Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Easter Kayak Camp
The Easter Kayak water camp is only two weeks away and will commence on Easter Monday 1st April 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 will hold their regular meeting on this coming Thursday night 14th March in Adie’s meeting room at 8.30pm. The schedule of events is almost complete and it is important that all interested parties come to the meeting.
The committee now has a new Facebook and they invite you all to make contact Lanesboro Gathering 2013.
The committee have now an office in place in St. Mary’s Hall. Christine Mc Donagh will be there on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the front room. We are trying to tie down all the past residents and pupils in all schools. We are actively seeking students of Lanesboro Convent both day pupils and boarders for each year. Students of the old school at the church are also in demand. We also seek photographs of all past students of all schools in the parish. If you have information on any of the above requests can you please call into Christine from 10.30am?
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Mrs Mary Jo Killian and her family on the death of her sister in law, Maura Killian, in England recently.
Lanesboro Badminton Club
Well done to the Lanesboro Grade 5 Mixed Team who overcame Ballymore in the final to win the Midland League on Thursday last in Kenagh. The team members were Maura and Ann Duffy, Frank Casey, Keith Healy, Edel Mc Dermott and Karl Crawford and Subs Carol Manning and Mark Bermingham. Congratulations to the team and we look forward to seeing them taking part in the Leinster Competition and thanks to all who came to support on the night
Defibrillator Training
Training courses for both new people interested in training in the use of the defibrillator is soon to begin There is a great need for new people to be trained in the use of the defibrillator and also those that need to be up skilled. To be skilled in the 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.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
All is now set for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballyleague and Lanesboro There is great excitement amongst all the different groups and individuals preparing for the parade on Sunday. 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.
As part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations the parade committee will partake in a traditional Mass with music, song and dance in St. Mary’s church, Lanesboro on Saturday night next at 7.30pm.
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.
Death
The death took place on Sunday 3rd March at St. Joseph’s Care Centre, Longford in the care of the nurse and staff of Danny Killian, Fermoyle. Danny in his 92nd year came from one of the oldest and most respected families in our parish. Danny was predeceased by his daughter Anne. He was a thorough gentleman who had a tremendous interest in all the events of the parish. Anything relating to the history of the Fermoyle area and parish Danny was a wonderful narrator. He was a keen farmer who farmed his land with a great and keen interest. He had a great eye for cattle and his stock was always of the highest quality and his land was always kept in impeccable condition. He was a tremendous neighbour and friend and his passing will leave a great void in the hearts and minds of everyone that had the pleasure to know him. He was a devout husband and father and wonderful family man.
His remains reposed at St. Joseph’s chapel, Longford on Tuesday prior to his removal to St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro. On Wednesday his was laid to rest in Cashel cemetery following his Funeral Mass. To his wife Nora, daughters Maeve and Nora, brother Fr. Michael, sister Carmel, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
St. John’s Church
The St. Patricks Day service will take place in St. Coman’s church Roscommon at 11.30am. for the group of parishes
Fermoyle NS Enrolment
Enrolment for the academic year 2013/2014 will take place in the school on Wednesday 20th March and Thursday 21st March between 2.00p.m. and 3.00p.m. Application forms and alternative arrangements are available on request.
Tel. 043-3321959
Grandparents Mass
Lanesboro Primary School will host a Grandparents Mass for the grandparents of all the pupils of the school in St. Mary’s church on this Friday 15th March at 10.30am.
Shannon Gaels
The Under 14 Féile side fought a brave fight in their group on Saturday last in Granard. Unfortunately they did not make it through but all lads can be proud of their performances. Training for our under 16 and 18 panels take place in Clonbonny on Tuesday evenings and again in Stonepark on Friday evenings at 7.30pm. There will be a special minor league game in Leo Casey Park Ballymahon at 12.30pm on St. Patricks Day against Ballymahon Forgney Gaels. All players please are asked to be on time.
Congratulations to Longford U21’s on their great win over Dublin on Wednesday last and good luck to them in Portlaoise on Wednesday week 20th March when they take on Wexford in the Leinster semi-final.
Sympathy: we would like to extend our sincere sympathy to Mrs Nora Killian and her daughter Maeve and Nora, Fermoyle, on the death last week of her husband Danny Killian. We also like to sympathise with Mrs Mary Jo Killian and her family, Rathcline on the death of her sister-in-law Maura Killian, in England recently. We would like to extend to Ladies club secretary Michael Greene and his extended family on the death of their uncle Seamus Greene, Longford, last week.
Ballyleague National School
Parents of new entrants who wish to enrol their children for September 2013 are invited to visit the school on Thursday March 21st from 2p.m. to 3p.m. If this date/time is unsuitable please contact the school at 043-3321906 to arrange an alternative appointment. Please bring along a copy of your child’s birth certificate. We look forward to meeting you on the day.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge
The results of the competition held on Monday March 4th which was a Howell Movement: 1st Mae Casey and Bernadette Gillen, 2nd Phil Chalmers and Fiona Gillen and 3rd Kathleen Hanley and Mary Fallon. Gross: Mike Flynn and Kathleen O’Reilly.
The results of the Sliabh Ban Trophy will not be announced until the Summer Party.
The next major competition is The Bridie Deffew Memorial on Monday March 25th.
Study Group
The Scripture study group will continue their meetings in the adoration Chapel on Wednesday and every Wednesday evening from 8pm to 9pm.
Ballyboro
Ballyboro F.C. recently held a major meeting to discuss the proposed development of a soccer pitch with dressing rooms in the town. The executive were delighted with the huge turn out and more importantly the hard searching questions that were asked. Chairman Rob Chalmers spelled out both sides of the argument, Mark Casey and Steve Ormsby clarified all aspects of the plan and a vote was taken after much deliberation. By a large majority it was decided that the project will go ahead. Firstly Ballyboro will hold their first major fundraiser in 13 years which will take place in the month of April in the form of White Collar Boxing and judging by some of the bouts already organised it will be a night not to be missed. After that fundraiser all members will be invited to a meeting to give their opinions before the project will be officially launched.
Meanwhile on the field of play Ballyboro U14 put in the performance of the season while playing with nine players against table toppers Killoe and coming out with a 1-1 draw. Jordan Donlon scored a shock opener for Boro and a stunned Killoe could not break down the defence of Evan Chalmers, Niall Casey and Karl Nerney.
Dylan Glancy and Philip Chalmers were excellent at holding on to the ball while Halpin and Donlon raided up the wings at every chance. Killoe levelled in the second half but fine goalkeeping from Michael O’Donnell and running from Conor Mulrennan helped Boro to a magnificent result.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday last 6th March are: N/S 1st Phil Chalmers and Cyril Hussey, 2nd Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray 3rd Brid Mc Dermott and Una Lawlor. E/W 1st Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne, 2nd Katharine Harrison and Philomena Walsh, 3rd Mike Flynn and Brendan Dowling.
Family Fun Day in Lanesboro
The 12th Ballyboro Ventures will be holding a ‘family fun day’ in St. Mary’s hall, Lanesboro following the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday next. Face painting, cake sale, fun, games and a free raffle will take place on the day. An enjoyable time is assured for all attending.
Club Rathcline Lotto
The jackpot total of €1,600 was not won this weekend with numbers drawn as follows: 2, 3, 20, 29, 39, and 43. Congratulations to our four €25 winners this week as follows: Colm Farrell, Tullyvrane, Mary Kelly, Rathcline Rd, Hughie Smith, Main Street and Johnny Malone, Cloontuskert. Next week’s jackpot will stand at €1,700.
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.
Sympathy
Our deepest sympathy to the extended Greene and Kenny families, Lanesboro, Killashee and Newtowncashel on the death of their uncle Seamus Greene, Longford, last week.
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.
Rathcline GAA
Congratulations to our Intermediate League team on a successful start to the Reserve League 2 campaign. Rathcline’s first outing in the competition began on Saturday evening 9th March with a home game to St. Marys Granard. Final Score in the match: Rathcline 2-10, St. Mary’s 0-11. Thanks to all the players who made themselves available for selection and we hope we can maintain such numbers for the rest of the campaign. Another tough challenge awaits this team this weekend coming when we travel to St. Columba’s – Mullineachta on Bank Holiday Monday 18th March at 2:30pm. We hope that there will be a good travelling support for the team.
Club membership – We are down to the last two weeks for the submission of Club membership for 2013. 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.
Club Rathcline Lotto Draw – The Jackpot total of €1,600 was not won this weekend with numbers drawn as follows: 2, 3, 20, 29, 39, and 43. Congratulations to our four €25 winners this week as follows: (1) Colm Farrell – Tullyvrane, (2) Mary Kelly – Rathcline Rd; (3) Hughie Smith – Main Street, (4) Johnny Malone – Cloontuskert. Next week’s Jackpot will €1,700.
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.
Rathcline GAA extends its sympathies to the Killian family in Fermoyle on the recent passing of Danny Killian.
Commiserations to the Longford Minor Panel and the Rathcline contingent (Gareth, Shane and Eoin) after losing to Galway in the League in Pearse Park on Sunday last.
Punchestown 2013 – Longford GAA are hosting the 11th Annual Race Day at Punchestown on ‘Gold Cup Day’ Wednesday 24th April. Rathcline GAA has always held the best Club representation at the event and this year we are looking to repeat this feat especially with club man Brendan Gilmore holding the chairman’s position in the County Board. The subsidised ticket price of €100 includes the following: Location at the Final Fence, Four Course Meal, Hot Afternoon Refreshments, Admission to the Races, Race Card, Celebrity Tipsters, Bar Facilities & Bookies in Pavilion; all of which represents fantastic value for money. Book your seat early as part of the Rathcline GAA contingent. €20 Deposits can be given to: Liam Connerton (086) 8776405, Albert Cooney (086) 8118580 & Chris Cullen (087) 2500120.
Congratulations to the Longford Under 21 team on a fantastic victory over Dublin in the first round of the Leinster Championship. The team now proceed to meet Wexford in Portlaoise on Wednesday 20th March.
Shannon Gaels/Western Gaels – Hard luck to our Under 14 team who took part in the Féile Shield Competition on Saturday afternoon last in Higginstown, Granard. The team played two matches on the day; drawing the first game to St. Francis however we were beaten in the second game by a strong amalgamation of Granard/Ballymore.
Shannon Gaels Minor Executive is encouraging anyone with spare time on their hands to get involved with helping out in our underage setup. A lot of work goes into training and preparing teams at all the different age groups. New faces would be most welcome.
The Great GAA Debate
Marty Morrissey and Gerry Kinneavy join new GAA football rules debate at St Faithleach’s
Club players and team managers urged to come along and learn more about radical changes this Friday night
RTE Gaelic Games Commentator Marty Morrissey and former leading football referee Gerry Kinneavy are the latest to be added to the high profile panel of special guests for next Friday night’s big debate on the proposed new changes to the rules of football at St Faithleach’s GAA clubhouse in Ballyleague, County Roscommon
Marty is a household name in GAA circles and is coming to Ballyleague to chair the debate which will also feature International Rules Manager Paul Earley and the former Kildare footballer and Longford manager Glen Ryan on a night aimed at educating all players, club team managers, officials and county board delegates to congress from all over the region on the proposed new radical changes that may be coming down the line on the football pitches of Ireland after Easter – rules that will affect every club in every county as well the inter county teams.
Gerry Kinneavy represented both Roscommon and Galway during a very successful career as one of the GAA’s top football referees and is nowadays a member of a very high profile Croke park advisory committee on referees so he will bring a whole new dimension to the debate.
Eugene McGee is coming to this debate at St Faithleachs having led a special committee for several months (alongside Paul Earley) in an exhaustive process to consult with players, officials and even supporters of football before returning with a comprehensive set of proposals for change at Congress this year.
Friday night’s debate gets underway at 9.30pm sharp at St Faithleach’s in Ballyleague. Former Roscommon goalkeeper Derek Thompson from the development committee at St Faithleach’s is inviting clubs all over the county and around the region to come along or send delegates and learn more about the rules that are going to change the face of the game if they are approved by Congress and Derek can be contacted at 087 8172668 for details on tickets and other information.
On the night there will be a chance for every club team manager and player in the county and the region to learn more about how the new rules would work and details about some of the most controversial changes that are proposed:
“There has been a growing tendency in Gaelic Football for players to create dissent” McGee has explained recently, ” for instance holding onto the ball when they concede a free so their teammates can regroup instead of giving the ball back quickly. That is typical of dissent.
The penalty used to be 13 metres for that, but now the ball will be brought forward 30 metres which is a very different commodity altogether – if congress agrees to change the rules.”
Yellow cards and mandatory substitutions “What the committee is proposing at Congress (and will be debated on Friday night) is that you are sent off for a yellow card but you can be replaced” Eugene McGee says, “that can happen up to three times in a game and, after that, if a fourth player is sent off there would be no substitution.”
“This is an attempt to delineate between accidental and deliberate fouls. If it’s an accidental foul, which happens quiet often, than it is just a free and not a yellow card” the former Offaly and Cavan manager explains “there is a much harder line being taken against deliberate fouls because there are too many deliberate fouls in the game and this is an attempt to curb that.”
Duration of adult club games
“Club games up to now have been 60 minutes and we are changing that to
70 minutes” Eugene McGee says,” with the superior fitness levels at all levels of Gaelic Football now we feel it’s only fair to have the same at county and club. It’s also better value for money for spectators.”
The tackle
“We have refined the tackle and called it a skill, which it is, and we have been very specific about what you can and cannot do – here will be no room for error|” Eugene McGee says, “you cannot hit a man a wallop in a tackle. The tackle in Gaelic Football down the centuries meant how hard can you hit a fellah, or take the head off him. We have tried to refine it into a skill. It is a skill because you can shadow a man and make him do bad things and not let him pass the ball.”
“We are putting severe penalties on players who rush in with their knees, elbows or fists. All that stuff has to stop.”
St Faithleach’s GAA club is very pleased to be hosting this debate and has carried out significant development work on new dressing rooms and pitches at its very impressive base in Ballyleague over the last three years. A moderate cover charge of just five euro will apply on Friday night with all funds going to the club’s development work.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior League – O’Rourke Cup: Our Seniors were defeated by Elphin yesterday in Elphin. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 1-07 Elphin 1-11. Team: S. Connor, B. Scally, A. McCormack, D. Gibbons, P. Wallace, B. Murtagh, C. Gunne, R. Cox, K. Farrell, C. Gannon(0-1), J. Quigley(0-1), C. Murtagh(1-3), E. Kenny, A. Dooney(0-2), M. Reynolds. Subs: D. Thompson, M F O’Grady.
U16 Boys League: Our U16’s had a win over Western Gaels today in Ballinameen. Final Score – St Faithleachs 5-08 Western Gaels 1-09. Team: M. O’Donnell, M. Gill, L. Parker, C. Mangan, E. Farrell, D. Kelly (1-0), J. Irwin, M. Cox (0-1), D. Nerney, C. Gannon, J. Hussey (0-3), S. Phillips (2-2), C. Gannon (1-1), D. Foley (1-1), K. Nerney. Subs: E. Tynan, C. Smith.
U16 GirlsChampionship: Our U16 girls were defeated by Strokestown yesterday at home. The final score was- St. Faithleachs 2-04 Strokestown 5-04. Team: D. McCaffrey, N. Hegarty, K. Browne, J. Farrell, L. Hoare, C. Brennan, S. Hoare, R. Costello, E. Hegarty (1-0), A. Curley (0-1), R. Banahan (0-1), N. Parker (0-1), T. Nerney, C. Glennon, M. Banahan (1-1). Sub: N. Scally, K. Byrne, J. Banahan.
Junior Ladies: Our Junior ladies have games this coming weekend. See fixtures for details.
GAA Rules – Special Debate: Some of the Country’s top GAA experts and analysts, including Paul Earley, Eugene McGee & Glen Ryan are coming together for a high profile televised debate on the new proposed GAA rule changes. This debate will take place in St. Faithleachs GAA clubhouse on Friday 15th March at 9.30pm. On the night RTE GAA commentator, Marty Morrissey, will chair the debate. The debate should be of special interest to all players and team managers/mentors in Roscommon, the midlands and the west. An outline of each of the key rule changes will be given to the audience and then debated by the panel, with the assistance of a very high profile audience of players and officials from throughout the county. Changes proposed such as enforced substitutions for cynical fouling will be detailed in full, along with all the other changes envisaged at GAA Congress. All GAA clubs in County Roscommon and Longford are invited to send representatives to familiarise themselves with the changes proposed. Admission fee – €5
Flower Arranging Demonstration: An Easter/Spring Flower Arranging demonstration by Syra Reid from Fernhill Garden Centre, Athlone will take place in St. Faithleachs GAA clubhouse, Friday 22nd March at 8pm. Come along and get great ideas for your home arrangements. All the arrangements will be raffled on the night plus other spot prizes. Refreshments also served. Admission €5. All welcome.
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 & we welcome all our Members to take part.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse, 9.00pm. All welcome.