Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
A celebration of one of our Graduates
On Wednesday last at the 2014 Irish Times InterTradeIreland Innovation of the Year awards a UCD spin out company Oxymem Ltd was announced the overall winner. The company, which is Athlone based, developed a revolutionary new system for water-waste plants that is up to four times more efficient than other best in class solutions.
This company was co-founded back in 2013 by Professor Eoin Casey who is a Senior Lecturer at the UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering and Dr. Eoin Syron as a spin out company from the UCD School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering.
The original research for the process was carried out by Eoin Casey.
The firm estimates the overall global market for waste-water technology to be €4 billion at the moment and to grow to €6 billion by 2020. OxyMem currently employs 12 people and is in the process of closing a €2 million funding round and plans to increase staff numbers to 35 by the end of the year.
Eoin Casey is son of John – former butcher and his wife Mary Casey formerly of Main Street who now resides at Gurteengar.
Eoin is another one of our young people that grew up and was educated in Lanesboro/Ballyleague and who are making a mark for themselves in the diverse world of commerce, engineering, education, industry to name a few. We have every right as a community to be hugely proud of all the achievements and admire the wonderful work they are doing throughout the world. As a small community we have some of the best and most talented people that this country has ever produced and we should never be afraid to acknowledge and highlight their brilliance – as we are for Eoin’s award.
Death
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Fallon family – Pat, Eugene, Joe, Gerry, Betty, Noleen, Bernadette and Teresa and the late Thomas on the death of their sister Maura Bonnes, Randalstown, Co. Antrim and formerly of Lisreevagh, who died during the past week.
Culprit Apprehended
Just to let everyone know of the latest update on the damage that was done to the seat and table along the Shannon banks a few weeks back. Following excellent Garda work and lots of assistance from the local community the culprit was identified and brought in for questioning. As far as I am aware there are charges pending. We would like to thank the local Gardaí for their diligent work in identifying and apprehending this culprit and we also say thank you to the local community for rallying together to ensure that the vandal that did such a vile act was caught.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Sr. Rosarii, Convent of Mercy, on the death of her brother Paddy Beirne, Aughamore, Carrick-on-Shannon who passed away last weekend.
Confirmation
On Friday 4th April 2014, Bishop Ardagh and Clonmacnois Francis Duffy confirmed 43 of our young people from Lanesboro Primary and Fermoyle National schools at St. Mary’s Church. We congratulate all the young people and wish success to those of them who will now move on to second level education. Those confirmed were: Gerard Brennan, Sarah Curran, Grainne Chawke, Ryan Docherty, Emily Fallon, Mark Dowd, Gordon Farrell, Aoife English, Zach Hanlon, Aisling Farrell, Sean Kenny, Cian Farrell, Áine Kennelly, Laura Fox, Lucy-Ann Myhill, Hazel Johnston, Bryn Peters, Ann Kenny, Richard Prior, Shane Prior, Gerard Kenny, Anna Maguire, Liam Ross, Harvey Myhill, Leah Wyse, Aoife Nolan, Orla
Ryan, Ronan Rooney, Conor Sorohan, Abby Ward, Cian Glennon Óisín McGowan Seadhna Ryan Brian Casey Jakub Kajan Keith Kinsella Erin Beirne Reinis Krauze Sofia Dauksta Elizabeth Clyne Mechal McCarthy Kevin Tansey and Dwane Geraghty.
Collection for the Blind
A church gate collection will take place at all masses this coming Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th April at St. Mary’s Church. The generosity of the parish and all those that attend masses in Lanesboro has always been tremendous and once again we hope that your generosity will again exceed that of years gone by.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
There will be no Bridge competition this Wednesday 16th April. Bridge will resume on Wednesday 23rd April at 7.30pm
The Long Walk
On Tuesday 15th April two men embarked on an across the country walk to raise funds for the Tanner Romanian Mission. It is expected that the two men will be passing through our area this coming Thursday. We expect that if you and when you encounter them you will make a generous donation.
Sympathy
We extend our deepest sympathy to Vera and Hilary O’Sullivan and family on the death, recently, in England of Vera’s brother-in-law Robert Williams.
Interest continues to grow
Many people have shown a great interest in the proposed historical reenactment and plans will begin to be drawn up following the closing date for expression of interest on Friday next 18th April –Good Friday.
If you are interested in getting involved in the group you are asked to give your name into Martina or Joe O’Brien in the shop. You can call in or phone 3321107 or email joea@iol.ie
Easter Arrangements at Lanesboro
The arrangements for Easter ceremonies at both St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro and the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague are: Lanesboro:- Holy Thursday 7.30pm, Good Friday 3pm and 7.30pm, Holy Saturday 7.30pm and Easter Sunday 9.30am and 11.30am. Ballyleague:- Holy Thursday 7pm, Good Friday 3pm and 8pm, Holy Saturday 9pm and Easter Sunday 10.30am. Easter Penance Service will take place this Wednesday at 7.30pm.
Good Friday – Rural Transport
Please note that all scheduled Rural Transport – Friday Services, throughout the County, will run on Thursday 17th April, with the same collection and departure times.
All age-groups are welcome to travel.
St. John’s Easter Ceremonies
The schedule of Holy Week Services for the St. John’s congregation are Thursday at 8pm in St. Coman’s Church, Roscommon, Good Friday at 8pm in St John’s Church Lanesborough, Easter Sunday at 12.15am service in St Johns Church Lanesborough and in St Coman’s Church Roscommon at 10.45amHoly Week services Maundy Thursday at 8pm in St. Coman’s church Roscommon Good Friday at 8pm in St John’s church Lanesborough, Easter Sunday at 12.15am service in St Johns church Lanesborough St Coman’s church Roscommon at 10.45 am
Literary Evening
Longford County Library and Lasraí Writers Group welcomes you all to a literary evening in the company of three local authors – Colin Carberry, Canada and Lanesboro, poet and translator and author of Love Poems, Jack Harte, Dublin and Lanesboro, writer and novelist and author of Arcana, Reflections in a Tar Barrel, In the wake of the Bagger, to mention a few, and Kieran Furey, Curraghroe, a prolific writer of poetry, Novelist and writer and author of many titles including Tales from County Roscommon.
The evening will take place on this Wednesday evening 16th April in Lanesboro Library at 7.30pm.
Fahy Cup visits Cloontuskert NS
Cloontuskert NS recently celebrated Roscommon’s Under 21 Connacht Final win, when squad member and local player Diarmuid Murtagh along with Raymond Cox, Selector, brought the JJ Fahey Cup to the school. Diarmuid answered plenty of questions and gave a lot of helpful advice to the enthusiastic young players. The school wishes Diarmuid, Raymond and all the squad every success on Saturday next when they take on Cork.
Pictured above –Ray Cox and Diarmuid Murtagh, School Principal Andrée Gallagher (centre front) with enthusiastic school footballers
Rathcline Lottery results
There was a jackpot of €1200 to be won in the Rathcline GAA lottery on Saturday night last and the numbers drawn were 4, 6, 12, 22, 29 and 36. There was nobody lucky enough to have four of the numbers and the jackpot will now rise to €1,300 for the draw on Saturday night next – just in time for the Easter celebrations. The four €25 winners were Tommy Farrell, Gurteengar, Ray Curley, Ballyleague, Laura and Shane Fitzpatrick, Aughamore and Mike Greene, the Green.
Doolan/Cullen School of Dancing
The late Lisa Cullen was a very familiar person in our community where she ran a very successful school of Irish dancing. Her mother, who is slowly coming to terms with the tragic loss of Lisa, is planning to renew the Irish dance classes once run by Lisa. If you want further information please contact Brigid Mullooly, Lehery.
Good Friday Card Game
The annual Rathcline Good Friday card game will take place in St. Mary’s Hall Lanesboro on this coming Friday 18th April – Good Friday- commencing at 9pm. Traditionally this is a great night of card playing with much banter and fun. The style of game is partners and the game is 25. There will be numerous prizes on the night, refreshments will be served and there will be a draw for all those that bought tickets to support the game but were not able to attend. Tickets cost €5 each. Comer along, enjoy the cards, the company, and the fun that is always ongoing during the 25 Drive on Good Friday.
8 Week Pilates Classes
A new 8 week Pilates class will commence on Saturday next 19th April in St. Mary’s hall, Lanesboro. Classes are for beginner and level 1 people and the class will start at 11am. The cost of the 8 week course is €80 and must be paid on the first day. If you require further information or want to book your place, contact Karen 086-3967519.
Clothes Collection about to close
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
Last chance to win One Direction tickets
The longford County Minor Board is holding a draw to help support the minor team in their preparation for the Leinster and All Ireland championships. Already they have secured the Leinster League and look increasingly likely to be also in the Connaught League final. Tickets are on sale in Johnston’s Pharmacy and in O’Brien’s. For all the many hundreds of 1Direction fans in Lanesboro this is a great opportunity to win two tickets for their performance in Croke Park along with €500, 2nd prize is €500, 3rd prize is a 32” TV, 4th prize Meal to the value of €250 in the fabulous Viewmount House, 5th prize is 2 All Ireland Football tickets and 6th prize is a Family season Ticket to the local Championship. Get your tickets and support our own Gareth Johnston, manager, Shane Kenny, Captain, and Cian O’Brien, selector. Tickets are priced at €10 each and the draw will take place on Saturday 19th April.
GAA Saturday
Saturday next will be an exciting day in many households in the county of Longford as the Longford Minors kick off their Leinster campaign when they take on Dublin in Pearse Park. Local Fermoyle lad Shane Kenny will captain the Longford side that is managed by Gareth Johnston and Cian O’Brien is a selector. That game throws in at 1.30pm.
The family excitement and county excitement then moves to Portlaoise as at 3pm Diarmuid Murtagh, acclaimed an outstanding forward with the Roscommon teams especially the U21’s will again lead the line in the hope of reaching the All-Ireland U21final. Ray Cox is a selector with the Roscommon lads also. We look forward to another day out for the Roscommon team in the Final.
Killian Mc Intyre, a son of Frank and Florence (nee Harold) came on in the Munster final and played a vital role in the Cork victory over Tipperary in the Munster final and he will be facing the home county of his father Frank. We wish Killian well for this game.
An added interest in the Dublin/Cavan U21 semi-final game at 5pm is where Conor Mc Hugh lines out at full forward for Dublin. Conor has been making the forward line tick for Dublin throughout the Leinster championship. Conor is nephew of Ronan and Margaret Cullen, Rathcline Road. We wish him well against Cavan.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The society’s first outing was held on Easter Monday, the 12th of April 1993 at Strandhill Golf Club.
To celebrate our 21st anniversary we are heading to Moate Golf Club on 24th April 2014!!!
This is Moate Golf Club’s Open Day so GUI members can take part in the open competition as well as the society’s one. The tee is booked from 11 to 12 and as usual all competitors are requested to be there by 10.30am for the draw. It is hoped that there will be a big turnout at one of our favourite midland golf courses on Thursday 24th April. Looking forward to a great day’s golf, camaraderie and fun on this significant anniversary.
Other dates for your diary:
Portumna, Thursday 26th June; Royal Tara, Navan, Wed 6th August; Athlone Golf Club, Wed 10th Sept. Dunmurray Springs, Friday 3rd October
New members are always welcome: text your name and mobile number to Frank on 0879730611 to be included on our data base so you can be updated about all society events.
Solidarity from Ballyleague Village Renewal
Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns (BVRTT) wish to express solidarity and sadness with the people of Lanesboro, but particularly ‘Shannonside Heritage Group and Lanesboro Tidy Towns’.
We share in your ‘shock’, anger’ and outrage’ at the vandalism to the memorial monument on the river bank recently. This ‘outrageous’ act cannot and should not be allowed to go without condemnation from everybody in our twin communities and beyond, and surely deserves some form of ‘censure’.
Surely somebody in our ‘twin towns’ knows who is responsible for this act.
It is inconceivable that this act of vandalism was carried out by one individual without the knowledge or even complicity of other(s).
If you have some information on this matter, it is your duty to pass it on to the Gardaí. After all it is your town as well.
It is very sad indeed when volunteers from whatever group give of their own time in an effort to better their/our towns and villages and have their work vandalised. In this particular instance, vandalism to the monument remembering the lives lost in that river tragedy.
It seems clear, the person or persons responsible for this particular outrage have absolutely no regard for other people’s property!
Rathcline Ladies
Well done to the U16 ladies who got their league campaign off to a great start when they beat Carrickedmond on Thursday last. They now travel to Ballymahon on Thursday to play the local side and we hope they will keep up their winning ways.
Although our seniors were defeated by a very strong Killoe side on Sunday the performance from our ladies was of the highest order and we look forward to even greater improvement in the weeks and months ahead.
Well done to the minor club on another wonderful night in St. Marys Hall on Saturday last.
Good luck to Shame Kenny, Gareth Johnston, Cian O’Brien and the Longford minors who play Dublin in the Leinster Minor Championship in Pearse Park on Saturday.
Registration is now overdue. Could everyone that has not yet paid their subscription please do before the weekend.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
The club held another magnificent night of fun and hilarity in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Saturday night last. The hall was packed to capacity to the extent that the sold out signs were up from early on Friday. The organising committee within the club did a spectacular job in getting together the excellent line up for what was a very special night.
The last local involvement event the club ran was ‘Search for a Star’ and the club fondly remembered two people that were big parts of that night and who are no longer with us – both gone far too soon –John Fayne and Allison Smyth.
The club is especially proud of all the people that did not have to be asked twice to come on-board for the night. A lot of work went into the preparation and the club is very grateful to all of the cast of Mrs Braun’s Boys for their 5 sketches, the Community Games dance Troupe, Anita and Chloe Kenny, Fran Deffew, The James hanley band, Lacuna, Tracey’s Choir, Paul Prior, Aisling Casey, Lanesboro Triathlon Club, Community Games Singing Group, Shawaddywaddy, Gerdie Farrell and backing team, everyone that worked in every way to making the show such a fabulous success. A word of thanks to the inimitable M.C. on the night Mickie Farrell who did such a splendid job.
At the moment negotiations are on-going as to whether there will be another night. The demand for tickets after the sell-out sign going up has created an interest to ensure that everyone that wanted to see the show should be allowed to see it. We will keep you in touch with the ongoing discussions and let you know of the outcome as soon as an announcement is made.
If you wish to take part in the Croagh Patrick climb – we encourage that you do – please contact Sean Kenny or Seadna Ryan for sponsorship cards. The climb will take place on Saturday 10th May.
The senior club will hold their annual 25 card game in the hall on Friday night next. All card players in the club are encouraged to go along for the game.
Good luck to Shane Kenny, team captain, Gareth Johnston, team manager and Cian O’Brien, selector and their panel of player and back room team who take on Dublin in the Leinster Minor Championship in Pearse Park on Saturday next at 1.30pm. All club members and supporters are encouraged to go and support the Longford team.
Good luck to the club seniors who take on Cashel in Clonbonny on Good Friday at 5.30pm and well done on their great start to the league with two wins.
Where are our Unser8 and Under 10 players? The attendances at the U8 and U10 training sessions in recent times have been very poor. All parents are asked to ensure that their players eligible for these age groups attend the training sessions.
Rathcline Club Notes
On Saturday night the Shannon Gaels Minor club transformed our parish hall into an entertainment power house. Lanesboro’s got talent will register with people for a long time; such was the entertainment on offer. Acts from our parish and beyond captivated an audience with song, dance, acting and comedy. When this town and its people put their minds to something the results are fantastic, there were moments of appreciation, wonder, and hearty laughter. The minor club and all those that helped out should be extremely proud of creating this platform for young and old to show their entertainment skills. It would be a long list to thank, but to minor club executive members who put in months of hard graft to get it from ideas to stage, to the people who mentored the acts, to all the people who rehearsed and made such an impact on the night, to all the volunteers who helped out on the night, and to all that supported us, we say thank you. My fellow Rathcline folk, ask not what your club can do for you, ask what you can do for your club.
Rathcline got their second win in the league with a hard fought victory over Sean Connolly’s on Friday night. They set the tone of the first half with two well taken goals by Patrick Mullooly and Mel Shanley. Both attack and defence were busy in the first half with the back line under pressure at times. The aerial threats were dealt with and from counter attacks Rathcline should have had more scores on the board. The team managed the game in the second half but gave away a sloppy goal 10 minutes in, that said they added a few well taken points and closed out the game. Final score was Rathcline 2-7 Sean Connolly’s 1-3. Well done to the team and management.
This Good Friday sees Cashel take on Rathcline in Clonbonny, in what should be an interesting derby match. Both teams have started well in the league, and it’s always a match that catches the imagination. Throw in is down for 5.30 in Clonbonny, your support for the team would be appreciated.
Don’t forget the challenge of climbing Croagh Patrick is not far away, we urge young and old to get involved in what is becoming a great annual social event for the parish. Great memories were formed from the people who climbed last year, and we hope we can do even better this year. Please contact any member of the executive for more details.
The annual 25 card drive takes place in the Parish Hall this Good Friday night at 8.30. An event that people enjoy every year, it pits young and old into the premiership of card players, there are great cash prizes up for grabs this year, tickets are only a fiver and it’s a great way to spend a couple of hours. Please contact any member of the executive and Tom Feeney for tickets.
Rathcline Ladies
Rathcline took on Killoe in the senior league on Sunday. The final score was 2-10 to 2-6 to Killoe. Our ladies played well against a strong team and the game ebbed and flowed throughout. It has to be pointed out that Rathcline were missing a few influential players, but the team that took the pitch showed a lot of character throughout. They had a real fight and belief and took some scores very well. It surely must be a platform to work off for the coming season, and also showed that Rathcline ladies have a talented squad. Check fixture list for next match and your support would be welcome.
After winning the U 16 championship last year, the U 16 ladies started their defence against Carrickedmond. A great game saw Rathcline pull away in the last 15 minutes for a decisive victory. The whole team played well including subs, it was an open affair where for long periods the result was in the balance, but good team work and hard work by the midfield and defence set up the game for the forwards, and they duly took their chances in the second half. Please check fixture list for the next game and thanks to all for their support.
Rathcline Minor Club
The minors play Drumlish in the Shield semi-final, these boys have put in a lot of hard work with their management team and your support would be welcome. Please check fixture list for venue and time.
The U 14’s take on Clonguish on Tuesday night.
The Minor club are asking for parents to get involved in the Croagh Patrick climb coming up soon, please contact Sean Kenny and Seadna Ryan for more details.
The very best of luck to Gareth, Shane and Cian, as the Longford Minors take on Dublin in the 1st round of the Leinster championship. The game is at 1.30 on Saturday in Pearse Park. A team that has achieved a lot already this year, we hope they do the county proud, it promises to be a game not to be missed.
It’s already been mentioned about Lanesboro’s got Talent last Saturday night, and there were calls for another night to be put on, a huge amount of effort was put into the event. Rumours have been circling and Sean Kenny was so overjoyed at having hair, for even a few brief minutes, that it could happen again. Stay tuned for more updates.
St. Faithleach’s
Junior Ladies – D3 League: Our junior ladies next game is against Boyle, this coming Wednesday 16th April at 7.00 in Ballyleague.
Best of Luck: To Diarmuid Murtagh with the Roscommon U21 squad and to Ray Cox selector, in the Cadbury All-Ireland U21 Football Championship Semi-Final; Roscommon V Cork, this coming Saturday 19th April at 3.00pm in Portlaoise.
Best of Luck: To Amanda Mc Loone, captain of the Roscommon Ladies team in the Tesco Home-grown National Football League semi-final; Roscommon V Wicklow, this coming Sunday 20th April at 3.30pm in St. Loman’s Park, Mullingar.
Minor Men – D4 League: Our minors had a win over St. Ronan’s on Tuesday evening last at home. Final score – St. Faithleachs 8-11 St. Ronan’s 1-06. Team: J. Farrell, J. Irwin, J. Sweeney, C. Mangan, D. Nerney, D. Kelly, M. Cox (1-6), S. Walsh, S. Phillips (1-1), D. Foley (3-1), J. Kelly (3-3). Subs: J. Hussey, M. Gill, C. Gannon, L. Parker, R. Guinan. Next game against Elphin on Sunday next, 20th April at 12.00pm in Ballyleague.
U16 Girls – D2 Championship: Our U16’s were defeated by Castlerea on Sunday last in Castlerea. Final score – St. Faithleachs 2-05 Castlerea 5-05. Team: C. Curley, K. Browne, M. Banahan, L. Farrell, N. Hegarty, I. Farrell, L. Hoare, S. Hoare, A. Curley (0-1), J. Brennan (0-1), J. Farrell, L. Cox, C. Glennon, K. Byrne (0-1), K. Mullooly, E. Irwin (2-2), M. Kelly, J. Banahan, D. McCaffrey. Next round is the quarter-final stage. Please see fixtures for confirmation of quarter final to be played, this coming Sunday 20th April.
U16 Boys – D2 League: Our U16 boys had a win over Boyle on Sunday last in Boyle. Final score – St. Faithleachs 7-18 Boyle 3-03. Team: M. O’Donnell, C. Mangan, M. Gill, G. Carberry, L. Parker, D. Cox, C. Smyth (1-1), D. Kelly (0-3), S. Walsh (1-4), C. Gannon (0-2), E. Tynan (1-1), J. Donlon (1-4), J. Gill (1-2). Subs: D. Nerney (1-0), D. Foley (1-1), R. Guinan, S. Farrell, K. Nerney. Next game is away to Kilmore/Shannon Gaels on Sunday 27th April at 12.00pm.
U14 Boys – D3 League: Our U14 boys had a win over St. Aidans on Thursday evening last in Ballyforan. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 5-08 St. Aidans 2-13. Team: M. O’Donnell, A. Hegarty, C. Reynolds, I. Trautt, R. Trimble, R. Banahan, K. Trautt (0-1), D. McDermott, C. Rohan, C. O’Brien (0-2), M. Dunne (1-2), L. Ormsby (2-2), N. McGovern (0-1) Subs: L. Cullen, A. Glennon, C. Glennon (2-0), JP. O’Reilly, K. Gallagher, M. Silva, TJ. O’Neill. J. Browne, D. Kilcoyne. Training continues Tuesday evening at 7.00pm. Next game is against Kilglass/St. Barry’s this coming Friday 18th April at 7.00pm in Ballyleague.
U12 Girls – Championship: Our U12 girls 1st Championship Game is against Kilmore, this coming Wednesday 16th April at 7.00pm in Ballyleague.
Bag packing at Tesco: Habitat for Humanity Ireland, in partnership with St. Faithleachs GAA Club will be bag packing this coming Thursday 17th April in Tesco Roscommon. Please contact minor club secretary, Monica Connaughton for details. We are seeking volunteers to assist on the day. Your support would be much appreciated.
Paddy Bolger Memorial Tournament: The Annual Paddy Bolger Memorial Tournament will take place at St. Faithleachs GAA Club Grounds on Saturday 10th May.
Lotto: Numbers Drawn – 1, 2, 5 and 20. There was no jackpot winner. The five €20 winners were – Jonny Costello C/O Sorohan’s, A. O’Reilly c/o Sonny Wallace, Madeline Murray, Shay Rohan & Benny Connor. The next draw will take place on Tuesday 22nd April for a jackpot of €11,000.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse, 8.30pm. All are welcome. Last week’s results – Winners, Ann/Michael, runners-up, Tom/Brendan, last game, Padraig/Tom and the ticket winners – Michael, Freda, Jack & Tim.
Congratulations: To Enda Kenny & Janet Melia who got married last weekend.
Lanesboro Community College-Intel Ideation 2014
On Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th April 2014, 8 students from fourth year participated in this year’s Intel Ideation Workshop which was held in Roscommon Convent. The aim of the workshop was to provide students with the skills and knowledge to turn complex problems into great business opportunities through exploring their entrepreneurial skills
For our budding entrepreneurs, the day began with an inspirational pep talk about entrepreneurship and social innovation. Afterwards the group of 60, comprising students from Roscommon CBS, Roscommon Convent and Lanesboro and Roscommon Community College were split up into teams of 6 and following some teambuilding exercises, these groups were presented with a problem and from here, the teamwork commenced in earnest. Each group sought to find a solution to the problem as they were guided through the process by members of the Roscommon Lions Club and a representative from Intel. Developing Apps was the order of day and seemed to have been the route taken by most of the groups although there were also a couple of great business ideas around the provision of mobility services for those in wheelchairs. The culmination of the workshop on the second day was the “the pitch” by the ten groups of their business ideas in a “Dragon’s Den” style format to two judges, one from GMIT and one from Tesco Roscommon. Both of the judges interrogated the teams “Gavin Duffy style” but each team was more than capable of dealing with the Dragons and we are delighted to report that one of our budding innovators was on the winning team. Ryan Guinan and his colleagues from the Roscommon schools have now qualified to present their idea at a National Ideation event to be held in Tullamore in the near future. For copyright reason we cannot give too information about the winning App, as we understand they have been already approached by several leading developers, suffice to say that it would make you smile !! Congratulations to all involved.