Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Table Quiz
Lanesboro Primary School Parents Association will hold a table quiz on this Friday night 28th February in Clarkes Bar at 9.30pm. Parents, past pupils and quiz buffs and their friends are invited to come along and support the school in this fundraising event.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Sorohan family spread throughout the parish of Rathcline and Ballyleague on the death last week of the late Charlie’s brother Michael of Ballinamuck.
Many Many Thanks
The local organisers of the Lourdes Church Gate collection taken up on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th February would like to thank everyone for their magnificent contribution of €900.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 19th February are 1st Bernadette Gillen and Mairead Gill, 2nd Cyril Hussey and Phil Chalmers and 3rd Frank and Frances Brennan. E/W 1st Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray, Mary Casey and Una Clarke and 3rd Philomena Walsh and Katharine Harrison.
Shannon Gaels
Congratulations to the Longford minors who won their Leinster League semi-final in Clonbonny on Saturday last. This was a wonderful victory achieved without our local lad and captain Shane Kenny and David Mc Givney, who are both injured, against a star studded Meath side. They will now play Offaly in the final on Saturday next. We also congratulate local lads, manager Gareth Johnston and selector Cian O’Brien and the management team. We wish them all luck on Saturday are a venue yet to be decided.
Get well wishes to Shane Kenny who is recovering from an injury suffered in the Minor league.
The minor club would like to say a big thank you to the senior executive for their permission to let the game go ahead in Clonbonny and also to the people that went out in trying conditions to marks and prepare the field for the occasion. The club would also like to thank those who cleaned and prepared the dressing rooms and upstairs area it was deeply appreciated. It was a job well done judging by the favourable comments by the visitors to our club.
Congratulations Tracy – Tracy Tobin who doers so much work with our Scór and choir won the County solo singing in the senior Scór last weekend. She now goes forward to the Leinster Finals and we are really delighted to celebrate her success with her.
Ronan Mc Cormack Weekend Celebrations
Get those wheels oiled, those runners cleaned and the Darts sharpened as we approach the countdown for The Ronan McCormack RosActive Weekend 2014. This promises to be a challenging, enjoyable and very eventful weekend in Roscommon on the 1st and 2nd of March. Things are really falling into place in advance of the big event. We are delighted that Minister for State at the Dept. of Tourism and Sport Mr. Michael Ring T.D. has agreed to come to the event as our guest for the events on Sunday.
The weekend is organised by Roscommon Sports Partnership in conjunction with Donamon Dynamos Cycling Club Cycling Ireland, Athletics Association of Ireland and local volunteers.
This Active weekend is in memory of Ronan McCormack, Ronan left this world on the 8th of May 2010 as a result of a road traffic accident aged just 26 years. March 2014, should have seen Ronan celebrate his 30th birthday, so with this in mind and building on the hugely successful event in 2013, The Ronan McCormack RosActive weekend is now a 2 day event. The purpose of this weekend is to raise awareness of the good work done by The Jack & Jill Foundation and Roscommon Special Olympics, to showcase the talents of the special needs community, share lots of fun and laughter and at the same time help raise much needed funds for these notable charities.
Saturday March 1st will see a 100km cycle incorporating 2 routes these routes will be Roscommon, Mountbellew, Roscommon and Carnmore Co. Galway Mountbellew Carnmore, Co Galway, Both groups meeting up in Mountbellew for refreshments and a chat. Last year’s cycle saw 315 cyclists take part and raised a wonderful total of 28,125. This will be followed by a social night and darts competition in Foxes, Goff Street, Roscommon. Entry fee for darts is 10 euro and there are limited places left so get you name in now if you want to take part.
Sunday March 2nd has some wonderful events taking place in Roscommon Town from 10am sharp. The day starts with the Invacare National Paracycling Criterion Race. This event will see the elite from the Irish Paracycling world compete in a criterion race on a closed circuit around Roscommon Town. Paracycling Ireland has included this event on their calendar of events for the year which is a great honour for Roscommon.
This will be followed by an exciting event called “Takin the Dis” (taking the dis out of disability) which is a 2km fun spin around the circuit to showcase the talents of the special needs community. This event is open all people with a disability who need wheels to get around, or who wish to use a bike or trike.
At 12 noon the runners will take centre stage on an extended closed circuit. First event off will be a Sub 30 5km run. This is for the more experienced runner and participants must be able to complete the 5km in 30 minutes or less. This will be a timed event.
And finally at 12.30 The Lappers Challenge a 5km fun run/jog/walk again on a closed circuit.
It is expected that this weekend will be very well supported and bring athletes/families/visitors to Roscommon Town for this very unique event. Nothing similar to this event has been organised in Roscommon before but the interest in it from people from the county and far beyond is growing daily and it promises to be a great weekend. Indeed we are looking forward to welcoming Minister for State at the Dept. of Tourism and Sport to Roscommon on the day and he will present the winners of the Invacare Par cycle with their medals.
If you are a business or interested in sponsoring the event in some way, please contact Jacqueline 086 1721181. All donations welcome, the smallest donation may mean a big difference to a child with special needs.
Sponsors will be acknowledged on our Facebook page which currently has in excess of 6,000 regular followers. Recognition will also be afforded to our sponsors on the day of both events.
Weekfield National School – Past Pupils Re-Union
It is proposed to hold a re-union of past pupils of Weekfield National School later in the year. If anyone has old school photos, stories, etc. or any feedback the committee would be grateful to receive them. Please contact any of the following – Aileen 086 8212681, Padraig 087 4132944 or Brenda 086 8896969.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The uniqueness of our parade starting in a different parish, county, parish, province and diocese is something that makes our parade inimitable has gained great attention and comment from many sources. This is our opportunity to add to the uniqueness by making the parade bigger and better than anything gone previously.
Many clubs and associations are already putting their plans into being as they construct their floats for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Ballyleague and Lanesboro.
Make you plans to come along and make the day another very special and memorable day in our community.
Fair Day on Saturday
All roads will lead to Lanesboro on Saturday next for the annual Fair Day. Traditionally this has been a wonderful day in the town and I am sure that Saturday next will once again be another great day.
In the past few years the Fair had moved to the field behind the church with stalls on the Longford Road. This year the Fair returns to the street from Adie’s bar up to the church.
The ‘Fair’ this year returns to the street from the church right back down to the corner. The Fair will take place from 10.30 to 4.30pm. Apart from the ponies, horses and wide array of animals there will be a children’s play area, Farrier, Pig on the Spit, Hot Food, a wide variety of stalls and there will be prizes for the Best Presented Pony, Best Dressed Lady and Best dressed gent.
Part of the day’s events is the Dog show which takes place at the back of the Yacht Bar and it will commence at 12.30pm. The entry fee is €3 per class or four classes for €10. The following are the classes that will be judged on Saturday are; adult handling, children’s handling, puppy – up to 6 months, puppy – 6 to 12 months, pointer/setter, working dog, terrier, hound, pastoral, toy dog retrieval/spaniel, Champion Gun Dog and Champion of the Show.
Jog on Track 6 week Series
A new Jog on Track 6 week Series starts this Thursday 27th February at 7:30pm. The series caters for complete beginners to more advanced catered joggers. 6 weeks cost €30 to be paid on the first night. Start here and Get Fit for the summer, get lots of tips and advice on running also use the group to keep you motivated. For information call Brendan 0872241352 or just show on the night
Lanesboro Tri
After the huge success of 2013, Lanesboro Triathlon Club will once again hold The Two Provinces National Series Sprint Triathlon on Saturday 12th of July 2014. It promises to be an even bigger & better event than previous years. This year’s race shall also be part of the Triathlon Ireland Junior National Series, and we shall also be running our fantastic Kidathon event to start the day off on a high note!! Due to last year’s demand we have upped the entries to 125 and it is expected to sell out being one of the biggest Kidathons in the country.
Last July the Two Provinces Triathlon attracted 500 competitors to the beautiful villages of Lanesboro and Ballyleague, located in the heart of the Midlands to compete in the 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run race.
The Two Provinces is so called, as triathletes must conquer the challenge of covering two provinces – namely Leinster and Connacht. Entering the clear warm waters for a 750m lake swim on the Leinster side of the Shannon bridge, competitors exit to the bike section which entails a fast out and back 20k cycle on closed roads of Connaught, returning to Leinster to finish strong with a scenic 5k fast run on closed roads.
To guarantee your entry into this well renowned race, sign up ASAP for our special early bird individual entry price of €45 via www.triathlonireland.com while it lasts. Relay entries shall cost €90. Race opened for registration at 12 noon 14 February.
Entry to Kidathon shall also be via www.triathlonireland.com for €10, with 125 max entrants.
We are also opening registration for Two Provinces Aquathon which will be held on 18 June via www.triathlonireland.com. Our Aquathon is part of the popular Midland Aquathon Series.
Please visit our race website http://www.twoprovincestriathlon.com for information on all races.
We would like to wish the best of luck to Anthony Gillen and his team who are giving a lot time and energy to organise this year’s race. This really is a great event for the community, attracting competitors and their friends and families to the Ballyleague and Lanesboro areas. We look forward to the buzz of the occasion in July.
Hell of the West 2014
A group of our members signed up to the well know triathlon Hell of the West which takes place in Kilkee later in the year. This is an iconic race and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. We wish you all the best in your training towards this.
Class of 1974 Reunion
There is a 40th Anniversary reunion of the above Leaving Certificate class from St Josephs Convent of Mercy Lanesborough this summer. We are in the final stages of the organisation of the event and we would love to hear from anyone who has not been in touch yet. Contact Geraldine Kirwan (Gilhooley) on 086-380468 email geraldinegilhooley@hotmail.com or Bernie Harold on 086-2888185 email haroldbernie@gmail.com
Pilgrimage to Lourdes
The annual Ardagh and Clonmacnois Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place this year from Tuesday 27th May to Sunday 1st June and the pilgrimage director is Monsignor Bernard Noonan, Moate and his phone number is 090 64 81180. Rev. Michael Scanlon will take charge of the special section for the sick and his phone number is 090 64 57122. Places are available on the pilgrimage and they can be booked with Joe Walsh Tours, Dublin phone 01 2410812.
Living well with Arthritis
A course designed to help people with arthritis will start in St. Mary’s parish Hallo on Tuesday 11th March at 7pm. The course will consist of six weekly sessions and is of a 2½ hour workshop each week. Completing this programme allows you to rely less on health professionals, manage your pain, reduce your fatigue, introduces exercise and relaxation into your daily life, increases your self-confidence to manage your arthritis and improves your sense of well-being. The cost of the six sessions is €30. To register you are asked to phone 01-6470206 or email training@arthtitisireland.ie. You can also find further details on www.arthritisireland.com
Rathcline Lotto
The numbers drawn in the lotto on Saturday night last were 8, 15, 18, 21, 36 and 45. There was nobody with the correct numbers and the jackpot of €500 was not won. The four winners of the €25 prizes were Roy Crooke, c/o Denis Crinigan, Joe Durkin, Longford, Una, Mary and Martha c/o Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union, and Matt Harte, Athlone. The jackpot for Saturday night next will rise to €600.
Lanesboro Community Games
Basketball – Our U11Mixed, U13 Boys and U 13 Girls teams all travelled to Edgeworthstown last weekend to take part in the basketball competitions – this was the first time Lanesboro has competed in this event. Unfortunately they were unsuccessful in their bids to progress to the next stage but all teams showed great promise for the future. This was the first ever match for the Under 11s and a great experience for them. Thank you to all the families who had their children available and on time over the weekend. Particular thanks to the coaches from Fermoyle N.S., Deirdre and Tina.
Art and Handwriting – Congratulations to the following children who were successful in the recent Lanesboro Community Games Art and Handwriting competitions. The winners will represent our area at county level in the near future:
Handwriting: Girls U10: 1st -Aoife Kennelly, 2nd – Isabelle Smyth, 3rd- Aimee Chalmers, Boys U10:1st – Kieran O’Dowd, 2nd – Dylan Hanly,
Art :U8 Girls:1st Laoise Hanly, 2nd Paulina Wit, 3rd Hetija Bula,U8 Boys:1st Cormac O’Dowd,U10 Girls:1st Isabelle Smyth, 2nd Aimee Chalmers, 3rd Aoife Kennelly, U10 Boys:1st Kieran O’Dowd, 2nd Dylan Hanly,U12 Girls:1st Eabha Healy, 2nd Aoife Nolan,3rd Ciara Gavigan,U12 Boys: 1st Conor Sorohan, 2nd Ernie Brunt,U14 Girls :1st Leah Wyse, 2nd Grainne Chawke,U16 Boys: 1st James Gavigan
Talent
Preparations are underway for the talent competition to be held in Backstage Theatre in March.
It is wonderful to see all of the children in our parish participate in activities that interest them. So far this year approximately 65 children have participated in Community Games and many more are in training for future events.
Successful Social
The recent social evening at Clarke’s Bar was a great success The organisers would like to thank all those who attended helped organise and contributed spot prizes for the evening Having been such a great success it will now be a monthly event with the next one being on Sunday 30th March 2014 at Clarkes Bar, from 4 to 6pm We look forward to seeing you all there
Bereavement Course
A six week course for adults, who have experienced the death of a relative, starts in the Family Centre, St. Mel’s Road, Longford. The course will commence on Wednesday week 5th March at 8pm. The course will be facilitated by experienced facilitators. Down through the years this course has proved to be very helpful. If you would like more information or book a place you should phone 043-3346827 or 087-2843034.
Ladies GAA
The club would like to say a very big thank you to everyone that contributed so generously to the Church Gate collection last weekend.
Congratulations to Tracy Tobin who won the county solo singing final in the Senior Scór last weekend.
Well done to Longford Ladies minor team on their fine victory last weekend.
Good luck to the Ladies U14 at the weekend and also the Under 16 ladies and team manager Kieran Feeney and selector Eilish Dillon who take to the field also at the weekend.
Clothes Collection
If you have old clothes and bed linen that you no longer require you can give them to the Rathcline Ladies club who are presently doing a clothes collection. You can drop them off with Mike Greene on the Green or contact Mike or Madaleine Murray to arrange collection
Lanesboro Library
Lanesboro Library is holding an exhibition during the summer on World War One and would love to hear from anyone with local stories, photographs or memories of people who fought in the war. Contact Stella 0433321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Fishman Returns
We are pleased to announce the return of the fish man to the Friday Market at the parish hall Lanesboro weekly on a Friday from 10 to 1pm
Rathcline GAA
Pride of the parish and club must go to Tracy Tobin, Rathcline Road, on winning the County final in solo singing in Scor. The final took place in Ballinamuck on Friday night. An excellent effort saw Tracy win and she now heads for the Leinster finals in the competition. Well done Tracy from Rathcline GFC. Also an honourable mention to the Ballad group who represented Rathcline on the night.
The quiz night was a huge success in The Peer last Friday night. 14 tables contested a battle of wits that brought out the brainiest in the parish. From spot prizes of bales of hay, friendships between farmers and accountants, and hotly contested answers, the Rathcline quiz had it all. Congrats to the winning team, an eclectic mix of individuals, Mickey Farrell, Martin McNally, Claire Casey and the legend that is “El Hadji”.
Thanks to all who prepared the function room, to Dec and all the gang, and a sincere thanks to all the people who donated spot prizes for the raffle. Cheers for all the support on the night. Finally what do you call a baby rabbit?
Registration is now due for players and anyone who wants to become a member of the club for 2014, it’s very important that registration is paid. Please contact any member of the executive, its €20 for non players and €50 for players. The first 100 people that register will go into a draw for an all expenses paid day at the Galway Races in July.
Training continues for local and Dublin based players, please make an effort to attend.
Rathcline Ladies
Thanks to all who supported our church gate collection at the weekend. Registration is now due for all players. You cannot play unless registered so please make contact with executive members for payment.
Well done to the Co Longford minor ladies, on their win over Kilkenny at weekend, and to the Rathcline players who took part.
Rathcline Ladies training continues on Wednesday and Friday nights.
Rathcline Minor Club
First off, congratulations to the Longford minor team who defeated Meath in the Leinster League semi-final. Best of luck to Gareth and the team who play Offaly in the final. Check fixture list for details on time and venue.
Many thanks to all who helped in getting Clonbonny pitch ready for Minor semi final, those include Johnny Hanley, Mike Greene, Michael J, Dec Connor, Madeline, Brendan Keane and Sean Kenny.
Congrats to the senior club on a great quiz night on Friday.
U 14, U 16, and Minor training starts Saturday, check with your managers in relation to start times. The best of luck to all involved in the coming year.
Parents are again urged to register their children at minor level. There have been two nights of registration to date. Players cannot play football until they are registered, so please make contact with any member of the Minor executive.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Adult Football League: Our Seniors 1st League game against Elphin ended in a draw on Sunday last at home. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 2-08 Elphin 1-11. Team: S. Connor, D. Murray, C. Brennan, C. Gunn, H. Kenny, B. Murtagh, A. Hanly, A. McCormack, S. O’Grady, K. Farrell, E. Kenny, D. Rooney(1-0), D. Murtagh(1-7), A. Dooney(0-1), D. Hussey. Subs: D. McCormack, J. Quigley.
U16 Girls – D2 Championship: Best of luck to our U16 Girl in their 1st Championship Game, away to St. Ciaran’s on Sunday next 2nd March at 4.00pm. Training continues Wednesday and Friday evenings, please check with your manager for confirmation of details.
Junior Ladies – D3 League: Our Junior Ladies 1st League game is away to St. Marys on Sunday 9th March at 12.00pm, Training continues Wednesday and Friday evenings; please check with your manager for confirmation of details.
Minor & U16 Boys: Training takes place Thursday evenings at 7.00pm & Sunday mornings at 11.30am, please check with your Manager for confirmation of details
Membership/Registration: St. Faithleachs GAA 2014 club membership is now due. Adult players please contact senior club registrar, Brian Scally. Minor and underage players please contact minor club registrar, Sean Cox or your management for membership forms and registration details. Adult players €60, Under 18yrs and students €30, Family membership €100, Social membership €30. Please note, registration fee must be paid before players can train or compete for the club.
Mouth guards “Reminder”: GAA Rule; It is mandatory to use a mouth guard in all Gaelic Football Matches & Training Sessions. The wearing of mouth guards is compulsory for ALL players including Senior, Junior, Ladies, Minor and all Underage Grades. Players are reminded to have your mouth guards for training sessions and games. Managers are reminded to ensure the rule is adhered to at all training, practice sessions and games.
Cake Sale: Huge thanks and much appreciation to all who supported the Cake Sale on Sunday last in aid of St. Faithleachs Ladies GAA Club. Many thanks to all who baked and donated supplies for this event, well done to all involved.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Preparations are underway for the Lanesboro/Ballyleague St. Patrick’s Day Parade. St. Faithleachs GAA club will once again have a float in the parade and we welcome all our members to take part.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse, 8.30pm. All welcome.