Thank You St. John’s Community
Last Sunday was the final day for the blessing of the graves in St. John’s graveyard and as you all may remember it was the most horrible day of rain this summer. A large crowd turned up and as time approached the rain was thundering down. A phone call on the behest of Fr. Mickie was made to Philip Mc Garry, St. John’s Church to see if St. John’s Church could be used for prayers. Without hesitation Philip consented on behalf of the St. John’s Congregation. It was a wonderful gesture and one that all present were deeply grateful to St. John’s. It just shows the togetherness of our two church congregations in Lanesboro.
Following prayers in St. John’s Fr. Mickie blessed the graves.
Again, on behalf of all present I would like to extend our thanks to Philip and the St. John’s congregation.
Bridge to Bridge Swim
Each year following the Two Provinces Triathlon the Lanesboro Tri Club organise an Ironman distance charity swim from the Bord na Mona bridge at Kilnacarrow to the bridge in Lanesboro. This swim is not for the faint hearted as it stretches to 3.9Km. It will take place on Monday 5th April. Swimmers will cruise up by boat to the starting point at Kilnacarrow bridge. This year the charities to benefit are the Alzheimers Society of Ireland and Western Alzheimers.
If you wish to take part or just want to raise sponsorship you can collect your cards in O’Brien’s or sponsor on the card in the shop.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Alison and Paul Clancy and family, Barnacor, on the death of Alison’s father George Casey, Kenagh, on Wednesday 10th July
Subscription now due
Lanesboro Gun club subscriptions for the forthcoming season are now due on or before Wednesday week 31st July 2019. It is responsibility of each member to ensure that membership is in place for the season ahead. All subscriptions are to be paid directly into club’s bank account. Please contact a member of the committee to arrange payment.
Death
Last Tuesday 16th July the news broke of the death at Portiuncla Hospital, Ballinasloe of one of the most loved ladies in our parish. Margaret Connor, Cashelbeg, was predeceased by her brothers Ned, Mike, and Mattie and her sister Mary Bridget. Margie as she was most commonly known was a woman of great spirit and outlook. She was warm and friendly, ever obliging and more than generous lady. She had a great devotion to her faith. Once you called to her door you had to be feted in Margie own inimitable way. Her warm and welcoming broad smile would disarm even the coldest of hearts. Margie lived with her brother Mattie until his death back in early December. Together they were great custodians of the land where they farmed with a great diligence and neatness which was clearly evident to everyone that passed the roadside home in Cashelbeg. The passing of Margie will leave a great sadness in the hearts and minds of everyone that had the undoubted pleasure of knowing her.
Her remains reposed at her residence in Cashelbeg on Thursday before being removed to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro. Her Funeral Mass took place on Friday and following Mass she was laid to rest in Cashel Cemetery.
All County Cup Final
Last Sunday was a great day for St. Faithleach’s when they won the All County Cup Final. When you win a final it is always made more sweeter when you beat your old adversaries and neighbours on their home pitch. This victory over Strokestown was hard won and the scoreline of St. Faithleach’s 2.15 to Strokestown’s 2.12 tells the story of an open and hard-fought game. Ciaran Murtagh, team captain, climbed the steps to receive the All County Cup. Congratulations to the panel, team manager Gareth Johnston and mentors on a fabulous win.
Bord na Mona and ESB
As I write the only prospects so far within BnM and ESB is a gloomy scenario. We still see no smoke from the station and BnM have laid off the seasonal workers and are looking to bring their Mount Dillon workforce down to 34 workers. There is a great gloom over our area but as the saying goes ‘where there is life there is hope’ and we hope that a chink of light may be found to retain the workforce and see both companies thriving once again.
Championship Time
Rathcline senior team will make their return to the Longford Senior Championship when they take on Colmcille in Killoe on Sunday evening next at 7.30pm.
Rathcline are in a three-group section. Colmcille played and drew with Longford Slashers last weekend so a victory on Sunday would practically assure the seniors a place in the quarter finals.
We wish the lads well and we hope there will be a great turnout of Rathcline supporters to cheer on the lads.
Church Gate Collection
The Irish Wheelchair Association will hold their church gate collection on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th July. With your support Irish Wheelchair Association can continue to maintain vital services to people with disabilities in County Longford.
Annual Pilgrimage
The annual one-day pilgrimage to Lough Derg will take place on Sunday 25th August with the bus leaving the grounds of Ballyleague Hall at 7am. All enquiries should be made to Mary 043-3321969
Reek Sunday
Climbing of Croagh Patrick on the last Sunday of July is a tradition that goes back many generations. A large number of people from the locality do if on an annual basis. If you are interested in going and don’t wish to drive the option of getting a bus to and from is open to you. A bus will be departing Tarmonbarry at 5.55am and Strokestown at 6.10am if you wish to avail. For full information you are asked to contact Kitty 086 0405621, Peter 087 6613510 or Marie 086 1900640. You are asked to bring along a packed lunch, water and stick for climbing.
Captain’s Prize
The Lough Ree Golfing Society outing to Roscommon golf club took place last Friday 19th July. This was Captain Jackie Mc Donnell’s day. It was very well attended, and they were very lucky with the weather, with drizzle for the first 4 or 5 holes and sunshine thereafter. The course was in excellent condition, and the scores were very close, with 3 pts separating the first 3 places. Liam Rosemond managed to hold on and win it with Aiden Cassidy 2nd and Mick Brennan 3rd. In the Ladies the first 2 places were very close, with Bernie Taylor just overcoming Antoinette O’Donnell and Ursula Burke 3rd. Jackie wishes to thank everyone who turned out and his Prizes were very much appreciated.
The next outing on Friday 16th August is to Athenry Golf Club with an 11o’clock tee off. The results of last Friday are 1st Liam Rosemond 40pts, 2nd Aiden Cassidy 39pts, 3rd Mick Brennan 37pts. Ladies 1st Bernie Taylor, 2nd Antoinette O’Donnell, and 3rd Ursula Burke.
Sliabh Bán Book
The hugely popular history on Sliabh Bán is back on sale and as we are going into holiday season it would make a wonderful read over the summer or even as a present for all those returning during holiday time. The book is available for sale in O’Brien’s costing €20.
A few tickets become available
The biggest local and most social day out at the Galway Races takes place on Monday next 29th July. A few places have just become available for the Annual Rathcline GAA Race Day at the famous Galway Races Festival. This is a hugely popular day and a great celebration of the club in our community. Anyone that has already been there with the club will tell you that it is a very special day out. The location and comfort of the Killanin Stand is a feature that makes this venue the best race day out of any.
The day out includes a location in the main pavilion in the Killanin Stand overlooking the finishing line, admission to the races with a free race card, free parking, four course meal, €5 drinks voucher, Tipsters in the Pavilion, Bar facilities, Tote in the Pavilion, Best Dressed Lady competition, after meal entertainment. All this for just €140.
If you would like to book your tickets phone Liam Connerton 086-8776405, Stephen Rooney 086-3176301 or Alan Fayne 087-1157806. Don’t delay book your tickets now and avoid disappointment.
Traditional Night Out
On Friday night next in the Pier Inn Rakish Paddy, Lisnacusha there will be a traditional night out from 9pm where Noel Carberry will be MC on the night. Admission is free and it is hoped a donation will be made. The night is in aid of Grattan GAA club and their Oskars night. Your support will be appreciated.
Cloontuskert Cemetery
Cemetery Sunday in Cloontuskert graveyard will be celebrated on Sunday 11th August at 6pm.
Tidy Towns Lotto
The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning last were 13, 15, 20 and 25. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool has now risen to €4,600. The winner of the €50 prize was Eddie Shea c/o Mags, and the three €20 winners were Imelda Sweeney c/o market, Mags c/o Mags and Margaret Casey c/o Market.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Sinead Ginty, Carraroe. The winning envelope this week was worth €440. A big congratulations to Sinéad who is a regular weekly player and the club would like to say thank you for your continued support of the 50/50. Buy a €2 ticket and who knows it could be your name on the next winning ticket drawn on Monday night next.
Tickets are on sale in local shops and businesses throughout the town. at €2 each or 3 tickets for €5. As you now know there are two alternatives for those that would like to play the 50/50 by paying in advance. Option 1 is the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and Option 2 is the pink envelope where you pay €100 for a 12-month period with two free draws. Those tickets are available in any of the local outlets or from any member of the club executive.
Summer in our Library
Since the summer school holidays began our local library has really become a real hive of activity. More and more children and adults are using the library not only for reading and computer use but for the added events that are keeping everyone very active.
This week and upcoming events are:
Poetry & Music Group
Poetry & Music group continues on Monday 12th August – 4.15-5.30pm.
All welcome to come along and join in with this very vibrant group!
Babble & Books Parent & Toddler Group
Babble & Books Parent & Toddler Group continues every Wednesday morning at 10.30am at the library.
Summer Stars Reading Programme
Summer Stars Children’s Reading Programme will run until August 31st!
Grab your reading card at the library and start your reading adventure.
Don’t forget to pick up some fun incentives along the way!
Weekly draw for a fabulous backpack containing some surprises for completed entries!
Children’s Summer Events
Board Game Battles – Every Friday
afternoon 3pm – 4pm during July & August, come along with your friends to
the library and test each other’s skills at our Board Game Battles!
Games include, Snakes & Ladders, Ludo,
Chess, Draughts, Connect 4, BattleShip, Dominos, Frustration & Operation!! We also have decks of cards available!
All ages welcome! – No booking required – children must be accompanied by
a parent.
Kids Summer Movie Club – On Saturday mornings during July & August, Lanesboro Library will be hosting a Kids Movie Club from 10am to 12noon. No booking necessary.
Come along, bring a blanket or cushion to sit on
and join in the fun!
Also available are Dress Up Box, Lego &
Colouring Tables to keep your little ones happy!
Children must be accompanied by a parent.
Book Club
Book Club for adults continues on Friday morning 26th July at 11am. Book choices for July are ‘The Shoemaker and his Daughter’ by Conor O’Clery and ‘Walk the Blue Fields’ by Claire Keegan. All welcome to come along for a chat and a cuppa.
Heritage Week
The theme for Heritage Week this year is ‘Past Times’. With this in mind, local historian John Casey has put together an immense amount of historical information, books and photographs and you are all welcome to come along to ‘A Celebration of Local History’ on Thursday 22nd August at 7pm to the library. There will be a slideshow, various readings and an array of books on local history. We will also have on display our exhibition on ‘Business in Lanesboro 1900-2015’. Light refreshments will be served.
Foreign Currency & Used Stamps
We are still collecting unwanted foreign currency and old coins/notes in aid of ISPCC. The smallest donation can make a huge difference.
We also collect used stamps in aid of ISPCC. Thank you.
Library membership is free for everyone and provides you with complimentary access to books and p.c.’s in the library as well as a range of digital services.
Check out our Online Services where you can download free eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines and newspapers, learn a new language or do an online course. All you need is your library card and pin. Renew or request books on our websitewww.longfordlibrary.ie
Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.
Senior Championship
Sunday evening next see our senior team make a welcome return to the Longford Senior Championship when we take on Colmcille in our first-round game. A lot of intense work has gone into the preparation for the championship and we really hope all the hard work will be well rewarded. A victory on Sunday will practically ensure a place in the quarter final and we look forward being in that comfort zone on Sunday night.
We would encourage every Rathcline supporter and their friends to come along and give the players a boost by having a great crowd cheering them on.
The game will take place in Killoe at 7.30pm
Don’t miss Day Out
The ultimate day of the year is fast approaching – the Annual Rathcline GAA Race Day this year will take place on Monday next 29th July at the famous Galway Races Festival. Each year this Race Day proves to be a very popular so much so that there are just a couple of places left for this year’s Race Day. It is the norm that most of our racegoers stay in Galway overnight and continue the excitement of the Galway Race week. This is a day not to be missed as anyone that has already been there will tell you. The location and comfort of the Killanin Stand is a feature that makes this venue the best day out of any and the opportunity to see the hose passing the winning post right in front of you is a great thrill.
The day out includes a location in the main pavilion in the Killanin Stand overlooking the finishing line, admission to the races with a free race card, free parking, four course meal, €5 drinks voucher, Tipsters in the Pavilion, Bar facilities, Tote in the Pavilion, Best Dressed Lady competition, After meal entertainment. All this for only €140.
To book your tickets phone Liam Connerton 086-8776405, Stephen Rooney 086-3176301 or Alan Fayne 087-1157806. Don’t delay and avoid disappointment.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Sinéad Ginty, Carraroe. The winning envelope this week was worth €440. A big congratulations to Sinéad who is a regular weekly player and the club would like to say thank you for your continued support of the 50/50. Buy a €2 ticket and who knows it could be your name on the next winning ticket drawn on Monday night next.
Tickets are on sale in local shops and businesses throughout the town. at €2 each or 3 tickets for €5. As you now know there are two alternatives for those that would like to play the 50/50 by paying in advance. Option 1 is the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and Option 2 is the pink envelope where you pay €100 for a 12-month period with two free draws. Those tickets are available in any of the local outlets or from any member of the club executive.
Royal Canal Cycle
The Royal Canal fundraising cycle, ‘Saddle Up for Rathcline’ will take place on Saturday 17th August. This is a sponsored cycle along the Royal Canal all along the recently renovated route from Maynooth to Lanesboro. The route distance is approximately 120km which you can cycle or for the novice cyclist or club supporter you can take the option on one of the 15km. Bicycles will be provided and for those taking part in the 15km cycle. The cost /sponsorship is €50 per person and it is hoped to have teams of 4.
The cycle will finish in the club grounds in Clonbonny with the official switching on of the new scoreboard.
There will be a social evening at the club grounds with a barbeque commencing at 8pm. This event is open to the entire community and supporters.
Grattan’s seek our support
Grattan’s are holding an Oskars Night and they are fundraising to ensure the whole event will be a massive success. They will hold a tradition music night out in the Pier Inn Rakish Paddy, on this coming Friday night 26th July. It promises to be a great night there will be no admission charge but donating expected.