Lanesboro Ballyleague notes Monday 9th September 2019

Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes

Lecture on Thursday

 ‘Shackleton’s in boats – From the Calm Waters of the Shannon to the Wilds of Antarctica’

The new season of the County Longford Historical Society’s will open with its first lecture in Lanesborough Library on Thursday, 12th September.

Jonathan Shackleton, a regular visitor on the Shannon and a relative of the famous explorer Ernest Shackleton, will speak on ‘Shackleton’s in boats – From the Calm Waters of the Shannon to the Wilds of Antarctica’.  

This promises to be a very special evening because Mr Shackleton himself has travelled extensively in the Antarctic and he is also the expert on the Shackleton family history. The lecture will begin at 8 pm, is free of charge and all are welcome.

Accommodation Provider

The Collaboration group have spoken to Fáilte Ireland about people from their Accommodation Provider department to come to Lanesboro to speak to people that may be interested in becoming Accommodation Providers from single rooms, B&B, Guesthouses and hotels. As well as our local community this meeting is open to people from all surrounding parishes and towns.

You are asked to register your interest by contacting  Joe at joeaobrien@outlook.com with Accommodation Provider in your subject box or phone Joe 086-2460840.

Death

On Saturday 31st August the entire community was brought to a standstill when news broke of the death at his residence of Jimmy Hussey, Lough Ree Park. Jimmy was a musician of note and his magical music talents took him to many of the biggest stages. To take from the words of the song ‘the day the music died’ and it was in the hearts and minds of every one of us that knew Jimmy Hussey. A proud native of Longford Town, Jimmy and his family would have always been seen as ‘old Longford’ which brings with it a warmth, friendliness and great concern for each another. Jimmy had all those qualities in abundance. He was a man whose cheery and warm welcome lifted the hearts of everyone. His greeting with the warmest of smiles disarmed the coldest of hearts. He had a great love of life and lived each day with the happiness that came from the music in is heart and mind. Jimmy was ever helpful; his generosity knew no bounds. He was a keen enthusiast of motor bikes and indeed during the spring summer and autumn he would be seen on his Harley Davidson cruising the countryside. The size of attendances and the distances people travelled to his reposing in Connell’s Funeral Home on Tuesday and again at his Funeral Mass in St. Mel’s Cathedral on Wednesday bore ample testimony to the great numbers Jimmy affected in his life. Following his Funeral Mass Jimmy was laid to rest under his native sod in Ballymacormack Cemetery.

To his wife Mary, son Jonathan, daughter Chloe, brothers Sean and Pat, sisters Mary and Margaret, relatives and many many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.

Science Rooms Open

On Thursday last 5th September Lanesboro Community College officially opened their new science building – Áras na hÉolaíochta.  The whole event was very well choreographed by Master of Ceremonies for the day Acting Principal, Michael Lyons.

The events were opened with a wonderful rendition on the harp by Hannah. School Principal Bernice Martin followed with her welcoming address. Rachael and Louise both World champion Irish Dancers gave a display of Irish Dancing. Six student representatives Eimear, Amy, Lucy, Jason, Mark and Megan then gave an address which was followed by a piano recital by Orla.

Guest of Honour and former Minister for Education Mary O’Rourke gave an excellent address to the packed assembly hall. She was followed by the excellent school band of Sophia, Sarah, Cian, Conor and teacher John Feeney on bass guitar. This was followed by Dr. Christy Duffy Chief Executive of Longford Westmeath Educational Training Board.

A presentation of bog oak was made to Mary O’Rourke by Janes while Eimear presented her with a bouquet of flowers. The unveiling of the plaque and the cutting of the ribbon to the new Áras na hÉolaíochta was done by Mary O’Rourke while following the address by the Chairman of the Board of Management Willie Dennigan he performed the ceremonial planting of a Hazel tree. A tour of this fabulous newbuilding took place, and everyone was in awe of the excellent new facilities available at Lanesboro Community College. Having done the school tour and seen the quality of the facilities it is no wonder the College is going from strength to strength.

Death

Our community was once again struck with heartbreak when news broke on Thursday 5th September of the death at her residence of a young woman Mary Mulvihill, Cullentra. Mary had been diagnosed seven years ago with cancer. As was the woman herself, her will and strength was a most striking feature of her battle. She was not to be cowered by her illness but instead she continued her life with a great fortitude. She had a phenomenal work ethic as long as she could keep going, she did. Mary formerly Dowd from Killinure was a woman of great spirit and vitality. She was an avid reader who believed that added knowledge bore no extra weight. She was a woman blessed with great intelligence, she combined it with humble modesty. The world was her oyster in that respect, and we were blessed when she decided to make her home back in her native parish. Mary was always cheery with a sunny disposition and she loved a great laugh. She loved the company of people and the feeling was mutual. Mary was a devout Catholic and her faith was very important to her where she gained great solace and comfort during her illness. She had a heart of gold as could be with her many magnanimous deeds of kindness. The attendance at the reposing of her remains at her remains in Cullentra and again at her Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church bore ample testimony to the esteem in which Mary was held. Following Mass Mary was laid to rest in Cashel Cemetery.

To her husband Tom, sons Niall, Colin, David, daughter Aileen, relatives and many friends we would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy.

Playing your Part

Because of our unique location on the River Shannon the collaborating group comprises of five members from Lanesboro on the Longford side and five from Ballyleague on the Roscommon side of the river and the county divide. The group are supported by the Longford and Roscommon County councils.

With the greater likelihood of closures within Bord na Mona and ESB the group wants to be proactive in their approach towards future development in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. The group wants to see a major employment hub created in our twin towns hence filling all surrounding communities once again with returning workers that can enjoy the benefits of country living and bringing life back into their own communities.

The upcoming ‘Think Tank/Brainstorming’ will welcome people from all areas of the country who feel Lanesboro/Ballyleague is the place for them to site their business.

They seek viable ideas that can be trashed out on the day to form a business plan to satisfy our many communities that are being so affected by the unfolding events in Bord na Mona and ESB.

The group would like to invite all interested parties to attend, assist and be proactive towards our far thinking plans to St. Mary’s Hall, Lanesboro, Saturday 21st September from 2pm to 6 pm.

We would ask you to share this with your online and offline friends from the general area and those that you know would like to start up or move to Lanesboro/Ballyleague

As this is an open meeting and we are providing a break during the session, we would ask you to confirm your attendance to joeaobrien@outlook.com.

Scór na nÓg to make a Return

There are eight events/disciplines in Scór that cover all aspects of Irish culture: Figure/Céilí Dancing, Solo Singing, Ballad Group, Recitation/Scéalaíocht, Léiriú Stáitse/Stage Presentation, Instrumental Music, Set Dancing and Table Quiz. The Scór na nÓgcompetition is for young people under 17.

The Rathcline club is seeking anyone with an interest in taking part in Scór na nÓg. In recent times Scór has been a wonderful club event where some of our events went right up to the All-Ireland Final in Derry.

If you feel you and or your friends have the abilities and would like to be part of a wonderful group effort, then you should come along to St. Mary’s hall on Saturday evening at 8pm. This is a great experience and creates great comradery and a great life confidence in the young people that participate.

This week’s events in the Library

Knitting & Crochet Group

Knitting & Crochet group resumes on Monday 16th September 2-4pm.

New members always welcome!

Poetry & Music Group

Poetry & Music group continues on Monday 23rd September from 4.15pm to 5.30pm.

All welcome to come along and join in with this very vibrant group!

ESOL Course

ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) takes place in the Library every Tuesday evening 7-9pm. 

Contact Nuala Donlon on nuala.donlon@lwetb.ie for further information.

‘Shackleton’s in boats – From the Calm Waters of the Shannon to the Wilds of Antarctica’

The first lecture in County Longford Historical Society’s new season will be in Lanesborough Library on Thursday, 12 September.

Jonathan Shackleton, a relative of the famous explorer Ernest Shackleton, will speak on ‘Shackleton’s in boats – From the Calm Waters of the Shannon to the Wilds of Antarctica’.  

This promises to be a very special evening because Mr Shackleton himself has travelled extensively in the Antarctic and he is also the expert on the Shackleton family history.

The lecture will begin at 8 pm, is free of charge and all are welcome.

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

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.

Replay Tickets Draw

Rathcline will once again be holding a draw for 2 Premium Stand tickets for the eagerly awaited All-Ireland replay between Dublin and Kerry in Croke Park on Saturday week. Tickets will cost just €2 and this can be your opportunity to watch the unfolding of history irrespective of who wins. Tickets will be on sale in all local shops and from club executive members.

Bridge Club Resumes

Lanesboro Bridge club will commence for a new season on Wednesday 9th September in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 7.40pm.

Bord na Mona/ESB Update

From the little bit I can find out it is hoped that the power station will come back onloaded in a few weeks time. There is no further news from Bord na Mona.

Windsong Music School

Tuition for all ages in singing, piano, harp, cello, violin and theory. Full Junior Cert and Leaving Cert courses taught. For further information phone: 0873649005. Email: windsongmusicschool@gmail.com. Facebook: Windsong Music School. Classes starting in September.

Tidy Towns Lotto

The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning 3rd September were 5, 18, 24 and 27. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool has now risen to €5,300. The winner of the €50 prize was Mary Feeney, Ballymahon Road, and the three €20 winners were Seamus Reilly c/o FÁS, Bernie Hanley c/o Mags, and Ian Farrell, The Yacht Bar.

50/50

The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 2nd September and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was K.C.E. Ga. K.Cand E are the grandchildren of Mike and Eileen Hanley who are weekly contributors to the 50/50 draw#[[. Thank you for your support of the 50/50. The club is striving to have the pool stand over €500 on a constant basis and this can only happen with your dedicated support. The club would like to thank you for your ongoing support.

There are four options when buying your tickets, (1) buy your €2 ticket, (2) 3 tickets for €5, (3) the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and (4) 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 shops and pubs or from any member of the club executive.

Free Digital skills course

Seetec Longford is offering a fully funded digital skills course aimed at helping people undertake everyday tasks such as online banking, shopping, as well as mastering smartphone Apps & Social media.

It will be for 2.5 hours a day for 4 days and will be hosted at Seetec’s Longford Centre.   Individuals and groups catered for.  Register your interest by 0433349212 or email digitalskillslongford@seetec.ie

National Learning Network

Free courses are being offered for people with disabilities in their lives, between the ages of 18 and 65 years. Contact Hilary Claffey 086 7839078 or longford@nin.ie or phone 3342255forinformation.

St. Faithleach’s GAA

Senior Championship: Following our defeat to Strokestown in the Championship we now find ourselves in a relegation playoff with the losers of Clann na Gael v’s St. Croan’s, game to be played weekend of the 21st/22nd September. 

Junior Ladies Championship: Following their win over St. Croan’s in the 1/4 final on Friday evening, the ladies played Michael Glaveys in the Semi Final on Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately, it was not to be the Ladies day and their Championship run came to an end. Many thanks to the management team of Noel Banahan, Padraig Banahan and Ursula Kilcoyne for their time, experience and commitment to the girls.

Congratulations: To club member Christian Donlon Goncalves who has been selected by the FAI to participate in their National Academy. Christian is the only player from the Longford League to be selected and is the first player from Ballyboro Club to make the National Academy. 

U12 Boys League: St. Faithleach’s play Kilglass in Ballyleague at 6:30pm on Tue 10th.

U12 Girls: Hard luck to our U12 Girls who lost to Four Roads on Sunday in the Shield Final. Many thanks to the management team of Sean Cox and Qona Cox for their work throughout the year. 

Rathcline GAA – ‘Be with us Be a part of Us’.

Sympathy

The club would like to extend their deepest sympathy to club player Dáithí Mulvihill, his father Tom, brothers Niall and Colin and sister Aileen. To the extended relatives and friends of the Mulvihill and Dowd families we extend our sincere sympathy.

Thank You

Over the days of the funeral the players and the club played a major part in assisting with many things over the days. The turnout for the guard of honour was terrific and the club would like to acknowledge their great work and say a very big thank you to everyone

All-Ireland Tickets draw

Tickets for the replay will be on sale throughout the town and from club executive and we hope there will be a great sale for what will be a historic day. Tickets cost only €2 for 2 Premium Stand tickets. Be in and hopefully you will be lucky in the draw on Thursday night in the Swan Tavern.

Scór na nÓg

If you are interested in taking part in Scór na nÓg the minor club invites all under 17 boys and girls to the hall on Saturday evening at 8pm.This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to display their talents and knowledge as well as enjoying the fun of Scór na nÓg

50/50

The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 26th August and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was Johnny and Mary c/o The Yacht Bar. Johnny and Mary are weekly contributors on your great win. Thank you for your support of the 50/50. The club is striving to have the pool stand over €500 on a constant basis and this can only happen with your dedicated support. The club would like to thank you for your ongoing support.

There are four options when buying your tickets, (1) buy your €2 ticket, (2) 3 tickets for €5, (3) the green envelope where you pay €50 for a six-month term with one free draw and (4) 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 shops and pubs or from any member of the club executive.

Championship

This Wednesday night 11th September Our senior travel to Killoe to take on Mostrim in the most important game of the year. The game throws in at 8.30pm and your support is most definitely required.

Ballyboro FC

The season begins in earnest with 5 teams involved in League and Cup action at the weekend. The under 13s play Athenry in the Connacht Cup at 1pm  on Saturday in Abbeycartron. The under 12s play Stonepark in the league on Sunday at 12 noon in Abbeycartron.Stonepark also provide the opposition for the under 14s when they meet on Sunday at 12 noon in Abbeycartron (bottom pitch).The under 15s play Stonepark on Saturday at 1pm at Abbeycartron (top pitch), while the under 16s are away to Killoe Celtic on Sunday, kick off 1.30.     There had been a welcome increase in the number of girls registering for the coming season. In some age groups the numbers fall just short to enable the club to field all girls teams. The under 15s in particular are just short of numbers in this regard. Any under 15 girls who have yet to register and who would like to play in an all girls team should contact any club officer.

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