Lanesboro Ballyleague
Enterprise Town Success
On Friday last The Bank of Ireland Enterprise Town Expo came to Lanesboro and Ballyleague. The idea was for all local businesses, crafts, clubs and associations to display their particular wares. The venue was Lanesboro Community College and through the day more and more people came to finalise their stalls and as start time came the venue was filled to capacity with 75 stalls in place. The crowds came and filled the hall and there was a tremendous buzz all evening.
Tyrone manager Mickey Harte arrived and along with Longford manager Denis Connerton and St. Faithleach’s and Roscommon star Diarmuid Murtagh and a wonderful panel discussion ensued with Benny O’Brien as MC.
The great weather of the week deserted us on Friday and the rain came to force the abandonment of the underage blitz for the young players but their disappointment did not last long as the U6, U8 and U10’s from Cashel, St. Faithleach’s and Rathcline were all presented with certificates and medals much to their great glee.
People kept coming and it was a tremendous response from the people of the area that they came in such numbers. The evening finished off with a business discussion. Paul Healy, Roscommon People editor probed the panel with some excellent questions and the panel responded with some excellent and though provoking responses. On the panel was Martina Earley, Roscommon, John Finn, Rathcline Road and Managing Director and Owner of Treasury Solutions, Cork, Michael Nevin, Local Enterprise Office, Longford, Seadna Ryan and Vinny Mc Gowan, both from Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op and Tracy Keogh, Startup Community Manager with the Bank of Ireland.
This was a tremendous community effort from everyone and it was a very special occasion seeing the local community and outline areas being so well represented with stalls and just by their attendance.
The Expo was tremendous success for us all and I would like to thank Bank of Ireland for selecting Lanesboro and Ballyleague and pay special mention to Mena Doherty, manager BOI, Roscommon, Ita Gray, manager BOI, Longford their team and the local team who put together a very special day for us all.
All Systems Go
The full programme for the Lough Ree Monster Festival is almost complete and there promises to be an exciting line up of events throughout the weekend.
Already we have Cliona Hagan, Mike Denver and AC/DC tribute band IE/DC booked for the three nights in the Red Barn. The Lough Ree Monster Festival events will be stage in the Big Red Barn on a site at the back of the Friends of Asthma shop (old Post Office). The committee would like to thank the Johnston family for the generous donation of the site on the banks of the Shannon.
The Lough Ree Monster in 1992 set sail from Johnston’s family home at the ‘Cut’ and the Lough Ree Monster of 2017 will once again set sail from the same location on Friday 4th August and it will make its return journey on Sunday night 6th August where the Monster will get a grand farewell and be sent away with a display of fireworks.
Make sure you book your holidays for this time as it will be a marvellous time to be in Lanesboro.
The Play – The Lough Ree Monster
The cast of the Lough Ree Monster is presently rehearsing in preparation for the debut of the play in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro on Friday night 28th July. The play will also take place the following night Saturday 29th July and both nights will be seen as the official launch nights of the Lough Ree Monster Festival. There is a wonderful cast working on this hilarious play with some members of the cast coming from the hugely successful Newtowncashel Drama Group and some new members coming from Lanesboro and Ballyleague. The play is being directed by the vastly experienced Newtowncashel man Dermot Healy who has directed many of the Newtowncashel drama Group plays.
It is coincidental that the play was written by Newtowncashel man John Kenny just at the time of the committee coming together to put the Lough Ree Festival together for August weekend.
John very generously offered the play to the committee and they are honoured to be staging the play for the very first time on 28th and 29th July.
Death
The entire community was saddened to learn on Saturday 6th May of the death at Roscommon University Hospital of Tommy Riozzi, Shannon Heights, Ballyleague. Tommy along with local wife Mable (Murray) came to live amongst us many years ago and for good number of years ran a chip shop on Main Street. In later times Tommy worked with Bord na Mona. Tommy had been ill since last November and he was taken away from us much too soon. Tommy was a man of wonderful character and genuine warmth. He always had that cheery welcome for everyone. He was a man with great sincerity and kindness and his passing while leaving us much the poorer for his absence. Tommy was a great friend and neighbour and his memory will live with us always and his warmth of welcome and kind ways will always remain with us. His remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home on Sunday 7th May. On Monday, his remains were removed to The Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague and following his Funeral Mass he was removed to Lakelands Crematorium Cavan for cremation.
To his wife Mable, sons Roberta, John Carlo, daughter Martina , brothers, sisters, relatives and so many friends we extend our deepest sympathy
Lanesboro Branch FG
Lanesboro Branch FG held their AGM on Monday 8th last. The meeting was well attended including Peter Burke TD. Our local representative Cllr Gerard Farrell gave a detailed account of the work being done locally. Peter Burke TD addressed the meeting also. Many matters of local and national importance were discussed. The branch elected the following for the coming year – Chairperson: Paul Martin, Vice Chair: Albert Cooney, Secretary: Deirdre O’ Dowd, Treasurer: Adie Farrell, Assistant Treasurer: Pat Brennan, PRO: Louis Skelly. The branch would like to thank Peter Burke TD for attending the meeting and wish Cllr Farrell well in the upcoming candidate selection convention for Longford.
Tourism with Business Course
Longford College of Further Education are now enrolling for the Tourism with Business level 5 & 6 courses beginning September 2017. With the imminent arrival of Center Parcs, tourism related employment is expected to grow in County Longford. To apply go to www.longfordcfe.com or email hjohnston.tcl@lwetb.ie
An Post Rás
It is a few years since An Post Rás went through Lanesboro and Ballyleague but the famous cycle race will pass through on Monday morning next 22nd May. It is a fabulous sight to see the huge number of cyclist swing the corner at high speed and head down the Main Street towards Ballyleague on to Roscommon and they will finish Sage 2 in Newport, Co. Mayo.
It is estimated that the Rás will pass through anytime from 11.15am. Let us hope that there will be a big turnout throughout Lanesboro and Ballyleague to support the cyclists and give them a big local welcome.
Night at the Dogs
Cloontuskert National School is hosting a ‘Night at the Dogs’ at Longford Greyhound Track on Friday 26th May. This is a very special event for the school and I would urge everyone to buy tickets for the night. It is an excellent policy to support our local schools. The first race on the night will commence at 8pm. Tickets for the night cost just €10 and tickets are on sale locally.
Tourism Co-Op Draw
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism lotto last week Tuesday 9th May were 13, 14, 20 and 24. There was no winner of the jackpot and the jackpot for Tuesday will be €6,800.
The €50 winner was Johnny and Mary c/o The Yacht Bar, and the three €20 winners were Margaret Mullooly c/o Mags, Joseph Farrell, The Yacht Bar and Marian Fagan c/o Market
Annual Kayaking Camp
The annual Kayak Summer Camp will take place in Lanesboro/Ballyleague from Monday 26th June to Friday 30th June. The camp will be for ages 10 to 17-year-old. For further details or to book your place phone 087 2977769 or 087 6675275. Book early and avoid disappointment.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge
The results of the competition held on Monday 8th May: N/S: Gross and Nett: Una Clarke and Maureen Hynes, 2nd Joan Donnellan and John Kiernan, 3rd Fergal McGuinness and Joan Donlon. E/W: Gross and Nett: 1st Eileen Kelly and Tom Feeney, 2nd Bernadette Gillen and Patsy Canavan, 3rd Philomena Walshe and Noreen Dunne
All Roads lead to Portlaoise
The first round of the Leinster Senior Football Championship will take place in Portlaoise on Sunday next at 3pm. Longford will take on the home side Laois in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. This year Longford are travelling to Portlaoise with high hopes of a victory. We wish the team and management the very best of luck especially our own club people, team manager Denis Connerton, analysist Cian O’Brien, and players Liam Connerton and Shane Kenny. The game will throw in at 3pm and I am pretty sure that there will once again be a huge number from the area travelling to support the team.
The prize for the winners will be a quarter final in Tullamore on 4th June against Kildare.
Convent of Mercy 1977 L.C.
Did you do your Leaving Cert. in the Convent of Mercy in 1977? It is hoped to have a reunion of the class of 40 years ago – Are you one of the girls that began secondary school in September 1972 or the intervening years and in June 1977 sat your Leaving Certificate in the former Convent of Mercy, Secondary School in Lanesboro? The get together will more than likely happen in September or October. Members or that class are asked to contact Geraldine (087 2224048) or Bridie (087 2218484) or e mail lanesborolc1977@yahoo.com
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 10th May are N/S 1st Frank and Frances Brennan, 2nd Una Clarke and Eileen Kelly, 3rd Gemma Douglas. E/W 1st Brid Mc Dermott and Una Lawlor, 2nd Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne, 3rd Mary Jameson and Patricia Mc Gann.
The summer competition will be played this Wednesday 17th May. All players are asked to be there at 7.45pm.
Seeking Cúl Camp Helpers
If any young person is interested in assisting at the Cúl Camps this summer then they should express their interest in doing so to Longford County Board in writing and the expression of interest should be signed by the person wishing to take part and also signed by a parent/guardian. You must indicate the number of camps that you are available to attend.
Any young person under eighteen wishing to be a helper or an assistant coach should also make sure a parent/guardian signs the parental consent form for E -vetting for the named child. E-vetting is a must for children assisting at camps. There is a step by step guide available on the Longford GAA website www.longfordgaa.ie
At your local Library, this week
Summer Opening Hours
Please note the opening hours have changed on Mondays: Monday 10.30am -1pm and 2pm – 5.30pm, Tuesday 2pm – 6pm, Wednesday 2pm – 8pm, Thursday Closed, Friday 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm, Saturday 10am – 1pm
Knitting & Crochet Group
The Knitting & Crochet Group continues on Monday 22nd May and Monday 29th May
2-4pm. All Welcome!
ESOL Class
ESOL Class continues on Tuesday 23rd May 7-10pm.
Lasraí Writers Group
‘Poetry and Music Hour’ will continue at Lanesboro Library on Monday 22nd
May from 4.30 to 5.30pm. Come along and share a favourite poem. The group is looking forward to seeing you there and meeting new people interested in poetry and music and song.
Bookclub
The next book club meeting takes place on Friday 26th May at 11am. The book for next month is ‘Commonwealth’ by Ann Patchett. Come along for a chat and a cuppa.
Adult Art Class
Adult Art Class 4 continues on Wednesday 17th and Class 5 on Wednesday 24th May 6-8pm.
Children’s Art Classes
Children’s Art Classes continues on Saturday 20th May and Saturday 27th May.
Group 1 from 10-11am and Group 2 from 11-12noon.
Foreign Currency Appeal Reminder
We are still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference. Used stamps also being collected at the library for ISPCC. Thank you.
Would you like to Help?
Would you like to help fund this year’s new and exciting Lough Ree Monster Festival? The committee have just opened a Go Fund Me facility for the Lough Ree Monster Festival. If you would like to subscribe you can put Go Fund Me Lough Ree Monster into your search engine. There is a facility there for you to make your contribution to creating a wonderful festival in the community for this year. The committee would like to thank you in advance.
7th Annual Glenn Brady Memorial Cycle
Glenn Brady memorial Cycle will take place on Sunday June 4th starting from Ballymore GAA Ground Granard.
Registration from 9am with three cycle routes 80K, 40K, and a leisurely 20k.
Registration Fee €20. Refreshments and BBQ on the Day.
This year all funds are being donated to The Aiden Dixon Ceiling Hoist Fund.
For information on cycle routes please visit Facebook. Glenn Brady Memorial
cycle./ www.glennbradycycle.com./Contact Jimmy on 087-8875227.
Please support this very worthy cause.
Rathcline GAA
Executive Meeting
The club will hold an executive meeting this Wednesday night at 9pm. All executive members are asked to attend
Good Luck
The club would like to wish Denis Connerton, Cian O’Brien, Liam Connerton and Shane Kenny and the Longford county team the very best of luck in the Leinster Championship in Portlaoise on Sunday next. We are very confident of a famous victory for the team and we look forward to a large number from the club going to cheer Longford on to victory.
Div. 2 Cup
We went down on Saturday evening last by 4 points in the John Drake Football Cup in a very entertaining game against Killashee.
50/50
Monday night last 8th May the 50/50 took place in Clarkes Bar. The winning pool amounted to €321 and the winner was Loretta Cooney, Lehery. It was a fitting week for Loretta to win as during the same week she celebrated her 90th birthday. The club would like to wish Loretta a very Happy Birthday and thank for her continued support.
Tickets are on sale locally at €2 each and your support will be greatly appreciated. Alternatively, you can by the pink ticket for the year for just €100 and have 2 free weeks
Minor Club
It was a fabulous day on Friday last when our young players were in the company of greatness when they were able to meet Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, Longford manager Denis Connerton and St. Faithleach’s and Roscommon star player Diarmuid Murtagh. Each player in U6, U8 and U10 received medals and a certificate. The club would like to thank Bank of Ireland for involving us in their Enterprise Town programme.
A special word of thanks to Alan Maxwell and Stephen Rooney for getting out all the young players – it was a mammoth task. Unfortunately, the weather dampened the day but not the spirit of our young players.
Working at the Cúl Camps
If any young person is interested in assisting at the Cúl Camps this summer then they should express their interest in doing so to Longford County Board in writing and the expression of interest should be signed by the person wishing to take part and signed by a parent/guardian. You must indicate the number of camps that you are available to attend.
Any young person under eighteen wishing to be a helper or an assistant coach should also make sure a parent/guardian signs the parental consent form for E -vetting for the named child. E-vetting is a must for children assisting at camps. There is a step by step guide available on the Longford GAA website www.longfordgaa.ie
Cúl Camp dates: The Cúl camps will take place in Rathcline from Monday 24th to Friday 28th July. The cost of Cúl Camps this year is €60 for 1st child, second child €50 and third/fourth €40.
Bookings can be made online www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie or to Damien Sheridan, GAA Coaching Officer, Pearse Park, Battery Road, Longford, phone 087-9126556.