Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Win 2 Tickets for Dublin v Mayo
At the moment the demand for tickets to the much awaited all-Ireland Final is phenomenal. Everybody wants to be there for what promises to be a most exciting final and also the possibility of Mayo, who have been knocking on the door for so long, winning the final this year.
Rathcline GAA is offering you the chance of winning 2 Premium tickets for just €2 per line. Just imagine winning these 2 tickets and getting your 2 All Ireland tickets for just €1 each. Tickets are on sale throughout the town and from club members or in O’Brien’s. The draw will take place on this Thursday night in Adie’s at 11pm.
Buy your ticket, support the club and perhaps it will be you that will be taking your premium seat in Croke Park enjoying the excitement of All Ireland Final day on Sunday next.
Seeking your support
The Meath Chronicle, in partnership with Boyne Hill House, are giving a lucky couple the chance to win a dream wedding. Local man Craig O’Reilly, The Green and his girlfriend Stephanie Smyth are contestants in this event and are seeking your support in helping them win their dream wedding and the first prize of the dream wedding give away of €20,000. You can vote for them by texting COUPLE followed by Craig and Stephanie number which is 20 to 57199. The lines will close at midday on Friday 11th October and the announcement will be made that night in a function in the Boyne Hill House. Go on give them a vote and help make their day a very special one.
Second Bite of the Cherry
The Rathcline Ladies team will resume hostilities with Edgeworthstown ladies in the replay of the County Longford Ladies Final replay in Pearse Park on Saturday next 21st September at 3pm. The drawn game was a titanic struggle between two very evenly matched ladies teams and the replay promises to be no different. The ladies have prepared diligently in preparation for this day and it is hope that a big crowd will turn out to support and cheer the ladies to victory. Much credit must got the work of the ladies themselves and also the dedication of their team manager and coach Enda Mc Gann and selector James Hanley.
County Minor Manager
We would like to congratulate Gareth Johnston on the appointment at the County Board meeting last Wednesday as County Minor Manager for the year 2014. Gareth brings to the jobs a wealth of footballing knowledge from his footballing days with Rathcline and also as manager of Rathcline seniors and as a selector with this year’s minor team. Gareth has brought on board with him local man Cian O’Brien, Emmet Kenny- Kenagh, Colin Dalton- Sean Connolly’s and Tony Devlin- Clonguish. We wish them well in the coming year and hopefully they will bring much success to the county.
Lough Ree begin Autumn/Winter schedule
Now that the excitement of the Ros 5k Series is over and the schools have reopened the Lough Ree Athletic club has commenced its Autumn/Winter schedule. With the schools competition (cross-country) coming up fast, the club had its first long run-out at Clonbonny on Tuesday last. The full results are posted in O’Brien’s window where they will be post after each race.
For the first outing there was quite a good turnout with over 30 taking part and everybody was timed. Kevin Tansey was first home in 8min 55sec. Could he be a better runner than his mother Ronie! Kevin was followed in by Cian Walton and Cronan Flood with a tied time of 9min 10sec. Then came the first of the girls in the form of Róisín Brennan and Hazel Johnston both with a tied time of 10min 13sec.
We all know Róisín’s capabilities but Hazel’s was an eye opener as was the run of the diminutive Cian Walton’s in the boys.
Longford Primary Schools cross-country run will take place next Saturday 21st September at Moyne College at 5pm.
Parents are reminded that the Tuesday runs will continue at 5pm at Clonbonny and the club is looking forward to a huge number turning out each and every Tuesday.
Minor Final Date Changed
At the time of writing, last week, the minor League final was scheduled to take place on Sunday at 4pm but with Colmcille’s senior team playing in the senior semi-final it was agreed to change the final date until Saturday next 21st September at 2pm in Maguire Park, Ballinalee. We hope a big number will attend and cheer the lads on to victory. It would be a tremendous achievement if the lads can add the league title to the championship title they have already won.
Sympathy
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to Tom, Joe and John Rooney and their families, Rathcline and the extended Rooney family on the death last week of Peggy Rooney, Manchester, England. Peg is the last of the older generation of the Rooney to die and with her goes the end of a generation of the Rooney family
Defibrillator
Names are again being taken for new people interested in training in the use of the defibrillator and also for those that need to do the refresher course. There can never be enough trained in the use of the defibrillator and if you have not yet been trained in its use you should leave your name to Martina O’Brien. Both the refresher and training courses are to commence in the near future.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Ollie and Tommy Curran, and their families, Rathcline, Paddy Curran and family Killinure and the extended Curran family on the death last week of their sister Mrs Ann Fenelon, Farnagh Hill, Longford.
Death
The death took place on Tuesday 10th September at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin of Mrs Carmel Mc Guinness, Portarlington, Co. Offaly. Carmel moved with her husband Mick and family when he came to work in the Power Station a number of years ago- they lived on the Rathcline Road. Carmel and Mick became popular members and played a meaningful part in our community during their time here. She will always be remembered for her warmth and affability and her passing will leave the hearts of everyone that knew her an empty place. Following Mick’s retirement from ESB they moved back to their native Portarlington although they never lost contact with Lanesboro. Her remains were removed to St. Michael’s Church, Portarlington on Friday last for her Funeral Mass and her remains here them laid to rest in St. Michael’s cemetery. We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband, Mick, daughter Anne, Curragh Rua, sons Michael and Declan, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Foundation Level Course
It is proposed to hold a Foundation level coaching course for people interested in coaching GAA teams at all levels. This course is suited to any parent, or young person interested in helping out with teams in the coming year or indeed years. It can be the stepping stone for people to get themselves involved in coaching and who knows where it will end. If you are interested in getting involved please contact Joe O’Brien immediately.
Death
The death took place at Mullingar General Hospital on Sunday 8th September of David Gibbons, Aughamuck, Kilrooskey. David had been predeceased a number of years back of his wife Brigid. David was a farmer who worked his land diligently and he also spent time working for the forestry. He was a thorough gentle man with a great nature, elegance and personality. He left a telling mark with everyone that had the pleasure to meet and know him. His passing will leave a great void in the area where he will be sadly missed.
His remains reposed at the residence of his son John until his removal to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh on Monday. His Funeral Mass was followed by the laying of his remains to rest alongside his wife Brigid in Kilgefin Cemetery.
To his sons, Luke, Pat, David and John, daughter Margaret, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Irish Dancing Classes
Irish Dancing classes will resume in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesboro, on this Wednesday 18th September at 4pm. Beginners are very welcome.
Coffee Morning for Hospice
Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union is taking part in Ireland’s biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice on Thursday next 19th September. Please support this very worthy cause. This year all funds raised will go to Roscommon/Mayo Hospice and as it is hoped to make this an annual event, next year will be the turn of Longford Hospice Homecare. Coffee and tea, with treats, will be served all day and any donation you can make will be appreciated. Lanesboro and Ballyleague Credit Union is looking forward to seeing you a wonderful representation of our community attending for such a worthwhile cause.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs Phil Chalmers, Barnacor on the death last week of her sister Mrs Kathleen Casserley, nee Fallon, Ballinahinch, Newtowncashel. We also extend our sympathies to the extended Fallon, Shea and Casserley families on the death of Mrs Casserley.
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.
Irish Dancing Classes
Irish dancing classes with the Stanley Carroll School resume in the Co – Op hall every Thursday from 6.30pm – 7.30pm. Newcomers welcome. For any more info contact Lisa on 087-9804402.
St. John’s
There will not be any Church Service in St. John’s Church Lanesborough on Sunday 22nd September as parishioners have all been invited to the ordination of Mrs Linda Frost in Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin on that day at 3pm.
Harvest Festival Service and Thanksgiving
The annual Harvest Festival Service will be held in St Coman’s Church Roscommon on Sunday 29th at 3pm. The Harvest Thanksgiving Service will take place in St John’s Church, Lanesborough on Sunday 13th October at 3pm.
Everyone welcome. It’s that time of the year again when we thank God for the wonderful Summer and Harvest we all have enjoyed this year.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the weekly Bridge game organised by Lanesboro Bridge Club on Wednesday last 11th September, 2013 are; N/S 1st Barbara Ferguson and Maureen Kearns, 2nd Una Clarke and Eileen Kelly and 3rd Elisa Grey and Cyril Hussey. E/W 1st Kathleen Hanly and Mary Fallon, 2nd Frances and Frank Brennan and 3rd Loretto Cooney and Freda Kenny.
Death
The death occurred on Thursday last 12th September at Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar of Angela Kenny, Rathcline Road. Angela was renowned as a woman of great nature and kindness. She was a warm and affable lady with a great sense of community and generous to a fault. In years past Angela had a major health issue which she fought and overcame with tremendous spirit. Her passing will leave a great void with everyone that knew her. Her remains reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home on Saturday last from where her remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro. Following her Funeral Mass her remains were removed to Clonbonny cemetery for burial.
To her husband John, son Darren, daughters Deirdre and Aishling, sisters Helen, Bernadette and Anne, brother Michael, relatives and friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Rainbows Ireland
Rainbows Ireland runs a support group for children aged 5 plus right through teenage years who have been bereaved through death, separation or other painful loss. The programme will begin in the Family Centre, (behind the Cathedral), Longford on Thursday 3rd October from 6pm to 7pm and it will continue for 12 weeks.
Booking is essential for those interested and bookings must be made before Thursday 26th September. You can make your booking by phoning 043-33 46827.
Church Gate Collection
Rathcline Neighbourhood Watch will hold their Annual Church Gate Collection at all Masses this coming weekend 21st and 22nd September. Your usual most generous support will be greatly appreciated.
Set Dancing Classes Resume
The new season of the extremely popular set dancing classes recommenced in the Lifebelt Bar, Ballyleague last week. Set dancing is presently all the craze where people meet old and new friends and have a great night dancing every Tuesday night. Everyone is welcome to join. For further information you should contact Mairead Casey 086-8546433.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Donal Kelly and his family, England and formerly of Lisinaria on the recent death of this wife Mary.
Sewing and Alterations Workshops
In the next few weeks there will be two new workshops taking place in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro.
The first workshop on Monday 30th September will be an introduction to sewing machine and it will take place between 9.30am to 2.30pm. This one day workshop will teach the basics of sewing the easy way and it will have a focus on cutting fabric and making useful items.
The second workshop on Monday 7th October is entitled ‘Basic Alterations Workshop’. This workshop will teach you to use your machine for basic alterations and how to be creative in up-cycling your wardrobe. The cost per workshop is €25.
If you require further information or want to enrol you should phone 087-6346451.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
Our Under 12 team went down narrowly to Longford Slashers in the U12 Shield Final on Saturday last in Pearse Park. This was a wonderful performance by our young team of which only 3 are overage next year. The panel representing the club was Duileach Ryan, Seadhna Ryan, Sean Kenny, Liam Ross, Michal Kajan, Briain Casey, Richard prior, Jakub Kajan, Evan Chalmers, Bryn Peters, Kevin Tansey, Mark Dowd, Ultan O’Sullivan, Harvey Myhill, Gordon Farrell, Conor Sorohan, Patrick Smyth, Anna Maguire, Lucy Ann Myhill, Leah Wyse, Emily Fallon, Grainne Chawke, Aoife English, Aishling Farrell, Orla Keane, Áine Kennelly, Aoife Nolan, Orla Ryan, Abbie ward, Óisín Kenny and Cormac Casey. We congratulate the team management on a great season – Seadna Ryan, Pauric Farrell, Robbie Chalmers and Ciaran Prior.
Congratulations – The club would like to congratulate Gareth Johnston on the announcement of his appointment at County Minor manager for the coming year. We also wish Cian O’Brien well as he will be part of Gareth’s backroom team.
The club would like to wish the Minor team the very best of luck in the Minor League Final in Maguire Park Ballinalee on Saturday next at 2pm. We would encourage all supporters of the club to turn out and support the lads and cheer them on to a league and championship double.
We would like to wish the Ladies team the very best of luck on Saturday next in the replay of the Intermediate championship final in Pearse Park at 3pm. We encourage all club members to go and cheer on the ladies.
The schoolboy’s football league will commence next week and we wish Lanesboro Primary and Fermoyle Primary the very best of luck in their respective competitions.
Our Under16 team will play St. Vincent’s in the Shiels semi-final on Saturday week in Dunbeggan at 3pm.
A date for your diary – set Saturday 12th October as a date for a night out in St. Mary’s Parish Hall where an excellent play will be staged. Full details next week
Rathcline GAA
Ladies Championship Final 2013 – The second instalment of the Senior Ladies Championship final will take place next Saturday 21st September in Pearse Park at 3pm. The last time out, our girls drew with Mostrim on a final score of 1-04 apiece in dreadful conditions. We hope that weather won’t spoil the day on this occasion and that Rathcline will be crowned Intermediate champions come Saturday evening.
We wish the team, management and executive the very best in their final preparations for the game. We also hope that there will be huge support for the girls on the day.
Minor League Final – The second part of next weekend’s double header; our Minor team look to complete the double (having already claimed the Minor Championship) as they face St. Colmcilles in the League final on Saturday 21st September. Time and Venue have yet to be confirmed, so please keep an eye on fixtures for more details. Best wishes to the team and management in what already has been a fantastic season for the team. We have no doubt that there will be double celebrations in the Lanesboro on Saturday night.
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 coming 19th September in Adies Bar at 11pm. All completed cards should be returned to any member of the Executive in advance of draw. The results of the Hurling Final draw were as follows: 1st Prize – 2 Premium Stand Tickets to Hurling Final – Alan Fayne (Cullentra), 2nd Prize €30 – Jason Featherstone (Bord na Mona), 3rd Prize – Annabella McCormack (Ballymahon).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 28th September in Dunbeggan at 3pm. With two weeks to go, the team are continuing training under the watchful eye of manager Padraig Kenny.
Congratulations to Gareth Johnston who was appointed Longford Minor football manager for the coming season. Gareth has been involved with the county minor setup for the last two years and takes over a very talented young team who claimed the U16 Fr. Manning Cup two years ago. Fellow clubman Cian O’ Brien will also join the management team and brings his own experience from being involved with the Westmeath minors this year. We wish both men the very best of luck in their new roles.
Sympathies – Rathcline GAA would like to extend our sympathies to the Fenelon family – Killoe and the Curran Family – Lanesboro on the passing of Ann Fenelon last Sunday. We also extend our sympathies to the Casserley Family in Ballinahinch on the passing of Kathleen Casserley (née Fallon). 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.U12 Final – Commiserations to our U12 football team who were beaten by Slashers in the Championship final on Saturday last in Pearse Park. Great credit must go to the team who adapted a ‘never say die’ attitude in the game. Many thanks to the team management team of Seadna Ryan, Padraig Farrell, Ciaran Prior and Robbie Chalmers.
Sympathies – Rathcline GAA would like to extend sympathies to the Kenny Family Rathcline Rd on the passing of Angela (née Gray) on Thursday last 12th September. 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 with an anticipated start date for the October Bank holiday weekend (Saturday 26th October). 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. Well done Denis! Congrats to Denis Connerton in guiding Longford Slashers to yet another to their fourth final in as many years. This year, Slashers will take on Dromard in final.
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.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club is now taking bookings for a visit to Croke Park to see Ireland vs. Australia in the forthcoming International Rules series on Saturday 26th October. For more information, please contact Seadna Ryan on (085) 1595512.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
U14 Girls – Championship Quarter-Final: Our U14 Girls play against Eire Og in the D2 Championship Quarter-Final this coming Friday 21st September @ 6.30pm. See fixtures for confirmation of Venue.
U8/U10 GoGames Blitz: The U8 Blitz GoGames Blitz (Phase 2) continues on Saturday next, 21st September, in St. Michaels @ 11.00am. (Group 3 – St. Faithleachs, Oran, Tulsk & St. Michaels)
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 Club House.
Sympathy: The Club extends deepest sympathy to John & Maureen Gibbons and extended Family, on the death of David Gibbons, Aughamuck.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were – 6, 8, 11 and 21. There was no jackpot winner and the five €20 winners were – Dillan Casey, Keishe Carty, Martha Glennon, Bart Fallon & Paula O’Donnell. The next draw will take place on Tuesday next 24th September for a jackpot of €9,500.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 9.00pm. All welcome. Last week’s results were- winners, Pat Joe/Tim. Runners-up, Sonny/Pakie. Last Game, Michael/Sean.
Ballyleague Renewal
Fresh from a major win in the Supervalu National Tidy Towns competition last week the people of Ballyleague will be celebrating again this weekend when they stage a major two day music festival in a marquee in the village to help raise funds for meningitis awareness.
The timing of Ballyleague’s victory in the awards at the Helix Theatre in Dublin was very sweet. The local tidy towns committee and village renewal group have been working for months to try and re-develop a dangerous stretch of the old river bank and quay wall along the river Shannon. The local community rallied to raise over €5000 in a fun duck race two weeks ago and Chairman Gerry Thompson was on hand to accept another cheque for €5000 from Supervalu as part of a bursary to complete the work.
This weekend the focus switches to the giant marquee that has been erected behind the old Anchor Hotel near the marina in Ballyleague when there will be two nights of music, a family fun day and a dog show to entertain the locals.
For decades this site has been home to top class music and entertainment. Originally owned and operated by the Baxter family the Anchor hotel, while run by Cathal Farrell and his family, attracted visitors and bands from all over the country – including the Dublin City Ramblers many times.
In the 90s and early years of the new millennium Martin Leckey and his family ran the same business – renaming it the Sliabh ban hotel and once again the crowds flocked to Ballyleague so locals are looking forward to a real trip down memory lane in the marquee that has been erected to hold over 500 people at the back of the hotel this week – thanks to the tremendous voluntary work of dozens of local people.
The music event kicks off with the popular Longford band Busy Fingers in the marquee on Friday night. This band has legions of fans in the midlands and is a regular fixture at some of the top festivals in the country but it is the first time they will be playing in Ballyleague. After the band has finished popular local DJs Tommy K and Kieran Feeney will jointly host a disco to bring the curtain down on day 1.
Day 2 will begin with a major dog show at 2pm in the Waterways Ireland marina. With a modest entry fee of just four euro per dog per class the charity dog show will feature competitions for puppies ( 6-12 months) , any mixed breed, guard dog – sponsored by A M Gray, gun dog breeds ,terriers – sponsored A M Gray, collies, dog with waggiest tail, utility, toy dogs – sponsored by Kodys doghouse – Ballyleague, hounds -sponsored by Perfect pets ,children handling under 12 years – prizes for all children, working Dogs, ladies and gents Handling and finally the jog Joe Cribbin would like to take home. There will of course be a prize for the Champion dog of the show. For more information on the dog show please contact Anne Marie 0866637164 after 6pm
All proceeds of the dog show to Meningitis trust,
The music continues on Saturday night with the nationally renowned Dolan band – all former members of Joe Dolan’s famous Mullingar band with their new lead singer Karen. A special treat during this show will be the performance of four local ladies in Ballyleague who starred earlier this summer in a Tina Turner Lookalike concert at the Abbey Hotel. The girls are reforming the group for one night only in the marquee in Ballyleague and it should be great fun.
The festival will end on Sunday with a whole day of family activities in the marina – including bouncing castle and games and of course the big match from Croke park will be shown on a huge TV screen erected especially in the marquee. There’s a special treat to end the day with a band playing on in the marquee after the All Ireland football final until 8pm
Everybody in Ballyleague is looking forward to this event. A special thanks to those who have made car parking areas available in the marina area and nearby area so there will be lots of space to park near the marquee.
At the end of the weekend it is hoped to present a big cheque to Meningitis research foundation to help their on-going awareness and prevention work.
Tickets for the ‘The Rock around the Anchor’ festival are available at several venues in the Lanesborough area. Tickets are available every day at the Daybreak shop in Ballyleague or can be bought by ringing Joe Cribbin at 086 3823780.
Picture below shows Gerry Thompson receiving the €5000 bursary at the Tidy Towns awards.
