News
More help with livestock needed
The national marts chair, Michael Spellman has warned farmers that a “severe impact” will be felt if the current retention period for livestock under the Disadvantaged Areas Scheme (DAS) is not reduced. Mr Spellman called on Minister Coveney to reduce the retention period downwards from the current seven months, due to what he described as “unprecedented conditions” that have hit livestock farmers this year. “Immediate initiatives are required of the Minister at this time,” he said.
Imported feed continues for local farmers
Connacht Gold has imported hay and haylage from Britain, a move that helped farmers across eight counties to feed their cattle over the past seven days.
Issues with Nitrates Directive need to be addressed
Following a recent public consultation on the Nitrates Action Programme, chairman of ICMSA’s Farm Services and Environment Committee, Patrick Rohan, said there were still a number of key issues that needed to be addressed including ‘calendar farming’ and Phosphorus allowances.
Longford woman fronts new agri campaign
A Co Longford woman is at the helm of a new campaign that aims to create more awareness around the area of agriculture and the farming community. Anne Brady who hails from north Longford and attended Moyne Community School is one of two co-founders of the campaign - ‘Farmers Feed Families’ which was launched on May 8 last.
Longford actor’s promising career is no Stalemate
Longford actor Jamie McClean is set to play one of the lead roles in the Backstage Theatre’s Canal Studio production of ‘Stalemate’ – a new play written and directed by the theatre’s artist-in-residence, Seamus O’Rourke. The production, is currently being rehearsed ahead of its debut at Backstage this Thursday, May 16, after which the crew will embark on a nationwide tour.
Longford man honoured by GAA in NYC
Joe Prunty, who is originally from Ballincurry in Drumlish, was the guest of honour at the New York GAA annual dinner in New York City recently – an acknowledgement of his many years of service to the sport for expats living in the Big Apple.
Sport
Longford hurlers reach Lory Meagher Cup Final
Lory Meagher Cup – All-Ireland Senior ‘D’ Hurling Championship – Round 3
At home to Cobh Ramblers on Saturday
Longford Town play their second home game in succession on Saturday night next when they entertain Cobh Ramblers at City Calling Stadium, kick-off 7.30pm.
Video
Paper Preview: May 17 video
A look at some of the main stories in this week’s edition of the Longford Leader.
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Lifestyle
Cnoc Mhuire’s Class of ‘86 celebrates reunion
It is 27 years since the Class of ‘86 sat their Leaving Cert at Cnoc Mhuire in Granard, and on May 4 last a very special occasion was held for students from that year, when a reunion was held in the north Longford town.
Oklahoma! a spectacular musical performance
One cannot help being in a joyous, somewhat uplifted state after seeing St. Mel’s Musical Society’s recent production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic Oklahoma! directed by Leonard Anderson.
Longford comic reaches UK final
Longford comedian Conor Neville has reached the final of the Chortle Student Comedy Awards at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, after making it through the Dublin heat and the semi-final, which was held in Manchester last weekend.
Beppe Gambetta to play Bog Lane
The Bog Lane Theatre in Ballymahon will host renowned Italian flat-picking guitarist and singer/songwriter Beppe Gambetta on Thursday, May 23 for a special intimate performance.
Actors from the Midlands region are invited to audition for classic ‘Arragh na Pogue’
Canal Studio Productions at the Backstage Theatre are looking for actors from across the Midlands region to audition for roles in their upcoming production of ‘Arragh na Pogue’. The play, which will feature a cast of 15, will be directed by Backstage’s artist-in-residence, Seamus O’Rourke.
Less than €40,000 for Cartrun Breac houses
A number of properties in Cartrun Breac, Lisbrack Road, Longford are now on the market averaging at less than €40,000 apiece plus VAT.
Community
Killoe
WEDDING: Congratulations to Charlene Kiely, daughter of Brid (and the late Maurice) Clontumpher Killoe who exchanged nuptial vows with Stephen McEvoy, son of Peter and Pauline Ardglass Co Down joined by family and friends in St Peter and St Pauls Church Athlone Co Westmeath last week. Afterwards a sumptuous reception of fine fare was enjoyed by everyone with music to beat the band plus the added bonus of a cruise on the Shannon to whet the appetite. The parish extend good wishes to Stephen Charlene and their families for a future filled with great health and happiness.
Mullinalaghta
Cemetery Saturday: Weather permitting Mass will be celebrated in Mullinalaghta Cemetery on Saturday 6th July at 7.00p.m. This will be followed by blessing of the graves. Please inform relatives and friends away from home. All are requested to tidy up plots and not discard rubbish nearby. Please note change of time for this date.
Drumlish/Ballinamuck
Ballinamuck ICA: The May meeting of the above Guild will take place next Monday night May 20th at 8pm sharp in the Visitors Centre, Ballinamuck. All members are requested to attend. Marie McAvennia a Tubberware representative will attend the meeting at 9pm. Non members are very welcome to come along.
Dromard/Moyne
STRABERRY FIELDS FOREVER: The Lord of the harvest came to take to his great vineyard in the sky his good and faithful servant Peter Kiernan, Ballyduffy, aged 90 years on Thursday May 2nd last. Peter’s good and gentle spirit and love of nature made him into a skilled son of the soil, which yielded him rewards that few could achieve. On his farm in Ballyduffy he was very enterprising and hard -working producing quality pigs and cattle for the local markets. A well -read man Peter was very aware of farming trends and he did not put all his eggs in one basket and became a skilled producer fruit crops such as strawberries and raspberries, which were put in barrels and supplied to the local Jam maker Lairds in Drumshambo. The harvesting period had to be completed when the fruit was at ripest, which was a three weeks window of intensive back breaking activity. Many young people in the area could rely on Peter for employment at this this crucial time to gather money for treating themselves or going to dances or discos. Apart from picking fruit Peter was very wise in picking his wife to be Brigid also known as Sissy from Crott, whom he married in 1956. Together they made a great team together and shared similar interests of listening to Irish Music on the radio and were devout mass goers. Thankfully Peter enjoyed great physical health and was blessed with great mental alertness right up to the end. His tranquil side was evident in his great love of fishing every Sunday at McNaboe’s Shore and Drumury Lake. There he also showed his great temperament and powers of patient concentration. At other times he liked hunting with greyhounds. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Moyne on Saturday May 4th last, by Rev. Fr. Eamon Corkery. The ceremony was greatly adorned by music and hymmes provided by members of the local Dromard Choir as well as a very special offertory musical rendition of a beautiful O Carrolan hymme by his granddaughter Fionna. Peter who lived a quiet life was waked at his family home and was greatly honoured with very large attendances at all services. Predeceased by his brother John, sisters; Mary Kate and Janie. Deeply regretted by his loving wife Sissy, son Eamon, daughter-in-law Mary, sister Debra Higgins, Carrigallen, grand -children; Fionna, Eamon, Connor and Brian, relatives neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace.
Lus na Greine
Longford Volunteer Week – May, 13th. – 17th: As part of Volunteer Week the centre is looking for volunteers to take part in our Community Garden make over on Thursday, May 16th. Starting at 10 am until 1 pm and finishing with refreshments. Students, women and men of all ages welcome. Without volunteers our centre would be a lot poorer. We appreciate every hour of your time! Just come along to reception on the morning and choose your task.
Abbeylara
Deaths: Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the souls of Richard (Dick) Frost, Rathgar, Dublin and the Station House, Ballywillian, who died on Sunday 28th April. Ita Burns, Ballinagall, Granard who died on Wednesday 1st May, and for Anna McGovern, Carra who died on Thursday 2nd May. May they rest in peace.
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Weather for Longford, Ireland
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
