Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Christmas Greetings
I would like to wish each and every one a very special Christmas and hugely successful and healthy 2014. Your support throughout the year is deeply appreciated and I hope that 2014 I will bring a greater service to you, home and abroad.
At this time of year I remember those that are sick and ailing and I hope that the New Year will bring a positive change and that I will see you all out and about again very soon. I congratulate everyone that had a cause of celebration during the year and wish you much more happiness in the coming year. There are a great number of us that suffered sadness throughout the year; you should never feel alone and your sadness is always shared. I hope you will find that Christmas will bring a smile to your face as you remember the happiness and joy brought to you by their time with you.
Finally, I would like to extend my wishes to all that are away from home over the Christmas time and those former residents that are living worldwide – you are always in my thoughts and thank you for your continuous feedback throughout the year.
These notes are for and about you and it is your contributions and support during the year that makes the Lanesboro/Ballyleague notes so inclusive and I really appreciate of all your support.
Sympathy
It is with great sadness I extend our deepest sympathy to Basil and Amanda (Gray) Mitchell, Lehery lower on the sad and untimely death of Basil’s brother Tom Mitchell, Ballymacward, Co. Galway last week.
Excellent Christmas Reading
During the Christmas time we always reach out for something to read and at present there are some excellent local publications on the market. Paul Healy, editor of the Roscommon, has just published and excellent book, Nothing about Sheep Stealing, just in time for the Christmas market. It is really worth a read.
Kenagh native and former Galway Fine Gael TD recently published a book on his lifetime in politics starting in his native Kenagh. The book is entitled “The Rocky road to the Dáil”.
The County Longford Historical Society has recently published “Teathbha” and Jude Flynn has again published the very popular Fireside Tales.
All the above gives you an option for reading over the Christmas time.
Credit Union Christmas Hours
Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union would like to wish all its members a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year,
The office will be closed from Tuesday 24th December to Friday 27th, reopening on Saturday 28th December from 10am to 1pm. The office will once again be closed on Tuesday 31st December and Wednesday 1st January and normal hours will resume on Thursday 2nd January 2014.
Your Credit Union if for and about our community and it is imperative that we continue to support our local Credit Union to help it grow and become a strong financial organisation in our area. It is also very important as it is the only financial organisation in our community.
Christmas Day Swim
The annual sponsored Christmas Day swim hosted by the Lough Ree Sub Aqua club will once again take place at 12.30pm following last mass at St. Mary’s Church. We hope that the wonderful weather we are having now will continue to make the swim a very special event. Each year the swim is great occasion attracting a big number of swimmers and spectators. The spectators create a great atmosphere in supporting and cheering each swimmer as they brave the cold water.
This year it is hoped that all records will be broken in the number of swimmers, spectators and amount of sponsorship gathered. The club urges your support and they look forward to seeing you on the bridge or in the swim on the day.
Sponsorship cards are available from any club member or from O’Brien’s.
40 years of Lough Ree Athletic Club
The athletic club is organising a reunion on Saturday 28th December in the Parish Hall, Lanesboro at 8pm to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the club. All current and former athletes and anyone associated with the club, currently or in the past are invited to come along and join in the celebrations.
As light refreshments will be available, the club would like to have some idea of numbers that they will have to cater for. Please indicate if you will attend by texting your name to 086-3925835 ir email louhgreeas1973@gmail.com
Great credit to Alannah Flood who made the long journey to Waterford to represent Connaught and the club in the All-Ireland cross-country for uneven age groups. This interprovincial event was run in conjunction with the inter-county and inter-club championships for girls under 11 years. This resulted in massive numbers facing the starter and 150 finishers. The Cashel lass finished in the forties, a respectable performance. No money can buy the experience gained from this race. Indeed the fact that Alannah has no club mates with her was an added handicap.
Primary schools remember that the club will have its usual “Fun Run” from the track at the Community College to the parish Hall on Christmas morning at 12.15pm. The run is in conjunction with the Newtowncashel/Lanesboro MS run. A great occasion and one not to be missed!
Rathcline GAA Meet
There will be a Club Meeting in Clonbonny clubhouse next Sunday evening next 22nd Dec 2013 at 6pm to ratify the new Executive for 2014. All club members are asked to attend this meeting to discuss the plans for the forthcoming season.
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 Brigid Mullooly, 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.
Social Services Church Gate Collection
Meal on Wheels/County Longford Social services will hold their annual Church Gate collection on Saturday next 21st and Sunday 22nd December at all masses in Lanesboro. In previous years your generosity has been marvellous and it is hoped that you will once again continue your generous strain. The ‘meal on wheels’ service is a hugely important service to many in our parish and your support will help continue this wonderful provision to those who avail of the service.
Rathcline GAA Lotto
The numbers drawn in the lottery on Saturday night last were 2, 16, 19, 26, 27 and 31. There was no winner of the Rathcline GAA lottery for a jackpot of €300. The for winners of €25 each were Brendan Keane, Barnacor, Eddie Shea, Rathcline, Sean Ganly, Tullamore and Peter Mullooly and Mags Gillen. The jackpot for Saturday night next will rise to €400.
Rathcline Text Alert
The committee would like to wish everybody a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. The committee reminds everyone to be vigilant over the Christmas period and to report any suspicious activity. Your support makes it safer for us all and the committee thanks you for your support during the past year.
Lanesboro Lights Up
On Saturday night last following 7.30pm Mass the crib and the Christmas lights for Lanesboro were lit. Our oldest resident Phil Ginty, Knock who recently turned 100 did the honours. It was great to see Phil out and about and he was well supported by family members and the large attendance from Mass. The organising committee are very grateful for the support that was received when there was a threat of no lights this Christmas.
Pictured with Phil and his daughter Eileen at the turning on of the lights are organisers Margaret Gillen Mark Casey holding his daughter Niamh, Gerard Farrell and Adie Farrell.
Christmas Penance Service
The following is the schedule for Christmas Penance Service in the area: St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Friday 20th December at 7.30pm. Individual penance will take place following the Penance Service.
Shannon Gaels
The Shannon Gaels choir will perform at 7.30pm mass on this coming Saturday night 21st and again on Saturday 28th December. The choir under the guidance of Maura Tobin and Brendan Keane have put a lot of hours in preparation and the music on both nights will be excellent. All club members are urged to support.
The club would like to thank everyone that helped and supported us during the year and wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year
New Car for James and Josephine
Congratulations to James and Josephine Kenny who were the lucky winners of a Hyundai I20 in the Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union Christmas draw. 2nd prize €2,000, Padraig and Maria Keane, 3rd €1,000, Hannah Clyne, 4th Apple I Pad 2, George Caddow, 5th Dyson DC26 Cleaner, Kathleen Hanley, 6th Kenwood Chef, Philip Ginty Jnr, 7th I Pad mini Wi-Fi, Damian Gilmore, 8th Dyson Cleaner, Thomas Trimble, 9th Samsung Galaxy Tab 3, Catherine Mc Daniel, 10th Tefal Fryer, Anne Marie Cox, 11th Krupp’s Coffee Machine, Bernadette Hanley, 12th Samsung Galaxy Tab 3, Maranna Casey, 13th Canon Powershot Camera, Jean Donlon, 14th Canon Powershot Camera, Paula Behan and 15th Krupp’s Coffee Machine, Ann Carty.
There was also a draw for members under 18 years. The three DRE Headphones went to Brian Kelly, Cormac Thompson and Clodagh A Martin.
Christmas arrangements at St. John’s Church Lanesboro
The arrangements over the Christmas period for the St. John’s congregation begin on Saturday 14th December with a concert in St Coman’s, Roscommon in aid of Vincent of Paul where Sean Hanly and friends are giving a recital at 8pm. Everyone is welcome to support a great cause and enjoys a wonderful evening.
On Thursday 19th at 8p.m there will be a Carol Service in St Coman’s Church Roscommon with choirs from Strokestown and the Sacred Heart and St Coman’s. All are welcome.
On Sunday 22nd at 4pm there will be a Carol Service in St John’s Church, Lanesborough. During the service children are playing ‘the Christmas story’, everyone welcome to come and join in the celebration.
On Christmas Eve at 8pm in St John’s Church Lanesborough Holy Communion and on Christmas Day at St Coman’s Roscommon there will be Holy Communion at 10.30am Christmas Day.
The St. John’s parish congregation would like to wish everybody a very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year.
Lanesboro Ballyleague Badminton Club
The Club would like to say huge thank you to all who supported our annual fundraising table quiz on Friday 6th December. A great night was had by all and we raised €625.00 which is greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank everyone who helped organise the event, all who donated spot prizes and Clarke’s bar for their hospitality and use of their premises.
Rural Transport
The following are the arrangements for the Rural Transport Service: The once-weekly “Door to Door” services run from Monday to Saturday with the last route completed on Tuesday the 31st December for 2013 and the usual services will resume on resume on Thursday 2nd January 2014.
Rathcline GAA
The Rathcline club would like to thank everyone within the parish and indeed outside for their great support over the past year and we would like to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2014.
Tidy Towns Lotto
Lanesboro Tourism Co-op will stage their Super Christmas draw next week on Monday 23rd December. €2 will give you a chance to win the jackpot and the runners up prize of €100
3 prize of €50.00
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us during the year and wish you and your family a Happy Christmas and New Year
Samaritans Seek Support
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.
Excellent Calendar
Have you got your excellent production of this year’s Brushstrokes Art calendar? The calendar shows the depth of local talent in our community and the calendar is ideal for each and every house. Calendars are priced at only €5 and can be bought in O’Brien’s and many other outlets in the town.
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.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Christmas Greetings: The club would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and hope that you will all enjoy the festive season.
Santa at St. Faithleachs GAA Club Grounds: A special treat in store for the kids with the arrival of Santa Claus on Saturday 21st December at 5.30pm. Special surprise “Kids Entertainment” will be present following Santa’s visit with plenty of games/activities taking place in the clubhouse throughout the evening, including face painting, kid’s bingo, fun/games and much more. There will also be music in the clubhouse. The results of our colouring competition will be announced followed by our Bumper Christmas Draw.
Bumper Christmas Draw: Our annual Christmas draw will take place this coming Saturday night in the clubhouse, following Santa’s Visit. Tickets are still available locally (€2 per line). Your support is much appreciated.
Dermot Earley Bursary Award: Congratulations to Diarmuid Murtagh, St. Faithleachs GAA Club, recipient of “Bursary Award” Sports Scholarship awarded to 1st year third level students by Roscommon County Council in honour of the late Dermot Earley. Three awards were made this academic year to students who demonstrated outstanding ability and performance at a high level in their particular sport.
A Wake in the West – Fundraising Event: Huge thanks and much appreciation to the following cast and crew of “A Wake in the West” : Lough Ree Theatre Company Cast – Jim Nerney (Tom Healy), Josie Connaughton (Dr. John), Phyllis Duffy (Mary), Michelle Lisle (Joan), Josephine Lane (Margaret), Teresa Costello (Rose), Andrew Mc Cosker (Martin), Frank Beirne( Barney), Kevin Farrell (Fr. Cassidy). Crew – Patricia Fleming (Director), Teresa Costello (Producer), Mary Mc Gushin and Aoife Connaughton (Stage Management), Julia Radaviciene (Make-Up), Erin Connell (Hairdresser), Patricia Fleming (Lighting), St. Faithleachs GAA (Stage Construction), Fintan Duffy (Programme), Tom Donlon (Ballyleague Hall), Jenny Rice (Photography), Declan Gilmore (Video). Special word of thanks to the following for their sponsorship of spot prizes for the raffle on the night: Fleming’s SuperValu Roscommon, Frances, Finishing Touches, Bernard Keane SuperValu Lanesboro, Johnston’s Pharmacy Lanesboro, Cullen’s filling station, Lanesboro, Trautt’s Checkout Cloontuskert, O’Brien’s Chemist Lanesboro, Steve and Theresa Ormsby Clarkes Bar Lanesboro and Casey’s Bar Mohill. Many thanks to all who supported this event.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse, 8.30pm. All welcome. Last week’s results – winners – Jimmy/Martin and Pat Joe/Tim, Last game, Pat/Ronan. Christmas card games this coming Tuesday evening in the Club House. All welcome.