Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Robberies during Burial
On Thursday last during the burial of one of our oldest and most loved citizens a vile deed was visited upon two cars in the vicinity of Cloontuskert cemetery. A brazen thief or thieves broke into a car parked down the road at the cemetery while the same or different man had the audacity to get into a car, parked on the main road, where and elderly lady was sitting and stole from it. This happened at school time where people were after collecting their children approximately There is no doubt but someone seen this man and perhaps he had accomplices, he had to be hanging around from 2.15 pm until the funeral arrived and the people dispersed well after 3pm. If you seen anything that was suspicious at that time please contact the Gardaí in Roscommon (090) 6638300.
Special Visitors for St. Patrick’s Day Parade
This year will see two very special visitors to Lanesboro/Ballyleague for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade when two firemen from the Lanesborough, Massachusetts USA Fire Department, Charles “Butch” Garrity and Max LaCasse will arrive in Lanesboro. Butch and Max are representing the Lanesboro MA fire department on their visit here to visit the newly opened Fire Station on the Longford Road.
A number of years ago ourselves and Lanesborough, Massachusetts were twinned and over the years we have welcomed members of the Lanesborough community to here. Indeed, it is only a few years ago the Butch visited and Stephanie Abrams and her husband Mark are regular visitors here.
Butch and Max are arriving at Dublin airport on the morning of St. Patrick’s Day and hopefully they will be down in time to partake in the parade from the very start.
The Lanesborough twinning committee is presently drawing up an itinerary for the visit which will introduce them to the history of our area.
We extend a huge ‘céad míle fáilte’ to Butch and Max and we hope they have a pleasant and enjoyable stay with us
All Ireland Champions
On Wednesday last the Junior Girls soccer team of the Convent of Mercy Roscommon travelled to Roscrea to take on Colaiste na Trocaire, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick in the Bank of Ireland FAI Schools Junior Girls All-Ireland Cup Final. The game was a titanic struggle between two very evenly matched teams with the only goal of the game coming in the 25th minute by Grainne Whyte. The joy at the final whistle was unbridled and it was wonderful to see so many from our area on the winning panel. The local girls on the panel, all from Kilgefin parish, were Ellen Irwin, daughter of James and Dara, Jillian Banahan daughter of Noel and Miriam, Sarah Scally, daughter of Donal and Bernie, Marie Kelly, daughter of Ollie and Majella, Kate Mc Phillips daughter of Kevin and Colette and Amy Curley daughter of Damian and Maggie. Congratulations to each and every one of the girls, their parents, and their team mates on a wonderful achievement
Connaught Final on Saturday
Two local lads Daniel Foley and Stephen Walsh and their team mates on Roscommon CBS panel will take on Summerhill College, Sligo in the Connaught Colleges A Final on Saturday next at 2pm in Pairc Sean Mac Dhiarmaida, Carrick on Shannon. This is a wonderful occasion for these young players and their school and we wish them every success. Hopefully there will be a large number from the area there to cheer them on and hopefully see them winning a Connaught medal.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Tony and Patricia Manning and family, Ballyleague on the death on Thursday 5th March of Mrs. Eileen Manning, Bunbrosna, Co. Westmeath, mother of Tony.
The search and memories goes on and on
Photographs have been flooding in to Stella O’Sullivan in the library of many of the old businesses on the Main Street. There are still a large number of the older businesses missing and Stella will appreciate you dropping them into her or emailing them to her.
Careless me, I forgot three business of the modern day, Margaret Gillen – Mags Hair Salon, Bridie Holmes Fishing tackle shop, and Casserley’s Spar – once Flaherty’s. Mentioning Johnny and Winne Connors brought up the name Mulleady’s who had the shop before them. Pat Fayne, Corrigeen also had a milk delivery service to the town and country. Ellen Farrell had a shop on the Main Street where Connaughton’s lived and it is now a Chines take away. Prior to Kelly’s in the Post Office it was ran by Mary Jane Casey from the same building. Meena Mc Hugh had a hair dressing business in Anthony Gaffney’s where now stands the library. I am open to correction on this but I think it was Ned Curran who at one stage owned the Yacht Bar or a previous name and for a time Pat and Jane Fayne ran the business – Jane was Ned’s sister.
Donal Mullooly contacted me from New York and reminded me of Willie Burns having a shop in his home in Killinure, Donal’s go to shop, and on his parish tour with his late brother Pat he remembers buying gob stoppers in O’Brien’s shop in Mahoraveen.
If I am missing anyone please let me know, as Stella needs to know the businesses and she really wants the photographs to create the history on Main Street through photographs.
Leinster Semi-Final
Longford U21’s followed up their Wicklow victory with another convincing victory on Wednesday night last in Cashel over Louth. They now move into the Leinster semi-final where they will take on Dublin in Navan on Wednesday 18th March. We wish Liam Connerton, Shane Kenny, Eoin Sorohan and team selector Gareth Johnston and the entire team and management the very best of luck. Show them the spirit of 2013 shines brightly in Longford football.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Paul Brennan, Ballincurry, Kilrooskey, his sisters Kathleen Rattigan, Roscommon, and Eileen O’Connor, Cork, on the death on Monday last 2nd March of their brother Paddy. His remains were laid to rest in Cloontuskert on Thursday.
50/50
On Monday night last the 50/50 draw took place in the Peer Inn. The winning envelope was drawn out by publican Declan Fox. The owner of the winning envelope was Ryan Guinan, Ballyleague and Ryan was the recipient of the jackpot of €437.
The club appreciates your support for the 50/50 and for only €2 you too can be a winner.
Lanesboro ICA Guild
The next monthly meeting of Lanesboro ICA takes place on this Wednesday night 11th March in the Parish Hall. The guild, recently formed welcomes ladies from throughout and enjoy the revival of the ICA in Lanesboro. As their web page www.ica.ie tells us “We cook, travel, craft and socialise!”- This is an organisation no woman should be outside of, so go along to the Guild meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of every month and be part of a tremendous local and national women’s association
Tickets on Sale
Friday week 13th March is going to be a very lucky day for one very lucky person. Tickets are on sale for an absolutely wonderful prize and it is a draw that you should definitely have your ticket for such an excellent prize. The first prize is a heater stove that will be supplied and fitted by Shane Healy Plumbing and Heating and Gordon Heating Supplies. To buy and have one installed would be very pricey but to win it in the draw would be fantastic. Tickets are only €10 each and are on sale locally in O’Brien’s and almost all business premises.
Death
A cloud was cast over our community 8 weeks ago when young Aisling Brady, Rathcline Road, was seriously injured in a traffic accident on the Edgeworthstown Road out of Longford. On the last day of February 28th Aisling lost her valiant fight for life. What to say, where to begin, I do not know. Aisling only 20 years of age was a young, bright, intelligent and fun loving girl snatched from our community and more importantly from her family. When I say that she was fun loving it was something she displayed in abundance. As a youngster she was a member of the newly formed scouts, following on to becoming a scout leader. In her spare time she worked at the Outdoor Adventure Centre in Ballymahon and in recent times she found archery as a wonderful sport to take part in – she had, it seemed, found her sporting niche. Aisling had an impish smile, you always knew there was fun and devilment behind that smile. She adored the family dogs and was always caring for them especially when a litter of pups arrived. Aisling was a talented girl in so many ways she had a fabulous mind and there is no doubt that following her academic qualifications the world would have been her oyster. During her time in a coma her mother Sharon travelled to Galway to receive a scholarship award being in the top 6% in her class – she was a brilliant young lady. She enjoyed the simple ways of life and Aisling had a wonderful friend base that were to be seen time and time again always with smiles on their faces. She was a happy girl, she brought happiness and smiles with her no matter where she went and everyone was infected with her infectious sense of fun and happiness. No more will I see her swing around the corner and greet her as she walks the Main Street to the scouts at the parish hall. No more will that impish smile to be seen but it will always be in the hearts and mind of myself and everyone that knew Aisling Brady. In such a short time she affected so many people and her spirit and kindness will never be forgotten.
Aisling’s remains reposed at Farrell’s Funeral Home on Tuesday last and on Wednesday she was removed to St. Mary’s Church for her Funeral Mass. Following Mass her remains were interred in Clonbonny cemetery.
To her parents Peter and Sharon, sisters Michelle and Patricia, brother Paul, grandfathers Brian Gray and Tom Brady, relatives and a huge number of friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
As we draw closer to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the entrants in the parade are putting the finishing touches to their floats the onus becomes greater and greater on the residents along the route to clean and decorate their homes and business premises for the celebration of out patron saint and the entrant on the parade. We hope that everyone will make the effort to make the 2015 parade the best ever. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade yearly brings enormous numbers to Lanesboro and Ballyleague and this is no finer way to showcase our community than to be suitable decked out for the celebrating both on the parade and on the parade route and indeed all road entries to our community.
The closing date for entry of floats is Thursday 12th March and all entries must be made to Freda Connaughton, Longford Road, or they can be left into O’Brien’s Corner Shop. All entries must be accompanied with a €20 entry fee and the importance of the entries being made in time cannot be stressed enough as the logistics of the day will then have be put in place and this takes time.
The day will commence with a traditional mass that, this year, will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro at 11.30pm. Music, song and dance will be provided by the parish choir and local dancers.
The prizewinning categories are; Best dressed window, Best club, Best junior, Most original, Best business, a new category this year, Best Vintage, and the Overall winner.
If you need further information contact Freda 086-1534232 or Teresa Costello 086-8127560.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Donlon family, Moher on the death of their brother EJ in England last week. EJ, who would have been in England 50 years this June was predeceased by his brother Pete (Moher) and is survived by his brothers and sisters Joe (Moher), Betty,(America 60 yrs. this June) , Patsy (England), Jim (Dublin),Tom (Moher), Kathleen (Dublin), Mary (Roscommon), Kevin (England), Noel (England), Teresa (England), Marty (England), Gerry (England), Carmel (Dublin) and Rita (England).
Anthony Healy Card Game
The annual Anthony Healy Memorial Card Game will take place in Clarke’s bar on Friday 13th March starting at 9pm.
We all remember Anthony with a great fondness and his memory never diminishes and it is very fitting that the proceeds from the card game and the draw will go to the Mayo Roscommon Hospice. You are asked to be very supportive of the draw and also the card game.
The Show of the Year DVD
The long awaited DVD’s of the show of 2014 Strictly Come Dancing Over the Bridge is now on sale and it is a must for every house. This night was one of the best nights ever in the communities of Rathcline and St. Faithleach’s and now that the DVD has become available the night will live forever. If you missed the night do not miss the DVD and if you were there relive the memories of a brilliant night with your own copy of the DVD. Copies can be bought in O’Brien’s for €15 and it will be tremendous watching and hours of totally unbridled entertainment.
Death
The entire community were greatly saddened to learn of the death in the care of the staff of the Innis Ree Nursing Home, Ballyleague on Tuesday 3rd March of Josie Horohoe. She was predeceased by her late husband John, her sons Jimmy and Patsy and daughter Bridgie. Josie will be fondly remembered by absolutely everyone that got to know her. She was a wonderfully spirited lady and after a time with her you always had a sweeter outlook on life. Only a few short months away from her 100th birthday, a milestone she surely deserved to reach, Josie’s life and time will be long remembered and discussed. She was a lady who always had a positively outward look on life and the past was gone but it was the excitement of the future that featured greatly in her outlook. Josie had a leg in each side of the bridge as she was Farrell from Bullockstown before she married her late husband John. Josie’s life was full of enthusiasm and vigor. Her door on Salmon’s Lanes was always open and welcoming and a quick hello was more often than not a long chat – and nobody ever minded. Josie was a very special neighbour and friend and her passing leaves us all the sadder but a lot the wiser and happier to have known Josie Horohoe.
Her remains reposed in her residence until being removed to The Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for her Requiem Mass. Following Mass she was laid to rest alongside her husband John in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To her son Johnny, daughters Tessie and Kathleen, relatives and many friends we extend our heartfelt sympathy
Rathcline Cemetery
There has been a slow take up of help and if you have a spare hour could you drop in to Rathcline Cemetery and help with the work going on at the cemetery. To date there has been a small dent made in the work and your help can add greatly. Bring along a shovel and barrow and do your bit in getting the job complete as soon as possible. On entry you can see the work that needs to be done and your help and time will be greatly appreciated.
Essential Training
Are you assist trained? Would you like to become part of a community volunteer group who want to provide positive mental health-suicide prevention? You are invited to attend a meeting in the EDI Centre – turn right after roundabout and before railway bridge lights on Lanesboro Road to Longford and continue in that road – on Tuesday 24th March at 7.30pm. This is a very vital course for many from our community and they are urged to attend. To express an interest and find more details please ring 087-2915367.
Old Clothes
If you have old clothes you want to dispose of you can do so by contacting Mike 086 4046174 and he will arrange delivery or collection. Your donation will go towards supporting the Rathcline Ladies GAA club
Engagement
Many congratulations to Lyndsey Linnane daughter of Gerry and Rosaleen Linnane, Church View and Greg Cassidy, Curragh Rua on the recent announcement of their engagement.
Céilí Percy French Hotel Strokestown
Lanesboro set dancing class and friends invite you to a Céilí in Percy French Hotel Strokestown on Thursday 12th March from 8p.m. to 11 p.m. It is sure to be a night of fun and craic
Music by Rise the Dust
Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Paddy and Anne Breslin and family, Ballyclare Court on the death of Paddy’s brother Joseph Breslin, Kilcar, Co. Donegal on Friday last 6th March.
RSG 24/7 Home Care Service
This not for profit professional care service is available in your area around the clock if required by trained, qualified and Garda vetted staff. Rates are affordable and tax relief can be claimed against the costs. Packages of any duration are tailored to suit the needs of the individual.
RSG Derrane is operating since 1989; it also has a range of other services available.
Further information by email mbourkersg@eircom.net or Telephone 090 6625852 and ask for the Care Team or see www.rosdisabilities.ie
Lanesboro Library Events
Basic Computer Course at Lanesboro Library: Both computer courses are now full. We are taking names for a further afternoon and evening course to be run after Easter. If you are interested please call Stella on 043 332 1291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
The Art Course is now full. Stella is now taking names for a further course to be run after Easter. Contact Stella at the library to book your place – 043 332 1291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder; the library is still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
Used stamps also being collected at the library for ISPCC.
Book Club continues on Friday 27th March at 11am. Contact Stella if you have any queries on 043 332 1291
Knitting & Crochet Group meetings every Monday 2 – 4pm.
Lasraí Writers Group meetings on the 2nd Monday of each month 7 – 9pm.
Active Age Group meetings every Tuesday 3 – 4pm.
ESOL classes (English for speakers of other languages) continue each Tuesday evening 7 – 9pm.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of the late P.J. Greene, formerly Curraghroe who resided in Southend on Sea, Essex until his death. P.J. is survived by his son Patrick, daughters Ann and Collette, brother Eamon, Florida, USA, the Greene family Main Street. PJ’s remains were removed to St Cecilia’s Church, Curraghroe on Friday last. His funeral mass took place on Saturday and it was followed by burial in Cloontuskert Cemetery.
Lough Ree Connaught Championships
Full results of the Connaught Indoors came through too late for last week’s paper but among the notable performances on the day were Róisín Brennan in the shot putt under 13 who finished in sixth position in a very competitive event. Roisin was less than 90cm off the silver medal. Clodagh Kiely finished in sixth position in her favourite event the long jump under 16 while her sister Cáit was also up there in the long jump under 14. Best of the sprinters were Orla Cox in the under 12 age group while Áine Kiely was out best performer in the sprints under 13. Best of luck to Caoilinn Flood our All Ireland qualifier in the high jump under 13 who competes in the National Indoors in Athlone on 22nd March. Training continues on Tuesday in the hall.
Table Quiz Rescheduled
Ballyleague Village Renewal &Tidy Towns have rescheduled their Community Table Quiz for Saturday 28th March in St Faithleach’s clubhouse Ballyleague at 9pm. Go along and have a good night’s craic’ and support Tidy Towns at the same time. Teams of 4 for €40. Great prizes on the night.
Irish Revision Course
An Honours Irish Leaving Cert Revision Course will take place in Longford town on Tuesday 31st March 10am-4pm. An Bhéaltriail (Oral Irish), Essays, Prose, Poetry and Grammar will be covered and notes provided. For more information and applications please contact Yvonne Ní Mhurchú 087-2642665 or Trudy Uí Fhearghail 087-6475071
Heritage Plan
Ballyleague Village Renewal wish to thank everyone who came along to the launch of our new heritage plan recently in the Lifebelt bar. We had a full house and the plans will now be put up on the Roscommon county council heritage website: http://www.roscommoncoco.ie/en/Services/Heritage
Your feedback would be very welcome. Please e mail: keepballyleaguetidy@gmail.com with your comments and suggestions.
Active Sub Aqua Club
Anyone that was listening to the news since Sunday week last will be aware of the search that was ongoing in the Ballyconnell of Co. Cavan for a 22 year old Galway man. Lough Ree Sub Aqua were heavily involved in the week long search at Derryhassen, Co Cavan which concluded on Saturday afternoon when the body of a male was recovered from the water.
The club members were again called out on Sunday morning and a 7 strong dive team were involved in the search for and recovery of a body from the River Inny at Ballymahon for a missing man.
Both searches were run under the direction of the new Regional Search Coordinator.
It goes to show the value of our sub aqua club and it is very important that the club gains new members and is supported in every way possible as they do fantastic work in the capacity as search and rescue. It is very important that we acknowledge our own Lough Ree Sub Aqua club for their sheer dedication to their work.
The loss of those two men was unbearable for their families but the fact that they had no body to mourn and grieve was all the more harrowing. The work in the involvement of our Lough Ree Sub Aqua club in the search and ultimate recovery gave the families a strength when they see people – total strangers -prepared to give up their own time and commitments to search for their loved ones.
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club would like to offer our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the deceased persons. “May they rest in peace”
Free pre-School Year
Head Start Pre-School for 2½ – 5 year old is now taking enrolment for September 2015 and on an ongoing basis for the free pre-school year and non ECCE children. Places are limited. For more information contact Denise at 043-3321321 or 087-0641793 after 1pm
New Riverbank Opening
Work is now commencing on the final stage of Phase 2 of the new riverbank, quayside wall and promenade in Ballyleague. During the next 8 weeks construction work will commence on a new traditional stonework plinth at the entrance on the bridge side of the site just – starting immediately after St Patrick’s Day. Work will also be carried out to relocate parts of the existing stone walls and install a new water mains pipe to the south of the site – providing a number of taps for anglers and pedestrians use. The next part of the work will include the installation of a new two metre wide tarmac footpath linking the Waterways Ireland marina and the southern end of the cobble lock promenade. This will facilitate disabled anglers and able bodied pedestrians with access to the new promenade.
While this work is going on Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns have invited in ceramic artist Patsy Preston from Westmeath to see if she can work with local students from Lanesborough community college and other local schools on a new artistic image for the remaining back wall of the old swimming pool. It is hoped to produce something very special with the synergy between the students and the artist. More information on this soon.
Finally the last stage of Phase 2 will include some landscaping on the site and Mark Boyle of Murray Associates in Dublin is already planning designs for this.
Ballyleague Village Renewal wish to thank everyone who has helped in any way in the work carried out so far on the site. We also wish to join with Roscommon county council to apologise for the inconvenience caused to pedestrians by the closure of the site during the construction stage and confirm that the new riverbank and promenade will be re-opening to the public on the June bank holiday weekend when a special festival will be staged to celebrate the big opening over the weekend.
Events planned over the weekend include a special swim event in association with the Tri Lanesborough Triathlon club, a cruise in company in association with the Inland Waterways Ireland Athlone branch and an international fishing competition – in association with the new Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling hub. There will also be a number of music events – more details soon – so there’s a very good reason to put the June bank holiday weekend in your diary for staying home or coming home to join in the celebrations at this very special Lough Ree Summer Prom Festival on the new Prom! More details available now from: keepballyleaguetidy@gmail.com
Birth
The christening of Kaiden Mo-Chara Geraghty, daughter of Anita Geraghty and Stephen Mc Carthy, Cnoc na Gaoithe, took place last weekend. We congratulate the family on this happy occasion.
Shannon Gaels
Shannon Gaels Minor and U16 training continues on Tuesday 10th March in Co-Op hall from 7 to 8pm.
U13 and U14 training on Friday in Grattan’s from 6.30 to 7.30pm
U14 Féile in Higginstown on Saturday 14th March. The first game will take throw in at 11.45am.
Well done to Western Gaels minor team who beat Northern Gaels on a scoreline of 1 -08 to 0-10 points in 1st round of Special Minor League.
Lough Ree Angling Hub
The new angling hub has been extremely busy since it was set up 4 weeks ago and meetings have already taken place with the Angling Council of Ireland, IFI, ESB and the Minister for Tourism Michael Ring.
A major coarse fishing competition is now scheduled to take place on the June bank holiday weekend and the Hub has promoted the event and this area in front of 5000 anglers at the National Angling show in the Swords Exhibition Centre. The hub wish to thank Philip Gordon, Joe Cribbin and Alan Horohoe for taking the time to attend that show and promote the area. Thanks also to the Men’s shed members Conor Bolan and John Burke who also helped on the day and to the Ballyleague Village Renewal group and the Lanesborough angling club who helped to sponsor leaflets and transport costs.
The hub will again be promoting the area again at a major angling exhibition in Farnborough UK on March 21-22 where 5000 leaflets for this area will be given out and is presently seeking help with transport costs and leaflets. To assist please speak to Hugh Keane – the hub chairman on 087 1010032 or e mail: loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com
The hub is also working with the Angling council of Ireland in staging training for fishing tutors in March and April here in Lanesborough so please give your name to Hub secretary Eithne Clyne or e mail us your details.
The Lough Ree Angling hub was set up to bring in new people to angling in this area and promote the sport so please get involved. The hub committee have been given guarantees about rehabilitation work on the local fishery between here and June so we intend to promote this area as best we can in the meantime.
St. Faithleach’s
GAA World Games : The GAA World Games took place last week and St Faithleach’s are proud to congratulate our past player Adrian Murtagh who competed for Asia GAA , Adrian along with some of his team mates from the Singapore Gaelic Lions were selected to play for Asia in the very first world games.
Congratulations Girls: Congrats to Jillian Banahan, Marie Kelly, Ellen Irwin, Kate Mc Phillips, Sarah Scally and Amy Curley on been crowned All Ireland champions representing Roscommon Convent in the U17 FAI Schools Cup Final.
Junior B: St Faithleach’s Junior B took on Creggs last Saturday evening with a scoreline of 2 -07 to 1-04.
Team; Derek Thompson, Brian Scally, Paddy Murray, Wayne Donoghue, Shane Sweeney, Colin Gannon, Johnny Sweeney, Paul Brennan, Peter Reynolds (0-1), Philip Cox, Brendan Reynolds (1-4), Patrick Kenny, Jerome Kelly, Alan Brehon (1-1), Ben Hussey (0-1). Subs John Walsh (0-1).
U16 Girls: The next match is St Faithleach’s vs St. Dominic’s in Ballyleague on Sunday 15th at 4pm
Minor Men: Oran vs St Faithleach’s will take place in Oran in Sunday 15th at 11am.
Best of luck: Best of luck to our club reps Daniel Foley and Steven Walsh (CBS), in the Connacht GAA Post Primary Football Championship Senior A Final that takes place on Saturday week 14th March.
Cards: The winners were Michael Rogers/ Michael Finan, second place: Peggy/Josie, Last Game: Pat Joe/Tim. Card game every Tuesday at 8:30pm.
Deepest sympathies to the Brady family Rathcline, on the death of their daughter Aisling. To the Horohoe family on the death of Josie Horohoe, Ballyleague. To the Manning family on the death of Eileen Manning, Mullingar. To the Brennan family on the death of Patrick (Paddy) Brennan, Kilrooskey and formerly of Manchester. To the Breslin family on the death of Paddy’s brother Joseph, Kilcar, Donegal. And to the Donlon family on the death of EJ Donlon in England. RIP.
Tennis Club
Lough Ree Bay Tennis club wish to confirm that Junior club membership is now CLOSED for 2015…..over 30 children have now paid their membership, are fully insured to play and will soon be moving out of the hall in Ballyleague to train on the two tennis courts in the Waterways Ireland marina where we look forward to a long hot sunny summer of tennis with our Tennis Coach Ireland Turner. You can get more information about tennis on tennisracquets.com/collections/wilson-racquets. Club chairman Mark Kerrigan spoke to all members and parents Last Saturday and has thanked parents for their co-operation and support for our new club. The club executive also met with Audrey Sorohan, Michelle Quigley Brehon and Ciaran Mullooly planning for lots of future developments. We are all genuinely delighted with the absolutely overwhelming reaction from parents and children….Chairman Mark has also asked parents to take note of two IMPORTANT issues before coaching sessions: 1. Parents or guardians MUST come into the hall in Ballyleague before tennis and sign in their children in the book. Children will NOT be permitted to leave the hall on their own after sessions until parents or guardians come into hall and collect them at 7pm and 8pm. This rule is in the specific interest of child protection. 2. Parents are asked to ensure that children are NOT suffering from any injuries BEFORE they arrive at coaching. Our coach Richard Turner will speak to children who are obviously injured at an early stage and will ask them to sit out the coaching IF they are injured. Their coaching fee will be returned to them and they will have to remain in the hall until a parent or guardian returns. This measure is in the interests of health and safety of members. Thank You for your co-operation.
Adult Tennis Coaching
The weekly sessions have now resumed on Sunday mornings at 9.30am at the tennis courts in the Waterways Ireland marina in Ballyleague. Only 5 places remain in this session. For more information and to register contact Chairman Mark Kerrigan on 353 (85) 152 5301 as soon as possible. The club will be staging tennis competitions and coaching all summer long so now is the time to register your membership and be ready for a long hot summer of tennis hopefully!!!
Men’s Shed
The Ballyleague & Lanesborough area Men’s shed group is presently raffling one of the four fantastic fishing lake boats they made over a 14 week period since last November. The proceeds raised will go to buying varnish and paint and other supplies for the boats and equipping the Men’s shed new workshop in Cloontuskert with hand tools and equipment. You can buy a raffle ticket for just €5 from any of the lads who did the boat building and in the shops and pubs on St Patrick’s weekend. The wooden boat is now worth in excess of €5000 – such is the quality of the workmanship so it is a great raffle prize. You can see the raffle prize and the other 3 boats in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Lanesborough this year and judge for yourself about the quality of the work the lads and their tutors did.
Rathcline GAA
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to Ryan Guinan who was the lucky winner of €437 in last week’s 50/50 draw in The Peer Inn. The draw continues every Monday night at 9pm and envelopes are available in all local businesses for only €2.
Padraig Potts’ Guide To Walking – Thanks to everyone who attended the play Padraig Potts’ Guide To Walking on Saturday night. It was a great night filled with laughter. Thanks to everyone who donated prizes for the raffle, to everyone who sold tickets and to everyone who helped out with the organisation of the event.
Topaz Cash For Clubs – Topaz have announced a new initiative for clubs and communities. When you spend €40 or more on fuel you collect a stamp. These cards and stamps are available in all Topaz stores nationwide and Cullen’s XL is our local one. Once your card is full with stamps you can return it to Cullen’s or to a member of the Rathcline executive with your club name written on it. The cards will then be returned to Topaz for a draw on May 15th where the prizes are as follows: 1 club will win €10,000. 10 clubs will win €5000. 140 clubs will win €1000. Every club thereafter will receive €250. We would ask everyone in the community to try and get involved and you can also get friends or family around the country involved collecting for our club.
Strictly Come Dancing DVD – If you missed our great night’s entertainment and our amazing dancers or you just want to relive the night again, then why not get your hands on the DVD of the night! DVDs are on sale in O’Brien’s, Adie’s and St. Faithleach’s clubhouse priced €15.
Membership is now due for the coming year. Our first game of the season will be a league game against Killashee on March 21st and it’s compulsory that all players must be registered before this if they want to play. Players’ registration fee is €50 and non-playing members is €20. Players are asked to pay their registration to Brendan Rhatigan or James Hanley. Non playing members can pay their fee to Peter Skelly or Denis Crinigan.
Longford U21s – Congratulations to the Longford U21s who beat Louth last week in the quarter-final of the Leinster U21 Championship. They now face Dublin on Wednesday 18th March in Navan at 7.30pm. Well done to all our players involved Liam Connerton, Shane Kenny and Eoin Sorohan.
Sympathies – The club would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the Brady family, Rathcline Road on the untimely death of Aisling. A young girl taken so prematurely with her whole life ahead of her. Rest in peace Aisling.
We would also like to extend our sympathies to the Hand family, Newpark, on the death of Johnny Hand. RIP.
Minor Club
Special Minor League = Well done to Western Gaels minor team who beat Northern Gaels on a score line of 1-08 to 10 points in the 1st round of the Special Minor League.
U16 and Minor training continues on Tuesday 10th March in Co-Op hall, Lanesboro from 7-8pm. U13 and U14 training continues on Friday 13th March from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Grattans.
U14 Féile will take place in Higginstown, Granard on Saturday 14th March. The first game will take place at 11.45am.
Ladies Club
1st round of league – Hard luck to the senior ladies who were beaten by Killoe on Sunday in the first round of the league. The game finished 3-11 to 2-07. The next league game will take place Sunday March 22nd against Mostrim.
U14 and U16 training continues every Sunday at 12 in Clonbonny. All new players are welcome.
Clothes collection – The clothes collection continues for the ladies club. Anyone who has old clothes they wish to dispose of please contact Madaleine or Mike on 086 4046174.