Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Road Run 6th April
The gathering committee will host a 10 Road race, jog or walk in the parish on Sunday 6th April. This is a note for the diary and also a call for support from all runners, joggers and walker in the area and all of their friends. The run is to raise funds for the Gathering committee as they put a great weekends entertainment together for August Weekend.
The route will take you up the Rathcline Road to the top of the hill of Rathcline, down through Lisreevagh, and turn left through Killinure to the Ballymahon Road junction and back through the town to the car park
We are hoping for a massive turnout on the 6th and we encourage your support in this race.
Daffodil Day in St. Mary’s Hall
The Active age ladies will once again hosting a Daffodil Day morning in St. Mary’s Parish hall. We all appreciate the enormity of Daffodil Day and the enormous contribution it makes towards cancer research and development and you are urged to be as generous as possible.
Our active Age ladies are a group that does great work and deserve your support. You can drop in have a chat and support anytime from 11am to 2pm.
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.
Lanesboro Community Games
Swimming Success
The County Swimming Finals were held in Longford Leisure Centre on Saturday last. Lanesboro had very strong representation with six entries in individual events and two relay teams. Seadhna Ryan, Duileach Ryan, Orla Ryan and the girls U-13 relay team made up of Orla Ryan, Aisling Farrell, Róisin Brennan, Jane Dowd and Hazel Johnsons all got Gold Medals and will now go on to represent Longford at the national community games. There were also great swims from the other swimmers Even Chalmers swam a great race and only narrowly missed out on gold but secured a bronze, Medals were won and excellent swims were also had by Aisling Farrell, Rosin Brennan who took part in individual events and Ivan Johnson who joined Evan, Seadhna and Duileach in the boys relay. A great evening was had by all.
Lanesboro will have 18 acts and over 20 children taking part in the county Community Games Talent competition in Newtowncashel on Monday. A lot work has been put in to prepare the acts and already the biggest benefit of taking part has been achieved, huge talent has emerged and Children have grown in confidence. As this is Lanesboro’s first year taking part with groups it will primarily be about taking part and gaining experience but most of all enjoying the fun.
A Missed Opportunity
Friday night last the St. Faithleach’s GAA club hosted what was a wonderful opportunity to come face to face with some of the biggest names in the GAA . RTÉs GAA commentator, Marty Morrissey as MC on the night, Eugene Mc Gee, journalist, Paul Early, recently appointed manager of the International rules team, Glen Ryan, manager of Longford senior team and ex county referee Gerry Kinneavy were the panel for the discussion on the newly suggested rules to be voted on in the upcoming GAA Congress in Derry.
Unfortunately for the St. Faithleach’s club and the social club organisers the attendance was not good and a major disappointment to the organisers. The initiative shown in inviting such a panel was wonderful and they did deserve much greater support.
Proceedings got under way with introductions by Marty Morrissey and the discussion became in-depth immediately. There was a great variance of opinion and many questions were asked and answered after great debate. The quality of the questions and discussions made the night flew by and those in attendance were delighted to be in a position to get answers to the questions as to why particular changes in the playing rules were being proposed. They also got their opportunity to discuss their own opinions and have them teased out. All in all for those attending it was a wonderful night and the club and social club in particular are to be commended for having such a high profile group of GAA people giving of their time to come to Ballyleague.
It is just sad that all GAA people in the entire area saw it fit not to attend and miss a very special night.
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Bernadette and Greg Gillen and family, The Green on the death of Dan Mc Coy, Lissummon, Co. Armagh last week. Dan was brother in law to Bernadette.
Gathering
The Gathering committee will hold their regular meeting on this coming Thursday night 21st March in Adie’s meeting room at 8.30pm. There is a little fine tuning to be done with the schedule of events which is almost complete and it is important that all come to the meeting and help finalise all the details.
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?
Lanesboro Primary School Success
Congratulations to Lanesboro Primary School’s students Séadhna Ryan who won two Bronze medals and Dúileach who won a Silver medal and qualified for the final (top 6) in his second event at the All-Ireland Schools Swimming finals. This gala was held in Leisureland. Having qualified from their respective provinces, the top swimmers from right across the country from Belfast to Cork taking part, so this was a great achievement for pupils of a small school in Lanesboro. Well done to both lads. Séadhna and Dúileach are both sons of Seadna and Teresa Ryan, Main Street.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 13th March are; n/s 1st Mairéad Gill and Mary Mc Gushin, 2nd tie Gemma Douglas & Elish Gray, and Una Lawlor and Brid Mc Dermott. E/W 1st Philomena Walsh & Katharine Harrison, 2nd Noreen Dunne and Mae Casey, 3rd Mona O’Flaherty & Bernadette Clancy.
Birth
Congratulations to Gina and Gerard Mc Donnell, Rathcline Road on the recent birth of their son Luke Michael.
Easter Penitential Service
The Penitential Services in Lanesboro and Ballyleague in preparation for Easter are: Monday 25th March in Ballyleague church at 8.30pm and on Wednesday 27th at Lanesboro church at 7.30pm.
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
Another St. Patrick’s Day has come and another St. Patrick’s Day Parade has gone. The forecast for the day was not good, cold with wintry showers, alas, this turned out to be only half true as the showers kept away. The day was bright and cold but it did not deter either the record number of floats or the huge attendance that turned out to greet them as they paraded through the streets Ballyleague and Lanesboro. God must have a special place for us in his heart! Since the inception of the parade in Ballyleague and Lanesboro on St. Patrick’s Day the parade has always stayed dry.
The parade was led as usual by the excellent Longford Pipe Band who earlier led the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Longford and the MC on the day was Shannonside presenter Eugene Murphy who in his own inimitable way did a brilliant job right through the parade. The dignitaries on the reviewing stand were Adie Farrell. Mayor of County Longford Sean farrell, Cllrs Mark Casey, Paddy Belton, Mick Cahill, Fr Mickey Reilly, Fr Larney Shine, Fr Ray Browne, new pastor to St. John’s Rector Liz Mc Elhinney and chairperson of the St. Patrick’s Day committee Teresa Costello.
There were a record number of floats taking part in the parade making it the biggest and best yet. Those that took part must be seriously commended for all of their efforts in making this year’s parade the best yet. The huge crowd that turned up aided and abetted in creating a tremendous atmosphere and their support was greatly appreciated by all taking part. Adding greatly to the pre and after parade was our own very own Actin da maggot who provided wonderful music and helped greatly in warming up the huge attendance.
The prize winners were: Overall Topside Filling station Ballyleague, Best Club St. Faithleach’s GAA club, Best Junior club Newtowncashel Banisteoir, Best Window Costello’s Nursing Home, Best Business Gerard Farrell Agri Store, Most original was a tie between Ballyleague Renewal Tidy Towns and Ballyboro Scouts.
Fermoyle NS Enrolment
Enrolment for the academic year 2013/2014 will take place in the school on this coming 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
St. John’s Church Easter Ceremonies
The Holy Week Services for St. John’s Church Lanesborough are:
Holy week – From Monday 25th to Wednesday 27th St John’s Church will be open for a prayer and meditation hour from 10am -11am. Holy Thursday in St Coman’s Roscommon Holy Communion at 8pm. Good Friday 29th Service in St John’s church Lanesborough at 8pm. Easter Sunday – Holy Communion in St John’s Church Lanesborough at 12.15 pm. You are asked to note the change in time as St Coman’s Roscommon will be Holy Communion at 10.45am
Everyone welcome to come and celebrate the biggest celebrations in the Christian church ‘Easter’ Christ is risen.
Ballyleague Village Renewal
Parade Float: The Ballyleague Village Renewal and Tidy Towns committee teamed up with the Lanesboro anglers group to put a float in the St. Patrick’s Day parade on the streets of Ballyleague and Lanesborough. The theme of the float was the new riverbank development which is getting underway this summer on the west bank of the Shannon at a cost of over a quarter of a million euro.
Everybody knows how dangerous the river bank has become beside the old swimming pool. Its been in place for over a hundred years but this magnificent float in the parade last Sunday was highlighting some of the special features that will be included in the new development – including the fantastic new outdoor gym which will bring exciting new physical fitness machines onto the river bank and four new special angling stands which will be disabled friendly.
Of course the river bank will also have a new promenade and new seating where you can just sit back in the sun (and the rain) and relax.
Our special thanks to the team that put the float together for the parade and they are: Gerry, Martha, Cormac, Cliona, Denis, Margaret, John, Jimmy, Sean, Gerry, Detta, Mary, Maree, Brian, Eithne, Francis, John Francis, JP, Doreen, Ciaran and Eoghan. Thanks also to James for the trailer and Peter for the Astro turf and special thanks to Therese for the beautiful artistic work on the signs on the side of the float.
The Ballyleague Village Renewal committee will be holding some fundraising events in the coming months to help cover some of the cost of the project and look forward to your on-going support for a new amenity that is going to be a tremendous boost for Ballyleague and Lanesborough in the coming years. We all know how many people walk and run and cycle along the riverbank so the new project should be very popular!
Local Choir and Dancers
Saturday evening mass on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day proved to be a wonderful experience for everyone that was fortunate to attend. The local choir really brought the house down with some wonderful and new renditions of classical St. Patrick’s Day hymns and some new hymns. Allied to the choir the performance of the three young ladies namely Aoife English, Anna Maguire and Elizabeth Clyne who performed a three hand reel at offertory was absolutely tremendous and they were a credit to themselves and their families. Well done to all. Through Sunday morning and the day there was great talk among everyone who enthused greatly about the quality of the choir.
Enrolment at Ballyleague National School
Parents of new entrants who wish to enrol their children for September 2013 are invited to visit the school on this coming 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.
Teresa says Thank You
Teresa Costello, chairperson of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade was thrilled and delighted by the turnout at the Parade on Sunday. “It was bigger and better than any of the previous years with a record number of floats”. She continued “as usual Eugene Murphy played a wonderful role as master of ceremonies on the day and his input to the day is always excellent”. She asked that following should be mentioned and thanked for without their support the parade wouldn’t have been possible; the many sponsors, all that put in the floats, all the stewards, the Gardaí, St. Faithleach’s GAA club and Lanesboro Community College for the use of their premises. Teresa also asked to thank all those that sold and bought tickets- who were most generous in their support and time.
Birth
Congratulations to Amanda and Robert Breslin, Curraghrua on the recent birth of a baby girl Abigail.
Lough Ree 2000 Bridge
The Club Members offer condolences to Carol Hamill on the recent death of her mother. May she rest in peace. To Bernadette, Margaret and Fiona Gillen, we extend our sincere sympathy on the death of Bernadette’s brother-in-law, Dan. This is a second loss to the family in a very short time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Results: 1st J.J. Donlon and Joan Donnellan, Carol Hamill and Eugene Donlon, 3rd Mary Fallon and Loretta Cooney and 4th Ger and Breda Clarke. Gross; Hannah Clyne and Maureen Hynes.
Lanesboro Pike angling Club
Friday night 8th March the club held a table quiz in the Yacht bar. .It was a very successful night. The club would like to thank Joe and Martina O’Brien Corner shop, Casserley’s Spar, Super Value, local butcher Terry Mc Loughlin, Adie Farrell, Joe Cribbins, Daybreak, Emer Farrell, Rathcline Minor club, Gerry Ginty, Joe and Martha Farrell all of whom sponsored the spot prizes. The club would also like to thank Joe and Martha for the use of their premises, Joe Duffy for the sound system and especially the quizmaster Brendan Farrell who did an excellent job as usual. The club is sure that everybody enjoyed the night and look forward to having another quiz again soon.
Club Rathcline Lotto
The jackpot of €1,700 was not won this weekend. The numbers drawn on the National Lottery main draw were as follows: 3, 11, 22, 28, 35, and 37. The four €25 winners this week were: Derek Thompson – Ballyleague, Seadna Ryan – Main Street; Gerard Walsh – Rathcronan, Granard and Robert Corcoran & Peter Skelly – Lanesboro. Next week’s Jackpot will stand at €1,800.
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.
Shannon Gaels
Our minor team travelled to Kenagh on Sunday morning for the first round of the special minor league – without county minor players. It was a high scoring game and unfortunately we came out on the losing side. The old adage of ‘goal win games’ was never truer on this occasion when we score none and they netted 4. The minor team continue the special league against Ballymahon Forgney Gaels in Stonepark on Sunday morning at 12.30pm.
Together with the ladies club we have given the undertaking of keeping the club grounds and clubhouse in pristine condition. We made an excellent start on Friday last and if you are available for an hour or two next Friday from 5pm please come along. There is great craic and banter going on and you will not find the time passing.
Friday night 28th June will see collaboration between our minor club and the ladies club in hosting a very special ‘Night at the Dogs’ at Longford Greyhound track. The club would like to thank the ladies club for the coming together of the two clubs and we look forward to another tremendous night for the club.
Our under 14 panel will train on Sunday morning at 11am and there is a possibility of a challenge game this Friday evening. Players will be notified.
Rathcline Ladies GAA
We now have the date of the Greyhound night at Longford Greyhound track. The date is Friday night 28th June and we look forward to another night of excitement for all supporters, players, families and friends.
The clothes collection is on-going and we ask anyone with old clothes to contact Madaleine 086-1500123 to arrange collection.
Registration is continuing and it is very important that all players are registered and insured immediately.
Training continues for all teams and we urge all players and prospective players at all ages to attend.
The club along with the minor club are maintaining the club grounds and club house for the months of March and April. There was a great turnout on Friday last and it will continue again on this coming Friday at 5pm. If you can give a hand please come along.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: St. Faithleachs GAA Club won the Award for “Best Club Float” in the Ballyleague/Lanesboro Parade on St. Patricks Day. Many thanks to all our club members who took park in the event & all who helped in the preparations regarding same.
Junior League: Our Juniors had a win over Tulsk on Friday evening last. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 1-11 Tulsk 1-10. Team: A. Manning, J. Walsh, D. McCormack, J. Hanly, B. Scally (0-1), D. Gibbons, C. Gannon (1-1), P. Reynolds (0-2), J. Quigley, S. Kenny (0-1), C. Gunn (0-2), K. Farrell (0-4), D. Rooney, A. Brehon, P. Trautt. Subs: B. Healy, L. Connell.
Junior Ladies: Our junior ladies had a convincing win over Kilmore on Saturday last. Team: C. Kenny, N. Egan, A. Ormsby, C. Cleary, J. Melia, S. Ormsby(0-2), C. Brennan, J. Geoghegan(0-1), A. Mc Loone(0-4), K. Murphy(2-3), L. Mc Loone(1-4), E. Kenny(0-2), A. Lannon(0-2), A. Nerney(1-1), M. Corcoran(1-0). Subs: Q. Cox, R. Costello, N. Carty.
GAA Rules – Special Debate: The Club would like to express their apologies to Marty Morrissey & the panel of GAA experts & analysts, including Paul Earley, Eugene McGee, Glen Ryan and Gerry Kinneavy, for the disappointing turnout at the GAA Debate in the Club House on Friday evening last. We thank those of you who attended and supported the event however we had hoped that managers and players alike would have been in attendance at this hugely relative event.
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 on Friday next 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 will also be served. Admission €5. All welcome.
Lotto: The numbers drawn were – 10, 21, 27 and 30. There was no jackpot winner and the five €20 winners were – Tom Rooney, Martina Cribon, Mary Rice, Sean Cox & Michael O’Donnell. The next draw will take place on Tuesday 26th March for a jackpot €8,200. The yearly Lotto payment is now due and can be paid to any club promoter or executive member.
Cards: continue every Tuesday night in the clubhouse at 9.00pm. All welcome
Rathcline GAA
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 €1,700 was not won this weekend with numbers drawn as follows: 3, 11, 22, 28, 35, and 37. Congratulations to our four €25 winners this week as follows: (1) Derek Thompson – Ballyleague, (2) Seadna Ryan – Main Street; (3) Gerard Walsh – Rathcronan, Granard (4) Robert Corcoran & Peter Skelly – Lanesboro. Next week’s Jackpot will €1,800.
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.
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.
Best of luck to the Longford Under 21 team who face Wexford in the Leinster Championship Semi Final in Portlaoise on Wednesday coming 20th March at 7:30pm.
Shannon Gaels/Western Gaels – Commiserations to our Western Gaels Minor team who were beaten by the amalgamation of St. Dominic’s/Moydow in the Special Minor League Div. 2 on Sunday 17th. The final score was – Western Gaels 0-12, St. Dominic’s/Moydow 4-12. The team play Rd. 2 against Ballymahon/Forgney on Sunday 24th March. Keep an eye on fixtures for more details.
U14 training continues on Sunday morning next 24th March at 11am in Clonbonny. Reminder: caretaker duty in Clonbonny remains with the Minor Club and Ladies Club for the month of March and April. Finally, it has been announced that Shannon Gaels and Rathcline Ladies will run a joint fundraising effort in 2013 with a dog night on Friday 28th June in Longford Greyhound Track. Keep an eye for more details in the coming weeks and months.
St. Patricks Day Celebrations – Lanesboro turned green for a fantastic display of art, creativity, culture and humour for our annual parade. Once again Rathcline GAA played its part by entering a float. This year our theme surrounded the promotion of our forthcoming Croagh Patrick Fundraiser climb on 11th May. The design and preparations of the float were coordinated by the brilliance of two ladies – Pat Connerton and Lorraine Farrell. The club is deeply thankful to have such dedicated personnel in our ranks. Special thanks must go to the members of the Brush Strokes Art group who worked tirelessly through the week on the centre piece of the float. Also appreciations go to all the other people in the club who helped put the float together on Saturday afternoon. Pictures of the parade and indeed the prep work can be seen on our club website: www.rathcline.gaa.ie.