Lanesboro Ballyleague
Triathlon
All week the local Lanesboro Triathlon club were preparing for their annual Two Provinces Sprint triathlon. An added bonus for the club was that they were also hosting the National Sprint Triathlon Championship and Super Series.
Saturday brought the first positive change in the weather in a number of weeks and the summer weather could not have returned to us at a more opportune time with almost 600 males and females about to take part in the triathlon.
Preparations were now completed with the transition looking pristine and as minutes passed by more and more bicycles were being added to their allocated stands and in no time it made an extraordinary sight. The competitors were now registered and were preparing for the first leg of the triathlon which was the swim at the harbour on the Lanesboro side. This 750m swim got under way shortly after 11 a.m. and as quick as you could say your name James Edgar wearing the vest of Lisburn Triathlon Club was out of the water with a commanding lead. He was quickly onto his bike and heading towards Scramogue and to my eye an unassailable lead but on the return from Scramogue Aichlinn O’Reilly from Westport had not only eaten into the lead but he has passed out Edgar and took the lead and as he commenced the final leg, the 5k run to Harold’s Cross and back he was looking very comfortable but on the run back he was passed by James Edgar who finished strongly winning the race in great style followed in second place by Darren Dunne and in third was Neil Bolger.
In the ladies race English junior triathlete Emer Wintsch emerged from the swim ahead of limerick lady Carolyn Hayes and for a time on the cycle there was nothing between either as they battled for superiority before Hayes powered ahead and entered the transition area with a healthy lead ahead of the 5k race. Carolyn set off determined that she was not going to be caught and her determination saw her comfortably winning from second place Heather Foley and Emer Wintsch fended off challenges to take the third place.
The previous evening, Friday, there was the Kidathon in which over 100 youngsters took part. It is amazing between one day and another as Friday was blustery, overcast and chilly while Saturday’s event was held in glorious sunshine. The conditions of the evening had a bearing on the event as the swim had to be cancelled due to the choppy conditions of the water. The Kidathon took place with the cycle and the run. Our young local man Kevin Tansey, Cnoc na Gaoithe emerged as winner followed in by Finn Harris and James Miney. In the female race Aoife McGouran was in first place followed home by local lady Hazel Johnston and in third place was Meghan Bates.
On a day like Saturday there is no finer place to be than in Lanesboro and Ballyleague and to have such a huge number of people coming to our community is in itself a marvellous achievement by the Triathlon Club. The town was throbbing and a real hive of activity and it was especially pleasing to see so many people coming along to encourage the athletes and witness a wonderful occasion in our community.
The downside is always going to be the traffic jams that the cycling brings as it comes from the car park to Scramogue and back especially with over 600 taking part. The inconvenience is really only a small price to pay for a very special occasion that happens just once a year in our community. The club had handed out flyers locally and advertised the road closures well in advance.
The work and dedication of Race Director Anthony Gillen, his team and the entire Lanesboro Triathlon club towards making this event so successful year on year is a testimony to the quality of the club. For a club such a short time in existence to be able to cater for such a huge event and bring so many people to the community is fabulous and they must be sincerely congratulated.
A final word must go to the many locals that volunteered to work on the day. To see so many giving of their time to help ensure that the event ran smoothly was magnificent and it is a testimony to the community we have and we are rightly proud our community.
GAA Cúl Camps
The Cúl Camp in Clonbonny will take place from Monday next 25th to Friday 29th July. This is always a wonderful week for all the young boys and girls, full of enjoyment and sport and a week not to be missed. Bookings can be made on the Longford GAA website – click on the Cúl Camps icon on the home page or contact Damian Sheridan, Longford GAA or Tina Dowd, club chairperson. The fee for the week is €55 for the first child, €45 for the second and €40 for the third and fourth.
Poetry and Filíochta in the Sisters
Whether it is in the Irish or English language you want to read your own poetry or a chosen piece of your favourite poem then the place to be is in the Sisters Restaurant on Main Street on Wednesday 27th July. This is a very new venture between the Sisters and the local writers group and it is becoming a great hit with locals and visitors alike. You are invited to go along have a cup of tea or coffee or something more substantial and be part of a terrific ambiance from 4 to 5pm.
Be part of celebrating local Biodiversity
The chance does not come around too often to be able to play an active part in the
While we all have a great interest in the environment her is the opportunity to play your part and support the local environments in our community.
On 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. 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
Blood Donation Clinic
The Blood Donation Clinic returns to Longford at the Longford Arms Hotel on Tuesday 26th, Wednesday 27th, and Thursday 28th July. The clinic will be open from 4.30 and 8pm each of the three days.
There is always a great demand for blood and at this time of the year with holidays and other travels there tends to be a drop off in donors but the high demand for blood still remains. If you are already a donor and have not been there for a while, please consider going back and if you have not previously donated blood please begin in the Longford Arms on the above dates.
If you cannot make it to Longford for this clinic then mark in the next clinic in the Hyde Centre, Athlone Road, Roscommon from Tuesday 16th August to Thursday 18th August.
Lough Ree Golfing Society
The society had its annual pilgrimage to Portumna on Wednesday last the 13th July and once more this lovely parkland venue immersed us all in its splendid scenery: manicured fairways and greens framed by majestic trees and verdant vegetation. The scenery, surroundings, and good company, was, for many, sufficient reason to savour the delight of being alive! The course, however, was another story! It was challenging, asked many questions and won! But still we will return!
The prizes were distributed as follows: visitors prize went to Joe Conmy on 30 points; the ladies prize was won by Fiona Gillen with a good score of 30 points. The front nine was won by John Martin with 17 points and the back nine by Frank Conmy on 14 points. 3rd prize: Tony Gavigan on 28 points; 2nd prize: Harry O’Donnell on 30 points and the First prize with a very good score of 35 points was won by Jackie McDonnell. Well done to all and as usual all were winners on the day.
We now look forward to our Captain, Ronan Cullen’s prize day at Moate on Friday the 26th August, from 11.30 to 12.30.
Lanesboro Library Upcoming Events
Summer Opening Hours are as follows: Monday 2-8pm, Tuesday 2-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm 2-5pm, Thursday-Closed, Friday 10am-1pm 2-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm.
Call 0433321291 for enquiries.
Family Storytime Fun with Chris Thompson
Family Storytime continues on Tuesday 19th and Tuesday 26th July.
Summer Stars Reading programme is running in Lanesboro Library throughout the Summer. Children will receive their own Summer Star reading card to record their progress and fun rewards will be provided along the way! Pick up your card today!
Paint a Picture with Nicolette
Let your imagination run wild …Pick up a brush and paint a summer picture with Nicolette. Suitable for children aged 8-12 yrs. Lanesboro Library Wed July 20th at 3pm. Booking essential as places are limited Call 043 332 1291 to book.
All events are free – please remember that booking is essential so as not to disappoint.
Book Club for July will take place a week earlier than usual, on Friday July 22nd at 11am, where the book for discussion will be ‘The Pilot’s Wife’ by Anita Shreve.
Manchester United Offer
How do you fancy going to Manchester United’s first home game of the 2016/17 season under new manager Jose Mourinho that takes place in Old Trafford on Saturday 20th August? The Roscommon branch is organising an overnight trip to Manchester for the home game against Southampton. The bus will leave Roscommon town and the cost will include bus, ferry, overnight stay at hotel including breakfast and transfers to and from the match. The cost of the trip is €239 and if you wish to book yourself in to travel or need further information you can call 086-8417264 as soon as possible as seats are limited.
Galway Races on Monday next
The days are numbered and so are the number of seat left available for the annual Rathcline Day at the Galway Races. Rathcline will go racing on the opening day of the famous Galway Races, Monday 25th July with the first race commencing at 5.15pm.
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.
Bernard Keane’s SuperValu a local business has been a supporter of the Race Day for the past number of years and we would encourage everyone to be a loyal to the club as Bernard and to come along and make it a fabulous day out.
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.
Group Singing Workshop
There will be a group singing workshop on this coming Thursday 21st July at the Quad Youth Center on the Circular Road Roscommon. The workshop takes place between 4.30-5.30pm and well worth a visit.
50/50
Last Monday night the 50/50 draw took place in the Yacht Bar and the winning ticket was in the name of Dawn Egan, Derryhaun. The winning prizemoney on night was €335. 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 alternatively you can purchase a pink ticket that allows you into the draw for 1 year for a price of €100.
One Day Retreat to Lough Derg
The annual one-day retreat to Lough Derg will take place on Sunday 4th September. The bus will leave from Lanesboro Parish Hall at 7am. For information and bookings, you can contact Mary Doyle on 3321969.
Childaid Cycle Challenge
The 50K or 100k (your challenge) will take place on Sunday 7th August commencing from Rosbowl on the Lanesboro Road, Roscommon at am. Registration will take place from 9am on the morning. The registration fee is €25 on the day or €20 if entering by email to maryschildaidchallenge@gmail.com. The first 100 people to register will receive a free cycling jersey. Refreshment will be served on the day and if you require any further information contact Mary at 086-1084536. Childaid is attempting to make a world fit for children and your support will go greatly towards fulfilling the aim of the organisation.
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.
Summer Bridge
The results for the competition held on Wednesday 6th July are: N/S 1st Chris McGrath and Kitty Dowd, 2nd Eileen Kelly and Nancy Dolan, 3rd J.J. Donlon and Mairéad Delaney and 4th Margaret O Dowd and Elsie Maxwell. E/W: 1st K. Hanley and Mary Fallon, 2nd Ann Delaney and Ann Fallon, 3rd Mike Flynn and Brendan Dowling and 4th Goretti Kenny and M. Jameson.
July 11th: N/S 1st J.J. Donlon and Joan Donnellan, 2nd Chris McGrath and Kitty Dowd, 3rd Ann Donlon and Freda Kenny and 4th Elsie Maxwell and Margaret O’Dowd. E/W: 1st Phil Chalmers and Tom Feeney, 2nd Bridie McGrath and Mary Moran, 3rd Mary Jameson and Goretti Kenny and 4th Martha Byrne and Myra Campbell
Food Festival
With over 200 people from 15 countries coming to Lanesborough and Ballyleague for the world fishing championship 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 a special business to business networking event, 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 October 8th. 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
Trip to Mount Lucas
Last week Bord na Mona organised a free bus trip for anyone interested in seeing the wind farms in Mount Lucas, Co. Offaly. By all accounts it was a very informative day and the those that travelled were more than happy to see up close what wind farms were about and see them working in the environment. An added bonus to the day was the fact that all those that travelled were treated to a lunch at Castle Barna Golf Club in Daingean. Those locals that travelled were very appreciate of the Bord’d gesture and they say they are now a hive of knowledge following the trip.
Boat Rally
A one-day special food and craft market will be staged in the Riverside park and marina area in Ballyleague on Sunday 24th from 10am to 5pm when 200 people will be in the marina taking part in the 2016 Shannon boat rally. This will be a big family fun day with lots of attractions for children and all the family and will help raise funds for Cancercare West. Stalls costs just €10. To place a stall call Liam at 085 1698032 please before July 20th or e mail: tasteofthelakelands@gmail.com
Rathcline Ladies
The ladies side went down to a powerful Killoe side on Sunday morning last in Killoe. On Sunday morning next in Clonbonny our very young team has a chance to get back on track when they take on Edgeworthstown at 11.30am. Your support and encouragement will be much appreciated.
The U12 and U14 are competing very well in the summer league and those competitions are continuing.
The ladies are running a last man standing completion through the premiership. You are encouraged to support the completion as it is a major fundraiser for the Ladies club. You can link into it by googling Rathcline Ladies Last Man Standing and follow the process through. Please support and you can have a lot of fun for your €10
Rathcline GAA
At the time of writing the first round of the Senior Championship is scheduled to take place next weekend. As of yet there is neither venue nor Date set and it will be made known after CCCC meeting on Monday night. We urge everyone interested in the parish of Rathcline add the club to come out and support the team at the weekend. It will be our first time back in Senior Championship and the first game in the championship is always vital to secure victory in.
The 50/50 last week went to Derryhaun where the winner was Dawn Egan. Dawn won €335 in the draw that took place in the Yacht Bar.
Did you know that you can pay your 50/50 for the full year? All you do is contact any of the committee and they will step you through the process if you are away from home and for the homebirds you can pick up a pick envelope and fill it out. For your €100 you will in the draw for the 52 weeks thus getting 2 free weeks. Blue €2 envelopes are avail available in all local shops.
The Bernard Keane SuperValu Galway race day is almost upon us and we encourage anyone that has not yet made their booking to do so immediately as the numbers of places still remaining are very limited. The Race day is Monday next 25th July and do not get disappointed by late booking only to find the occasion booked out.
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 minor club will host a Table Quiz in the Peer Inn on Friday night week 29th July at 9pm. The club would love to welcome a huge number to the Peer on the night and we would encourage every club member to gather 2 or 3 others from outside in order to maximise the number attending.
The Cúl Camp in Clonbonny will take place from Monday next 25th to Friday 29th July. This is always a wonderful week for all the young boys and girls, full of enjoyment and sport and a week not to be missed. Bookings can be made on the Longford GAA website – click on the Cúl Camps icon on the home page or contact Damian Sheridan, Longford GAA or Tina Dowd, club chairperson. The fee for the week is €55 for the first child, €45 for the second and €40 for the third and fourth.
Our U10’s will play a blitz in Grattan’s on this Wednesday and the Under 12s are back in action on Thursday evenings.
The club congratulates and commiserates with Denis Connerton and players Liam Connerton and Shane Kenny on the marvellous run themselves and Longford took us through over the past few weeks. It was a shame that the run had to come to an end against Cork on Saturday.
Cemetery Sunday – fair play to our chairman Pat Deasy and his wife Angela for providing tea and buns in the clubhouse following the ceremonies in Clonbonny on Sunday.
Well done to all our club members that acted as stewards at the triathlon on Saturday last.