Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Céilí of the Year
On Sunday 7th December the Anally Céilí Band will be the visiting band for the Céilí Mór in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesboro. There is a wonderful expectation rising for this céilí and we are looking forward to a most wonderful evening in a packed hall. Céilí dancing is a wonderful way to spend an evening and there is no doubt that on Sunday 7th December there will be a fabulous evening in Lanesboro from 4 to 7pm. The committee have also acquired some excellent prizes for the raffle and a special door prize.
Now is the time to pass on the word and to make sure that all your dancing and indeed non dancing friends come along and welcome in Christmas time with a very special evening.
€338 for 50/50 winner
Last Monday night last the Rathcline club held their 50/50 draw in the Yacht Bar and the winner of this week’s prize was Mary Kenny, Cloontuskert who won €310. The draw on Monday night next 1st December will take place in Clarke’s Bar. Buy your ticket for just €2 and you can be in with a chance of winning a substantial amount for Christmas. There is one big winner every Monday night and it could be you.
Great Day for Community College
Thursday 20th November was a red lettered day for Lanesboro Community College when the official opening of the new Irish Department building ‘Aras na Gaeilge’ took place. A host of dignitaries turned out for the official open which was done by the current CEO of ETB (formerly VEC) Dr. Christy Duffy. School Principal Jimmy gave a warm and detailed chronology of all the subjects and involvement of the college in our community and thanked everyone for their ongoing support. He also thanked the ETB for their support in helping to develop the college by sanctioning the building and he hope that they would be receptive to their approaches into the future. Adie Farrell, Chairman of the Bord of Management, thanked the ETB for their foresight and ongoing support and welcomed everyone to the opening. He also praised the staff of the college for their excellent work and looked forward to many years of continued growth.
The blessing of the new building was performed by Fr. Mickey Reilly, Lanesboro, Minister Liz Mc Elhinney, St. John’s Lanesboro and Fr. John Mc Manus before Dr. Christy Duffy officially cut the ribbon and officially opening a very impressive Irish suite.
Birth
Many congratulations to Ronie Masterson and Derek Rutherford, Cnoc na Gaoithe, on the recent birth of a baby girl.
Oliver the Musical
The Convent of Mercy Secondary School, Roscommon will host their annual musical from Monday 24th November to Saturday 29th November at 8pm. The very popular Oliver will be staged by the students of the school. There will also be a matinee on Saturday 29th at 2.30pm. Bookings can now be made each day from 10am to 3pm. You are invited to ring 086-4418323 to book your seat. As there are many ladies from the area that received their second level education in the Mercy and no doubt they would be anxious to revisit great memories by attending one of the shows.
Saturday Night is right for Dancing
Long promising comes to pass this coming Saturday night 29th November in the Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone when the dancers representing the clubs of Rathcline and St. Faithleach’s will take to the stage in a historic joint venture. Strictly Come Dancing ‘Over the Bridge’ is a unique event made more so by the coming together of both clubs in a major fundraiser- a fundraiser that gives back so much in terms of a wonderful night’s entertainment by the dancers that have given up so much of their own time. Preparation has been ongoing for the past number of weeks and there is no doubt but a spectacular night is in store for the attendance.
The dancers are paired with one partner from each club and it promises to be a very special night for all the people of the parishes of Rathcline and Kilgefin and all their friends. There comes a night that should never be missed and Saturday night next is one of those fantastic nights – one that will never be forgotten.
Once again the dancing partners are; Steve Ormsby and Caroline O’Reilly, Paddy Murray and Susan Linnane, Darragh Hussey and Michelle Killian, James Quigley and Patrice Nolan, Ollie Trimble and Colette Wyse, Gerry Nerney and Claire Egan, Ken Madden and Geraldine Hanley, Brendan Ward and Rita Mc Cormack, Brendan O’ Sullivan and Helen O Donnell, Aaron Madden and Caoilfhionn Thompson, John Coffey and Fidelma Brennan, Michael Carroll and Rachel Collins, Lee Cullen and Jodi Horohoe, Daithi Mulvihill and Ursula Kilcoyne and finally Alan Fayne and Martina Healy.
The remaining tickets priced €20 are still in O’Brien’s or from the committees of both clubs.
If you wish to leave the car at home and take the bus to Athlone and all you are asked to do is text your name, the number of seats you require to 089-2420497. This is a text only service. The buses will leave from St. Faithleach’s clubhouse at 6pm and from outside St. Mary’s church, Lanesboro also at 6pm sharp. Do not leave it too late to book your seat. The return fare on the bus is €10.
The doors open at 7 pm with the show commencing at 8pm.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Monday 10th November are: N/S: Gross and Nett: 1st Mary Mc Gushin and Renee Walshe, 2nd Mae Casey and Margaret Gillen, 3rd Eileen Kelly and Nancy Dolan E/W: Gross and Nett: 1st Fergal McGuinness and Gertrude Hanley, 2nd Maureen Hynes and Mary Jameson and 3rd Bridie McGrath and Mary Moran.
MS Christmas Run 2014
It is a tradition that has been in Lanesboro, Newtowncashel and all points between for the past 23 years. It has raised in excess of €160,000 throughout the 23 years. It has grown greatly in support and it has always been a most fantastic way to start Christmas Day. The friendship and comradery developed before during and after has lasted for years. As the advertisement says “There are no strangers here just friends we have yet to meet”. The Multiple Sclerosis Walk/Run from Newtowncashel continues to beat the previous year’s record and goes from strength to strength.
This year there are no reasons for training not to be done as the weather has stayed mild and mostly dry so everyone can get out and get their training done. It is great to see that people are already enquiring for sponsorship cards. It is very important that the sponsorship cards are filled and more importantly that the sponsorship is maximised. Multiple Sclerosis depend greatly on the support of both the runners/walkers and the people that support the runners and walkers with their financial support.
The local organising once again calls on your generosity and looks forward to see you running, walking or just out supporting the entrants as they wind their way from Cashel through Lisnagan, Clonmee, Newpark, Lisnacusha, Thureen, Killinure, Tullyvrane, Knock and down Main Street to the finishing line at St. Mary’s Hall at the bridge.
The walkers will start at 11.45pm with the runners staring at 12.15pm. Refreshments will be served for all in St. Mary’s Parish hall. Join in and be part of the movement.
Songs of Praise
An Advent Sunday “Songs of Praise” will be held in St. John’s Parish Church, Lanesborough, Co. Longford on 30th November at 4.00pm when our special guests will be the Kilmore Cathedral Choir, conducted by their recently retired Rector, Dean Raymond Ferguson who will also be the guest speaker. Refreshments served after the Service. All welcome.
Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op
The committee has decided that it will not be involved in the Christmas lights project in Lanesboro for 2014. The cost of erecting, insuring and ongoing electricity charges of the lights are very high and the committee is not in a financial position to proceed with the Christmas lights this year.
Parish Church News
The monthly collection envelopes were introduced many years ago. It has been used as capital expenditure to maintain parish buildings and equipment. The total monthly collection for 2013 was €11, 317.35
Offertory envelope boxes can now be collected from the front seat of the church. If your name is not on any box please sign your name and address on the supplied book. You may also take one of the extra boxes provided.
Advent Scripture studies will take place in the new Prayer Room at the side of the church every Wednesday from 7to 8pm.
A list is being drawn up for readers, Eucharistic Ministers, collectors and money counters and if you would like your name included please leave it in with Fr Reilly.
Fr Reilly would like to say a very big thank you to the many people and the many organisations that have made and are continuing to make donations towards helping defray the recent church building costs.
Arrangements are currently being made for the reopening of St. Mel’s Cathedral on the weekend before Christmas. Seating for those Masses which will be televised by RTÉ is on a first come first served basis.
Scór Finals in Lanesboro
The Shannon Gaels club has the undoubted honour of hosting the county finals of Scór na nÓg in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on this coming Sunday afternoon 30th November at 3pm.
Hosting Scór is a task in itself but when you see that the club has entered in 6 of the events – Ballad group, Solo Singing, Quiz, Recitation, Sketch and Instrumental Music involving 23 youngsters from the parish goes to show what a major involvement from the club that this is but one the club is proud and privileged to take part and also host.
Representing the club at Ballad Group is Niamh Chawke, Aisling Casey, Ronan English, Orla Keane and Chloe Kenny. The solo Singing representative is Niamh Sheahan. The quiz team is made up of brothers Mark and Brian Lyons, Seadhna Ryan and Cian Gilmore. The recitation will be done by Aine Kennelly. The sketch squad is Zoe Gallagher, Oran Wyse, Eanna Mc Grath, Abby Ward, Anna Peters, Oran Kenny, Niall Keane and Bryn Peters. The instrumental Music representatives are twin sisters Sarah and Tanya Farrell, Aoife English and Eoin Murray.
Let’s hope that there will be many successes on the evening and that a big number from the parish will turn out and support our youngsters but also enjoy the tremendous entertainment that Scór brings to town. There is no better entertainment and the excitement of the youngsters and their mentors awaiting the final judgments of the adjudicators is only marvelous.
Death
On Monday last 17th November the area lost one of its gentlemen when it was learned that at University College Hospital Galway, Johnny Molloy had died suddenly. He was predeceased in 1982 by his wife Mary. Johnny a native of Tang moved to Cloontuskert many years ago while he was working with Bord na Mona. In recent years Johnny dwelled on the Green. He was a quiet gentleman who was softly spoken. He was noted as a hardworking man during his time with Bord na Mona and seen as a valued member of staff. His amenable manner endeared him to everyone who came to know him. His passing saddened may in our area that had come to know him and his life in our area will live long in our memory. His remains reposed at his home in Cloontuskert on Wednesday last and on Thursday his remains were removed the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for his Funeral Mass. Following Mass his remains were laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his daughter Ann, son John, partner Carmel, brothers Liam, Mike and Frank, sisters Bernie and Bessie, relatives and a wide circle of friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Attempted Break-in
On Saturday week past 15th November in a 25minute period an attempted break in occurred at St. Mary’s Terrace, Ballyleague. St. Mary’s Terrace, on the Main Road, is just past Ballyleague hall on the Roscommon side. In a time frame of 25minutes between 7.20 and 7.45pm during Mass time an attempted break in occurred at a house. As this in a very busy stretch and especially on a Saturday evening somebody passing surely saw something peculiar. Probably not realising it at the time but knowing now that there was an attempted break it may just put the pieces together. If there was anything you noticed please contact Roscommon Gardaí 09066 38300 or Lanesboro Gardaí 3321102 – it is very important that you do.
The safety and security of people and their property is paramount and following a few incidents on the Lanesboro side in the recent past and now in Ballyleague this is something that we do not need to be happening in our community and it is important that everyone is always vigilant to ensure the safety of our people and their property.
Pop Up Shop
St. Christopher’s Services will open a ‘pop up’ shop in Longford Shopping Centre car park from Monday 1st to Saturday 20th December. The Christmas craft shop will stock Christmas gifts all made in Longford and it is an ideal way to continue your support for St. Christopher’s which means so much to so many people.
Lanesboro Tidy Towns
In preparation for next year’s tidy towns programme, a public meeting is scheduled for Thursday 27 Nov in St Mary’s Hall at 830pm. The meeting will last one hour and the objective of the meeting to get your opinion on what you would like to see improved/started in Lanesborough. We urge you and the many clubs/organisations in Lanesborough to attend; your input will make a huge difference to the Tidy Town’s campaign.
The programme of work has started for next year’s Tidy Towns competition. Planting of a thousand wild roses, kindly sponsored by Waterways Ireland, on the river bank at the parish hall and the planting of daffodils around the Longford approach road stone sign has been completed in recent weeks. A new path/cycleway has been completed in recent weeks on the Longford Road. It is hoped to plant a row of 35 trees along this route similar to the Ballymahon road. We would be very grateful if people/families could consider sponsoring a tree for 20euros. The trees will be native species and it is hoped to plant them by the first week of December. If you would like to help us with this project, please let one of the committee know or contact the office at 043 3321977.
A junior tidy towns group will be established over the coming weeks. This group is open to all boys and girls of all ages in the parish who would like to help with the tidy towns. The group will meet for one hour each month and will complete a project. We hope that this initiative will help to get younger people involved in helping to make Lanesborough a nicer place to live in. More details in next week’s notes including the first project planned for December.
Free Insulation
Longford Warmer Homes provides free attic insulation, cavity wall insulation and energy advice to elderly and disadvantaged home owners throughout the county that meet certain criteria.
Longford Warmer Homes also carries out work for the elderly as part of the Care & Repair Scheme.
Longford Warmer Homes is trying to make people throughout Co. Longford aware that this free service is available.
Longford Warmer Homes have both a website and Facebook page and if you visit this site you will be able to see if you are eligible for free Attic and Cavity insulation before the winter rush sets in. Call 043 3393255 www.lwh.ie
Support for Sub Aqua Club
Tesco are running a ‘Local Worthy Cause Club’ and through the nomination of a local lady the local Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club has received a nomination which guarantees them some badly need finances. If you are a Tesco shopper you will have noticed at the checkout of your purchases you received free shopping discs. The shopping disc are to be place in one of the three nominated club that will receive funding but the club that receives the most discs in their box will receive a percentage extra of funding. If you shop there please put your discs in the Lough Ree Sub Aqua box. Your support for this very worthy club will be greatly appreciated.
Christmas Trees in Ballyleague:
A committee has been set up to help illuminate the village of Ballyleague for the festive season. After a meeting recently it was agreed that large Christmas trees will again be made available at an affordable price to clubs and associations and businesses who request them. Five trees were up last year in the village and they looked very well. Lighting is available from the Village Renewal and tidy towns committee. To request a tree please contact Noel Moran, Gerry Trimble, John O’Loughlin or Joe Cribbin in Daybreak. For more details e mail: keepballyleaguetidy@gmail.com
Green Homes
Ballyleague tidy towns is running its the Green Homes project again this year. In preparation for the conservation of energy the committee will be making energy monitors available for private homes and businesses – so that locals can see the savings to be made by turning off appliances. Four monitors are available to be passed around to different home owners. Each residence is advised to hold onto the monitor for 2 weeks. In the first week no changes in usage habits with electrical appliances are made but in the 2nd week a range of proposals are offered to conserve energy and the householder and bill payer can observe the actual reduction in units used on their Electric Ireland account. To take part in this experiment please contact Jimmy Hudson or Ciaran Mullooly or e mail: keepballyleaguetidy@gmail.com More information on Green Homes will be available at the next meeting of the Ballyleague Tidy Towns committee on Monday next December 1st at 9pm in Sorohans.
Tennis Courts
For many years we had tennis courts in the old quarry and behind the school in Ballyleague where dozens of children and teenagers played the game on a weekly basis but in recent years the nets have been taken down and the old courts have been out of use. A new committee is trying to restore tennis courts with nets, poles, flood lights and lining at the tennis court in Ballyleague marina so that children and adults can play the game again and will stage a church gate collection in the Church of he Holy Rosary, Ballyleague this coming weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Your generous support would be greatly appreciated. To make a donation or learn more about tennis coaching in this artea please contact Helen Johnston, Mark Kerrigan or Ciaran Mullooly or e mail: loughreebaytennisclub@gmail.com
Christmas Calendar
The Ballyleague/Lanesborough area Mens Shed has produced a Christmas calendar in aid of charity that will not be forgotten for years to come. Entitled ‘ Nearly Nude on the Shannon in 2015’ it features members of Rathcline GAA Mens and ladies teams, St Faithleach’s Mens team, the Tri Lanesborough Triathlon club, St Brigid’s Killashee and the Mens shed itself – as you have never ever seen them before. They were launched last weekend with great crowds attending in the Richmond Inn, Clondra, Sorohan’s Ballyleague and Swan Tavern Lanesborough where Shane Curran, Diarmuid Murtagh and Paul Barden turned up and did the honours. The calendar funds will go St Christopher’s services in Longford and Pieta House West. Each calendar costs €10. Only 1000 have been printed and they are a collector’s item – no doubt – so get one before they run out. Calendars available in O’Brien’s corner shop and outlets all over the town.
Shannon Gaels
The club will hold its AGM on Sunday 14th December in the clubhouse at 5pm. This is a very important AGM as many of the current club executive members are leaving their positions and the club is looking for new people to come in and continue the great developments over the past few years. The club is actively involved in the involvement of our youth both on and off the field. We cater for those boys and girls that do not want to play football with as much off the field activities as on the field such as the Scór and the various talent shows.
We are actively promoting activities for all the youngsters of the parish and we would encourage all their parents to actively promote their youngsters to the club and we would also hope that they will become involved themselves.
The Scór na nÓg county finals take place in the parish hall on Sunday next 30th November commencing at 3pm. It is hoped that great numbers will come out and support our contestants that are taking part in 6 different disciplines. The club has wonderful representation this year and we hope for a record number going forward to the Leinster semi-finals.
Good luck to everyone and we would like to say a special word of thanks to Anna Peters for her magnificent art work on the back wall of the stage and also to Marie for making the outfits for the sketch group and also to Tracy, Maura, Seadna and Marie for an exorbitant number of hours they gave of their own time in working with all the groups.
Rathcline GAA
Hard luck to our U21s who were beaten by Abbeylara in the semi-final of the B championship on Sunday. Abbeylara got off to a great start and this proved to be too much of a mountain to climb. Thanks to all the management team for their work for these games.
With only days remaining until the biggest event of the year, Strictly Dancing Over The Bridge final preparations are underway. This is our big joint fundraiser with St Faithleachs which takes place next Saturday 29th November in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone. It’s the first time the two clubs have come together to fundraise and a unique event for Lanesboro and Ballyleague. There is a great buzz throughout the area and everyone is talking about the event and the dancers. It’s the last week of practice for our dancers and the organising committee are working hard trying to ensure everything runs smoothly on the night. Tickets are selling fast and anyone interested in going should get their tickets now to avoid disappointment. Tickets cost €20 and are on sale from all local outlets and from both club executives. A bus is being organised to transport people to and from the venue at a cost of €10 return. If you are interested in booking a seat on the bus please text your NAME and DETAILS to (089) 2420497 or contact a committee member. Please note this number is for booking the bus only. The bus will leave at 6pm with pick up from the church in Lanesboro and from Faithleach’s club house.
Congratulations to Mary Kenny, Cloontuskert who was the winner of last week’s 50/50 draw. Mary won herself €310. The draw takes place every Monday night and envelopes only cost €2.
Congratulations to our club Physio Ronie Masterson and Derek Rutherford on the recent birth of their baby girl Muireann.
Scór na nÓg continues next Sunday in St Mary’s Parish Hall at 3pm. If anyone is available to help out please contact Sean Kenny. Best of luck to all taking part.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
U21 – D3 Championship: Best of luck to our U21 panel and management team of Damien Rooney, Brian Murtagh and Aidan Dooney in the Championship Final against Kilmore this coming Sunday 30th November at 2pm in Strokestown.
U17 & U15 Boys Regional teams: Best of luck to our representatives on the U17 and U15 regional panels who are participating in the regional competition. St. Faithleachs are coupled with St. Brigids and St. Dominic’s. The objective is for players from each club having the opportunity to play Division 1 football at 15-a-side, thus developing their skills and experience.
AGM: St. Faithleachs senior club AGM was held in the clubhouse on Friday night last. Many thanks to Fr. John McManus and Fr. Tommy Gilhooley who celebrated mass for deceased club members place prior to the AGM. Chairman, Derek Thompson opened the meeting and welcomed all, giving an overview of the clubs triumphs throughout the year. Outgoing Secretary, Caroline Connaughton gave a detailed report of the senior clubs activities. Treasurer John Casey gave a report of the senior clubs Income/Expenditure for 2014. Chairman, Derek Thompson, thanked his fellow officers for their hard work during the year and expressed thanks to outgoing Secretary, Caroline Connaughton and outgoing PRO, Mary Kenny for their time and efforts throughout their term. A special word of thanks and praise to the senior players on reaching the County Final and to Management Enon Gavin, Gerard O’Donnell and David Kilcoyne. A huge thanks to all sponsors throughout the year, all sponsorship was hugely appreciated. Thanks to all who helped out in the organisation of fundraising events during 2014 and a special word of praise to the communities constant dedication to the club and its members. The following officers were elected for 2015: Presidents, Mickey Kelly and Fr. Larney Shine. Chairman, Derek Thompson, Vice Chairman, John O’Loughlin, Secretary, Alan Brehon, Assistant Secretary, Michael Cleary, Treasurer, John Casey, Assistant Treasurer, Sean Cox. PRO, Nicola Byrne, Registrar, Caroline Connaughton, Players representative, Brian Murtagh. Insurance Officer, Padraig Kenny. Children’s Liaison Officer, Jimmy Mangan. Wellbeing Officer, Brendan Healy.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were – 9, 12, 15 and 28. There was no jackpot winner and the five €20 winners were – Conor and Sean Mulvey, Seamus Oates, Edward Moran, Mary Kenny, Brendan and Emma Healy. The next draw will take place on Tuesday 2nd December for a jackpot of €12,000. The team in charge – Michael Cleary, Sean Carty and Sean Cox.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 8.30pm. All are welcome. The results of last week’s games were – winners, Eugene/Sonny, runners up, JohnO/Pakie. The last game was won by Mark/Noreen.
Strictly Come Dancing – Fundraising Event: “Strictly Dancing Over the Bridge” takes place this coming Saturday 29th November in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Athlone. The dance partners have been announced as follows: Stephen Ormsby and Caroline O Reilly, Paddy Murray and Susan Linnane, Darragh Hussey and Michelle Killian, James Quigley and Patrice Nolan, Ollie Trimble and Colette Wyse, Gerry Nerney and Claire Egan, Ken Madden and Geraldine Hanley, Brendan Ward and Rita Mc Cormack, Brendan O’ Sullivan and Helen O Donnell, Aaron Madden and Caoilfhionn Thompson, John Coffey and Fidelma Brennan, Michael Carroll and Rachel Collins, Lee Cullen and Jodi Horohoe, Daithi Mulvihill and Ursula Kilcoyne and finally Alan Fayne and Martina Healy. A small number of Tickets are available from both Rathcline GAA Club Executives & St. Faithleachs GAA Club Executives and local outlets. Please book your tickets by contacting the following: Joe O’Brien’s 043-3321107 or emailing your request to joea@iol.ie<mailto:joea@iol.ie>, Helen Kelly 0860809377 & Brenda Quigley 0868896969. Transport to the event is available on the night, please text your name & phone number to 0892420497 if you are interested in availing of a Bus to and from the event. (€10 Return). Best of luck to all involved, as this will hopefully prove to be a great night entertainment for both clubs involved. Many thanks for your continued support.
St. Faithleachs GAA Minor Club Fundraising Draw: Tickets available for “Bella” the Heifer, 1st Prize in our Fundraising Draw. The list of prizes is as follows: 1st Prize – Belgian Blue/Blonde X (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.
Fundraising Calendar: Well done to our club representatives, Darragh Hussey, Stephen O’Connor and Alan Manning who were involved in the ‘Nearly Nude on the Shannon 2015” Calendar in aid of Pieta House and St. Christopher’s Services Longford. Official launch took place in Sorohan’s Lifebelt Bar last weekend, with Diarmuid Murtagh (St. Faithleachs GAA Club) and Shane Curran (St. Brigids GAA Club) opening proceedings. The calendar is now available for purchase €10 from Daybreak, Top Oil Ballyleague.
Sympathy: The club extends deepest sympathy to the Molloy family on the death of John Molloy, Cloontuskert. The club extends deepest sympathy to the Kelly family on the death of Mike Kelly, Curraghroe.