Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Death
The entire area was plunged into grief when we learned of the death on Sunday 24th May at University Hospital, Roscommon of Johnny Kelly, Avondale, Ballyleague. Johnny, as he was known in our house, and more commonly jack came from Wicklow to work with ESB in the Power Station. Johnny was predeceased almost to the day seven years ago by his wife Nancy. The old saying of the ‘savage loves his native soil’ never rang truer than with Johnny. He was a native of Wicklow, at all opportunities over the years went back to his native Tinahely, he never missed the local Wicklow People weekly newspaper keeping up to date with all the local news. He worked in the Power Station until his retirement a number of years ago. Johnny, from the outset, immersed himself into our community and became a very popular figure. He was jovial, witty, and loved the bit of devilment – he never minded whether the devilment was on him or not – he could give and take and it did not matter as long as it led to a good laugh. Johnny was a true and loyal friend and neighbour; he was forever helpful and had a heart of gold. He was a devout catholic and daily mass goer and a wonderful family man. Johnny will be very sadly missed by everyone that knew him.
On Tuesday last his remains were removed to the Church of The Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for his Funeral Mass before being laid to rest alongside his wife Nancy. We would like to extend our deepest our deepest sympathy to his sons Eamon and Liam, daughters Freda and Mary, grandchildren and many friends.
Due to the Coronavirus Funeral regulations we were not able to offer our sympathies personally. It was fitting that a large number of former workmates, neighbours and friends formed guards of honour before and after his Funeral Mass and also at his burial.
Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union
Due to Covid-19 the Credit Union is working within reduced hours.
On Tuesday and Wednesday the office will be open between the hours of 9.30 am and 3.00 pm. On Thursday and Friday, the office will be open from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm. The staff on available each of these days up to 5.00 pm to take card payments over the phone or to transfer money to a nominated bank account
On Saturday the staff are available to transfer monies to a nominated bank account up to 2.00 pm by ringing Lanesboro Ballyleague Credit Union on their new mobile which is 089 2395382
New Off-Licence opens
On Friday last a new business opened in Lanesboro thus filling in another of the closed shops in the town.
Farrell’s Lockdown is the name of the new business and it is sited next door to Adie’s bar and restaurant. I am told that the weekend trade was very busy, and we would like to wish Adie, Josephine, Gerard and Lorraine the very best of luck with their new business venture.
Lough Ree Arms
Last Saturday morning some excitement and comment emanated early in morning when machinery and vans were seen around the Lough Ree Arms. Many people commented about it and it created a ripple of excitement that work may have been about to start on the Lough Ree Arms. If this is the case, I, and I am sure you would like to wish the workers well and look forward to seeing the business up and running once again.
Death
The untimely death at his residence in Sheehaun, Curraghroe on Thursday last 28th May of Tommy Murphy both shocked and saddened us all. The suddenness of Tommy’s death brought a great darkness to our community. Tommy was one of the most dependable, reliable and most humble of people that you are ever likely to come across. He was a kind man who had a very mild manner and he was quietly spoken. Tommy would go to the ends of the earth to assist anyone in their time of need. He always enjoyed the chat and it was a sheer joy being in his company. As a panel beater he had few equals and the quality of his work stood him apart, people came from far and wide to avail of his expertise. Tommy was an ordinary man who loved the simple way of life. He was a great family man devoting his life to his wife Marian and son Stephen.
On Saturday last Tommy’s remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh for his Funeral Mass and following Mass Tommy was laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery. To his wife Marian, his son Stephen, partner Tanya and granddaughter Abbey, brother Malachy, sister Mary, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Due to the Coronavirus Funeral regulations we were not able to offer our sympathies personally. It was fitting that a large number of neighbours and friends formed guards of honour before and after his Funeral Mass, along the roadside and also at his burial.
Lanesboro on Whit Weekend
Such has been the weather for the past 10 weeks it is hard that we only entered the meteorological summer season on Monday 1st June.
Last weekend the June Bank Holiday weekend (Whit weekend) seen the weather was unseasonably warm with the temperature reaching 27 degrees down the road at the Mount Dillon weather station. When the sun shines to that extent and giving us that heat the river Shannon becomes a mecca for sun worshippers and swimmers and last weekend was no different when locals took to the banks of the Shannon as if they were on the Mediterranean and in some respect it felt that way. It was wonderful to see so many families walking down to the river to enjoys themselves on the banks of the Shannon. The street all weekend was filled with people going to and from Shannon. Everybody was in great form and everyone was enjoying themselves. The banks of the river filled with people young and old is a spectacular sight and this was Lanesboro and Ballyleague last weekend.
Unfortunately, what comes with that is the amount of drinking and littering along the Shannon banks. Many people commented to me on the state of the riverbanks on Saturday and Sunday morning. There were also pictures on Social Media highlighting the very same issue. I ask those that are causing those problems to bring their litter back with them. They carried it down when it was heavier, so it is no issue to bring it back up and dispose of it in litter bins throughout the town. We ask you to remember that you would not like to come back down to the river and to be faced with your own littering.
We can all enjoy the river and all the amenities without leaving it in a mess for everyone else. Please take away your rubbish and be community proud.
We look forward to a long hot summer and we ask everyone to be socially aware and leave the riverbanks in the condition you got it for those coming behind you. We ask parents to mention it to their young people going to the river just to reinforce the need to keep our beautiful amenity clean, tidy and welcoming.
Death
Thursday 28th May was a sad day in our community when we learned of the sudden death at her residence at Corbo, Kilrooskey, of Annette Mulryan-Walsh. Annette was predeceased by her father Jimmy and sister Moira. To try and comprehend how or why a young woman who led a hugely active life was taken away from us so suddenly and so young. Annette, originally form Edgeworthstown, came to live in our community, with her partner Micheál, a number ago instantly made herself at home amongst us and became a very popular figure. Annette was a great lady for walking, and she could be seen walking miles daily. She was very personable woman, very warm and friendly who had a warm and cheery greeting for everyone she met on her either on social occasions or on her walks. Annette was renowned for being a hard worker and a very conscientious mother – her life was dedicated to her partner Micheál and seven children and was a great encouragement in their lives. Her warmth and caring heart endeared her to everyone that came to know her. Annette will be sadly missed by her partner Micheál Walsh, sons John, Stephen, Darragh, T.J. and Bobby, daughters Jodie and Stacey, mother Teresa, brother Martin, mother-in-law Mary, sisters-in-law Martina and Georgina, brother-in-law Seamus, grandchildren, relatives and friends to whom we extend our deepest sympathy. Her Funeral Mass took place in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane and burial took place in the church grounds.
Due to the Coronavirus Funeral regulations we were not able to offer our sympathies personally. It was fitting that a large number of neighbours and friends stood roadside before and after her Funeral Mass, and also at her burial.
Joe Flaherty speaks about us in the Dáil
On Wednesday last 27th May our local TD Joe Flaherty made his fourth statement in the Dáil since being elected in the 2020 General Election. In this statement Joe referenced his upbringing in Lanesboro and the need for developments to take place in Lanesboro using the report of the Just Transition Commissioner Kieran Mulvey to strengthen his argument. He said replacements for Bord na Mona and ESB must take priority in the redevelopment of rural Ireland. It is wonderful to have one of our own standing in the Dáil fighting the cause for Lanesboro and Longford.
The full text of the statement can be seen below
I grew up in the shadow of the ESB power station in Lanesborough and the broad, majestic Mount Dillon boglands were the backdrop to my youth. For 75 years, our community was the cradle of the Irish energy revolution. Now, with the race to decarbonise with bright, new, shiny alternatives, we are unfortunately no longer fashionable. We must remember that Bord na Móna led one of the most ambitious housebuilding programmes in this country, building housing estates for its workers right across the midlands. Bord na Móna and ESB workers did much more than power this country from the banks of the River Shannon. They built communities and how we go about repaying that commitment will probably define the success or otherwise of the just transition fund.
I have not met a Bord na Móna or ESB worker who does not accept and understand the need for decarbonisation, but they do not want to be afterthoughts in the process as we set about dismantling what has been a core part of our communities. We must also get real about the money. Currently, the fund stands at €11 million. When we closed the sugar industry in 2005, a fund of €145 million was provided. The just transition commissioner, Mr. Kieran Mulvey, has said that the fund needs additional financial muscle. It is also imperative that a mechanism is found to compensate Longford County Council for its annual loss of more than €1 million in commercial rates. Decisions taken by two semi-State companies and the move towards decarbonisation are set to dismantle 75 years of town, country and community in my county. I welcome Mr. Mulvey’s call to replicate the Border region Brexit package which is worth €28 million.
We need a similar enterprise-led package for the just transition fund area. I would also expect this House to support Mr. Mulvey’s call to increase the fund next year to €25 million from the carbon tax allocation.
It behoves me to tell the Minister that the people of south Longford have given blood, sweat and tears to Bord na Móna and the ESB over those 75 years. Many local groups, projects, local enterprises and Longford County Council will make robust submissions to the EU Start engagement process next month. I appreciate that Mr. Mulvey has said there will be a geographical spread criterion when it comes to the allocation of funding, but the process must allow a weighting for the immeasurable contribution of my community to the Irish energy revolution and the now detrimental impact on the community following the sudden dismantling of an entire sector with the flick of a proverbial switch.
Death
It was with great sadness and regret we learned of the death on Friday last 29th May of Mrs Anne Cattigan, Curraghroe in the loving care of her family. Anne was best known as Nina was predeceased by her late husband Mick whom she came with when he transferred to Lanesboro Power Station. She was a native of Allenwood, Co. Kildare. Nina was in ill health and was cared for greatly by her family in her home. She was a most welcoming and friendly lady whose genuinely warm smile softened even the darkest soul. She was a wonderful conversationalist and it was always a pleasure to be in conversation with her. Nina was a lady with artistic talent, who could turn her hand to anything artistic. In the days of the rush basket making by the ICA in Strokestown Nina was one of the leading lights and a strong advocate for that particular group. Nina from the very outset of her arrival in Curraghroe was an excellent neighbour who never left anyone unaided in their time of need. While we will all be sad at the loss of Nina the memory of her warm smile will always bring a smile to our faces.
Nina was removed to St. Cecelia’s Church, Curraghroe for her Funeral Mass before being laid to rest alongside her husband Mick in Cloontuskert Cemetery. We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to her daughters Anne, Cindy, Bawnie and sons J.J., Micheál and Justin, sister Maureen, brother Mike, relatives and friends.
Due to the Coronavirus Funeral regulations we were not able to offer our sympathies personally. It was fitting that a large number of neighbours and friends stood roadside before and after her Funeral Mass, and also at her burial.
Great Fishing
Peter Smyth, my fishing correspondent, has told me of the wonderful pike fishing that he and his fisherman friends have encountered over the past number of weeks. Remarkably all the great fishing is shore fishing. Some of the pike have weighed over 30lbs and a lot have weighed in the high numbers. All fish were returned but the satisfaction of the ‘fight’ and the achievement of landing great pike like that is where the satisfaction is for these fishermen.
Death
Such were the expressions of shock and sadness when the news broke of the death at his residence on Saturday last 30th May of Michael Carroll, Rathcline that it was as if the entire community was numbed. Michael Carroll a son of one of the oldest and most respected families in the parish passed away peacefully in the loving care of his family. Michael spent his working life in the Power Station until his retirement a number of years ago. Michael was the most unassuming man who gave so much of his time helping out people. He had an expert skill in electrics and Michael could be seen at a person’s house early or late – he would always respond to a person in need whenever the call came. Michael was a man not just of the parish but of the entire community. His warmth and quiet nature endeared him to everyone. He was the most dependable man that you could ever meet. He was the most helpful and wherever a hand was needed his hand was always the first out to help. There was most likely not a ceili hall nor ceili band in the wider area that Michael attended or dance to such was his love of ceili dancing. Michael will be greatly missed by everyone that had the great pleasure to know him.
Michael’s remains were removed to St. Mary’s Church on Monday for his Funeral Mass and following Mass he was laid to rest in Clonbonny Cemetery. To his wife Mary, daughters, Brenda, Michelle, Claire and Cathy, brothers Sean and Vincent, sisters Margaret and Elizabeth, relatives and many friends we would like to extend our deepest sympathy.
Due to the Coronavirus Funeral regulations we were not able to offer our sympathies personally to his family. It was fitting that many of his former workmates, neighbours and friends formed guards of honour before and after his Funeral Mass and also at his burial.
Lanesboro Library
Printing/Photocopying/Scanning service available.
Contact Stella to organise on 0863400648 or email sosullivan@longfordcoco.ie.
If you need books, contact Stella at the library on Tuesdays & Saturdays between 10 and 1pm.
Call 0863400648 or email sosullivan@longforddcoco.ie
Collect at library during above times or delivery available if necessary.
Books can also be collected at Joe and Martina O’Brien’s shop and Joe has kindly offered to deliver to anyone cocooning who is on his paper run who has no one to collect for them.
Check out our Facebook page for lots of activities & storytimes for kids!
Lanesboro Library: https://www.facebook.com/Lanesboro-Library-432171923496634/
College of Further Education
Longford College of Further Education is now accepting applications for September 2020 enrolment. Courses include: Tourism with Business, Business Administration, Applied Social Studies, Hairdressing, Engineering, Beauty Therapy, Software Development and more. All courses are QQ1Level 5 or 6 and are designed to lead to employment or degree entry or advanced entry. To apply or get more details, log on to www.longfordcfe.com
News from our local Parishes
Kilgefin parish notes
Opening Times
Ballyleague church will remain open each day from 10.30am to 8pm
Funerals and burials
Call Fr. Dusmanta at 043 3321171 or dusmanta.m.n@gmail.com
Government guidelines for the bereaved
Funeral arrangements are made via phone calls or emails. A limit of 10 people attending any ceremony with social distancing and no associated gatherings. The use of condolences books is discouraged; where possible. Close relatives and contacts of the deceased should use their own transport. Families and friends of the deceased will not be able to have gatherings after the funeral service.
Mass Intentions
All Mass intentions which have been book can be rescheduled for a later date when the current situation changes.
Collections
Fr. Dusmanta would like to thank everyone that has dropped in their collection envelopes into his house. Parishioners who can afford to are encouraged to drop off offertory and priest’s dues envelopes into his house whenever you are passing.
St. John’s Church of Ireland
St Johns church of Ireland diocesan Service broadcast takes place every Sunday at 10 a.m.
You can log onto Kilmore Elphin Ardagh YouTube or http: shortturl@/drbz3 or www.dkea.ie.and follow the link.
News from St. Mary’s Church
Cemetery Sunday
Considering the present circumstances, it is advisable not to hold the normal Cemetery Sunday celebrations this year. Complying with social distancing requirements along with the gathering of large numbers of people would present major difficulties. Masses will be offered in private for the souls of all interred in our local three cemeteries on the following dates: Sunday 5th July for all those interred in Rathcline, Sunday 12th July for all interred in St. John’s Cemetery, Lanesboro, and Sunday 19th July for all interred in Clonbonny.
Collections
Fr. Reilly would like to thank everyone that has dropped in their collection envelopes into his house. The current crisis is impacting significantly on the Parish Financial Resources and the ability to meet responsibilities. Parishioners are encouraged to drop off offertory and priest’s dues envelopes into his house and NOT to put them in the box in the church porch.
Opening Times
The church continues to be open each day from 10.30am to 7.30pm
Tax Relief Scheme
You are asked to drop in your completed forms into Fr Mickey’s house as soon as you can.
Urgent sick calls, funerals, and burials
The designated priests in this Deanery of the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois are Fr. Merlyn Kenny PP Newtowncashel 086 0603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 087 9972259.
Mass Intentions
All Mass intentions which have been book can be rescheduled for a later date when the current situation changes.
Parish Newsletter
The parish newsletter will be printed each week and it will be available in the Church porch from Friday afternoon. The newsletter will also be available from Friday afternoon in O’Brien’s Corner Shop.
Rathcline GAA
The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to our secretary Jimmy Flood, his wife Brigid and family on the death of his mother Mary Jo Flood, Greenhall, Newtowncashel on Wednesday 13th May.