Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Gathering Road Race
The Gathering 2013 committee will host a 10 Road race and a 6k jog or walk or buggy push in the parish on Sunday 7th April starting at the car park at 2pm. 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.
There will be two routes one of 10k and the other 6k. Both routes will take you up the Rathcline Road, at Rathcline crossroads the 6k participants turn left and continue across to the Ballymahon Road and left again back into town. The 10k runners carry on to the top of the hill of Carraroe, they then turn down through Lisreevagh, and at the end of the road they turn left through Killinure to the Ballymahon Road junction and back through the town to the finish at the car park
We are hoping for a massive turnout on the 7th and we encourage your support in this race. This is a parish event and we encourage all runners, joggers and walkers and their friends to come to Lanesboro and take part in what should be a wonderful community event.
New Sports Remedial and Sports Clinic
Congratulations to Ronie Masterson, Cnoc na Gaoithe who recently opened her new Sports Remedial and Sports Injury Clinic in the Lough Ree Co Op.
Ronie is from one of the most sporting families ever to come out of the parish of Rathcline and she has vast experience in all sporting activities. During her younger years Ronie was a very successful athlete with our local Lough Ree Athletic club. She is a member of Lough Ree Triathlon club, in recent years she has become very competitive in triathlons and last year along with her brother Joseph she completed the Ironman in Newcastle, England. She has successfully represented the army at all levels of international competition. She has for the past few years been physiotherapist to the Rathcline club and has proven herself to be highly proficient in her work.
Ronie caters for all of the following – Sports Massage, Injury Prognosis, Soft Tissue Treatment, Rehabilitation, Referrals and Taping and Strapping.
Booking is by appointment and Ronie can be contacted at 087-2402326.
I wish her every success and prosperity in her new business.
St Patrick’s Day Raffle results
The winners of the hugely successful St. Patrick’s Day draw that was held in the yacht Bar on St. Patrick’s night are: 1st €300 Tommy Keenan, Cloontuskert, 2nd €200 Caoilinn Clancy, Rathcline Road, 3rd €100 Bernadette Clancy, Rathcline Road, 4th €100 Martina O’Brien, Corner Shop, 5th €100 Bernie Mc Kenna, Barnacor, 6th €100 John Martin, Mountcashel, and 7th €100 Michael Dunne, Moher.
The committee would like to express their thanks to all that supported by buying tickets and also a big thank you to the tickets who did a marvellous job.
Kieran Scoops Top European Award
Local Tullyvrane man Kieran Feeney recently received the marvellous distinction of being awarded the European Epilepsy Journalism Award in the broadcast radio category. Kieran was doing his weekly programme ‘The Parish’ on Midlands Radio 3 when he dropped into the local ‘Brainwave’ centre in Tullamore that caters for people with Epilepsy and also their families.
Such was the content of the show that Kieran’s programme was recommended for this hugely prestigious award. The expert panel of judges felt that Kieran’s programme “made a significant contribution to the understanding of epilepsy”. This was a wonderful accolade and acknowledgment of the quality of Kieran’s programme.
Kieran’s propensity is always been towards parish life whether it is his own native parish Rathcline or the parishes in his Midlands Radio 3 catchment area. He loves the local parish story and the telling of it and he has a great knack of encouraging a great story when he knows he is on to one. Kieran’s love of radio and radio production is well known throughout and it is fitting this award should be bestowed on him.
Kieran, a son of Tom and Mary Feeney, Tullyvrane and is married to Ciara (Connaughton) and has two daughter Emma and Saoirse.
Kieran’s programme was supported by Epilepsy Ireland at local Westmeath branch level and also nationally and we congratulate Kieran on his magnificent award.
Easter Kayak Camp
The Easter Kayak water camp is only a few days away, it 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.
Co Longford VEC visits Lanesboro Library
The Adult Educational Guidance Service (Co Longford VEC) will visit Lanesboro Library on Tuesday April 16th 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
Sympathy
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Annette and John Coffey Rathcline Road on the death of Annette’s aunt Mrs Christina Kelly last week.
Engagement
We would like to congratulate Craig O’Reilly son of Anne O’Reilly, The Green and Stephanie Smith, daughter of Paddy and Tina Smith Moynalty, Co. Meath who announced their engagement recently.
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday 20th March are; N/S 1st Una Lawlor and Brid Mc Dermott, 2nd Gemma Douglas and Elish Gray, 3rd Marie Sheeran and Mary mc Gushin. E/W 1st Bernadette Gillen and Mona O’Flaherty, 2nd Frank and Frances Brennan and 3rd Katharine Harrison and Bernadette Clancy.
Leinster Chess Champions
Congratulations to the Lanesboro Community College chess team who took part in the Leinster chess championship last week. Conor Walton, Eoin Farrell, Conor Smith and Adam Farrell represented the Community College and won first prize in their category. This was a wonderful achievement for the college and a first time to win a chess championship for the school.
Rural Transport Scheme
You are reminded that all Rural Transport – Friday Services, throughout the County, will run on Thursday 28th March, with the same collection and departure times.
Longford Community Resources Ltd is holding a public meeting at 7pm in Newtowncashel Parish Hall– the Hill – for all rural transport users and the general public to discuss the restructuring proposal. In recent weeks a new restructuring of the rural transport scheme was announced and this meeting gives everyone the opportunity to make themselves fully aware of the new scheme and to discuss its implications. It is vital that everyone should attend and have their say on the proposed scheme.
Gathering meeting
The Gathering committee will hold their regular meeting on Tuesday night week 2nd April in Adie’s meeting room at 7.30pm. The final arrangements for the run will take place there on the night and we ask everyone involved to come along and help make the run a day to remember for everyone.
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?
Living History – Kieran want to chat with you
Not one to rest on the laurels of his recent radio award Kieran Feeney is producing a major audio visual for the Lanesboro Gathering on August weekend.
He is looking to gather stories and reminiscences from all parts of the parish and he would like to invite people from every part of the town and parish to one of his evenings of stories. It would be fantastic if a lot of people from throughout the town and parish came along with their stories to make an audio history of the parish. Everyone has a story so we ask young and old to attend. Kieran is looking to speak to people from all the areas of the town new and old estates and through Main Street and Knock. From Lisawley, through Lehery and Mahoraveen right across to Clonfower. From Augharana, through Blenavoher, Carraroe and Rathcline to Rathcline Road, From Cashelbeg through Carrowstrawley and Lisnacusha, through Thureen, Lisreevagh, Killinure, Tullyvrane, Green Gardens and Lough Bonnow through Barnacor
The first evening is on Thursday week 4th April at 10pm in Adie’s followed each Thursday in Clarkes 11th April, Joe and Martha Farrell’s 18th and the Peer Inn on Thursday 25th April.
Kieran looks forward to meeting you there for a great night of stories and memories.
Easter Penitential Service
The Easter Penitential Services in Lanesboro takes place on this Wednesday 27th at St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro at 7.30pm.
Easter Ceremonies at Lanesboro and Ballyleague
The Easter ceremonies for St. Mary’s Church Lanesboro: Holy Thursday at 7.30pm, Good Friday at 3pm and at 7.30pm. Holy Saturday at 7.30pm and Easter Sunday at 9.30 am and 11.30am.
At the Church of the Holy Rosary Ballyleague the arrangements are; Holy Thursday at 8pm, Good Friday at 3pm and Stations of the Cross at 7pm. Holy Saturday at 9pm and Easter Sunday at 11am.
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. 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 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
A Day at the Gold Cup
Punchestown races are the pinnacle of the National Hunt racing in Ireland every April. Longford GAA host a day out at the Punchestown festival each year and this year will be their 11th consecutive year. This year Longford are hosting their day on the biggest day of the Punchestown festival, Gold Cup Day. This year is a proud one for the Rathcline club as this is the first year of the tenure of county Longford GAA chairman of Brendan Gilmore. Each year that passes the Rathcline club contingent that attends gets bigger and it is hoped that this year will be our biggest ever in support of Brendan.
The price of tickets for the day is €100 and for that you will receive a four course meal, hot afternoon refreshments, admission to the races, a free race card, and a well-known racing celebrity will give their views and tips of the days racing. It is not uncommon for more than one racing celebrity to turn up and there is no doubt the same will happen this year. There will be bar and Tote facilities available in the pavilion which is sited at the final fence where you will have a first class view of the thrills and spills of the final fence and run to the finishing line. As the saying goes ‘there is a great bang for your buck’ with all that is on offer for only €100. If you want to be part of the rathcline group travelling – and we recommend you should – you can book your ticket and transport, if you so wish, with and of the following; Liam Connerton (086) 8776405, Albert Cooney (086) 8118580 & Chris Cullen (087) 2500120. Deposits of €20 are being taken at the moment by the lads. Make your booking early and make sure of your place at a wonderful day out.
Club Rathcline Lotto
Many congratulations to Michael Murray, Barnacor who was the winner of the Rathcline GAA Lotto of €1,800 on Saturday night last
Coping Positively
Coping positively with stress, positive self-esteem and relaxing techniques is the title of a short course being organised in St. Faithleach’s GAA clubhouse commencing on this Wednesday 27th March at 8.15pm. The facilitator for the three week course is Myra Beirne Walsh. If you want to get further information you are invited to contact Marie 086-0815659 or Bernie 087-3227653.
Pre Marriage Courses
Are you planning to get married in 2013? If so there as courses being arranged by ACCORD on Monday 13th and Thursday 16th May and again on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th June. For bookings and further information you are advised to contact ACCORD at 043-33 47222 or book online at www.accord.ie
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
The minor club congratulates Longford U21 panel and management on their great win in the Leinster semi-final last Wednesday and wish them well in the final on Wednesday 3rd April in Portlaoise against Kildare at 7.30pm.
The minor club team 2 for the upkeep of the club grounds and clubhouse commence next week and the team is Johnny Myhill, Declan Connor, Johnny Hanley, Seadna Ryan and the ladies club representatives Madaleine and Michael.
Under 14 match this Tuesday evening and training at weekend.
Minors playing Southern Gaels at the weekend in Cashel.
Don’t forget our Dog night in conjunction with the ladies will take place at Longford Greyhound Track on Friday 28th June.
Lanesboro Community Games
There has been lots of activity in Community Games over the last week. On Bank Holliday Monday, over 20 children took part in the county talent finals in Newtowncashel. Full details will be reported next week, but well done to Aisling Farrell and Aoife Dowd who got a gold medal in Contemporary Irish Dance and will be representing Longford at the National Community Games finals in May. Caoilinn Flood and Cormac Casey represented Lanesboro in the county hand writing finals that were held in Keenagh, the results are not published as yet.
In recent weeks also a number of children took part in the Community Games Cross Country trials to compile Longford’s team. Well done to Richard Prior and Aoife Nolan and Patricia Jedyridch who made the county team and Fabian Walsh and Margaret Mullooly of the Athletic Club for helping out. Also we have Two Project teams who will be now representing Longford in the national finals, Conor Sorohan, Ultan O’Sullivan and Harvey Myhill in the U-11 category and Áine Kennelly and Chloe O’Brien in the U-14 category.
Our U-12 County Champions hosted the Meath County Champions, Ratoath, in the COOP hall on Sunday. Ratoath were very strong with one all-Ireland under age champion on board and all the team members of a strong Chess Club. Therefore they were a class well ahead of Lanesboro who play it purely for community games. However Lanesboro equipped themselves very well and many of the matches were quite tight, but finished with a result of 4-1. Well done to all. Thanks to all who helped with the hosting.
Finally, thanks to all who contributed to our Church Gate Collection, This is the main fundraiser of the year and essential to Lanesboro community games operation, affiliating Lanesboro community games to County & National, purchasing medals, paying for heating, refs and other incidentals as they arise
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Senior League – O’Rourke Cup: Our Seniors play against Western Gaels at home on Sunday next 31st March. See fixtures for confirmation of time.
Junior Ladies: Our junior ladies had a win over St. Dominic’s on Sunday last at home. Final score – St. Faithleachs 6-08 St. Dominic’s 3-3. Team: C. Kenny, Q. Cox, A. Ormsby(0-1), J. Melia, C. Brennan, A. Mc Loone(0-1), J. Geoghegan(2-2), L. Mc Loone, E. Kenny(1-1), S. Ormsby(2-3), A. Nerney(1-0). Subs: R. Costello, M. Farrell, N. Carty, C. Cleary.
U16 Boys: Our U16 Boys had a win over Elphin in their league game on Saturday last at home. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 5-09 Elphin 2-09. Team: M. O’Donnell, J. Farrell, L. Parker, C. Mangan, E. Farrell, D. Kelly, J. Irwin, M. Cox(0-1), D. Nerney, S. Phillips(1-3), J. Hussey(1-1), C. Gannon(0-2), D. Foley(1-1), C. Kennelly(2-1), C. Gannon. Subs: K. Nerney, M. Gill, E. Tynan. We wish Cian Gannon a speedy recovery from his injury during this game.
U16 Girls: Our U16 Girls had two championship games recently, as follows – A win over St. Brigids – Final Score, St. Faithleachs 7-05 St. Brigids 3-06. The team was: D. McCaffrey, L. Hoare, M. Banahan, K. Browne, S. Hoare, A. Curley, C. Brennan, N. Scally, E. Hegarty (0-1), T. Nerney (1-0), R. Banahan (3-2), L. Cox, N. Hegarty, R. Costello (3-2) and L. Farrell. Subs: K. Byrne, C. Glennon, S. Scally.
We were defeated by one point by Kilbride on a final scoreline of St. Faithleachs 3-05 Kilbride 4-03. Team: D. McCaffrey, L. Cox, M. Banahan (1-1), T. Nerney (0-2), R. Banahan (0-2), N. Parker, A. Curley, E. Hegarty (2-0), R. Costello, C. Brennan, N. Scally, S. Hoare, L. Hoare, K. Browne, N. Hegarty. Subs: K. Byrne, L. Farrell, J. Farrell, J. Banahan, S. Scally.
Flower Arranging Demonstration: Many thanks to all who supported our Easter/Spring Flower Arranging demonstration in the clubhouse on Friday last. Special thanks to Syra Reid from Fernhill Garden Centre, Athlone who demonstrated same. Many thanks to all who sponsored raffle prizes for the event and congratulations to all our winners. Thanks to all who helped out with refreshments on the night and all who helped out in preparations for this event.
Easter Raffle: The draw for our Easter hamper will take place this coming Easter Sunday evening in the clubhouse. Lines are on sale locally – €2 per line. Many thanks to you all for your continued support.
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse, 9.00pm. All welcome. Last week’s winners were – Frank/Dan, runners-up – Padraig/JohnO. Ticket winners were – Jimmy, Frank, Annie & Kathleen.
Rathcline GAA
Club Rathcline Lotto Draw – Congratulations to Michael Murray from Barnacor who won the Club Lotto Jackpot of €1,800 on Saturday evening. Michael is the second jackpot winner of the new lotto format since its inception in August of last year. The winning numbers drawn this week are as follows: 7, 12, 15, 20, 25, and 33. Next week’s Jackpot will start again at €100.
Club membership – We are down to the last week 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.
Reserve League 2 – Congratulations to our Intermediate League team who has made it three wins out of three in the Reserve League 2 competition. The team beat St. Patricks Ardagh by the narrowest of margins in Keenan Park on Saturday evening last. On what was a terribly cold windy evening for football, the team showed great character to overturn a five point half time deficit to win the game in the dying moments. The victory keeps the team on course to reach a fourth consecutive semi-final spot in this competition. Final score: St Patricks 2-06 Rathcline 0-13. The first local derby of the year with our good neighbours Cashel takes place on Saturday coming 31st March at 2:30pm in Clonbonny. Joe Rooney will be hoping that his team’s rich vein of form will continue in establishing a good foot hold on the group standings. We ask all our members, supporters and players to come out and cheer on the lads in Round 4 of this competition. Photos of the team in action can be seen on our cub website.
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.
Congratulations to the Longford Under 21 team who defeated Wexford in the Leinster Championship semi-final in Portlaoise on Wednesday last. The team now play Kildare in the provincial decider in Portlaoise on Wednesday 3rd April.
Shannon Gaels/Western Gaels – Commiserations to our Western Gaels Minor team who were beaten by the amalgamation of Ballymahon/Forgney Gaels in Round 2 of the Special Minor League on Sunday 24th March. Final score – Western Gaels 2-04, Ballymahon/Forgney Gaels 5-09. It needs to be pointed out that our minor team are playing without our county players in this competition which gives manager Kevin Hanley an excellent opportunity to try out all the players on his panel in advance of the league and championship proper later in the season. The team play Rd. 3 against Southern Gaels on Saturday 30th March in Páirc Ciarán at 5:30pm. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Well done to Michael J Reilly on the continuation of the schools coaching program in the parish. Michael J has done a fantastic job thus far as he enters the final term for the 2013 schools season.
Shannon Gaels membership is now over-due. Players and Parents are encouraged to contact Sean Kenny and Seadna Ryan to ensure registration is completed before the end of the month.
Clonbonny caretaker duty remains with the Minor Club and Ladies Club for the month of March and April. Team 2 comes into operation from Monday 1st April. Team members include Seadna Ryan, Declan Connor, Joe O’Brien, Johnny Hanley & Johnny Myhill. Madeleine and Mike will represent the Ladies cub for another week.
U14 training continues at the weekend in Clonbonny. The management will be in contact with all concerned during the week.
The annual Good Friday “25” Card Drive (Partners) will take place this Friday night 29th March in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 8:30pm. Tickets are in circulation for the event and are priced at €5. There will be raffle draw on the night for the non-playing ticket holders as well as all the card players. There will be numerous prizes on the night with refreshments being served afterwards.
The club would like to thank Mary O’ Neill for putting together pitch flags for match day in Clonbonny.
We would also like to thank Patricia Connerton for putting together hot food for the senior team after the midweek training sessions. The players really appreciate the dedication and time which Pat devotes to the Club on this front.
Get well wishes go to Anthony Farrell who sustained a horrific knee injury against St. Columba’s Mullinalaghta on Monday 18th March. Rathcline GAA would also like to thank the personnel in St. Columba’s GAA for their immediate help and attention received on the day. We all hope Anthony will be back to continue his captaincy of the Reserve League team in the coming weeks.
Finally, Rathcline GAA would like to wish best of luck to Ronie Masterson; our club Physio and first aid attendant, on the opening of her new clinic in the Co-Op.