Lanesboro Ballyleague Notes
Notre Dame University comes to Rathcline
This coming week members of the world renowned University of Notre Dame, Indiana, USA will visit our parish and particularly Fermoyle where a retreat will be taking place.
The introduction of Notre Dame University to our community has come about through the wonderful and diligent work of Joan Killian Gallagher, Fermoyle. Joan, who was born and raised in Yonkers, New York, fulfilled a lifelong dream of a stone cottage when he purchased and restored the homestead of her great-grandfather, Laurence Killian. Joan has afforded the parish a wonderful opportunity of having this famous university becoming part of our community.
Notre Dame University an independent, national Catholic university holds a very respected place in American society and it is placed within the top 20 universities across America and seen as one of the most prestigious seats of learning and to have such a renowned institution in our community is indeed a privilege.
This is the first official visit to our parish for an event by the university and I am sure as a parish we would like to welcome each and every member of the Notre Dame group to our parish. I am sure that they will enjoy each and every moment of the beautiful Fermoyle area as well as the rest of our parish and the many spectacular views and scenes of the majestic Shannon and Lough Ree.
On Saturday next 8th June at Fermoyle national School there will be a coming together of two great seats of learning and of sport when Fermoyle National School and the University of Notre Dame will come together to present an Afternoon Sports Blitz at Fermoyle School from 2 to 4pm. Young people are invited to go along and play some of your favourite sports along with learning the basics of the American games from students and coaches of the world famous Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Make sure you wear runners and you can also bring your football boots if you wish and a tracksuit and be prepared to run around and try out the many different sports.
Again, we welcome the University of Notre Dame to our parish and I must pay fitting tribute to Joan Killian Gallagher for her hard work in making this dream come true.
Good Luck
All the work has now been done; all the hard work is now behind all the students of our community. This Wednesday all the students they will sit down to do the Junior and Leaving Certificate exams and we would like to wish them every success in the coming weeks. It is also very important we give them as much support and encouragement as possible. This time of the year is a trying time for the students and our reassurances will be a great help to them. We wish them every success and reward for all their hard work leading to the exams.
Parish Night at the Dogs
Rathcline Ladies and the Shannon Gaels Minor club has come up with, what promises to be, a wonderful night out for the parish at the dogs. Last year the Rathcline ladies, on their own, held a wonderful night out at Longford Greyhound track and this year with the linking up of the Shannon Gaels Minor Club it promises to be a very special night. The night in question is Friday night 28th June.
Both clubs are making tremendous strides in making sure that the night will be a wonderful family and parish night out. Buying tickets in itself will be marvellous but we encourage everyone to come along, fill Longford Greyhound track to the rafters and make this the most memorable and special night out for the parish and our friends.
Tickets are now on sale from at €10 each in O’Brien’s or from members of either club. This is a special night of celebrating the family importance to these clubs that has given so much fun and sport to so many young people in the parish for so many years. Both clubs aim to continue, develop and prosper and this can only be done with your continued support for both clubs and on the night at the dogs.
Recognition and Award presentation to Fabian
Longford Community Games will be holding a 40th Anniversary Gala Awards/Hall of Fame night in The Stag’s Head Ballinalee on this coming Friday 7th June. Each area has been asked to take a table and sell 15 tickets at €20 each. The night will include entertainment and a meal as well as the presentation of a “Hall of Fame” award to one recipient from each Area. Fabian Walsh will be presented with this award for the Lanesboro Parish for his long-standing commitment and help to both the Community games in Lanesboro, County and indeed at National level. This is an award well merited for Fabian and you are encouraged to come along and join with the Lanesboro and Longford Community Games of acknowledging his tremendous work. If anyone would like to purchase or sponsor a ticket and join in the celebrations, they are available from any of the community games committee – Marie English, Pauline Casey, Teresa Ryan Mary Sorohan Bernie Casey and Sheila Nolan. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Tax Relief Scheme
Everyone is trying to avail of all means of availing of tax relief. St. Mary’s Church, Lanesboro is offering you the opportunity to avail of some tax relief. There are forms and information in the porch of the church and everyone eligible are asked to pick up one of the forms in the church porch and give you the opportunity of gaining some worthwhile tax relief. You are asked to do so immediately as the forms have to be returned on or before Sunday next 9th June.
Lanesboro Tourism/Tidy Towns
Thanks to the local residents and businesses for erecting hanging baskets and window boxes. It makes such a difference to see the street clean and litter free and flowers in bloom. The approach roads are also looking well. The clean-up continues every Monday evening from 7to 8pm. Volunteers are need in every area. Contact the Tourism office at the end of the parish hall any day from 9 to 1pm to express your interest. Alternatively, you can give your name to Seadna Ryan.
The lotto jackpot still remains without a winner and the jackpot stands at €15,000. Tickets €2 each are on sale locally. Last week’s winners were €50 Pat Kilcoyne and the three €20 prizes went Denise Owens c/o Mags, Terry and Liz and Brendan Whitty.
Engagement
Many congratulations to Martin Mc Nally son of Anne and the late Tom Mc Nally, Ballyleague and Claire Casey, daughter of Nan and the late Brendan Casey, Ballymacormack, Longford who announced their engagement last week.
Mr and Mrs an Outstanding Success
The Mr and Mrs night held in the Peer Inn proved to be a marvellous night. It was really a throwback to olden times when the ‘Peer’ was rocking to the sounds of laughter music and wonderful craic. The winning couple were Claire and Darren Donlon, followed by Packie and Theresa Reilly and third place was a tie between Qona and Raymond Cox and Joe and Martina Cribben. The night raised a wonderful €7,949 for the Irish Heart Foundation.
The organising committee would like to pay a special word of thanks to everyone that donated prizes and to the people that bought tickets and also those that turned up in such large numbers. There really was great community spirit shown on Friday night.
Final Social Services Night Out
The final Lanesboro Social Services Whist Drive of the season will take place on this coming Friday night 7th June in St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesboro ay 8.30pm. As you are fully aware the Social services group does tremendous and sterling work in the parish of Rathcline.
Lanesboro Social Services continues to do amazing work all year round and as the Whist Drives are the main fundraisers it is very important that you support in whatever way you can especially through attending the Whist Drive and encouraging you friends to come along and enjoy one evening a month playing cards for what is a wonderful and very vital support group. Let’s hope that as we go into the summer season break that the Whist Drive on Friday night gets a massive send off with bumper attendance.
Love Summer
You are encouraged to love summer in the company of Georgina who is a tutor at the weekly Slimming World sessions in the Lough Ree Community Resource Centre every Tuesday evening at 7.30pm. It is important that with the long, warm and great summer ahead you are getting into shape to enjoy it all.
Gathering Meeting
A meeting of the Gathering group will take place in Adie Farrell’s meeting room on this coming Monday night 10th June at 8pm.
The Gathering is for and about our community here in the parish and also everyone away from home. The meetings are preparing for a ‘parish hooley’ and a big welcome home for all people with any connection to Lanesboro and the parish of Rathcline no matter how tentative. We are inviting past pupils of our schools, those that worked in the parish and town and everyone that lived in our parish. Come along and be part of our very special celebrations. The ‘hooley’ will take place on August Bank Holiday weekend Friday 2nd to Monday 5th August. Come along and be part of what promises be a great weekend
Lanesboro Bridge Club
The results of the competition held on Wednesday last 29th may are; N/S 1st Eilish Gray and Gemma Douglas, 2nd Frank and Frances Brennan and 3rd Mona O’Flaherty and Bernadette Gillen. E/W 1st Tom Feeney and Una Clarke, 2nd Mae Casey and Noreen Dunne and 3rd Una Lawlor and Brid Mc Dermott.
It is with great regret the club mourns Marie Sheeran’s untimely death. Marie introduced us all to the game of Bridge with patience and enthusiasm. We enjoyed friendly rivalry while keeping mentally alert.
May her lovely soul rest in peace.
Holy Communion
The sacrament of Holy Communion was bestowed on the young people from Lanesboro Primary and Fermoyle National School on Saturday 25th May. It was a very special day for these young people and they were gleaming and very proud as were their parents. The young people that we congratulate are; Callum Gordon, Molly Morgan, Ciara Merriman, Ella Hogan, Sionna Crossan, Daire Cox, Aaron Kenny, Shane Ross, Jimmy Farrell, Kevin Farrell, James Killian and Jamie Hagan.
Longford VEC visits Lanesboro Library
The Adult Educational Guidance Service from Longford VEC will visit Lanesboro library on Tuesday 18th June 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!
Thank You
Lanesborough/Ballyleague Community Childcare Service would like to thank all those who gave so generously at their recent church gate collections in Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Ballagh and Curraghroe. The service would also extend a big thank you to the parents who gave up their time to collect on behalf of the school at all the church gate collections. Your help is greatly appreciated and the money raised will go towards improving the outdoor area for the preschool children and developing an outdoor area for the afterschool children.
If you are interested in sending your child to the service on the Green, or would like to find out more about either preschool or afterschool care please contact the service via email, teresaplayschool@gmail.com or telephoning 043 33 30957.
Death
The area was saddened to learn of the untimely death at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, on Saturday 25th May of Margaret Anne Kelly, Avondale, Ballyleague. Nancy as she was more commonly known came to Lanesboro with her husband Johnny where he was employed in the power station. She was wonderful family woman, deeply religious and a daily communicant. As an avid gardener she loved nothing better than being in the garden and it was very impressive. For years they ran a very successful B&B where everyone was warmly greeted and treated as family. Nancy was a proud Wicklow woman who never forgot her roots – herself and Johnny paid many visits to Wicklow during the year. Nancy had a warm and welcoming personality and she will be long remembered for her warmth of character. The attendance at the reposing of her remains at her residence on Sunday 26th May and again at her Funeral Mass at the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague was both large and representative. Her remains were laid to rest in Cloontuskert Cemetery.
To his husband Johnny, sons Eamon and Liam, daughters Freda and Mary, sisters, relatives and many friends we extend our sincere sympathy.
Siamsa
An Irish language summer course (SIAMSA) will take place on from Monday 8th July to Friday 12th July in Gaelscoil Longfoirt. The course will take place from 9.30am to 3pm each day and will cater for students from third to sixth class. Further information and application forms are available from Yvonne Ní Mhurchú phone 087-2642665.
Free Pre-School Year
Head Start pre-school for 2½ to 5 year olds is now taking enrolments for September 2013 and on an on-going basis for the free pre-school year and non ECCE children. For more information you are asked to contact Denise at 043 33 21321 after 1pm.
Time to prepare and tend to family graves
As the dates have just been announced for the blessing of graves and mass in the three cemeteries in the parish of Rathcline kit is time to start preparing and tending to your family graves. It is very important – not only for these dates – to have your family graves looking well kept. The first date is in Rathcline cemetery on Sunday 7th July, followed by Lanesboro on Sunday 14th July and finishing in Clonbonny on Sunday 21st July. People with family members interred in any of the graveyards are encouraged to tend to their family graves leading up to the dates.
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme
Are you aged 21 or over, and for 6 month: either you or your spouse has been in receipt of social welfare payments; have been signing up for credits; or are a lone parent? If you can answer yes to any of the three questions posed then you can, if you so wish, join a Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) programme and receive training free of charge. If you would like to take part in this programme you are invited to contact the Adult Education Office, Battery Road, Longford or phone 043 33 45474
United We Stand
A gala concert in aid of Suicide Awareness across Ireland in association with Pieta House will be held in the Hodson Bay Hotel on Wednesday 19th June. Many top country music acts will take part including Declan Nerney, John Mc Nicholl, Dominick Kirwan, Crystal Swing, Simon Casey and comedian Conal Gallen. Joan Freeman, founder of Pieta House will attend the night. Tickets cost €25 and are on sale at the hotel phone 0906 44 2000.
Rathcline GAA
Club Rathcline Lotto Draw – Congratulations to Oliver J Murphy on being the sole winner of the Club Rathcline Lotto jackpot of €1,000 this weekend. The numbers drawn were: 2, 8, 11, 14, 17, and 36. Next week’s Jackpot will start at our base hold value of €100.
Senior League – Our Senior team drew with Fr. Manning Gaels on Friday night 31st May in Monaduff. Final score: Rathcline 0-13, Fr. Manning Gaels 0-13. A couple of silly mistakes at the end of the match allowed Drumlish to pull level in what was a game we should have won. Never the less, another valuable point on the table and we are sitting nicely in mid-table position. By the time these notes are published on the paper, the team will have played Round 5 against Dromard in Pairc na nGael on bank holiday Monday at 2:30pm. Results will be displayed on club website and our club Facebook account. Round 6 of the League takes place this weekend coming when Rathcline play St. Columba’s at home in Clonbonny on Friday night 7th June at 8pm. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Reserve League 2 – Next weekend also hosts the eagerly awaited rematch between Rathcline and St. Columba’s in the semi-final of the Reserve League 2 competition. The game is scheduled to take place next Sunday afternoon 9th June in Clonbonny at 2:30pm. Given the excitement and intensity of the first game between both teams, we expect a similar game in the replay. We hope that a huge crowd will come out to the pitch and support the lads on Sunday in helping the team reach a second consecutive final in this competition.
Sympathies – The Club would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Sheeran family Ballyleague on the passing of Marie, wife of the late Davy, who died on Friday last 24th May.
Club Fundraising – In the last decade, there has been a huge amount of work completed in Clonbonny. No one will argue that we have one of the finest GAA facilities in the midlands with a fantastic new All Weather Pitch with a state of the art Clubhouse. With such facilities, comes a cost and the cost on our club is roughly €20,000 a year for the next six years. At this time of the year, Rathcline GAA normally makes plans in developing a fundraiser which will service our annual debt of our club to our local Credit Union. Last year, we asked our parishioners to subscribe to new annualised lotto format. This venture was hugely successful in so far as the Club fulfilled its commitments to our Credit Union as well as giving out nearly €10,000 in prize money over the 12 month fundraising term. This year, it has been agreed to copy the template/initiative of other clubs around the midlands where €100 donations from Patrons will go directly to our Club needs. It is seen as a hugely efficient way of meeting club targets where 100% of every €100 donation will go to clearing the club debt for the year. Rathcline GAA is looking for at least 200 people in the parish to join in this venture to fulfil the loan requirements. Fermoyle National School lead the way with the first donation of the campaign and we hope that the rest our parishioners, patrons, members and supporters can do their best for our club in similar fashion. Recognition for such donations has yet to be finalised by the financial committee but any help will not go unnoticed. Members of our financial committee will be in contact with households in the parish in the coming weeks. Rathcline GAA is the heart of the community and our parishioners have always delivered for our club. We have no doubt that this venture will be a huge success.
Shannon Gaels – Coaching for U6, U8, U10 and U12 will continue in Clonbonny on Friday in Clonbonny from 7pm to 8pm.
Western Gaels – U14 – As well as preparations on-going for the first round of the Championship in a couple of weeks’ time, our Under 14 team have now entered the Féile competition which will take place on the 29th July. To this end, training will continue every Thursday and Saturday per the normal regime.
U16 & Minor – There is a U16 challenge match scheduled next Saturday 8th June against Strokestown. Competitive games have now been suspended until after the Junior and Leaving Cert finishes next month. Training for U16 & Minor continues this week per the normal routine. Players will get the usual text message in advance of training.
Shannon Gaels would like to commend and thank Grattan Óg Club for their hospitality during the official re-opening of Dunbeggan Park last Saturday. A great day was had by all and we wish our partners in amalgamation the very best of luck with their fantastic new facility.
Exams – Finally and most importantly, the Club wishes the very best of good luck to all our student members and supporters who are preparing for the forthcoming Leaving and Junior Cert exams.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
O’Rourke Cup – Senior League: Our seniors have a game against Strokestown this coming Friday 7th June, in Strokestown. See fixtures for details of time.
U14 Boys: Our U14 boys were defeated by St. Aidans on Thursday evening last, in Ballyforan. Next game is against Western Gaels, at home, this coming Thursday 6th June at7.00pm
U12 Boys – Spring League: Our U12 boys had a win over Michael Glaveys, at home, on Sunday last. Final Score – St. Faithleachs 12-13 Michael Glaveys 4-07.
U12 Girls: Our U12 Girls were defeated by St. Marys on Wednesday evening last, at home. Next game is the D2 (B) Semi-Final against St. Croan’s this coming Sunday 9th June at 6.00pm. See fixtures for details of venue.
U8/U10 Go Games Blitzes: Our U8’s participate in the Go Games Blitz this coming Saturday 8th June at 11.00am, see Fixtures for details of venue – Group 3 (St. Faithleachs, Kilbride, Castlerea St. Kevin’s & St. Aidan’s).
St. Faithleachs GAA Cúl Camp 2013: Cúl Camp takes place from Monday 15th July to Friday 19th July (10.00am to 2.30pm). Application forms available through local schools or at St. Faithleachs GAA clubhouse or at training sessions. Cúl Camp for children aged 5 to 13yrs. Charge: €35 per child. (Reduced Rates for family)
Cards: Every Tuesday in the clubhouse, 9.00pm. All welcome.
Sympathy: The club extends deepest sympathy to Jack Kelly & Family, Ballyleague on the death of Nancy Kelly. The Club extends deepest sympathy to the Cox Family, Ballyleague on the death of Annie Cox. The club extends deepest sympathy to the Sheeran Family on the death of Marie Sheeran, Ballyleague.
Best of Luck: To all our local students who are sitting their Junior Certificate & Leaving Certificate exams.
County Community Games: Takes place this coming Saturday 8th June from 10.00am in St. Faithleachs GAA Club Grounds.