Lanesboro Ballyleague
Death
The unexpected death at St. Luke’s Hospital, Dublin on Monday last 19th December shocked the entire community and beyond. Mary O’Flaherty passed to her eternal rest and her passing will leave a great emptiness not only with her family but everyone that knew Mary. She was really looking forward to coming home from hospital on Tuesday but the good Lord had other ideas. Mary was predeceased almost 30 years ago, by her husband P.J., daughter-in-law Anne and granddaughter Muireann. Both Mary and P.J. ran a thriving Supermarket and Hardware store in Knock for almost 50 years. Following her retirement from business she built a house and moved to Lehery.
Being so long in Lanesboro did not dampen Mary’s love of her native Bullaun and Galway. Her great pride was in the Sarsfields hurling club their several successes and the many players they gave to Galway hurling down through the years – she proudly knew all their families. She was also immensely very proud of her adopted town of Lanesboro and there was no way she would allow anyone say a wrong word about Lanesboro.
Mary was a woman who was very spirited and nothing fazed her. She worked hard and was a wonderful woman for all her customers and her loyalty to each and every one of them shone out light a beacon. Mary had a fabulous outlook on life. Her dedication to her sons was unbelievable and she worked tirelessly to ensure that they not only got but took every opportunity their hard work deserved. She was rightly proud of her sons Joe, Declan, Eamon and James. The next generation of O’Flaherty’s gave her a great pride and she marvelled at their ingenuity. Mary had a great and deep faith and was a daily communicant.
Although in failing health in recent times she never succumbed. She fought strongly and bravely as was her spirit hence the great sadness at the news of the passing of an icon in our town.
Mary O’Flaherty left us all with lasting memories and we will fondly remember all our encounters over many years. I say goodbye to a true friend.
A sign of the esteem in which Mary and her family was held could be seen in the attendance at the reposing of her remains at her residence on Wednesday and again at her Funeral Mass on Thursday. Mary was laid to rest following her Funeral Mass alongside her husband P.J. in Clonbonny cemetery.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her sons James, Joe, Declan and Eamon, brother Michael, sister Bridget, grandchildren, relatives and many many friends.
Rathcline Christmas Draw
The Annual Rathcline Christmas draw will take place in Clarke’s Bar on Sunday 1st January 2017. Tickets will be on sale from this week priced €20 each. There will be 8 prizes commencing with 1stprize €3000, 2nd €1,000, 3rd 500, 4th €250, 5th €200, 6th €200, 7th €200 and 8th €200. Tickets are now on sale and your usual most generous support will be greatly appreciated.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Marty Burns, Curraghroe, his daughter Leah and their extended families on the death of his partner and Leah’s mother Catriona Dolan, Beechgrove, Roscommon Town who died on Monday last.
50/50
On Monday night 5th December, the 50/50 draw took place in the Peer Inn and the lucky winner of last week’s pool of €391 was Gerard Farrell, Lanesboro.
The club thanks you for your continued support. Blue weekly tickets are on sale in all local businesses and yearly pink tickets are also available costing €100.
Last Chance for Last Man standing
Rathcline ladies are back with a new competition “Rathcline Ladies ’s Last Man Standing”, kicking off on the 2nd January. To join simply follow the link below, sign in and get your picks in. You can then pay and share with your mates.
Https://www.runlastman.com/competitions/4339-rathcline-ladies-rathcline-ladies-s-last-man-standing
Lough Ree Festival 2017
The committee would like to express its deepest sympathy to our treasurer James O’Flaherty on the death of his mother Mary on Monday last.
First Goal Winner
The Rathcline Ladies first goal competition is held every week on a selected match and the winner of the €50 for last week was Joe Donoghue, Weekfield.
If you would like to partake contact Michael Greene. Entry is only €2.
Wedding Showcase
The Abbey Hotel will host a Wedding Showcase on Sunday 15th January from 2 to 6pm.There will be a host of giveaways and discounts on the day. Local lady Geraldine Greally will be on hand to help guide you through the day.
Be a Referee
Now is the time to be thinking of becoming a GAA referee. Foundation courses and referee introductions in Longford GAA will commence from mid/late January. The new system introduced in Longford last year was an outstanding success and between the nine new referees they officiated at almost 200 games. The system has gained wide acclaim and it is a great welcome to refereeing.
Longford for the first time had 2 female referees which was very welcomed and they would like to increase that number of ladies next year and in the coming years.
If you want any more information or want to let your name go forward contact me at joea@iol.ie, phone 086-2460840 or email Longford county board secretary.longford@gaa.ie with your name and contact details.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the extended Casey family, Lismacmanus and the Brown family Newtowncashel on the death of Nellie Browne, Streamstown, Newtowncashel.
New Walking/Hiking Club
Are you interested in joining a Walking/Hiking Club in the Longford Town Area? We hope to set up a walking/hiking club early in the New Year If you would be interested please contact Sheila (Coolkeen Adventures Hazelwood Shopping Centre (Outdoor Clothing and Accessories Store) Contact No 086 8637000 or call into the Store, we are in the Supervalu Shopping Centre in Longford. All ages welcome to join and it’s a great way to meet new people make new friends and to enjoy the Outdoors.
Lanesboro Library
The Library will reopen on Friday 30th December 10am to 1pm only. Usual hours will take affect from Tuesday 3rd January 2017.
Knitting & Crochet Group will resume on Monday 9th January 2017 2-4pm. All Welcome!
Lasraí Writers Group
The very popular ‘Poetry and Music’ will continue at Lanesboro Library on Monday 9th January 2017 from 4.30 to 5.30pm. Come along and share a favourite poem. The group is looking forward to seeing you there and to meet new people interested in poetry and music and song.
ESOL Class will resume on Tuesday evening 10th January 2017 from 7-10pm.
Step into the New Year with Operation Transformation
Longford Sports Partnership in conjunction with RTE’s Operation Transformation and Sports Partnerships nationwide hold an annual walking event in January of each year.
Join the Operation Transformation Walk 2017 at 9.30 a.m. On Saturday, 7th January in the Mall. This year we will be joining in with Parkrun which takes place every Saturday morning at 9.30 a.m. In the Mall. Walkers / Joggers / runners / buggies, all welcome. Advance registration online with www.parkrun.ie essential. You must print off your barcode and bring it with you. No barcode, no time! Following this initial walk on 7th January, Longford Sports Partnership are holding a series of events in January / February 2017. All welcome to join in and start off the new year in good spirits 🙂 Anyone who would be interested in promoting the following events in your area, please contact Longford Sports Partnership & we can provide you with individual posters.
Below is a list of the Operation Transformation events for 2017:
Nationwide Walk / Run in conjunction with Parkrun – 7th Jan 2017 – The Mall, Longford Town.
Green Gyms / Walking Group – 11th Jan – 1st Mar – Leebeen Park, Aughnacliffe
Green Gyms / Walking Group – 11th Jan – 1st Mar – The Green, Edgeworthstown
Workplace running programme – 11th Jan – 15th Feb – The Mall, Longford
Walking Group in conjunction with Bridgeways Family Resource Centre – 11th Jan – 1st Mar – Ballymahon
Walking Group in conjunction with Lús na Greine Family Resource Centre – 11th Jan – 1st Mar – Granard
Walking Group – 14th Jan – 4th Mar – Ballinamuck
Operation Transformation Nationwide walk / run in conjunction with Parkrun – 18th Feb – The Mall, Longford Town
For more information on the above events, please visit Longford Sports Partnership’s website. Advance registration essential on www.eventbrite.ie. If you do not have access to online registration, please contact Longford Sports Partnership.
Register in advance for a Free T-Shirt on completion of the programme – while stocks last!
Also, please find attached Longford Sports Partnership’s calendar of events for 2017.