives in Monaghan; his late mother was formerly Margaret Murray, a native of Carrownalasson, Fourmilehouse, she was daughter of Thomas Murray, who came from Cagglebeg, Strokestown. Thomas Murray was a member of the 3rd Battn. North Roscommon Brigade IRA during the Black and Tan period. Tommy himself is a writer and free-lance journalist and has spoken at numerous events organised by the National Graves Association.
The launch will take place on Sunday 4th December in the Percy French Hotel Strokestown at 8pm sharp. The book will be on sale immediately after the launch. Afterwards there will be a post-launch traditional music and ballad session in Compton’s Central Bar Bridge St. and all members of the public are cordially invited to attend both the launch and the music session.
Confessions and Adoration
Confessions with visiting priests and Adoration will take place in Ballyleague Church on Saturday next 3rd December from 11am to 2pm.
Staff Required
Sonas Nursing Home Innis Ree Ballyleague is currently seeking to fill the following positions at the Nursing Home (1) Head Chef, (2) Kitchen Assistants. If any of those positions are suitable to you skills you should phone 33 27300 or https://careers.sonas.ie
Solstice Choir
Cloontuskert National School hosts Roscommon Solstice Choir along with Cloontuskert National School pupils in a concert in Ballagh Church on Friday week 9th December at 8pm. Doors will open at 7.30pm and tickets cost €15. Tickets can be booked by phoning 087 9185446, 086 3426537 or from any parent of the school children.
Former local dies in London
It is with the great sadness that we learned of the death in London on Sunday 6th November of Mary Keating. Mary, formerly daughter of Jimmy and Ruth Murray, Rathcline, had lived for a lifetime in England and she was predeceased by her late husband Paddy, a Tipperary native. Mary was a frequent visitor home to Rathcline had a great love of her native home place. Mary’s late sister Gertie Fallon, Knock passed away just two months to the day and she was predeceased by her parents, brother Ray and sister Pat. Mary is survived by her daughter Lorraine, her son Jimmy, sisters Kathleen Kyne, Rathcline, sister Joan, London, brothers Jimmy, New York and Des, Longford relatives and friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Your help needed with Primary School Project
With the imminent taking down of Lanesboro Power Station, the pupils of Lanesboro National School who existed in the shadow of the station for the lifetime of the different stages of the stations are undertaking a project and they need your assistance.
Lanesboro NS in association with Creative Schools, the Arts Council Dublin, and Shuttermaniac Productions Lanesboro are looking for ESB-related anecdotes in order to produce an engaging short film as part of a Creative Schools Film Project. Perhaps there’s an endearing or funny story that you or a relative or neighbour remember at their time in and around the ESB.
The kids at Lanesboro will be presenting this story on film so please keep it short and entertaining if possible.
If you think you do have a wee anecdotal nugget, please get in touch with Lee Williamson, school principal Claire Murphy or teacher Niamh Rowan in Lanesborough NS.
Not only will this be a school project but also a part of the history of what stood in Lanesboro and gave so much employment since the mid 50s.
Lanesboro in the War of Independence and after – Book still available
As the decades of centenaries come to a close, it is good to know that copies of the book, Longford’s Republican Story 1900 – 2000, are still available. As a Christmas present for anyone from Longford, or with Longford connections, it is an ideal gift. The Lanesboro/Cashel area was a hotbed of activity in both War of Independence and Civil War and this book has recorded for ever more the bravery and courage of the men and women of Longford in the fight for freedom. It lists all of the men and women from this area who took part in those conflicts. Longford’s Republican Story is a unique and exceptional book that will never be equalled and will be in great demand while it remains in print. We understand the author, Seán Ó Súilleabháin, may give a talk in Lanesboro in the New Year on the republican history of the area. Copies of Longford’s Republican Story 1900- 2000, with almost 600 pages, and costing €35, are available in O’Brien’s, Lanesboro.
Rathcline GAA Mass
Mass for deceased members of Rathcline GAA will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church on Saturday night next 3rd December at 7.30pm.
After Mass the club invites you to Lanesbrew, Main Street for carol singing and light refreshments.
Line Dancing Classes
The Line Dancing classes continue to grow in popularity as word gets around
You now have the opportunity to get into Line Dancing with classes in the Quad Centre on the Circular Road Roscommon every Sunday evening at 6pm. Christopher Beirne the renowned Line Dance tutor will ensure that you will be soon in step and enjoying the phenomenon that is Line Dancing. There is absolutely no better way to get pleasure from a winter evening than learning and enjoying Line Dancing.
Fermoyle National School
Fermoyle National School is now open for enrolment for the year 2023/2024.
Please contact the office at 043-3321959 or email the school at fermoylens@gmail.com for enrolment forms.
Train how to use the Defibrillator
It is hoped that the Defibrillator training will take place before Christmas. A suitable venue and time is being sought and if this is not available pre Christmas the training will take place early in the New Year.
If you are interested, please leave your name and phone number with Martina O’Brien personally in the shop or by phoning 086 3858934 or email to clynemartina53@gmail.com
Rathcline Club Initiative
The Rathcline club have just come with a new fundraising initiate. The Rathcline GAA Euro Millions Syndicate will commence with the first draw on Tuesday 3rd January 2023 and finishing with the final draw 29th December 2023. The syndicate will be limited to 400 people. Each member will pay €40 for the year.
Each month there will be a €100 draw for the members of the syndicate.
If the winnings at the end of the year is between €400 and €1,999.99 there will be a draw for one winner within the syndicate. Between €2,000 and €9,999.99 there will be five separate draws each winning an equal amount, between €10,000 and €19,999.99 there will be a raffle and ten members drawn each receiving an equal amount. Any amount greater than €20,000 will see the money shared evenly amongst all members.
Defibrillator Funding – Thank You
The Defibrillator Group would like to sincerely thank everyone that have continued to contribute to the appeal for funding to replace batteries and pads and the constant need to upgrade all the defibrillators.
The importance of defibrillators in the general area cannot be overstated. The lives it can save and has saved in recent times are well documented.
If you wish to contribute we ask that you donate by leaving money in an envelope marked ‘Defibrillator’ and with your name into Martina at the Corner Shop.
Boat Trips
Lough Ree Access for all boat is a boat built for you is offering three sailing trips a day 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm. This is a great trip of fascination onto Lough Ree and its famous islands.
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
Volunteers required
Ballyleague Bingo urgently needs more volunteers to join them in the Bingo/Hall Committee. If you are interested in being involved you are asked to contact Patricia Manning for more details.
Old Days, Old Ways
Prolific writer Paddy Egan has just launched his new book Old Day, Old Ways. The book is a nostalgic look back at a way of life in Ireland over a century ago. The book is true nostalgia for the older generations that remember the days he writes about and for the younger generations an essential read telling the stories of traditional farming ways, old cures, tradition and sayings. It is a book that is very well worth the nominal charge of €10. The book can be bought locally in O’Brien’s.
Sunday night cards
The results from last Sunday night’s game are: 1st Pat & Geraldine Greene, 2nd Anne & Kay. Last game Annie & Kay. Raffle winners were Kathleen Maguire, Pat Joe Fallon, Geraldine Greene and Jonno. The game continues every Sunday night at 8. 30pm. Light refreshments served.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place in Adie’s on Monday night 21st November and the winning envelope for a prize of €544 had Melanie Donohue on it. Congratulations Melanie.
The club is extremely grateful for your continued tremendous support.
Tidy Towns Lottery
On Tuesday 22nd November the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €10,900 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €11,000 for the draw on Tuesday 29th November. The winning numbers drawn on the 22nd November were 9, 18, 19 and 28. The winner of the €50 prize was Tiernan & Iarla Hanley, Corrigeen, and the three €20 winners were Mags & Johnny c/o Mags, Mary Tiernan, Ferefad, Longford, and Martin Tarmey, Anrattabeg.
Thank you for your generous and continued support and as you can clearly see through the appearance of the town your support is continuing to make our town beautiful.
Times Past in Pictures
If you have any old photographs that you would like to see published in this ‘Times Past in Pictures’ section you can email them to me at joeaobrien@outlook.com or bring them to the shop I will scan and give them back while you wait.
CD restocked
Frank Nelson newly released a new CD called ‘I’ll Put the Kettle On’ has proven to be a great success with a restocking of the CD’s necessary to keep up with demand and the new stock of CD’s have just arrived. It is a must for followers of Frank and lovers of country music. CDs are available in O’Brien’s costing just €15. It is an ideal Christmas gift or stocking filler.
Healthy Communities
Free Stop Smoking Service available in Ballymahon. Get the help you need to stop smoking for good. Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy will be provided for non-medical card holders.
Ballyboro FC
Mathew and Luckian Shuliak, Danial Naumov, Tymur Pankevych, Danial Polituchiy, Yelisei Paziuk, and Matsim Kostier are all from Ukraine and have been training with various Ballyboro underage teams. All are very welcome in our club and they love playing football with their new friends.
The under 10 Lions were in feisty form in an entertaining encounter with Mostrim Albion. The Ballyboro team played some exciting football against a committed Mostrim team that kept the spectators entertained throughout. Squad: Senan McHale, Ben Cassidy (1), Noah Donegan, Sean Hogan (1), Charlie Hickie, Jay Flynn (3),Hughie Creedon (1),Tadhg Shea, Tom Skelly (1), Alice Malone, Dilly Glynn, Amy Glynn. The under 10 Tigers were involved in a thrilling game with a strong Inny Rovers team where the finishing was top class from both teams. Tigers: Donal Cox(1),Aidan Cox(1),Caden Donlon, Ryan Molloy, Shay Molloy (1), Finn Fallon (1), Jay Hanly, Leah Hanly, Patrick Farrell (1), Adam Farrell.
The under 8s were involved in a Blitz along with Ballymahon and Melview. Adam Farrell, Patrick Linnane, James Linnane, Lorcan O’Reilly, Ryan Molloy, James Fallon, Pat Glynn, Tom Glynn, Thomas Cox, Kyle Carberry, Tiernan Hanley, Tomas Kenny, Willow Horohoe, Harper Horohoe, Harry Tarmey, Leo Donnellan and Elliott Casserly all performed with enthusiasm and no little skill.
The top of the table Combined Counties League game with Gaels United was a dour affair with scoring chances at a premium. The Drumlish lads made maximum use of the two clear cut opportunities they created and emerged with the spoils over a Ballyboro team that struggled to play with their usual fluidity. Ballyboro: Mark Tarmey, Greg Cassidy, Daniel Foley, Stephen Ormsby, Mark Cox, Patrick Kenny, Alan Kenny, Aidan Dooney, Stephen Walsh, Jack Murray, Jordan Donlon. Subs: Max Webb, Ryan Fallon, Bryan Mullooly.
After a number of chances were missed Hannah Farrell gave the Ballyboro under 12 girls the lead from close range in their game with UCL. Faye Hogan doubled the lead early in the second half and with Ava Donoghue and the defence holding strong to keep a clean sheet Ballyboro emerged with the points. Squad: Sadhbh Neilon(c),Faye Hogan, Saoirse Feeney, Saoirse Dillon, Hannah Farrell, Chloe Kilcoyne, Rosie Farrell, Millie Cassidy, Kallie Herbert, Laoise Farrell, Ava Donoghue, Niamh Casey, Pippa O’Shea, Emma Hopkins, Penelope Kennedy.
Congratulations to David Cox who scored for the Longford League under 16 team in their game versus the Midland League on Sunday last.
Fixtures: Four games on Saturday: The under 9s are in Blitz action at home along with Kenagh and Newtown at 10am. The under 11 Tigers have a home fixture with UCl Lakers 12,30pm start. The under 11 Cougars play Abbey Rovers 2 in Ballinamore at 12.30pm. The under 13s are at home to Abbey Rovers, 11.15 kick off. Just two games on Sunday: The under 12s play UCL Harps Eagles in Dernafest at 1pm while the under 14s play Stonepark in Abbeycartron at 11.30am.
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to Covid-19. Professional staff is available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm. Text TALK to 50808 to begin.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of alcoholics are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre building at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on St. Mel’s Road, any Tuesday evening at 7pm.
Smart Recovery
SMART recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery support group where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour.
There is a meeting every Friday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm in Vita House, Roscommon. For information you should phone Conor 086 1702912 or info@smartrecovery.ie
GROW
Grow is a Community Mental Health Movement which meets every Monday at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Rd., Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated or suffering from stress, please feel free to attend. You can call Assumpta for any further information on 086 8114135.
Kilgefin Parish
Offertory collection: The offertory collection baskets have returned at Mass in Ballyleague and if you are interested in volunteering please contact Josephine Kenny.
Advent day Retreat: As we prepare for Christmas you are all invited to an Advent Retreat Day on Saturday next 3rd December in Ballyleague Church from 11am to 3pm. During the retreat, the Rosary will be recited; Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; Confessions, Bible Reading and a talk on Advent “What is God speaking to us as we prepare for Christmas” Several visiting priests will be available for confessions. You are invited to go along and be inspired and nourished spiritually.
Christmas Trees; The parish is looking for parishioners to sponsor a Christmas tree for all the churches and to help with the cost to decorate the trees. All donations should be put in an envelopes and indicated accordingly with donors name or anonymously. Thank you in anticipation of your generosity.
Deadline; The deadline for any notices for the newsletter is Wednesday – email to kilgefinparish21@gmail.com
Table Quiz: Ballyleague NS is holding a table quiz fundraiser in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse on Friday night next at 9pm. €40 for a table of 4. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Lanesboro Library
The opening hours of Lanesboro are: Monday 2pm-8pm, Tuesday 2pm-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm. The library will be closed all day on a Thursday. Friday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm
Photocopying, printing and scanning services are available at the library. Enquiries: www.lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
St. Mary’s Church
Parish Office: Maireád Rooney, Rathcline the Parish Secretary will be in her office in the Parish House each week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10.15am until 2.30pm. As the office gets established Maireád will be able to assist you with any enquiries.
Rosary Group meet in the church on Monday to Friday at 9.30am and on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.
Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays in the church after 10am Mass in the Prayer Room and will conclude at 4pm to take account of energy costs during the winter months.
Parish contacts
Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
St. Faithleach’s GAA – Click here
Tesco Community Fund
If you are shopping in Tesco Roscommon please pop a blue token into the St. Faithleach’s bucket. Funding will go towards training and team equipment that is needed. Thank you.