Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Comment
Last Saturday, in Lanesboro, was a wonderful day with the early and middle part being taken up with the Horse Fair and Dog Show on the Main Street and the latter part with the Leinster Minor League Final taking place in Clonbonny. In times gone by it would have been felt that we could not take on both occasions on the one day but Saturday, last, proved that we can take on anything.
When you look at staging such events the first thing you put in place is your plan and from there on it depends on community support in terms of stewarding and marshalling. Last Saturday the amount of volunteers was phenomenal and it was such a wonderful sight to see that so many gave of their time to be part of both occasions. The value of volunteers cannot and should never be undervalued and that was never more evident than in Lanesboro on Saturday last.
Lanesboro proved that the era of volunteerism is alive and well in our community and it is a wonderful pleasure to be able to acknowledge, praise and thank every single one of the men, women and young people for making both occasions so memorable and enjoyable and so hassle free.
We should all be proud of our wonderful and special community.
St. Patrick’s Day Raffle
The St. Patrick’s Day committee in an effort to defray costs are presently selling tickets for a raffle that will take place in Clarke’s Bar on St. Patrick’s Day night. You are encouraged to buy tickets and support the great work of this hard working committee. Tickets are priced at only €2 each or a book of 3 for €5. Tickets are on sake locally and I hope that everyone will support.
Death
The death took place at Valeview Nursing Home, Ballyleague on Friday 21st February of Ann Marie Higgins, Church View. Ann Marie had been in ill health for a time. She was a very quiet family woman who along with her husband Pat moved to Lanesboro a number of years ago.
Her remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Sunday before being removed to St. Mary’s Church. On Monday last her Funeral Mass took place followed by interment in Clonbonny cemetery. To her husband Pat, brother Paddy King, her sister Kathleen, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 26th February are N/S 1st Cyril Hussey and Phil Chalmers, 2nd Gemma Douglas and Mary Mc Gushin and 3rd Bernadette and Margaret Gillen. E/W 1st Eileen Kelly and Una Clarke, 2nd Mike Flynn and Brendan Dowling and 3rd Brid Mc Dermott and Una Lawlor.
Do you Play Cards?
Friday night next 7th March is the night that all card players should be in Lanesboro Parish Hall for the monthly Social Services Whist Drive. Lanesboro Social services depend greatly on your support and the support of your card playing friends to ensure that their many services are continued within our parish. The game will start at 8.30 and as usual light refreshments will be served. Your support is essential and please come along and bring a friend or two with you.
Special Weekend for club
Last Saturday, history was made in Lanesboro as the Rathcline club hosted for the very first time a Leinster provincial final on it grounds in Clonbonny. The occasion was a huge for the club and they met their challenge with great finesse and expertise. They must be complimented for the presentation of the club grounds and pitch despite some very inclement weather leading up to Saturday. It was wonderful to see such a great crowd attending the game and those attending seeing the fine work that has been done in the club over the past number of years.
The fact that Longford overcame a very stubborn Offaly side, who refused to lie down, was all the more poignant as the Longford captain was local Shannon Gaels player Shane Kenny and it was a proud day for not only the club but all locals to see him lift a Leinster cup on his own club grounds. Added to that fact we also had the team manager Gareth Johnston and selector Cian O’Brien from the club. For Gareth, in his first year as county minor manager, this was a wonderful achievement. Indeed, after the semi-final defeat of Meath the previous Saturday while chatting Sean Boylan, the famous Meath manager, in the shop he paid special comment to the coolness and astuteness of the Gareth and the management team – high praise indeed. All in all it was a great day and a great day of celebration for the county as a whole to see a Leinster title being won in Lanesboro and we look forward to a successful Leinster Minor Championship in the weeks and months ahead.
ESB AGM
ESB Lanesborough Retired Staff and Pensioners Association Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday 13th March in the Sports and Social Clubhouse at 2 pm. Mr Dave McCabe General Manager ESB Medical Provident Fund will give a talk and answer questions at 2 pm.
Fair Day
Last Saturday saw the re-enactment of the Lanesboro Fair Day on the streets of Lanesboro. From early morning the town was buzzing with the volunteers putting everything in place. Shortly after 8am the first of the horseboxes entered the car park and from then on there was a steady number arriving.
The day was bright and welcoming and we looked forward to another great day in the town celebrating the tradition of years gone by. By midday the area from Adie’s up to the parochial house was well full with horses. By all accounts it was a lively day for sales and one horse dealer made the comment that the reason for the good sales was that “there was a lot of quality there today”.
While the numbers of horses equalled last year it was the turnout of observers and indeed stalls that proved disappointing. In all years gone by it was always noted to be a wonderful family day and families travelled from near and far to be here but for some unknown reason it was not the case this year.
As usual the Dog Show proved to be a huge success with dogs of all shapes and sizes appeared on the street as they made their way to the dog show. It never ceases to fascinate me the variety of dogs that turn up on the day of the show. To see them alone, is well worth travelling to Lanesboro for.
All in all it was another successful and enjoyable day in Lanesboro for the Horse Fair and Dog Show. Well done to the committee for all their great work.
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.
Lanesboro Tri Club
Long Course Masters Swimming Championship: Big congratulations and well done to club members Colm Daly, Marie Sudway, Brendan Cooney and Marie Keane who took part in this championship on Saturday. They took home a huge amount of medals each. Marie Sudway took home gold in 4 individual events and silver in the 200 x 4 relay. Marie Keane took home 3 gold and 2 silver, Brendan Cooney took 3 silver and 2 bronze and Colm Daly 3 silver and 1 bronze. Well done guys and gals. The club is so lucky and proud to have such great swimmers in Lanesboro Triathlon Club.
Ronan Mc Cormack Charity Cycle: While the swimmers were busy collecting medals some other members took to the road on their bicycles to take part in The Ronan McCormack Charity cycle, a 100km cycle in aid of the Jack and Jill Foundation and in memory of Ronan McCormack. The club had 14 members all geared up, weather was dry, hands and feet were cold but the craic was good! Well done to everybody and especially those members who had this as their first long cycling event. Bring on the next 100km and Lanesboro Tri club will be there!!!!
Hope training is going well for everyone. Remember to check out the club website and club Facebook page for training details.
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
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs Claire Ward and family, Cullentra, Mrs Ann Gavigan and family, Thureen, and the extended Bawle family, on the death of their brother Johnny Bawle, Currole, Newtowncashel last week.
5 Year Plan Launch
The Tidy Towns committee will launch its Tidy Towns Five Year Plan 2014-2018 on Thursday, 13th March in St Mary’s Hall at 830pm. All members of the community are invited to attend and to have your ideas included in the plan. The objective of the Plan is to guide the efforts of the committee as it continues to work towards making our community a nicer place to live in and to visit. Your support of our weekly lotto helps the committee to continue the programme of works.
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.
Death
The death occurred at the County Hospital, Roscommon, on Monday 24th February, of Peter Mc Loughlin, Ballyleague. Peter’s passing will leave a great void in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew him. Peter was a native of Culdaff, Co. Donegal and spent his working life in Manchester where he met his wife and local Rathcline girl Maura Feeney. In England they got on very well and were very successful people. They were legendary in the Manchester area for being always on hand for a local travelling there to make a new life. In later years Peter and Maura returned to Lanesboro where they owns and worked what is now Cullen’s Filling station until their retirement. He was a very quiet spoken man with a gentle disposition and he will be sadly missed. He always retained his great love for his native Donegal and basked in the glory of their All Ireland wins as well as all the Donegal lads who made a name for themselves on the soccer scene in England.
Peter is survived by his wife Maura, brothers and sisters, relatives and many friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
His remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Wednesday last before being removed to St. Mary’s Church. On Thursday last following his Requiem Mass he was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery.
Death
There was great sadness and regret when the news broke of the death at University College Hospital, Galway on Thursday 27th February of Mrs Nancy Trautt, Cloontuskert. Nancy was predeceased by her late husband Paddy. Nancy was a great family lady who dedicated herself to her family. She was a quiet gentle lady with a very pleasant manner. Her kind ways and warmth endeared her to everyone that had the pleasure to come in contact with her. Along with her late husband Paddy she ran the shop at ‘the Abbey’ for longer than you care to remember. Although a quiet lady by nature she built up great friendships and left a lasting memory with everyone that visited Trautt’s. She left an everlasting memory and her passing will leave a great emptiness. Her remains reposed at her residence in Cloontuskert on Saturday and on Sunday her remains were removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Sunday for hey Funeral Mass. Following Mass Nancy was laid to rest in Cloontuskert cemetery. To her sons Gerry and Mel, daughter Dympna and her partner Gerry, Brothers and sister, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Very Worthwhile Meeting
Lanesborough Tourism Coop/Tidy Towns hosted a very interesting seminar “Mid Shannon Wilderness Park” last week as part of its Tidy Towns Biodiversity Action Plan for the 2014 National Tidy Towns competition. The committee would like to thank Donall Mac an Bheatha for his excellent presentation and the many people who attended the meeting. The seminar discussed the proposal to develop a Mid Shannon Wilderness Park in County Longford. This park will centre on Lough Ree, the Rivers Shannon, Inny and Camlin, the Royal Canal, Newcastle Woods, Commons North Wood, Corlea Trackway and the future rehabilitated Bord na Móna bogs. The development of such a large amenity park in Longford centred on Lanesborough would provide the Midlands and Ireland with a major tourism attraction of international importance.
Longford Branch MS
The branch committee and members of the Longford Branch of Multiple Sclerosis would like to thank most sincerely all those who took part in the annual Christmas Day Run/Walk from Newtowncashel to Lanesboro which raised such valuable funds for the branch. We would like to say a particular word of thanks to the event organisers Michael Flood and Brigid Mullooly, who do such a fantastic job ever year, everyone who took time to raise funds prior to the event, and to all who helped on the day to ensure the event runs so smoothly. This event continues to be our main fundraising event of the year and we would not be able to meet the ongoing needs of our members, such as Physio, massage, home alterations, etc. without your continued generous support.’
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Ita Trimble and family, Ballagh, Elizabeth Fallon and family, Church View and Marian Murphy and family, Sheehaun, Curraghroe on the death of their brother James Cahill, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon, last weekend.
Lanesboro Primary School
Children from Lanesboro Primary School, having won the Lanesboro/Ballyleague Credit Union u-11 quiz competition, represented their school and local credit union at the Chapter level of this competition on Friday 28th February in Moate Community Centre. The team made up of Orla Lyons, Cormac Casey, Jack Madigan and Louise Costello performed very well and finished high among the finishers of the huge number of teams. Ms. Cora Nevin had the team well prepared and they certainly did her and their school proud.
On another front Séadhna and Dúileach Ryan did their school proud, competing at the very highest level in the Irish Primary Schools All Ireland Swimming Finals in the National Aquatic Centre. Both children had qualified to take part in this competition through achieving the qualifying times at the Connacht Schools Swimming competition where Dúileach had won two Gold Medals and Séadhna two Silver medals. At the All-Ireland finals the competition was stronger again as the best of all four provinces taking part. Dúileach Ryan led the way by winning an All-Ireland silver medal in his back crawl and was only just 0.01 seconds away from a bronze medal finishing 4th in his 100M. Séadhna Ryan, in his last year at this competition, got to the final of both his events (50M Fly and 100M Individual Medley). Séadhna greatly improved his times and just missed out on a medal finishing 4th place in the individual medley. Séadhna has many happy memories of this competition having won a silver medal and 3 bronze medals at this competition in previous 3 years and is looking forward to many more large events at the NAC. Dúileach was delighted with his silver medal making it one of the best days of his short life!
Boro Celtic progress to cup quarter final
Boro Celtic made the long journey to Stradbally Co. Laois to take on Stradbally Town FC in the second round of the Division 1 cup. On a dry blustery day the opening exchanges were tit for tat. Boro Celtic grew into the game and began to dominate as the first half went on drew a good save from the Stradbally keeper before hitting the crossbar. Stradbally were limited to only one or two long range efforts that were easily collected by Mark Tarmey in the Boro goal. The second half started with the breeze at Boro’s back and they immediately took hold of the game hitting the woodwork on several occasions and drawing some excellent saves from the home keeper. The deadlock was eventually broken when Boro were awarded a penalty that was cooled converted by David Rooney 10 minutes from time. Boro seen out the final minutes of the game comfortably to record the win and progress to the cup quarter finals.
Living well with Arthritis
A course designed to help people with arthritis will start in St. Mary’s Parish Hall 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 Rathcline GAA lottery on Saturday night last were 6, 18, 19, 38, 40 and 42. There was no winner of the €600 jackpot and the jackpot for Saturday night next will stand at €700. The four winners of the €25 prizes were Sean Ganly, Tullamore, Adie Farrell, Aughamore, Niall and Breda Walsh, Clonbonny and Paul Farrell, Lisnacusha.
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 this Wednesday night 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
Training will continue for all our ladies in Clonbonny on Wednesday nights at 7.30pm and for all senior ladies on Saturday evenings at 6.30pm.
Well done to the county U14 ladies on their great win and commiserations to the seniors and U16 on their defeats at the weekend.
Our senior ladies will take on Killoe on Sunday 16th March and it is very important that every player makes the big effort to ensure that we get off to a winning start.
Well doe to the senior club on hosting the Leinster minor league final in Clonbonny on Saturday last. Thanks to all our ladies club for their contribution to a smooth running of the event.
Congratulations to Shane Kenny on lifting the cup as county minor captain and also to Gareth Johnston, the victorious manager, and Cian O’Brien a selector with the team.
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
Lanesboro 2000 Bridge
The results of the competition held on Monday 17th February are N/S: Gross and Nett: 1st Fergal McGuinness and Joan Donlon, 2nd K. Harrison and Loretta Cooney and 3rd Margaret and Bernadette Gillen. E/W 1st Joan Browne and Patricia McGann, 2nd Una Clarke and Tom Feeney and 3rd Brendan Dowling and Goretti Kenny.
The results of the competition held on Monday 24th February are: 9 Table Howell 1st Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon, 2nd Nancy Dolan and Eileen Kelly and 3rd Carol Hamill and Ann Hagan. Gross: Fiona Gillen and Phil Chalmers
Lough Ree AC
The Connaught Indoor championships for the juvenile age groups took place in Athlone on Saturday. The early date “caught us on the hop” as the county championships have not yet taken place. No doubt, the fact that the new venue was available influenced the decision. Several brave souls from the club entered at the deep end, some taking events for the first time. Indeed, Alannah Flood, a middle distance athlete with good pedigree, turned her attention to the high jump for the first time. The Cashel lass did great to come away with a Connaught Silver medal for second place. Well done to others for their efforts, some even surprised themselves.
Training as usual on Tuesday evening in Ballyleague hall.
Flash: We heard that Mark Brady won the Connaught senior shot putt (Indoor) at Athlone IT on Sunday. Congratulations to Mark from the club, all appreciate your help during the year.
Shannon Gaels
Last Saturday was a memorable day for the club both senior and minor. The staging of the Leinster Minor League Final in Clonbonny was a huge gesture by the club especially with Shane Kenny, captain, manager Gareth Johnston and selector Cian O’Brien. It is days like this that our minor club will never forget – seeing Shane lift the cup on behalf of his Longford team mates.
The club wishes to thank everyone for volunteering and all their help in putting this occasion together
Féile will take place this coming weekend and we wish our players the very best of luck.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Junior Ladies – D3 League: Our Junior Ladies have their 1st League Game this coming Sunday 9th March, away to St. Marys at 12.00pm.
Minor Men – D4 League: Our minors had a win over Michael Glaveys in their 1st League game on Sunday last at home. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 3-09 Michael Glaveys 0-08. Next game is against Elphin, Sunday 16th March at 12.00pm in Elphin.
U16 Girls – D2 Championship: Our U16 girls were defeated by St. Ciaran’s in their 1st Championship game on Sunday last in Fuerty. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 2-05 St. Ciaran’s 6-01. Team: C. Curley, K. Browne, M. Banahan, N. Hegarty, J. Farrell, M. Kelly, L. Hoare, A. Curley, J. Banahan, N. Parker, L. Cox, J. Brennan, L. Farrell, K. Byrne, O. Costello, S. Hoare, E. Irwin. Next game is against Padraig Pearses, this coming Sunday 9th March @ 4.00pm at home.
U16 Boys – D2 League: Our U16 boys have their 1st League Game this coming Sunday 9th March, away to St. Croan’s at 12.00pm.
GAA National Club Draw: Many thanks to all who supported St. Faithleachs GAA Club, purchasing Tickets for the National GAA club draw. The draw takes place on Monday 17th March at Páirc an Chrócaigh. Many thanks to all involved in the selling of tickets.
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.
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/Registration details. Adult Players €60, Under 18yrs and Students €30, Family €100, Social Membership €30. Please Note, registration fee must be paid before players can train/compete for the club.
Lotto: Numbers drawn – 8, 13, 26 and30. There was no jackpot winner and the five €20 winners were – Una Glynn, Raymond Farrell, Johnny Smith, Mick Connell and Janette Leckey. The next draw will take place on Tuesday 11th March for a jackpot of €10,700.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 8.30pm. All are welcome. The results of last week’s games are – winners, Tom/Padraig, runners-Up, Kate/Mike. Last game winners Sean/Seamus. Ticket winners – JohnO, Mark, Kieran & Peggy.
Sympathy: The Club extends deepest sympathy to the Trautt Family on the death of Nancy Trautt, Cloontuskert.
Bingo
Clonguish GAA club will host a Bingo afternoon in their Complex in Newtownforbes on Sunday next 9th March at 3pm.
Circuit Training
Circuit Training in Kenagh Hall on Mondays and Thursdays at 8pm for both male and females. Contact Liz on 087-3569749.