Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Dreams about to become Reality
Back in early September the Just Transition Fund announcement of their funding for Strand 1 created a great excitement and we were thrilled to learn that three applicants were successful in obtaining funding namely our local Ballyleague man John Hanley and his FDT Consulting Engineers and Project Management Company who gained funding for studies into Lough Ree Technology Clusters, Roscommon County Council for a feasibility study into the exciting Lough Ree Bay Boardwalk and thirdly Longford County Council for a study into the positioning of an Anaerobic Digestor Facility in Lanesboro.
We seen this as a wonderful opportunity for the community to strike back against the devastating news of the power station closing which was signalling the end of Bord na Mona after almost 70 years in our community giving a huge number of jobs to our region. We are hugely positive that all three studies will provide, to all and sundry, conclusive findings that will reinforce the idea that our area is ripe for substantial funding and developments.
A recent appointment by Longford and Roscommon County Councils of Future Analytics Consultants to prepare an Economic and Enterprise Development Strategy (EEDS) for Lanesborough/Ballyleague is well underway and the final report should be with us in the New Year.
We thought that there was nothing more to come and wrong we were. On Tuesday last Minister Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport was in Boora Park in Offaly to announce that his Department funding of €108 million for Bord na Móna’s large-scale peatlands restoration project with Bord na Móna committing a further €18m to the project.
We hailed this a wonderful day for the area as it meant that Bord na Móna would not be leaving our community and a number of jobs would be retained and we would expect some new ones created.
We thought this was the end of the good news for the area but how wrong were we when the Just Transition Funding for Strand 2 was announced and when the dust settled we were like the cat that got the cream.
The Minister announced total funding of almost €28m and amazingly our small community was in receipt of direct funding of €3.2 m over 11.5% of the total. Some of the other funding announcements will also mean further funding/jobs for our area.
The direct funding means that some of the ready to go projects will be able to start in the early months of the New Year. Those that received direct funding were: €1m to Lanesboro Food Hub – Stephen Dowd and his Premier Lakelands team, €1m to the Clancy family, Peter Michael and Sheila and their team at Lough Ree Distillery, €212,000 Cloontuskert Visitor Centre and Organic Farm, €212,000 Cloontuskert Bog Heritage Train, €212,500 Lanesboro Tourism Hub, €471,693 Lough Ree Access For All and €102,000 to the Mid Shannon Wilderness Park Greenway.
Lanesboro and Ballyleague is a community that has fabulous people working hard for the community for decades and some of their perseverance and dogged determination is coming to the fore with the announcements in September and Tuesday last.
Lanesboro Ballyleague Collaboration Group set up by Longford and Roscommon County Councils was a stroke of genius and everyone that has been involved since its inception, be it for a short while or a long time, have played a major part in the achieving of all the good news that is now befalling our community. Having the support, advice and expertise of both councils has been an exceptional advantage to us and it something that we are so thankful and grateful to them for their support.
It now befalls on us as a community to supplement the work that is about to be done by creating a wonderful ambiance and excitement for our community. We have to make sure that everyone that enters our community will feel the warmth and friendliness that we are renowned for and that they will always want to come back and bring their friends with them to soak in the atmosphere.
There are a number facilities needed to supplement what is about to happen and we hope that further investments will be forthcoming to ensure that those arriving in the community will never want to leave and can stay with us.
We now are a community looking forward with a terrific confidence and we look forward to the entire community joining with us in congratulating the recipients of the funding and we wish them all the success in the world.
We have been afforded a golden opportunity and it is one we must embrace for the generations to come. If we grasp this opportunity there is no doubt but we will be able, once again, to offer our young the option of living and working in their home region or to return back home after their travels to work where they know and love the best. We all know that there is not a better place to live as more and more people are beginning to discover about our community.
More Great News
As you know I have been writing a long time about phase 1 of our new Mid-Shannon Wilderness Park Greenway. The collaboration with Longford County Council and Bord na Móna is nearing completion. Work in the past few weeks has been incessant and as you are reading this the Greenway will be finished in a matter of hours.
The recent persistent heavy rain caused additional work for the Bord na Móna workers and they really rose to the challenge and they have done a magnificent job in completing phase1in such a short time and to such a high standard.
When the trackway known locally as the ‘north line’ ceases to be in use the tracks will be lifted, and stage 2 will see the Greenway reach Clondra. When the lifting of the ‘north line’ tracks takes place it will mean that there will be a 7.2Km (4½ mile) loop starting as you enter the Greenway at the barrier and returning along where the line once was back to the barrier. We also look forward to the time the Bord na Móna transport section closes and the (Bord na Móna) Kilnacarrow bridge becomes accessible to walkers which will create an access for walkers and cyclists to Sliabh Bán. It will also open access for a great circular walk starting in Lanesboro/Ballyleague and going down Salmon’s Lane, across the bridge, back up through Clonbonny, back to town and to where you began your walk.
Initially it was great to have Longford Senior planning officer Dónall Mac an Bheatha working closely on the development and his vision for the Greenways and Mid Shannon Wilderness Park was far seeing. Local man Brian Ross took over the development in his role as County Council engineer in the regeneration section and for him it became a labour of love. Brian has driven the project to its conclusion, and it is a tribute to him. We cannot but mention Mount Dillon works manager Cathal Brennan for his dedication and for his helpfulness throughout. To get it to completion from the initial days there were many conversations with many Bord na Móna managers and to every one of them I would like to say a very big thank you to them for realising the proposed vision. From the beginning there were many Bord na Móna workers that spent time creating this fabulous Greenway and without their dedication we would not be where we are today. A very big thank you to all.
Death
It is with great regret and sadness I report the death at his residence in Ballyleague on Friday 27th November of John Nolan. John a native of Dysart, Co. Roscommon came from Dublin along with his late wife Angela to live amongst us. They lived firstly in Cloontuskert before moving up to Ballyleague. He was a warm and chatty person, always doing odd jobs for people and was a very accomplished gardener. He was a very easy-going and kind man who loved to chat and relate stories. John had a great sporting interest and especially in his native county Roscommon. John and Angela had two sons Patrick and Jason and the pride he had in those two lads was indescribable and at every opportunity he would talk of them and their excellent achievements. In recent times John was in failing health especially since the passing of Angela. John will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his sons Patrick and Jason, his brother Jimmy, sisters Teresa, Eileen, Maureen, Chris, Kate, Betty, Bridget, Angela, Ann, and Martina, relatives and many friends.
His remains will be removed to the Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Thursday morning for Mass of the Resurrection at 11am and it will be followed by cremation in the Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan
Birth
Many congratulations to Stacy and Paddy Mulvihill, Carraroe on the birth last week of a baby boy.
Community College Enrolment
Enrolment to First year in Lanesboro Community College for 2021/2022 is now open. Application forms are available by emailing the school at Admin.lcc@lwetb.ie or by phone on 0906500140
Thank You
The Rathcline Cemetery committee would like to thank everyone that made donations towards the upkeep of the cemetery. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.
New Christmas Tree
Saturday last the Lanesboro Lighting committee brought light to the corner and Main Street when they placed a new Christmas tree right on the corner. The tree is similar to the tree in Ballyleague and brings that special Christmas feeling to the town. Congratulations to the committee for the erection of the tree and brightening of our community.
Both the lighting committees have done a wonderful job in erecting the lights earlier than ever this year and we look forward to the lighting of the streets and the creation of the Christmas atmosphere that will take us into a new and what we hope will be a very special New Year. A New Year where the Corona Virus will not be dominating our lives and where normal living and freedom of movement will return.
Please contribute towards the lighting committees on both sides of the bridge and I would encourage you do so. You should make your contributions to Noel Moran or Gerry Trimble or on the GoFundMe page ‘Ballyleague Christmas Lights Fundraiser 2020’ for your Ballyleague contribution and to Margaret Gillen, Brigid Mullooly, or Mark Casey for your Lanesboro contribution. Alternatively, you can leave your envelope into O’Brien’s shop with your either Ballyleague or Lanesboro marked clearly on the envelope.
All businesses in town are asked to make a special effort in lighting their premises for this Christmas and help create a special Christmas magic in the twin towns.
Below is a fabulous photograph taken by Brigid Mullooly on Friday night after the erection of the tree. The photograph will surely be a collectors item as it will most likely be the last time we will see the power station in the background of photographs due to its impending closure and demolition.
Lanesborough Primary School Enrolment
Lanesborough Primary School is now accepting applications for enrolments for September 2021. Please email the Principal at smgslb2020@gmail.com for an application form.
St. Vincent de Paul
Due to Covid 19 restrictions we currently cannot hold collections in person. Those who wish to donate may do so by using the St Vincent de Paul envelopes which can be obtained in O’Brien’s shop or from the local church. They can be returned to O’Brien’s or dropped into the letterbox in the presbytery in Lanesboro or the Cathedral in Longford. The funds raised will be spent in this community helping those who are in need of it for education, food, and fuel during this winter and beyond.
In the past your generosity knew no bounds and in the trying times of the Corona Virus Pandemic there never has been such a greater need for your support and we hope you reciprocate in a generous manner.
Ballyboro AGM
As we approach the club’s 21st Anniversary, Ballyboro FC wish to invite all parents, coaches and people interested in helping in the guidance and development of the club to attend its Annual General Meeting ONLINE on this coming Wednesday December 2nd at 9pm . The event will be held on Zoom and to take part please send your e mail address or mobile number to : ballyboroastropitchcommittee@gmail.com . 2021 will see Ballyboro FC host over 10 teams in boys and girls soccer leagues and officially open our own impressive new grass and astro pitches at LCC so it’s a momentous year in our club history and nominations of club officers should be e-mailed in to the secretary at the e mail address above before next Wednesday November 25th at 9pm.
Old Photographs
In the past I have been searching for old photographs of the Green and those that lived there. I received some at the time and in recent time some have dropped me in some more.
People during Corona virus pandemic have had time to do deep cleans of their homes and have discovered many items previously thought lost and of sentimental value. If you have discovered any old photographs of the Green or photographs of the people living there at any time or any of the events that occurred there over the years I would appreciate if you could coy/scan or drop them in to me in the shop for immediate scanning. You can email the scanned photographs to me at joeaobrien@outlook.com Thank you in advance
Seeking your Support
St Brigid’s club Killashee are seeking your support. The club is holding a major fundraising draw with over €25,000 in prizes to be won! This is the first major fundraiser organised by the club to create new developments of the club’s facilities since the 1990’s. Tickets are now available to buy on clubforce https://t.co/94ZCmD3jG9 and they cost €50 each or 3 for €130.
The first prize is a Toyota Yaris with nine further prize totalling €25,000 in prizes. Members of the club will be calling to homes in our parish at a later date.
Friends of Asthma Shop
I have been informed that the Friends of Asthma Charity Shop on Main Street will remain closed and will reopen for business in the New Year.
Roscommon Biography
The Dictionary of Roscommon Biography has proved to be a wonderful book creating a great interest with its astonishing detail. This is a must for Roscommon people and also those of us that know many families in the county. There is a remarkable fact unknown to me and others I spoke to of Ger Farrell (Adie’s father), and his brother included. It is a book once you open it you will find it difficult to leave down as the information just keeps jumping off the pages at you. This huge volume priced at only €30 can be purchased in O’Brien’s while stocks last.
Talk to the Samaritans
Are you struggling to cope with life? Do you think it would be a help to talk about your problems in confidence? It does not matter who you are, how you feel or what has happened to you the Samaritans are always there and ready to talk with you. Don’t let things get you down just contact, and someone will talk with you. The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day 365 days a year just phone 116123.
Towns Lotto Winner
The numbers drawn in the Lanesboro Tidy Towns Lotto on Tuesday 24th November were 4, 23, 24 and 28. There was nobody with the four numbers and the jackpot for the draw on Tuesday 1st December stood at €2,800. The main consolation prize of €50 went to Ralph and Bridie c/o Mags, and the three other €20 prizes went to Pat Kilcoyne, Barnacor, Eugene Hester, Knock and Briain Kelly, c/o The Yacht Bar.
St. Faithleach’s Lotto
The numbers drawn on Saturday 21st November in the St. Faithleach’s lottery draw were 3, 9, 11and 23. Nobody matched these numbers and the lotto jackpot of €12,000 remains for the next draw on Saturday next 5th December at the clubhouse. The three winners of the €40 each were Dom Fallon, Cappagh, Frank Curley, Strokestown Road and Michael Hanley,
Support line for Older People
ALONE manage a national support line for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to COVID 19.
Professional staff are available to answer queries and give advice. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm for helpful information. Please ring 0818 222024.
St. Mary’s Church
Reconciliation Service
Due to the Government restrictions and social distancing requirements it is not possible to have the usual Christmas reconciliation service as usual. Confessions for Christmas is time-tabled after each Mass from Monday to Thursday from 10.30am to 11am, Friday from 6pm to 6.45pm and again from 7.30pm to 8pm and on Saturday from 6pm to 7pm.
Masses Return
As and from this Monday night the level 5 Government restrictions will change from level 5 and return to level 3 which means that from Tuesday morning Masses will be open for those wishing to attend again. Under level 3 there will be a restriction of 50 people allowed to attend mass.
For those attending Mass you are reminded that you enter the main door and leave by any of the three side doors.
All the daily masses are being streamed lived on Facebook ‘St. Mary’s Parish Lanesboro’ you can log onto the Masses at 10am Monday to Thursday, 7pm on Friday evening, 7.30pm Saturday and 11.30am on Sunday.
Mass intentions will continue to be booked for weekdays for the present. People wishing to book masses can do so by contacting Fr Sergiy before or after mass during the week in the Sacristy. All that have booked masses are asked to rebook them for weekdays for the foreseeable future.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Confession will take place on Friday evenings from 6pm until private mass time of 7pm.
Fr. Sergiy Ruchenko can be contacted at the presbytery or by phoning 3321166 or 0833892362. Alternatively, you can contact Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who are assisting Fr. Sergiy during his ministery in the parish.
Church activities
Eucharistic Adoration will take place on Tuesday’s from 10.30am until 8pm and it is hoped that there will be two people in attendance for each hour.
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Confessions will take place on Friday evenings from 6pm until private mass time of 7pm.
Lanesboro Library
Lanesboro Library: Tel: 0433321291 email: lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
From Wednesday December 2nd Lanesboro Library will reopen for Browse & Borrow service on the following days – Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm and on Saturday 10am to 1pm
Only 4 Customer or 1 family allowed at any one time. All children under 12 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Photocopying/Printing & Scanning services are available.
Living Well
Living Well – the next online programme dates for January 2021 are Thursday 7th January, Tuesday 12th January & Monday 18th January.
If you are living with a long-term health condition you may be interested in doing the Living Well Programme. This is a six-week online programme delivered in 2.5-hour weekly sessions where you will learn new skills to manage your health condition on a day to day basis. More now than ever it is important we look after are mental and physical health.
Please note you do not have to disclose your health condition on the programme. Please contact Olga on 086 6078950 or by email olga.maguire@mayocil.ie
You can find out more information on the programme on the website: www.hse.ie/livingwell
Ballyboro
The club will hold its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 2nd December. The meeting will be held online via Zoom and will commence at 9pm. All officials, coaches, parents and others who wish to take part can contribute by replying to text messages links which the various managers will be sending out.
The coming year promises to be a highly significant and eventful one as the club celebrates its 21st Anniversary. It is hoped that the fantastic new Astro and grass pitches will be officially opened during the year. At present the club fields 11 teams in boys and girls leagues and in recent years player membership has increased greatly.