Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Scór na nÓg odyssey continues
Once
again the Sketch team of the Shannon Gael club has done the parish extremely
proud with a wonderful performance in The Downs GAA clubhouse on Sunday
afternoon last when they qualified for the Leinster Final. For the club and
parish this is a tremendous achievement and it is a sense of great honour that these
young people along with their mentor have done us proud. To have a team
representing the parish in a Leinster Final in anything is a great source of
excitement and pride.
The
script was written by Jack O’Sullivan, Kerry, brother of Pat O’Sullivan,
Ballymahon road, the mentor to the sketch team is Maura Tobin who has been a
wonderful mentor since the beginning of the club involvement 5 years ago and
she is now getting her just reward for her continued dedication. The sketch
team is Shane Kenny, son of Sean and Maura Kenny, Fermoyle, Lauren Guinan
daughter of Adrian Guinan and Madaleine Murray, the Green, sisters Laura and
Anna Peters, daughters of Steve and Marie Peters, Clonfower, Stephen Tobin son of
Graham and Maura Tobin, Rathcline Road, Andrew Ward, son of Pat and Mary Ward,
Rathcline Road, Niall Keane, son of Brendan and Susan Keane, Barnacor and
Dearbhail Flood son of Jimmy and Bridget Flood, Lehery.
The
Leinster Final will take place on Sunday 15th January in Ballymore,
Co. Westmeath.
Choir Service on Thursday
Lanesboro
Primary School is holding a Carol Service on Thurs Dec 15th at 6.30pm in the
Church. Every year the school performs a wonderful and exciting Carol services
and there is no doubt that this year will equal if not better previous years’
service.
Special
Christmas Whist Drive
Next
Friday night, 16th December, in St. Mary’s Parish Hall a very
special Christmas Whist Drive will take place in aid of Lanesboro Social
Services. Each year this night proves to be the highlight of the year for card
players with the Christmas air filling the hall making it a very special night.
It is also one of the best nights for
Lanesboro Social Services who do much incredible work and especially at this
time of the year where so many people are in need. This year has been a trying
year for the committee and without your support they would not be able to achieve
all the great work they continue to do. Please come along and bring your friend
and make this a tremendous party night.
Playschool on
Christmas Break
The
parent/toddler group held in the Lanesborough/Ballyleague Playschool has
finished its term for the Christmas break and it will resume on Tuesday 17th
January at 10.30am until 11.30am
GAA All Star
The
recent trip by the hurling All Stars to San Francisco threw up its own All Star
in the shape of our own Val Kirwan who was on hand to help out one of the
players in their time of need. Val, son of the late Gerry and Tess Kirwan, The
Green, has been a policeman in San Francisco for a good number of years. During the trip over to San Francisco the
grandmother of current All Star and Tipperary star Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher
passed away and Bonner had to make a quick turnaround for her funeral. Val,
whose sister Kathleen lives in the catchment area as Bonner’s home club made
the call to Val to tell him of the situation and Val was not only there to
sympathise with him but to also ensure that Bonner and his girlfriend made it
back to the airport for their sad journey home. Val is becoming a legend with
the All Stars as there are many stories about Val –all good and indeed some
funny – during their last visit to San Francisco.
Indeed
another member of the Kirwan family, P.J.
was on hand to assist and welcome Longford footballers to Abu Dhabi a
few years ago. These are lads in far flung places that never forget their home
roots and it is a credit to them.
The Pitch comes to Town
The
moth production of the extremely popular play ‘The Pitch’ written by the
Academy Award Winning Shane Connaughton will come to St. Mary’s Parish Hall,
Lanesboro in mid-January for one night only. The play has been receiving
tremendous reviews and tickets will soon be on sale for should be a wonderful
night. The play is being brought to Lanesboro by Shannon Gaels Minor Club and
tickets are now available in O’Brien’s Corner Shop.
Top Class School Report
Last year Lanesboro Community College
underwent a ‘Whole School Evaluation’ by the Department of Education
inspectors. The recently obtained the final adjudication and it bore a glowing
report on the school. The report was full of praise for the way the school
looked after its pupils, both academically and from the pastoral care point of
view. The V.E.C., the Board of Management, the Parents Association, school
management, teachers, ancillary staff, and especially the pupils, were all
given recognition of the great team spirit that exists within the school.
Especially noted was the warmth of everybody, especially the students, towards
the inspectors, and, indeed, towards anybody that visited the school. We can be
very proud to have a secondary school of such quality in our town. The report
can be accessed at www.education.ie
Christmas Day Run
The annual Christmas Day run/walk from
Newtowncashel to Lanesboro will once again take place on Christmas morning
commencing from ‘The Hill’ Newtowncashel and finishing at the bridge in
Lanesboro. The run is the main fundraiser of the year for Multiple Sclerosis
Society that does tremendous work in the county throughout the year with the
funds raised. If you are not doing the run/walk please be as generous as
possible can when approached – you are assured the funds will be used wisely.
The walkers will start off at 11.45 and the runners will commence at 12.15. The
committee is looking forward to more favourable conditions this year than last
year and also are hoping for a record number of participants.
Lanesboro Branch Library
The FÁS
eLearning at the Library is a joint project between FÁS and the Library
Council of Ireland and is delivered in local libraries with the support of the
Library service.
If you are new to computers and want to take things
slowly, this project is perfect for you. The project will help you get up
and running at a nice easy pace.
The programme is 32 hours in duration, delivered over
a 16 week period with one 2 hour workshop each week.
If you are already a
FÁS client you can register for the programme through your local FÁS office.
All other interested candidates (over the age of 18) can contact Stella at the library on
043 3321291
Bantar Ballads EP
The extremely popular two man group of
local man Fran Deffew, Rathcline Road and Paul Murphy have just released an EP
for Christmas. The lads have gained tremendous acclamation where ever they have
played country wide and the EP is surely the start of much greater things to
come. I am sure that the EP will be a huge seller and nobody deserves success
more than the lads. The EP is priced €10 and is available from O’Brien’s Corner
House, Mags Hair Salon, or from Fran himself.
Christmas at St. John’s
The Christmas arrangements for St. John’s
Church and congregation throughout the Christmas commence on Sunday next 18th
December with a Carol service in St. Coman’s, Roscommon at 11.30pm. On Christmas Eve
there will be A Holy Communion Service in St. John’s Church, Lanesboro at 9pm.Christmas
Day a Holy Communion Service will take place in St. Coman’s Church, Roscommon
at 11am.
Death
Tragedy
struck our town once again when on Tuesday night last 6th December news
broke of the sudden death at her residence of Alison Smyth, Cnoc na Gaoithe.
Where does one begin to write about one of the finest ladies ever to grace
Lanesboro or for that matter any town?
Allison’s untimely death occurred just two days before her 29th
birthday. She was a natural in every way, in education she was in the final
stages of finishing her PhD in Chemistry at Athlone IT having completed her
masters in NUIG. As a footballer she was one of the greatest of her generation
and she stood right up there with the very best. She also stood out as a
prodigious talent on the basketball court and was one of the leading players on
the Meteors team in Longford where she attained high honours. In earlier times
Alison was an athlete with Lough Ree AC in times gone by and represented the
club at All Ireland level. This year she coached and managed the Shannon Gaels
U18 lads where she acquitted herself well. In recent weeks she completed the
referee’s course in Longford and the two tutors were high in their praise of
her throughout the course. She was, without doubt, destined to be the first
lady refereeing men’s football in Longford. But the one time that stood Alison
apart was her demeanour and her spirit. She was always beaming with life and
vitality filling everybody around her with that infectious feeling of
happiness. There was never a happier site than to see Alison and her
boyfriend James Hanley together, they were a match made in Heaven such was the
their clearly evident closeness. There is an old proverb in Irish that sums up
Alison’s passing “Ní beigh a leithead arís ann,”
meaning, “her likes may never be seen again”. The attendance at the reposing at
her home on Thursday was absolutely enormous and equally so at her Funeral Mass
in the Church of the Blessed Virgin and interment in Cashel Cemetery on Friday.
To her father Brendan, mother Pat, sister, Janice, brother, Gordon, boyfriend,
James, relatives and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.
Lough Ree
Athletic Club
Things
have been quiet on the athletics front of late for club athletes but that is
about to change with the upcoming Annual Christmas Day Fun Run for the younger
athletes in conjunction with the MS Run from Newtowncashel to Lanesboro. The
run will start from the athletic track and finish at the Hall and we expect to
see all the younger athletes who did the series road runs out on Christmas
morning. A text with the details will go
out closer to the time. Congratulations
to Maeve Dervin, Roscommon Athletic Club who had a great run in the Under 12
All Ireland Cross Country in Sligo recently.
Lough
Ree Athletic Club would like to extend sincere sympathy to the Smyth family on
the sudden and untimely death of Alison.
Alison was better known as a footballer but she was also a decent
athlete and a past member of the club.
Indeed Alison represented the club at All Ireland level in Waterford,
along with Gillian Clyne, Amanda Hanley and Cathy Harrison among others. May she Rest in Peace.
Community Choir to entertain in Parish
Hall
Lanesboro
Community Choir is holding their Christmas concert in St. Mary’s Parish hall at
7.30pm on Sunday 18th December with a selection of Christmas songs music also
with Edel’s harpist and traditional music will also be played with local
musicians. Mulled wine will be served at
the interval so a great night of music is promised come early
Abbey Hotel Wedding Fair
Lisnacusha native Geraldine Greally nee
Murray and her team will host a Wedding
Fair extravaganza will at the four star Abbey Hotel Conference and Leisure
Centre, Roscommon on January 15th next. If you would like to book
your stand at this event please call Geraldine at the abbey Hotel on 086
3276584 or 0906665661
Christmas
Ceremonies in Lanesboro and Ballyleague
The Christmas arrangements in St
Mary’s Church Lanesboro for the Christmas period are Penitential Service on
Friday 23rd December at 8pm. There will be two Masses on Christmas
Eve at 7pm and 8.30pm. Masses on Christmas Day will take place at the usual
times of 9.30am and 11.30am. In the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague, the
Christmas arrangements will commence with confession on Monday 19th
December at 8.30pm. Mass on Christmas Eve will take place at 9pm and Mass on
Christmas Day will take place at 11am.
Table Quiz
The Table Quiz in aid of Movember charity will now take
place on this Friday week 16th in Clarkes Bar. A table of 4 will cost €40 and there is
guaranteed a wonderful night of fun. The organisers would appreciate a huge
turnout and lots of prizes available on the new date. Following the Quiz a DJ
will take over to finish off a wonderful night.
Santa Train
The
Santa train at the Cavan and Leitrim Railway, Dromod will run next Sunday 18th
December from 1 to 5pm. The admission for children is €10 and accompanying
adults go free. For further details you should phone 071-9638599.
Santa Arrives at Charity Shop
Santa will be visiting
the Friends of the Asthma Charity shop on Main Street on Saturday next 17th
December. He will make his arrival at 12 noon on the day but the mystery is how
he will arrive. With his sleigh in for a major overhaul before he makes the big
journey later in the month the big question is ‘how will Santa arrive’? If you
think you know how he will arrive you can enter your guess at the charity shop
and there will be a prize for every child that gets the answer correct.
Rathcline GAA
The
Club would like to extend our condolence to the family and friends of Alison
Smyth who died suddenly last week. Alison was best known for her association
with GAA and a very prominent figure on our Senior Ladies Team and County teams
of the last decade or more. She was an integral part of the victorious Ladies
Junior Championship team this year who went on to reach the Leinster Semi
Final. She was also involved with the
Longford Falcons Basketball team and was a hugely active person in all the
local community groups. She was Shannon
Gaels Minor Trainer/Manager this year and took a pro-active approach with the
youth in our parish. She will be very
sadly missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her. To her parents Brendan and Pat, her sister
Janice, her brother Gordon her boyfriend James and to the Ladies Club we extend
our sincerest sympathy. May she rest in
peace.
As
a mark of respect to Alison the AGM and the relegation playoff were
postponed. A date has not yet been
decided for the AGM. The Senior
Relegation playoff against Ballymore will now take place on Sun next 18th
Dec at 1p.m. venue yet to be decided, (see fixtures) Please come out and
support the team.
Tickets
for the Annual Christmas Draw are selling well only 4 weeks to go until the
draw so make sure you have your ticket, the club appreciate your support for
this very important fundraiser.
Lanesboro Ballyleague Indoor Market
The Lanesboro and
Ballyleague Indoor Market, held in St. Mary’s Parochial Hall, Lanesboro every
Friday from 11am to 2pm. There is a range of stalls selling local home
baking, local jams, free range eggs & mushrooms, silver and costume
jewellery, goats milk beauty products, sensy flameless candles, books, bric a
brac, Forever aloe vera products, handmade cards and fab locally produced hand
crafts etc. Free car parking to rear of building (beside the
playground). Tea, Coffee and light snacks will also be available. For
all information contact 087 3965568 for queries.
Business
presentation
All
local Business people are invited to a presentation on the “Key Changes
affecting Businesses in Budget 2011” by Derek Scanlon from RSM
Farrell Grant Sparks on Thursday night next at 8 O’clock in the Lough Ree
Development Building Main Street Lanesborough. Following this presentation it
is hoped to set up Lanesborough/Ballyleague Business Forum. The aim of this forum
would be to promote existing local business and to put in place a framework to
attract new businesses into our area. For further information contact Mark
Casey 0872317669.
Fund Raising 25 Drive
Rathcline
GAA club is holding a fundraising 25 Drive in the Per Inn on Friday 23rd
December. The first prize will be €200 and it is hoped that all card players
will pack out the venue for should be a great night. Refreshments will be
served and the first game will start at 9pm so do not be late.
Santa
Santa
is back on the road again. If you require him to call to your house or to visit
hospital during Christmas week, you can call him on 0863963292 to make
arrangements.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior Club AGM: We held the
Annual General Meeting of our Senior Club on Friday last in the Clubhouse. The
club would like to thank Fr. Larney Shine who celebrated Mass for deceased
members of the club prior to the AGM. President Mickey Kelly sent his apologies
as he was unable to attend. Chairman Frank Curley opened the meeting and
welcomed all, wishing Mickey Kelly a speedy recovery. His Chairman’s address
reflected on the clubs year as a whole, thanking all who carried out fantastic
hard work on the clubs new dressing-rooms which was done voluntarily. Gratitude
was expressed to all the club sponsors, all involved with the club throughout
the year including players, managers/mentors, senior and minor
physiotherapists, social & finance committee, club lotto sellers and all
who were involved in fundraising for the club in 2011. He congratulated the
Minor Club on their success in 2011 & to all our county players in 2011. He
concluded our goal for 2012 with the celebration of our 50th Year &
official opening of the clubs grounds asking anyone that can help would be very
welcome along with our goal to have a new stand erected. Secretary Caroline
Connaughton read the minutes of the 2010 AGM and expressed thanks to her fellow
officers throughout the year along with Chairman Frank Curley for his countless
hours and all volunteers for their commitment in the smooth running of the Clubhouse
during the year. Chairman of the Social & Finance committee, Derek Thompson
sent his apologies as he was unable to attend due to work commitments and club
secretary Caroline Connaughton read his report in which he expressed thanks to
all for their tremendous efforts during 2011. Treasurer Michael Cleary gave a
detailed account of the Clubs Income/Expenditure for 2011 thanking the
community for their great response to the clubs fundraising development along
with the staff of the clubhouse, social & finance committee, club lotto
sellers, weekly card players, club sponsors and all who helped out in many ways
during the year. He gave a detailed account of development income/expenditure
which was prepared by Sean Cox and expressed thanks to the field committee for
their continued hard work during 2011. The following officers were elected:
Chairman, Frank Curley. Vice-Chairman, to be filled, Secretary, Caroline
Connaughton. Assistant Secretary, to be filled, Treasurer, Michael Cleary.
Assistant Treasurer, Sean Cox, Registrar, Brian Scally, PRO, Mary Kenny.
Insurance Officer, Sean Cox. Delegates to County Board, Michael Cleary &
Paul Enright. Executive Committee, Frank Curley, Michael Cleary, Caroline
Connaughton, Padraig Banahan, James Irwin, Gerry Donlon, Mary Kenny, Tom Irwin,
Jimmy Mangan, Padraig Kenny, Ollie Kelly, Brian Scally, J. B. Hanly.
Lotto: The numbers
drawn were – 1, 8, 13and 17. There was no jackpot winner and the five winners
of €20 were – Tom Donlon, Moher. Joe Lohan, Curraghroe. Tom Rooney, Rathcline.
Siobhan Donoghue, Anrattabeg and Ray & Qona Cox, Doughill. The next draw will
take place on Tuesday 20th December for a jackpot of €4,900. The team
in charge is – S. Cox, M. Murphy, D.
Dunne, N. Banahan.
Cards: Every Tuesday the card game takes place
in the Clubhouse at 9.00pm. All welcome. Results of last week’s games –
Winners, Tom/Brendan, joint runners-up, Padraig/PJ, Peggy/Phonsie &
Michael/Frank and the last game winners, Kevin/Padraig.
Santa at St. Faithleachs GAA
Club Grounds: A
special treat in store for the kids with the arrival of Santa Claus, by air, on
18th December at 3.00pm. Live Music in the Clubhouse from 6.00pm followed by
our Christmas Draw.
Upcoming Events: Sports
Quiz to be held in the Club House on 28th December.
Christmas Draw: The Club are
currently running a Christmas Draw, €2 per line. 1st Prize – Large Hamper to
the value of €150, 2nd Prize – DVD Player, 3rd Prize –Newbridge Silverware
Knife Set, 4th Prize – Bottle of Whiskey, 5th Prize – Clock. Draw will take
place on 18th December.
Sympathy: The Club
expresses deepest sympathy to the Smyth Family, Lanesboro & Newtowncashel
on the untimely & sad death of Alison (Ali) Smyth. To her parents Brendan
& Pat, sister Janice, brother Gordon, sister-in-law Fiona, nephews Aaron
& Ryan, partner James, extended family, relatives & friends.