Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Robbery
Holy Thursday evening is an evening that we can all recall vividly. Work was finished for the majority of people for the Easter weekend, and a large number were preparing to go to service in St. Mary’s church. At 7pm Josephine Farrell was in her Gala supermarket preparing to close up after her day’s work when a thug came into the supermarket and robbed the till of the money. He had a scarf around his face and spoke with an accent local to the general area. He drove a silver car and while he was robbing the supermarket the boot of the car was open.
Someone passing by surely seen something. At the time it did not seem unusual but now that you know what happened it may help in jigging your mind as to what you saw. If you did see anything at all that caught your notice, in or around that time, please call Lanesboro Gardaí 043-3321102 or Longford Gardaí 043- 3350570. It is very important that thugs such as this fella are apprehended for everyone’s peace of mind. If you do have anything at all please contact the Gardaí
Opportunity
Have you a spare room or two in your house? Have you an empty house you could rent out? Have you ever thought of opening a guest house now that the young have left the nest? The demand for accommodation in the area is about to become severe. There is now a wonderful opportunity to increase cash flow by starting a new business in providing accommodation in the area.
What with the announcement of the new project in Ballymahon, the fishing festival in June, the world fishing championship in October next year, the proposed route linking Lanesboro to the Grand Canal which will attract thousands of people using the canal route from Dublin to the Shannon and the proposed walkway/cycleway across the bog from Lanesboro to Sliabh Bán where, it is proposed, there will be Mountain Bike Trail, there will be an enormous demand for accommodation in the area.
Now is the opportunity to ready your dwelling and take financial advantage of all the great things that are about to happen in our area. If you wish to advertise your accommodation at any time do not hesitate to leave your notice into O’Brien’s and they will promote you premises.
The Green – a living memory
If you live or have lived on the Green and have memories or photographs that you can send me (joea@iol.ie) or drop into me in the shop. After Easter I am going to attempt to list the residents and memories of The Green. Even for those of us that did not live on the Green it still has fabulous memories of school, playing and growing up there and in the quarry and woods beside it.
Can you help?
Rathcline GAA are seeking your help. They are looking for volunteers to help power wash the wall along the club grounds and paint the wall afterwards.
On May Bank Holiday Monday the club will launch the club’s 125 celebrations and in preparation for that they are looking to have the club grounds and premises in immaculate condition for an expected huge crowd to the club grounds. All that is asked is that you turn up on Saturday next 11th April at 11am or times afterwards for 2 to 3 hours of your time to help with this task. The schedule of events will be published in the next week.
You are asked to help your club out in the time of need.
Business Memories
The on-going business memories has really gathered great interest and ideas as to where to go when finished from where is nearly s just now. Eithne Murray called into the shop last week and confirmed that there was a shop, long before her and even her brother Kevin’s time, in Derrygeel and she was of the opinion that it was run by Ellen Mc Grath.
Eithne suggested that I should investigate the census from 1901 and 1911 which she says is a hive of knowledge and interest for locals. John Casey suggested that I should document the history of the houses in the town and parish from the 19th century. Those ideas will take a bit of time to research and I will begin that process after I complete the history of the Green – it should make for very interesting reading in the weeks and months ahead.
Speaking of John Casey he gave me a list of local country and travelling shops from times past in the area –Mickie Joe Devine, Jerome Fallon, Paddy Gibbons, John Creed, Jarlath Murray and shop Lizzie Martin, Blenavoher, Alice Carroll, Mountcashel and Bridgie Mullooly, Curraghroe.
I was also reminded that Mary Jane Casey had the post office before Kelly’s.
ICA Guild holds its AGM
The AGM of the Lanesboro Guild of the ICA will be held at their monthly meeting on the 8th April 2015, in the parish hall. This is an opportunity for every lady in the area to go along and be part of an excellent association.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The first outing of the new season is to Co Longford Golf Course: one of our lovely local courses.
The tee is booked from 11 am to 12 noon on Saturday 18th April. A big turnout is expected as undoubtedly, most people’s appetite for golf will have been whetted after the Masters at Augusta!
Therefore, please text 0879730611 to ensure a spot and be there by 10.30 for the draw.
Looking forward to a great day’s golf and fun.
Saturday next 11th April 2015
It is a wonderful achievement for two young men from the Kilgefin parish and St. Faithleach’s club Daniel Foley and Stephen Walsh and a very proud day for their parents, family, club and school.
A day like this does not come around too often in a lifetime and we wish the two lads, their team mates and team management the very best of luck.
ESB Retired Staff AGM
The AGM of ESB Lanesboro Retired Staff and Pensioners Association will take place in the Sports and Social Clubhouse on Wednesday 15th April at 2pm. Mr. Tony Collins, Chairman of ESB Retired Staff Association will give a presentation followed by a Q&A
Clothes Collection
Mike has just informed me that the clothes collection pick up will take place on Friday 15th May. If you have old clothes you want to contribute to the collection can you arrange for pick up or drop off before that date. 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
Fitness and Health PLC Course
A new and exciting PLC course in Fitness and Health – FETAC Level 5 – will commence in Lanesboro Community College. The modules include Exercise and Fitness, Nutrition, Sports Anatomy and Physiology, Sport and Recreation, Leisure Facility Administration, Communications, Word Processing and Work Experience.
This is a fabulous course to acquire the skill to deliver safe and appropriate exercise programmes, gain an understanding of the importance of healthy eating and its effect on the individual’s health. You will also gain a knowledge of the human anatomy and its relevance to sport and exercise. You will also gain the skills to become employed in the growing Leisure Industry.
The entry requirements are that you must have taken the Leaving Cert or equivalent or have gained suitable previous experience.
There are many progressions you can make if you aim to use this course to progress your career by going on to college.
If this course interests you can you give Breda a call 3321139, call into her in the Community College office or email lanesborocc.ias@eircom.net
Champions
On Saturday evening last in Tuam, Roscommon U21 footballers overcame Galway in a wonderful game of football to retain their Connaught title they won last year. The locality was represented by St. Faithleach’s duo of Diarmuid Murtagh and Kevin Farrell. They now await the Ulster champions either Tyrone or Donegal who play their final this Wednesday night. We congratulate the lads and their team mates and wish them every success in the semi-final.
50/50
On Monday night last 30th March the weekly Rathcline 50/50 draw took place in The Yacht Bar the winning envelope was in the name of Michael Keane, Newtownforbes who was the lucky winner of €437. The draw takes place on Monday night next in Adie’s.
The club appreciates your support for the 50/50 and for only €2 you too can be a winner.
Moto Rally
The Midlands Moto Rally came to the locality on Sunday week 29th March and it featured a round of the Triton Showers national Championship. It brought the top drivers to the area, all seeking to gain points in the race for the national title. After the stages Donagh Kelly in his WRC Ford Focus was the rally winner.
Local crews did well over the day of rallying where Darragh Kenny and Niall Healy finished 5th in class 2 in their Honda civic and Cillian Lenehan and Darragh Kelly finished 6th in class 11F. This was Darragh’s first event to navigate in a stages rally and it was a great result – he is following in his father Ollie’s footsteps. There was hard luck on the day for David Donoghue and navigator Jamie Comer who crashed out on stage 1 and Stephen Healy and navigator Enda Fallon who crashed out on stage 3.
A special word must go to local man Jeromy O’Connor, Clerk of the Course of the rally for a great event and the work done by himself and his team was excellent. It is all systems go for the organisation of the 2016 rally.
Michael Casey Perpetual Trophy
Lanesboro Pike Angling club will host the Michael Casey Perpetual Trophy Pike Boat fishing competition on Lough Ree on Sunday week 19th April. Fishing will take place over 5 hours from 11am to 4pm.All entries will be taken at Lanesboro harbour below Lanesboro car park. The entry fee for the competition will be €25. There will be a maximum of 2 rods per person and a maximum of 4 rod per boat.
This is a member’s only competition and membership can be taken out on the day. Membership fees are adults €10 and juniors and OAP’s €5.
The winner will receive €125, 2nd €100, 3rd €80, 4th€50 and 5th €30. There will be a prize of €25 for the smallest fish. The presentation will take place following the weigh-in at the Yacht bar.
The club will also hold a draw for their non-fishing members – the first prize will be a voucher for a two night bed and breakfast and one evening meal for two people in the Pembroke Hotel, Kilkenny city. The voucher has a value of €370 and it is valid for one year. There will also be a number of other prizes.
Membership cards for non-fishing members are still available and they can be purchased at the yacht bar or contact Eithne at 086-1584686.
Croke Park Bound
The road from the locality to Dublin and Croke Park in particular will be very busy over the coming weeks. This coming Saturday the Roscommon CBS team with local representatives Steven Walsh and Daniel Foley will start the ball rolling. On Saturday 25th April Longford seniors with local lad Liam Connerton will travel with high expectations of being crowned Allianz League Division 3 champions when they take on Offaly. The following day Sunday 26th April Roscommon seniors seek to win the Allianz Div. 2 title when they take on Down in the final, the local lads involved here will be brothers 3 Murtagh – Brian, Ciaran and Diarmuid along with selector Wally Burke and team doctor David Harrison. We wish them all much more success in the coming weeks.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday night last 1st April are: N/S 1st Bernadette Gillen and Mona O’Flaherty, 2nd Eileen Kelly and Una Clarke and 3rd frank and Frances Brennan. E/W 1st Una Lawlor and Brid Mc Dermott, 2nd Maureen Hynes and Patsy Canavan and 3rd Noreen Dunne and Mae Casey.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Nuala, Deirdre, Dermot, Brendan and Una Carty formerly Salmon’s Lane on the death in Canada of Nancy Donlon, formerly Fallon, Salmon’s Lane who passed away on Thursday last 2nd April. Nancy was sister of the late Una Carty.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday last 25th March: N/S 1st Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray, 2nd Mona O’Flaherty and Bernadette Gillen and 3rd was Cyril Hussey and Phil Chalmers. E/W 1st Eileen Kelly and Una Clarke, 2nd Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne and 3rd Una Lawlor and Brid Mc Dermott.
Badminton
Well done to both the Ladies Grade 5 and Men’s Grade 5 teams who were in the finals of the Midland League on Tuesday the 31st of March and Wednesday the 1st of April. Congratulations to the Men’s Grade 5 Lanesboro A team overcame Mullingar on Wednesday, the team consisted of Frank Casey, Owen Casey, Keith Healy, Mark Bermingham, Joe Ellis and Charlie Mc Conway. Unfortunately the Ladies Grade 5 team were runners up on Tuesday night to Church Street and that team consisted of Edel Mc Dermott, Carol Manning, Regina Scally, Gráinne Gallagher and Maura Duffy. Well done to all involved in what has been a very active and productive year to date.
Strictly DVD
The show of 2014 Strictly Come Dancing Over the Bridge DVD is now on sale and it is a selling very fast so much so that extra copies have had to be made. This is your opportunity to relive the memories of that wonderful night in Athlone. It was a historic night as it was the first time that both clubs came together across the bridge to put on Strictly and it show what a wonderful community we have. Copies can be bought in O’Brien’s for €15 and it will be tremendous watching and hours of totally unbridled entertainment.
Events at Lanesboro Library
The following are the events at Lanesboro Library and you are encouraged to take part in what event suits you.
Basic Computer Course at Lanesboro Library: The library is now 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
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 are also being collected at the library for ISPCC.
Knitting & Crochet Group meet every Monday 2 – 4pm.
Lasraí Writers Group meet on the 2nd Monday of each month 7 – 9pm.
The local Active Age group meets every Tuesday from 3 – 4pm.
ESOL classes (English for speakers of other languages) continue each Tuesday evening from 7 – 9pm.
Story Time for children ages 4 to 7 with author Dolores Keaveney, will take place in the Library on Friday next 10th April at 2.30pm.
Basic Computer Course at Lanesboro Library:
Names are now being taking names for a further afternoon and evening course on Wednesdays for six weeks starting on Wednesday 22nd April. If you are interested please call Stella on 043 332 1291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Daffodils are still on sale in the library in aid of Irish Cancer Society for €3. Please support this very deserving cause.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder the on-going collecting of unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC is continuing. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
Used stamps also being collected at the library for ISPCC.
Knitting & Crochet Group meetings every Monday 2 – 4pm.
Lasraí Writers Group meeting continues on the Monday week 13th April 7 – 9pm.
New members welcome.
Active Age Group meetings every Tuesday 3 – 4pm. New members welcome.
ESOL classes (English for speakers of other languages) continue each Tuesday evening 7 – 9pm.
Book Club – The Book Club continues on Friday 24th April at 11am. All are very welcome
Parent and Toddler Grant 2015:
Applications should be made by Parent & Toddler Groups that are organised by parents in the community. Grants will normally range from €100 to €1000. Existing Parent and Toddler Groups can apply for a maximum of €800. New start up groups may apply for maximum grant of up to €1000.
Funding will be available for: Children’s Activities, Toys, Equipment and Books; Training for Parents, e.g. Paediatric first aid, Committee skills, Parenting courses; Limited funding for Insurance, Rent or Refurbishments, up to a maximum of 30% of the total funding secured.
Those wishing for further information and interested applicants should contact Longford County Childcare Committee Ltd Office 043 334 2505/Mob 087 878 3054 or email kathleen@longfordchildcare.ie,
Tennis Back Next Weekend
Lough Ree Bay Tennis club weekly coaching will resume outdoors next weekend 11th/12th April with coaching for children at the tennis courts in Ballyleague marina from 6-8 pm on Saturday evening and coaching for adults from 9.30am to 10.30am on the tennis courts on Sunday. Level 2 coach Richard Turner will again be in charge and parents are reminded that tennis coaching on Saturday is now available to members only.
Angling Hub
Forty anglers from the UK and around the country have already signed up to take part in the Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub International fishing competition here on May 30/31st. The Lough Ree angling hub will need between ten and 20 houses to accommodate the anglers with self-catering and B & B over that weekend. Five property owners have responded since last week so if you would like to provide accommodation please speak to members of our hospitality subcommittee Alan Farrell Yacht Bar or Gerard Farrell, Swan Tavern in the next ten days please or e mail your accommodation details to loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com
The April monthly meeting of the new Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling hub will take place in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesborough on Tuesday night next April 14th at 9pm. This is an open meeting and the committee is inviting along all members of the local business committee to hear more about our plans and strategy for the regeneration of the angling tourism sector over the next five years. The hub is not just about fishing competitions – it’s about more training for angling coaches, new facilities for international events north of the bridge and in Kilnacarrow, investment in promoting and marketing the town and preparations for the most important thing coming down the line in this community in the next five years – the new planning application for the future use of the ESB Lough Ree Power Station which we will be a party to. We will be discussing these issues and much more in the hall on Tuesday night at 9pm so please come along.
Thursday 7th May – Prior Notice
Thursday 7th May is Tea Day. Longford branch Alzheimer Society of Ireland invites you to host a Tea Day in your home or workplace. Every € raided will be spent on vital services in County Longford. If you want to participate and want more information you are invited to contact Breda or Mary at 043-3348402/043-3347221 or email www.teaday.ie
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Our U14 Boys had a draw against Kilbride on Thursday on a score line of 4-08 each. The team was: J. Tucker, M. Silva, A. Hegarty, A. Glennon, D. Kilcoyne, JP O’Reilly, J. Browne (1-04), R. Banahan, M. Dunne (3-01), C. Glennon (0-01), C. O’Brien, J. Murray, N. McGovern. Subs: M. Cox, K. Gallagher, O. McGowan. Next match against St. Michael’s on this Thursday. Congratulations to Roscommon Seniors on their promotion to Division 1 Allianz League , and especially to our club reps Diarmuid, Ciarán, Brian Murtagh, Selector Walter Burke and Doctor David Harrison. Congratulations to Roscommon U21 on winning the Connaught Eirgrid U21 Final on Saturday last. Well done to our club reps Kevin Farrell and Diarmuid Murtagh. Well done to our club reps Ellen Irwin, Kate McPhillips and Jennifer Brennan who defeated Leitrim on a score line of Roscommon 10-17 Leitrim 4-03. Best of luck to the Roscommon CBS in the Senior A Final on Saturday next in Croke Park. Good luck to our club reps Daniel Foley and Steven Walsh. Easter Egg Hunt: The Easter egg hunt was a great success, thanks to all involved. Social Media: All news from the club is available on our Facebook page St Faithleach’s GAA, and our Twitter account @FaithleachsGaa, if you have family or friends abroad and they would like to be kept informed of ongoing events and activities within the club please contactpro.stfaithleachs.roscommon@gaa.ie . Cards: Joint winners: James & Frank. Jimmy & Teresa. Last Game Sean & Michael. Cards continue each Tuesday at 8:30pm in the clubhouse.
Rathcline GAA
First game of the season – Our long awaited first game of the season will take place next Saturday April 11th at 7pm against Kenagh in Kenagh. We hope to see a good crowd supporting the lads in what we hope is a successful season on the field.
Championship Draw – The draw for the Intermediate Championship was made recently and we are in Group 2 where we will face Legan, Kenagh and Sean Connolly’s. The top two teams from the group go into the semi-final. The draw for the Junior Championship was also made and we came out in Group 4 where we will face Ardagh, Dromard and Mostrim. The top two teams go through to the quarter final.
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to Michael Keane, Newtownforbes, who was last week’s winner of €437 in our 50/50 draw. The draw takes place at 9pm every Monday night.
Longford GAA Annual Punchestown Race Day – The Longford GAA 13th Annual Punchestown Race Day will take place Wednesday April 29th. This has proved to be a very popular annual event. Tickets are priced at €110 and include four course meal, hot afternoon refreshments, admission, race card, celebrity, tipster, bookies in pavilion, bar facilities and music by Busy Fingers. Anyone interested in attending please contact Gerard Farrell on (086) 8745180.
Good Friday Card Drive – Thanks to all who supported our annual Good Friday card drive. Congratulations to Gerry Ryan and Pat Rock who were the winners on the night.
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.
Engagement – Congratulations to Aoife Farrell and Shane Quinn who recently announced their engagement. We wish you all the best for the future.
Minor Club
Minor League Division 1 game against Clonguish Óg in Clonbonny at 7pm on Monday 6th April. Table Quiz – Shannon Gaels are holding a fundraising table quiz on Friday 17th April at 9.30pm in the Peer Inn. All support greatly appreciated.
Ladies Club
League Game – Hard luck to the senior team who were beaten by Clonguish in the league on Sunday
U16s – The U16 team will play Clonguish in Clonguish this Thursday April 9th at 7pm.
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.