Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Wedding
The marriage took place on Saturday 24th August at St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro of Laura Skelly, daughter of Louis and Geraldine Skelly, Aughamore and Shane Fitzpatrick son of Kevin and the late Andrea Fitzpatrick, Blackrock, Dublin. Chief bridesmaid was Zarah Walsh a friend of the bride and bridesmaid was Sinead Feeney-Mc Hale also a friend of the bride. Bestman was Shane Connolly, friend of the groom and groomsman was Mark Fitzpatrick brother of the groom. Pageboy was Adam Fitzpatrick nephew of the groom and Flower girls were Holly Fitzpatrick, niece of the groom and Elle Koche-Hardy, cousin of the groom.
The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Michael Reilly, Lanesboro. The wedding reception took place in The Country House Hotel and Golf Club, Glasson.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Double Celebrations
While Louis and Geraldine Skelly were celebrating the wedding of their daughter Laura on Saturday 24th August, his brother Peter and his wife Terry were also celebrating the birth of a granddaughter also on the 24th. We congratulate everyone on their celebrations for a long and healthy life ahead.
Lanesboro Bridge Club Reopens
The Lanesboro Bridge Club will reopen for the new season in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro on this Wednesday 4th September at 8pm sharp. The club would like to welcome new bridge players to the games on Wednesday nights and also welcome back all the Bridge players from last season.
Whist Drive Returns
After what seems a very short summer break the Lanesboro Social services Whist Drive returns to St. Mary’s Parish Hall on this coming Friday night 6th September at 8.30pm.
Lanesboro Social Services deserve the support of everyone that plays card for the tremendous work they do within our community. Your attendance will ensure a great night of card playing and the bigger the number the greater the benefit to Lanesboro Social Services. By having fun during the game you are also ensuring the great work of the committee continues in our community. Do not come alone bring along all your card playing friends.
Birth
Congratulations to Barry and Sinead Connaughton, Ballyclare Court, on the recent birth of a baby boy.
5k Road Race Series
The third annual Rós 5k Road race returns to Lanesboro on this Wednesday 4th September. The race will be the usual route from Rathcline GAA pitch in Clonbonny out the ‘line road’ where it will join the main road and you turn back to Cullen’s Filling station and back to the finishing line in Clonbonny. You can run, jog or walk the distance and be part of a growing number of people doing these run, jog and walks. The 5k distance is not all that far and even for the most novice of walkers it is a very enjoyable and attainable distance. Last year we had familiar former residents returning to take part in the run and we hope that this year many more will return and that a record number will come along and do the run, jog or walk. Registration will take place at Rathcline GAA clubhouse.
Birth
Congratulations to Seamus and Audrey Sorohan, Aughaloughan, on the birth last week of a baby girl.
Lanesboro Community College Courses
Outdoor recreation and Office Administration are two courses that Lanesboro Community College will run this coming year. These courses are Fetac level 5 and they will commence in September. The college is now accepting bookings for both courses and you can make your booking by phoning the college 043 33 21139 or online by emailing lanesborocc.ias@eircom.net. You can also make contact by any of the above means to receive information leaflet and information.
Championship Final
The Rathcline Ladies team will play the Intermediate final in Ballymahon on Saturday next at 5pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for the ladies to regain their senior status by winning on Saturday next. They will take on a very strong and fancied Edgeworthstown side that have been making waves throughout the championship and league. The Rathcline team have trained diligently under the watchful eye of team manager Enda Mc Gann and selector James Hanley. We hope that there will be a huge crowd in attendance to support the ladies.
The ladies panel that have done so well to reach the final and, now, hopefully, will go on to victory is: Karena Mulvihill, Lauren Guinan, Geraldine Hanley, Aodhnait Casey, Patrice Nolan, Lauren Farrell, Sinead Farrell, Laura Healy, Paula Kenny, Noleen Donlon, Ann Duffy, Michelle McCormack, Dara McGann, Danielle Irwin, Jo Donlon, Claire Greene, Aoife Bannon, Caoimhe Murray, Janine McCormack, Michaela Cox, Aoife Magan, Dearbhail Flood, Ann-Marie Hand, Emily Farrell, Fidelma Fallon, Ciara Casey, Niamh Gavigan, Tara Sweeney, Jo Sweeney and Aoife Connaughton. We wish them the very best of luck and much success.
Longford Swimming Club
Longford Swimming club caters for children aged 6 to 18. Whether children’s goal is to become competent swimmers and safe at water sports or to go further and become competitive swimmers the club caters for all. It is a great way to keep fit during the winter. On entry to the club children swim as part of the first swim group – the Seals – who have sessions 5-6PM Saturday and 10-11am Sunday. Fees are €150 per term (approx. 20 weeks/40 lessons). The swimming club was awarded Swim Ireland Club of the Year 2013 and the head coach Ronan Mc Nevin was awarded Swim Ireland Club Coach of the year. Swimmers who have completed swim 6 or swim 5, and sometimes swim 4 are generally successful in passing the entry trial for the club. The next trial will be held at 5pm Saturday next 7th September Longford Leisure Centre – Be there to join a great club. See further details on www.longfordswimmingclub.com
Ballymahon Reunion
The Ballymahon Convent of Mercy will hold a class reunion for the class of 1988 on Saturday week 14th September. The reunion will commence with Mass at 6pm. As many of our readers will have gone to Ballymahon Convent we hope that all the 1988 from the area will make it to what should be a great evening.
Advanced Certificate in Business Course
Formerly Longford VEC and now the Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board is offering an Advanced Certificate in Business FETAC Level 6 (part time). This course is provided free under Back to Education Initiative (BTEI). As of yet no venue has been selected but it is expected to be in the VEC offices, as has been the norm for the past two years. The course will commence on Wednesday 12th September and will take place every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 2pm. This course is particularly suited to unemployed people who have already worked in a supervisory capacity. Places on this course will be offered following an interview. For more information you are asked to contact Adult Educational Guidance service 043 33 48177.
Grandparents Pilgrimage
The National Grandparents Pilgrimage at Knock Shrine will take place on Sunday week 8th September. The guest speaker will be Sr. Breege mc Kenna and the guest singers will be Dana and St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Castlebar. Mass will take place in the Basilica at 3.00pm.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge
The summer season and summer bridge is now over and the Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club will return for a new year on Monday 9th September in the Lough Ree Co-Op hall. Everybody is asked to be seated for 7.45pm so that the new year can get off to a prompt start.
GAA Coaching
It is proposed to hold a Foundation level coaching course for people interested in coaching GAA teams at all levels. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Joe O’Brien immediately.
Getting Married
Spaces are available for the Accord pre-marriage courses on 7th/10th October and 15th/16th November. You can make bookings online at www.accord.ie or phone 043 33 47222.
Work4You
Work4You is set up by Acquired Brain Injury Ireland provides a free vocational assessment service for individuals who have acquired brain injury and want support to return to work, training or education.
It is free of charge to anyone with an acquired brain injury, aged 16 to 65 and in receipt of payment from the Department of Social protection. Further information can be got by phoning 044-9338773.
Duck Race on Saturday next
Saturday next will be a red letter day for the people of Ballyleague when they stage the largest ever river Shannon fundraiser in years in the community with the gala duck race taking place at the quay wall.
Over 1500 ducks have now been sold for the race – with all funds going towards the development of a new river bank in the area with a new promenade, safety fencing and secure seating for all the family.
The first duck to sail under the bridge and cross the finishing line will win €500 for its lucky owner. A prize of €250 is going to second place winner and €100 to third. A limited number of ducks will be on sale unto Friday night and can be purchased from any shop or pub in the area.
The duck race is taking place on what promises to be one of the most exciting weekends of the year for Ballyleague with much anticipation of the results of the National Tidy Towns competition – due out two days later on Monday September 9th.
Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns committee wish to invite you all down to the quay wall on the west bank of the Shannon at 4pm next Saturday 7th September.
The committee also wish to extend deepest sympathy to the Sorohan family, Lifebelt Bar, Ballyleague on the sad passing of Charlie Sorohan last weekend. Charlie was a very key member of the local business community for several decades up to the time of his retirement and he will be sadly missed in Ballyleague.
Men’s 55 club
The men’s over 55 club will re commence on Thursday 12th September at 12 noon at St Marys Parish Hall, Lanesboro All are welcome Come along and have a cuppa and a chat
Warmer Home for the Winter ahead
Longford Warmer Homes provides free attic insulation, cavity wall insulation and energy advice to elderly and disadvantaged home owners throughout the county. There are a certain criteria to be met and if you do so you can avail of all of the above services.
Longford Warmer Homes also carries out work for the elderly as part of the Care and Repair Scheme.
You are invited to check the Longford Warmer Homes Ltd. Website www.lwh.ie or Facebook page www.facebook.com/LongfordWarmerHomesLtd to check to see if you are entitled to this free service. If you have not access to the web you can ring 043 33 93255.
Baptisms
On Saturday 24th August Caroline Krauze, daughter of Inga and Martin, Ballinahinch, Newtowncashel and Alicia Wit, daughter of Kamila and Alicia, Cnoc na Gaoithe were baptised in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The next outing is to Athlone Golf Club this Friday the 6th September. The tee is booked from 11 am but as usual be there a little earlier. The prizes are kindly sponsored by Society captain, Liam Rosemond so a good turnout is expected. This is also the final Golfer of Year competition and a half a dozen or so players can still win the beautiful GOY trophy with a good result in Athlone!! Text Frank on 0879730611 if coming.
St. John’s Congregation
On Sunday 22nd September one of the St. John’s parishioners’ Mrs Linda Frost ‘will be ordained a Deacon with 4 others in Christchurch Cathedral Dublin. She has received her posting to Howth parish church for a year before taking up a parish. Linda has been living in Corbo, Roscommon for the last few years, her husband is a paramedic with the ambulance service in Roscommon and she has 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren.
Steve and Linda have been living in Co Roscommon for the last 20 years.
We would like to congratulate her and wish her every blessing from the congregation of St John’s church Lanesborough,
Guitar Lessons
Guitar lessons for beginners and Intermediate will commence in the very near future. Learn to play in a range of different styles e.g. finger/flat picking and strumming. Groups or individual tuition. For further information please phone 087-9258238.
Church Gate Collection
The Irish Heart Foundation is holding a Church Gate collection at all masses on Saturday and Sunday next 7th and 8th September. Your usual most generous support will be greatly appreciated.
Longford Toastmasters
Would you like to improve your communication skills and be more confident at speaking in public? Longford Toastmasters’ new season begins this coming Thursday, 5th Sep, in The Longford Arms Hotel at 8.20pm. All are welcome to join us for an enjoyable and sociable evening. No experience required! For further information please contact Mary on 086 1219281 or Terrie on 086 1706367.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Minor Ladies – Championship: Our Minor Ladies had a win in their 1st Championship game, against St. Barry’s on Thursday last in Tarmonbarry. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 5-10 St. Barry’s 3-08. Team: M. Banahan, N. Carty, C. Cleary, L. Hoare, N. Scally, E. Kenny, R. Costello (1-0), E. Hegarty, J. Geoghegan (0-5), A. Nerney, K. Murphy (4-3), T. Nerney, R. Banahan (0-2). See fixtures for details of next game.
Hard Luck: To Diarmuid Murtagh along with the Roscommon Minors, defeated by Tyrone in the All-Ireland Minor Championship semi-final on Sunday last in Croke Park.
U16 Boys – League: Our U16 Boys had a win over Kilbride on Friday evening last. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 1-12 Kilbride 0-5. Team: M. O’Donnell, M. Gill, J. Farrell, K. Nerney, J. Irwin, M. Cox, L. Parker, D. Nerney, D. Kelly, J. Hussey (0-1), S. Walsh (0-5), C. Gannon, G. Carberry, D. Foley, S. Phillips (1-3). Subs: C. Gannon (0-3), E. Tynan.
U14 Boys – D2 Championship: Our U14 boys were defeated by Tulsk in the Championship semi-final on Tuesday evening last in Strokestown.
U14 Girls – Championship: Our U14 girls had a win over Strokestown on Wednesday evening last in Strokestown. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 2-12 Strokestown 2-02. Team: D. McCaffrey, P. Jedrych, N. Hegarty, K. Browne, I. Farrell, S. Hoare, K. Mc Phillips, A. Curley (0-2), M. Kelly, J. Banahan, S. Scally (1-2), L. Cox (0-1), L. Fahy (0-1), E. Irwin (1-4), K. Byrne (0-1). Subs: N. Parker (0-1), L. Farrell, C. Curley, C. Kelly, O. Costello. Next game is against Roscommon Gaels, this coming Thursday evening, 5th September in Lisnamult. Time TBC.
U12 Boys – Summer League: Our U12 boys were defeated by Tulsk on Friday evening last at home. Next game is against St. Michaels, this coming Sunday, 8th September at 12.00pm in Ardcarne Park.
U8/U10 GoGames Blitz: Phase Two of the GoGames blitzes will commence with the U8 Blitz (Group 3), on Saturday next, 7th September, in St. Faithleachs GAA Club Grounds. (St. Faithleachs, Oran, Tulsk & St. Michaels). The U10 Blitz will be held the following Saturday, 14th September, details to follow.
Lucozade Sport Club Crusade: Thanks to all who are supporting St. Faithleachs GAA Club, in collecting bottle caps for the “Lucozade Sport Club Crusade” Please continue to drop your bottle caps into our collection bag in the clubhouse.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were – 3, 15, 27 and 28. There was no jackpot winner and the five €20 winners – Ann Hopkins, Jacinta Madden, Joe & Martina Cribbin, Liam Connerton and Rob & Yvonne Slable. The next draw will take place on Tuesday 10th September for a jackpot of €9,400.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 9.00pm. All are welcome. Last week’s results are – winners, Jimmy/Martin. Runners-up, Mark/Noreen. Last Game, Ann/Kathleen. Ticket winners were – Ronan, Frank (K), Pat & Frank (F).
Shannon Gaels GAA
U6,U8 and U10 – The parish league was just great and everybody enjoyed themselves. A special word of thanks must go to referees Jack O’Loughlin, Stephen O’Dowd and Niall Keane.
U14 – The season has now finished for this age group. The club would like to thank all players and especially their parents for their time and dedication throughout the year.
U16s – Our U16 players had disappointing evening against Clonguish Óg last Thursday evening in the Juvenile championship. They now play the final group in the championship on Friday evening next against Northern Gaels.
Our minors continue their great season with a great win over Southern Gaels in the play off for a place in the minor league final in Clonbonny. It confirmed their superiority in this grade this year and it is wonderful to have competitive players coming through the ranks. We look forward to next year as the vast majority of the players are again eligible. They must raise the bar further throughout the winter and spring months to remain in the same situation they find themselves in this year.
The final of the League is fixed for Saturday week 14th September against St. Colmcille’s. The venue has yet to be decided and it will be published here next week.
On Sunday next our minors by virtue of winning the Minor B championship gain a place in the quarter final of the A championship and their prize is a game against St. Vincent’s. The venue and time have yet to be decided. We wish the lads well and we hope for another victory on Sunday.
Schools Coaching- Are you interested in coaching at schools level in our primary school? If so please contact Joe O’Brien.
Rathcline GAA
Ladies Championship Final 2013 – Next Saturday evening – 7th September will see Rathcline and Mostrim face each other for the second time in as many games with Intermediate Championship Honours up for grabs. The game will take place in Leo Casey Pak at 5pm. The Ladies team are the last remaining hope for championship honours after the senior men’s exit last Sunday evening and we hope that everyone will come into Ballymahon to support the girls in their pursuit of glory. Great credit must be attributed to team manager Enda McGann and his fellow selector James Hanley for their work with the team to date. We look forward to the Ladies County Final in the hope that the girls can break through to the senior grade for the 2014 championship. We wish the team, management and executive the best in their preparations over the next couple of days.
Commiserations to our senior team who were narrowly beaten by Carrickedmond in the semi-final of the Intermediate Championship on Sunday last. Final Score: Rathcline 2-05, Carrickedmond 1-09. Although things looked very positive at half time for Rathcline, Carrickedmond came out a much stronger team in the second half to earn their place in the final against the winners of Ardagh and Legan. We wish Carrickedmond the very best for the rest of the championship campaign. Many thanks to our own management team of Gerry Lynn, Albert Cooney and Joe Rooney for their work with the senior lads over the last eight months. There is a lot to look forward to in Rathcline GAA with some exciting young players making names for themselves at minor level. The progression of these players into the senior squad will add a new dimension to the senior team and hopefully the club will be holding the Hennessy Cup in the near future.
Juvenile U16 A Championship – Commiserations to Western Gaels U16 team who were defeated by Clonguish Óg on Thursday evening 29th August in Clonbonny. The team have now won one and lost one in the group stages of the championship. The final “must win” group game will take place this Friday evening 6th September when the team play away to Northern Gaels in the Laurels at 7pm. A win will guarantee a semi placing in the “A” Championship. Your support would be very much appreciated.
All Ireland Hurling Ticket Draw – €2 raffle tickets are readily available and are in circulation around the parish for a chance to win 2 Premium Stand tickets to this year’s All Ireland Hurling Final between Cork and Clare on Sunday 8th September. The draw will take place this Thursday night 5th September in Adie’s Bar at 11pm. All completed cards should be returned to any member of the Executive before Thursday evening.
Minor League – Congratulations to Western Gaels who recorded another comprehensive victory over our near neighbours – Southern Gaels in the semi-final of the Minor League. The team are now looking to the double (after already claiming the Minor Championship) and face St. Colmcilles in the League final on Saturday 14th September. Venue has yet to be decided. This team has taken magnificent strides this year under the stewardship of Kevin Hanley and Mickey Hand and a potential double would cap off the perfect year for the team. Please keep an eye on fixtures for more details on the league final.
Sympathies – Rathcline GAA extends its deepest sympathies to the Sorohan families Lanesboro on the passing of Charlie on Sunday morning last. May he rest in peace.
Club Rathcline Lotto Draw – Preparations are on-going for Phase 2 of the Lotto campaign and it is hoped to have the fundraiser rolled out in the next couple of weeks. Letters will be posted out to our existing participants with subscription renewal forms. Many thanks to all our patrons who participated in the last lotto and we look forward to your support for Phase 2.
Shannon Gaels – Coaching for U6, U8, U10 and U12 will continue in Clonbonny on Friday in Clonbonny from 7pm to 8pm as normal.
School’s Coaching Role – If anyone is interested in taking the role of School’s coach for the coming year, please contact Joe O’Brien 086-2460840 or joea@iol.ie