Lanesboro Ballyleague
Caroline set for Rose of Tralee
Google maps tells us that it is 256 Km from Lanesboro to Tralee and that it takes 3hrs and 22min to make the drive. That is the route Caroline Doyle, Church View will be taking as the Longford Rose 2016. Caroline, daughter of Miriam and Gerry Doyle Church View on Saturday night last in the Longford Arms was elected to represent Longford in this year’s Rose of Tralee pageant from Wednesday 17th to Tuesday 23rd August. This is a most fabulous occasion for Caroline and her family and also for us a community. Caroline was sponsored by our local Supervalu and I am sure Bernard Keane and his staff are basking in the glory of Caroline’s achievement.
Caroline is a secondary school teacher and teaches with the Longford Westmeath Education and Training Board (formerly VEC) in Mullingar.
Caroline has big feet to follow as her predecessor Daphne Howard was a wonderful representative for the county. I have absolutely no doubt but Caroline as our ambassador will further enhance herself, our town and county as she bids to be the first Longford Rose of Tralee.
We share greatly in her excitement and we know she is a more than capable lady and we will give her huge support as she makes her way to Tralee.
Boots and Bling
A great way to get the Bank Holiday weekend off to a flying start is to go along to St. Faithleach’s clubhouse for what should be a fabulous night of dancing and having the craic.
The hugely popular Evan O’Donnell will supply his own unique style of Irish music and there is no doubt but the floor will not be empty all night long. Admission is €5 and go along and have a fabulous night. As the advertisement says ‘Arrive and Jive’ and have a great night in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse.
Monster events about Commence
Are you ready for the excitement that is about to be unleashed in our community? Furthermore, are you part of it? Do you want to be part of it? No offer of support or help will ever be turned down as we are a group representing you and our community. We are looking to enhance everything that is great about ourselves as there are so many hugely talented people and groups within our community and they deserve that their efforts should be highlighted in every way and to a much wider audience.
So many people are offering so much to the Lough Ree Monster Group whether it is offers of help and ideas, offers of a play which Cashel man John Kenny has just done and he is just competing the writing of, offers of a local photography exhibition of old local photographs of people and places in the locality. We are getting more and more offers of ideas to be explored. Thankfully we have over 14 months to put all the suggestions and offer in place. The sponsorship for the Greyhound night is marvellous and we would like to thank everyone that has contributed so far – keep your sponsorship coming as we need the funds to build the Monster.
Yoga Classes
Float into the summer! Yoga classes are continuing in Lanesboro’s Parish Hall every Thursday commencing at 7.45pm. Yoga classes will be in the upstairs room. For further details, contact Lesley 087-6507871
Give it a great send off
As we approach the end of the Whist playing season the Lanesboro Social Services committee will host one of their last games for the current season. As you know the Lanesboro Social Services committee depend greatly on this monthly Whist Drive and your support. If you have not been there for a while why not come along and give the committee a great send off into the summer season in Lanesboro Parish Hall on this Friday night 3rd June at 8.30pm.
Wedding
The marriage took place in St. Brigid’s Church, Ardagh of Carolyn Kyne, daughter of Johnny and Kathleen Kyne, Rathcline and James Fitzpatrick, son of James and Christina Fitzpatrick, Belturbet, Co. Cavan. The bridesmaids were Ashelyn and Elizabeth Kyne, both nieces of the bride. Best man was Sean Fitzpatrick brother of the groom and groomsman was Pauric Fitzpatrick, brother of the groom. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. James Gavigan, Our Lady of Peace, Merrion Road, Dublin assisted by Fr. Michael Reilly, Lanesboro, Fr. Gerard Alwill, Drumkeeran, Fr. John Mc Tiernan, Belturbet and Fr. Pat Lennon, Ardagh. The wedding reception took place in Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill. We would like to wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Rathcline’s Annual Race Day
A few years ago it was decided to organise a Race Day fundraiser for the Rathcline club at the famous Galway races. A lot of hard work went into organising the day and it really payed off for the hard working committee. It has continued each year and has become more and more popular.
Monday 25th July is the date that the race Day will take place this year. It is an evening meeting on the opening day of the Galway Races.
For the cost of €110 this evening out represents tremendous value. For your money you receive free admission as well as a race card, free parking, area located in the new Killanin stand overlooking the finishing line with spectacular views, Tipsters in the Pavilion, tote facilities, a beautiful 4 course meal, €5 drink voucher, Best dressed Lady competition and after meal entertainment.
It is a marvellous occasion to be at this club function and people travel from far and wide to join with the club on the day. The club would like to thanks Bernard Kane Supervalu, Lanesboro for once again sponsoring this very special club occasion.
As tables are limited it is very important that you book your seats as early as possible. To book your table you should contact Caroline Ginty 087-6224810, Stephen Rooney086-3176301 or Mickie Farrell 086-8509820
Art Display in the Sister Restaurant
Brushstrokes Art Group and the Sisters Bistro are delighted to be collaborating in hosting an art exhibition over the June bank holiday weekend. Brushstrokes will display original art work in the Bistro from Thursday 2nd June to Monday 6th June. All artwork will be on sale. Please support both Brushstrokes and Sisters Bistro by dropping in, relax and enjoy the ambience with a delicious cup of coffee or lunch and the display of lovely artwork”. There are some very special local artists displaying and it will be really worth a visit.
Mens Club
The monthly Mens Club get together takes place this Thursday 2nd June in Lanesboro Parish Hall from 12 noon. All men in the locality are invited to come along for the hour or so and enjoy the interaction.
Lanesboro Tidy Towns Preparations
Preparations for the adjudication are continuing with great haste throughout Lanesboro as it is only a few weeks to adjudication time. The committee are very appreciative of the help and support they get every year with people putting a window box, hanging baskets, painting a front wall or gate, sweeping a pathway, picking litter and all the other little chores that people do in an effort to making their area and the entire area clean and presentable. Your support has given Lanesboro a great boost in the points and it is hoped that you will continue your great work and help the committee reach the ultimate prize.
Death
We would like to acknowledge the death of Bernard Dowd in Reading England who passed away on Monday 23rd June. Bernard was formerly of Fortwilliam. Bernard is survived by his brother Michael, Ballymoe, Co. Galway and his sister Sheila Walsh Longford to whom we extend our deepest sympathy.
Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club
Ten divers took to the water last week to recover equipment left in the Shannon after the removal of a vehicle last Christmas. This was an excellent training exercise.
Training continues on Thursday. It’s great to see good numbers attending – keep up the good work. Good luck to the ladies running in the 10k mini marathon next weekend.
The last of the hi viz jackets are available for collection.
Launch Night
Come along to the official launch of the Lough Ree Monster Festival 2017 this Wednesday 1st June. The evening will commence with the Blessing of Boats in the bay are from the harbour area below the Duck Pond at 7pm followed by the official launch of the Festival in Clarke’s Bar at 9pm. We would love to have great local support for the launch and we welcome everyone to come along.
Tax Relief Scheme
People who are eligible for the Tax Relief Scheme and who have not yet joined are encouraged to do so. Forms will be left in the church porch.
Sympathy
We would like to extend their sincere sympathy to Bernadette and Greg Gillen, The Green and their family on the death of Bernadette’s sister Lily O’Brien, Cranky Road, Newry, Co. Down.
50/50
The lucky winner of the weekly Rathcline GAA draw on Monday last were Kevin and Conor Gallogly, Cloone, Co. Leitrim. Kevin and Conor are sons of Marie, formerly Hanley and grandsons of Mike and Eileen Hanley.
Come with us to the Dogs
Our local community is well known for greatly supporting the Night at the Dogs when organised by different groups in the Lanesboro/Ballyleague area. We are again asking you to support the Monster Greyhound Night at Longford Greyhound Track on Friday 17th June and to encourage all your family and friends to go on the night.
Please make sure you buy your ticket before you set off for the dogs that is the only way you can help the group by purchasing your €10 ticket you are ensuring yourself of a wonderful night out and even if you do not go you are making your contribution to the Festival. Let’s make it the best night ever at the dogs and support your very own Monster Festival. Tickets are available locally or from O’Brien’s.
Buster tickets
If you cannot make it home to the Monster Greyhound Night, then you can contribute by buying our ‘Buster tickets’
Buster Tickets cost only €2 each and you can buy tickets, €10 or €20 or greater denominations by forwarding your money to Teresa Ormsby, Chairperson, c/o Clarke’s Bar, Joe O’Brien, Secretary, Corner Shop or James Flaherty, Treasurer, Lehery, Lanesboro. For your contribution you may be the lucky winner of the 1st prize of €400. The ‘Buster’ is a ticket with all combinations of the finishing order of a selected race on the night and it may be you that will be winning the €400 prize.
Honda 50 Run
The sight of the Honda 50 runs taking place during the summer months brings you back in time and all the fun that we had on the old Honda 50. Lanesboro has its own Honda 50 Run and this year it will take place on Sunday 12th June. Registration will take place in Lanesboro Parish Hall from 10.30am to 12.15pm. The trip is a 50-mile trip around Lough Ree. There is a no helmet no run policy. Refreshments will be available in the Parish Hall before and after the run. Contact Jimmy Clancy 087-2289468.
There is a draw organised in conjunction with the run and the winning names will be drawn following the run. Tickets, priced €2, are on sale locally and your support will be appreciated.
The prizes are 1st 28bales of Briquettes sponsored by Bord na Mona, 2nd Voucher for PS Red, 3rd Voucher for Keenan’s, 4th €50 voucher for Byrne’s Filling Station, Battery Road, Longford, 5th Bottle of Brandy, and 6th 2 bottles Whiskey.
The run and draw is in aid of Longford Multiple Sclerosis MS.
Monster Céilí on Sunday
The Lough Ree Monster Group will host a Monster Céilí on Sunday next 5th June in Lanesboro Parish Hall. Dancing to the hugely popular and local céilí band Rise the Dust will be from 4pm to 7pm. Lanesboro is recognised as having one of the best dance floors around and we welcome everyone that has not yet had the pleasure to dance on one of the best dancing floors around.
Death
There was great sorrow and sadness in the local community when it was learned of the death at Roscommon County Hospital on Sunday 15th May of Carmel O’Connor, Tuam, Kilrooskey. Carmel in recent times had been in failing health. She had been predeceased by her son Jason. Her cross was borne with a great strength and dignity as typified the lady. Carmel for many years worked in the canteen at Lanesboro Power station where was a very popular member of staff. My memory of Carmel takes me to a lady that was friendly and always had a good word to say about others. She was a hardworking and determined lady that always wanted the best for herself, her family and those around her. She was a great family lady and she was very proud of her children’s achievements. Carmel built a huge friend base as was clearly seen at the reposing of her remains at on Monday at Smyth’s Funeral Home, the arrival of her remains to St. Mary’s Church Ballagh and again on Tuesday at her Funeral Mass and burial in Kilgefin cemetery. Carmel will be sadly missed by us all but none more so than her husband Gerry, sons Sacha, Steve and Gerard, daughters Ann-Marie, Vanessa and Carly, brothers, sisters, relatives and many friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy
Mini Marathon Bus Schedule
The Women’s Mini Marathon will take place on Monday next 6th June. The bus times for pick up are as follows, Derryhaun 9am, Ballymahon 9.15am and from St. Joseph’s Longford where the bus will leave at 9.40am at the very latest.
Ballyleague Tidy Towns
The committee is taking this opportunity to ask all dog owners to observe the law when it comes to cleaning up after their dog while using the new riverside park and promenade in Ballyleague. This regulation will be enforced by the dog warden in the riverside park and promenade area down at the Shannon where dog owners are reminded that a dog that is not on a lead may be retained by the warden. The national tidy towns judges will be here shortly after June 4th so we appeal to all residents to play their part by tidying up along the public road near their home, giving a lick of paint to a front wall if necessary and introducing flowers and hedge trimming where it is needed. Our thanks to everyone for playing their part. Clean up this week on Wednesday at 7pm and Saturday at 10.30am.
Fishing Competition this weekend
This weekend the Lough Ree Angling hub will host up to 40 more anglers (and their families) from all over UK and Ireland for the 2nd annual International Coarse Fishing competition – sponsored by Bord na Mona. This event, with a prize fund of €3000, is really bringing back great memories of the great fishing events of the 70’s and 80’s and is a credit to the angling hub members who organised it and promoted it. Last Sunday, as part of the warm up, seven anglers took part in the first ‘match’ at Kilnacarrow bridge for nearly 20 years. New gates and facilities have now been put in there too. This was a great flash back to the 80s when anglers from all over the world fished the hot water stretch and Kilnacarrow. The hub knows it has a long way to but a great start has been made. The hub wish to thank the Murtagh and Horohoe families for their co-operation in re-establishing the Kilnacarrow area as a top fishing venue. Next weekend the anglers will all be here again. The new B & B in the Convent is booked out with anglers and the pubs will have the accents of the world loud and clear again. Well done to festival director Philip Gordon and his team. In 1 short year your work has been outstanding and a credit to the town. Onwards and upwards.