Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Lanesboro Community College Celebrates
Last week in the RDS the annual BT Young Scientist of the Year took place. Lanesboro Community College wee well represented and indeed, they brought home some very fine awards. Adam Farrell, son of Sean and Pauline Farrell, Ballyleague was awarded the Fr. Tom Burke Bursary on his project “Caught or Taught – What is the best way of learning to play a musical instrument” Adam was also awarded the accolade as the ‘Best Communicator’ which is a wonderful achievement considering the huge number of young people participating.
Brothers Mark and Brian Lyons sons of Michael and Mary Lyons, Longford Road also won awards. Mark was awarded the individual 1st place in the Senior Social and Behavioural section with his project “Is co-payment really better than no payment? – a statistical analysis of the effect of the GMS charge”. His brother Brian’s project “Peer Tutoring in Maths: Do the figures add up?” was highly recommended.
This is a wonderful achievement for Lanesboro Community College, the three young men, their teachers and parents and we would like to add our sincere congratulations to everyone.
Interested in Walking?
Are you interested in walking with others? A group walking session will commence at Lanesboro track on this Thursday evening at 7pm sharp. The session will take place from 7 until pm so it is essential that the session will commence at sharp.
Flooding
Me a culpa: Last week while writing about the flooding in the area I omitted one particular group who were working very hard and they are all voluntary people. I am referring to the Civil Defence teams that are continuing to do Trojan work in helping out the afflicted people of the area – well dome men and ladies.
The Green – A Living History
I will continue with the apprentices and the many memories their names continue to bring back to us all. In 197 there was James Black, John Burke, William Burke, James Carey, Peter Concannon, David Corcoran, Thomas Doherty, Michael Higgins, Tom Lynch, Mountdillon, Michael Moroney, Ciaran Mullarkey, Anthony Mullen, Gerard Mc Guire, Gerry Mc Hugh, Mountdillon, Columbanus Spain, William Teehan, Patrick Yorke, Michael Flynn, Mountdillon, Anthony Cosse?, Patrick Davey, Christopher Gordon?, Phelim Hanley, Fergal Kelly, Padraig Kiernan, Mountdillon, Kieran Lynch, Michael Monaghan, Michael Mc Donald, Michael Mc Dermott, Mountdillon, John Mc Gee, Patrick O’Shea, Patrick Turley, David Walsh, Kevin Whelan. In 190 there was Declan Bolger, Joseph Devery, Martin Flanagan, Aidan Ganly, Mountdillon, Kenneth Cannon, James Gilsenan, John Guinan, Michael Kelly, Mountdillon, Liam Lowry, Adrian Molloy, Seamus Murphy, Francis Keenan, William Tone, Brendan Tynan, Michael Crilly, Laurence Concannon, Michael Gillooly, Mel Kiernan, Mountdillon, Finian Lynam, John Moloney, Vincent Moroney, Michael Moroney, Michael Mannion, Padraig Mooney, Brendan Mc Cormack, Michael O’Gorman, Seamus O’Reilly, John Sheridan, Mountdillon and Patrick Wynne.
Dinner Dance
Saturday week 23rd January in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone the Rathcline club reintroduces the Dinner dance into their calendar of events. This is an ideal opportunity for the entire parish and everyone that has moved from the parish to come back and renew old acquaintances and to celebrate as a parish. It is the opportunity to get away from the doom and gloom of the after Christmas feeling and to go out and celebrate with the parish new and old. It is a great opportunity for all the ladies to dress up in their finery and make this a very special occasion. Tickets, which are selling quickly are priced at €35 each and can bought from O’Brien’s 3321107, email joea@iol.ie mobile 086 2460840.
50/50
The weekly 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 4th January in the Yacht Bar. The first and lucky winner of 2016 whose envelope was drawn was Mary Rice, The Abbey who was the lucky recipient of €376. Envelopes are on sale from club members in local shops and pubs and in O’Brien’s.
Mens Club
The Mens club will come back after the Christmas break on this Thursday 14th January in St. Mary’s Hall from 12 noon to 1pm. New members will be very welcome.
Longford Multiple Sclerosis says Thank You
The recent Christmas Day Run/Walk from Newtowncashel to Lanesboro was the 25th anniversary running of this event and a total of 6,431 euros was raised. This is a fantastic amount and will go a long way to meeting the needs of the branch for the coming year. The branch members and committee of the Longford Branch of Multiple Sclerosis would like to acknowledge the hard work and generosity of many people who helped to make the event a success. A huge word of thanks to the principal organisers of the event, Brigid Mullooly, Michael Flood and all the Flood family. Their continued loyalty and commitment to Longford MS over the years is greatly appreciated.
Sincere thanks to all who helped out on the day; people who helped with registration in Cashel Hall, those who helped serve refreshments in St. Mary’s Hall Lanesboro, those who provided refreshments along the route and in St Mary’s Hall, those who stewarded and volunteered along the route in any other capacity, to our MS members who helped with the presentation of prizes, to Declan Gilmore for photography, Peter Hanly Motors for sponsoring T Shirts, Midland Trophies for sponsoring the trophies, and to anyone else who helped in any way however small it may seem to them. Your efforts are all greatly appreciated.
Last but by no means least we offer a huge word of thanks to all the participants who took part in the event. To those who collected funds and on behalf of our branch for this event, and to all those who donated funds to this event for Longford MS, your efforts greatly acknowledged and we are indeed very thankful. We congratulate the winners in all the categories and commend their performance. Longford MS is extremely grateful for the ongoing success of this event and look forward once again to being able to help our members in the coming years as a result of your generosity and help.
ICA Guild
The monthly meeting and first meeting of the New Year will take place this Wednesday night 13th January at 8pm. New members are very welcome.
Wedding
The wedding took place on Saturday 2nd January at Ballyconnell Parish Church of Patrick Moran, son of Breda and the late John Moran, Carraroe and Frances Jenner, Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh. Bestman was Paul Donlon, friend of the Groom, and Groomsman was Anthony Farrell, friend of the Groom. Chief Bridesmaid was Leann Wallace friend of the Bride and Bridesmaid was Jacqueline Haynes friend of the Bride. Pageboys were Tommie Donnelly and Malachy Martin, nephews of the Groom and Flower Girls were Millie Bates, friend of the Bride and Erin Donnelly and Clodagh Martin, nieces of the Groom.
The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Rev. John Woods, Ballyconnell, assisted by Rev Vincent Connaughton, Killenummery, Co. Sligo and cousin of the Groom. The wedding reception took place in the Slieve Russell Hotel. We would like to wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Lanesboro Library Events
Knitting & Crochet Group continues on Monday 18th January 2-4pm.
ESOL Class continues on Tuesday 19th January 7-9pm.
The Book Club will hold their first meeting of the New Year on Friday 29th January at 11am. The book for discussion will be ‘Foolish Pride’ by Anne Skelly.
Lasraí Writers Group meeting will take place on Monday 8th February 7-9pm. New members always welcome!
Recycle Your Christmas Cards: From now until the end of January you can recycle your Christmas cards at the Library.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder We 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.
Fitness Classes with Regina
Combo fitness classes commence this week and continue every week – see ad in Longford Leader
In Longford at Kelliher’s dance studio every Monday 7.30pm and again on Wednesday morning at 11am Kelliher’s
On Thursday, Pilates will take place in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown at 7.30pm
Art Classes
Beginner classes will take place on Thursday mornings from 10.30–12.30pm commencing 21st January at Bridgeways Dean Egan Resource Centre Ballymahon. The fee is €10 per session.
Learn about drawing, colour/painting and art appreciation. Please bring along sketching things, sketchpad, 2b – 5b pencils, willow charcoal, soft eraser, notebook, etc. It is hoped to plan an outing to The National Gallery in May.
Improver sessions continue from 20th Jan Wednesday evenings 7 – 9 at the Sisters Mercy house, Main St.
Both sessions welcome men and women. Contact Rory or staff Bridgeways 090 6432691 or for full details email tutor Frances Kelleher hfkelleher@eircom.net (ph.090 64 32203)
Rathcline GAA
Dinner Dance – Our long awaited dinner dance is just under two weeks away. The event will take place in the Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone on Saturday 23rd January. The players will be presented with medals on the night, along with player of the year awards and our two cups will be on show. Also on the night we are going to honour the 1976 team who 40 years ago this year won the senior championship. Tickets are priced at €35 which will include a 4 course meal and music afterwards by the band 4Degrees West, followed by DJ Tommy K. A great occasion this promises to be for all parishioners. Tickets are available from O’Brien’s shop and people are urged to get their tickets on good time.
New Year’s Draw – Our New Year’s Draw will take place on Saturday 23rd January at the Rathcline Dinner Dance in the Radisson Blu hotel in Athlone. Prizes are as follows: 1st prize – €1500, 2nd prize – €750, 3rd prize €500, 4th prize €200, 5th prize €200, 6th prize €200, 7th prize €100 and 8th prize €100. Tickets cost €10 and are available from executive members and in local businesses. With the move to senior football this year, the club will need even more income so it’s crucial again to make this draw a success.
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to Mary Rice, The Abbey, who was last Monday’s winner of €376 in our 50/50 draw. This Monday’s draw will take place in Clarke’s Bar at 9pm. Envelopes only cost €2 and are available in all local businesses.
Yearly Subscription 50/50 – Our 50/50 draw which started a year ago has proved to be very successful. We have given away over €26,000 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 the club. A yearly subscription costing €100 will include membership for the year along with a chance of winning an average weekly prize of €400. The first date for the subscription envelopes to be rolled out will be this Monday 11th January. If anyone is still interested in subscribing after this date you can do so by contacting a member of the executive, messaging us on Facebook or emailing pro.rathcline.longford@gaa.ie Your support would be greatly appreciated.
AGM – The Annual General Meeting of Rathcline GAA will take place on Sunday January 31st at 5pm in the clubhouse. We are hoping that there are people within the parish who would be willing to take on some positions within the executive.
Rathcline GAA Comedy Talent Show – On Saturday 13th February the club are putting on a talent concert which will include some comedy sketches including “Old Men Grooving” along with some other great talent acts from within the community. The show will take place at 8.30pm in St. Mary’s Parish Hall. It promises to be a great night’s entertainment not to be missed!
Longford GAA – Well done to Denis Connerton and the Longford team who booked their place in the O’Byrne Cup semi-final as they beat Wicklow in Pearse Park. Next weekend is a big weekend as the Dubs come to town on Sunday for the semi-final in Pearse Park at 2pm. We would like to wish Denis and the squad the very best of luck. The U21 Hastings Cup team drew with Leitrim at the weekend with our own Shane Kenny scoring 1-03. Best of luck to them when they face Offaly next Saturday at 2pm in Leo Casey Park, Ballymahon.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Minor Presentation Night: The Minor Club Presentation Night takes place on Saturday 23rd January at 9pm in the Clubhouse. All players and family members are invited to attend. Texts will be sent to all team members before event.
Registration Night: Senior and Minor Club registration night takes place on Friday 5th February from 8pm till 10pm. The club would like to take this opportunity to state that we will be operating a strict no pay no play policy, this is not a reflection on any team or individual but rather for the safety and protection of all members.
Cards: Continue every Tuesday night at 8:30pm in the Clubhouse. Last week’s winners Sean / Michael, runners up Frank/ Paddy, last game Padraig /P.J.
Lotto: The jackpot stands at €12,000 next draw takes place on Tuesday 12th. Envelopes are €2 and available in all local retailers, and on sale on Saturday night’s in local public houses. Anyone interested in joining the selling team please contact Minor Club Treasurer Paul Kenny.
Tennis Club activity suspended due to Flood Damage
Club launches appeal for assistance to everyone
At a meeting of the executive committee of the Lough Ree Bay Tennis club today (Saturday, January 9th) it was decided that all club activities at our club tennis courts in Ballyleague, Lanesborough will now be SUSPENDED until further notice after the River Shannon flooding caused significant damage there.
Club officers studied the damage caused to nets, stanchions and the surface of the courts in the aftermath of the floods and have now decided that the courts are now longer playable because of health and safety concerns.
Most of the courts have been sub merged in water and several parts of the courts have been undermined and damaged. Even though the water levels are coming down the damage has been done.
Accordingly, the club is to invite Roscommon County council engineering staff and elected representatives from our area to visit the site and carry out an assessment of the damage with a view to having repairs carried out.
The club is also appealing to fellow sports clubs and colleagues in the tennis community to support them in establishing a new development fund that will help provide for replacement nets, stanchions, line painting, tarmac repairs and floodlighting for the area. Our new tennis club is just a year old and after 12 months of good progress this is a terrible blow. The club is examining the possibility of moving activities to another site or indoors and hopes to resume coaching at the end of January if we can get help. We will not forget Storm Desmond for a while.
If you would like to help us please contact Chairman Mark Kerrigan at 085 1525301 or secretary Audrey Sorohan at 087 9350966 or e mail: loughreebaytennisclub@gmail. com.
Kenneth Kelly
Last week I wrote on the death of local man Kenneth Kelly and of the impact he made for one so young. The effects he had in the Somerville area of Boston can only be really appreciated when you read the below piece penned by none other than the Mayor of Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.
During the holiday season, Somerville lost a kind and selfless man who, without much fanfare, humbly played a significant role in the re-blossoming of our city. Local restaurateur Ken Kelly left his fingerprints all over this city. Ken believed in Somerville’s promise back before it was cool to believe in Somerville. We would not be the city we are today without him.
Ken succumbed to cancer two days before Christmas, leaving behind a wife and two children he adored. He left us way too young. Ken deserved decades more Christmas mornings and New Year’s toasts. If anyone had a reason to feel cheated out of what would have been some of the best years of his life, it was Ken, but he was never once bitter. It just wasn’t his way. He had been fighting this battle for longer than most of us knew, yet his focus always was on what he could do to help out other people.
I got to visit him in hospice five days before he passed and we parted with him exhibiting some of his trademark good humor. I promised to be back within the week, largely because I didn’t want it to be the last time I saw him. We both knew he didn’t have much more time. Ken’s response was, “Once a week is fine. Even you can wear out your welcome.” That was Ken. He put a smile on my face to make the parting easier on me.
I first got to know him when he put together his plans to open the Independent in Union Square. Little known fact, Ken originally wanted to call it the Galway Hooker, but there were certain details in the seedier history of the square that made that a less than optimal choice. He decided the Independent made more sense and made a huge personal investment in Union Square. People could have accused him of being crazy at the time, and probably did. Union Square was by no means a sure bet back in 2001.
Yet Ken had faith and no shortage of energy. You never doubted him. You knew he’d find a way to make it work. Ken knew how to plan. On top of that, he realized the success of his business extended beyond his front door. He was instrumental, along with Mimi Graney of Union Square Main Streets, in trying to build more of a community in Union Square. He revived the music scene there. We take it for granted now, but Ken was the one taking the financial risk and bringing in folks like Peter Wolf from the J. Geils Band to prove the square could be a nightlife destination—and that’s what it became.
He also was a huge supporter of the local arts scene and Arts Union events. The What the Fluff Festival, the Rock and Roll Yard Sale, the Ignite! Global Food and Fire Festival – all those events happen on the doorsteps of two of Ken’s businesses and anything he could do to help make Union Square a more festive, vibrant place, he was first in line to help. It was simply Ken’s nature to give back.
When it came to the Green Line extension, once again, Ken was a leading advocate. He helped to rally local businesses in support of the project. He saw big things in Union Square’s future and put in the sweat equity to turn a lot of people’s dreams into reality. It was not an easy path take. I remember in 2008 asking him how things were going and he cracked a smile and told me it was the first time in eight years he didn’t have to take money out of his own pocket to keep his business going.
That’s when it really struck how fortunate I was to be in the same foxhole as Ken Kelly. As a mayor you can make all the grandiose plans you want, but someone still has put their money on the line to build out the community. With Ken, it went beyond money though. He was invested in Somerville. Behind every success story you’ll find people who made it work. Ken epitomized that. When others might have quit, he stood firm.
And when it all began to come together, he opened Precinct, now known as Brass Union, a few doors down from the Independent. After that he opened Foundry on Elm in Davis Square. He followed that with Saloon. When Federal Realty was looking to add some local flavor to the mix in Assembly Row, Ken was at the top of their list. He opened River Bar there. On any given night, when people are out enjoying the nightlife and restaurant scene in Somerville, there’s a decent chance they’re going to be in one of Ken’s establishments.
So much of what we think of as funky, artistic, vibrant Somerville, traces back directly to Ken. So much of the promise in Union Square and the incredible opportunities we have there as a community now, leads back to him as well. He had a gigantic impact on this city. I was lucky enough to know Ken on a personal level. So I’ll remember him as a U2 fanatic and a guy who never missed a Boston College football game. Yet this city owes Ken an enormous thanks. He helped transform Somerville. It only took one Ken Kelly to make a huge difference.