Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Asian Clam Found
On Thursday last Dr. Joe Caffrey, a Senior Research Officer with Inland Fisheries Ireland, came to Lanesboro on a pre-arranged visit to examine the hot water stretch and it conditions due to representation being made to him about the state of the hot water that was in such a bad state that it was prohibitive to fishermen. During the examination of the hot water stretch he lifted some soil from the water to discover the presence of Asian Clam. This came as a great shock to Dr Joe and his team and they ordered an immediate closure of the entire hot water stretch. The only other place that Asian clam has been found has been in the lower River Barrow and that area is now totally sterile. He hopes that they have got it early in Lanesboro and that it would not have spread to the bay area of Lanesboro/Ballyleague or into Lough Ree.
The following has been taken from the Inland Fisheries site “Like the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), Asian Clam has the ability to become highly invasive in a short period of time and at high densities it can alter the food web and compete with native mussel species.
Asian clam are known to aggressively out compete native invertebrate communities, limit phytoplankton biomass, biofoul water intakes, alter benthic habitats, add biologically available nitrogen and phosphorus to systems, and impact aesthetic and recreational values of public beaches, lake front properties and swimming areas.
Their high rates of filtration, metabolism, reproduction, tolerance to wide ranges of habitats, and juvenile dispersal allows Asian clam to aggressively expand ranges and to rapidly re‐invade areas; limiting management, reducing restoration efforts and impacting native benthic communities. Asian clam are capable of both filter feeding (feeding from the water) and pedal feeding (feeding directly from the sediment). One reason for why Asian clam is successful in so many different environments is that it can effectively filter phytoplankton and bacteria out of the water column and feed from the sediments when food from the water column becomes scarce.”
One clam can create 70,000 clams which makes it is vitally important that they are entirely eradicated from our locality as a matter of priority. From the area being an excellent sporting and social amenity and a source of income to many businesses in the area it is very important that everyone works towards the cleansing of the area and to once again see so many people enjoying the jot stretch along our Shannon bank.
On Monday, at the time of writing, a meeting involving all relevant parties was scheduled to take place in Lanesboro to draw up a plan to deal the eradication of the Asian clam from our area. On Monday and Tuesday further tests will be carried out on the hot water stretch, the bay area and Lough Ree to assess the entire area.
There is no association of blame burdened on anyone’s shoulder, the reason for the arrival of Asian clam to Lanesboro is unknown and the most important thing is that we will be soon rid of this dreaded infestation and we can reopen the fishing area along the hot water stretch. There is an immediate urgency for this work to be completed and it is essential that all relevant parties and the local community comes together to do everything possible to ensure that the area is free of clam and open to fishing once again.
Pictured beloware the Asian clams
Composting
Anyone interested in a talk on composting, please email Ned at we64@seoladh.com or leave a message at 043-3321401. Whether the event will take place or not will depend on numbers, as will the venue.
Fr. Larney Presentation Friday
On Friday next 19th September there will be a presentation for Fr. Larney Shine who was recently moved from the parish. The event will commence with Mass at 7pm in the Church of the Holy Rosary followed by refreshments in Ballyleague Hall.
Foreign Currency Appeal in aid of Childline
Have you returned from holiday with unwanted foreign currency, or got old foreign coins and notes hiding away in the back of a drawer? If so, why not clear your cupboards and donate your unwanted currency and help support children across Ireland. The smallest donation can make a huge difference. Call in to Lanesboro Library to make your donation.
Defibrillator Course/Refresher
A new defibrillator course will take place in the very near future. There will also be a refresher course. You never know the time or the hour that your training in the use of a defibrillator will be required and your ability to save a life.
Leave your name and phone number into O’Brien’s and you will be notified of the date of the course. It is also important that those who need to do their refresher course also give in their names.
Remarkable few Days
Sunday to Wednesday last are days that will never be forgotten within the Lyons family, Longford Road. On the Sunday Orla Lyons represented her school, Lanesboro Primary School in the GAA mini games in Croke Park at half time during the All Ireland Final. She performed admirably and was a credit to her teachers and parents.
Not to be outdone, oldest brother, Mark a student at Lanesboro Community College received his Junior Cert results and he made his parents, Michael and Mary, both teachers at the Community college and the teaching staff at the school proud when he received 10 A’s in his Junior Cert.
We congratulate both Orla and Mark and their proud parents on a very special; few days in the life of the family – I am sure a few days they will all never forget.
Rathcline GAA Lotto
The Rathcline GAA lottery draw took place on Saturday night last 6th September and the numbers drawn were 6, 9, 11, 21, 33 and 38. There was nobody with four numbers and the jackpot of €1,800 remains not won. There was one unlucky member who had three of the four numbers. The four winners of the €25 were Mark Casey, Lehery, Frank and Mairead Nally, Roscommon, Mary Kelly, Rathcline Road and Frank Curley, Ballyleague. The lotto jackpot will now rise to €1,900 for the draw on Saturday night next. The club thanks everyone for their great support.
Shannonside Camera Club
Shannonside Camera Club is recruiting new members. The Club focuses on an exchange of ideas and information among members as well as guest speakers and photographic outings. The club meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the ESB Sports & Social Clubhouse. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 7th October 2014 where an introductory photography class will be held at 7:30pm followed by our scheduled meeting at 8pm.
This is a wonderful opportunity to go along and take the first class at 7.30 and become part of an excellent and vibrant club.
Seated Pilates
Arthritis Ireland Longford are starting a 6 week Course of ‘Seated Pilates’ from Wednesday Sept 26th in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesboro, at 11.15am – the cost is €30 for 6 weeks. Numbers are limited so please contact Loretta 086 8160080 to book
Rainbows
Rainbows is a support group programme – non denominational – for children who are grieving a death, separation or painful loss. The programme will commence on Wednesday week 24th September in the Family Centre, Longford from 6pm to 7pm. Booking is essential and should be made on or before Friday 19th September. Bookings can be made by phoning 043 33 46827.
Lough Ree AC
The final race in the Ros 5k Series took place at Clonbonny in glorious sunshine on Wednesday last 10th September. First home was Pat Sherry, Loughrea who runs for Galway City Harriers, second was Pat Sharkey, Longford AC and third was Michael Conway, Mullingar Harriers. Maura Dervan was the first lady to finish followed by Susan Gannon, Roscommon AC with Bernadette Morris in 3rd place. The first local finisher was Johnny Kilcoyne and congratulations on a great performance. Thanks to all the local runners who took part, we hope the fast course helped you to secure good times, full results and finishing times can be accessed on www.roscommon5kserieis.com
Sincere thanks to the members of Lanesboro Triathlon Club for acting as marshals for the event, Mike Greene for traffic managements, Longford Civil Defence Team for First Aid, the local Gardai and last but not least the ladies who looked after the catering for the evening. We are indebted to Rathcline GAA Club who allowed us to avail of their facilities once again. Many thanks also to Brigid Mullooly for acting as photographer for the night and all the photos of the event can be seen on the Roscommon 5k Series Facebook page.
Our enjoyable road running time trials have started on Tuesday evenings at 6pm and this should be good preparation for all the local students who are taking part in the upcoming Primary Schools Cross Country on October 4th, more details at a later date.
Finally congratulations to club member Aíne Kennelly and Duileach Ryan on winning medals at the recent Community Games Finals. We know how difficult it is to win a medal at national level!
Set Dancing Classes
Set Dancing classes will resume in Sorohan’s Bar, Ballyleague on Tuesday nights at 8pm. All are welcome to come along and be part of wonderful nights of set dancing. Beginners and experienced dances welcomed. For details please phone 086-8546433.
Care Service Derrane Are you in need of a break from caring in the home? Do you need extra help caring? If so RSG 24/7 Care Service, a long established not for profit care provider, can help you professionally and at a low cost. All aspects of care catered for and packages tailored to meet your needs. Staff fully trained and Garda Vetted. Phone 090 6625852 or email rsgcil@eircom.net or visit website www.rosdisabilities.ie If you would like to give an hour or two of your time, the Care Service is seeking volunteers and if you can help out do not hesitate to contact the centre or Margaret Bourke, Rathcline Road 090 66 25852/6625877
Engagement
Many congratulations to Gerald Farrell son of Adie and Josephine Farrell and Sarah Kearney, Fortwilliam, who announced their engagement while on a recent visit to the US.
Thank You
For the 2nd year in the last 5 Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee was awarded a Best Endeavour award in the national tidy towns competition – winning a cash prize of €500 and attaining an increase of 14 points year-on-year to bring our new total to 254 points. The committee wish to thank each and every person in the community who helped in any way to achieve this. In the next few weeks we will start the process of planning for next year and, once AGAIN, your input will be crucial. To make a suggestion please speak to any member of the committee or e mail: keepballyleaguetidy@gmail.com
GAA Lotto
On Saturday night last the following numbers were drawn for the Rathcline GAA lotto; 8, 24, 33, 35, 40 and 43. There was nobody with the four numbers and ten people had two numbers while nobody had three. The jackpot for next Saturday night will now reach €2,000. The €25 weekly winners were Albert Fallon Ballymahon, Colin Fayne Lanesboro, Ray McCormack Jnr Derrygeel, and Aidan Mc Weeney Mount Dillon.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 10th September are; N/S 1st Frank and Frances Brennan, 2nd Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey, 3rd Renee Walsh and Mary Jameson: E/W 1st Mona O’Flaherty and Bernadette Gillen, 2nd Kathleen Kelly and Una Lawlor, 3rd Loretto Cooney and Mike Flynn.
Bridge will continue every Wednesday night at 7.45pm sharp.
Memorial Seat and Table Replaced
Shannonside Heritage is pleased to inform your readers that the Ferryboat memorial seats and table, so recently destroyed in an act of wanton vandalism, have been completely restored.
We had thought that due to lack of funds, we would have to replace them in the form of a timber picnic set, however enough donations were received to enable us to use stone as in the original.
We must acknowledge the generosity of those who contributed to this project, and special thanks are due to Mr. Tom Moran, Manager of Lough Ree Power, without whose help this project would not have been completed. A special thanks is due also to Mr Bernard Keane of Supervalu for his kind assistance.
The work was completed to a very high standard by Larry Leavy, to whom we are very grateful.
This area is available to be used by all members of our community whether for picnics or just to sit and enjoy the view, however we would remind you that it is in fact a memorial to all those who have lost their lives in the Shannon. We would ask you to respect it as such.
Tidy Towns Results
Lanesboro, Ballyleague and Cloontuskert did exceptionally well in this year’s Tidy Towns completion. The results were announced on Monday last and all of our three areas received extra points and are steadily climbing towards the top. While Lanesboro and Ballyleague are the highest profile of the three, Cloontuskert is the sleeping giant amongst us. They are steadily creeping to the top and this year received 299 points just 21 away from the outright winners Kilkenny. Ballyleague were next highest with 254 points an increase of 14 points from last year. Lanesboro received 16 points more than last year bringing their total up to 254.
The achievement of all three areas is a great credit to the dedicated band of people who on a year round basis maintain and develop their areas. Their increase in points is due reward to the fantastic work these people do on an ongoing basis and all deserve our full support. Already, each group, is plotting their next 10 months ahead to bring us to the judging of the 2015 competition and if past results are anything to go by we can look forward to a more beautiful community than this year – if that is possible.
We congratulate each and every one of the committees their fantastic work.
Self Employed and Company Directors
Due to the changes in the 2013 Budget self-employed people can no longer get tax relief for charitable donations. As a consequence of this all self employed people and company directors in our parish can now participate in the Parish Tax Relief Scheme if they so wish. If you have made donations to the parish of Rathcline of €250 or more during the year 2013 and would like to help the parish by way of this scheme, there is still time to complete a form with your details. The parish would like if you could return your completed form by the end of September at the latest. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Death
Following a relatively short illness, Phonsie Moran, Ballyleague, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on Wednesday last 10th September, at his residence. Phonsie, from a farming family, a native of the parish of Rathcline made his home in Ballyleague after his marriage to his wife Peggy. He worked in the power station until his retirement where he was a valued member of staff. He never lost the love of the land and was always seen turning the corner making his way back to Rathcline and to the land he loved and farmed so diligently. Phonsie had a great love of sport and down through the years was seen at many sporting events in the locality. He had a great interest in seeing his home club, Rathcline and his adopted club, St. Faithleach’s always doing well. He will be sadly missed by everyone that came to know him. His warm greeting and friendly chat will always be to the forefront when we remember Phonsie.
He reposed at his residence on Thursday last and on Friday morning his remains were removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for his Funeral Mass. Burial took place immediately afterwards to Rathcline Cemetery. To his wife Peggy, sons Sean and Noel, brother Fr. Pat and sisters Margaret and Sr Evelyn, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Traditional Music Classes
Mary Jo Fitzpatrick and Michael Cully are hoping to set up classes in Lanesboro staring on this Wednesday 15th September. There will be several classes; 1. Complete beginners Whistles, 2. Improvers – you can play D and G scale and thus begin learning harder tunes – any treble instrument, 3. Advanced – prepare tunes for playing at Seisiún’s, Fleadhs, etc., 4. Adult classes if there is enough interest. It is hoped that in time there will be seisiúns for the students and of course concerts.
For more information, please phone 087-9840411.
Rathcline GAA
Although the championship has ended for our intermediates, a huge game is coming up on Friday evening. It’s the league semi final against Cashel. Both teams fared well in the league and this promises to be an exciting encounter between our neighbours. The game throws in at 8.30, Friday evening in Cashel. Please come out and support the lads, the bottom line is there is a final spot up for grabs, and above all, it’s a derby match. Best of luck to Rathcline!
There was no Lotto jackpot winner this week, with next week’s jackpot hitting the €2000 mark. The €25 weekly winners were Albert Fallon Ballymahon, Colin Fayne Lanesboro, Ray McCormack Jnr Derrygeel, and Aidan Mc Weeney Mount Dillon.
The launch of Strictly Come Dancing took place at the credit union on Friday evening. The organising committee have done sterling work to make sure this a great night for young and old. Rathcline and Faithleach’s have come together and signs are that this marriage of clubs will be very worthwhile. All plans are in place, venue, dancers and guest judges, check out the facebook page for more details and we look forward to the last weekend in November, where the dancers of Lanesboro and Ballyleague will strut their stuff!
The Club are running their €2 a line draw for All Ireland Tickets. The hurling draw was a great success and the game lived up to all the hype. With the anticipation of the football final already at fever pitch, this is a draw well worth sticking your name down for. Cards are at all premises in Lanesboro, take a chance and you could be heading to Croker to see Kerry take on Donegal.
The Rathcline Senior Ladies took on Clonguish in the championship B final in Slashers on Sunday. An action packed game unfortunately saw our ladies lose by a point. In a thrilling match Rathcline started brightly with smart interplay and a dominant midfield, they really went at Clonguish all over the pitch, goals from Aoife Bannon and Paula Kenny had Rathcline on the front foot, but credit to Clonguish they gradually got into the game and scored some impressive points from play. A goal from Clonguish in the first half put them right back in the match and it was unfortunate for Rathcline that some great attacks were not converted to scores. The half time score was Rathcline 2-2 Clonguish 1-7. Clonguish started strongly in the second half and add on a few points to their score, but this game was nip and tuck all the way through and Rathcline answered Clonguish’s dominance with a goal of their own through the ever dangerous Aoife Bannon. The game was nip and tuck, but at this stage Clonguish were on top, they however were guilty of missing a lot of scoring chances, and at times when Rathcline counter attacked they were lacking that final ball through that would have broken the draw game scenario. It was Clonguish that kicked a late point and Rathcline had one last chance to attack and get a leveller but it wasn’t to be. A great game it has to be said and fair play to the squad and management throughout a long year. With the minors going well the future looks bright for the ladies club.
The Rathcline Minor ladies play next Sunday in Clonbonny against Clonguish. They got a great result in the first game but lost to Mullinalaghta. These minors I’m sure will be out to redress the balance and this promises to be a great match. Throw in is at 11.30 on Sunday in Clonbonny.
There was a great turn out for the U 10 parish league. Well done to all the players that took part and a big thanks to Alan Maxwell and Duncan Murphy for setting up the day.
The U 12s took part in a 4 team tournament at the weekend in Clonbonny. Fenagh, Clonguish, Faithleach’s and Shannon Gaels took part. It was a huge success and we would like to thank the teams that travelled to Clonbonny. A big thanks to all the locals that got the pitch and dressing rooms ready, for what proved to be a worth-while day all round.
Our U 14s had a tight footballing encounter with Granard on Sunday. It was a division 1 match which chopped and changed throughout an exciting match. Granard bossed the 1st half and found themselves 5 points up at half-time. Whatever was said at half time worked as Western Gaels powered in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Goals by Ronan English and Dylan Clancy saw the Gaels go 7 points ahead. This is division 1 and teams never give up, back came Granard with goals and suddenly the game was a point either way. Fair play to the Gaels though, they clung onto a 1 point win. Another gutsy effort from our U 14 team and well done to all involved.
The Minor team met Ballymahon in the championship league format in Ballymahon on Sunday. Our lads were on fire from the start and dominated the game from start to finish. Some brilliant performances all over the pitch saw the Gaels hit top gear and never really stop. Some standout performances from Stephen Farrell, Kevin Sorohan, Oisin Sullivan and Peter Lynn, but in fairness there was a great team spirit again shown by these minors. This win means that the lads are in an A championship semi final against Clonguish which takes place in Clonbonny at the weekend. Please check fixture list for time. Do not miss this game, our Minors are progressing well in each game but this is a major match with Clonguish in top form. Your support would be appreciated!
Lough Ree Golfing Society
Our society had a very enjoyable and successful outing on Wednesday last, the 10th of September, to Athlone Golf Course. I am glad to report that the society is now going from strength to strength after a couple of years in the doldrums!! We had 26 players in all competing on this very challenging course. There was however some great scores notwithstanding the difficult challenge. The weather was a balmy 20 degrees and the surroundings on the banks of Lough Ree were just superb: it was indeed good to be alive on such a magnificent day!
The following were the prize-winners: Nearest the pin par 3 17th: Peter Day; Visitors: Fintan Jordan (35 points); Ladies: Fiona Gillen (24 points); Back nine: John Martin (17 points); Front nine: Ronan Cullen (18 points); 3rd overall: Mick Healy (29 points);
2nd overall: Alan Farrell (32 points) and the overall winner with a magnificent score of 38 points was Sean Brennan. Well done to all and to all who competed: we were all winners.
That evening some of the members attended the wonderful Traditional Music night in Clarke’s pub Lanesborough and the sheer brilliance of the night’s entertainment there was the perfect end to a perfect day for all of us who were there.
Golfer of the year points after Athlone is as follows: John James O’Shea:31; Colm Dardis: 27; Alan Farrell: 20; Peter Day: 17; and Sean Brennan: 17. So the competition will be keen on Friday October the 3rd at Dunmurray Springs Golf Course which is the last outing for our Golfer of the Year competition. Hope to see another good turnout at Dunmurray.
Pictured below is John James Shea after receiving the Captain’s, Michael Brennan, Prizes with some of the attending Society members.
Vita House
The family centre in Abbey Street, Roscommon town, Vita House, offers a wide range of therapy and counselling services to individuals, couples, children and families. They are offering a range of courses during the coming months of September, October and November. Call into their centre or phone 090 66 25898. You can also visit their website www.vitahouse.org where you also contact them.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Hudson Bay Hotel Group – Senior Football Championship Quarter Final: Our Seniors drew with Roscommon Gaels in the Quarter-Final on Saturday evening last in Kiltoom: Final Score: St. Faithleach’s 1-12 Roscommon Gaels 2-09 Team: S. Connor, D. Harrison, C. Gunn, D. Murray, C. Brennan, B. Murtagh(0-1), K. Farrell, H. Kenny, S. O’Grady, D. Hussey(0-1), A. Dooney, D. Rooney, D. Murtagh(1-3), C. Murtagh(0-7), E. Kenny. Subs used: D. McCormack, J. Walsh, J. Quigley.
Minor Men – D4 Championship: Our minor lads had a win over Kilbride on Friday evening last at home. Final Score: St. Faithleach’s 2-15 Kilbride 3-07. Team: J. Farrell, C. Mangan, J. Irwin, R. Guinan(1-1), J. Sweeney, J. Hussey(0-1), D. Kelly(0-2), S. Phillips(1-5), C. Gannon(0-1), S. Walsh(0-5), D. Foley. Subs: D. Nerney, C. Smith, J. Kelly, M. Gill, E. Tynan, C. Gannon. Next game is against Elphin, Saturday 27th September at 5.30pm in Ballyleague.
U14 Girls – D1A Championship: Our U14 girls will meet St. Dominic’s in the championship semi-final this coming Saturday 20th September at 6.00pm in Ballyleague.
U12 Boys – D2B Summer/Autumn League: Our U12 boys were defeated by Padraig Pearses on Sunday morning last at home. Final Score – St. Faithleach’s 2-07 Padraig Pearses 3-07. Well done to the U12 boys who also took part in the Rathcline GAA Tournament on Saturday last in Clonbonny.
U8/U10 Boys & Girls: Well done to our U8, U10 girls and boys teams who took part in a challenge blitz against St. Barry’s on Friday evening last at home.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were 6, 18, 21 and 23. There was no jackpot winner and the five €20 winners – Breda Duffy/J. Irwin, Kelsey Cassidy, Gareth Johnston, M. McCormack/T. Hunt and GNIB Dublin. The next draw takes place on Tuesday 23rd September for a jackpot of €12,000. The team in charge is Gerry Donlon/Padraig Kenny.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 8.30pm. All are welcome. The results of last week’s games are – winners, Sonny/Eugene, runner-up, Freda/Gemma. Last game winners were Dan/Breda and the ticket winners were – Freda, Pat, Dan and Tom.
St. Faithleach’s GAA minor club fundraising Draw: Tickets now on Sale for “Bella” the Heifer, 1st Prize in our Fundraising Draw. List of Prizes as follows: 1st Prize – Belgian Blue/BlondeX (DOB 15.2.14) or €1,000. 2nd Prize – B&B and Dinner for 2 (Value €250 at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. 3rd Prize – €100 Meal Voucher. 4th Prize – 1 Tonne Bag of Turf. Tickets €5 each or 3 for €10. Draw will take place 2/1/15 in the clubhouse. Many thanks to all who tended to our Stand at the Sheep Dog Trials in Creggs over the weekend, your support is much appreciated. Strictly Come Dancing – Fundraising Event: Many thanks to all who attended the official launch of “Strictly Dancing over the Bridge” which took place on Friday evening last at Lanesboro/Ballyleague Credit Union. Strictly Dancing over the Bridge is a joint fundraising event by Rathcline GAA & St. Faithleach’s GAA, where locals from both sides of the bridge show off their dancing skills. Members from both Clubs are presently working together in the organisation of this event which will take place on Saturday 29th November in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone. The event is coordinated & choreographed by the Midlands Drama School. All couples will go through an 8 week period of training & coaching from the Midlands Drama School. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sympathy: The Club extends deepest sympathy to the Moran Family on the death of Phonsie Moran, Ballyleague. To his wife Peggy, sons Sean and Noel, extended family, relatives and friends.
Rathcline Ladies
Sunday last saw our local ladies travelling to Farneyhoogan for the final of the Senior B final against Clonguish. Although they went into the game as underdogs they emerged having lost by one solitary point, 2-8 to 3-4, but they were extremely unlucky during the game and the game was most definitely there for the winning. They gave us a great season and it is a great credit to them for their performances throughout the year. We now have a future to look forward to in confidence.
The minors continue their championship ways on Sunday next when they take on Clonguish at 11.30am. Good luck girls.
Replay on Saturday
Following the St. Faithleach’s Roscommon Gaels draw in the senior quarter final on Saturday last the two teams will line up again against each other in Kiltoom on Saturday next at 4.30pm Last week there was a tremendous crowd supporting St. Faithleach’s and we hope that even greater numbers will be there on Saturday to cheer the lads on.