Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Parish stands tall at County Launch
The County Longford Launch of the Gathering 2013 took place in the Backstage Theatre, Longford on Monday night last 25th February. The night was wonderfully produced and highlighted all that is good about our county. It also showed how the county as a whole have embraced the Gathering concept.
As a parish we can stand rightly proud of our input into the night. A very big number from the parish attended, our All-Ireland finalists, Scór na nÓg group, were one of the groups asked to highlight the talent in Longford – which they did with tremendous confidence and swagger. But, the highlight of the night was the compere for the night Joe Flaherty, the manner of which he carried out his duties was only marvellous. There was not an opportunity lost on Joe to highlight the best of Lanesboro and the parish of Rathcline. His ability to mix the seriousness and the importance of the Gathering with the levity of many other aspects of the night really make his performance really outstanding.
Co Longford VEC visits Lanesboro Library
The Adult Educational Guidance Service (Co Longford VEC) will visit Lanesboro Library on Tuesday March12th from 2-4pm. If you are interested in getting back to learning and want to know what’s available locally, come and chat with Mary or Liz, both qualified guidance counsellors, who will be happy to go through your options with you. This is a free service and all are welcome.
Launch of St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day committee would like to invite everyone to come along to Adie Farrell’s Bar on this coming Saturday evening at 8.30pm for the official launch of the 2013 St. Patrick’s Day parade. The evening will be decked with finger food and some excellent music will go to making it a great evening. Come along and support the hard working committee and make the launch of the parade a very special evening.
Wedding
The marriage took place on Saturday 23rd February at St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro of Karen Carberry daughter of Seamus and Pauline Carberry, Curraghroe and John Kelly, son of Bartley and Lily Kelly, North yard, Scramogue. Chief bridesmaid was Paula Carberry sister of the bride. Bestman was Michael Kelly, brother of the groom. Page boy was Jake Kelly son of the bride and groom. The marriage ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Reilly, Rathcline and assisted by Fr O’Connor, Whitehall. The wedding reception took place in the Hudson Bay Hotel, Athlone. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Hurling Success
Are we seeing a revival of hurling in the parish? During the past week both boys and girls Fermoyle claimed county indoor primary schools titles in the divisions. Fermoyle boys set the trend on Tuesday when winning their county title and the girls were not to be outdone on Wednesday when they too took county glory. Lanesboro Primary school was unlucky to lose their division final and there were many great performances by players on all teams. Well done to all and hopefully hurling may see a revival in the parish to offer youngsters another sporting outlet.
Easter Kayak camp
An Easter Kayak water camp will commence on Easter Monday 1st and will continue until Friday 5th April. Each day the camp will commence at 10am and finish at 1pm. The cost of the week of Kayaking is only €60 per person and you can become skilled in kayaking Canadian canoeing and you will have the opportunity to try out the new sup board. The camp will take place at Hanley’s Marina harbour. For further details ring Junior on 087-6675275.
Gathering
The Gathering committee held another successful meeting on Thursday night last. The programme of events is falling into place and the full fixtures will be available in the near future.
The Lanesboro Gathering promises to be a wonderful weekend of events for absolutely everyone that has any connection with Lanesboro and rathcline be it school – primary, secondary, day pupil or boarder, work, sport clubs, residents – short term or long term – yes, any connection to Lanesboro/Rathcline at all. The committee welcomes everyone to the parish for the weekend. We would love have you all back no matter where you come from – Ballyleague, America to Australia and all points in between.
The committee now has a new Facebook and they invite you all to make contact Lanesboro Gathering 2013.
Lanesboro Primary School Enrolment
Enrolment for September 2013 at Lanesboro Primary School will take place on Friday next 8th March commencing at 1pm. Parents and their children are invited and welcome to call along to the school. For further information you are invited to contact school Principal Claire Murphy at the school or phone 043-3321545.
Table Quiz
Lanesboro Pike Angling club will be holding a table quiz in the Yacht bar in Lanesboro on Friday night next 8th March. The quiz starts at 9.30 sharp. Each table will consist of 4 people with an entry fee of €40 per table. There will also be a raffle on the night. We look forward to seeing you all there.
Use of Defibrillator very important
The need for people trained in the very vital use of the defibrillator in our area is hugely important be you in the town or in the countryside of our parish. To be able to use the defibrillator when there is a need for it can mean the difference of life and death for someone. It is very vital for all associations, not just sporting ones, to have a minimum of two people competent in the use of the defibrillator.
A new training course for beginners and a recertification course will take place in Lanesboro very soon. If you need to be recertified or want to do the course can you please leave your name into O’Brien’s immediately. Call in or phone Martina at 043-3321107.
County Minors seek Support
Tremendous work continues to be done with all underage county teams in Longford. Each year the cost of all this tremendous work gets tougher. There are now tickets available in the parish from the Shannon Gaels Minor Club and also in O’Brien’s for a draw to help fund the training of the county Minor team. We have a proud tradition of supplying players and backroom people to the county teams and this year is no different with Shane Kenny and Eoin Sorohan on the panel and Gareth Johnston on the management of the team.
Tickets are priced at €10 each and we would like to think that supporters of the county will buy a ticket and support the County Minor team. The draw will take place on this coming Sunday in Pearse Park at half time of the Longford v Galway Allianz National League game.
Entries close this week
Excitement is beginning to rise in expectations of another successful St. Patrick’s Day parade in Lanesboro and Ballyleague. Presently, it is all systems go with the organising committee and also with many of the entrants that are busily preparing their floats for the parade. Entry fee for the floats is a mere €20 and the closing date for entry is Wednesday next 6th March. All entries to be made to Freda Connaughton, Longford Road.
The parade will take the usual route commencing at 2.30pm from St. Faithleach’s GAA clubhouse and will make its way through Ballyleague and Lanesboro and will finish at Lanesboro Community College. There will be prizes in the category of; Best dressed window, Best club float, Best junior float, most original float, Best business float and Overall float. Make a date to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Lanesboro to enjoy all the excitement and celebration.
The Gathering committee also supports the parade and encourages everyone that can, from the parish to come back and join in what should be another great day in Lanesboro and Ballyleague.
Club Rathcline
On Saturday night last the jackpot for the Club Rathcline stood at €1,500. The numbers drawn were: 5, 8, 9, 30, 33, and 45. There was no winner of the jackpot and the figure rises to €1600 next Saturday night. The four winners of €25 each were: Jeaffrey McGann & Collette Wyse, The Green, Michelle Connerton & Edward Kelly, Rathcline Rd, Peter Creamer, Ardnacassa Lawns, Longford, Mick Kenny, Ballinahinch.
Fair Day
On Saturday last we saw another successful Lanesboro Horse Fair take place. The day was dry but cool but it did not stop a big number of people come to town, to buy and sell horses and to set up stalls that sold everything from a needle to an anchor. This brought a large number of spectators to witness the intricate wheeling and dealing that takes place at all horse fairs – it is definitely always a sight worth seeing.
The dog show, again, brought a huge number of dogs to the show. It created its own atmosphere and the sight of so many breeds of dogs was indeed a fabulous sight.
The committee must be complimented on staging another hugely successful Horse fair and Dog show and they can be rightly proud of their achievements.
Call for accommodation
The Lanesboro Triathlon club and the Gathering committee are seeking people with property, houses or apartments to rent in the general area. It is very important that the available premises are made known to both groups immediately. The Audi Athlone Two Provinces Sprint Triathlon will take place on Saturday July 13th 2013, and the club is delighted to announce that this race shall be part of the Triathlon Ireland National Series. Being part of the National Series means that there will be a greater number seeking accommodation in the area. August Bank Holiday weekend is the designated weekend for the Lanesboro/Rathcline Gathering and there presently there is a good number of former residents of the parish indicating their attendance over the weekend.
We are currently drawing up a database of all property available and if you have property please contact Sean Mimnagh 086-1687630 for the Triathlon club weekend or Joe O’Brien, Corner Shop 3321107or joea@iol.ie for the Gathering weekend or both with property location.
Your Support Please
Now is the opportunity for us townies to consider a farming career or for the farmers amongst us to increase their stock! Local man Seamus Nolan is selling tickets in aid of his children’s school and the first prize for this draw is a pedigree Limousin Bull. Tickets are priced at only €10 each and they can be got from Seamus or leave you name in O’Brien’s.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 27th February are: N/S 1st Marie Sheeran and Mary Mc Gushin, 2nd Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey and 3rd Elish Gray and Gemma Douglas. E/W 1st Una Lawlor and Brid Mc Dermott, 2nd Noreen Dunne and Philomena Walsh, 3rd tie between Maura Hanley and Mairéad Gill & Renee walsh and Mary Jameson.
Rathcline Ladies GAA
The clothes collection continues and if you have clothes for donation please contact Madaleine 086-1500123.
Training will continue for senior training in Clonbonny on Tuesday at 7pm and on Friday at 7.30pm. Training for the under 16 panel will commence on Saturday.
As competitions are about to commence all registration must be paid immediately.
Birth
Congratulations to Paul and Alison Clancy, Barnacor on the recent birth of a baby girl.
Wedding
The marriage took place on Friday last 1st March at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague, of Michelle Malone, daughter of Michael and Nuala Malone, Cloonadra and Henry Kenny, son of Henry and Mary Kenny, Cloontuskert. Chief Bridesmaid was Laura Kennedy niece of the bride. Bridesmaids were Amy Farrell, friend of the bride, Jenny Rice, friend of the bride, and Denise Murray also friend of the bride. Bestman was Enda Kenny brother of the groom. Groomsmen were Derek Murray friend of the groom, Brendan Reynolds, friend of the groom and Alan Mc Cormack friend of the groom. The marriage was celebrated by Fr. Larney Shine, Ballyleague. The reception took place in the Landmark Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon. We wish the happy couple many years of wedded bliss.
Brushstrokes Presentation Evening
Following the outstanding success of their calendar, Brushstrokes are hosting an evening in the Yacht Bar on this coming Saturday night 9th March. The Brushstrokes group will make a presentation of the proceeds of the calendar sales to the Lough Ree Sub-Aqua Club Search and Rescue group. Brushstrokes would like to, once again, take the opportunity to thank everyone that supported the calendar hence making this presentation night possible. Everyone is very welcome to come along to the presentation that will take place at 9pm. Refreshments will be available.
Shaping Up
Classes in St. Mary’s Parish Hall continue every Thursday night; Kettle bells at 7pm for 30 minutes and Pilates from 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend as the exercises are not age specific. You can join in at any time. If you want to register or find further information you should contact Bonnie at 087-2238237.
Ballyleague Bingo
Each and every Thursday night Ballyleague bingo takes place in Ballyleague Hall at 8.30pm. This coming Thursday night the snowball stands at €2,600.
Shannon Gaels
Our minor team, although understrength, made a slow start to the minor league last weekend when they were comprehensively beaten by a sharp Southern Gaels side.
Registration for those who were not able to attend the previous night will take place on Monday night next 11th March in Clonbonny clubhouse from 7to 8pm.
Our under 14 team will compete in Féile next weekend in Granard from 12noon.
Our last call for support garnished some response and it is still not too late to throw your hat into the ring to come along and help your minor club. There are many aspects of help required and you do not need to know anything about football to be a vital cog in the machine that is Shannon Gaels. We appreciate your no matter how short it can be.
Lough Ree AC
Athlone I.T. was the venue for the Connaught Indoor Championships on Sunday last. This new international facility is the last word in design and geographically very central. Not surprisingly it did draw a huge crowd. In fact as early as 10.30am the car park was ‘chuck full’.
The club had nine athletes in action, but the enormity of the numbers participating set in the reality sank home as to what would be the chances for medals on the day would be. If the club came home with one medal it would be a great achievement – as the club started rather late on the indoor training.
However, the youngsters surprised all by bringing home one silver and three bronze medals. James Skelly was first into action in the under 18 1500 meters. New to athletics and its competitions, James is a product of the Christmas Day Run from Newtowncashel and must be pleased with his silver medal.
Stephen O’Dowd followed with a bronze in the under 16 Shot and the consistent Larissa Noone got the clubs 2nd bronze in the girls under 14 event.
The Shot proved to be very good for the club when Radick, our Polish youngster collected bronze in the boys under 14 event.
Apart from the throws the club had some very good performances on the track. While not getting into the medals, Orla Keane got through the heats of the under 13 60m sprints, then the semi-final and on to the final where she finished 5th from plenty of competition i.e. 9 heats of 8 girls. Others to greatly impress were Aoife Nolan, under12 600m and Lucy Ann Myhill under 13 600m.
That is not to say that the remaining athletes did not compete to the best of their ability. They did, but space on this occasion does not allow for elaboration.
However all enjoyed the occasion and the experienced the marvellous new indoor facility. Training continues in Ballyleague Hall every Tuesday evening from 7 to 8pm. All are welcome to come along and get involved in athletics. Congratulations to Longford AC on winning two gold medals and Maeve Derwin, Roscommon A.C. with winning a silver
Rathcline GAA
Senior Scór – After the heroic exploits of Shannon Gaels in the All-Ireland Scór na nÓg Final, it was time for the Rathcline GAA to participate in the senior version of the competition. The Longford County Final was held in Ballinamuck Hall on Friday night 1st March with representation in the solo singing, Ballad Group and Tráth na gCeisteanna. Tracy Tobin flew the flag for the club in solo singing on Friday night with the Ballad Group consisting of Tara Leigh Lulham, Megan Daly, Catherine Mullooly, Anita Kenny and Sean McGrath. The question time team consisted of Cathal Chapman, Jimmy Flood and Margaret Mullooly. Unfortunately, the club had no winners on the night but it was encouraging to see how strong our participation was in each category. We can only hope that in the years to come, our club will grow stronger in the Scór competitions especially with the depth of talent around our parish.
Rathcline GAA begins their defence of their Reserve League 2 title with home game to St. Mary’s Granard on Saturday evening coming – 9th March at 4:30pm in Clonbonny.
Joe Rooney has achieved a magnificent record as the intermediate league team manager over the last five years and he will be hoping to make it back to back titles in 2013. Please come out and support the lads on Saturday evening.
Club membership – At this stage the Club needs to finalise membership with both players and non-playing patrons before the end of March deadline. Prices are as follows: €20 for non-playing members and €50 for players. Peter Skelly will be accepting payment for all non-playing members and Ryan Fallon will be doing likewise with our Club players. All players are reminded to have membership paid before the first competitive game of the year next Saturday.
Club Rathcline Lotto Draw – The jackpot of €1,500 was not won this weekend with numbers drawn as follows: 5, 8, 9, 30, 33, and 45. Congratulations to our four €25 winners this week as follows: (1) Jeaffrey McGann & Collette Wyse – The Green, (2) Michelle Connerton & Edward Kelly – Rathcline Rd; (3) Peter Creamer –Ardnacassa Lawns, Longford; (4) Mick Kenny– Ballinahinch. Next week’s jackpot will €1,600.
Under 21 – A renewed call goes out to the following U21 players to make themselves available for the forthcoming U21 Championship – Aaron Madden, Cathal Greene, David Mulvihill, Brian Connaughton, Michael Rhatigan, Shane Donoghue, Padraig Connaughton, Gavin Cooney, Liam Connerton, Michael J Reilly, Mark Shanley, James Hilton, James Brennan, Gavin Murray, Gavin Heneghan, Gary Tobin, Danny O’ Sullivan, Darren McGrath, Eoin Sorohan, Jack Rooney and Gareth Reilly. Joe Kiernan will be managing the team this year and all players are requested to attend senior training in Clonbonny every Wednesday & Friday night at 8:30pm. Our first game of the 2013 Championship takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 18th March when we play Fr. Manning Gaels in Clonbonny at 2:30pm.
Croagh Patrick Sponsorship Walk 2013 – This year’s event has been provisionally set for Saturday 11th May. This event is more than just a fundraiser for the club but a social outing for our members, friends and parishioners with a night out in Westport town. Based on previous year’s outings to Croagh Patrick, the club has experienced an enjoyable and rewarding day out with lots of crack in the process.
Sponsorship cards are now available from any member of the club. We are looking for a big uptake from the parish and to make it a weekend to remember. Keep an eye on our website www.rathcline.gaa.ie for more details.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Rathcline GAA are considering entering a float into the St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year. If anyone has ideas or wants to get involved with the preparations of the float, please contact any member of Executive in the next week or so.
Rathcline GAA extends its sympathies to the Crinigan family in Barnacor and Gurteengar on the recent passing of Ned Pender – Edenderry, brother of Angela and uncle to Denis.
Western Gaels – Commiserations to our Minor team who were beaten in the first round of the League by a very strong Southern Gaels outfit on Sunday morning in Páirc Ciarán. Our Under 14 team get their first outing of the year next Saturday afternoon 9th March when they play in the Féile Shield competition in Higginstown, Granard.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior League – O’Rourke Cup: Our Seniors play against Elphin this coming Saturday at 3.00pm in Elphin.
Minor League: Our minors had a win over Kilglass/St Barry’s on Saturday evening last in Tarmonbarry. The final score was: St Faithleachs 0-13 Kilglass/St Barry’s 0-10. Team: D. Kelly, C. Mangan, M. Cox, J. Farrell, E. Farrell (0-1), J. Walsh, J. Irwin, J. Sweeney (0-1), C. Farrell (0-1), C. Gannon (0-3), C. Gannon, S. Phillips (0-2), D. Nerney (0-1), K. Farrell (0-3), S. Walsh (0-1). Subs: J. Kelly, D. Barry, D. Murtagh.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Preparations are underway for the Lanesboro/Ballyleague St. Patrick’s Day Parade. St. Faithleachs GAA Club will once again have a float in the parade and we welcome all our members to take part.
Congratulations: to Henry Kenny & Michelle Malone who got married at the weekend.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were – 1, 8, 22 and 24. There was no jackpot winner. The five €20 winners were – Pat Harrison, Kathleen Hanly, Jennifer Brennan, Doreen Oates and Martin Tarmey. The next draw will take place on Tuesday 12th March for a jackpot of €8,100.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse at 9.00pm. All welcome.