Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Major Fire at Bord na Mona
On Friday evening last a major fire broke out at the Bord na Mona workshop at the Abbey. Two local men happened to notice the smoke coming from the workshop direction and notified Bord na Mona of the fire. Upon arrival it was discovered that the fire was in the tractor compound in which there were well over 40 tractors. A great deal of bravery by the respondents i.e., local Bord na Mona workers and the local fire brigade who responded immediately once the word broke of the fire. Such was the danger that a one stage it was felt that there may be justification to vacate all local houses. A number of tractors were taken out of the compound and others were isolated from the fire. All in a total of 14 tractors were lost causing a great financial loss to Bord na Mona, from local information, I believe in the region of €700,000.
Gardaí forensic were on the scene and secured the entire area on Friday night. On Saturday they did a full forensic sweep of the scene to determine the cause of the fire. At the time of writing there was no conclusive evidence to determine the cause of the fire.
Pride of Place award
The annual award giving ceremony of the All-Ireland Pride of Place competition took place in Derry City on Saturday 16th November and our community was once again to the fore as a recipient of a Pride of Place award.
The wonderful work done by Joan Killian Gallagher received its rightful recognition when her work received a Special Award for the ‘Killian Home Place Initiative’.
The restoration work of her old family homestead done in the Fermoyle townsland over the past few years has been tastefully done and delightful. The renovation of the three cottages has proven to be a wonderful addition to the townsland and the parish as a whole. The investment in the project has been huge and it is great that the work is acknowledged with this award.
During last summer the Celtic Studies students from Notre Dame College, USA spent a retreat weekend at the cottages and they, as well as their college superiors, were high in their praise for the initiative and the magnanimous gesture.
We congratulate Joan and her husband Chris for a wonderful addition to our parish and long may her vision and great work continue.
Declan phenomenal presentation
At the presentation by Declan O’Flaherty to the Jack and Jill Foundation, Temple Street Hospital, and Brothers of Charity Roscommon the phenomenal total amount of €176,000 was divided between the three support groups. When you consider that Declan’s target was €100,000 it shows how hard Declan and his team had worked to raise such awareness to finish with a total of €176,000. It was also through the generosity of so many that this was the total on presentation and everyone that made a contribution should be rightly proud of helping to raise that vast amount of money.
Cake Sale
Cloontuskert national School is holding a cake sale on Sunday next 8th December in Ballyleague Hall following 11am Mass. The doors will be open from 11.45am. There will also be a number of novelty stalls on the day. You are invited to call in and have a cuppa and chat and hopefully you will aslo find something of interest for you there. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Birth
Many congratulations to Fiona Egan and Kevin Hanley, Corrigeen, on the birth at the weekend of twins – a boy and girl.
Brushstrokes Christmas Exhibition
The local Brushstrokes Art group once again opened their annual Christmas Exhibition in the Lough Ree Co-Op hall last weekend. The exhibition will run until Sunday next 8th December. You are encouraged to go along, pay a visit and perhaps return home the proud owner of one of the excellent paintings that are on sale during the exhibition.
Whist Night
Friday night next 6th December the monthly Whist Drive will take place in St. Mary’s Parish hall. We are now coming into the Christmas period as it is a time that there is a greater draw on the finances of the local committee. Your attendance at the whist drive or a contribution to any of the committee members would be greatly appreciated. Your continual support for the whist drive each month is deeply appreciated and it would be great to have a full house on Friday night. Bring along your friends and enjoy what is a great evening’s entertainment. Refreshments will be served as usual. The game will commence at 8.30pm so don’t be late and don’t come alone.
Christmas Lights Church Gate Collection
A Church Gate collection for the Christmas lighting will take place at all masses on Saturday 7th December and Sunday 8th December next and we encourage you to be as generous as possible.
Every household and business from the bridge to the Community College is urged to erect trees to further brighten our town. There are brackets on many walls from times gone by and we hope that they will be brightly shining with Christmas trees during the season of Christmas.
Our aim is to make Lanesboro a bright and happy place for old and young to share the delights of a bright Christmas together.
The lights will be turned on following evening Mass on Saturday 14th December where there will also be carol singing at the crib opposite the church.
The new group that has come together to bring continued Christmas lights to Lanesboro looks forward to your full support.
Old Local Pictures for the Library
Stella O’Sullivan at the library would be very grateful for any old photographs or stories of business premises or business people in Lanesboro during the last century for an exhibition that is in the processed in the library. Photographs will be scanned and returned immediately to the owners. If you have any photos please contact Stella on 043 332 1291 or lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie.
There surely are many old photographs in many houses throughout the parish and the town. I am sure that there are many stories to be told about them. Drop into the library to Stella and she will be happy to chat with you and everything you have for her will be greatly appreciated.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Geraldine and John L Farrell and family on the death of Geraldine’s mother Mrs Cissie Nolan, Newtownforbes last week.
Christening
Congratulations to Ryan Fallon and Klinta Kancane on the baptism of their daughter Rebecca Marie at St. Mary’s Church last week.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition that took place on Wednesday last 27th November are: N/S 1st Cyril Hussey and Phil Chalmers, 2nd Frank and Frances Brennan and 3rd Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray. E/W 1st Una Lawlor and Brid Mc Dermott, 2nd Philomena Walsh and Katharine Harrison and 3rd Eileen Kelly and Una Clarke.
A Wake in the West next Weekend
A Wake in the West deferred from last 24th/25th November will now take place this coming weekend Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December.
A Wake in the West was staged by the LRTC some 10 years ago and it is now back with some new members in the cast and there is no doubt that it will again be a massive success that it was back then. Don’t miss out on a great night.
If you have tickets for either Saturday or Sunday night you can use then for the night you selected. If you need to change your ticket you can do so by returning to where you purchased to do so.
You should not miss a wonderful night out and a play that will have you laughing the night away.
Tickets are on sale locally and also in O’Brien’s from St. Faithleach’s GAA club. The show will commence each night at 8.30pm and admission is €10.
Run/Walk for MS on Christmas Day
The Annual Christmas Day Run/Walk from Newtowncashel to Lanesboro will again take place on Christmas day and sponsorship cards are now available. Since the inception of the Multiple Sclerosis run/walk from Cashel to Lanesboro the interest has continue to grow that is has become a great social event every Christmas Day. There has been wonderful support both by those taking part and also by the huge number who contribute sponsorship. Last year exceeded all expectations and it is hoped that this year will once again be a huge success and the organising committee is hoping for records to be broken, once again, in the number of participants. This is the major Multiple Sclerosis fundraiser each year and your usual most generous support will once again be greatly appreciated. The walkers will commence their journey at 11.45am and the runners will start at 12.15pm.
It is great to hear so many people deciding to take part this year and sponsorship cards are available from O’Brien’s shop or from any of the organising committee. Your support has never been found wanting and the committee would like to thank everyone that participated down through the years and helped them so much.
Rathcline GAA Lotto
The numbers drawn for the Rathcline GAA lotto on Saturday night last were 4, 5, 14, 25, 28 and 31. There was nobody with the correct numbers and the four winners of the €25 prizes were Michael Carroll, Rathcline, Fermoyle National School, Terri and Charlotte Skelly, Rathcline and Padraig O’Dowd, Rathcline. The jackpot for next Saturday rises to €200.
Residents Christmas Party
Costello’s Nursing Home will host their Annual Christmas Party on Saturday next 7th December in their Nursing Home from 3pm to 6pm.
All families and friends of relatives in the home ate invited to attend. The management and staff look forward to meeting you all on Saturday.
Shannon Gaels AGM
The Shannon Gaels AGM will take place in the GAA clubhouse in Clonbonny on Friday night next 6th December at 8.30pm. This is the most important meeting of the year and it is imperative that there is a great turnout of parents and club supports for the meeting. The onus is on parents to play their part in the club and that is by attending this meeting.
Parents of all players male and female, those interested in the development of underage football in the parish and club supporters are asked to make a very special effort to come along to the meeting and support bot the outgoing and incoming executive. The club is for and about the wellbeing of all the underage players under our care and the club strives to be better and the only way it can be better is through your input and views as to how we should progress and grow.
Your interest in your club is very important and expected.
The club had another very successful year where we reached the All-Ireland final of Scór na nÓg final in Derry, minor B Champions and finalists in the Minor league, U16 shield, U14 Féile and U12 league. We have a wonderful choir that has performed magnificently at Mass and we also hosted 2 plays during the year. Add in the tremendous and continuous work being done with our U6, U8, U10 you can see that the club is hugely active in so many spheres and there is a place in the club for non-footballers. We encourage everyone to be supportive of our efforts by attending on Friday night.
The club would like to congratulate schools coach and minor manager Kevin Hanley and Fiona Egan on the birth last weekend of twins.
Athlone Samaritans
Athlone Midland Samaritans urgently needs volunteers. No experience is necessary as training will be provided. If you would like to volunteer please call 0852845010 immediately.
If you have the time it should be put to exceptional use and to help those in need of the Samaritans. In a time that there is so much stress, depression and death it is very important that the excellent services of the Samaritans can be availed of by everyone that feels they are under pressure and need somebody to talk with if only someone to listen.
Brush Strokes Calendar
The Brushstrokes calendar 2014 is now on sale. There is not a better way of solving your Christmas gift problem than by giving a Brush Strokes calendar especially with 20 local members of the Brushstrokes Art group – so buy now before it is too late.
The proceeds of the sale of the calendar will be split between the Lanesboro Tidy Town committee and Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee, both of whom did and continue to do tremendous work and are thoroughly deserving of your support.
Badminton Table Quiz
Badminton season is now in full swing with Senior and Junior Badminton making the most of the autumn and winter evenings. Congratulations to all who competed in the recent Midland Graded open competition with wins from Grade 3 to 7, well done to all involved.
We have set the date for our annual fundraising table quiz, which will be held in Clarke’s Bar on this coming Friday 6th December at 9pm with lots of spot prizes on the night. We hope to see plenty of teams of four on the night for this fundraising table quiz for the Senior and Junior Badminton Club. If you don’t have a full team don’t worry, come along we can organise some teams, and it’s part of what we do!
Christmas Fair
The Lough Ree Community Resource group is hosting a Christmas Fair on Sunday 8th December from 11am until 1pm. All stands are free and if you wish to have a stall you should contact Mags phone 043 33 21440.
Memorial 25 Drive
The Anthony Healy Memorial 25 Drive will take place in Clarke’s Bar on Friday week 13th December. The proceeds will go to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. The card game remembers a very popular man who was taken from us long before his time. Anthony helped many people during his time and your support will continue the name of Anthony Healy helping people. Come along and make this a memorable night.
Raffle for Tractor and Trailer
On Wednesday 18th December a draw will take place for a Valtra Tractor and Trailer – n ideal Christmas gift for any young boy this Christmas. The draw is being held as part of the Anthony Healy Memorial and tickets are priced at only €5 for this great prize. Tickets are on sale locally, from the organisers and also in O’Brien’s.
Lanesboro Pike Angling Club
On Sunday last 1st Dec the club held their Christmas Pike competition on Lough Ree.
There were 7 boats with 15 anglers taking part. The fishing was reasonable with plenty of fish caught. 1st prize of a hamper with a fish of 6lb 4oz went to Padraig Corcoran.
There was also a prize of a hamper for the smallest fish which went to Noel Rhatigan with a fish of 12 oz. Any anglers who did not receive a main prize were drawn out of a hat for numerous spot prizes.
There was also a draw held for all non-fishing members with the winning hamper going to Aaron Donlon. Other prize winners were Deidre Strakem Edgeworthstown, Maura Mc Loughlin, Ballyleague, Alannah Hannifin Ballymahon, J Irwin Cloonadra, Ronan Glennon Cloonadra, Damien Gill Cloontuskert, Gavin Heneghan Rathcline, Vincent McGowan Lanesboro, Emma Farrell Lanesboro and David Rhatigan Fermoyle Lanesboro.
The club would like to thank Joe and Martha Farrell for the refreshments after the competition.
The club would also like to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors for their support for this competition – Casserley’s Spar Supermarket Lanesboro, Terry Mc Loughlin’s butchers, Lanesboro, Joe Cribbin Daybreak filling station Ballyleague, Joe and Martha Farrell, Yacht Bar Lanesboro, Aide Farrell, Swan Tavern, Lanesboro, Joe ad Martina O’Brien`s Corner Shop Lanesboro, Denniston’s fishing tackle and music shop Longford and SuperValu Supermarket Lanesboro.
The committee would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members and sponsors a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Ballyleague Christmas Lights
Preparatory work began at the weekend on the Christmas lights for Ballyleague. Many local residents and business people have reacted positively to the invitation from our committee to put up some additional lights on the outsides of their own buildings this year and we are pleased to provide whatever support and assistance we can. There will be more Christmas lights at the bridge and in the centre of the village this year as a direct result. Our thanks to John, Joe, John Francis, Ciaran and Pat who were out on Saturday. This weekend we will be collecting our large Coillte Christmas trees and putting them up at five locations in the village with Christmas lights. Our work group needs all the help it can get to get this work done in just day and the more hands on boards the better, If you are free on Saturday please meet up with Noel, John and all the team at the hall in Ballyleague at 10am and if we have enough help we can try and send different crews out to put up the trees at Ballyleague school, the credit union, Ballyleague church, St Faithleachs and the corner on the Strokestown road, We will again be lighting up two existing trees on the Strokestown road. To help defray the costs of the lights and trees we will be holding a church gate collection at the church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Saturday and Sunday week December 14th and 15th at all masses. Your support for this collection would be greatly appreciated. On Sunday 15th we have been notified that there will be another great Christmas event in the village when Santa Claus comes to town at 3.30pm and we look forward to seeing the man in the red suit outside the thatch in Ballyleague and around the village.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Minor Men – D2 League Final: Best of Luck to our Minor Panel of Players & their Management; Damien Rooney, Paddy Neilon & Sean Kelly in the League County Final against Tulsk next weekend. Details TBC, See fixtures for details.
Senior Club AGM: Our Senior Club AGM was held in the Club House on Friday last. The Club would like to thank Fr. John McManus who celebrated Mass for deceased club members, prior to the AGM. Outgoing chairman, Frank Curley opened the meeting & welcomed all. He reflected on the clubs year as a whole. Gratitude was expressed to club sponsors, club players & management both senior & minor, physiotherapists, social & finance committee, field committee, club lotto sellers & all who supported same, all involved in fundraising events & all who did tremendous work on a voluntary basis throughout the year. Expressing pride in what the club has achieved, he thanked his fellow officers, wishing the Club all the very best for the year ahead. Secretary, Caroline Connaughton read the minutes of the 2012 AGM & gave a detailed Report of the Clubs activities both on & off the pitch for 2013, expressing thanks to her fellow officers throughout the year with gratitude to outgoing Chairman Frank Curley & outgoing Treasurer Michael Cleary for their tremendous hard work & efforts during their time as Chairman & Treasurer, wishing them all the best for the future. Congratulations were expressed to the Minor club & Ladies/Girls teams on their achievements during the year & all who represented the club at county level. Gratitude was expressed to Finance & Social Committee, Public Relations Officers, Cul Camp Organising Committee & Mentors, Paddy Bolger Tournament Committee, Qona & Ray Cox – St. Faithleachs Fitness Challenge. Condolences were expressed to all associated with the club who have lost a loved one this year, remembering Paul Enright & Brid Dunne; RIP two longstanding friends & supporters of the Club. Treasurer, Michael Cleary gave a detailed account of the Clubs Income/Expenditure for 2013, thanking the Community for their support of the Clubs Fundraising, all who used our clubhouse facilitates for many functions throughout the year, to Frank Curley for his countless hours working in the clubhouse & all who gave their time to help out throughout the year. Development Treasurer, Sean Cox gave a detailed account of Income/Expenditure, thanking the weekly card players, field committee, social & finance committee, sponsors, all who helped out in many ways during the year. The following officers were elected for 2014: Presidents, Mickey Kelly & Fr. Larney Shine. Chairman – Derek Thompson. Vice Chairman – John O’Loughlin. Secretary – Caroline Connaughton, Assistant Secretary – Alan Brehon. Treasurer – John Casey, Assistant Treasurer – Sean Cox, PRO, Mary Kenny, Registrar – Brian Scally, Players representative – Brian Scally, Insurance Officer, Sean Cox, Children’s Officer – Jimmy Mangan, Executive committee: Derek Thompson, Caroline Connaughton, John Casey, Mary Kenny, John O’Loughlin, James Irwin, Monica Connaughton, Jimmy Mangan, Sean Cox, Enda Kenny, Brian Murtagh, Alan Brehon, Ollie Kelly, Frank Curley and Michael Cleary.
A Wake in the West: St. Faithleachs GAA Club Fundraising Event “A Wake in the West” by Lough Ree Theatre Company takes place this coming Saturday 7th December & Sunday 8th December in St. Mary’s Hall, Ballyleague. Tickets €10 available locally or contact the clubhouse. Your support for this event would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks: The Club expresses a special word of thanks to Ray & Qona Cox for their ongoing commitment, endless motivation & organisation of the St. Faithleachs Fitness Challenge 2013 & their tremendous work throughout the 8 week Fitness Programme, followed by the 5k Fun Run/Walk.
St. Faithleachs 5K Run/Walk: Well done & many thanks to all who took part in the St. Faithleachs 5K Run/Walk on Sunday last. Congratulations to Winners as follows: Men: 1st Patrick Sharkey, 2nd Niall Nerney and 3rd David Towey. Women: 1st Adrianna Melia, 2nd Maura Dervin, 3rd Dolores Dunne. Under 18: 1st Emma Kenny, 2nd Lauren Guinan, 3rd Nicole Carty. Many thanks to all the marshal’s for this event & all who helped out on the day.
Fitness Challenge 2013: St Faithleachs Fitness Challenge was a huge success, with thanks to all who participated and put in a massive effort over the 8 weeks & what great craic we had along the way. The final week was no different to any other with everyone putting the effort in to make it across the line, literally. The final circuit on Tuesday night went well & Friday’s class was something a little different, with tips on personal safety & home security hopefully everyone took something from the class. Hopefully there was no one passing the hall as they probably wondered what sort of fitness classes required people to be roaring. Sunday morning was the “Big Day” the day we had been aiming towards, looking forward to and some possibly dreading a little bit. The weather was kind to us this year. The “Fitness Challengers” were all looking very smart in their t-shirts & all eagerly awaited the starters whistle. All competitors made it safely home, cheered on by family, friends and the brilliant marshal’s. Well done to each & every one, the last 8 weeks was well worth it when you crossed the finish line. There were great times & some people smashed their personal best. The biggest loser competition was won by Tom Garvey with a massive weight loss of 21 pounds. He worked very hard over the 8 weeks, made some big lifestyle changes & looks like a different man. Congrats Tom and we wish him the best of luck. The 1st fitness challenger home in the 5k was Michael Cleary another big effort which paid off in the end. Congrats Michael. Many thanks to everyone who helped out over the 8 weeks whether big or small we couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks to the guest instructors, to the club especially Henry Kenny, Derek Thompson, Martina Dunne, Lisa Malone, Majella Kelly, Civil Defence, Gardaí, Marshalls & Tom Donlon for his help with Ballyleague Hall. A special word of thanks to Emma Kenny who helped us out for the 8 weeks and was a great asset. Thanks to Miranda for providing the music for the Celebrations in the clubhouse on Sunday.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse, 8.30pm. All welcome. Last week’s results – winners, James/Frank, runners-Up, Kathleen/Ann and last game, Peggy/PJ.
Sympathy: The Club extends deepest sympathy to Sean & Hilda Carty and Family on the death of Sean’s aunt, Kathleen Collins, Mount Talbot. The club extends deepest sympathy to John L & Geraldine Farrell and family on the death of Geraldine’s mother Cissie Nolan, Newtownforbes.