Lanesboro Ballyleague
The Green – a living history
In no 35 there was the Skelly family Gerald, Ann, Geraldine and Aubrey, the next family into the house was Pat and Kay Bannon, I do not have any family members, and the next family and current residents are John and Eileen Mimnagh and their family Mary, Sean, Catherine, Helen, Martina, Mark, Padraig and Geraldine. In no 36 there was Mick and Mrs. Doyle and their son Peter. The current residents are Martin and Mary (nee Donoghue no 7) O’Halloran and they have two children Kerry and Mark. In no 37 I have the name Joseph Dalton which I think is Tony and Aileen Dalton and their family Richard, Ann, Paul and David who moved down to the house at the arch no 24. The next family into 37 was Brian and Mae Gray and their family Anne, Emmet, Sharon, Jennifer, Amanda and Zarah.
I have highlighted before the on-going connections with the Green that still happen – if you visit Eileen Geheran in Australia you are more than likely to run into Mattie Monaghan who is a regular visitor to her house and they were next door neighbours on the Green. If you go to Lorrha, in county Tipperary you have neighbours from the Green Kathleen (Kirwan) Hough looking over the field to Patrick Cahalane who lived in no 50.
Harry Hennessy, a man from Tullow, Co. Carlow, while here in Lanesboro with Bord na Mona became very active on the stage and he was part of the cast of the of the pageant celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Rising. Harry also took part in Fiddler on the Roof in the NEW Pillar, Lanesboro at a later date. As it happens Harry married Frances Holden from Avoca in ’72 and they have three children, Suzanne, Brian and Dermot. Here we find another Green connection as Keith Walsh son of Mickie and Mary no 56 is married Suzanne Hennessy.
Lough Ree Monster Festival
Would you like to be part of the group bringing a major festival to Lanesboro and Ballyleague in 2017? Meeting on this Wednesday night in Adie’s at 9pm
The group is hoping to cater for everybody’s tastes in the festival and they are also seeking the views of everyone away from Lanesboro and Ballyleague as to what kind of festival they would like to come home to. The group is sure that there are many great ideas out there and would love to hear from you. Email joae@iol.ie and your ideas will be put to the committee. We look forward to hearing from you.
The group is looking for any photographs of the original Monster Festival and if you have some please bring them to O’Brien’s where they will be scanned and returned immediately.
The events for this year are being drawn up with the main feature event being the Greyhound Night to be held on Friday 17th June at Longford Greyhound Track. Come along and be part of a very exciting group and help make the new Lough Ree Monster a wonderful event for us all.
The group encourages anyone that can to sign up for the upcoming Defibrillator course – bookings can be made with Martina O’Brien at the shop 3321107.
Fair Day
Only five weeks left until the 2016 Lanesborough Fair Day and plans are currently being put into place to make the day another special day in Lanesboro. There will be a meeting in Adie’s on Thursday night at 8pm. Please go along and play your part in the Lanesborough Fair Day and especially as this year the Fair was perilously close to being lost. The committee would like that you would all make a big effort to come to Lanesboro along with your family and friends.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to John and Geraldine Fallon and family, Cullentra on the death recently of John’s aunt Emily Murphy, nee Fallon, in England.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Entry forms are available from O’Brien’s or Freda Connaughton, Longford Road. You are reminded that the closing date for entries is this Friday 11th March and forms should be collected and returned to Freda Connaughton, Longford Road or to O’Brien’s shop. It is very important that this is done on time.
The annual draw will take place and tickets are now on sale locally. The proceeds of the draw will go to help greatly in the funding of the parade and you are asked to be your normal generous self by supporting the draw. The prize structure is 1st €500, 2nd €200, 3rd €100, 4th €50, 5th €50, 6th€50 and 7th €50. The draw will take place in Clarke’s Bar on St. Patrick’s night.
Convent BnB
A few weeks ago I mentioned here that the new Convent BnB would officially open on Tuesday last 1st March. Most of the day was spent answering the phone, taking bookings and fielding enquiries. Let us hope that it was a great start to a long and successful business and again we would like to wish Chris, Claire and family every success. If you want to make a booking or an enquiry call 085-2728268
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro on Friday 26th February of Sheila Kenny, daughter of Eamon and Freda Kenny, Blenavoher and David Gilmore son of Sean and Marian Gilmore, Thurles, Co. Tipperary. Matron of Honour was Colette Tobin sister of the bride and bridesmaids were Maeve Kearney best friend of the bride, Sinead Flanagan best friend of the bride and Rachael Gilmore sister of the groom. Bestman was Paul Doran best friend of the groom, and groomsmen were Mark Quinlan, Colin Dwyer and Richie Barry, all friends of the groom. Pageboys were Tim and David Kenny nephews of the bride and Flower girls were Leah Kenny niece of the bride and Robin Gilmore Coleman niece of the groom. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Michael Reilly assisted by Fr. Mick Coen cousin of the groom. The wedding reception took place at the Glasson Hotel.
We would like to wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
50/50
The weekly 50/50 draw took place on Monday night last 29th February in the Clarke’s Bar. The winners were E and M Mc Weeney, Curraghroe who won €385. Envelopes are on sale from club members in local shops and pubs and in O’Brien’s.
With a busy time coming up over the next few weeks we would encourage everyone to buy their 50/50 and increase the prizemoney making it a worthwhile amount over €400 for St. Patrick’s and Easter weekends.
The club really appreciates your continued support for the draw.
Policing in Lanesboro
A few weeks ago we sent our best wishes to Garda Peter Mullen as he retired from the local force. A factor this weekend made me wonder if it was the absence of Peter that there was no Garda on duty on the corner, as had been the case heretofore, as the Roscommon supporters returned from their game in Longford. Traditionally, there always had been a member on duty to ease the traffic flow for the returning Roscommon supporters.
At this stage and before it becomes a common situation can I once again make the appeal for the number of Gardaí in the force at Lanesboro station be duly increased with sufficient numbers to be able to cover our two parishes. It does not make any sense to have one of our communities deprived of immediate response because of a river splitting our community and placing us in different counties.
Defibrillator Training
We are all acutely aware of what happened Leitrim U21 player Alan McTague in Clonbonny at the recent Hastings Cup game were the true value of having a defibrillator and also the someone with the ability to use really came clearly into focus. The defibrillator in this instance was a lifesaving instrument.
The defibrillator group under Kevin Madden will soon be holding a new training course and a re-cert course. We urge as many people from as many groups as possible to sign up for the course as we never know the time or the hour that your lifesaving skills with the defibrillator will be required. What with all the different events and festivals coming along the more people trained and recertified in the use of the defibrillator the better. To make booking for the new course or recertification please contact Martina O’Brien in the shop or phone .3321107
Sponsored Canoe
Junior Hannon is about to fulfil a burning ambition when he will undertake the mammoth canoe from Lanesboro to Limerick. He will take on this feat commencing on Friday 27th May. Junior is doing this canoe to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society and he would like that everyone would sponsor and help this excellent cause and who are doing great work in their attempts to help fight cancer. Sponsorship cards are in O’Brien’s and many outlets throughout the area.
Rathcline elect new committee
The following is the new executive elected to office on Wednesday night last at the Rathcline clubhouse in Clonbonny: Chairman; Pat Deasy, V-Chairman; Sean Kenny, Secretary; Caroline Ginty, Ass. Secretary; Diarmuid Farrell, Treasurer; Stephen Rooney, Ass. Treasurer; Albert Cooney, PRO group- Joe O’Brien, Caroline Ginty and Michael J. O’Reilly, Registrar; Peter Skelly and Denis Crinigan, Players Registrar; Brendan Rhatigan, Irish Officer; Brendan Keane, Children’s Officer; Bríd Gordon, County Board delegates; Louis Skelly, Seamus Flynn and Peter Skelly, insurance Officer; Cathal Chapman, Minor Board Liaison Officer; Tina Dowd, Ladies Club Liaison Officer; Madaleine Murray, Development Officer; Pat Deasy, Directors of Football; Denis Connerton, Ciaran Kenny and Seadna Ryan, Club Ground Maintenance; John L Farrell, Finance /Special funding projects; Alan Fayne and Pat Deasy, 50/50 Project Leader; Sarah Kearney, Players rep from Senior team; Kevin Chapman, Players rep from Ladies Senior team; to be announced.
Pike Angling Club
The annual membership for Lanesboro Pike Angling club is now due for 2016. Member ship is available from committee members; Chairman Louis Rhatigan, V. Chairman Gerry Mitten, Secretary Eithne Smyth, Ass Secretary Noel Rhatigan, PRO Aiden Farrell, Joint Treasurers Joe Farrell and Brian Tabiner, in the Yacht Bar and also in Adie’s Bar. The fees for the year are; Adult fishing €10, OAP’s, Juniors and non-fishing members €5.
There will be a special draw for a 40” Toshiba Smart television for non-fishing members. The draw will take place following the first competition of 2016 which is planned for April. Details of the competition will be announced at a later date.
The committee is looking forward to a good year fishing for everyone and they thank you in advance for your continued generous support.
Daffodil Day on Friday
A Coffee Morning supporting Daffodil Day will take place on Friday morning next 11th March in St. Mary’s parish hall from 11am to 1pm. Your full support will be greatly appreciated for this hugely worthwhile cause.
Celebrate the Rising
2016 is one of the most important years in our history as we celebrate the 100th year of the Irish Rising in Dublin. It is a very significant year and one we should all avail of the opportunity to celebrate. Over the next few weeks’ celebrations will be commencing and you, young and old, are encouraged to avail of this unique and once in a lifetime opportunity to be part of the celebration of our history. Over the Easter weekend there will be a particular concentration of commemorative events and you should not miss one of those magical occasions to be part of our very own history. Never miss this chance or you you will alsways look back in regret.
I do know that there will be a celebration in the area during the coming months but as of yet I do not have set dates and they will be communicated as soon as they become available.
For a full list of the events happening throughout the country you should go to www.ireland.ie for the full list of events.
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club
With pool sessions coming to an end attention turns to open water diving. First dive of the year has been changed from Donegal to Galway. Details at next lecture.
Practical and written tests start over the next two weeks so anyone who may have missed a lecture please contact Paula and she’ll arrange a lecturer for you.
Finning continues on Sundays.
The clubhouse clean up went well with a big turnout of help.
Don’t forget the postponed Christmas Day Swim is now pencilled in for St. Patrick’s Day. Sponsorship cards can be got off any club member. Monies go to St. Christopher’s so a big effort is asked for.
Congrats to Kevin on completion of the Search and Rescue Course in Athlone.
Election Coverage
During the run up to the election and most particularly the count there was a great and informed coverage from all the media outlets and most particularly our own.
I, on behalf of the local communities like to thanks Ciaran Mullooly and his RTÉ team, Paul Healy and his team from the Roscommon People, Joe Finnegan, Johnny Fallon, Mary Claire Greally and the Shannonside crew who had it all over in one day and night unlike the Longford Leader team, Sinead Hussey and her RTÉ crew and again the Shannonside team of Joe, Johnny and Ann Norris who had to endure the ‘Siege of Kenagh’. You all done a fabulous job and we are very lucky to have excellent local people representing us in both in local and national media keeping Longford and Roscommon in the limelight for all the right and good reasons. The comments, to me, over the past number of days highlights the esteem in which all the journalists and commentators named above are held within our communities.
Lough Ree Angling Hub
Table Quiz Thanks: The Lough Ree Lanesborough angling hub wish to thank everyone for supporting last Friday night’s Table Quiz for the Hub at the Lifebelt Bar in Ballyleague. Congrats to the winners on the night. Special thanks to our quiz master Eamonn Bolger, Tina and Eithne who co-ordinated the quiz and Mike Sorohan and staff for the hospitality. Thanks also to everyone who provided a spot prize.
This quiz was the second of FOUR taking place in the run up to the summer and the staging of 5 major fishing events here on Lough Ree in Lanesborough/Ballyleague in 2016.
The other 2 table quiz dates and venues are: Friday April 1st at 9.30pm: The Swan Tavern, Lanesborough Friday May 6th at 9.30pm, Clarkes Bar, Lanesborough
All funds raised will help us to promote and market the area at home and abroad in advance of these major events which are taking place in the area this year: June Bank Holiday weekend: June 3-6th: International Coarse Fishing Competition. July 2/3: Qualifying event No 1 for places on the Irish team to take part in World Predator Boat championships here in October. August 6/7: Qualifying event No 2 for places on the Irish team to take part in World Predator Boat championships here in October. September: All Ireland Boat Championship here on Lough Ree on a date to be confirmed. October 5-10: World Predator Boat Fishing Championships with 200 competitors from 15 countries coming here for 6 days and 5 nights. It is now expected that local angling clubs will also hold additional Pike competition events between June and September. October 7/8: Lakelands International Food & Craft Festival at the Marquee in Lanesborough Car park
2016 is a major year for the regeneration of angling tourism locally with new accommodation and boat hire now required
If you would like to take part please contact Hugh Keane at 087 1010032 or e mail : loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com follow us on www.loughree.ie and on Facebook
Please support us along the way – thank you for your help
Set Dancing Classes
Set Dancing Classes takes place in St Faithleach`s Clubhouse every Tuesday night at 8p.m. Nominal charge, pay as go. Everyone welcome, a good night guaranteed.
Sleep Out for Simon
The Sleep Out for Simon will take place in Connolly Barracks Longford on Good Friday night 25th March 2016
The Programme of Events are: registration at 9.00pm, Welcome Address at 10.30pm, Refreshments served. Sing Along Music 11.30-1.00am – (if you play, you are encouraged to bring along musical instruments)
Requirements on the night: Sleeping Bag, Pillow, Warm Clothes and a Hot Water Bottle
Sponsorship Cards and monies must be handed in at entrance on the night, only people with sponsorship cards will be admitted.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Junior League: First round of the league started with a comprehensive win for the home side. Result: St. Faithleach’s 2-10 Tulsk 0-06. Team: D. Thompson, P. Brennan, C. Gunn, J. Sweeney, D. McCormack, D. Gibbons, B. Scally (0-1), J. Quigley, G. McGrath, A. Kenny (0-5) S. Walsh, S. Phillips (1-0), J. Kelly (0-1), E. Kenny (0-1), B. Hussey. Subs: J. Hanly (1-1), D. Foley (0-1), J. Farrell, P. Kenny.
U16 Boys League D2: Result: Padraig Pearses 2-9 St Faithleach’s 0-4. Team: M. O’ Donnell, M. Silva, C. Reynolds, D. Kilcoyne, C. Smyth, J. Browne, M. Dunne, I. Trautt, R. Trimble, C. O’Brien, L. Ormsby, R. Banahan, N. Mc Govern, K. Trautt, C. Rohan. Subs: D. Mc Dermott, K. Gallagher, T.J. O’Neill.
U16 Girls Championship D1: The girls kicked off their championship with a win on Sunday. Result: St. Faithleach’s 4-5 Boyle 4-4. Team: C. Curley, K. Byrne, M. Kelly, K. McPhillips, S. Hoare, M. Hickey, J. Banahan, J. Brennan, S. Scally, E. Irwin, H. Barry. Sub C. Hussey. Next game against Shannon Gaels in Ballyleague on Sunday 13th.
Club Planning and Development Workshop: Takes place on Saturday 19th in the clubhouse at 7:30pm. Your voice and opinions are important to the club and all players, members of the community are urged to attend.
Lotto: Draw takes place on Tuesday 8th March. The jackpot stands at €12,000. Next team in charge are Mary Kenny, Padraig Kenny, and Gerry Donlon. Envelopes are available in the clubhouse and all local retailers at €2.
Cards: Last week’s winners Bill/ Kevin, runners up Peggy/Barney, last game Padraig/Gerry. Cards take place Tuesday night in the Clubhouse at 8:30pm.
Rathcline GAA
Defibrillator course – Something that has made us all become conscious in the club following the recent incident with Leitrim U21 player Alan McTague is the value and the ability to use the defibrillator. Training will commence soon and the club urges members from the senior and minor clubs as a matter of urgency to sign up for the new training course and also for the new course and also those that need recertification to sign up. Booking your place for either course can be done with Martina O’Brien at the shop 3321107. Please do so immediately as this is a much needed safety requirement for the club
The senior football campaign begins for our Reserve League team on Saturday next when the lads travel for the first time this season to play St. Patrick’s Ardagh/Moydow in Keenan Park Ardagh at 5pm. Every player eligible for Reserve League is asked to be in the dressing room in Ardagh no later than 4.15pm. Please come along and support.
Membership is immediately due from all players and also from intending members. We have a narrow deadline for collection and everyone should make their membership to Peter Skelly, Denis Crinigan or Brendan Rhatigan immediately
Reconvened AGM – The club held its reconvened AGM in their clubhouse on Wednesday last before a large attendance. The meeting was chaired by the four members of the trustee; Peter Skelly, Dessie Mc Dermot, Adie Farrell and Joe O’Brien. The following is the appointed committee trusted with the running of the club for the coming year: Chairman; Pat Deasy, V-Chairman; Sean Kenny, Secretary; Caroline Ginty, Ass. Secretary; Diarmuid Farrell, Treasurer; Stephen Rooney, Ass. Treasurer; Albert Cooney, PRO group- Joe O’Brien, Caroline Ginty and Michael J. O’Reilly, Registrar; Peter Skelly and Denis Crinigan, Players Registrar; Brendan Rhatigan, Irish Officer; Brendan Keane, Children’s Officer; Bríd Gordon, County Board delegates; Louis Skelly, Seamus Flynn and Peter Skelly, insurance Officer; Cathal Chapman, Minor Board Liaison Officer; Tina Dowd, Ladies Club Liaison Officer; Madaleine Murray, Development Officer; Pat Deasy, Directors of Football; Denis Connerton, Ciaran Kenny and Seadna Ryan, Club Ground Maintenance; John L Farrell, Finance /Special funding projects; Alan Fayne and Pat Deasy, 50/50 Project Leader; Sarah Kearney, Players rep from Senior team; Kevin Chapman, Players rep from Ladies Senior team; to be announced.
The Under team has played three games in the Leinster League, winning two against Tullamore and Mullingar shamrocks and unluckily going down to St. Vincent’s/St. Francis.
Our U14 Division 3 game scheduled for Sunday was postponed. Our Special Minor squad opened their campaign on a losing note against St. Patrick’s Óg/Moydow on Sunday morning.
On the fixtures front our U14 Div. 1 team will play St. Patrick’s Ardagh in Dunbeggan on Saturday at 3pm. Our U14 Div. 3 team will travel on Saturday to play Southern Gaels in Cashel at 3pm.
50/50 Draw – Congratulations to E & M Mc Weeney, Curraghroe, who was the winner of €400 in our 50/50 draw last Monday night. Congratulations Eileen and Mary, they say luck comes in threes and as this is your second win in local draws in recent weeks perhaps it is time to do the Lottery. A reminder that the 50/50 draw takes place every Monday night at 9pm and envelopes are available in all local businesses for only €2. This draw is one of our main sources of income which helps run the club so we would be grateful for your generous support.
DVDs of Variety Show – DVDs of our recent variety show are available now in O’Brien’s for €10. We had great feedback about the show from so many who attended on the night so if you want to see the show again or for the first time now’s your chance to get your hands on the DVD.