Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Amazing walk through the Woods
In the growing darkness of last Wednesday evening, 2nd February, Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op completed what is one of the most spectacular and beautiful walks in the area. The walk takes you through the two quarries and meanders through the woods where the Co-Op has created a wonderful and beautiful nature walk and it will surely take pride of place for everybody in the local community. The sheer beauty of the walk really takes your breath away as you stroll through the woods and gaining fleeting views of the river Shannon as you go along taking in the nature all about you.
It is a wonderful facility for community young and old. There is no doubt that it will be a tourist trap and it is a huge addition to the attraction of Lanesboro. The Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op with its FAS workers along with wood owner, Coillte, has given Lanesboro a huge boost and an amenity that we can be truly proud of and very thankful to them for their vision in creating what will be a hugely popular walk.
The walk in the woods leaving O’Brien’s Corner, through the car park and returning back to the corner takes almost one hour at a brisk walk. It is a safe and pleasurable walk and one that you will enjoy enormously when you venture along this walk. The walk takes you around and back through the one circular route and the pathway to the Rathcline is not part of the walkway and cannot be used under any circumstances.
I would like to thank everybody that was concerned in any way to the creation of the walk for their tremendous work and definitely they can take a bow. It is imperative that everybody that avails of this fantastic amenity maintains it to the highest standard. It is also very important that those walking dogs ensure that the dogs do not soil the walkway and spoil the walk on other users.
Search for a Star preparations in Full Swing
Going for a walk to the new walkway last weekend curiosity got the better of me as I approached the entrance to the car-park to see what was happening in the Hall. To my surprise it was one of the acts in the upcoming Search for a Star deep in rehearsals. On my way back from the walk, lo and behold, there was a different act getting their choreography fine-tuned as they too were striving for perfection. The amazing thing about the few minutes I spent in the hall was how much energy both groups were putting into their preparation. I am reliably informed that all the acts are preparing diligently and some more secretive that others so we are in for a big surprise on the night of the show.
Search for a Star is a production of the Shannon Gaels Minor Club. Tickets are selling very fast and if you intend going to this great night’s entertainment please ensure you get your tickets immediately. Tickets, priced €10, are selling very fast at the moment and you can book yours by calling to O’Brien’s or phoning Martina or Bridge at 3321107. Don’t be disappointed by not getting your ticket on time. Search for a Star takes place in St. Mary’s Parish Hall on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th February.
Church Gate Collection
The Lourdes Pilgrimage committee will hold their annual Church Gate Collection on Saturday and Sunday next 12th and 13th February at all masses at St. Mary’s Church. Your usual generous support will once again be most appreciated.
If you would like to travel as an invalid or wish to recommend anyone to travel as an invalid you are asked to contact Breda Moran or Philomena Walsh.
Local ladies feature on RTÉ
Thursday last was the celebration of the Chinese New Year and as part of the celebration the very popular John Murray morning radio show featured local mother and daughter Edel and Elida Loftus, Lehery. Edel founded Windsong Music School a number of years back and the school was flourished greatly with each passing year. The musical sound of the harp on radio on Thursday last and its adoption to Chinese music gave ample evidence of how the harp can be an integral part of Chinese music.
Edel’s is a talented harpist and she has passed the talent down to her daughter Elida. Together they make their music school a tremendous success with harpists being taught both far and wide and the school is also the home of a wonderful choir as those that attended their excellent concert in St. Mary’s Church on the week before their Christmas will attest.
Edel informed John Murray that the harpist of her school visited China last October and such was the interest in their instrument and music that there was a great desire by the Chinese people to take lessons. Edel has now a devised a method to teach her new Chinese students via webcam and this has proved to be a huge success.
I congratulate Edel, Elida and her school on its tremendous success and I am sure they can continue to go from strength to strength. It is a privilege to have such talented people in our community.
Rathcline AGM
The AGM of Rathcline GAA club will take place in the clubhouse at the club grounds in Clonbonny. The meeting will commence at 8pm. As this is the AGM and the most important meeting of the year it is very important that everyone with an interest in the development of the club either on or off the field attend this meeting. Club supporters are also encouraged to attend the meeting. The club is about you as a supporter/member of your local club and it is very important that your support for the present executive that you attend this annual club meeting.
Sympathy
Sincere sympathy is extended to Mrs Margaret Leckey, Church View, and her extended family on the death last week of her brother Dan Mc Namara, who was buried in Kilfenora, Co. Clare.
Death
The area was saddened to learn of the death at Roscommon County Hospital on Wednesday last of one of our most popular residents, Nora Farrell, Knock. Nora, a very proud native of Connemara has been a great part of our community for many years. She was predeceased some years back by her late husband Christy. Nora went on to raise a strong and excellent family that she could be and was rightly proud of. Nora spent 30 years working in the Convent of Mercy and was a lady with a wonderful disposition. Her generous nature and warmness will be long remembered when we think of Nora. Her remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Friday last before her removal to St. Mary’s Church and following her funeral Mass her remains were laid to rest in Lanesboro cemetery.
To her sons, Paraic, Tommy and John, daughters Mary, Agnes, Anne and Kathleen, relatives and wide number of friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Shannon Gaels
The club encourages all under 16 and under 18 players to the hall on Thursday evenings at 8pm for indoor training. Numbers have been slack in the past week and we encourage every parent to encourage their son to attend.
Minor team make their first appearance of the season Sunday next against Carrickedmond at 12.30pm. Venue will be confirmed during week. All players are asked to be there at 12 noon.
The club extends its sympathy to the following families that suffered bereavements recently; the Farrell family, Knock, on the death of their mother Nora, to Geraldine and Robbie Chalmers on the death of Geraldine’s father Frank Cox, Killashee, The Leckey family on the death of Dan Mc Namara, Co. Clare, the family and friends of Elizabeth Glynn, Ballynacargy, Pat and Eileen Mullen on the death of Marcella Mullen Abbeyshrule. Ger and Eileen Kenny, Breda and Jimmy Brennan, Henry and Mary Kenny and Claire Kenny and the extended Kenny and Greene families on the death of Bridgie Kenny, Ballinahinch.
The club congratulates Kevin Chapman and Louise Kearney on their engagement.
The club urges all friends, supporters and members of the club to attend the senior AGM in Clonbonny on Friday night at 8pm.
The club congratulates all club players and members involved with the success of the Community Games soccer final last weekend.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Kevin Chapman son of Mary and the late PJ Chapman and Louise Kearney, daughter of Eddie and Lorraine Kearney, Fortwilliam who announced their engagement last weekend.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sympathy to Louise and Aideen Glynn and their extended family, Main Street on the death of their grandmother Mrs Elizabeth Glynn, Ballynacargy, Co. Westmeath. Elizabeth was also mother to both Aidan and Jim Glynn and we extend our sympathies to both them and their families.
Engagement
We wish Karina Coffey daughter of Michael and Mary Coffey, Church View and Ian Baker son of Paddy and Linda Baker, Kildare every congratulations on the announcement of their engagement last week.
Musicians Available
Box, flute and piano players available for traditional music gigs, able to accompany singers. Further details phone 087-9840411.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Pat and Eileen Mullen and their family on the death of Pat’s mother Marcella Mullen, Abbeyshrule who was buried during the past week.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 2nd February are; 1st Brid Mc Dermott & Una Lawlor, 2nd Mae Casey & Noreen Dunne, 3rd Kathleen Reilly & Tom Feeney, 4th Gemma Douglas & Elish Gray.
Pilates Class
Bonnies Pilates continues in St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro, at 7pm each and every Thursday: Pilates is medically related and it is suitable for all ages and abilities. It is a great way to strengthen tone and reduce stress. Phone Bonnie 087-2238237 for further details.
Lanesboro Gun Club
An important meeting of Lanesboro Gun Club will take place on Friday night next 11th February at 9.30pm in Adie Farrell’s meeting room. Every club member is asked to make a special effort to attend.
Community Games Champions
The Community Games Indoor Soccer Semi-finals and Finals were held on Saturday last. Lanesboro’s under 13 team managed by Robbie Chambers were unstoppable! They overcame Stonepark with a score of 5-2 to get through to the final. In the final they met a strong Ardagh team; however the great scoring of Jordan Donlon (2), Iarla O’Sullivan (2), Phillip Chalmers (1) and Connell Kennelly (1), supported by Padraig Sorohan, Cillian Flood and Niall Keane ensured that they came on top with a score of 6-3. The team are now are through to the Leinster finals. This was a fantastic achievement and well done to all. Good luck to the Under 12 Chess team who are to take part in the county finals in Ardagh on Thursday 13th.
Community College Celebrates 50 Years
Lanesboro Community College, formerly Vocational School, will this year celebrate their 50th of education in Lanesboro. To celebrate, there will be a social evening in the school at Easter. Special guests will be the students and staff from 1060 together with staff and students from their amalgamation year, 1989. All past pupils will be most welcome on the night. It will be a wonderful nostalgic day and one all past pupils should make the determined effort to attend.
There is always a difficulty in tracking down people from back then and the organising committee would like invite anybody from either era to help with the locating of everybody. It will be a huge logistical feat to reach everybody and the more help the better. To offer your help contact the school at 043-33 21139 0r email lanesborocc.ias@eircom.net
Time to prepare for St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Time to be thinking ahead to one of the features of the year in Lanesboro Ballyleague and that is the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that takes place through Ballyleague and Lanesboro on St. Patrick’s Day Thursday 17th March.
Since its inception the parade has been a tremendous success for the people of the area and surrounding parishes. It is fast becoming one of the finest in the land because of the diversity and imagination shown by the many float entrants. This year we again hope for greater invention to entertain and amuse what I am sure will again be a huge crowd.
There are a number of prizes to be won on the day and they include; Best dressed window, Best club float, best junior float, Overall float, Most original float and Best business float.
25 Drive in Peer Inn
The weekly 25 in the Peer Inn took place on Sunday night last. The game continues on Sunday night next in the Peer Inn. The first prize was shared between three and the winners were Patrick & Paddy, David & James, and John & Colin. Table prizes went to PJ & Bridie, Joe & Edmond and Breda & Mary.
Rathcline GAA Continuous Draw
The Rathcline GAA Continuous Improvement Draw 9 took place in Clarke’s Bar on Saturday night last. The following are the list of lucky winners 1st €500 Paddy Casey, Rappereehill, 2nd €100 Paddy and Ann Nolan, Mahoraveen, 3rd €100 Lorraine Farrell, The Swan Tavern, 4th Eoin Donnellan, 5th Paul Farrell/Ray Mc Cormack, Lisnacusha. The 10th draw will take place in the Lough Ree Arms on Saturday 26th February at 11pm.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Geraldine and Robbie Chalmers and family, Clonfower on the death last weekend of Geraldine’s father Frank Cox, Killashee.
Charity Shop
The ‘Friends of the Asthma Charity’ shop would be delighted to receive donations of clothing, delph, linen and books. If you are spring cleaning you are asked to remember the shop before you throw things out. The charity shop can now sell small items of furniture on a commission basis – ask Gill for more details. The shop is open on the Main Street from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.
Music Lessons
Learn to play the piano with one to one tuition from beginner to advanced pupils. Also starting in February are group singing lessons for kids. Call Melanie Murphy 086-4083979 for full information.
Piano and Flute Lessons
In recent times I complimented the quality and quantity of the youngsters taking part for their musical talents. We in Lanesboro Ballyleague have been offered the opportunity to have young people trained in both piano and flute to diploma level – London College of Music and R.I.A.M. exams. Parents are asked to avail of this wonderful opportunity by encouraging their young people to enrol. Full details can be obtained by phoning 087-9840411.
Lanesboro Branch Library
Kick-start your child’s imagination this year with a visit to your local library!
Free membership for children and students. “To Learn To Read Is To Light A Fire, Every Syllable That Is Spelled Out Is A Spark”. Victor Hugo
Learn Online for FREE with FAS at Lanesboro Library!
An ‘Online Learning’ Initiative is running in your local library over the next few months. The courses are all online and open to everybody over 18. All courses have been developed for people with little or no IT Skills as well as those with some IT knowledge. Some of the courses running include: Introduction to Computers, Internet and Email, ECDL, Basic Finance, Health and Safety.
Registration forms are available at the Library. A FAS course facilitator will be present every Wednesday from 2pm 3.30pm for any queries you may have.
For more information contact Stella on 043 3321291 or email lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
Opening Hrs: Monday 2pm-8pm, Tuesday 2pm-6pm, Wednesday 2pm-8pm, Friday 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm, Saturday 10am-1pm.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Club Membership: Membership now due, payable to Registrar, Padraig Murray.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were – 11, 13, 22 and 30. There was no jackpot winner. The five €20 winners were – Carmel O’Reilly, Weekfield. John Smyth, Newtowncashel. Denis Murphy, Cloontuskert. Olive Kenny & Padraig Murray, Cloontuskert. Ronan Glennon, Cloonadra.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the Club House, 9.00pm. Last week’s winners were – 1st, Sean/Ann. 2nd, Jerry/Michael. Last game, Gemma/Freda. Ticket Winners – Gerry, Brenda, Tom and Tom.
St. Faithleachs GAA – Scór: We are looking for members of the Club who are interested in reviving SCOR. (Solo Singing, Ballad Group, Set Dancing, Novelty Act, Recitation and Quiz Team). If you are interested in taking part, please contact: (086) 1721181 or (087) 8172668.
U14 Boys: Training commences Monday evening 14th February at 5.30pm. All players are asked to attend.
Up-Coming Events: Kids Valentines Disco, Friday 11th February. Table Quiz Friday 18th February.
Sympathy: The Club extends deepest sympathy to Henry & Mary Kenny and Family on the death of Henry’s mother, Brigid Kenny, Ballinahinch, Newtowncashel. The Club extends deepest sympathy to Pat & Eileen Mullen and Family on the death of Pat’s mother, Marcella Mullen, Drimanure, Abbeyshrule. The Club extends deepest sympathy to Ray & Nuala Deegan and Family on the death of Nuala’s father, Michael Connolly, Offaly. The Club extends deepest sympathy to Margaret Leckey & Family on the death of her brother Danny Mc Namara, Dublin. The Club extends deepest sympathy to the Farrell Family, Knock, Lanesboro on the death of Nora Farrell. The club extends deepest sympathy to the Cox Family, Ballyglass on the death of Frank Cox, Killashee.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Monday night last 31st January are;
N/S Gross:1st Patricia McGann & Joan Donnellan, 2nd Mary Mc Gushin & Renee Walshe, 3rd Philomena Walshe & Bernadette Gillen, 4th Hannah Clyne & Maureen Hynes. N/S Nett: 1st Mary Mc Gushin & Renee Walsh, 2nd Patricia McGann & Joan Donnellan, 3rd Philomena Walshe & Bernadette Gillen, 4th Fiona Gillen & Phil Chalmers. E/W Gross: 1st Des & Eileen Watts, 2nd Kathleen Hanley & Mary Fallon, 3rd Mike Flynn & Kathleen O’ Reilly, 4th Peg Clarke & Mary B. Casey. E/W Nett: 1st Des & Eileen Watts, 2nd Kathleen Hanley & Mary Fallon, 3rd Mike Flynn & Kathleen O’ Reilly, 4th Una Clarke & Nora Kelly.
The Sliabh Ban Trophy competition will take place on 21st Feb.
Sunday February 13th is the Regional Pairs in Mullingar Bridge Centre, starting at 1.30 sharp.
The results of the E.J.Browne Memorial are held over until the end of season party.
Shannon Gaels Minor Club
The club is holding its registration night on Tuesday, 15 Feb from 7 to 8pm in the clubhouse, Clonbonny. All players, from under eight to minor grade are requested to register on the night. Parents are reminded that it is policy that players who are not fully paid up registered members, are not allowed to play or train, for insurance reasons.
The club is running a First Aid course for all club coaches/managers on Saturday next, 12 Feb , starting at 10am.If any parent wishes to attend, please contact a member of the club executive.
Lough Ree Co-Op 25 Drive
The results of the competition held on Sunday night last 7th February are; Joint winners with 10 game Mike Finan & Mike Rogers, Pat Rock & Tom Foxe and PJ Fallon & Tim Foxe. Table Prize Gerry Ryan & Dan Cox. Raffle winners Dan Cox, Ronan Cullen, Pat Rock and Jimmy Donegan. Next week’s jackpot stands at €350. The game continues on Sunday night next at 8.30pm