Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Awards Galore at Tidy Towns
The three areas in our community entered in the Tidy Towns competition Lanesboro and Ballyleague and Cloontuskert received excellent results at the announcement of awards today. With marks in this completion notoriously hard to come by all of our local entrants upped their marks. Lanesboro had the highest rise in points jumping from 212 last year to 228 from a total of 400 Lanesboro also were recognised as county winners of the endeavour award and receive a prize of €500. Ballyleague who had 231 last year gained a further 9 marks to reach 240 this year. Ballyleague Village Renewal was awarded the SuperValu Community Bursary Award of €5000 and the money will go towards the wonderful work about to be commenced on the west bank. Cloontuskert who were commended as prize winners of €500 in their category rose a further 2 marks from 293 to 295.
The work being done by the three groups is at last being recognised and rewarded and we hope that this great work will continue into the future and that the local support for the three groups will continue to grow and hope that one day in the very near future we will be acknowledging the overall winners for one of the groups in our community. The groups are edging closer to the major prize as Moynalty, Co Meath were winners with a mark of 316. Today is a day to be proud of the people that work so hard for our community and we are rightly proud of their achievements for all of us.
Wedding
The marriage took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Ballinakill, Co. Galway on Friday 23rd August of Claire Carroll, daughter of Michael and Mary Carroll, Rathcline Road and Benjamin Frank, son of Ronald Frank and Catherine Jackson, Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada. Matron of honour was Michelle Walshe, sister of the bride and bridesmaids were Cathy Ross, sister of the bride and Briánán Mc Govern friend of the bride. Bestman was William Frank brother of the groom and groomsman was Cory Frank also brother of the groom. Pageboys were Matthew, nephew of the bride, and Maxwell Hickey, nephew of the groom. Flower Girls were Ellen Walshe and Freya Ross both nieces of the bride. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. James Roynane, Clifden. The wedding reception took place at Rosleague Manor, Letterfrack.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Remembering Larry Kelly
I recently received an email all the way from San Francisco telling me of a visit made to a pub in the city called the Plough and Stars. It’s an internationally renowned bar for traditional Irish music in San Francisco and many famous musicians have played concerts there. While
looking at the pictures and photographs on the wall he came upon a poster for the Larry Kelly Festival of Music held in October 1993. Larry was one of the foremost fiddles players in our area. He offered to buy the poster and as the bartender refused he turned to his native sod to see if anybody would by any chance have that particular poster and if they would be prepared to let go of to him. Memories of home and especially memories of past times and local musician’s characters are very hard to come by and are all the more poignant when you are thousands of miles from home. Contact me if you can help in any way.
Good Luck
We would like to wish The Western Gaels Minor team the very best of luck on Sunday next when they take on Colmcille at 4pm. At the time of writing there was no venue yet fixed for the game? We hope that once the venue is known a large number will travel to cheer the lads on to victory and the league and championship double.
National recognition for local Photographer
While browsing through the current edition of the very popular Irish magazine VIP I came across wedding photographs taken by local photographer Michelle Hurson. Michelle, a daughter of John and Mary Hurson, Lisnacusha, is making a name for herself in the photographic field and the publication of her photographs is a great boost to her career. We look forward to seeing more of her work being published on not only the national but international magazines in the not too distant future.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Brendan Farrell, Cloontuskert, on the death last week of his sister Mrs Jo Mc Grath, Ballinakill, Carbury, Co. Kildare.
Independent People with Disabilities
The Independent People with Disabilities are holding Lip Reading Classes for people with a hearing problem in the National Learning Network, Belhavel, Athlone commencing on Tuesday 24th September from 3pm to 5pm. The courses run for 8 weeks and tuition is free for those attending. You are invited to contact their office 090 64 70044. You are advised to contact immediately as places are limited to 10.
Text Alert
The text alert committee held their AGM recently and the existing committee that continues to do such a great job were elected back into office. Each executive member was elected to their previous position.
The committee would like to thank the absolutely huge number within and outside the parish that availed of the text alert system. Your support has been tremendous without doubt. The signage went up during the year and the committee would like to thank P J and Joan Donnellan Engine Spares, ACC Bank and ESB Power Gen for their sponsorship which enabled the signage to be done.
If you have not availed of joining the text alert system and wish to do so you can get your envelope from any committee member or from Martina O’Brien.
Thank You
The Lough Ree Defibrillator group would like to extend their thanks to everyone that supported their Church Gate collection held recently at the churches at both Lanesboro and Ballyleague. The amount contributed was €665.
We all know the importance of the defibrillators in our community – it can the matter of life or death. With 10 batteries and 10 sets of pads required there is still a shortfall despite the church gate collection. The cost of the full set batteries and the pads is in the region €3500 a large but essential amount.
The committee are looking at different ventures of raising the money to eradicate the shortfall and they encourage your full support to the means selected.
Training and refresher courses continues to be on-going and anyone wishing to do either course should give their name to Martina O’Brien
Church Gate Collection
A Church Gate collection in aid of Lanesboro Community College will take place at all masses on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September. Your generous support will be much appreciated.
Death
The entire area was saddened to learn of the death at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar on Saturday 31st August of Charles Sorohan, Clonfower. Charlie as he was most commonly known has been a huge figure in our community since his arrival with his wife Julia and family to the Lifebelt Bar, Ballyleague many years ago. Charlie made an immediate impact in our community and became a very popular figure throughout his time in the Lifebelt bar. He was a great man for anything local on either side of the bridge and his support was unwavering. Charlie was a grounded, unassuming and understanding man who always gave time to people. He was a warm friendly and witty man and a true friend and neighbour. He had a great love of sport and none more so than the GAA trials and tribulations of his native Drumlish, with whom he performed gallantly for many years, and St. Faithleachs and Rathcline clubs. Charlie’s presence will be sadly missed but the many memories he gave us will undoubtedly live in our hearts and minds for many a long year. His remains reposed at his home in Clonfower on Monday until the removal of his remains to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro and his interment followed his Funeral Mass to Clonbonny cemetery
To his wife Julia, sons Charlie, Seamus, John, Kevin and Michael, brothers and a multitude of friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Irish Dancing Classes
Irish Dancing classes will resume in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesboro, on Wednesday week 18th September at 4pm. Beginners are very welcome.
Ladies leave it late
The fortunes of our Rathcline ladies team swung to and fro in Ballymahon on Saturday last when they plated and exciting and thrilling draw against Edgeworthstown. The game was played in wet and dreary conditions on an excellent Ballymahon sod and the two teams gave it their all in a very tense game. At no stage was there anything between the sides and at half time both teams were on level scores. With defences on top, scores were going to be at a premium and going into extra time we felt that the one point lead would not be drawn back but the excellent Edgeworthstown gave one last push and were rewarded with the equalising point.
The replay is scheduled for Saturday 21st September and there is no doubt that our ladies have the strength and ability to overcome the challenge next time round and we look forward to the county title resting with Rathcline ladies for the next 12 months.
Birth
Many congratulations to Sean and Sinead Farrell, Lisduff on the birth last week of a baby girl.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 4th September are: N/S 1st Frank and Frances Brennan, 2nd Barbara Ferguson and Maureen Kearns and 3rd Loretto Cooney and Freda Kenny. E/W 1st Katharine Harrison and Philomena Walshe, 2nd Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne and 3rd Mike Flynn and Brendan Dowling.
Ballymahon Reunion
The Ballymahon Convent of Mercy will hold a class reunion for the class of 1988 on Saturday next 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. The evening will commence with mass in the school at 6pm followed by a meal in Cooney’s at 7pm. If you have not already done so you are asked to contact Mary Kelly 087-6850268
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.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The results of the Captains Prize (Liam Rosemond) played for in Athlone Golf Club on Friday last 6th September. Athlone golf course overlooking Hodson Bay was in wonderful condition on a beautiful Autumnal day, not a blade of grass was misplaced. After the golf Ailish and her team provided a first class meal.
Winner of the prestigious Captains Prize was John James O’Shea with 33 points, second was Peter Day on 32 points and third was Jackie McDonnell also on 32 points. Both nines went to the Society captain Liam and Alan Farrell respectively. Nearest the hole on the 17 green was won by John Martin.
Ladies Prize went to Fiona Gillen with a very good 28 points on this challenging course.
Visitors Prize was won by M P Fallon with 32 points.
The much admired Golfer of the Year Trophy was keenly contested this year and has ended in a tie. The two protagonists Peter Day and the Society Captain Liam have agreed to a much anticipated play-off in Athlone in two weeks’ time, when the winner takes all.
The members and committee wish a speedy recovery and look forward to having our honourable secretary Frank burning up the fairways soon again.
Lanesboro 5k- Roscommon 5k Series 2013
Congratulations to all the participants in the Lanesboro leg of the 2013 5k Series last Wednesday 4th September in Clonbonny. A strong turnout, (118 finishers) fantastic weather and some very fast times made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Dunshaughlin AC’s Tom Moran made a successful journey from Co. Meath to cross the line first in a fast 15:57, well inside the previous course record from the inaugural Lanesboro run two years ago. In fact the top 4 finishers were all inside the old course record. Congratulations to Longford woman Michelle McGee who was first female home in 18:18 Sinead Nolan, also of Longford, and Maura Dervin of Roscommon excelled as 2nd and 3rd females. Well done to James Skelly, Newtowncashel in 16th position and Mark Mimnagh in 24th position who were the first locals to cross the line. Well done also to Laura Clyne who recorded her fastest time in the 2013 series.
Lough Ree Athletic Club would like to thank Lanesboro Triathlon Club and the local Gardaí for their help in marshaling the event, Rathcline GAA Club for the use of their facilities, the local ladies who helped out with the catering and many other too numerous to mention who helped out with recording and signage. Your help is greatly appreciated Thanks also to our juvenile athletes who manned the water stations.
Lough Ree AC.
Moyne Community School is again the venue for the Longford Primary Schools Cross Country which takes place on Saturday 21st September at 5 p.m. Races for 3rd/4th class Boys and Girls 800m, and 5th/6th Boys and Girls 1000m in addition to a Men’s 6k and a women’s 4k. The club is starting the road runs in Clonbonny on Tuesday evening 10th September, start time is 6 o’clock. All athletes from third class upwards are welcome. Anybody wishing to travel to Moyne to the Cross Country please advise a club official and we will provide transport for you.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Minor Ladies – Championship: Our Minor Ladies had a win over Kilglass Gaels on Wednesday evening last in Kilglass. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 10-07 Kilglass Gaels 1-09. Team: E. Hegarty, R. Banahan, J. Geoghegan, E. Kenny, R. Costello, C. Cleary, M. Banahan, A. Nerney, K. Murphy, S. Brennan, N. Scally, T. Nerney.
U14 Girls – Championship: Our U14 girls are through to the Championship Quarter-Final following a win over Roscommon Gaels and a win over Western Gaels last week. On Thursday evening last they defeated Roscommon Gaels in Lisnamult. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 5-05 Roscommon Gaels 3-03. Team: D. McCaffrey, K. Browne, N. Hegarty, L. Farrell, I. Farrell, S. Hoare, K. Mc Phillips, M. Kelly, A. Curley (0-1), J. Banahan (1-0), S. Scally, L. Cox (1-2), K. Byrne (1-1), E Irwin (2-1), L Fahy. Subs: C. Curley, P. Jedwich, O. Costello, J. Brennan, C. Kelly. This was followed by a convincing win over Western Gaels on Sunday evening last, at home. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 7-12 Western Gaels 1-05. Team: D. McCaffrey, K. Browne, N. Hegarty, P. Jedwich, I. Farrell, S. Hoare (0-1), K. Mc Phillips, M. Kelly (0-1), A. Curley (0-3), J. Banahan (1-0), S. Scally (1-0), L. Cox (0-1), K. Byrne (0-1), E. Irwin (4-5), C Kelly. Subs: N. Parker, O. Costello, L. Farrell, J. Brennan (1-0), L. Fahy, C. Curley.
U12 Boys – Summer League: Our U12 boys had a win over St. Michaels on Sunday last in Ardcarne Park. Next game is against Clan na nGael, this coming Saturday, 14th September at 12.00pm in Johnstown.
U8/U10 GoGames Blitz: The U10 Blitz GoGames (Phase 2) will be held on Saturday next, 14th September in Tulsk. (Group 3 – St. Faithleachs, Oran, Tulsk and St. Michaels)
Lucozade Sport Club Crusade: Thanks to all who are supporting St. Faithleachs, in collecting Bottle Caps for the “Lucozade Sport Club Crusade” Please continue to drop your bottle caps into our collection bag in the clubhouse.
Sympathy: The club extends deepest sympathy to the Sorohan Family on the death of Charles Sorohan. To his wife Julia, sons Charlie, Seamus, John, Kevin and Michael, extended family, relatives, neighbours & friends. The club extends deepest sympathy to Jean Fallon and family on the death of her brother, Brendan Flanagan, Four-Mile-House.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 9.00pm. All welcome. Last week’s results – winners, Tom/Padraig. Runners-up, Tom/Ronan and last game, Michael/Tom.
Ballyleague Village Renewal
Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns committee wish to thank each and every person who supported the recent duck race for the new river bank development. The race was a great success with the following prize winners 1st: Linda Maxwell Clonee, 2nd: Ann Caslin c/o The Bounty Athlone, 3rd: Fiona Kilcline Ballyleague, 5th: Catherine c/o Dept. of Ed Athlone, 4th: Emma Hussey Ballyleague, 6th: John Glynn, C/O DVO, Roscommon.
The committee wish to thank all the business people who sold the tickets for the ducks in their shops and special thanks to Lough Ree Sub Aqua club and Junior Hannon Kayaking club for their professional support in running he race last weekend. Thanks also to Accoustagraph for the PA system and Joe Cribbin for his Daybreak van. Work on the new riverbank is now proceeding to contract tender stage and the new project will be a great addition to the area that will also provide safety along the river bank.
Footnote: The tidy towns committee wish the very best to John Francis and Anne from Ballyleague as they prepare for their big day at the weekend. They are both valued members of the local community and we wish them many happy years of wedded bliss. It’s a big week for Ballyleague and we all look forward to the celebrations continuing through next weekend.
MUSIC FESTIVAL: We are only two weeks away from the second big music festival of the summer in our community. This time the marquee will be erected behind the old Anchor hotel in Ballyleague for two nights from September 20-22 with music from Karen and the Dolans and Busy Fingers. Funds raised are going to meningitis research and tickets are available around town and from Daybreak shop, Ballyleague now – priced just ten euro per night. A fog show will take place in the marina on Saturday September 21st with lots of prizes and it should be a good weekend. Hundreds of people in the area have fond memories of dancing in the Anchor and the Sliabh ban hotel so it is nice to see dancing and high quality music return to the venue. Well done to Joe and Martina for organising the event. If you could like to help call to Joe in the shop please.
Rathcline GAA
Ladies Championship Final 2013 – Our Senior Ladies drew the Intermediate County Championship Final with Mostrim last Saturday evening in Ballymahon on a final score of 1-04 apiece. Both teams were severely hampered by the adverse weather conditions on the day with Rathcline playing with a number of injury laden players. It is expected that the Final Replay will take place on Saturday 21st September with venue and times yet to be decided. A two week break for the team is timely and hopefully the team will be back to full health for the next meeting with Mostrim. It also gives Mike Murray a chance to recover some sleep before the nerves take hold again in the build-up to the replay! We wish Dara McGann the very best in her recovery from her recent illness. The Ladies Club would like to thank the Rathcline support contingent for coming to the match in the dreadful conditions. We appreciate the support and hope to see you all again in two weeks’ time.
All Ireland Football Final 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 Football Final between Dublin and Mayo on Sunday 22nd September. The draw will take place this Thursday night 19th September in Adie’s Bar at 11pm. All completed cards should be returned to any member of the Executive in advance of draw.
Minor League Final – Our Minor team looking to complete the double this coming weekend (after already claiming the Minor Championship) when they face St. Colmcilles in the League final on Saturday 21st September at 4pm. 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.
U16 – After losing out in the group stages of the A Championship, Western Gaels now enter the Shield Semi Final against St. Vincent’s on Saturday 14th September in Dunbeggan at 4pm. Please keep an eye on fixtures for confirmation of this game as the tie could change given senior championship results in the county this week.
Congratulations to Sean and Sinead Farrell – Lisduff, on arrival of their first baby girl.
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.
School’s Coaching Role – If anyone is interested in taking the role of School’s coach for the coming year, please contact Sean Kenny (086) 1081498 or Seadna Ryan (085) 1595512.
U12 Blitz – Well done to all the personnel involved with organising the blitz in Clonbonny last Saturday. Master of Ceremonies on the day was Brendan Keane and he was ably assisted by DJ Michael J Reilly.