'Memories created will never again be replicated’: Longford set to reconnect with Bord na Móna and ESB past

FORMER Bord na Móna workers and their families are set to be welcomed back to Lanesboro for a special Reconnection and Recollection Day as they remember all those that worked in both Bord na Mona and ESB.

This is a general and wide invitation to everyone and their families to visit the hall between 10 and 4pm on Saturday and enjoy the company of former workers and old friends.

The committee has been gathering memories of past glory days and all will be on display in the parish hall. They hope that the presentation will bring those attending back to the days of working and schooling in the areas of Lanesboro, Ballyleague, Cloontuskert, Ballagh, Cloontagh and all the surrounding schools.

One local said: “For my generation, we can fondly remember growing up with all the new people coming to live and work with both Bord na Móna and ESB and us growing along with their children. The memories created will never again be replicated in any coming generation. All quickly became local in their adopted homes and right up to this present day the workers, native and those that came to work with both companies and their families went on to great heights throughout the world with their outstanding achievements.”

Former workers and their families and students of the local primary schools of Lanesboro, Fermoyle, Cloontuskert, Ballyleague, Ballagh, Curraghroe, Cloontagh and Lanesboro Community College (formerly Lanesboro Vocational School) and the Convent of Mercy Secondary School that lived and gave so much to the local community will be welcomed to meet and catch up with former workers or former schoolmates.

Lanesboro also welcomed and housed many of the Bord na Móna apprentices in the community as they completed their training at the former Lanesboro Vocation School.