Soccer Tournament and Fun Day

A whole five days of fun will commence when a Rochfortbridge Soccer Tournament begins on Monday, July 13 and continues until Friday, July 17.Starting at 6.30pm each evening - weather permitting, the tournament will be played out in Rahanine Manor.The idea took off last year, when residents of Rahanine organised a one-day soccer fest for their own children, but decided to expand it this year into a five-day tournament, involving over 200 children from estates all around Rochfortbridge.Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner about the upcoming tournament, secretary of the Rahanine Residents Association, Elaine Kavanagh said it should be fun for all those involved:'The kids came to us and said they were bored with nothing to do, so we decided to organise this. There are four separate age categories, with each team getting to play two matches each,' said Elaine.'The semi-finals will be played on Thursday, with the finals taking place on Friday, followed by a medal presentation for all those who participated, and of course for the winners,' she said.Fun DayOn Saturday, July 18, the Rahanine Residents" Fun Day will take place, which will see egg and spoon races, sack races, water bucket races and dress up competitions. The day kicks off at 12 noon and all residents are welcome.Bye bye road rage!Work has begun on the R400 Rochfortbridge to Mullingar road, and also the Castlelost Road in Rochfortbridge this week, and are due to be fully complete by this time next week, which will please members of the motoring public following months of travellling the bumpy stretches of roadway.Gerry Tone in the Kilbeggan Area Office said the works are part of the reinstatement of the roads following works on the Rochfortbridge Main Drainage Scheme which was carried out last year.'The work will be done in two parts and will cause minimal disruption to motorists. We hope to have it all done by next week weather permitting,' said Mr. Tone.One member of the Rochfortbridge community welcoming the works this week was Fine Gael Cllr. Colm Arthur:'I welcome the road works which are long overdue,' said Cllr. Arthur.'I"d also like to thank motorists for their patience while the works are being carried out because they will be worth it in the longrun,' he said.King of the Road cyclePaul O"Connor from Derrygreenagh in Rochfortbridge is the official King of the Road after coming first over the line in a sponsored cycle in aid of St. Mary"s Football Club on Saturday last.The cycle which took place between Ballinasloe and Rochfortbridge was organised by the players of the club, and the day was such a success that the Club are now thinking of making the cycle an annual event.With over 40 cyclists taking part, competition was stiff, with a mix of juvenile and senior players taking part, as well as some local ladies. But it was Paul O"Connor who was first past the post, with Aidan Fallon and Alan Gavin coming in second and third place respectively.A hearty barbecue was held in Daly"s bar afterward, where Paul was presented with the official yellow jersey, which he will now display proudly on his wall!Many locals helped out with the organising of the event and with the barbecue afterward, for which St. Mary"s FC extend their sincere thanks.The monies raised on the day will go towards the player"s training fund.