Lanesboro Ballyleague notes
Tidy Town Results
The results of the Tidy Towns came out on Friday last with the three local groups increasing their point totals and creeping closer to the holy grail of 663 points that was achieved this year by Trim, Co. Meath. Cloontuskert is our community leader with a total of 353 marks an increase of 12 marks from the 2021 entry. Lanesboro and Ballyleague come close together with Lanesboro boosting their marks by 11 marks to 331 marks while Ballyleague increased their score by 7 marks making a total of 326.
The results show the magnificent and dedicated work that has been done by the committee and their many volunteers. The work done in each area is year-long projects with plans already being drawn up to further enhance the beauty of their area. This work is something that truly enhances our community greatly and it is also something that we should be very proud of especially as more and more people comment on the beauty and work that has been continued year on year.
The Tidy Towns committees in each are fully deserve our full support and we should be doing everything in our power to enhance our properties and immediate areas to aid and abet the committees in their quest to achieve the award of the Tidiest Town in Ireland.
The groups are closing in on the major accolade but without your help and support it will not be achieved.
When reading the report for each area a major cause for concern leaped out for me when the Ballyleague report included comments about Lanesboro. This is an overlap in the report and this overlap needs to be highlighted and corrected to give a fair and accurate report of the Ballyleague entry.
Wedding
The marriage took place at the Annebrook Hotel, Mullingar of Sandra Morris, daughter of Kathleen and Tom Morris, Curraghrua and Gerry Killian son of PJ and Mary Killian, Forthill, Newtowncashel. Chief bridesmaid was Emily Morris, daughter of the bride and the Bestman was Ciarian Killian, brother of the groom. The marriage ceremony was performed by Niamh Ballasty. The wedding reception took place in the Annebrook Hotel.
We wish the happy couple many years of wedded happiness.
Community College Enrolment
Lanesboro Community College has just announced enrolment for the school year 2023 is now open
Lanesboro Community College continues to grow and go from strength to strength such is the quality of the teaching and academic success. Last year the college had its largest influx of first year students and they have been given permission for building a further seven rooms on the school site such is the demand for places in the school. Accommodating this new influx means more rooms are necessary for the growth of the college. Application forms and further information can be got by contacting the school secretary at https://lanesborocc.com/or by phoning 043 33 21139 or from the college website
An ‘Open Night’ will take place at the Lanesboro Community College on Thursday 17th November from 7pm to 9pm.
Lanesboro Primary School Enrolment
Lanesborough Primary School is now accepting enrolments for September 2023. Please email the school at www.smgslb2020@gmail.com for an enrolment form. Alternatively you can phone the Principal at 0433321545.
Annual Mass
This year the Annual Mass for deceased staff members of ESB Lanesborough will be held in the Parish Hall on Thursday 17th November at 8pm.
Fermoyle National School
Fermoyle National School are taking enrolments for the year 2023/2024 from Monday 7th November.
Please contact the office at 043-3321959 or email the school at fermoylens@gmail.com for enrolment forms.
Sympathy
It was with shock we learned of the death of Benny Shanley, Lucan, Co. Dublin on Monday 24th October. Benny previously lived in Ballyleague for a while following his retirement. He was married to local Cullentra lady Carmel Mulvihill from Cullentra. A warm, friendly and chatty man who always had a warm welcome to everyone he encountered. To his wife Carmel, daughter, Elaine, son, Brian, his brothers Jim and Tom, his extended family and the Mulvihill family, Cullentra, the Thompson family, Ballyleague and the Kenny family, Fermoyle and friends we extend our deepest sympathy. Following Requiem Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Lucan his remains were laid to rest in Confey Cemetery Leixlip.
Lanesboro Community Games
We all know how important that the Community Games are for the young people of the parish and it is a group that every parent should be hugely supportive of and encourage their children in one of the many and varied disciplines within the Community Games.
There will be a meeting for Lanesborough Community Games on Thursday, 10th November in St. Mary’s Parish Hall at 8pm. The committee requires parental support to ensure that all children can access the various competitions within the Community Games. Without support and involvement it is impossible to run the Community Games locally. Please come along as your attendance and input would be greatly appreciated.
St. Faithleach’s Minor AGM
The annual Minor AGM will take place on Wednesday 23rd November at 8pm in the Clubhouse. The club would really appreciate your attendance to help shape the future of the club. It also gives you the opportunity to bring any new views, ideas or concerns to the committee.
If you wish to volunteer for next season please come along
Longford Arts Council
Longford County Council Arts Office is developing its fourth Arts Strategy due to run from 2023-2027. The contribution of artists (in all art forms and practices), arts practitioners, members of the public, organisations and interested parties is being sought in order to fully inform the preparation of the Arts Strategy. There are two ways in which you can contribute to this process:
Consultation Meetings
Meetings will be held in the following venues to discuss the development of the Arts Strategy.
Public Meetings (for people whose interest in the arts is as an audience member or participant or work in a voluntary or non-professional capacity):
Wednesday 9th November: 7.30 – 9pm. Small Ballroom in the Longford Arms Hotel.
Wednesday 23rd November: 7.30 – 9pm. Ballymahon Library.
Thursday 24th November: 6.30 – 8pm. Granard Library
Arts Sector Meetings (Artists and Arts Professionals):
Tuesday 8th November: 7.30 – 9pm in the small Ballroom at the Longford Arms Hotel.
Please feel free to forward this information to others you feel may be interested in contributing to County Longford Arts Strategy 2023 – 2027 consultation process.
Train how to use the Defibrillator
Defibrillators are devices that send an electric pulse or shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat. They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, an uneven heartbeat that is too slow or too fast. If the heart suddenly stops, defibrillators can also help it beat again. That is the very reason that we need more and more people trained up in the use of this vital life saving device. The local defibrillator group is actively seeking new people in the Kilgefin, Ballyleague, Cashel, Killashee and Rathcline Lanesboro areas to become competent in the use of the Defibrillator. The group is also looking to retrain and refresh those that have already completed the course and need to brush up on its use.
If you are interested, please leave your name and phone number with Martina O’Brien personally in the shop or by phoning 086 3858934 or clynemartina53@gmail.com
Check your passport
If you are intending travelling over the Christmas period or over the New Year it would be no harm to take out your passport and check the expiry date. Earlier in the year there were long delays in the issuing of passports. To avoid the rush in the run up to Christmas and New Year it is worth checking your passport now and taking the necessary action.
Looking for Composers
The Cork International Choral festival is now accepting entries from Irish composers for the 2023 Seán Ó Riada Composition Competition. The winning piece will be given its premiere performance by Chamber Choir Ireland at the festival’s Gala Concert in Cork in April.
The score should be an original work, written for a cappella choir and up to five minutes in duration. It should be in four parts and the selected text may be original or existing, in Irish or English. See corkchoral.ie and the deadline is 5th December.
Last Chance
If you have been putting if off for another night then you have just one more opportunity to take part in the Lough Ree Sub Aqua Club Try-a-Dive. The last chance is this Thursday night 3rd November in Longford Swimming Pool at the Mall at 9pm.
You will learn how to use scuba equipment in shallow water and get a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world.
Learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy it is to move around underwater while wearing it.
Find out what it’s like to breathe underwater and learn whether you can be comfortable in that environment.
All the equipment you will need is provided on the night just bring yourself, togs and swim hat and you’re ready to go.
If you require any further information you can contact any club member or ring 0879817784/0879765911 or e-mail www.loughreesubaquaclub@gmail.com
Defibrillator Funding – Thank You
The Defibrillator Group would like to sincerely thank everyone that has contributed so generously to the appeal for funding to replace batteries and pads and the constant need to upgrade all the defibrillators.
The importance of defibrillators in the general area cannot be overstated. The lives it can save and has saved in recent times are well documented.
If you wish to contribute we ask that you donate by leaving money in an envelope marked with your name into Martina or Joe O’Brien at the Corner Shop.
Primary School Science Fair
The Primary Science Fair will again take place in person alongside the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2023, from 12th – 14th January 2023 at the RDS Dublin with the successful applicants exhibiting their project to the judges and members of the public on one of these three days.
For over 20 years, the Primary Science Fair has been a core component of BTYTSE. It encourages 3rd to 6th class primary school students to develop their interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) in a non-competitive environment. It also inspires them to become future participants in BTYSTE, one of the world’s leading and longest-running school science exhibitions.
Boat Trips
Lough Ree Access for all boat is a boat built for you is offering three sailing trips a day 10am, 12 noon and 2.30pm. This is a great trip of fascination onto Lough Ree and its famous islands.
St. Faithleach’s Lottery
At the recent lottery draw the numbers 1, 5, 10 and 25 were drawn out. There was nobody with this number sequence and the jackpot of €2,400 remains unclaimed. The three winners of the €40 random selection were James Nerney, Peter Carney and Michael O’Donnell. The club thanks you for your continued support and urges you to continue supporting the club.
Ballyleague Bingo
Ballyleague Bingo continues in Ballyleague Hall every Thursday night. The first numbers will be called at 8.30pm.
Volunteers required
Ballyleague Bingo urgently needs more volunteers to join them in the Bingo/Hall Committee. If you are interested in being involved you are asked to contact Patricia Manning for more details.
50/50
Congratulations to Jimmy Tarmey, Cloontuskert, who was last week’s winner of the Rathcline 50/50. Jimmy won the top prize of €620. The draw took place in the Yacht Bar.
The club is extremely grateful for your continued tremendous support.
Tidy Towns Lottery
On Tuesday 25th October the jackpot for the Lanesboro Tidy Towns lottery stood at €10,500 and as it was not won the jackpot rose to €10,600 for the draw on Tuesday 1st November. The winning numbers drawn on the 25th October were 7, 10, 21 and 22. The winner of the €50 prize was Jay Flynn c/o XLNTEE, and the three €20 winners were Jack & Billy Mullooly, c/o Mags, Pam Feeney Rathcline and Antoinette Skelly Newtowncashel c/o O’Brien’s.
Thank you to everyone that continues to support our Tidy Town efforts and with the rise in marks this year it shows that your support is helping us greatly. The comments we hear all year long have been about how beautiful the town looks and this can only be done with your support for the lottery every week.
Times Past in Pictures
If you have any old photographs that you would like to see published in this ‘Times Past in Pictures’ section you can email them to me at joeaobrien@outlook.com or bring them to the shop I will scan and give them back while you wait.
Thanks to Michael Kavanagh for this week’s photographs.
Picture 1 shows some of the lads that made their Communion a good numbers of years ago. L-R Anthony Greene (The Green), Conal Ryan (Main Street), Michael Kenny (Knock), Noel Glennon (Main Street), Pat Kenny (Knock), Michael Kavanagh (The Green), Joe Kiernan (Knock), and Padraig Mullooly (Lehery).
CD Restocked
Frank Nelson newly released a new CD called ‘I’ll Put the Kettle On’ has proved to be a great success with a restocking of SD’s necessary to keep up with demand. Frank, a local man has been very active on the music scene for over 30 years This time he has really hit the high times with the quality and songs included. It is a must for followers of Frank and lovers of country music.
CDs are available in O’Brien’s costing just €15
Healthy Communities
Free Stop Smoking Service available in Ballymahon. Get the help you need to stop smoking for good. Free Nicotine Replacement Therapy will be provided for non-medical card holders.
Ballyboro FC
The Under 10 Lions defeated Spartak Granard in a thrilling game. The Lions went 2-0 down but recovered to level 4-4 at half time. A strong finish by the Lions allied to some excellent defending saw the Ballyboro boys in front 5-4 at the final finish. Team and scorers: Dillie Glynn, Noah Donegan, Tadhg Shea(1), Charlie Hickey, Jay Flynn(2),Ben Cassidy(2),Senan McHale, Sean Hogan.
The under 10 Tigers played Melview In another exciting game. The Ballyboro boys got off to a great start and went 4-1 in front with goals from Finn Fallon(2) and Shay Molloy(2), however Melview fought back strongly winning 5-4 in the end. Ballyboro Tigers: Leah Hanly, Jay Hanly, David Kopic, Caden Donlon, Ryan Molloy, Shay Molloy, Finn Fallon, Jamsie Fallon, Henry Fallon.
The under 16s went down to a strong Boyle Celtic side in a game played for some inexplicable reason at Ray McSharry Park in Sligo on Saturday. This Connacht Cup encounter was dominated by the Boyle lads in the first half when favoured by the strong wind, against an out of sorts Ballyboro team, and this was reflected in a 5-0 halftime score. However Ballyboro were a team transformed in the second period and playing some incisive football dominated the game for long periods. Goals by Aidan Kelly (a cracking volley), David Cox, and Euan Cullen were not enough to overturn the deficit and Boyle ran out 6-3 winners in what was definitely a game of two halves. Ballyboro: Aidan Kelly, Jack Brogan, Jack Casey, Anthony Cox, Jack Beattie, Cody Phelan, David Cox, Luke Johnston, Euan Cullen, Wesley Hughes, Ben Murphy. Subs: Paulius Bulota, Shane Gavigan, Billy Murray, Conn Maxwell.
Fixtures: Three games on Saturday: The under 9s play Newtown at 10am at home. The under 11 Cougars are away to Newtown, 11.30am kick off, while the under 12 girls are at home to Melview, 10am start. Just one game on Sunday where the under 14 girls are at home to Killoe Celtic, 10am kick off.
Support line for older people
ALONE manage a national support line and additional support for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to Covid-19. Professional staff is available to answer queries and give advice and reassurance where necessary. The support line is open seven days a week from 8am until 8pm. Text TALK to 50808 to begin.
Alcohol Anon Meetings
Relatives and friends of alcoholics are welcome to attend meetings in the Family Centre building at the back of St. Mel’s Cathedral on St. Mel’s Road, any Tuesday evening at 7pm.
Smart Recovery
SMART recovery is an evidence based addiction recovery support group where participants learn self-empowering techniques to aid their recovery by overcoming addictive behaviour.
There is a meeting every Friday evening from 7pm to 8.30pm in Vita House, Roscommon. For information you should phone Conor 086 1702912 or info@smartrecovery.ie
GROW
Grow is a Community Mental Health Movement which meets every Monday at 11am in the Community Mental Health Centre, Dublin Rd., Longford. If you are feeling lonely, isolated or suffering from stress, please feel free to attend. You can call Assumpta for any further information on 086 8114135.
Shannon Gaels
The end of season Parish league / Social is confirmed to take place on Saturday 5th Nov from 2:00 to 5:00pm
The Parish league teams shall be drawn from U-9 (3rd class players) to U-13’s. The plan is to have 6 teams in total, with top 2 contesting the Parish League Final
There will also be a ‘Fun Blitz’ to be ran for all remaining players [U-9 down]
Senior players will manage the teams and U15 / U17 players will referee matches
Every must arrive at the pitch for 1:45pm with games to commence at 2:15pm sharp
Refreshments / BBQ will be served from 4:00 to 5:00pm along with some presentations
Can all coaches please notify their respective groups as soon as possible, and get confirmation of numbers planning to attend back by Tuesday 1st November
Drop a note to Mark if there are any queries or concerns.
It is very important that everyone that is intending to take part registers with Mark so that teams can be determined and selected. Please contact him immediately 085 1744376
Lanesboro Library
The opening hours of Lanesboro are: Monday 2pm-8pm, Tuesday 2pm-6pm, Wednesday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm. The library will be closed all day on a Thursday. Friday 10am-1pm & 2pm-5pm and Saturday 10am-1pm
Photocopying, printing and scanning services are available at the library. Enquiries: www.lanesborolibrary@longfordcoco.ie
St. Mary’s Church
Parish Office: Maireád Rooney, Rathcline the Parish Secretary will be in her office in the Parish House each week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10.15am until 2.30pm. As the office gets established Maireád will be able to assist you with any enquiries.
Mass Review: With just 2 priests catering for three parishes’ consideration will have to be given as to the number of Masses in the Church each week. In the near future a review will take place and the new Mass schedule will be announced and will commence after Christmas.
Rosary Group meet in the church on Monday to Friday at 9.30am and on Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.
Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays in the church from 10.30am until 8pm. It is very important that there will be at least two people in the church for each hour of the Adoration.
Parish contacts
Fr. Merlyn Kenny, Newtowncashel 0860603433 and Fr. Turlough Baxter, Killashee 0879972259 who as you know are assisting in our parish.
Rathcline GAA
By clicking the link below you can see Michael J’s club update for this week.
St. Faithleach’s GAA
Best of Luck
Best wishes and support goes to our U17 lads who are preparing for the Division 3 County Final. They’ve had some tremendous results and out in hard work to get this far. Final takes place in Enfield, Ballintubber on Saturday November 5th with throw in at 1pm. They take on tough opposition in Castlerea St Kevin’s. Please hang out the flags and colors and make your way to Enfield to support the team and their management Anthony, Steve and John.
Halloween Party
Thank you for your support at the kids Halloween Party that took place on Sunday. There was great fun had. A special thank you to the volunteers for giving up their time to make it such a success.
Minor AGM
Our annual Minor AGM will take place on Wednesday 23rd November at 8pm in the Clubhouse. We would really appreciate your attendance to help shape the future of the club. It also gives you the opportunity to bring any new views, ideas or concerns to the committee. The club is also looking for volunteers and coaches for next season.
Lotto
Jackpot stands at €2400. Latest draw numbers were 1, 5, 10 and 25. There was no jackpot winner. €40 winners were James Nerney, Peter Carney and Michael O’Donnell. Thank you for your continued support. Lottery envelopes are on sale at all local outlets.