Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
London Calling
Our community for many years has seen a number of our locals going to London seeking work. In recent years that trickle has become a flood and we now have a great local community based in and around London.
A Memorial Mass for deceased members and friends of the Longford Association in London will be celebrated on Sunday 13th December at 12 noon in St Gabriel’s Church, 390 Northolt Road, South Harrow, HA2 8EX. The Mass will be followed by a Reception in St Gabriel’s Club next door to The Church. All members and friends of The Association, past and present and people with Longford connections are welcome both at the Mass and Reception. The nearest Station is South Harrow.
This is a fabulous way for the older generation to meet the new generation and interact with each other. It is also an opportunity to say a few prayers of thanks to all the deceased from Longford that paved the way for the current generations.
Local man Aidan Ganly is the current chairman of the Association and his wife Mary (nee Heneghan) is also a committee member.
Cheque Presentation
A cheque presentation to the Mayo-Roscommon Hospice will take place in Clarke’s Bar on this Wednesday night 4th November at 10.30pm. A cheque for €4,000 that was raised from the Anthony Healy Memorial card game and the Summer Barbeque will be presented. A number of the Roscommon county football panel will be in attendance and your presence would also be appreciated.
The regular Wednesday and without doubt best traditional Irish music session to be had the length of the Shannon will also take place. There is not a better place to be this Wednesday night.
Community Games AGM on Thursday
Due to lack of attendance our AGM in October could not go ahead. The AGM has been rescheduled to Thursday 5th November at 9 pm in St. Mary’s Hall. In order to proceed with Community Games in our parish for the 2015/2016 season, a new committee must be formed and parents must be involved. Last year we had 123 participants in various events ranging from board games and talent shows to athletics.
“I thought that the day of me reporting a notice of having to call off or defer Community Games AGM’s was gone but it seems not. It is disappointing to see that we are back at this stage again. The Community Games in our parish gives so much opportunity to so many children and it is very important that a committee is formed and the children of the parish get the opportunity to compete in all of the many disciplines that is the Community Games and especially our own local competitions. Make sure you are there on Thursday 5th and don’t let us go back to the stage where we had no committee.”
Ciaran set to launch his new Book
After 3 years of research work putting the book together Ciaran Mullooly will unveil his new book ‘Back to the Future’ when it is launched locally by the RTE GAA commentator Marty Morrissey in the assembly hall at Lanesborough Community College on Tuesday night next November 10th at 8pm. Ciaran has focused on more than 23 stories in the book. It is not a biography and instead will focus on crucial issues such as the future employment levels of Bord Na Mona and ESB here in Lanesborough and the surrounding areas. There are articles in there too on the last surviving resident on an island on Lough Ree, the brilliant tradition of high quality fishing on the Shannon here locally and a few radical suggestions on how the local area might well decide to develop itself. Ciaran is remembering some great people from our community who have now passed on to their eternal reward in this book and he has interesting things to say about Roscommon Hospital, the work of the Lanesborough Tourism Co-op FAS scheme and the terrible disease of Alzheimer’s that affected his own mother and so many more. It should be a great local night on Tuesday in the community college. Ciaran is making a donation from the sale of his book to the ‘Good 2 Talk’ charity which provides free counselling for those suffering mental health issues and hopes this will also help those in need.
The book will be on sale in O’Brien’s Corner Shop from Wednesday morning 11th November.
Monthly Whist Drive
With the evenings closing in earlier and night feeling much longer the monthly Whist Drive in aid of Lanesboro Social Services creates a great distraction from the long night. It usually proves to be a great night of card playing in a relaxed atmosphere. Refreshments are served and the night flies by when you are having fun while card playing. The whist drive will take place this Friday night 6th November in St. Mary’s hall at 8.30pm. Go along and enjoy a great night.
Birth
Many congratulations to Stephen and Valerie Rooney, Ballyglass, on the recent birth of a baby girl.
Will it be a car for John?
Just like the bus you wait forever for one to come along then several come at the on time. Something similar is happening with Lanesboro and the National Lottery Winning Streak car game. A few weeks ago Pat Rock was drawn out to compete for a car and on Saturday night last John Jordan, The Green, was called out to compete for a new car.
John will have the opportunity to win any amount from €5000 up to a new car valued at €20,000. We wish John the very best of luck on Saturday night next and we will be glued to the television cheering him on to a great win.
Triathlon AGM on Friday next
With a hugely exciting year ahead the Lanesboro Triathlon Club will host its Annual General Meeting on this Friday night 6th November at 8:30pm in the Club Rooms. The rooms are in the Community Centre on the first floor of the old convent building. The club expects to see a large turnout on the night, for this very important meeting. This is the biggest and important year for the club and the community. A full turnout for the AGM is essential as many topics of great importance will be discussed on the night.
Battle of the Bridge
Following the outstanding success of dancing over the Bridge last year the clubs of St. Faithleach’s and Rathcline have come together to stage a weekend of activities of which the highlight of the weekend will be the White Collar Boxing as both side compete in the Battle of the Bridge.
The weekend would not have happened without the most generous sponsorship Munnelly Support Services and Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union and both parties must complimented for their wholesome support for this tremendous community event.
The White Collared boxing will take place on Saturday night 14th November at 8pm. The venue will be the St. Faithleach’s club grounds. Following the night of boxing a DJ will be on hand to help you dance the night away.
The events will commence on Friday night with a Kiddies Disco in the marquee from 7 to 9pm followed at 10.30 by one of Ireland’s best dance and party bands. It is said of shaken Edge that they have wonderful individual musicianship, unrivalled vocal harmonies, energetic stage shows and audience interaction that makes Shaken Edge a band not to be missed and the promise of a fabulous night not to be missed.
There is a combo ticket available for Friday and Saturday night priced at €20. This is wonderful value for what promises to be a spectacular weekend.
On Sunday there will be a Tractor Run beginning at 2pm and that evening the weekend will finish with a Céilí in the marquee to the wonderful sounds of the Matt Cunningham Céilí band. Admission to the céilí will be €10.
Mass for Deceased Members
Mass for deceased member of staff of ESB Lanesborough will be held in the ESB Sports and Social club house on Wednesday week 11th November at 8pm.
Vital Game on Saturday
Rathcline will play a vital game on Saturday evening next in Killoe when they take on Drumlish in the promotion/relegation play off. This game is vital to the club as it offers them the opportunity to get to play Division 1 football in the coming year. We encourage everyone with an interested in the club and parish to come along to Killoe on Saturday for the 8.30pm throw in.
On Sunday last the club travelled to Wexford for the first round of the Leinster championship. While the result did not go our way, beaten by one point, this was a tremendous performance of true grit and determination. When all seemed lost they battled back and were very unlucky not to have got the game to extra time. Manager Gareth Johnston has got the team playing to a high standard and we can look forward to many great days ahead with Gareth and the lads.
ICA Guild Meet
The Lanesboro Guild of the ICA continues to go from strength to strength with a great interest being shown in the guild. The guild will meet again on Wednesday week 11th November in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 8pm. If you are interested in being a part of the guild come along on the night.
Dublin champion
On Saturday last in Parnell Park, Dublin, Cuala from South county Dublin took on St Jude’s from west Dublin final. Simon Timlin has been performing excellently throughout a very competitive championship and it was great to see all his hard work rewarded with a county final victory. Simon is grandson of Mrs. Mona O’Flaherty and son of Monica (O’Flaherty) and Padraig Timlin. We congratulate Simon, his family and his team mates and share in the excitement of their great victory. We wish Cuala the very best in their Leinster club championship campaign.
Blueway to Lanesboro Ballyleague!!
The Blueway has proved to have a remarkable success especially in the Tarmonbarry Clondra region attracting a huge number to the area for mainly water based sports.
The opportunity to extend the Blueway to the Lanesboro Ballyleague is a distinct possibility. I have taken the following from the Blueway website and it is the best description of the Blueway “Do it your way and create your own unique Blueway experience. Whether you’re into paddling, walking, cycling, or simply hooked on the outdoors, make yours a trip to remember on Ireland’s Blueways.
Through a series of multi-activity trails, Blueways provide a scenic perspective into the heart of the Irish landscape. From leisurely strolls and gentle paddles to adrenaline-filled days on land and water – Blueways offer tailor-made trips like no other.
Timelessness meets ‘time of your life’ when you arrive on a Blueway.”
If you are a community member or service provider, the committee want to hear your ideas, observations, guidance and involvement regarding water and land based activity, food, music, heritage and craft resources. Most of all they want you to benefit from this local recreation and tourism opportunity.
This ‘joined-up thinking’ workshop will take place in Keenan’s Tarmonbarry this Thursday night 5th November at 7.30pm
There are ideas presently being mooted for Lanesboro in terms of sporting and entertainment venues and the addition and attraction of the Blueway would be of huge value to the plans going forward. A large representation from the community at this meeting is essential.
Birth
Congratulations to Donal and Kathleen Martin, Mountcashel, on the birth last week of a baby girl.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Mary Flynn, her husband Seamus and their family on the death of Mary’s brother John Joe Mc Gurran in St. Helen’s, Merseyside, England recently.
PTAA Dinner Dance
The Longford Region of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association will hold their annual Dinner Dance in the Rustin Inn, Abbeyshrule on Friday week 13th November. Music will be provided they the very popular TR Dallas. The dinner will commence at 9pm. This dance is one of the highlights of the year on the social calendar. Such is its appeal that it draws people from far and wide for a wonderful night. Tickets are priced at €25 each and they can be bought from Breda Moran.
Pilates
New Morning (Beginners) Pilates course commencing at Kelleher’s dance studio Longford on Wednesday 4th November 11am (6 classes €40 or €8 per class) Intermediate Class commencing Monday Nov 2nd at 7.30pm (6 classes €50 or €10 per class) For all information you are asked to call Regina 0872485822
Lanesboro Community College Fundraiser
The Parents Association of Lanesboro Community College is holding a fundraiser in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Monday the 7th December at 7.30pm. Chef, Gary O’Hanlon (of Viewmount House, The Restaurant, and TV 3’s Seven o’clock Show) is giving a cookery demonstration with a Christmas theme. Tickets cost €10 and are available by contacting Eithne (086)1584686 or Pauline (086)1932669. Your support of this event would be very much appreciated
National Coin Week
Change for Charity will take place during Nation Coin Week which will run from this coming Friday 2nd November to Thursday 8th November. As you may know there is a National roll-out to remove the 1 cent and 2 cent coins from circulation. The Irish Heart Foundation is one of five key charities involved in a campaign to raise funds from their involvement in this activity. They are requesting that people bring coins and put them in receptacles which will be conveniently located in your local branch of Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Bank.
Library Updates
Knitting& Crochet Group: The Knitting & Crochet Group continues every Monday 2 – 4pm. All welcome.
ESOL Class: ESOL Class (English for speakers of other languages) continues every Tuesday evening 7-9pm.
Under 11 Community Games Project: A taster of the Under 11 Community Games project will be on display in the library for the next two weeks. The Under 11 project was completed by Sienna Wyse, Aoife Kennelly, Isabelle Smyth and Kieran O Dowd, and is entitled ‘When My Grandparents Were Young’. Drop in and see the wonderful work these talented children have accomplished.
French Conversational Class no 4 continues on Wednesday 4th November 6.30-7.30pm.
Lasraí Writers Group: The next Lasraí Writers Group meeting will take place in the library on Monday 9th November 7-9pm. New members welcome.
Paint it Pink ….Ribbons & pens on sale in the library in aid of Irish Cancer Society. Check out www.paintitpink.ie . Please support this worthy cause.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder The library staff 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 AC
Connaught Cross Country- Even Age Groups
Moyne was the venue and Sunday was an ideal day for outdoor pursuits, especially cross country. The venue was perfect and the event excellently organised by Longford Athletic Club. Ultimately our representatives were down to five and more is the pity we did not have any full team.
Starting with the boys we had three competitors under 12, all of them very different types of runners. A short course would suit Nikita, out latest find whereas our Cian could go forever. Nikita behaved well to be up with leading group for a while but was not fit enough to main this position, whereas Cian was the opposite not going out that fast but he gradually worked his way through the field, finishing a very credible 19th, his best performance by a country mile at a Connaught event and was a few places ahead of his team mate. Kieran O’Dowd who was running out of his age group and is ideally a sprinter managed the longer distance very well and the experience should stand to him for next week’s event in Boyle. Shauna Mimnagh was out only representative in the girls under 12 and felt the effects of being on her but again her best placing in Connaught. Caoilinn Flood was our only athlete in the under 14 and credit to her to get the distance as 3000m is no chicken run and especially when you have to contend with a boxing match on the journey. Cross Country is definitely not for the faint hearted!! Congratulations to Mark Brady and Stephen Dowd who were honoured at the recent County Longford Community Games awards ceremony for their contribution to the games. A well-deserved accolade. Next week we are in scenic Lough Key Boyle for the Connaught Uneven Age Group Cross Country.
Book Launch in Clarke’s
Gill Casey would like to invite everyone to a special evening in Clarke’s Bar at 9pm where there will be a book launch celebrating the publishing of Gill Casey’s book “Ubiquitous Q”.
Gill who lives in Newtowncashel and is perhaps best known for running the ladybird shop in Lanesboro has had her first novel published by Austin Macauley in London and is delighted to celebrate its launch locally.
The paperback version of heartwarming, life affirming and often humorous novel will be available to buy on the night, priced at €6.99 while hardback and e-book editions are available online – see Gill’s Facebook page “Gill Q Casey” for more details. The book launch will include refreshments and music by Denis Hughes
Rathcline GAA
Leinster Intermediate Championship Quarter Final – On Sunday we made the long trip to Killurin, Co Wexford for our quarter-final against Glynn-Barntown but unfortunately we just came up short by a point. After a strong courageous performance it wasn’t to be our day as we were beaten 1-10 to 0-12. Thanks to all our loyal supporters who made the long journey down and to Glynn-Barntown for their wonderful hospitality. Best of luck to them in the semi-final of Leinster against Athlone. Division 1 Promotion/Relegation Play-off Final Replay – Another big game for the club next weekend as we have the replay of the Division 1 promotion/relegation play-off final against Fr. Manning Gaels. The two sides could not be separated a few weeks ago after extra-time and now it’ll all happen again next Saturday evening in Killoe at 8.30pm. Again we would ask for all supporters to come along and support the team in what will be one of the last few games of a long season. Intermediate team of season/player of year – Check out this week’s Longford Leader for details on how to vote for Intermediate team of the year and Intermediate player of the year. With so many great performances from Rathcline players this year it would be great to have some of them on the team of the year and with a chance of winning player of the year. Get voting now. “Battle of the Bridge” White Collar Boxing – Following on from last year’s successful Strictly Dancing Over The Bridge we have teamed up with our neighbours St. Faithleach’s again for a White Collar Boxing Weekend Special. On Friday November 13th there will be a kiddies disco from 7pm – 9pm. This will be followed by the band Shaken Edge who will perform from 10.30pm until late. Then the main event of the weekend takes place on Saturday night at 8pm as boxers from Rathcline and St. Faithleach’s fight against each other in the white collar boxing. All locals are busy in training for the event and we can expect some good fight action on the night! Following the boxing there will be a DJ until late. Then Sunday at 2pm sees a tractor run take place followed by evening entertainment from 6pm – 8pm by Matt Cunningham Céilí Band. The whole weekend of entertainment will take place in a marquee in St. Faithleach’s GAA Complex. A weekend of entertainment to suit all tastes and not to be missed! 50/50 Lotto Draw – Congratulations to Fiona Ginty, Carraroe, who was last Monday’s winner of €340 in our 50/50 draw. This was Fiona’s second time to win the draw. The draw takes place every Monday night and envelopes only cost €2. The draw is one of the main sources of income for the club so your support is vital. Yearly Subscription 50/50 – Our 50/50 draw which started a year ago has proved to be very successful. We have given away over €21,000 in prize money since the draw began. We are now giving people who live abroad or away from town the opportunity to be in with a chance of winning and supporting our Leinster campaign. After a 10 year wait we are now County Intermediate Champions and on the road to Leinster. A yearly subscription will include membership for the year along with a chance of winning an average weekly prize of €400. Your support would be greatly appreciated. Please contact any member of the executive or email us at pro.rathcline.longford@gaa.ie if you’re interested in subscribing. 125th Anniversary Celebrations – As the club is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year there will a special concert held on Saturday December 12th in the parish hall celebrating the occasion with lots of local talent on show. Rehearsals are now on-going. The drama act on the night is called “The Dressing Room” and it’s not to be missed! Baby joy – Congratulations to our club treasurer Stephen Rooney and his wife Valerie on the recent birth of their baby girl Anna.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
U21 Championship D2 St. Faithleach’s 0-09 Elphin 4-08. Team: Callum Farrell, Jack Irwin, Damien Gibbons, Colm Mangan, John Walsh (0-2), Mikey Cox, Jonny Sweeney, Darragh Kelly, Cathal Gunn, Darren Nerney, Kevin Farrell, Jonny Hussey (0-2), Shane Phillips (0-1), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-3), Steven Walsh (0-1). Subs: Eran Farrell, Jerome Kelly, Joseph Farrell, Mark Gill.
U20 Championship: St. Faithleach’s play St. Croan’s on Sunday 8th in Ballyleague at 1pm.
Battle of the Bridge: St. Faithleach’s have once again teamed up with our neighbours across the bridge Rathcline to bring you a weekend not to be missed. Friday 13th kicks off with a kids disco followed by the popular band “Shaken Edge” for over 18’s. Saturday 14th sees members from each club go head to head in the ring for our white collar boxing event from 8pm, followed by D.J, Sunday 15th starts with a tractor run followed by the “Matt Cunningham Céilí Band” at 6pm. All events are on club grounds and tickets can be purchased locally at Joe O’Brien’s or Daybreak Ballyleague. Tickets for Friday are €8, Saturday €15 or tickets for both nights are €20. Additional information can be found on “Battle of the Bridge” Facebook page.
Minor Club A.G.M.: Minor Club A.G.M is to be held on Friday 20th November at 9pm. All members are invited to attend.
Thank You: To all who attended the Halloween party on Friday evening. Special thanks to all who gave up their time to decorate the club house, dress up, facepaint, and helped to make the evening a success for the children.
Cards: Every Tuesday night at 8:30pm sharp. Last week’s winners; Peggy/Padraig, second Tom/Padraig, last game Anne/Michael.