Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Fair Day
Last weekend we seen the organising and planning for the annual Fair day come to naught due to very inclement weather. The hardworking Fair committee had worked diligently over the past couple of months. They had moved the date to May Bank Holiday and decided to add in a family day on the Sunday with the assumption that the weather would be more favorable and the town would be buzzing over the two days. However, the week leading to the weekend was very cold and the weekend was very unseasonably cold and very wet.
During Saturday there was a good amount of horses in the field behind the church and down the old school road. I believe there was a good number of sales during the day. The elements of the day ensured that the dog show would not be the force it was in previous years as many dog owners shied away.
Sunday was a complete washout and the events of the day were spoiled with torrential downpours. At 4 o clock the Barman’s race was to take place with contestants at the church for the start. For the next half hour the rain poured down and at one stage the drops were bouncing high off the road. When the race took place it was a very competitive affair and upon reaching the bridge Clarke’s Bar emerged victors. Their team was Steve Ormsby and Michael J. O’Reilly.
For the organising committee the whole weekend turned into a nightmare. Their decision of moving it forward to May looked at the time as a great idea as we all felt that the weather would be warmer if not drier at least it would be softer. Unfortunately this proved not to be the case but we must compliment the committee for their creativity in planning the Fair in May. We look to kinder and more pleasant conditions for next year’s event.
I am sure that the committee will sit down in the next few weeks to review the weekend and put a plan in place for 2016.
Memories continue to arrive
John Casey at the weekend added to the memories and his offerings are: Pat Brennan, mentioned last week, was an agent for fertilizer, Pat Rooney was a blacksmith and Fr Tadgh Kenny remembers bringing his father’s horse to be shod by Pat. Pat would invariably ask Fr Tadgh to go to Ger’s for a can of porter – the can that the bulls eye sweets came in – and to ask Ger to put a crust of bread into the can. The crust would counteract the chemicals from the can. Sonny Rhatigan had a bull and the locals in the town – Joe Casey, Mike Casey, JP Leavy, Flaherty’s, Clarke’s, Gallagher’s, Bannon’s and Tom Scally – would bring their cow(s) to his bull. The following kept pigs on Main Street – Mike Casey (2), Joe Casey (2), JP Leavy (2), Clarkes (2), Flaherty’s (2), and Paddy Greene (2). Johnny Farrell, opposite the Community College had a stallion and mares from the area were brought to Johnny’s stallion and John vividly remembers the mares being led through the Main Street to the stallion. Mrs. Clancy, Barnacor, Jimmy’s mother had a turkey cock and the local brought their hens to her turkey cock. Tony Flaherty’s was the bus station and the buses brought chickens from Elmbank in cardboard boxes there where locals picked up their orders. Francie Farrell (Red Francie) was a fertilizer agent and the farmers from Ballyleague used to meet him at Flaherty’s gate Main Street to place their orders after Mass in Ballyleague on a Sunday morning. Dan Doorigan, was a noted character in the area, he was originally from Mahora but in latter days he lived in beside Skelly’s in Rathcline.
Dan was a batman, nowadays known as personal assistant – to Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson during the First World War. PJ Flaherty had a lorry in the late 40’s and he used to bring workers to and from work for Bord na Mona from North Longford daily.
The Green
This week I will start with a few questions on the Green just to whet the appetite and begin people thinking about their times, stories and memories of the Green. Who was the first boy born on the Green? Who was the first girl born on the Green? Who were the first young couple from the Green to get married? Who was the first man to die from the Green? Who was the first woman to die from the Green? Who was the first man to marry from the Green? Who was the first woman to marry from the Green?
I would like to say a big thank you to Kevin Harte, Sean Ganly and Danny Murray, all Bord na Mona, for their help in helping me accumulate the information. I would also like to thank past and present residents that helped me. There is no doubt that some questions will arise and some corrections may have to be made but a there is no detailed list I have to go whatever documentation that I could find. There will be gaps in some of the information and if you have any information photos, stories or contradictions please do not hesitate to forward them to me 043 3321107, joea@iol.ie or 0862460840.
Be supportive
Over the past number of weeks a number of new projects have been mooted for the area. There has been a great interest taken in the projects and it is very important that the entire community gets behind every project. All of the projects are at different stages of planning and while nothing can be said on a number of them it is very important that the feel good factor within the community is harnessed expanded. The biggest challenge is to obtain high speet broadband
For the first time in a long long time there is a rising optimism in the area and all going well the rising optimism will raise all boats in the rising tide. We have a fabulous community and there are many great people working away quietly to make our community exciting and vibrant.
I would encourage anyone to get involved and play their part in our developing community. If you have any ideas, plans or suggestions that could help in our progression they would be greatly appreciated.
Clothes Collection
The latest clothes collection will be collected on Friday week 15th May. If you have old clothes to dispose of contact Mike or Madaleine 086 4046174 to arrange drop off or collection.
Great News at Last
The Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling Hub has worked diligently since last January with the state authorities and agencies to try and bring about a very early rehabilitation program for the ESB hot water stretch at Lanesborough where an infestation of more than 30 million Asian clams has been discovered – with very serious implications for the fishery here
From an early stage we have made it clear how important it was for an extraction program to be undertaken as soon as possible in the interests of the economic recovery of the area and we indicated at an early stage we intended to stage an International Coarse Angling competition here. That competition has now attracted anglers from the UK and Ireland and will proceed on May 30 and 31st.
While the state agencies worked collectively over the last few months to bring about this extraction of the clams we used our resources to inform and brief political representatives of all parties and Government about the critical nature of the situation here and the need for urgent action – as we prepare for a competitive bid with the Angling Council of Ireland and the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland to stage the World Predator Boat championships in this area in October 2016. This event is worth an estimate 250,000 euro to this area – with 19 counties taking part.
In the last 8 weeks the angling hub has concentrated its work on three key areas – directly related to the recovery of angling here:
- a) Training for new angling coaches in this region – to bring more young people and people with special needs on angling trips in this area – 20 new coaches have already taken part in a foundation course we organised.
- b) Tourism accommodation development – from a situation where we had no accommodation in the area for anglers to stay over we now have 6 self-catering homes available and 2 bed and breakfast providers. We are also training up new providers in association with Longford Tourism over next three months
- c) Cross community Economic recovery – we have met with state agencies, Roscommon and Longford county councils, ESB, Bord na Mona and several key groups to try and develop a specific new economic recovery plan for this area. We have approached a former county council manager to undertake this work and are now sourcing the necessary funding to undertake this crucial piece of research along with a strategic plan. We expect work to start on the plan in September – with the support of the agencies and the North Shannon jobs initiative.
It is against the background of all this voluntary work that we are pleased to confirm today that we have been informed today the extraction program for the Asian clams will get underway in full in the coming days in Lanesborough
We warmly welcome this development and look forward to proceeding with our program of work with the full support of all the agencies and Government in the coming weeks.
In this regard we will discuss the development of the economic plan and the support of the semi state companies and state agencies with the Minister for Inland Fisheries Mr Joe McHugh after he officially opens our International Coarse Angling competition on Saturday May 30th.
A meeting of the Lough Ree Lanesborough Angling hub will take place on Tuesday May 12th at 8.30pm in The Yacht Bar, Lanesborough
You are cordially invited to attend
A representative of your agency or group is invited to attend
50/50
On Monday night last 27th April the draw took place for the weekly Rathcline *50/50 draw. Not to be outdone by her husband Paddy winning previously Ann Kelly, Cullentra took the jackpot of €395. The club is urging everyone to support their 50/50 draw and they are hoping to be able, with your support, to have the jackpot payout rise to the region of €500 every week.. This can be only done with the full support of the community buying the €2 tickets every week. Tickets are on sale in all premises in the town and from members of the committee. Who knows, it may be you winning the jackpot.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Philomena Walsh, her husband TJ and Derek and Eílísh, Rathcline Road on the death of Philomena’s mother Sarah Agnes Lennon, Williamstown, Co. Galway last week. Sarah Agnes on 6weeks ago celebrated her 100th birthday.
Bog Walk on Sunday
Make sure you are part of the revealing bog walk being led by Bord na Mona Ecologist, David Fallon, on Sunday next 10th May. David is one of the leading authorities on the bogs in this area and his talk will, no doubt, be fascinating in so many ways especially as we are drawing closer to the end of the bogs in the area and the creation of wetlands. The landscape of the bog will alter dramatically and David will talk us through all the prospective outcomes. It is very important that a huge crowd will turn out and learn of the new wetlands to be created on the bog.
The meeting point will be at Curraghroe Church at 10.45am as the walk will commence at 11am. The walks will take place on rehabilitated peatlands of Derrycashel and Clonshannagh. As you will be walking through the bogs you are asked to ensure that you bring suitable footwear and suitable attire.
Death
The death took place on Saturday 25th April in the loving care of Costello’s Nursing Home, Ballyleague of Mrs. Mary Carberry, Knock. Mary was predeceased many years ago by her late husband Tom. She has been in failing health in recent years and her capacity to care for herself diminished with her failing health. Mary was a native on Newtowncashel. She was a house proud lady who had a very keen on gardening and had a great love of flowers. Mary was an opinionate lady and never afraid to voice her opinion. She was also an animal lover and none more so than her own cat who was treated like a queen. Mary was one of the original habitants in that particular section of Knock. Her remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home before being removed to St. Mary’s Church on Sunday 26th April. Following her Funeral Mass her remains were laid to rest in Kilcommock Cemetery. To her family relatives and friends we would like to extend our deepest sympathy.
Vintage Photo Exhibition
Lanesboro library will host a Vintage Car Photographic Exhibition by Michael Connaughton dedicated to the memory of his late son Murray will take place in the library from Friday next May 1st to Sat 16th May.
Death
It was a deep sadness we learned of the death in the loving care of the staff of the sacred Heart Home, Roscommon, on Thursday last 30th April following a long illness of Pauline Enright, Cloontuskert. Pauline, a native of County Meath, had been predeceased by her husband Mick and son Paul. Very early in Pauline’s life she contracted MS and despite this set back she maintained a hugely positive attitude and approach to live. She was seen as a genteel lady, a woman of grace and understanding. She was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She had a great sporting interest and especially loved to have a little flutter on the horses on the big occasions and being a Meath woman she would revel in the footballing success of her home county. The attendance and outpouring of grief shown at the reposing of her remains in the Sacred Heart Home Roscommon on Friday and again at her Funeral Mass in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Saturday bore ample testimony in which Pauline was held. Following Mass she was laid to rest alongside her husband Mick in Cloontuskert cemetery.
To her daughter Mary Margaret, son Denis, sisters Patsy, and Bernie, brothers Frank and Sean relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Opportunity Knocks
By a happy coincidence Lanesboro Community College is offering 2 P.L.C. courses this year which should feed directly into the exciting new Center Parcs development in Ballymahon. There is also a likelihood of major developments in our area that the two course will also lead into. Students completing either the ‘Outdoor Recreation’ course, held largely in the Boyle area, or the ‘Fitness and Health’ course, held in Lanesboro Community College and on the track, will have a huge advantage when applying for employment with Center Parcs. Both courses run from September 2015 to May, 2016, and will be of approximately 20 hours per week duration. Candidates are expected to hold the leaving cert or an equivalent qualification, or have suitable experience in the subjects covered.
As there is likely to be a big demand for places prospective students are advised to contact Breda at the school, phone 04333 21139, or email lanesborocc.ias@eircom.net. It /*i very important that you make contact immediately to express your interest.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The next outing of the society is to Castle Barna Golf Course near Daingean, Co Offaly on Saturday 16th May. The tee is booked from 11.30am to 12.30. You are asked to be there early. Tea and scones are included in the green fees.
Text Frank on 0879730611 or tell Brendan so a time sheet can be prepared.
Another enjoyable day is expected on this fine midland course.
Attached are a few photographs from the memorable day at Longford Golf Club. Photo 1 shows Society captain Michael Brennan and Society secretary Frank Conmy presenting the golfer of the year trophy to John James O’Shea. The second pic shows some of the members relaxing following their game at Longford Golf Club.
Under 21’s of ‘75
As this is the 40th anniversary of the Rathcline winning their first Under 21 title I was wondering if anyone can give me the full panel list or a panel photograph.
Provincial Call Up
Congratulations to Séadhna Ryan on being selected to be part of the Connacht Schools Swimming Team who will compete in the Interprovincial Championships at the NAC next weekend. Séadhna was selected with four other swimmers from Longford Swimming Club the largest group ever to be selected from Longford Schools to be part of the team.
Last few DVD’s
The new batch of Strictly Come Dancing DVD’s are on sale and they are once again selling very fast. To ensure that you have your DVD make sure you don’t leave it too late as when they are gone this time there will not be a further batch ordered. Copies can be bought in O’Brien’s for €15 and it will be tremendous watching and hours of totally unbridled entertainment.
On-going Events at the Library
Art Class no 4 continues on Wednesday 6th May at 8pm.
Vintage Car Photographic Exhibition by Michael Connaughton dedicated to the memory of his late son Murray remains in the library until Friday May 15th.
Book Club continues on Friday 29th May at 11am. All welcome.
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) continues each Tuesday evening 7 – 9pm.
Daffodils are on sale in the library in aid of Irish Cancer Society for €3. Please support this very deserving cause. 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.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge
N/S: Gross and Nett: 1st Joan Donlon and Fergal McGuinness, 2nd Mae Casey and Margaret Gillen and 3rd Eileen Kelly and Nancy Dolan. E/W: Gross: 1st Mary Jameson and Patricia Mc Gann, 2nd Bernadette Gillen and P. Canavan & Bridie McGrath and Mary Moran – tie and 4th Nora Kelly and Una Clarke. E/W: Nett: 1st Bridie McGrath and Mary Moran, 2nd Mary Jameson and Patricia Mc Gann and 3rd Nora Kelly and Una Clarke.
Lough Ree Resources seeks Tender
Lough Ree Community Resources is seeking tenders for the painting of the front and side of the old Convent building in Lanesboro. Copy of insurance to be submitted with tender. Tenders to be submitted to the Secretary, Lough Ree Community Resources, Main Street, Lanesboro, Co Longford on or before 15th May 2015. May at 11am. All welcome.
Badminton Club
Congratulations is in order to all who competed in Leinster Individual Graded Competition in Baldoyle in Dublin on Sunday last the 26th of April, and also all those who travelled to Navan to qualify for the competition in Baldoyle. Well done to Karl Crawford who won the Men’s Grade 2 Doubles and runner-up in the singles, Niall Healy and Noel Moran Grade 6 Winners, Ann Duffy Ladies Grade 2 singles runner-up, Ann Duffy and Karl Crawford Mixed double Grade 2 runners-up, Frank Casey and Edel Mc Dermott mixed double Grade 5 runners-up. Well done to all involved for the commitment and dedication with a lot of a matches being played in various locations with nice collection of silverware collected on the day.
Emergency 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.
The lasting memory of the fun and enjoyment provided to thousands of children by an outdoor swimming pool on the banks of the Shannon has provided the inspiration for a new ceramic art project getting underway in Ballyleague and Lanesborough this week.
Shannon Gaels
As you read this it is more than likely that our U8 and U10 will have showcased their talents at a half time blitz at County challenge game between Longford and Louth in Clonbonny on Monday 4th May. U10 have blitz on Wednesday 6th May in Grattan’s at 7pm Western Gaels Minors are away to Ardagh on Thursday at 7.30pm U14 DIV 3 team are at home to Longford Slashers in Clonbonny at 7.30pm on Friday 8th May.
Rathcline GAA
ACFL Division 2 – Our Division 2 game against Ardagh was postponed on Friday evening so please keep an eye on fixtures for time and date of rescheduled fixture.
125th Anniversary Celebrations – Rathcline CLG celebrates our 125th anniversary this year. As part of the celebrations we hosted a challenge match on bank holiday Monday in Clonbonny where Longford took on Louth.
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to Ann Kelly, Cullentra, who was last week’s winner of €395 in our 50/50 draw. Ann’s husband Paddy won €562 in one of our 50/50 draws just before Christmas. Be in with a chance to win our 50/50. Envelopes are available in all local businesses and only cost €2. The draw takes place every Monday night at 9pm.
Topaz Cash For Clubs – Topaz Cash For Clubs – A reminder to all to get their Topaz filled stamped cards back by next Sunday May 10th as this is the closing date with the draw taking place 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.
Senior ladies – Hard luck to the senior ladies who were beaten by Killoe in the senior league semi-final.
U12s – Well done to the U12 girls who defeated Colmcille.
Clothes collection – Clothes are being collected Friday 15th May. Anyone who has old clothes they wish to dispose of before this please contact Madaleine or Mike on 086 4046174.
U8s & U10s will showcase their talent at a half-time blitz during the senior challenge match between Longford and Louth at 3pm in Clonbonny on bank holiday Monday.
U10s have a blitz this Wednesday May 6th at 7pm in Grattan’s.
Western Gaels Minors – The minor team will play Ardagh away on Thursday evening May 7th at 7.30pm.
U14 Division 3 team are at home to Longford Slashers in Clonbonny at 7.30pm this Friday 8th May.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Minor – Minor League D2 County Final was held in Dr Hyde Park last Monday evening. Result – St Faithleach’s 1-09 Tulsk 1-14 Team: M. O’Donnell, M. Gill, J. Farrell, J. Irwin, G. Carberry, D. Nerney, C. Mangan, J. Hussey (0-1), D. Kelly, R. Guinan (1-0), D. Foley (0-7), C. Smith (0-1), S. Phillips, D. Lulham and S. Walsh. Sub: C. Gannon. Well done to MOTM Daniel Foley, Trophy sponsored by Tom Morris Taxi. First round of the D2 Championship was held on Friday evening in Ballyleague .Result: St. Faithleach’s 1-06 Strokestown 0-14.Team: M. O’Donnell, J. Irwin, J. Farrell, M. Gill, G. Carberry, D. Nerney, C. Mangan, D. Kelly, J. Hussey, R. Guinan(0-1), D. Foley(0-1), C. Smith(0-2), D. Lulham(0-1), S. Walsh, S. Phillips(1-1). Hard luck to our club reps; Jillian Banahan, Amy Curley, Sarah Hoare and Sarah Scally on their defeat against Mayo on Sunday as they represented Roscommon U16 Girls. U12 Boys: Spring League D3. Result; St Faithleach’s 2-05 Tulsk 4-08. Team: Kevin Mc Donagh, Francis Dunne, Shane Cox, Conor Betts, David Cullen, Jack Murray, Lee Kilcoyne, Conor Gannon, Ryan Byrne, Mikey O’Brien, Owen Murray. Subs; Sean Ryan, Fergal Reynolds. Next game is Friday 8th at 7:30pm in Ballyleague against St. Aidan’s. U12 Girls: The U12 girls lost to Oran on Thursday last. Team; Katie Ryan, Keisha Carty, Melissa Banahan, Hannah Burke, Amy Casey, Hannah Barry, Victoria Jedrych, Orla Irwin, Caroline Carroll, Jodi Gibbons, Louise Costello, Aoife Connaughton, Sinead Hickey. Subs; Kelly Lackey, Katie Murray. U10 Blitz: St Faithleach’s are in group two with St. Aidan’s, Roscommon Gaels, Oran and Kilbride. Blitz to be held on Saturday 9th in St.Aidans at11am. Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others: Mothers and Others resume training on Tuesday 5th May- this is a great way to meet new people and have fun as well as play Gaelic. Contact Ursula Kilcoyne on (086)3652565 or Ray Cox on (086)6085272 for more info. Minor Club Church Gate collection: The annual church gate collection takes place on the 9th and 10th at all churches within the parish, your support is acknowledged and appreciated. Cards: Every Tuesday night in the club house at 8:30pm. Winners: Mick/Paddy, Jimmy/Teresa. Last game S Parker/Frank Fallon. Sympathy: The club extends deepest sympathy to Mary Margaret Hoare and Denis Enright and family on the death of their mother Pauline Enright, Cloontuskert.