Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
New Sisters Bistro
Two sisters have recently taken over the Bsnug restaurant on Main Street and are presently making their adjustments to it in preparation for its grand opening on Friday next 17th April.
Sister’s Mary O’Loughlin and Patricia Heneghan will officially open their new Sisters Bistro, from 10am to 11am where complimentary finger food will be served and from 11am on they will be open for their first of many lunch times. Both ladies are daughters of the very popular and late PJ and Maureen O’Loughlin, Rathcline Road
They had a great love and deep interest in the cooking and preparation of food and the new Bistro will satisfy their need to cook and the new business will fulfill a life time dream. The bistro will be a first for Lanesboro and it will enhance quality eating in the area. There is no doubt but the food selections will be very interesting catering for vegetarians and coeliac’s and all food, where possible, will be sourced locally.
The Bistro will be from Tuesday to Thursday from 9am to 7pm – on Friday and Saturday the Bistro will be open until 10pm and Sunday they will be open from 10am to 5pm serving breakfast and lunch.
Private parties and functions can be catered for and they also invite all sporting clubs to refuel their bodies with their fresh juices and healthy options snacks and meals.
It is wonderful to have this new Bistro opening in our town and we look forward to Mary and Patricia’s Sisters Bistro doing a thriving business and being with us for many years to come
Accommodation Opportunities
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 reach a point that far exceeds anything we will have seen previously. There is now a wonderful opportunity to increase cash flow by starting a new business in providing accommodation in the area.
With the announcement of the new Center Parcs 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/cycle way 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 prepare to 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 we will be very happy to promote you accommodation.
Great News for Ballymahon
“Center Parcs revolutionised the holiday market in Holland over 40 years ago and did the same in the UK when it opened its first Village at Sherwood Forest in July 1987, providing short break holidays in the forest on a year-round basis. Now Center Parcs has five Villages across the UK: Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire; Elveden Forest in Suffolk; Longleat Forest in Wiltshire; Whinfell Forest in Cumbria and Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire. As a leader in the UK short break holiday market, Center Parcs occupies a unique position enjoying annual occupancy rate in excess of 97%”.
The above paragraph is taken from Center Parcs own website and it goes to show the experience they have in the short break holiday market. They announced last week that they were coming to Ireland and to the Ballymahon Forgney area in particular to build their first Irish resort in 375 acres of Newcastle wood that straddles both parishes.
During the course of the construction it is proposed that there will be up to 750 jobs and when completed it is expected to employ 1000. This is a fabulous opportunity for so many in the county to gain some badly needed employment. With every big development comes spin off and hopefully the jobs will be even greater and the spin-off will stretch to Lanesboro where we will have to be ready.
I would like to congratulate the progressive community of Ballymahon Forgney on this wonderful announcement and may they prosper greatly as a community.
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!
You are asked to text 0879730611 to ensure a spot and be there by 10.30 for the draw.
Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust
Presently, we have a huge number of our young people abroad due to the recession and there seems to sign of things changing in the near future.
A family in Newry two years got the news that any family dreads when they learned their son Kevin Bell had been knocked down and killed by a hit and run driver in the Bronx. Getting Kevin repatriated to his native sod was both difficult and extremely expensive and with the help of his local community who came together to help his family get Kevin home. The family and their community in Newry did not every wish to see any family ever having to face such financial costs again and they set up the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. They have help at least 10 families countrywide who have faced such trial and tribulations on the death of their own in distant lands.
One of those families that was helped was the family of Martin Cadden, a young 22 year from the Mullahoran area of county Cavan who died following his car hitting a tree last January in Canterbury, New Zealand. His sister Mary said “the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust brought Martin home without any cost to the family”.
The local community will hold a massive fundraising Tractor Run in Mullahoran this coming Saturday 18th April at 1pm from Mullahoran football pitch. It is hoped that the Tractor Run will have up to 300 tractors taking part.
If you can at all take part please do register your tractor and if you have not a tractor or cannot go please pledge a voluntary contribution as it is with the Tractor Run to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust or you can drop it into the shop in an envelope with Kevin Bell marked on it or on their website www.kevinbellrepatriationtrust.com
You can also travel and be a spectator and also make your contribution on Saturday. Refreshments will be served before and after for all entrants and also afterwards for spectators. Colin Bell will also make the journey from Newry. You will be assured that your contribution will greatly help some family that needs to repatriate one of their own.
Birth
Many congratulations to Michael and Noreen Hanley, Ballyleague, on the recent birth of a baby boy.
Thank You
The total amount raised for the Irish Kidney Association in Lanesboro on Saturday 4th April was €1,306. A sincere thank you to all those who generously contributed and to those who helped out on the day.
Business Memories
The on-going business memories is now drawing to a close as I think we have exhausted every business in the parish. It was a wonderful journey and I would like to thank everyone that gave me their memories of the businesses. Finishing all off this week with the memory of Johnny Smyth who said he remembered Kate Skelly who had a shop in Corrigeen.
That bill equates to about 106c. (Compliments of John Casey’s Living History)
In the next week or two I will begin with a list of the residents that lived on the Green since 1952. Just like the memories of the businesses I am sure that I will need help from you all. If you have memories, photographs, stories or what it was like growing up on the Green I would love to hear from you. You can contact me at the shop, email: joea@iol.ie or phone me at 043-3321107 or 086-2460840.
New 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
50/50
On Monday night last 6th April the weekly Rathcline 50/50 draw took place in Clarkes Bar the winning envelope was in the name of James Killian, Rathcline who was the lucky winner of €409. The draw takes place on Monday night next in Adie’s on Monday 20th April
The club appreciates your support for the 50/50 and for only €2 you too can be a winner.
Pike Fishing on Sunday
Lanesboro Pike Angling club will host the Michael Casey Perpetual Trophy Pike Boat fishing competition on Lough Ree on this coming Sunday 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.
Table Quiz
Friday night next 17th April in the Peer Inn promises to be a wonderful night for all quiz buffs when the Shannon Gaels Minor club will host what promises to be another fabulous fun filled quiz night. Parents of all players, their friends and everyone interested in having a great night are invited to attend. The night will help raise funds for the club. All support will be greatly appreciated.
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.
Art Class no 1 starts on this Wednesday April 15th at 8pm.
Italian Class Level 2: Class 2 on Monday April 20th at 6pm.
Daffodils are on still sale in the library in aid of Irish Cancer Society for €3. Please support this very deserving cause.
Basic Computer Course at Lanesboro Library:
Stella is taking names for a further afternoon and evening course to start on Wednesday 22nd April. Classes will run for one hour per week for six weeks. If you are interested please call Stella on 043 332 1291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder The library are 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.
Knitting & Crochet Group meetings every Monday 2 – 4pm.
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 continues on Friday 24th April at 11am. All welcome.
Collection for the Blind
The annual collection for the blind will take place in the parish over next weekend Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April. Every year the parish contributes greatly to this collection and the committee is asking that your generosity will equal if not better previous years.
Lough Ree Athletic Club
Saturday next 18th April is the first competition of the year for the younger athletes. The Roscommon Championship for the Under 9 to Under 11 is on at Athlone Indoor Arena from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. This is an event not be missed and is the qualifying competition for the Connaught Championships. Events are long jump, middle distance, sprints and turbo javelin. If you want any further information on the event please contact a committee member. On Friday 17th athletes from the local schools will be competing in the Longford Primary Schools Relays at Clonguish GAA Grounds at 6pm with races for all classes from second up to sixth. The Club would to offer condolences to the Rhatigan, Brady, Devereaux and Donlon Families on their recent bereavements; all were active in the club on different occasions.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 8th April: North/South – 1st Katherine Harrison and Margaret Gillen, 2nd Frances Brennan and Frank Brennan, 3rd Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey. East/West – 1st Brendan Dowling and Mike Flynn, 2nd Patsy Canavan and Maureen Hynes, 3rd Noreen Dunne and Mae Casey.
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
A.S.I.S.T.
Are you A.S.I.S.T. trained? A.S.I.S.T. means Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. If you would like to be part of a Community Volunteer Group who want to prevent suicide then you are invited to a meeting at the EDI Centre Longford on Tuesday next 21st April at 7.30pm.
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
Marriage Education Facilitators wanted
Accord is seeking sensitive and caring people to train as marriage Education facilitators to help young people who are preparing for marriage. If you are will to give some voluntary time to train in this area you should contact the ACCORD office 043-3347222 for full details.
Medical/Defibrillator Assistance
If you need to contact the out of hours doctors service MIDOC you must ring 1850-302702.
If there is a need for the use of the defibrillator or ambulance you must ring 999 or 112. Ask for the emergency service, give your name, address and location when help is needed. You are asked to be as precise as possible to save time.
Rathcline Ladies
On Thursday next the Under 16 team will welcome Longford Slashers for the third round of their league. The game has a scheduled 7pm throw in.
On Sunday morning at 11.30am the senior team also play their third round of the senior league when they take on Ballymore. This will be a tough challenge for our seniors but one they are well capable of achieving success.
Shannon Gaels
Minor and U16 training continues on Monday 13th April at 7.30pm in Clonbonny. Western Gaels U14 are out on Tuesday 14th April against Killoe Óg in 1st round of Division 1 League in Dunbeggan at 7pm. Shannon Gaels U10’s are out on Wednesday 15th at 7pm in Ballymahon in first Blitz of year. Western Gaels U16’s are away to Clonbroney/Wolfe Tones on Thursday 16th in Maguire Park Ballinalee at 7pm Our U14 Div. 3 team are away to Granard/Ballymore on Friday 17th in Higginstown Granard at 7pm. The Minor’s out again on Friday 17th in Michael Fay Park against Longford Slashers at 7pm in Round 4 of Special Minor League. Shannon Gaels U8 training commences on Friday 17th April in Clonbonny at 7pm. Shannon Gaels Fundraising Table Quiz in Peer Inn on Friday 17th April at 9.30pm. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Badminton News
Lanesboro Grade 5 team travelled to Drogheda to compete in the Leinster Inter-league Competition against Boyne on Wednesday last the 8th of April. Unfortunately the Boyne team proved strong on the night and claimed victory over Lanesboro. Well done to the team who consisted of Frank Casey, Owen Casey, Niall Healy, Mark Bermingham, Edel Mc Dermott, Carol Manning, Regina Scally and Gráinne Gallagher. Well done to all involved for the commitment and dedication throughout the year with a lot of a matches being played in various locations.
Gymboree
Gymboree is now in Longford. A music and play session for children. 11.30-12.30 Tuesday 28th April in The Green Edgeworthstown. €8 per child or €12 for family. Text Caroline 0876418083
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior: St Faithleach’s senior team lost to St Bridget’s on Friday night last score; St Faithleach’s 0-06 St Bridget’s 4-13. The team was: S. Connor, B. Scally, D. Murray, J. Sweeney, H. Kenny, K. Brennan, J. Walsh, C. Gunn, J. Quigley, D. Hussey (0-02), J. Hussey, D. Rooney (0-02), S. Philips, P. Reynolds, E. Kenny (0-02).Subs: B. Hussey, P. Brennan. Minor Boys: Minors play Elphin on Monday 13th at 7pm. U14 Boys: Result from last Thursday evenings game, St Michael’s 1-12, St Faithleach’s 2-07. Team: J. Tucker, J.P. O’Reilly, A. Hegarty, D. Kilcoyne, N. Mc Govern (0-01), M. Cox, J. Browne (0-01), A. Glennon, M. Dunne, R. Banahan (0-03), J. Murray (1-0), K. Gallagher (0-01), C. O’Brien (1-01), O. McGowan. U16 Girls: The girls had a win last Monday over St Mary’s on a scoreline of 4-10 to 2-03. Team: N. Hegarty, S. Hoare, J. Brennan (1-01), K. (1-0) A. Curley, K Byrne, M. Kelly, S. Scally (0-02), E. Irwin (0-02), J. Banahan (2-04), L. Cox (0-01). This win progressed them to the semi-final on Sunday against Clan na Gael. St Faithleach’s 2-01, Clan na Gael 1-13. The team was: D, Mc Caffery, N. Hegarty, S. Hoare (0-01), J. Brennan, A. Curley, M. Kelly, K. Mc Philips, K. Byrne, E. Irwin, J. Banahan, S. Scally (1-0), I. Farrell, N. Parker (1-0), L. Cox, and K. Browne. Subs: P. Jedrych, L. Farrell. O. Costello. The girls are now in a Division 1B Final due to take place on Sunday next 19th with venue yet to be confirmed. U8/U10 Blitz: Friday evening the U8 and U10 blitz took place in Tarmombarry. U8 team beat both Kilglass and Tarmombarry. Team: S. O’Halloran, J. Cox, M. Cox, A. Cox, B. Murray, H. Kilcoyne, D. Cox, J. Casey, E. Reynolds. Subs: C. Mc Gloin, A. Cox, S. Cox. U10 won against Kilglass and drew against Tarmombarry. The team was: S. Glennon, S. Rohan, S. Cox, S. Kelly, R. Byrne, M. Farrell, J. Trimble, T. Ryan, J. Mc Gloin, C. Ryan, and M. Cullen. Training continues next week. Hard luck to the CBS Roscommon and to our club reps Daniel Foley and Stephen Walsh in the All-Ireland Collage A Final in Croke Park on Saturday – all involved did both their school and their clubs proud. U14 County Girls: Had a fantastic win over Sligo on Saturday. Roscommon 7-16, Sligo 1-01, well done to our club reps Kate Mc Philips, Ellen Irwin and Jennifer Brennan. Rodger Casements GAA: The visit of Rodger Casements to St. Faithleach’s was a brilliant success and we would like to thank everyone who helped make the two days so enjoyable, the parents who hosted the children, the ladies who helped with the food, the musicians on the night and to the children themselves who made the trip fun and worthwhile. We look forward to renewing the friendships at a later date. We would especially like to thank Steve Ormsby and Jim Browne for maintaining the connection between the two clubs and hope it continues long into the future. Lotto: The numbers drawn were 4, 10, 24 and 30. There was no jackpot winner. The five €20 winners were: Liz Conboy, Gerry Hagan, Michael Finan, Jack Mc Gloin and Seamus/Doreen Oates. The jackpot stands at €12,000 for the next draw 0n Tuesday 21st April. Team: Shay Rohan. Cards: Winners, Eugene/ Frank. Joint runner up, Dan/Tom, Sean/Ciaran. Last game Michael Rodgers /Michael Finan. Card game every Tuesday night at 8:30pm in the clubhouse. Congratulations to Jamie Carberry and Damien Rooney on the birth of their daughter.
Rathcline GAA
League win over Kenagh – Our first game of the new season took place on Saturday evening in Kenagh in Division 2. It was a great start to the new season as we had an emphatic victory over Kenagh with a score line of 3-14 to 5 points. Many players got on the score sheet and we had a wonderfully worked goal which started with our keeper Paddy Mullooly working it out from the back, intricate hand passing the whole way up the field with Shane Kenny finishing the move with his second goal of the game. Our next league game is down for Saturday May 2nd against Ardagh in Clonbonny. Keep an eye on fixtures for confirmation. The latest fixture information can be obtained from our club website www.rathcline.gaa.ie in the club fixtures and results section.
125th Year Anniversary of Rathcline CLG – 2015 is a special year for Rathcline CLG and also the Longford county GAA
* 2015 celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the foundation of the club.
* 2015 is the 125th Anniversary of the first Longford Senior County Final
* In 1890 Rathcline played in the 1st Longford Senior County Final
In preparation for the planed events at Clonbonny we are asking for your assistance with the painting of the clubhouse and walls, along with a general clean-up of the grounds. We started our clean up on Saturday last and as the old saying says “many hands make light work”. We are hoping for a bigger turnout from the community next Saturday April 18th at 11am as we continue our work and a bigger turnout will make the job quicker and easier for everyone. With this in mind we are asking for your help. We are looking for whatever time you have available, to come down and assist us with the preparation or assisting on the event days. If you have time available please contact Pat Deasy on 043 3362503 or 087 9839997.
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to James Killian (son of Seamie and Michelle), Rathcline who was last week’s winner of €409 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.
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.
Minor Club: Minor and U16 training continues on Monday 13th April at 7.30pm in Clonbonny. Western Gaels U14’s are out on Tuesday 14th April against Killoe Óg in 1st round of Division 1 league in Dunbeggan at 7pm.
Shannon Gaels U10’s are out on Wednesday 15th April at 7pm in Ballymahon in the first Blitz of the year.
Western Gaels U16’s are away to Clonbroney/Wolfe Tones on Thursday 16th April in Maguire Park Ballinalee at 7pm.
U14 Division 3 team are away to Granard/Ballymore on Friday 17th April in Higginstown, Granard at 7pm.
Western Gaels Minors – The minors will face Longford Slashers in Michael Fay Park, Slashers next Friday evening April 17th at 7pm in Round 4 of the Special Minor League. Shannon Gaels U8 training commences on Friday 17th April in Clonbonny at 7pm. 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: Senior League game – The senior team will face Ballymore in Clonbonny next Sunday 19th April at 11.30am.
U16’s – The U16 team have a game this Thursday April 16th at 7pm in Clonbonny
U12’s – The U12 girls will play Edgeworthstown.in Edgeworthstown this Tuesday evening April 14th.
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.