Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Your support for the Parade
In an effort to defray costs for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day parade the committee is holding a raffle and the support of our entire community is encouraged. This year the draw will take place in Adie’s bar on St. Patrick’s night. Tickets are priced at €2 each or 3 for €5. There will be five prizes of €100 and you may be one of the lucky five.
Tickets can be bought in the local bars, supermarkets, O’Brien’s and from committee members.
When will it ever End?
For the past number of weeks the footpath on the Rathcline has been dug up and there has been absolutely no work on-going since the workers put in kerb stones for this footpath upgrade. It is truly unbelievable that this busy footpath has been left unfinished for so long. It is now becoming the butt of many jokes and proving to be very disappointing for residents and footpath users alike. It is no fault of the workers as they can only go where they are directed each day but it an utter shame on Longford County Council.
Talk in Lanesboro Library next Wednesday 22nd
Lanesboro and Cashel’s part in Longford’s Republican Story
The story of the significant part played by the IRA and Cumann na mBan in the Cashel and Rathcline parishes during the War of Independence and Civil War will be told at a lecture to be given in Lanesboro Library on Wednesday next, 22 March, at 8.00pm. The talk will be given by Seán Ó Súilleabháin, author of Longford’s Republican Story 1900 -2000, who has uncovered a wealth of material about these parishes.
There was hardly a house in Cashel or Lanesboro that didn’t have someone involved in one or other of those struggles. The strange thing is that the area was more active in the Civil War than in the War of Independence. Why?
The Turlough ambush was the most successful operation carried out in the area during the War of Independence by the South Longford Brigade.
Strange things happened too, like the execution of a suspected informer who was made to walk from North Longford, to face his execution on the shores of Lough Ree.
Lanesboro too had its share of involvement and the town saw many dramatic events, including a bank raid where a Free State soldier was shot dead during the Civil War. But who shot him? Sin í an cheist. A Black and Tan was killed in Lanesboro, but was it an ambush?
All of this and much more will be covered in the talk on Wednesday next, 22 March, at 8.00pm in Lanesboro Library. Admission is free. Beidh Fáilte romhat.
Sleep Out for Simon
This year sees the return, once again, of the very popular ‘Sleep Out’ as a Midland Simon Community fundraiser. The Sleep Out is held in conjunction with Longford Rugby Club and once again they are appealing to your generosity to equal if not better last year’s fundraiser.
Like last year local Ballyleague man Junior Hannon will once again be our local representative. Junior continues to give so much of himself to so many local support groups each year and now is our time to reciprocate with our support for this very deserving cause. A sponsorship card is in O’Brien’s and your generous support would be much appreciated.
Death
It is with great sadness I record the death on Saturday 4th March at Portiuncula University Hospital, Ballinasloe of Rita Fallon, Ballyglass after battling an illness with great strength and dignity. Rita was predeceased by her parents, her son Joe Joe and her brother Patrick. She was a genial and elegant lady. Rita was a woman of quiet disposition who had a wonderful dress sense. She truly impressed everyone she met with her pleasantness and gentle manner. Rita was a wonderful family person who devoted her live to her family and encouraging them to be the very best they could be in life. In her younger days she was a wonderful dancer and enjoyed nothing more than a night out at the local dance halls. Rita was housekeeper to many priests that were appointed to the parish of Kilgefin and her dignity ensured that she was held in the highest esteem. Her passing will leave us all filled with sadness but we will cherish the memory of her warm and welcoming smile.
Rita’s remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home on Monday before being removed to her home in Ballyglass. On Tuesday 7th march her remain were brought to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for the Mass of the Resurrection which was followed by her burial in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her husband, Joe, sons Sean and Kenneth, daughters Helena and Shirley, her brother Mickey, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
SVP Thank You
The Conference of St Vincent de Paul would like to thank all who gave so generously to the recent appeal. All donations have been distributed to the needy in our area. Unfortunately, requests for help continue throughout the year. If any person would still like to make a donation to SVP, you can drop it into the presbytery in a sealed envelope with SVP clearly marked on it.
Death
The community and wider communities were saddened to learn of the death at his residence on the Rathcline Road on Tuesday 7th March of Shay McEvoy. He was the ultimate family man and he predeceased by his brothers Martin and Gerry. Shay, a native of Dundalk, Co. Louth, along with his wife Geraldine and son John came to Lanesboro from England where himself and Jim Burke opened the very successful musical business Acustograph. Shay was a musician par excellence and during his time in the performing business he played from weddings to touring with Johnny Cash to being a member of the house band that played with the Bee Gees. Not that you would ever know of his performing with legends as Shay was the most unassuming of men. He was the most knowledgeable and helpful with the installation of sound systems and as a community man lent his expertise to many a project free gratis. He was a gentleman through and through and his manner made everyone feel comfortable as he made them feel they had everything. Shay will be sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure to come to know him and his gentle nature and friendliness will always be remembered.
Shay’s remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home on Friday last and on Saturday he was removed to St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro for the Mass of the Resurrection. Following Mass he was interred in Clonbonny Cemetery. To his wife Geraldine, son John grandchildren Jack and Alex, his brothers Maurice and Tony, his sisters Christine and marries, daughter in law Aisling, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Bridge Lessons
Lessons for beginner Bridge players are due to start soon in Lanesboro. It you are interested in learning to play you are asked to text or phone 086 4076472.
Parade
Excitement is really starting to build with everyone as we approach St. Patrick’s Day on Friday next. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and this seems to be the case having missed the Parade for the past few years due to Covid. There appears to be an excellent take up with the local communities entering floats into the St. Patrick’s Day Parade which is a fabulous thing for our communities and community spirit.
Community groups, businesses, schools and individuals and from surrounding parishes are all asked to take part in making it one of the finest parades ever for everyone.
As usual the floats will gather at the St. Faithleach’s GAA Club House and they are asked to be ready to commence the parade at 2.30pm and will travel through the town to Lanesboro Community College.
The overall winning float will receive €250 and a trophy. Other categories that will be judged – Best Club, Best Junior, Best Vintage, Best Business, Best Dressed Window, and Most Original with the winners receiving €50 and a trophy.
St. Patrick’s Day Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church at 11am and it will include traditional musicians, parish choir and champion dancer.
Line Dancing
Line dancing classes takes place every Friday morning 11am at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town.
Line Dancing classes, again, every Sunday at the Quad Centre Roscommon Town
Beginners are on from 6pm to 7pm. Followed by Improvers from 7pm to 8pm
Line Dancing will take place at the Kilbride Centre every Tuesday evening at 7pm followed by Social Dancing with Christopher Byrne
Day with the Stars
Yes, the wonderful and hugely enjoying Day with the Stars once again returns to Roscommon Racecourse this year with another stunning line-up of musical artists. The show will take place on Sunday 18th June and there is no doubt but this year will equal if not better any day gone before it.
Tickets cost just €30 to be entertained by a multitude of Ireland’s finest musicians and can be bought in O’Brien’s.
Local notes inclusion
Anybody that wants items included in the local notes is advised that they have their note with me on a Sunday night at the very latest. This is to ensure inclusion in the coming weeks notes.
€12,400 up for grabs
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lottery on Tuesday 14th March stood at €12,400. This is a wonderful amount of money to be won with tickets just costing €2 or 3 tickets for €5.
The numbers drawn on Tuesday 7th March for a jackpot of €12,300 were 5, 17, 26 and 28. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the €50 prize was Johnny Malone, Cloontuskert and the three €20 winners were Mags & Anne c/o Mags, Mari VD Berg, Brookfield park, Kenagh c/o Yacht Bar and Mary Hussey, Lough Ree Park
The Lanesboro Tidy Towns committee would like to thank you for your continued generosity and your support is ensuring that Lanesboro continues to look beautiful.
Church Services
Service of Holy Communion will take place on Sunday 19th March at 11.30am in St. Coman’s, Roscommon.
On Sunday 26th March Service of Holy Communion will take place in St. John’s Lanesboro at 11.30am.
Lenten Service will take place in St. Coman’s Roscommon on this Wednesday 15th March and will continue in St. Coman’s on Wednesday 22nd and Wednesday 29th March.
Weekly Card Game
The results from last Sunday night’s weekly card game held in Lanesboro Parish Hall game held on Sunday night last 19th February are: 1st Tom Nohilly & Pat Joe Fallon. There was a three way tie for 2nd with Sean Cox & Gerry Ryan, Geraldine & Pat Greene and Anne & Kay. Last game winners were Basil Mitchell & Tom Rooney. Raffle winners were Pat Joe Fallon, Niall Hughes, Eugene Kelly and Brendan Hanley. The game continues every Sunday night at 8.30 pm with light refreshments served.
Pollinator Plan
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan’s newsletter for February is now available on www.pollinators.ie. It is a wonderful and informative read packed full of information on early food sources for pollinator, bulbs for pollinators and very interesting thoughts on the planting of wildflower seeds. It is well worth reading as we are entering the planting, growing and end of hibernation
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place in the Yacht Bar on Monday night Ray Cox. Congratulations Ray on your fabulous win.
The club is extremely grateful for your continued tremendous support.
Ballyboro FC
The weather proved to be a real spoilsport at the weekend with just one game played. This was the Connacht Shield under 16 quarter final where Ballyboro faced a strong Melview team aided and abetted by seven Spanish students some of whom have featured on the Academies of Spanish La Liga teams. Favoured by the strong wind the Ballyboro boys gave an inspired first half performance and showing scant regard for the reputation of their opponents dominated the game to lead 4-0 at the interval with the goals coming from Wesley Hughes (2), Billy Murray, and Ben Murphy. Favoured by the elements the Longford town boys were on top for much of the second half and they reduced the deficit to two goals (5-3) with five minutes left. The third Ballyboro goal was a well taken Jack Casey penalty. Two late goals by Melview meant extra time and three goals by the town team saw them through to the semi-final by a very flattering 8-5 margin.
The Ballyboro lads can be very proud of their performances as they became the first team from the club to qualify for the fourth round of a Connacht competition. Ballyboro: Euan Cullen, Jack Beattie, Jack Casey, Jack Brogan, Shane Gavigan, Cody Phelan, Billy Murray, David Cox, Nicolas Haluska, Ben Murphy, Wesley Hughes. Subs: Aidan Kelly, Conn Maxwell, Thomas Gallagher, Luke Johnson, Christian O’Reilly, Taros Koskar.
The club will be participating in the Lanesboro/Ballyleague St. Patricks Day Parade. All those taking part are asked to assemble at 2.30pm at the St Faithleach’s Ground.
See attachment
ALONE
ALONE provides many services to older people. It recruits, trains and supports volunteers for two services of Visitation/Befriending and Phone /Befriending. Would you be prepared to provide companionship once a week? Full training and support will be provided. For more information contact Francis 086-1085965 or volunteer@alone.ie
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.
Local Health Service
The health service is here for us all, from routine to urgent calls. HSELive is here 7 days a week to answer questions. Freephone 1800 700700.
Roscommon University Hospital Injury Unit is available from 8am to 8pm seven days, a week and the contact number is 09066 32212.
Emergency Department deals with serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies if you need urgent medical help. They are open 24 hours a day and can be contacted by phoning 999 or 112.
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.
St. Mary’s Church
St. Patrick’s Day Masses: The first Mass for St. Patrick’s Day will take place with the Vigil Mass at 7pm on Thursday 16th at 6.30pm. On St. Patrick’s Day a very special Mass celebrating St. Patrick and the Parade in his honour will take place at 11am featuring traditional musicians, parish choir and champion dancer.
Mass Intentions: As there is an increase in the demand for Mass Intentions, the parish will share two intentions at the 11am Mass on Sundays.
The Parish Hub: Maireád, the Parish Secretary is in her office on Tuesday to Thursday, 10.30am to 2.30pm. If you want to contact her by phone you can do so during the aforementioned working hours at 3321166. She will help you with any questions or booking related matters.
Speak with a Priest: if you wish to talk with any of the priests you can call into the sacristy after any Mass.
Talk to the Samaritans: Are you struggling to cope with life? Do you think it would help to talk about your problem in confidence? It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what happened to you. If things are getting you down you can turn to the Samaritans for help. The Samaritans are available on Freephone 116123, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Alone Volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make calls to older people once a week? Alone is seeking volunteers in the area. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interest you are asked to sign up at the following address https://alone.ie/volunteers/
For more information you are invited to contact Helena at Helena.madden@aloone.ie or phone 086 0145 829
Parish contacts
Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
Kilgefin Parish
Family Mass: After due deliberation and consultation with the parish council it was decided that every last Sunday of the month will be dedicated to young families and their children beginning on Sunday next 26th February at 11am.
Alone Volunteers: Would you be willing to provide companionship or make calls to older people once a week? Alone is seeking volunteers in the area. Full training and support will be provided. If you are interest you are asked to sign up at the following address https://alone.ie/volunteers.
Stations of the Cross: During the season of Lent Catholics are encouraged to journey with Christ through his paschal mystery by praying the Stations of the Cross. The Stations of the Cross will be at the weekends 30 minutes before weekend mass for convenience of all – Saturday at Ballyleague Church at 6.30pm and Sunday at 10.30am. Stations of the Cross will take place in Ballagh Church – Saturday at 7.30pm and Curraghroe Church at 9.30am. on Sunday.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Lotto
Jackpot standing at €3400. No winner this week. The numbers drawn were 4, 7, 27 and 30. €40 winners Martin McDermott, Cathal Reynolds and Grainne Egan. Next draw is 22nd March Tickets for sale at all usual local outlets. Thank you for your continued support.
St. Patricks Day
Everyone at St. Faithleachs GAA Club wish all our members and the community a very happy St. Patricks Day.
Senior Men
The senior men got their 2023 League Campaign underway with a great win over Fuerty on Saturday evening in Mulhern Park. Final score Fuerty 1-06 St. Faithleachs 1-10.
Junior Ladies
The junior Ladies were defeated by Castlerea St. Kevin’s on Sunday morning. Hard Luck ladies
U16 Girls
Our U16 Girls took on Michael Glaveys on Sunday evening. Michael Glaveys just got the better of the girls on the day. Hard luck girls.
Pool Tournament
Doubles Pool Tournament will take place at the clubhouse on Saturday March 18th at 8:30pm. €10 entry per player.
Condolences
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of the late Shay McEvoy Rathcline Road, Lanesboro. May Shay rest in peace.
Volunteers
As the new season approaches for our underage teams, volunteers are being asked to give a helping hand at trainings and managing teams. If you wish to help out you can contact Tanya O’Rourke or Katie Carberry.
Best of Luck
Best of luck to club representatives on the county stage this weekend, Cían, Ciaráin and Diarmuid on Saturday night as Roscommon take on Kerry in the Allianz League Division One. Also, best of luck to Ellen Irwin and the Roscommon ladies as they take on Monaghan on Sunday in the Lidl National Ladies League.
Clubhouse
The Clubhouse will be open every Saturday night. Why not come on in for a chat and a bit of craic. Next weekend we will be showing Ireland v England in the 6 nations, Roscommon v Kerry in the football and the pool tournament will take place Saturday night. Thank you for your continued support.
Well Done
Congratulations to Marie Kelly who won the Lynch Cup with ATU Donegal against UCC ON Saturday in the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome.
Well Done
Well Done to Ellen Irwin who received her 2022 National Football League Division 3 medal on Saturday night.
Last Man Standing
Getting into the nitty gritty now with 4 players still standing. Don’t forget to get your entries in on time for this weekend’s fixtures. Thank you for your support.