Lanesboro Ballyleague
Lanesboro Triathlon Club Aquathon:
Lanesboro Triathlon Club are holding the “Two Provinces Aquathon” (a swim followed by a run) on Wednesday 22nd June at 7:30pm, with the swim starting next to the duck pond and the run taking place on Rathcline Road.
There will be some disruption on the Rathcline Road from the entrance to the quarry next to Kelly’s house on to Harold’s Cross between 7:30m-8:30pm due to the run part of the race.
The area of Rathcline Road affect will be marshalled by An Garda with assistance from the triathlon club members and other volunteers.
We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by this event and would like to invite you to come and cheer on the athletes either on Rathcline Road or in the vicinity of the town’s car park.
You are also invited to join us at our prize giving and social event to be held immediately after the event in the Co-op Hall.
We will also be holding the “Two Provinces Triathlon (a swim, followed by a cycle, followed by a run) on the 16th July. A future announcement will be made closer to that event.
Friday Night a Night for Greyhounds
Next Friday night 17th we encourage the entire communities of Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Cashel and all surrounding parishes to come along and join us at the Lough Ree Monster Night at the Dogs at 8pm at Longford Greyhound Track.
So far we have group members from Lanesboro, Ballyleague and Cashel preparing for a Monster Festival on the banks of the Shannon. We encourage others to join us and have a great time in preparing for what will be a magical festival.
The night at the dogs will help secure many top acts for the weekend and also the building of the Lough Ree Monster and your support will help us greatly.
Tickets are on sale in O’Brien’s and from local shops and pubs and Michael Greene. Please play your part in making this a very special occasion.
Environment Awareness Day
A great opportunity for anyone interested in the environment. On the 27th August with Bord na Mona and local community groups we will be holding an environmental awareness event in Corlea, Co Longford. This community event is for everyone with an interest in the environment around us. The event will focus on recording all biodiversity (birds, mammals, plants, mosses and invertebrates) in Corlea and will focus on habitats such as cutaway bog, intact raised bog and scrub.
During the day events such as a bird talk, bat walk, moth trapping along with general biodiversity walks will be organised. All events will be free of charge and will be available to everyone, young and old. A timetable of events will be available soon.
If you or your group would be interested in helping run one of the events on the day, please let me know and we can work together on a schedule of events. This is a great opportunity for everyone to work together and celebrate our local biodiversity. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who may be interested. Contact David Fallon: David.Fallon@bnm.ie phone; 087 9711658 or 057 9345993
Pike Angling Club
On Sunday 19th June Lanesboro Pike Angling club will be holding a boat pike fishing competition on Lough Ree. The boats will launch from Lanesboro Harbour below the car park. Fishing will be from 11am to 5pm. The entry fee will be €25 per boat and entries will be taken from 10.30am with a maximum of 4 rods per boat and 2 rods per person.
There will be a 100% pay out with one prize per boat. There will be a prize for the smallest fish and the usual prizes for non-fishing club members.
The presentation of prizes will take place in the Yacht Bar.
The club are also planning an U16 competition on the ‘Hot water stretch’ on Saturday 25th June from 11am. Full details next week.
Horse Racing at the legendary Galway races
With the famous Galway Races only a matter of a few weeks away it is time to start preparing for the Rathcline club’s Annual Day at the races. The package for the day at the races is marvellous and it is a fabulous way to entertain family and friends. It is a great opportunity to avail of the summer weather and to dress up for the occasion.
Rathcline will go racing on the opening day of the famous Galway Races, Monday 25th July with the first race commencing in and around 5pm.
The Galway Races brings a great excitement and the club offers you the opportunity to be part of that excitement in the company of locals.
All in all, this is a very special day out all for the cost of €110 and for your money you will receive free admission as well as a race card, free parking, a seating and viewing area located in the new Killanin stand overlooking the finishing line with spectacular views, there will be tipsters in the Pavilion, tote facilities, a beautiful 4 course meal, €5 drink voucher, there will be an opportunity to be declared the Best Dressed Lady and there will be after meal entertainment.
The club appreciates the continued support of 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.
Frustration
Last week I wrote of a fabulous weekend in our community and how many people were here and how well the community looked. Unfortunately, everything was not rosy and it is something that every now and again raises its head and undoes a lot of the marvellous work being done.
What I am referring to is the litter bins in the town fill over the weekend and they are not constantly emptied and the overflow creates eyesores where all this happens. We also have the problem of people putting their household waste into the litter bins and filling them to such an extent that nobody else can use them. What happened on Monday really put the tin hat on littering when someone emptied the contents of their rubbish in the car park. This is totally unacceptable for the rest us but evidently not for the person or persons that did this. It thoroughly defeats the great work of the Tidy Towns committees and become more than a frustration for them. It makes you wonder what is with people that cannot use the bottle bank not two yards away or spend €6.50 for a recycling tag and have it collected on a Tuesday morning.
Fibre comes to the Community
Recently the Broadband in the community has been upgraded to fibre with huge download and upload speeds. This is a huge boost for our community and gives us the opportunity to attract people that need this kind of capacity for their personal and business use.
Representing their County
On Sunday last Amy Casey, a student at Ballyleague NS and daughter of John and Martina Casey, Wakefield proudly and excellently represented Roscommon at the half time in the Cuman na mBunscol half time game of the Connaught semi-final between Roscommon and Sligo.
In Fitzgerald stadium in Killarney on Sunday last in the Munster semi-final between Kerry and Clare there was also a local connection in the form of one Anna Bannon who represented her native county Clare. Anna is granddaughter of former local resident Joe Bannon, Main Street and his wife Chris who reside in Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Church Gate Collection
Lanesboro Tidy Towns committee will hold their church gate collection at all Masses next weekend. Your support will be appreciated.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Anne and Paddy Fayne and family, Aughakeel, on the death of Anne’s sister Carmel O’Kane, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare recently.
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.
50/50
The winner of the 50/50 draw the took place in Clarke’s Bar on Monday night last was Johnny Smyth, Weekfield. The club thanks you for your support and encourages everyone to support the draw weekly. The blue 50/50 envelopes are on sale locally throughout the town for only €2.
Wedding
The marriage took place in the Church of the Assumption, Moynalty, Co. Meath of Craig O’Reilly, son of Ann O’Reilly, The Green and Stephanie Smith, daughter of Paddy and Martina Smith, Moynalty, Kells, Co. Meath. Bestman was Michael J. O’Reilly, brother of the groom. Groomsmen were garth O’Reilly cousin of the groom, Brian Duffy, cousin of the groom and Dylan Smith, brother of the bride. The Chief Bridesmaid was Tracy Smith, sister of the bride, Nicola Holmes, sister of the bride, Kelly Smith cousin of the bride and Deniese Holmes niece of the bride. Flower girls were Chloe Holmes and Emily Smith nieces of the bride. The chief celebrant was Fr. Joe Mc Evoy and the wedding reception was held in the Old Darnley Lodge, Athboy, Co. Meath.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Viking Fleet Challenge
A fleet of Viking longships will travel from Upper Lough Erne in Co. Fermanagh to Athlone. It will stop off in Lanesboro on Thursday 7th July. You are invited to meet the Vikings at their encampment from 5pm to 9pm that evening.
Get up close and personal with the Vikings and their longships, help stitch their amazing tapestry and listen to the gruesome tales of old. Join the Vikings for what should be a very interesting time in Lanesboro.
Further Education Courses
Longford College of Further Education is providing courses in its new campus in the old army barracks in the Centre of Longford Town. It is a PLC provider of Longford and Westmeath ETB with all awards accredited by the QQI national framework of qualifications. Courses have links for progression to third level institutions where relevant. Enrolment is now open for QQI level 5 and 6 courses beginning September 2016. New courses include Level 5 Tourism with Business, Level 5 Film and TV Production and Level 6 Software Development. Other courses available include Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Business, Multimedia, Childcare, Healthcare, Nursing and Motor Technology. Please see www.longfordcfe.com for further information. To enrol, simply click on “enrol” on the homepage and follow instructions.
Community Games
The Longford Community Games County Athletics finals were held in Ballymahon on Sunday 5th June and Lanesboro was represented by the following children:
Emma and Saoirse Feeney, Rian, Ella, Daniel and Lily Hogan, Sarah Healy, Rian Shanley, Cormac, Kieran and Sean O’Dowd, Ruairi Carling, Orla Lyons, Duileach Ryan, Orla Keane, Aisling Farrell, Roisin Farrell, Liam Ross, Lauren Curran, Aoife Kennelly, Cronan and Caoilinn Flood, Fionn Crossan, Aoife Nolan, Aaron Kenny, Victoria Jedrych, Victoria Kajanova, Joshua Crawford, Ivan Johnston, Jane Dowd, Conor Sorohan, Lucy Ann, Josie and Polly Myhill, Kristof Molamar and Shane Gavigan. A great day was had by all and everybody tried their hardest to win the elusive medals amidst stiff competition from all areas. Lanesboro came away with a number of medals with great success in the field events. Victoria Jedrych came 1st in the Under 12 ball throw and Victoria Kajanova in the long jump. Huge congratulations to the two Victoria’s who will represent Longford in the National finals in August in Athlone. There were silver medals for Roisin Brennan and Conor Sorohan in the shot putt and a bronze for Jane Dowd in the long puck. Ivan Johnston and Joshua Crawford just missed out on medals coming 4th in long jump and ball throw respectively. Also representing the county in Athlone will be Aoife Nolan who came 1st in the U 14 hurdles. Aoife Kennelly ran a great race to get silver in the U12 600 m. Relay results are not available at this time.
Thank you to all of the parents who took time out of their bank holiday weekend to attend and support the games and to the children who had great patience waiting for their events to be called. A special thanks to Margaret Mullooly for joining the committee this year and lending her expertise to ensure that we could continue our participation from Lanesboro and to Susan Keane and Fabian Walsh from Lough Ree Athletic Club for helping out on the day and for the training sessions in advance of the day. Your support is much appreciated.
10K/5K Run
On Sunday next 19th June in Kenagh there is a 10K/5K Run/Walk taking place. The race/walk will commence at 12 noon from St. Dominick’s Community Centre. All runners will be chip timed. The cost of entry is €15 for adults and €7.50 for Under 18’s. This run/walk is in support of Kenagh GAA club.
Rathcline Ladies
The summer league for the U12 players commenced on Monday and we look forward to the girls having a great run in the competition.
The U14 players have been going great in recent weeks winning recording five victories from their five outings. The will play away on Thursday evening where a victory will secure their semi-final position.
The senior ladies are training away in preparation for their championship under the guidance of Brendan O’Sullivan and Steve Peters. Training is going very well and the ladies are looking to an excellent championship campaign.
The club would like to thank everyone for contributing to their clothes bank in the car park. This service is going very well due to your support and it is a vital funding source for the club.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Bridie, Pat and Patrick Connally, Gurteengar on the death last weekend of Mrs Máiréad Mc Donald, Belturbet, Co. Cavan sister of Bridie Connally.
World Championships
Congratulations and the very best of luck to Eabha Kenny, daughter of Tommy and Deirdre Kenny, Cloontuskert, Keisha Carty daughter of Sean and Hilda Carty, Cloontuskert and Elizabeth Clyne, daughter of Francis and Eithne Clyne, Corrigeen who represent the local Lanesboro Karate in the World Championships that this year will take place in City West Hotel on Friday next. The girls represent their instructor Kevin Mc Kenna
International Fishing Winner
Andy Burnett – a West Yorkshire man who came to Ireland to fish – was the worthy winner of this year’s Lough Ree Angling Hub International competition with a mighty bag of fish over three days of competition in Lanesborough and Strokestown.
Andy netted some 33kg of coarse fish – which was exceptional in very warm weather conditions on the June bank Holiday weekend and the festival director Philip Gordon was widely praised by all the visiting anglers (who know their fishing) for running another highly successful event – sponsored this year by Bord na Mona.
This competition is doing great work for the reputation of Lanesborough as a famous fishing location. Peter Gilbert, a vastly experienced angler from Swindon UK who first came to fish in Lanesborough in a competition organised by the late great Bill Brennan from the Green in 1978, was one of those who took part this year. Peter has not been here in Lanesborough in recent years but saw the ad the Lough Ree Angling hub put in the Angling Times, rang a friend and decided they would both come back to our town – all these years later to give it a try again. Peter Gilbert is solid proof that the 5-year plan for the rehabilitation of angling here is already working. Like many of the anglers who took part, he has already assured the organisers he will be back next year. A lot of people said this was not possible – that the angling was so poor the hub would never revive it yet there was the welcome sight of a man from West Yorkshire below at a peg on the hot water stretch with 23 kilos of fish on the Saturday of the bank holiday weekend – twice as good a day’s fishing as any other competition in this region this year! The road back to full rehabilitation will not be easy. Of course it’s going to be a slow process and lessons have to be learned but already we have new B&Bs up and running, a boat hire business, a water sports shop about to open and 3 very good new food outlets in town so things are changing and credit must be given to Philip Gordon, Alan Farrell, Hugh Keane, Liam Sweeney, Ciaran Mullooly, Gerald Farrell and all the others involved who are trying to return the angling tourism sector to its former glory . The angling hub is now preparing to stage the world championship Predator boat event in October. What a great event to look forward to. Onwards and upwards.
Lough Ree Sub Aqua
Last Sunday week saw a crew of divers hit for Ballycastle in Co. Mayo for two excellent dives – one around The Stack and the second under the Céide Fields. Conditions and visibility could not have been better. Michéal even had time to coach our youngest member in some boat skills. He also gave a demonstration on the correct and incorrect ways to hand up weight belts. Obviously though not everyone was listening!!!!
Training continues on Thursday evenings. Diving on a search line was practised last week and Frank was well pleased with the progress.
After training last week, we were called out to assist a fisherman whose boat had developed mechanical difficulties. He and his boat were brought back to safety.
Congrats to Martha Thompson, Una Clarke, Paula Carberry, Deirdre Farrell and Joan Flannery who ran the Dublin Mini Marathon under the Sub Aqua banner. Many thanks from the club girls, your efforts are greatly appreciated
Food Festival
With over 200 people from 15 countries coming to Lanesborough and Ballyleague in October a food festival will be staged in a marquee behind St Mary’s Hall at the bridge. ‘Taste of the Lakelands’ will feature the very best of local food produce and live cooking displays by top chefs such as Kevin Dundon and our own Kiernan Glennon on Friday October 7th and Saturday 8th October. If you’re a local food producer of any type and would like to take part, please ring Liam Sweeney at 085 1698032 or the Lough Ree Angling Hub office at 04333 21734
In advance of the food festival a one-day special food and craft market will be staged in Ballyleague on Sunday 24th from 10am to 4pm when 200 people will be in the marina taking part in the 2016 Shannon boat rally. To place a stall call Liam at 085 1698032 please before June 20th or e mail: loughreeanglinghub@gmail.com
Rathcline GAA
The club urges support from all its players, their families and all club supporters to the Lough Ree Monster Night at the Dogs on Friday night next 17th June at Longford Greyhound Track at 8pm. Please buy your ticket before to leave town.
If you are away, you can still join the 50/50 by subscribing €100. When we enter you in the first draw we will notify you of the commencement of your 52 weeks. We look forward to your contribution and entry to 50/50.
You can still become a member of Rathcline GAA. For just €20 you can become a member of the club which will be an acknowledgement of support for your club.
On Friday evening last we played Dromard in the leader Cup in Clonbonny. Unfortunately, there was a small crowd there to see a great open game of football. Nobody got too far ahead and when it looked as if it might happen each team was pegged back. It was a very entertaining game and one that our young team dug deep to hold onto Dromard and dug deeper to go ahead and with a few minutes remaining looked like winning but in the end the game finished in a draw.
This was a tremendous performance by the team and one that proves that the talent is in the team and that things are coming together for the championship. Dromard is one of the most respected teams in the county noted for playing hard and fair and it was great to see our gutsy team standing shoulder and showing the depth of their courage in playing for each other.
We look forward to the coming weeks with a great relish and confidence.
Have you considered joining us at the Galway Races this year? Monday 25th July is the day that the club has booked for their Annual Race Day. Each year the club has had a waiting list for seats at the day and to avoid being on the waiting list and disappointment you are advised to book your seats early.
This is the ideal way to have a party and have your friends enjoy a fabulous day at the famous Galway Races.
For €110 you will receive have the benefits of free admission and a free race card, free parking, a seating and viewing area located in the new Killanin stand overlooking the finishing line with spectacular views, there will be tipsters in the Pavilion, tote facilities, a beautiful 4 course meal, €5 drink voucher, there will be an opportunity to be declared the Best Dressed Lady and there will be after meal entertainment.
For bookings you are asked to contact club secretary Caroline Ginty 087-6224810, Stephen Rooney086-3176301 or Mickie Farrell 086-8509820
50/50 – The 50/50 draw took place in Clarke’s Bar on Monday night last and the lucky winner was Johnny Smyth, Weekfield. Johnny was the recipient of €379.
It can be your turn next when you buy a blue 50/50 envelope in any local shop or bar for only €2.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior: The seniors play Michael Glavey’s on Strokestown on Saturday 18th at 7:30pm.
U12 Boys D3 Shield Final Winners: The boys played St. Croan’s on Saturday afternoon last in the Division Three Shield Final. Result St. Faithleach’s 6-8 St Croan’s 1-5. Team: Raymond Glennon, Sean Kelly, Shane Cox, Eoin Kelly, Ryan Byrne(capt), Conor Betts, Tom Ryan, Conor Gannon, Mickey O’Brien, Lee Kilcoyne, Jason O’Connor, Eoin Murray, Francis Dunne, Jack McGloin, Fergal Reynolds, Evan Farrell, Adam Parker, Bryan Mullooly, Darragh Walsh, Conor Ryan. The team would like to thank everyone who supported them throughout the league and a special word if thanks to the management team of Mick O’Brien and John Gannon.
U14 Girls D3: The girls were defeated by Roscommon Gaels on Wednesday evening. Team M. Banahan, R. Donlon, N. Flynn, L. Costello, H. Barry, O. Irwin, C. Hussey, M. Hickey, L. Parker, S. Hickey, J. Gibbons, A. Parker, L. O’ Donnell, A. Trimble, C. Carroll, K. Rohan.
U12 Girls: The girl won against Kilglass Gaels. Result: St. Faithleach’s 2-3 Kilglass 1-1. Team K. Ryan, M. Maher, A. Donohue, K. Rohan, K. Lackey, V. Jedrych, O. Cox, K. Murray, L. Malone, L. Gibbons, M. Banahan.
Congratulations: To our club member Amy Casey from Ballyleague National School who represented Roscommon on Sunday in Dr. Hyde Park in the Cumann na mBunscol exhibition game.
Fit Kid Camp Registration Night: The last Fit Kid Camp Registration Night takes place on Thursday from 7:30/8:30pm in the Clubhouse. Please note that places are very limited.
Best of luck: To our club member and U16 player Ciaran Neil-Smyth and his family as they head back to Australia after a year with the club. We wish you all the best and hope you enjoyed your time here with us.
Fundraiser: This year’s club fundraiser is happening on July 9th with an epic “Lip Sync Battle” taking place on club grounds. A host of people from all across the community are battling it out to win the coveted title and entertain us all. Rehearsals are ongoing and there are definitely a few surprises in store!! July 10th sees the very popular Declan Nerney play, which is sure to have people dancing and singing the evening away. Tickets for both evening’s entertainments will be available from committee members and local retailers. All details are available on our Facebook and Twitter pages over the next few weeks.
Cards: Take place every Tuesday evening at 9pm in the clubhouse. Last week’s winners Gemma and Freda, second Michael Finan and Michael Rogers, last game Sonny and Eugene.
Congratulations: Congratulations to the Roscommon team and management on their win over Sligo and booking their place in the Connacht Final on 10th July.
Lough Ree Monster Festival Night at the Races: Takes place on Friday 17th in Longford Greyhound Track. Tickets are available from Teresa Ormsby, O’Brien’s Shop, James O’Flaherty and shops and bars locally.