Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Sympathy
It is with great sadness that I record the death of Anne O’Flaherty, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. Anne, in her mid-thirties, was a young woman with two young children, aged 1 and 2, and along with her husband Eamon they had a wide open and exciting world to look forward to until illness struck her just over a year ago. She fought her illness with all her might and with tremendous support from Eamon. Unfortunately on Tuesday last her brave fight came to an end.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Eamon, children Áine and Patrick, Mrs Mary O’Flaherty, James, Joe and Declan and to the Browne family, Longford town on their terrible and sad loss.
Niamh Sheerin to the Forefront
In the most recent edition of the very popular Irish monthly ladies magazine, Image, there is an article on the people that are behind the drive to raise much need funds for charities and causes that now, more than ever, in an ever increasing search for funds.
Featured in the article is Niamh Sheerin who is head of communications and fundraising for Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Niamh is daughter of Marie and the late David Sheerin, Ballyleague and has been hugely successful in the many different events she has event managed over the past number of years.
Niamh has been particularly impressed by the response and loyalty of the volunteers and donors during the downturn over the past 4 years. During these hard times Niamh feels that it is all about what works best for the Alzheimer’s Society.
She is now in the process of preparing for the Annual Tea Day which is the flagship event for the society each year and it is now approaching its 20th year. The newest venture is the Christmas Memory Campaign that provides an opportunity for donors and supporters to back the charity in a significant way. The society has created an online Christmas tree to be decorated with ribbons to evoke the memories of those family and friends that have been affected by the disease. If you can donate, you are asked to log on to www.memoryribbon.ie
The funding will go to the provision of a number of services and support to those suffering from dementia, ranging from homecare to support groups, social clubs and daycare centres.
I hope even in these hard times that the people that can will put their hand in their pockets and support Niamh and her great work for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Knitting and Crochet club
Knitting & Crochet club continues every Friday morning at 11am in Lanesboro library. Drop in for a chat and a cup of coffee whenever you can and be part of the club.
Engagement
Congratulations to Niall Murray, son of Mary and the late Eddie Murray, Church View and Amy Farrell, daughter of Willie and Marie Farrell, Cloontuskert, who announced their engagement recently.
Lanesboro Indoor Market
The Lanesboro and Ballyleague Indoor Market is held in St. Mary’s Parochial Hall, Lanesboro, on Friday from 11am to 1.30pm. There is a range of stalls supplying local home baking, jams, eggs and mushrooms. Also jewellery, beauty products, cards, books & bric a brac, knitted items, fresh flowers, hanging baskets & flower arrangements. Fred’s Fish available – fresh fish for Friday. There is free car parking beside the playground. Tea, Coffee and light snacks will also be available. Contact 087 3965568 for queries
Death
The news of the death at the regional Hospital, Mullingar, on Wednesday last 24th of Bridie Rhatigan, Fermoyle both shocked and saddened us all. Bridie had been ill for just a short time and as was her manner she fought her illness with a tremendous determination. Bridie was pre-deceased by her late husband Willie and son Liam. She was a marvellous family woman who dedicated her life to her family. She was an excellent mother and most of all she was a hard worker. Bridie was always stylish and had a great sense of style. She, in her own quiet and inimitable way endeared herself to everyone that had the pleasure to know her. Bridie’s remains reposed at her residence on Thursday and on Friday morning she was removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for her Funeral Mass. Following her Mass she was laid to rest in Lanesboro cemetery. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her sons P.J., Noel, Brendan, Martin, Louis, Seamus and David, daughters Carolyne, Eilish and Bríd, sister Kathleen, relatives and many friends.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Joe Kennedy, Weekfield, on the death on Sunday 21st October 2012 of his sister Margaret Cunningham, Dunmore, Co. Galway.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday last 24th October are; N/S 1st Frank and Frances Brennan, 2nd Noreen Dunne and Bernadette Gillen. E/W 1st Katharine Harrison and Philomena Walsh, 2nd Maura Hanley and Mairéad Gill.
Great interest in Play
With the evenings drawing in, it is the time of the year for spending evenings out at indoor events. The drama and entertainment season will begin in Lanesboro on Saturday next 3rd November at 8.30pm when the Shannon Gaels Minor club is hosting another one of the award winning Seamus O’Rourke’s plays ‘For Club and County – the making of our county team’ in St. Mary’s Parish Hall. Tickets are now on sale from the club executive of from O’Brien’s Corner Shop and Cullen’s filling station. Tickets cost only €10 each. Tickets can also be purchased on the door on the night. Doors open from 7.45pm. Come along and enjoy a great evening’s entertainment.
Halloween Party at Mosstown Harbour
A free Halloween Fancy Dress party will take place this Wednesday evening at Mosstown Harbour, Kenagh. The party is in its second year and there is great work being done at the moment in preparation for this great night. The evening is being co-hosted by Wetlands Heritage Ireland and an evening of tricks and treats are in store for all attendees. On the evening there will be music, food, hot drinks and a light show. There will also be a spot prize for the best costumes. The events of the evening will kick off at 7pm and finish at 9pm. Mosstown harbour is on the road into Kenagh from the Lanesboro side. Go along and enjoy what will be a wonderful family evening in excellent company.
Whist Drive
Since the beginning of the new season your support for the Lanesboro Social Services Whist has been outstanding and the monthly game will take place again on Friday night next 22nd November in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 8.30pm.
As you know, the proceeds of the whist drive goes to the support of the tremendous work being done by Lanesboro Social Services. As you prepare for this month’s game you should consider bringing along a fellow card player or two and help in the support of this great committee and the unseen work they do within our community.
Ballyleague Bingo
The Ballyleague bingo takes place every Thursday night in Ballyleague hall. You are reminded that the bingo start time has changed back to winter time with the first numbers called at 8.30pm. Come along and have a great evening and a chance of going home with some extra money in your pocket.
Conradh na Gaeilge
The very first ever branch of Conradh na Gaeilge in County Longford was established here in Béal Átha Liag. For various reasons, the branch, which was quite strong, became inactive. A number of people, who are concerned at the continuing destruction of the Irish language in County Longford, (particularly on the road signs), have asked if the branch could be revived. I am aware of quite a few who have a very positive attitude towards the language but may not be prepared to become active.
Each week I will be adding in some missives in the hope that people will get re-energised about their native language and perhaps we can again have a flourishing branch in our area.
Tearmann Bearaigh: The lands, sanctuary of (Saint) Barry. Some road signs say, “Tearmanbearaigh”.
That may be the name of a railway station in Wales, the erectors of road signage should always give precedence to our national language.
Did you know?
Fourteen million, five hundred thousand litres is the amount of water filtered, treated and pumped by Longford County Council every single day to those of us on their system. We use an average of 150 litres per day, 3% of which we drink, another 3% is used for cooking and the remainder goes on everything from brushing our teeth to flushing the toilet. The website, www.taptips.ie, has some very interesting statistics on water usage/wastage and it is worth a visit.
Lanesboro Ballyleague Badminton Club
Junior Badminton will hold a registration evening on this coming Saturday 3rd November at 4.45pm for primary school pupils aged 8+ years and at 5.45pm for all second level pupils in St. Mary’s Parish hall Lanesboro. Membership for the year must be completed on this night.
Parent/Toddler Group
The Parent Toddler group will begin on Thursday week 8th November at 10.30am in Lanesborough/Ballyleague Community Childcare Service, The Green, Lanesboro. All welcome.
Clothes Collection
Rathcline Ladies clothes collection commences again and the club would encourage anyone with unwanted clothes, shoes sheets duvet covers books can you please contact Madaleine at 0861500123. The clothes collection will be collected from the club on Saturday 17th November and you are asked to have your donations in prior to that date. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
The Gathering
We are at the beginning of a wonderful process. Already so many people have express their interest in the Gathering 2013 and some have come up with some tremendous ideas that will take working on.
The next meeting will take place in Adie’s meeting room on Monday week 5th November at 8pm and you are welcome to come along. Your attendance and ideas will be valuable and most welcome.
At the previous meeting the committee set August weekend 2013 as the date for the main event where many events will take place throughout the town and parish.
A Table Quiz will take place in Adie Farrell’s on Friday 23rd November and your support will be appreciated.
October Book Festival at Lanesboro Library
Celebrate your creativity competitions available online or in the library.
Colour a scary picture (under 8) – Write a scary poem (8 – 12) – Know your Longford Quiz.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
U21 Championship: Our U21’s were defeated by St. Croan’s on Saturday last. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 1-13 St. Croan’s 5-11. Team: M. Neilon, J. Mangan, D. Gibbons, L. Connell, S. Sweeney, P. Trautt, A. Manning, D. Rooney, C. Gunn, C. Gannon, A. Kenny, K. Farrell, C. Murtagh, D. Murtagh, B. Hussey. Subs: P. Gill, J. Wallace, S. Kenny.
St Faithleachs Fitness Challenge: Week 3 – A massive effort was made by all the fitness challenge group again this week. The competitive spirit is now starting to show and the heat is on for the biggest loser competition. The scales don’t lie and obviously people are making big efforts at home while not under the instructor’s watchful eyes! Tuesday’s circuit class was well attended and as usual there were a few extras thrown in just in case any of our challengers got too comfortable. Friday night’s class was titled bums, tums and thighs. A much slower pace than the group was used to but once again everyone gave it their all.
St. Faithleachs 5K Fun Run: The inaugural 5K fun run/walk will take place on Sunday 2nd December. If you have always wanted to try a 5K now is your chance. There are 6 weeks to go so now is the time to set yourself a goal before Christmas, lace up those runners and give it a go. Registration costs €10 and is now available online through runireland.com or register on the day at the clubhouse. See our Facebook page for more details or contact Ray Cox.
Dublin City Marathon: John Casey is running the Dublin marathon on October Bank Holiday Monday, in aid of St. Faithleachs GAA Club. Sponsorship cards currently in the clubhouse, Daybreak, Ballyleague, Trautt’s Checkout Cloontuskert & Keane’s Supervalu Lanesboro. Your sponsorship, in any way, would be greatly appreciated and we wish John the very best of luck for the event.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were – 2, 6, 13 and 14. There was no jackpot winner and the five €20 winners were- Brian Scally, Gardenstown, Patrick Ward, Lanesboro, Kitty Rogers c/o Bingo, Hilda Carty, Cloontuskert. Annie Trautt, Cloontuskert. The next draw will take place on Tuesday 6th November for a jackpot of €7,200.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 9.00pm. All welcome. Last week’s results – Winners M. Rogers/M. Finan, Padraig/Brendan. Last game, Padraig/Tom. The ticket winners were – Mick, Phonsie, Brendan, Annie.
Poker Classic: In aid of Roscommon minor board will take place in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon on Friday 9th November at 9.00pm. Tickets available in St. Faithleachs GAA clubhouse priced €20 each. Spot Prizes on the Night.
Sympathy: The Club extends deepest sympathy to Joe Kennedy & the Cunningham family on the death of Joe’s sister, Margaret Cunningham, Williamstown. The club extends deepest sympathy to Johnny Cox and family on the death of Frances Cox, Kilbarry, Rooskey. The club extends deepest sympathy to the Rhatigan family on the death of Bridie Rhatigan, Fermoyle, Lanesboro. The club extends deepest sympathy to the Eamon O’Flaherty & family on the death of Anne O’Flaherty, Maynooth, Kildare. The club extends deepest sympathy to Jim & Phil Browne and family, Ballyglass and Pete & Martha Glennon, Cloonadra on the death of Jim & Martha’s sister, Ann Thompson, Isle of Man.