Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Breakfast Morning on Sunday
Lanesboro Tidy Towns committee is once again hosting what has now become a hugely popular Breakfast Morning in Lanesboro Parish Hall on Sunday next 17th November from 9 30 am until 12.30 pm. Tickets priced €10 will be on sale locally at the usual outlets. This has proved to be a very successful and enjoyable event over the last few years and I am sure this year will be no different. Your support, sponsorship and donations has been massive over the years and the committee would like to thank you for your great support and they hope it will be forthcoming again this coming Sunday. The funds raised go towards keeping our town and approach roads in top condition.
It is through your support that the work can be done to further enhance our town and approach roads.
Death
It is with the greatest of sadness that I record the death at the Regional Hospital, Mullingar on Friday 1st November following a short illness of John Killian, Knock and formerly of Fermoyle. John moved to Knock a number of years ago, but our mind always associate John with his beloved Fermoyle where he was reared, spent most of his life and the townland he had a great affinity to. John was one of our go to men in the parish. His mind was similar an encyclopaedia such was his memory of all the events and parish history. During his time John got in involved in everything that was good in the parish be it as a footballer, club administrator, and drama to name but a few. He involvement was in all and he thoroughly enjoyed it, you knew that by the excitement in his voice as he was recounting all the times of old in the parish. He was a diligent farmer who farmed his land with a great attention to detail. John was very devout and religious man who attended Mass daily. He was wonderful company and the many of us that enjoyed his company and his reminiscences will sadly miss him. John’s passing leaves a great emptiness in our parish and further afield. We were all the better for knowing John.
His remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Sunday and on Monday his remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church for his Requiem Mass. Following Mass John was laid to rest in Cashel Cemetery. To his nephew John, niece Frances, relatives and many friends we extend our since sympathy
ESB Announcement
Friday morning last ESB made the announcement that we knew was coming but we did not expect to hear it so soon nor did we expect to hear of the short timeline.
As and from the end of December 2020 the power station in Lanesboro will no longer be producing electricity.
As part of the planning permission there is a timeline after that of two years for the dismantlement of the power station and the return to a brown field site.
Denis Naughten TD in an interview likened the closures as akin to Google pulling out of Dublin such is the enormity of the closures affecting us in the midlands. Not only are the workers affected in ESB but the remaining workers in Bord na Mona and all the outsourced companies, spin off industries/business and shops in each town and villages will be affected by the lack of income coming to their area.
Thankfully, there is one glint of hope produced with the support of both the Longford and Roscommon county councils where there has been a collaboration group formed with members from both sides of the bridge.
When the layoffs were mentioned in Bord na Mona a number of weeks ago the collaboration group decided to hold a think tank/brainstorming get together in the parish hall and that was very successful with many excellent proposals put forward. The ideas have now been segregated and will be put forward for a major feasibility study to be carried out to ascertain what will be best for employment in our community and surrounding areas.
Never before have we needed the support of everyone from our community and outlying communities to support our endeavours in the creation of a working hub.
Never before have we needed local and national politicians to be forthcoming in their support for us as we seek major developments in and around the area. No stone must be left unturned to revitalise the area and make it a place of work for huge numbers once again.
Since the late 50’s we have lived under the shadow of the power station and hopefully when the power station is dismantled, we will not end up living under a dark cloud.
Bord na Mona Estates Mass
The organisers would like to invite everyone that lived in the three estates to Lanesboro for 10am Mass on Thursday next 14th November to remember their deceased relatives and to meet and relive old times with former workmates, friends and neighbours.
Following Mass there will be light refreshments in St. Mary’s Parish Hall where everyone is invited to continue the chat and renew old contacts.
Community College Open Day
Lanesboro Community College will hold their Open Day for 5th and 6th class pupils on Wednesday 20th November. Students will have the opportunity to attend classes, meet students and teachers and experience secondary school for a day. All parents are welcome to visit the school on the evening of the 20th November between 7 pm and 9pm. to find out more about the school. The Principals address will begin at 7pm followed by a tour of the school where they will meet students and teachers. You are invited to contact the school 043 3321139 for more details and any questions you may have in advance.
Ladies and their Wardrobes
Rathcline GAA is currently organising a ‘refresh your wardrobe’ night out for ladies on Friday 6th Dec in the Parish Hall. It is essentially a dress, handbag, shoes and unwanted gifts sale
It can be supported by donating any pre-loved dresses, shoes, handbags or any unwanted gifts and we will sell them at a fun night out to raise funds for the Club.
All donations will be accepted with gratitude.
Contacts Marie Farrell 0868138773; Pat Connerton 0861617501.
Golden Opportunity
For many scuba diving creates a great excitement and thrill. The spectacular underwater views create a great exhilaration. The achieving of the required standard means that no matter where you go in the world you can take this skill and explore the underwater world with great confidence.
Allied to the excitement and exhilaration the ability to work as a team in search and rescue brings a great satisfaction. The reward of a successful search and rescue operation can be hugely rewarding to concerned families and friends.
Lough Ree Sub
Aqua Club is holding free try a dive in Longford swimming pool at 9pm
every Thursday night for the next number of weeks
You will learn how to use scuba equipment in
shallow water and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore
the underwater world.
Learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like
and how easy it is to move around underwater while wearing it
Find out what it’s like to breathe underwater
and learn whether you can be comfortable there
All the equipment you will
need is provided by us you just need your togs and swim hat.
Minimum age 18
If you require any further information you can
contact a club member of ring any of the following numbers 0879765911, 0879624050
or 0879817784.
Christmas Day Run
The annual Christmas Day Run/Walk sponsorship cards are now available for anyone intending to run or walk in O’Brien’s or from the Flood family, Lanesboro and Newtowncashel.
The beneficiary of this annual Christmas Day run/walk is Multiple Sclerosis as has been the case since 1991which makes this the 29th year and growing. There are a number of diligent and hardworking people putting the organisation of the run/walk together and they all deserve our support.
The run/walk takes place for Newtowncashel to Lanesboro with the walkers starting at 11.45am and the runners starting at 12.15pm.
If you are not walking or running or even wheeling, you are asked to be as generous as you can.
Christmas tree on the Green
Do you remember the Christmas Tree on the Green? It was not until last Thursday that it was brought back to my mind when a former resident of the Green asked me if I had or seen a photograph of the Christmas Tree outside of Masterson’s house, 4 The Green. I had not seen any photograph, but I said I would put it out and see if a photograph may be available. If you have a photograph can you forward it to me, and I will scan it return it to you and pass on the copy. Alternatively, can you scan it and send it to me joeaobrien@outlook.com Thank you very much. As with all mentions of events and stories relating to the Green, I know this piece is going to create great conversation in the shop.
U20 Final
The Rathcline U20 final scheduled for last Sunday was postponed and too late to adjust in my notes. At the time of writing there has been no date set for the final, you are asked to keep an eye on the Rathcline social media accounts or posters locally for date and time.
Table Quiz
On Friday 29th November there will be a very special and mega quiz night in the Peer Inn/Rakish Paddy, Lisnacusha in aid of Rathcline ladies. The All-Ireland Ladies Cup, the Brendan Martin Cup will be present on the night. There will be a signed Dublin Ladies Jersey up for grabs. Lots of spot prizes to be won. A table of 4 will cost €40. You are invited to go along for what should be a wonderful night whilst supporting Ladies football in the area.
By Post
Such has been the demand for the second print of the Sliabh Bán book from home and abroad that it has been decided to offer anyone away from the area the opportunity of having the book posted to them. Begin the conversation with Joe O’Brien joeaobrien@outlook.com phone 086-2460840 or 043 3321107 during shop opening hours and we organise to get the book sent to you.
The book is available for sale in O’Brien’s costing €20 and for post and packaging within Ireland it is an extra €12, GB €32, USA €42, Australia €42, South Africa €42 and EU €41.
Defibrillator Training
A new course will commence in the near future and if you have not already done the course you must register your interest and if you need a refresher course you must also register your name. To register you should call into Martina O’Brien in the shop, or phone Martina at 043 3321107 or 086-3858934 or email martinaclyne1@gmail.com
These courses are for the Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Kilgefin, Rathcline, Cashel and Killashee communities.
Gym Opens
The transformation that has taken place in what was in the past Farrell’s Gala supermarket is nothing short of amazing. The Lanesboro Triathlon club has leased the premises and the work that they have done has to be seen to be believed.
On Friday evening next at 7.30pm the official opening of the gym will take place. The cutting of the ribbon and official opening of the gym will be performed by the club’s main sponsor Brendan Cooney, Homevalu Hardware. It will be an honour for the club to have the illustrious Chris Kitchen CEO of Triathlon Ireland and Vice President of the European Triathlon Union attending the official opening.
Our local triathlon club continues to grow and go from strength to strength and it is a group that continues to receive so many accolades for their triathlon each year. The club is also renowned for the number of members that participate in so many tri and non tri events countrywide.
The very best of luck with the new gym and for another successful year in 2020
Triathlon Club Membership
If you would like to do a
Triathlon, Learn or improve your Swim/Bike/Run. Why not Join Lanesboro
Triathlon Club TODAY.
By signing up today, you will get 14 months membership for the price of 12 months.
(NOV, DEC 2019 & 2020 SEASON)
Go to www.trilanesboro.com/membership/
for more information.
Club registration for 2020 is open now. Existing members can renew through the TI member areas. New members can use the link below.
http://www.triathlonireland.com/Get-Involv…/ Become-A-Member/
Our Library this week
Knitting & Crochet Club
Knitting & Crochet Club continues every
Monday 2-4pm.
New members always welcome!
Poetry & Music Group
Poetry & Music group continues on Monday
25th November – 4.15-5.30pm.
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.
New Temporary Opening Hours
Please note the change in our Opening hours as
follows:
Monday
10am-1pm & 2pm-6pm
Tuesday.
2pm-7pm
Wednesday. 10am-1pm
& 2pm-5.30pm
Thursday.
CLOSED
Friday.
10am-1pm & 2pm-5.30pm
Saturday.
10am-1pm
You are asked to note that the Library will be
closed on Saturdays 16th and 30th November.
Book Club
Book Club for adults continues on Friday morning
29th November at 11am.
Book choices for November are ‘It Happened One
Summer’ by Polly Williams and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ by Liane Moriarty. All
welcome to come along.
Membership
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
5-a-side Pitch Open
Bookings are now being taken for weekly rental of the new Ballyboro FC 3G Pitch at Lanesborough Community College. To book in for a 5 side match or a 7 a side game in November please register NOW by signing up with a user account at www.bookapitch.com and the venue will be there for you to select under BALLYBORO ASTRO. If you want any more details send an e mail please to ballyboroastropitchcommittee@gmail.com
Want to Do Something New for the Winter Months?
Why not join Longford toastmasters
This is a very sociable and varied group of people who support each other in their quest to engage in public speaking. The group comprises of beginners who are looking to take their first steps in a safe supportive environment to those that have gone through those steps and have become accomplished speakers. Topics are interesting humorous and suitable to everyone.
If you are not sure if Toastmasters is for you why not come along and see what happens at Toastmasters. Visitors very welcome and there is no obligation to join. The meeting will start at 8.20pm
The next meeting will take place on Thursday 21st November in the Longford Arms Hotel
and continues on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month. If you would like more information, please contact Joe 087 2352070. Josephegan03@gmail.com or www.longford.toastmastersclub.org
Longford Toastmasters look forward to welcoming you
25 Card Game
The results of the weekly 25 Drive held in the Parish Hall on Sunday night last are: 1st Peter and Mary Gregg on 13 games. 2nd Annie and Kay on 12 games. Last game winners P J & Bridie Glennon. Raffle winners were Michael Finnan, Petey Donlon, Gerry Ryan, Anne Corcoran. Game continues every Sunday night at 8 30 pm sharp. Refreshments served. No partner required.
Talk to Us
Are you struggling to cope with life? Would it help to talk about your problems in confidence? It doesn’t matter who you are, how you feel or what happened to you. Call the Samaritans, who are available on Freephone 116123, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Tidy Towns Lotto
The winning numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tourism Co-Op on Tuesday morning 5th November were 8, 9, 12 and 28. There was nobody with the winning numbers and the jackpot pool has now risen to €6,100. The name on the tickets for the €50 prize Bernie Hanley, Corrigeen and the three winners of €20 each were Kathleen and Teresa c/o SuperValu, Bob Carberry, Newtowncashel, Martin Tarmey, Anrattabeg.
Pioneers Mass
Mass for deceased members of Pioneer Total Abstinence Association will take place on Friday evening next 15th November in St. Bridget’s church, Ardagh at 7.30.
The presentation of Pioneer pins will take place at Mass in St. Mary’s Church on Friday 22nd at 7pm Mass.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 28th October and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was Joseph Masterson, Curragh Rua. The winning pool was €376. Thanks to the Joseph and the Masterson family for their continued support of the 50/50.
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.
ESB Mass
The annual Mass for deceased members of staff of ESB Lanesborough will be held in the Sports and Social clubhouse on Wednesday week 20th November at 8pm.
Ballyboro
The under 8s were in fine fettle in their Blitz with Abbey Rovers. They fielded two teams and scored some smashing goals. Panel: Ben Cassidy, Jay Flynn, Finn Fallon, Sean Hogan, Kyran Horohoe, Saoirse Dillon, Chloe Curran, David Kenny, Niall Morgan, Caden Donlon, Malachy Martin, Joe Greally, Senan McHale, Thomas Reilly, Donncha Farrell, and Cian Shea all showed great promise for the future.
The under 10s also performed very well when they recorded a comprehensive win over Ballymahon. Team and scorers: Hayden Smyth, Darragh Donlon, Jack Cassidy (1),Alfie Murphy (1),Tim Kenny, Josh Curran (3),Nikoli, Shane Farrell (3),Cathal Hanley, Lorcan Hanley, Stephen Farrell.
To complete a very successful weekend on the playing fields the under 12s had a comfortable 3-0 win against Castlepollard Celtic. Cody Phelan, Rian Hogan, and Ethan Slattery scored for Ballyboro. Team: Adam Farrell, Eoin Beattie, Ciaran McGloin, Logan Birmingham, Aidan Kelly, Billy Murray, Cody Phelan, Rian Hogan, David Dowd. Subs: Eoin Connell, Rory Murtagh, Rian Shanley, Matthew Murray, Fergal Murtagh.
Following on from his scoring exploits against the Galway League, Christian Donlon helped himself to another four goals for the Longford League against the Roscommon League on Saturday.
The 5 a side Tournament for National Schools proved to be a resounding success on Friday last. It was the first competition to be played on the new 3G pitch and both players and their coaches were loud in their praise of this wonderful facility Nine local schools competed i.e. Ballyleague, Lanesboro, Cloontagh, Cloontuskert, Fermoyle, Clondra, Newtowncashel, Whitehall and Ballyfeeney After almost three hours of intensive action Cloontuskert NS emerged victorious in the A competition defeating Newtowncashel in a very entertaining final. Ballyfeeney won the B final, just getting the better of Whitehall NS. The Tournament was organised by Lanesboro Community in association with Ballyboro FC. Mr. Michael Lyons acting Principal, Lanesboro Community College presented the Peter Kelly Memorial Shield to the Cloontuskert captain, while Ben Murphy, Fermoyle NS received the trophy for Goal of the Tournament, and Christian Donlon from Cloontuskert NS was the recipient of the Player of the Tournament award. Thanks are due to all who helped make the Tournament such a success: The school authorities and in particular Mr Lyons, Mr Tynan, and Mr Whitney: the Ballyboro personnel on duty, Ciaran, Eamonn, John, Shane and Ann. A particular word of thanks to the Three TY students, Kevin McDonagh, Jason Glancy, Chris O’Loughlin, who did a great job refereeing all the games. Thanks also to Longford Town star Aodh Dervin whose presence proved a big hit with for the players.
Fixtures: The under 11s play Kenagh Falcons in Kenagh on Saturday at 11am. The under 12s play Inny Rovers in Streete at 11am on Sunday. The under 13s play Melview at 11am on Saturday. The under 15s play Killoe Celtic in Cullyfad on Saturday, kick off 12.30. The under 11 girls are away to Newtown Falcons on Sunday at 12 noon.
Rathcline GAA
Congratulations Albert
The club would like to congratulate Albert Cooney in his succeeding on becoming the Longford Leinster Council delegate. The vote was taken at the last county board meeting.
Under 20 Final
Last week I wrote that the final was to take place on Sunday last. Unfortunately, the game got put back a week and it will now take place next weekend. Please keep an eye on the club website/Twitter account for an update on the day and time. We urge all club supporters to travel to support the team and management for what we hope will be a momentous day for the club.
The panel of players is Jacub Kajun his brother Misco Kajun, Max Webb, Kian Gilmore, Briain Casey, Oran Kenny, Dylan Glancy, Seadhna Ryan, Cillian Flood, Richard Prior, Éanna McGrath, Bryn Peters, Cronan Flood, Padraig Sorohan, Owen Murray, Daniel Curran, Harvey Myhill, Kevin Tansey, Dean O’Reilly, Óisín Kenny, Aaron Farrell, Ultan O’Sullivan, Conor Sorohan. The team is managed by Joey Rooney and his management team is Stephen Rooney, Shane Kenny, Seadna Ryan and Wayne O’Donoghue.
Ladies Table Quiz
Lads and Ladies, on Friday 29th November there will be a very special and mega quiz night in the Peer Inn/Rakish Paddy, Lisnacusha in aid of Rathcline ladies. The All-Ireland ladies cup, the Brendan Martin Cup will be present on the night. There will be a signed Dublin Ladies Jersey up for grabs. There will be lots of spot prizes to be won. For just €40 a table of 4 you will get the chance to be the ‘brainbox table’ of the night. You are invited to go along for what should be a wonderful night whilst supporting Ladies football in the area.
Hurlers still winning
Our two local men on the Clonguish Gaels team, Neal O’Connor and Paul Hession, continue to march on through Leinster. Last week they overcame a very strong Laois champions Mountmellick. In the Leinster semi-final they will on play Kilkenny Junior Champions Conahy Shamrocks on Saturday next 16th November in Jenkinstown, Kilkenny at 1.30pm. Good luck lads and your teammates.
Calling all ladies
The club is currently organising a ‘refresh your wardrobe’ night out for ladies on Friday 6th Dec in the Parish Hall. It is essentially a dress, handbag, shoes and unwanted gifts sale
It can be supported by donating any pre-loved dresses, shoes, handbags or any unwanted gifts and we will sell them at a fun night out to raise funds for the Club.
All donations will be accepted with gratitude.
Contacts Marie Farrell 0868138773; Pat Connerton 0861617501.
More details regarding the night itself to follow
Sympathy
The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the nephew and niece and the extended Killian family on the death last week of John Killian. John was a former player and executive member of the club for many years and served his club and parish very well.
50/50
The 50/50 draw took place on Monday 28th October and the lucky winners of this week’s draw was Joseph Masterson, Curragh Rua. The winning pool was €376. Thanks to the Joseph and the Masterson family for their continued support of the 50/50.
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.