Engagement
Many congratulations to Megan Daly, daughter of Colm and Joan Daly, Rathcline Road on her recent engagement to Thomas Fahy, son of Gerry and Margareta Fahy, Loughrea, Co. Galway.
Birth
Many congratulations to Therese and Neal O’Connor, Lehery, on the birth last week of a baby girl.
Wedding
The marriage took place in St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro on Friday last 26th July of Aoife Connaughton daughter of Josie and Freda Connaughton, Longford Road and Cathal Mc Hugh son of Peter and Bridgetta Mc Hugh, Curraghboy, Co. Roscommon. Matron of Honour was Lisa Barker sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Ciara Feeney sister of the bride and Patrice Nolan and Janine Mc Cormack both friends of the bride. Bestman was Peter Domican friend of the groom and groomsmen were Donal Shine friend of the groom, Cathal Mc Hugh, cousin of the groom and Cian McDonnell friend of the groom. Page boy was Oran Barker nephew of the bride. Flower girls were Ashlin and Kaylin Barker, and Emma, Saoirse and Freya all nieces of the bride. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Michael Reilly and the wedding reception took place in Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Co. Leitrim.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Hollyoaks Writer
Congratulations to Alan Flanagan, son of Jimmy and Bernie Flanagan, Rathcline who has joined the writing team of the long running television soap, Hollyoaks. Alan’s first episode will be broadcast on Tuesday 6th August at 6.30pm
Each year following the huge Two Province 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. This year it will take place on next Monday 5th August. 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.
Wedding
The marriage took place at St. Mary’s Church, Rathowen, Co. Westmeath on Friday last of Gerald Farrell, son of Adie and Josephine Farrell, Aughamore, Lanesboro and Sarah Mc Namara daughter of Anna Mai and Kieran McNamara, Rathowen. Bestman was Ian Farrell, friend of the groom and groomsmen were Alan Lackey and Stephen Rooney, friends of the groom. Matron of Honour was Catherine Ryan, sister of the bride and bridesmaids were Marie Mc Namara and Lynda Walsh both sisters of the bride. Flower girls were Éadaoin Ryan and Rachel Walsh both nieces off the bride. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Brendan O’Sullivan. The wedding reception was held in the Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone.
We would like to wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Ros Run Sliabh Bawn
Saturday and Sunday last were two fabulous days weather-wise. While many were preparing to climb the Croagh Patrick many more in fact over 550 people were taking on the Ros Run Sliabh Bawn over Saturday and Sunday. The event was booked out well before the event. This run gives people the opportunity to run back to back 10km, half marathon’s over the two days.
This being the second year of the event and the organising committee had everything off to a tee and all competitors has access to hot food and showers following the run. Registration was in St. Faithleach’s clubhouse with great parking for all. Buses were laid on to take people to and from Sliabh Bawn. It was a most wonderful occasion aided and abetted by the facilities at St. Faithleach’s and needless to say the weather.
What a wonderful facility Sliabh Bawn turned out to be and the work done on roadways has the ability to enhance the mountain as a great activity centre. Well done to the organisers of the two days for days on the mountain and to all the competitors that took part throughout the weekend.
Death
It is with great sadness I record the death of John Duggan. To the younger generation the name John Duggan may not mean a lot but to the older generation John will be remembered as the man who travelled across the bog from his home in Clonbearla, Killashee to Lanesboro as it was the shorter distance by a good bit to going to Killashee.
A few short years ago John returned to Lanesboro and lived in Cnoc na Gaoithe for a few years. He returned to Claremorris where he remained until his passing on Monday 22nd July at the Mayo University Hospital following a short illness.
John later joined the Garda Siochana where he served in Dublin and later in Carlow before moving to Carlow and finally to Glenamaddy, Co. Galway, where he spent 20 years. John was a prolific songwriter and writer of verse and monologues. Many of his songs were recorded by some of Ireland’s biggest singers.
Following a ceremony John was laid to rest in Claremorris on Wednesday 24th July after a private family funeral.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Gretta, family and friends.
Fancy seeing Man Utd play
Manchester United will play Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premiership at Old Trafford on Saturday 9th November. There is a one night all in package deal available ex Roscommon for €259. If you would like further information call 086-8417264.
Wedding
We would like to congratulate Paul Farrell, son of Pat and Pam Farrell, Derrygeel, and Marjaana Kemppainen, Finland who were married on Saturday 20th July in Finland. Pauls was best man was his brother Colm and his groomsmen were his brothers Damien and Martin.
We would like to wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Subscription due
Lanesboro Gun club subscriptions for the forthcoming season are now due this Wednesday 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.
Bord na Mona and ESB
At the time of writing there is a great distress in our community following the announcement last week by An Bord Pleanala of the refusal of the licence application to ESB at the power station in Shannonbridge. The fear now is that the same fate will befall the licence application at Lanesboro power station and that all peat production and generation of electricity will cease permanently.
A very large crowd of an estimated 700 people took part in a protest march against what was happening in Bord na Mona. The large crowd who were in full support of our local workers were bolstered by the presence of many of our elected politicians from the Longford Westmeath and Roscommon East Galway constituencies cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Pascal Fitzmaurice, cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Micheál Carrigy and many of their fellow councillors although a few of the national politicians Dáil and Seanad were conspicuous by their absence.
As a community we need to be fully supportive of the workers in Bord na Mona and now ESB.
The final sentence in the Sunday Times editorial read “The government must ensure a just transition they guarantee communities such as Lanesboro are not left behind” and we as a community must ensure that this is the case and pressurise the Government to ensure that this is the case.
Holiday time
Over the past week or so there has been a noticeable number of extra people in our community, some old faces returning for their annual visit home while many more new people are coming to Lanesboro. While these are the weeks that people generally take holidays, it is especially great to see the town as busy as it was during the week especially with the turmoil for the community with Bord na Mona and ESB. Lanesboro and Ballyleague as we all know has a wonderful community, who are working tirelessly to improve it year on year. and it is always great to see their work being rewarded by positive comment and people stopping off to enjoy our community.
Throughout the week there has been an increased amount of boating and water sporting activity on Lough Ree especially in the bay area. A large number of swimmers to a multitude making use of the water for water-based sporting activities allied with the great weather makes us look like the only place people want to be.
We would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday and time in Lanesboro/Ballyleague and our communities and look forward to seeing them enjoying their holiday with us.
It is a crying shame that a lot of the people that want to cannot stay within the community due to a lack of accommodation. While it is late for this year hopefully accommodation can be provided for people looking to holiday in 2020.
Medal Found
A medal almost 94 years old was found in the Church View area last week. It must a have a great sentimental value to some person. The medal was a Roscommon Junior championship winning medal dated 1925. If it was you that lost it or you know who owned it you are asked to contact Michael Coffey 086-3612152 or call into Joe O’Brien at the shop.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the extended Casey family, Carrowstrawley on the death of Maureen Egan, Athlone, sister of the late Jimmy Casey.
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
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.
Cloontuskert Cemetery
Cemetery Sunday in Cloontuskert graveyard will be celebrated on Sunday week 11th August at 6pm.
Host Families Wanted
SLS Ireland are looking for families to host Spanish students attending Lanesboro Community College. If you are interested you should contact Irene 087-1328634, Kathy 087-2328073 or phone SLS at 01-2883354. Email info@slsireland.ie and further information may be obtained at www.slsireland.ie
Tidy Towns Lotto
The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning last were 3, 16, 26 and 27. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool has now risen to €4,700. The winner of the €50 prize was Mags c/o Mags, and the three €20 winners were Eugene Mulvihill, Killashee, Pauline Casey, Lehery, and Jean Fallon.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Enda Lannon, Ballagh. The winning envelope this week was worth €400. A big congratulations to Enda 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
The events at our library continues to excite each week and this coming week is no different. Record numbers have been attending the many event so far this summer and I am sure next week will be no different. Have a look at the many events and go along and be part of a great vibrancy in our library.
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
Story Telling for Children with Gerry Donlon aka Bards Aloud
Local man Gerry Donlon aka Bards Aloud, returns to Lanesboro Library for some more wonderful story telling for children on Wednesday 7th August at 3pm. Suitable for children aged 4 to 12 yrs. No booking necessary – children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent/carer.
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.
Explore Longford Young Photographers’ Competition
Longford Tourism and Sports Partnership in conjunction with Longford Libraries are running a photography competition. Email a high-quality photo of a scene/ attraction/town/village in County Longford. The competition will run from 1st July – 31st August. One photo entry per person. Send photo as an attachment to photocompetition@longfordcoco.ie with your name, age and details of where the photo was taken. Winning photo in each category (4-11) (12-18) will win a voucher to the value of €200 for a bike from Km Cycles. Please note photo entries may be used for promotional purposes. Full details of the competition are available in your local library.
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 website www.longfordlibrary.ie
Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.
Leader Cup on Wednesday
Wednesday evening get we get to blow off some of the disappointment of Sunday last when we play Killoe in the Leader Cup in Clonbonny at 8pm. Hopefully there will be a large crowd out to support the lads.
Senior Championship
Our return to the Senior Championship was not as we wanted when we went down to a strong Colmcille side in Killoe. All roads now lead to Cashel for the final game of the group on Friday week where we will take on Longford Slashers at 7.45pm.
50/50
On Monday night last, the draw took place for the weekly 50/50 draw. This week our winner was Enda Lannon, Ballagh. The winning envelope this week was worth €400. A big congratulations to Enda 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.