2016 01 22 by Roscommon People

The BIGGEST readership of ANY Roscommon newspaper! Readership is now 80,000 people every week!

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www.roscommonpeople.ie www.roscommonpeople.ie ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel. (090) 66 34633 Fax: (090) 66 34303

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Planning Your Wedding?

22 January 2016

SEE SUPPLEMENT INSIDE

The Local Paper

VOLUME: 460

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Are you wearing reading glasses? Make this the last article you read wearing glasses! How much time do you spend searching around the house looking for your reading glasses? Why are they never where you thought you left them? It’s such a frustration. It’s an even greater frustration struggling to read the paper, a text or a simple food menu without them. Situations like queuing at the ATM or trying to read a restaurant menu, only to realise you have forgotten your reading glasses are not only frustrating but can prove somewhat embarrassing. And, career wise, a lot of wearers will tell you about the loss of conﬁdence, worried about looking incompetent, not being able to read documents or carry out their regular daily tasks without fumbling around looking for a pair of specs. Presbyopia is the loss of our near vision as we get older. It affects us all, usually from our mid-40s, even those of us who have enjoyed perfect, 20:20 vision all our lives. Close up print becomes blurred and can be quite difﬁcult to read without the help of reading glasses. A simple eye treatment available at Optilase Athlone means we no

longer have to rely on reading glasses. The procedure itself is painless and takes, on average, less than 10 minutes, you can expect to resume almost all normal activities the very next day. One patient, Maureen Chow, 55 had the treatment and told us: “I only started wearing glasses in my 40s. I had 20:20 vision up until then. It was an age-related thing. My big thing was my phone. It was becoming harder to read text messages. The TV was also blurry. Simple things you take for granted were bothering me. The ﬁrst thing I’d reach for in the morning were my glasses, I needed them to function.

Did you know? A simple eye treatment available at Optilase in Athlone means we no longer have to rely on reading glasses. The procedure itself is painless and takes, on average, less than 10 minutes, you can expect to resume almost all normal activities the very next day

My husband had laser eye surgery at Optilase some years back and I

heard great things about them. I was in and out in 15 minutes, they

were brilliant. I haven’t looked back since. Now, when I’m driving I can see the reg number on cars and I’ve no trouble reading texts. I can do all the things I did before I hit 40 – I can see everything!” Mr Wayne Crewe Brown, Surgeon and Medical Director at Optilase has over 20 years’ experience and has carried out more than 30,000 refractive procedures so you know you’re in perfectly safe hands. He said “This

reading glasses treatment has been in development for over a decade and means life-changing beneﬁts for those who are dependent on reading glasses”. The procedure involves a tiny in-lay, smaller than a contact lens and one-fourth the thickness of a single human hair which is placed in a small pocket in the cornea of the patient’s non-dominant eye. The pocket seals itself, holding the lens in

place at the centre of the visual axis. Within hours, the patient is typically able to once again see near objects and read ﬁne print once again, without the need for reading glasses. Why not ﬁnd out if you are a suitable candidate? Optilase is located in Athlone and has clinics nationwide. To arrange a free consultation contact Optilase on 1890 301 302. www.optilase.com

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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The BIGGEST readership of ANY Roscommon newspaper! Readership is now 80,000 people every week!

www.roscommonpeople.ie www.roscommonpeople.ie ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON Tel. (090) 66 34633 Fax: (090) 66 34303

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Planning Your Wedding?

22 January 2016

The Local Paper

Golf Links Road, Roscommon (090) 66 37620

SEE SUPPLEMENT INSIDE

VOLUME: 460

Hyde Park to close in June for €300,000 overhaul

JANUARY BOARD ADDRESSES CONCERNS OVER VENUE SALE NOW ON < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Byrne Carolan Cunningham -----Solicitors----T: 090 64 78433 Please see our Column on Page 2 AND Advert on Page 4

The long-awaited redevelopment of Hyde Park looks set to finally proceed this summer, with the installation of a new pitch – at a possible cost of €300,000. At a meeting of Roscommon GAA’s county management on Tuesday night, it was agreed to recommend to clubs that the ground be closed for six months from June 2016 to address the sub-standard pitch. The news comes against a background of disappointment and concern about the reliability of the pitch for Roscommon’s high profile home games in Division One of the National Football League this season.

Roscommon are due to play Monaghan there on Sunday, January 31st next. Last Sunday’s FBD League game against Mayo had

to be switched from Hyde Park to Castlebar, a setback which cost local businesses dearly. Seamus Sweeney, the

chairperson of the County Board, said: “We will recommend closing Hyde Park in June and reopening the Hyde for the first round

E: lukeming.flanagan@europarl.europa.eu www.twitter.com/lukeming www.facebook.com/lukemingflanagan

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Hyde Park in Roscommon town will be closed for six months from June 2016. Picture: Andrew Fox.

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Michael Fitzmaurice TD ADVANCE NOTICE: Clinics for MICHAEL FITZMAURICE TD FRIDAY 22nd JANUARY 2016

5pm: Ned’s Bar, Knockcroghery. 6pm: Monksland Community Centre, Athlone. 7:30pm: Gullane’s Hotel, Ballinasloe. 8:30pm: Fallon’s Bar Ballygar. 9:30pm: Constituency Office, Roscommon. I look forward to meeting you all at the clinics.

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Constituency Office: Priory House, Barrack Street, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon Office hours: 9.30am-4.30pm

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of the National League in 2017.” Clubs are expected to back the proposal. (Further coverage on pages 58 & 61).

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Please ring the Constituency Office (090 66 28479) in advance for appointment

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

NewsPeople

Community welfare clinic in south Roscommon to close ‘IT’S OUTRAGEOUS AND SCANDALOUS’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

ROSCOMMON

Painting Services Professional Painters & Decorators Stephen Reynolds (086) 1987023 Enda Hoban (087) 2739726

Padraig Healy Car & Mini Bus Hire Wheelchair Accessible

(086) 2714879 PUBLIC NOTICE: Athleague Area

DEFIBRILLATORS The Deﬁbrillators in Athleague village and parish are temporarily being decommissioned for re-callibration and upgrading. They will be unavailable to the public until re-instated. Re-validation and training will occur prior to replacement of the Deﬁbrillators.

The Department of Social Protection has announced that it will close its Community Welfare Service (CWS) clinic at Ballydangan, south Roscommon, next week – a decision that has been described as “scandalous”. At these clinics, community welfare officers can give financial support to those in need, in the form of rent supplement, supplementary welfare allowance or emergency payments, subject to means’ testing. A clinic had been held at Ballydangan, about ten miles from Athlone, every Tuesday morning, but, from next week, it will be shut. A spokesman for the Department said: “The Community Welfare Service had been delivered in Ballydangan from a HSE premises up to now. “Arising from a number of facilities being discontinued by the HSE in these premises since December, the Department of Social Protection has had to make alternative arrangements for its CWS customers at Ballydangan. “With effect from Tuesday, January 26, the CWS service for customers living at Ballydangan will be available in the Department’s Intreo Centre in Athlone.” The Department said that, on average, only five people were attending the Ballydangan clinic, but local councillor Tony Ward (Independent) has described the closure as “outrageous and scandalous”. “The Government have no

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compassion, no thought,” he said. “Everything is being pushed into the big towns. They have no respect for people who have no transport. There is no transport, of any shape or form, in that area. “You are sucking the life out of communities.” He said that it was yet another attack on rural Ireland. “When they closed about half of the community welfare offices in south Roscommon, they gave us a commitment that there would be no more offices closed, and now they close the one at Ballydangan,” he said. “It’s a disgrace. Everything that was put in place over the past 100 years has all been shredded in about two years or less: we have post offices, community welfare offices and Garda barracks closed.”

You are warmly invited to come and listen to thoughts shared from the Bible every Sunday 7-8 pm

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upstairs in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon Town We assume no other name than Christian; Talks are free; hymn singing included Everyone is very welcome If you have any questions, call 087 7421964 or just come along!

Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

Dolores Gacquin Solicitor Tel: 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie

MOTOR ACCIDENT* During the recent icy weather conditions my neighbour collided with my parked car whilst driving past my house. He was driving slowly at the time and he simply skidded on an icy patch on the road. The side of my car was badly damaged but my neighbour is blaming me! I would appreciate your advice. Motorists are obliged to drive with due care and attention at all times and the difficult weather conditions do not provide an excuse if their vehicle collides with another. I would suggest that you contact your neighbour and request that he report the matter to his motor insurance company who should compensate you for your loss. By law, at a very minimum, your neighbour’s motor insurance policy will extend to third party claims. Your neighbour’s insurance company will send a motor assessor to inspect your car and he will agree repair costs with your garage. Your garage should provide you with a courtesy car for the duration of the repair period. All such costs should be discharged by your neighbour’s insurer. If requested, the insurance company may issue payment directly to your garage.

Cllr. Tony Ward

However, your neighbour should contact his insurer without delay so as not to prejudice the claims process. If your neighbour’s car was also damaged in the collision and if he had comprehensive motor insurance then his insurer will deal with the damage to his car in the same manner as yours. A policy excess will normally apply to such a claim however. If your neighbour refuses to deal with you, or report the matter to his insurer, you may wish to contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors Litigation Department for further advice. This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway. A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

NewsPeople

Roscommon Music School Athleague, Roscommon. Tel. 089 4971357

As the New Year begins and so many people tell me they wish they could play an instrument I decided i would dispel some of the myths.... 1. I’m tone deaf - I doubt it! Around 4% of people have some degree of tone deafness. It’s not many. Even if you are tone deaf it can be improved by music training. There is an online test in the app store tonedeafness.com 2. It’s too expensive..... A guitar can be got in Argos for €40 and a group lesson is €8 a week. A tin whistle is €6! 3. Learning problems..... Many of our students have dyslexia and it makes no difference. We have a few with ADD and find it helps them concentrate. An instrument directly helps dyspraxia as it helps develop fine motor control skills. Progress may be slower but that’s not a problem. 4. I don’t want to learn to read music. You dont have to. We can do notes or learn to play by ear. 5. Poor or no sight. No problem – play by ear. Three of our students have no sight and play piano by touch-feel and ear.

6. Other disabilities....no disability should prevent you. We have adapted instruments from laying a guitar flat for a student in a wheelchair to a ‘neck strap’ on a mandolin for a student with spina bifida. 7. Music teacher says child is naughty/not musical/stubborn/unteachable! That’s a problem with the teacher. No child is unteachable. If the lesson is enjoyable the child won’t be naughty. No such thing as unmusical - babies in the womb respond to music - it’s human. Like in all areas of life sometimes kids don’t gel with a certain teacher. That is not unusual. Just try a few teachers and try different instruments. 8. Too old....not possible. People of different ages learn in different ways. Our youngest student was 2 and our oldest was a man of 86 who learned keyboard and sounded very good after 6 months. Lessons will be delivered in ageappropriate language. 9. No time/too much time needed. A 10 minute practice every day is plenty for a beginner.

We teach violin, guitar, piano, singing, tin whistle, banjo, mandolin, drums, bass, viola. We assist Junior/Leaving Cert students every year. Head teacher has BA Hons degree in Music from University of Wales and HDip in Music Education, ABRSM Grade 8 violin and guitar, Grade 8 RIAM piano.

Classes: Monday – Saturday in Roscommon Town and Athleague. Adult (beginners) Group Guitar €8 starts Wed. 27th Jan at 8pm in Roscommon Town.

Local Enterprise Office Roscommon is offering the following training to the business community. Any or all of this training can be delivered in any town in Co. Roscommon, subject to adequate demand.

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS Dates: Tuesdays: 16th, 23rd February, 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd March Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm Cost: FREE.

PERMISSION MARKETING WITH MAILCHIMP Dates: Wednesdays: 9th + 16th March 2016. Time: 10.00am – 1pm. Cost: €20.00.

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS Dates: Wednesdays: 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th March, 6th + 13th April. Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm Cost: FREE.

BLOGGING FOR BUSINESS - BEGINNERS Date: Wednesday, 24th February 2016. Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm. Cost: €10.00.

MANAGING YOUR FINANCES Dates: Wednesdays: 23rd, 30th March, 6th, 13th April, 20th April. Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm Cost: €50.00. SAGE 50 COMPUTERISED ACCOUNTS - IMPROVERS Dates: Wednesdays: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th April. Time: 9.30am – 1pm. Cost: €80.00.

INTRODUCTION TO FACEBOOK + TWITTER Date: Thursdays: 25th February and 3rd March. Time: 10.00am – 1pm. Cost: €40.00. FACEBOOK ADVANCED Date: Thursdays: 24th, 31st March, 7th + 14th April. Time: 10.00am – 1pm. Cost: €60.00.

To view full details and to book your place online, please visit: https://www. localenterprise.ie/roscommon/ or if you wish to discuss any of the above, please contact: Anne Browne 090 66 37278 / anne.browne@leo.roscommoncoco.ie

Message us on facebook or call 089 4971357

Naughten says news on Westdoc ‘another blow to health service’ Denis Naughten has described news that the Westdoc out of hours GP service, based in Roscommon Town, is now covering the Craughwell area of Co. Galway at certain times of the week as “another blow to our local health service”. “It is just not good enough. We have lost our A&E, we have an ambulance service which is on a knife edge and now since the 1st of November patients may have to wait for a doctor to come back from treating a patient in Craughwell in County Galway before they can be seen,” said Mr. Naughten. “Again we find that the promises made to the people of Roscommon when the A&E was closed are now being undermined. First it was the proposed relocation of our ambulance to West Roscommon to provide a part-time service and now the GP covering the mid Roscommon area may have to respond to a call 70-80km away. “This is just not good

enough and I’m calling on the HSE to ensure that the services we were promised when our A&E

was closed are retained in full and not watered down. “The Westdoc service,

in the main, has been a success since it was established with the cooperation of GPs in the

Roscommon area and we cannot now allow it to be eroded,” concluded Denis Naughten.

Scoil Mhuire Convent Primary Roscommon www.conventprimaryroscommon.ie

REGISTRATION OF NEW ENTRANTS SEPTEMBER 2016

If you are interested in finding out what Scoil Mhuire has to offer your child, come to an information evening to hear the

Principal’s Address (for Mums and Dads only) on Tuesday, 2nd February at 8pm Children are very welcome to meet the children and staff in the school with their parents, on:

Thursday, 4th February from 6.30pm to 8pm Application Forms are available on the school website or for collection from the school office.

For more information visit our school website

www.conventprimaryroscommon.ie Pictured enjoying a Tea Party at Roscommon Disability Support Group in Roxboro were Ita Gill, Darren Cunningham, Nuala Kilroe and Eithne McDermott. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

NewsPeople Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough & Galway

Tel: 090 647 8433 * MOTOR ACCIDENTS

ur ee oour SSee Column lumn oinn coBusiness e2 pag

If you were involved in an accident that was not your fault contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors for advice.

www.bccsolicitors.com * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Councillor

EUGENE MURPHY Roscommon Galway Fianna Fáil General Election Candidate

Election Launch on Friday 22nd January in The Percy French Hotel at 9.30pm Refreshments served – Music on the night Special Guest: Dara Calleary TD Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

ROSCOMMON WANTS YOU!

Athlone Boundary Review threatens to transfer part of County Roscommon to County Westmeath!

Please sign Submission to say you are AGAINST changing boundary

Supporting ‘Save Roscommon’ campaign

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Paul Healy on saving Roscommon from the clutches of Westmeath; ﬁne dining (in Roscommon and Westmeath); in awe of Paschal Donohoe… and the warm glow of winter football… Friday In the Roscommon People office, we’re throwing our weight behind the ‘Save Roscommon’ campaign. We’re designing posters and finetuning a sample submission – all with a view to helping to facilitate a mass petition against the proposed ‘land grab.’ This proposal is preposterous, this would-be theft is treacherous, this land grab is ludicrous. I note the calls for a plebiscite, i.e. a vote or a referendum. That, at least, would be democratic. But why should the people of Roscommon even have to countenance this offensive proposal? Why should we forfeit part of our county to Westmeath, with all the implications for business, sport, culture, morale, community life, population base, our traditions and identity, etc? Politics, readers, whether we like it or not, is at the heart of just about everything. And whatever it was that initiated this threat, it is politics that can end it. Suffice to say that if any of Enda Kenny, Joan Burton or Minister Alan Kelly were TDs in Roscommon, this boundary baloney would be out of bounds. We must make our voices heard loud and clear. So people everywhere should sign the various letters of protest that are put before them, or else make your own submission. And when the General Election comes around in a few weeks, current Government representatives and aspiring ones should be challenged on their position with regard to the feared transfer of part of South Roscommon into Westmeath. Start with the Fine Gael and Labour candidates (i.e. the outgoing Coalition). Then move on to the representatives of other parties and all Independents. Any of these people could, on being elected, be in a position to support or be part of a new Government by March of this year. Make sure you know where they stand now, and if you are a supporter of the ‘Save Roscommon’ campaign, make sure they know where you stand.

Pictured in the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night last were Aidan and Caroline Potter. Picture: Andrew Fox

Sunday It is true that when you think of gaelic football as its best and most memorable, your thoughts turn to sunny days in summer and the almost tangible excitement of the championship. But there is something very special too about winter football, when loyal fans enthusiastically embrace the cold conditions and wallow happily at the prospect of making long car journeys, attending relatively undistinguished venues and seeing new players in experimental teams. Trying to distinguish what is worth getting optimistic about from what isn’t, is part of the fun of the early-season experience. Far from being a very plain starter before the main courses of league and championship, the various ‘lesser’ competitions in January are fulfilling for diehard fans, and presumably of significant benefit to managers. There was a justifiable pep in the step of Roscommon supporters on Sunday, and it was a great day too for some of our neighbours. In the FBD League, Roscommon had a good win over Mayo in Castlebar. It was such a shame that the game couldn’t be played in Roscommon, as was originally scheduled. As for the football side of things, it was a very positive performance. I was also delighted to see Leitrim win (against Sligo). It’s not that I have anything against Sligo – I love the county – but I do have a soft spot for Leitrim, a county team that faces a perennial battle to form a strong senior squad, hamstrung as it is by a small player base and the ongoing impact of emigration. However, Roscommon and Leitrim were both upstaged by Longford, who defeated All-Ireland champions Dublin

by six points in an O’Byrne Cup semi-final in Pearse Park. Sure, it’s not the championship and it’s not summer, but that Longford win is already one of the beautiful sporting moments of 2016. I can just imagine what the atmosphere was like in Longford as the GAAmad locals savoured the extraordinary giant-killing act. It may ‘only’ have been the O’Byrne Cup, it may be the January shadow boxing before the all-out combat of summer, but this was a marvellous effort from Longford, sport visiting a sprinkling of its eternal magic on a damp and otherwise undistinguished day in Pearse Park.

Every day The Oscar nominations are out, and still – sadly – there’s no category for ‘arrogant ministers.’ Lest anyone accuse me of political bias, let me say that, had there been Oscars for Arrogance in the past, I would have given one to Dermot Ahern of Fianna Fail, I would have given a ‘Best Supporting’ one to Noel Dempsey of the same party, and I wouldn’t have argued with a ‘Life Achievement’ award going to their colleague, Dick Roche. There were many more in that FF/Greens administration who scored highly when it came to being arrogant. As for being out of touch with the public/living in a world of their own, that crowd were world-beaters. When it comes to Enda’s current crew – who will shortly be doing their ‘Greatest Hits’ tour on the airwaves and at selected venues (exciting!) – you have to say that, for a collection of politicians who had been power-starved for years, they fairly hit the ground running. I mean, when it comes to

arrogance, who can ever forget Phil Hogan at his glorious peak? I can only presume, from observing his general disposition, that when Pat Rabbitte woke up in the mornings, servants danced before him. I will remind readers too of Alan Shatter and Brendan Howlin, men with egos that could be donated to science. And a ‘Highly Commended’ award could surely go to the ultra-smooth Communications Minister Alex White. Oh well, this sometimes insufferable arrogance must go with the territory, I guess; it certainly possesses many, if not all, of our political ‘masters’ once they get called to Cabinet. My current favourite is the rapidly-rising Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, and a politician who is fascinating to watch in full flow. Marvel as this man displays his incredible self-assurance and feel suitably guilty as he gently but firmly explains what should have been obvious to us from the beginning: that Paschal is always right. On a serious note, I think we should abandon the General Election for now and experiment with Minister Paschal Donohoe running the country on his own for a fortnight. With the very earnest Simon Harris answering the phone for him.

Saturday & Tuesday It’s not like we’re always dining out or anything, it just happens that we had two such experiences in recent days – and I am happy to give readers ‘food for thought’ or, more accurately, ‘thought for food.’ On Saturday night we were in The Wineport in Glasson with very good friends, and on Tuesday evening we called into the re-opened ‘Moma’ restaurant in Roscommon with our children (also very good friends). We hadn’t been to The Wineport for a few years. It really is a most stunning setting, a fabulous restaurant overlooking Lough Ree. The meal was excellent, the service was top class and the setting and décor is such breathtaking. Then on Tuesday evening we called into Moma in Roscommon Town. It’s an Italian restaurant that recently reopened. The food was beautiful, the service was perfection and changes made to the interior of the restaurant work really well too. It was a fabulous experience. It’s great to see restaurants, as it is with all businesses, surviving in these challenging times. I wish the new management the very best.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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Roscommon and Denis Mayo cheapest Naughten for ﬁlling a diesel car ELECTION < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

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As fuel prices continue to plummet, Roscommon and Mayo are the cheapest counties in the country in which to fill a diesel car, the latest figures from the AA have shown. The average price in the two counties is €106.5 per litre. The most expensive county for diesel was Wicklow, with an average price being €116.3 per litre – 3.5c above the national average. The figures nationwide highlight a wide variation in the prices being paid at pumps across the country. Fuel prices have begun to fall rapidly over the past week as crude oil prices reduced to a 12-year low, at $30 barrel, with some experts expecting prices to continue on this downward trajectory. Some forecourts are already advertising diesel for around 99 cents a litre, including Cooney’s in Boyle, where a litre cost 99.9 c on Monday.

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Roscommon Macra’s 70th anniversary celebrations < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Roscommon Macra na Feirme will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a dinner dance at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon town, on February 13, at 7.30 pm. Tickets, priced at €35, are on sale, and can be obtained from Ann-Marie Ward, the secretary of the organising committee. Her telephone number is 087-7779261. The event

includes a three-course meal and entertainment. The event was launched at the Abbey Hotel last Friday night. It was attended by current Macra officials, local councillors and supporters. Athleague’s Joe Murphy, one of the founding members of the organisation, was also present. The national organisation was formed in 1944 and the first Roscommon branch was established at Athleague in 1945.

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Pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Macra na Feirme 70th Anniversary celebrations were (l-r) Cllr Laurence Fallon, Seán Finan, Macra na Feirme and Cllr Paddy Kilduff, Chairman of Roscommon County Council. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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Ballymurray National School ENROLMENT EVENING

Thursday 4th February at 7.00 p.m.

Our enrolment / information evening for parents will be held on Thursday 4th February 2016 at 7.00 p.m.

Name announced for new amalgamated Athlone school < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

It has been announced the new co-educational school for 800 students in Athlone will be called ‘Coláiste Chairáin’. The announcement was made by the committee put in place by the Diocese of Elphin to oversee the creation of the school, which will arise from the amalgamation of St Aloysius and St Joseph’s Colleges in Athlone. The announcement follows consultations on

a new name with staff, parents and students in both schools. Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan announced major capital funding for the amalgamation project as part of the Department of Education and Skills’ new programme of capital investment for schools from 2016 to 2021. Coláiste Chiaráin will open its doors on September 1, 2017. St Ciarán was born at Fuerty in the sixth cen-

tury. He founded a monastery on Hare Island in Lough Ree, close to Athlone, before going on to found the great monastery and centre of learning at Clonmacnoise. Welcoming the new college’s name, Bishop Kevin Doran described St Ciarán as “a man of prayer with a strong commitment to community and to service”. He said that “all of these things make him a suitable role model for young men and women”.

We invite you to come along to view the school, its facilities and to meet the teachers. We will be happy to answer any queries you may have.

TEL: 090 6661217

E.mail: ballymurrayns@gmail.com

newsbriefs ‘Lightrella Moves’ with Disability Group The County Roscommon Disability Support Group is hosting ‘Lightrella Moves’, creative movement and dance workshops, in the Dale Centre, Derrane, on Wednesdays from 1-2 pm commencing January 27th. Rediscover the joy of movement and explore your body’s range of mobility. Sessions at €5 led by a performer/ choreographer member of Dance Ireland. Wear ‘loose fitting clothing. Newcomers welcome. For more information call 090 6625852.

AH GO ON, GO ON, YOU WILL, YOU WILL! Pictured enjoying the Tea Party at Roscommon Disability Support Group in Roxboro were Debbie McCormack, Annmarie Donnelly, Eveleen Healy, Carol Jordan and Áine Flanagan. Picture: Andrew Fox

NALLY BROTHERS

Ballymahon, Co. Longford. Tel. 090 64 32387. Contact: Martin Nally, 087 2568044 or John Nolan, 087 9205325

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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Gardaí in appeal over missing mother and one-week-old baby Missing from Cloonfad < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

The Gardaí are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a Cloonfad mother and her one-week-old daughter, who have been missing for the past week. Gardaí said that they were con-

cerned for their welfare. In a statement issued on Wednesday night, Gardaí said the 23-year-old mother, Paige Holland, also known as Abbie/ Paige Goodier, along the infant, Nevaeh Goodier/Tighe, left their home at Westview, Cloonfad, near Castlerea, last Friday.

Paige is described as being 5 ft. 6 in. in height, of medium build with blonde shoulder-length hair. She has a strong English accent. Nevaeh, her daughter, was born on January 13. Paige and her daughter are believed to be travelling with the woman’s boyfriend, Aaron

Tighe, also known as Aaron Chadwick or Ian Smith, who is 22. He is 5 ft. 6 in. tall, medium build, with short brown/fair hair. He also has a strong English accent. Gardaí are liaising with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, over the matter. They are not

aware of what form of transport is being used and they may be travelling by public transport. Anyone with information on their whereabouts has been asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on 094-9621630 of the Garda confidential line on 1800666111 or any Garda station.

High-speed car chase in Roscommon < EOGHAN YOUNGMURPHY

There was a high-speed car chase between Gardaí and a BMW 5-Series in the early hours of last Sunday morning. The pursuit began at Castle Street, Roscommon, when a patrol car signalled for the car to stop, but it failed to do so

and took off at speed. The Gardaí chased it in the direction of Fourmilehouse, where the two occupants of the BMW were arrested. The driver was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving, while the passenger was arrested for possession of ‘house-breaking implements’. Both were taken to Roscommon Garda Station, where a

small quantity of drugs was found in the car. The passenger was also found with drugs, which were described as a ‘white powder substance’, still being analysed. They appeared at a special sitting of Roscommon District Court last Sunday night and were released on bail to appear at a future sitting of the court.

A deputation from Sinn Féin – General Election candidate Claire Kerrane, Cllr. Michael Mulligan and MEP Matt Carthy – visiting flood victim Siobhán Brett at Rooskey.

€5,000 in damage to Rooskey farm Flooding heartbreak for organic business < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

An organic farm near Rooskey was devastated by flooding recently: over €5,000 worth of damage was caused, with entire tunnels of crops destroyed. Around two and a half acres of land, all containing crops, at Druminardly, just outside the north Roscommon village, remained under water. Siobhán Brett, the co-owner of Kinnedan Organics, said: “We lost all of our winter crops and our spring sowings. We lost all of our Christmas stuff, and we also had to lay off two members of staff. It is just heartbreaking.” Claire Kerrane, Sinn Féin’s General Election candidate in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, visited the farm with MEP Matt Carthy, her party colleague, recently. “This is the real human impact of flooding,” said Ms Kerrane. Ms Kerrane strongly criticised

the Government’s response to the flooding after their tour of the affected area. “We met with people whose lives have been devastated due to the extent of the damage caused,” she said. “There is no Government

plan in place for the people affected.” Ms Kerrane said that Sinn Féin would fight to ensure that a “proper compensation scheme” was put in place and that there was adequate investment in flood defences in the future.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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Roxboro NS

‘Ming’ apologises to Connaughton over Facebook post < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan has apologised in court to Fianna Fáil councillor Ivan Connaughton over a Facebook post that he wrote on the morning of the Roscommon-South Leitrim by-election in October 2014. He also placed the apology on Facebook, agreed to pay €5,000 to a charity of Cllr. Connaughton’s choice and to pay his legal fees. ‘Ming’ said: “It’s inevitable there are going to be bumps and scrapes along the way in political careers, and that is the case with me. “I am delighted that my money is going to go to charity.” Cllr. Connaughton took a defamation action against the Castlerea man. The trial was due to take place last Friday morning in Ros-

Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan

Ivan Connaughton

common Circuit Court, but was settled that morning. Mr Flanagan flew back from Brussels, where he now lives, to attend the court, while Cllr. Connaughton was also present. The matter came before Judge Doirbhile Flanagan, but counsel for both sides said that, for the first time, discussions were taking place between both parties, and that those discussions had “rapidly made progress”. They requested further time for negotiations and, after three hours, the court was told that a settlement had been agreed.

An apology on behalf of Mr Flanagan was read out. “On October 10, 2014, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan MEP posted comments on his Facebook page, which referred to remarks made by Ivan Connaughton in the Roscommon Herald on February 1, 2011, under the byline ‘the gloves are off’,” it read. “In hindsight, Mr Flanagan accepts that he misinterpreted the comments made by Mr Connaughton and is happy to correct the record in this regard. “Mr Flanagan apologises to Mr Connaughton for any hurt caused.”

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The matter will come before County Registar Fintan Murphy at the Circuit Court on March 7 to ensure that the terms of the settlement, including the payment and legal costs, have been adhered to. Cllr. Connaughton said that he was “delighted” with the outcome. “The case was resolved to my satisfaction,” he said. “I am happy that I have got an apology from Mr Flanagan in relation to the allegations made against me on Facebook on the morning of the by-election. “I am equally as happy that my legal fees will be paid. The only payment made to me will be money given to a charity of my choice.” Cllr. Connaughton was an unsuccessful candidate in the election, losing out to Michael Fitzmaurice, whom ‘Ming’ backed to succeed him in the Dáil.

DERRANE, ROSCOMMON TELEPHONE: 090 - 6625703

Email: roxboroschool.ias@eircom.net

REGISTRATION OF NEW ENTRANTS 2016 Parents wishing to enrol their children for SEPTEMBER 2016 are invited to contact the school for application forms

Closing date for applications is February 24th 2016 Roxboro NS is a co-educational, Catholic Primary School which strives to provide a well-ordered, caring, happy and secure environment where the intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral, emotional and cultural needs of the pupils are identified and nurtured

Fitzmaurice ofﬁce open for submissions ‘Save Roscommon’ submissions can be filled in at the office of Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice in Roscommon town. The office, which is open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, is located behind

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Rockford’s Nite Club at Castle Street. The submissions oppose the Athlone Boundary Review, which could see a vast swathe of Co. Roscommon lost to Co. Westmeath.

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

‘SAVE ROSCOMMON’ CAMPAIGN

Westmeath Council conﬁrms it wants part of Roscommon < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Westmeath County Council will ask the Athlone Boundary Committee to extend the county’s boundary into part of Roscommon. On Wednesday afternoon, the chief executive, Pat Gallagher, confirmed that the local authority would lodge a submission to the review group seeking control of a portion of Co. Roscommon. He said: “It is intended that

MORE COVERAGE: Pages 14, 20 & 21 Westmeath County Council will make a submission…in support of extending the Athlone boundary, particularly to further strengthen the role of Athlone in national/regional economic development, which would benefit a large area in the centre of Ireland.” A draft submission will

Lourda Giles Athlone Boundary Review Secretariat Westmeath County Council County Buildings Mullingar County Westmeath Re: Athlone Boundary Review

considered by Westmeath councillors at a meeting of the local authority next Monday. The news will not be welcomed Roscommon County Council, who will lodge a submission against such a proposal. Next Wednesday, January 27, is the deadline for submissions. There is a threat that around 30 square kilometres of Co. Roscommon, inhabited by up to 7,000 people, will move into Co. Westmeath.

ROSCOMMON WANTS YOU!

Athlone Boundary Review threatens to transfer part of County Roscommon to County Westmeath!

Please sign Submission to say you are AGAINST changing boundary

Ryan (8): ‘I don’t want to be in Westmeath’ n eight-year-old boy has made a submission on the Athlone Boundary Review, pleading with the powers-that-be not to hand over part Co. Roscommon to Co. Westmeath. Ryan Ó Súilleabháin’s hand-written letter has been very popular on social media over the past couple of days. Ryan wrote: “I am from the Rosscomon (sic) side of Athlone. I like living here with my brother Cian and my mammy and daddy. “I do not want to be in Westmeath.” On Save Roscommon’s Facebook page, Ryan is photographed wearing a jersey of his local GAA club, Clann na nGael, and is in his father Cormac’s arms. The club is less than a mile from their home. Cormac said: “My son knows he is a Rossie – and even at eight, he isn’t going to let the Government tell him any different.” Cormac spoke at last week’s public meeting at the Athlone Springs Hotel, Monksland, against changes to the county

Cormac Ó Súilleabháin reading his son Ryan’s (also pictured) submission on the Athlone Boundary Review.

boundary. He said that his sons, Ryan Cian, also felt passionately about the issue. “This is something my sons care about – even as they are unsure of the consequences,” said Cormac. “I want to make sure they can cycle their bikes to the local GAA club and not be unsure whether they are from Roscommon.” Speaking before Ryan’s letter was posted to the review group, Cormac said: “Ryan wants to go to the post office – he wants to send it now. “And if an eight-year-old feels proud of his area, I would ask every proud

An eight-year-old boy’s submission to the Athlone Boundary Review.

Roscommon person to join him and make a submission.”

Supporting ‘Save Roscommon’ campaign

Dear Chairperson, I object to any change in the boundary between Counties Westmeath and Roscommon for the following reasons: 1. This is not a review of the boundary. This is an attempt by the Minister to justify the annexation of a part of County Roscommon. 2. The interests of effective and convenient local Government would be best achieved by simple cooperation between the two relevant Councils. 3. Our County is a unique expression of our local identity and the proposal to change the boundary is politically, culturally and socially divisive and the process is neither objective or transparent. It is not appropriate for your Commission or the Minister to be making any decisions regarding boundary changes. The only democratic way for such a decision to be made is for a plebiscite of the people in the affected area. Anything less would be utterly anti-democratic. 4. The transfer of the area suggested would result in a loss of population of 7,000 people. This will have adverse consequences for the entire County. 5. The area that is proposed to be transferred is the industrial heart of the County. 6. The loss of the commercial rates will be permanent and will result in increases in commercial rates for the remainder of the businesses in the County and will potentially result in our Council having to find alternative funding for their services e.g. increasing LPT. 7. The area proposed to be transferred comprises an essential part of our rates base and there is no continuing guarantee that can be given by either Central Government or Westmeath County Council to Roscommon County Council to compensate Roscommon for the loss of the rates. 8. Monksland is increasingly the focal point for the people of South Roscommon with vital social, cultural, educational and health facilities. 9. The proposed transfer will damage the social, sporting, economic and community life of the area and the wider County. 10. Athlone’s success does not depend on straight lines or boundary changes. It is an easy task to market the town and boundary changes are not required. All it takes is simple co-operation between the relevant County Council Officials. *Signed: ______________________________________ *Print Name: ______________________________________ *Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________ *Date: ______________________________ * Letter must be signed, address inserted and dated.

‘Ming’ attacks Coalition over boundary review ‘Is it payback for the hospital controversy?’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Changing Roscommon’s boundary would be the Government’s payback for the controversy that broke out over the closure of the Accident & Emergency (A&E) Unit at Roscommon Hospital, MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan has claimed. The Castlerea man has become the latest high-profile local person to denounce the Athlone Boundary Review, which could see 30 square kilometres of south Roscommon moved into Co. Westmeath. Firstly, he attacked the Government over the review. ‘Ming’ believes the Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s administration may be seeking revenge for the “kicking” they received for closing the A&E four years ago. “Some people would say that it’s only in places like the old USSR where, when you take on the government, they wind down your area,” he said. “Everybody knows that the biggest kicking, the most difficult time, this Government had over a year-long period was over the County Hospital. “You talk to anyone about the history of this Government in their five years and they will tell you that the most difficult time Enda Kenny was given was by the people of Roscommon. “Is it a case of, when you give a government a difficult time, what do they do?

They wind down your village. They close down young centres of activity and they punish you in that way. It’s a bit bloody extreme if that’s the case.” ‘Ming’ also attacked Fine Gael councillor Maura Hopkins over the matter. Cllr. Hopkins, her party’s General Election candidate in Roscommon-Galway, said that she opposed boundary changes but would not commit to voting against a government that decided to alter the county’s boundary. ‘Ming’ noted that this week Cllr. Maura Hopkins retweeted an eight-year-old south Roscommon boy’s (Ryan Ó Súilleabháin) submission to the review, in which he said: “I do not want to be in Westmeath.” “Ming’ said: “I find it difficult following what Maura Hopkins is at on this. “What I would say (to her) is, instead of going around favouriting tweets, and making it seem like she somehow emphathises with it, come out and make a statement and put an end to the speculation. “She should come out and say that, under no circumstances, would she come out and support the division of Co. Roscommon. “Because it lies in the hands of the government party and it will lie in the government party in the future. We want real commitments, not: ‘Ah, sure, I kind of support ye’ – and then, at the end of the day, they hang us out to dry.”

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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From My Kitchen Table When Jerry met Rupert ... and how there’s hope for all you lads! MIRIAM KERINS

eeting yer fella’s mammy for the first time can be very daunting for any prospective wife; especially when it comes to being scrutinised by d’mammy; and we all know that for some Irish blokes, their relationship with their mammy is so strong it can sometimes border on the Norman Bates syndrome with the pair of them often going around hugging each other like they were ‘must have’ fashion accessories. However, for newly-engaged Jerry Hall, that particular fly in the ointment certainly won’t be a concern because I’d say, given the age gap between herself and her new beau), d’mammy will be well and truly out of the picture. You see, from hanging out with, and being engaged to, the uber-cool Bryan Ferry and being the partner of old rubber lips himself, (no she wasn’t the wife, remember that high profile Bali ‘wedding’ to Mick Jagger was ruled to be ‘not legally binding’ by a court) it seems the beautiful Texan drawler, former Vogue model, fashion muse and firm fixture on the celebrity social scene, Jerry Hall is about to become media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s fourth wife. Well now lads, if that doesn’t make you want to ditch the gym, forget about the healthy diet, the anti-wrinkle creams and the face lifts… To stop holding in your beer bellies, and oh, while you’re at it, cancel your prescription for Viagra because it appears in order to net a dacent lookin’ woman all you need is, no, not a full head of hair, but a healthy bank balance because yes, in this cash-strapped day and age, methinks money is most definitely a magnet. Ah sure maybe I’m just jealous and maybe Jerry is the independent, down to earth kind who is not looking for a piece of the pie because, as we all know she’s got her own wealth…even if it does only come via her so called ‘modest’ settlement from her split with Jagger; it’s clear that, due to Hall’s union with her new ‘sugar daddy’ she will never be forced to face the problem that is poverty or homelessness and good luck to her; she makes for a very credible ‘sugar mamma,’ and besides, who knows, they may actually really love each other. At 84, Murdoch is rumoured to enjoy

Western Alzheimers introduce day care at Fourmilehouse Western Alzheimers is delighted to introduce Day Care at Cuan Mhuire Day Care Centre, Fourmilehouse. Situated in a tranquil setting, the centre is safely located just off the main Roscommon to Boyle road on the N61. The centre will have access to amenities in the local community, which boasts its own shop, community centre, school and church within safe walking distance of the centre. Day Care will run initially on Fridays from 9.30 am to 4 pm. The price is €12. To access day care contact Western Alzheimers Roscommon 090 6627816 where further information is available and assessment can be arranged.

Calling all creative writers

Newly-engaged couple Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch.

the company of strong women, so now we have this merger with the 59-year-old Hall, whom, let’s face it has definitely earned her place at the top of the rock chic royalty list. At this time I think it’s prudent for me to remind the aging minted magnet that even though his intended has, in her own words, “gone out with younger men and they’re great fun, they’ve got enthusiasm,” the lady, who appears to have cultivated a stable of studs, might just be what the doctor ordered for a man who kinda resembles an elderly hamster emerging through a time warp backwards. Now look, I’m not saying Murdoch doesn’t have a great personality and a hilarious sense

of fun, and of course, his prowess as a savvy businessman is well documented (cue the prenup) but seriously, while most octogenarians often find it difficult to raise their little finger, let alone the ability to have a willing, younger and hot companion on standby to mop their drool, polish their bald heads, mash and strain their food before they dine – and choose their nursing home when they feel the pressure that comes with counting all those heavy green backs – I will say best of luck, I wish them every happiness, but mind you, I’d say the prosperity part will take care of itself. I’m sure our lovely postman will be dropping my VIP invitation in the letter box any day now.

Nipple piercings: is it worth it? W

ell you’ve all heard of Tupperware parties ladies – to be honest I’ve never been to one in my life – Botox parties – again, never been to one – and underwear parties – been to lots – but if you want to be hip, throw a piercing party. Yes, this week, word reaches me from the Big Shmoke that apparently they’re huge; with nipple piercings being de rigueur for all those who worship at the altar of Planet Fashion. Come to think of it, if I remember correctly, some

years ago celebrities such as Britney Spears, the once virginal teen idol, threw a piercing bash for her flunkies, easing their pain by gifting them with solid gold and silver hearts to dangle from their nipples! Now folks, it seems to me that unless you’re the type who tends to go through boyfriends/girlfriends faster than a hot knife through pure Irish butter and try to outdo your mates in the ‘Most Convincing Performance by a Slut,’ category, then by all means get those dangly bits

painfully pierced because if it’s true that the Romans are rumoured to have started the old nipple piercing fad, inventing it as a convenient place on which to hang their capes; then it stands to reason you’d make a good hat and coat hanger for your conquests. However, before you take such steps, ask yourself the question, why would anyone want to undertake such a risky procedure and inflict such pain on two of the most sensitive parts of their body, all in the name of making a fashion statement?

One hundred thousand Ire-(ish) welcomes W ell we’re over halfway through January folks and with the wonderful occasion of our 2016 Rising celebrations set to enlighten and educate us, last week I had my first encounter with what will possibly be the expected (and welcome) influx of wall to wall Oirish Americans coming home to visit the auld sod of their ancestors. You know the kind I mean, the ‘Ma grandpappy came over here from Ballygobackwards to escape the hunger,” type of hot-air wannabes. And they’re a cinch to spot; dressed in a kaleidoscope of plaid trousers and bomber jackets, expensive

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cameras hanging from necks that display enough chins to fill a Chinese ‘phone directory, whilst conversing in that unique high-pitched nasal screech only audible to dogs.

They’ll be called Martha and Marshall or Chuck and Sindy and they’ll visit every single one of the celebrations, parades and events, ambushing the best spots, placing their overweight axxes smack in front of your whinging brat so that you have to raise him over your shoulders to see the homemade floats that wouldn’t even have passed muster a century ago. Of course you can get your own back when they ask for directions to the GPO in Dublin and send them to your friendly local post office in Roscommon instead.

A workshop for creative writers takes place in Ballaghaderreen Library on Friday, February 5th. Local poet and children’s author Gerry Boland will lead the session, from 10 am until noon, for members and friends of Ballaghaderreen Writers’ Group. This will be an open session, free of charge, for anyone interested in developing their creative writing skills. No booking is necessary – just turn up with a pen and paper on the day! Gerry’s new book of poetry ‘In The Space Between’ will be available to buy. The Writers’ Group meets every other Friday morning in a private room off the Library where participants are offered a series of different prompts to spark fresh writing, which may include poetry, prose, memoir and short stories. The emphasis is on creating new work, with timed writing sessions designed to spark new ideas, which may or may not be shared with others, at each individual writer’s discretion. There is a non-judgmental atmosphere of encouragement and friendship. New members are always welcome, everyone from complete beginners to improvers, to published authors. The next meetings after February 5th are on February 19th, March 4th and March 18th.

Monthly sessions at Hamrock’s Athleague branch of CCE are to hold monthly sessions in Hamrock’s Bar, Athleague, on the last Friday night of each month. There will be a session held on Friday night (29th January), from 10 pm until late. Musicians, singers, dancers, storytellers etc., are all welcome on the night. There will also be a raffle on the night with spot prizes to be won. Come along and enjoy the ceol, caint agus craic.

New women’s group in Castlerea Roscommon Women’s Network are setting up a new women’s group in Castlerea. There will be a meeting in RWN on Thursday (21st January) at 11 am. This will be a social outlet and with various activities which will be decided upon by the group itself. Anyone wishing to take part or to find out more information should attend.

Rathcroghan Visitor Centre nominated for ‘Best Café’ Rathcroghan Visitor Centre has been nominated for the Restaurant of Ireland Awards, under the category of Best Café, and could really use your help! The centre requires votes in order for the nomination to be viewed favourably. So if you have a chance, it would be greatly appreciated if you log on to: www. irishtimes.com/sponsored/restaurant-awards-ireland and type in ‘Rathcroghan Café’, as well as your name and other details. There are prizes for voters also, so you might be lucky.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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New FIAT Doblò Cargo at Central Motors With 1.4 million sales in 80 markets and numerous award accolades, including International Van of Year in 2006 and 2011, the new FIAT Doblò retains many of the class-leading traits that have defined its critical and commercial success, such as its excellent dynamics and comfort and best-in-class load and volume capacities. In the latest model, however, these attributes are further supplemented with significant improvements for the cornerstone 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engines, which benefit from enhanced responsiveness and improved efficiency of up to 12 percent. In the case of the 1.3litre MultiJet II engine, for example, this responsiveness has increased by approximately 40 percent compared to the model it replaces, resulting in greater flexibility for more relaxed and efficient driving as well as livelier performance when circumstances demand. The technical improvements are only part of the story, of course. The new

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specification levels and its ability to shrug off the rigours of daily use with ease. Responding to customer feedback, the new Doblò benefits from a lighter and more fluid clutch action coupled with a shorter and more positive gear change, while additional cabin soundproofing has resulted in an average reduction of 3 decibels. Standard features on all FIAT Doblò models include adjustable-level headlamps, a full-size spare wheel, full bulkhead,

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Pictured in the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night last were Ethel and Noel Connelly. Picture: Andrew Fox

Bord na Móna Public Information Sessions Bord na Móna intend to hold initial Public Information sessions regarding its Derryadd Wind Farm. In order for members of the public to be informed about the proposed development, Bord na Móna has arranged four Public Information sessions, as follows:

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3-9pm

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Harvesting the wind, securing the future

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

‘SAVE ROSCOMMON’ CAMPAIGN

Feighan adds voice to opposition to change Deputy Frank Feighan has said that he would fiercely oppose any proposal to change the boundary of Co. Roscommon. The Fine Gael TD said that he would lodge a submission to the Athlone Boundary Review to voice his objection to the threat of 30 sq. km. of south Roscommon being subsumed into Co. Westmeath. “As a serving TD for the area and a native of Co. Roscommon, I am completely opposed to any change of the present boundary in the Athlone area between Roscommon and Westmeath,” he said. “This is an integral part of Co. Roscommon since 1898.” Deputy Feighan said that six week ago, he discussed the issue with Eugene Cummins, the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council, and told him that he would do everything in his power to resist such a move. “Roscommon county and its council have made a huge investment in south Roscommon over the years, both socially and financially,” he said. Deputy Feighan noted that Monksland was “one of the biggest population centres in the county”, and that two of the biggest GAA clubs in Co. Ros-

common, Clann na nGael and St Brigid’s, were located in the area which is in jeopardy. “West of the Shannon, the Diocese of Elphin has developed and supported education and major new plans for an amalgamated school are well advanced,” Deputy Feighan also said. He said that these were some of the many reasons why the county’s boundaries should not be interfered with.

Submissions deadline is approaching < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Deputy Frank Feighan

‘Put on county jersey’ – Murphy Fianna Fáil councillor Eugene Murphy has called on all General Election candidates in the Roscommon-Galway constituency to “put on the Roscommon GAA jersey” as they campaign against the Athlone Boundary Review. He also urged them to be “proud to be a Rossie” and lodge submissions to the review committee before Wednesday, January 27. “The manouverings by the present Government on this issue are nothing short of disgraceful and must be stopped as a matter of urgency,” said Cllr. Murphy, his party’s General Election candidate in this constituency. “The Government has shortchanged this county on a number of fronts in the past and it’s time that we stopped them.” He said that there would be devastating consequences for Co. Roscommon if a vast swathe of Co. Roscommon was lost to Co. Westmeath. “€2.5 million will be lost in revenue each year,” he said, in a reference to commercial rates. He urged all members of the public to sign a petition against the proposals.

With the deadline looming for receipt of submissions to the Athlone Boundary Review, drop-off points aimed at facilitating people who wish to support the campaign are located in various outlets around the county. In many towns and villages in the county businesses are inviting people to sign submissions. In Casey’s Topaz Roscommon, and in conjunction with the Roscommon People, members of the public can sign a submission in protest against any boundary change. These will be collected by the Roscommon People and forwarded to Westmeath County Council. A shop in Roscommon

ROSCOMMON WANTS YOU!

Athlone Boundary Review threatens to transfer part of County Roscommon to County Westmeath!

Please sign Submission to say you are AGAINST changing boundary town, opened last weekend by local councillor Kathleen Shanagher, will be open for collection of submissions from noon to 6 pm on this Friday and Saturday. A number of other county

Supporting ‘Save Roscommon’ campaign

councillors have launched similar initiatives. Wednesday, January 27, is the deadline for submissions, which are to be lodged with Westmeath County Council by 5 pm that day.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

NewsPeople

THE BRIDGE CLUB Roscommon and Happy ‘71 Bridge Clubs John Coleman Team of Four Competition – 1st: M. & V. Brennan and P. & S. Cooney, 2nd: M. & P. Mellett and P. & V. Finneran, 3rd: L. Shine & L. Curley and M. Egan & J. McGrath. 1st Session: A. Egan & M. Scanlon and J. Donnellan & J. Halliday. 2nd Session: G. Neilan & M. McDermott and M. Kearns & J. Godden. St. Coman’s Bridge Club North/South – 1st: M. Fallon & G. Hoban, 2nd: B. Weir & P. Pierse, 3rd: M. Egan & A. Murray. East/West – 1st: G. Kenny & M. Fallon, 2nd: K. Dowd & C. Ansboro, 3rd: M. Hickey & G. Spillane. Ballymurray Bridge Club Section A North/South – 1st: M. McDermott & A. Kilduff, 2nd: B. Jones & R. McDermott, 3rd: K. Kelly & N. Diffley. East/West – 1st: M. Hanley & H.Earley, 2nd: B. Fallon & P. Murray O’Brien, 3rd: G. Neilan & E. Mulry. Section B North/South – 1st: G. McDermott & A. Igoe, 2nd: P. Whyte & M. Byrne, 3rd: M. Mullen & M. Fallon. East/West – 1st: F. Neilan & K. Blighe, 2nd: S. Farrell & M Law, 3rd: J. Walsh & S. Farrell. Kilbride Bridge Club North/South – 1st: B. Gillooly & F. Keane, 2nd: M. Mullen & M. Fallon, 3rd: C. Neilan & M. Regan. East/West – 1st: A. McCourt & M.Kelly, 2nd: A. Gaffney & J. Hunt and P. Dowd & E. Dowling (tie), 3rd: A. Igoe & G. McDermott.

FRANKLY

SPEAKING

FRANK BRANDON’S UNIQUE TAKE ON LIFE ...

Is it time to talk about Frank?

It’s another Monday morning, with more than half the month of January gone, and at the early hour of a quarter to nine,

I found myself heading back to the cardiac facilities in the County Hospital in Roscommon to undergo a check-up and stress test,

with the brilliant team run by Rosemary Thorpe and Deirdre O’Reilly. Now I had no intention whatsoever of telling you

SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION New Day Dawns: Third Sunday in Ordinary Time The meaning of today’s Liturgy is subtle and manylayered. We need background to understand what’s happening in today’s First Reading. Babylon having been defeated, King Cyrus of Persia decreed that the exiled Jews could return home to Jerusalem. They rebuilt their ruined temple (see Ezra 6:15-17) and under Nehemiah finished rebuilding the city walls (see Nehemiah 6:15). The stage was set for the renewal of the covenant and the re-establishment of the Law of Moses as the people’s rule of life. That’s what’s going on in today’s First Reading, as Ezra reads and interprets (see Nehemiah 8:8) the Law and the people respond with a great “Amen!” Israel, as we sing in today’s Psalm, is rededicating itself to God and His Law. The scene seems like the Isaiah prophecy that Jesus reads from in today’s Gospel. Read all of Isaiah 61. The “glad tidings” Isaiah brings include these promises: the liberation of prisoners (61:1); the rebuilding of Jerusalem, or Zion (61:34; see also Isaiah 60:10); the restoration of Israel as a kingdom of priests (61:6; Exodus 19:6) and the forging of an everlasting covenant (61:8; Isaiah 55:3). It sounds a lot like the First Reading. Jesus, in turn, declares that Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in Him. The Gospel scene, too, recalls the First Reading. Like Ezra, Jesus stands before the people, is handed a scroll, unrolls it, then reads and interprets it (compare Luke 4:16-17,21 and Nehemiah 8:2-6,8-10). We witness in today’s Liturgy the creation of a new people of God. Ezra started reading at dawn of the first day of the Jewish New Year (see Leviticus 23:24). Jesus too proclaims a “Sabbath,” a great year of Jubilee, a deliverance from slavery to sin, a release from the debts we owe to God (see Leviticus 25:10). The people greeted Ezra “as one man.” And, as today’s Epistle teaches, in the Spirit the new people of God – the Church – is made “one body” with Him. – Dr. Scott Hahn, www.salvationhistory.com (and courtesy of Parish Office/ Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

‘We have all suffered with the closure of the A&E Dept., but in truth it was the Taoiseach himself who made the broken promises and the Boyle man who suffered.’

Motoring madness uring the recent cold spell, ir when the roads were at thethe in slippiest and most dangerouslads saw I ce twi , ngs rni mo early s (and (maybe girls) take their live in their other people’s lives as well) of traffic hands by leaving the line s speeds. lou icu rid at ing and overtak ity and It was the height of stupid h suc in t, tha lise rea to e we hav

ter to driving conditions, it’s betn being tha , late and arrive safely dead on time. we’re It’s safe to assume that asJanuary, h oug thr y still only halfwa sty and there’s loads more bad fro if it was so e, com to er ath we snowy future you who broke the line, in ’t take don and are you ere wh y sta unnecessary risks.

Can Nick do the trick? hat about the news that Nicky Byrne is going to sing for us in the Eurovision Song Contest? Surely he could have given that a miss, having got away for years with making millions on the strength of Shane Filan and Mark Feehily being such good singers in Westlife. Now he has to take his own lead – and while he won’t have to live up to much, after Jedward and Dustin – I still think he might have been better off to, as they say, let sleeping dogs lie. However, what’s done is done and we will all get behind him and who knows, maybe he might restore our good name in the Eurovision. Even if he doesn’t

win, let’s hope he at least ends up in a respectable finishing place.

about my visit (incidentally I put on 2 lbs over the Christmas, which I thought was not too bad, but which didn’t greatly please the cardiac people) until I tuned into Shannonside Radio on my way to work and heard Joe Finnegan conducting a most interesting interview with soon-to-beretired Boyle-based Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan. The dogs on the street know the story of Enda Kenny’s promises (prior to the last General Election) to keep the A&E facilities in the County Hospital open, and how subsequently the promise proved to have no more substance than the recent fall of snow – and how when Feighan voted with the Government to close the A&E Dept. he effectively wrote an end to what up to then had been a glittering political career. Now I have only once, very briefly, met Frank Feighan, and that was long before he became a TD, so this is definitely not a party political broadcast on his behalf, but listening to him today it was hard not to feel that

he was badly treated and his insistence that he did what he thought was right for both his constituents and the hospital was spoken with a great degree of sincerity. We have all suffered with the closure of the A&E Dept., but in truth it was the Taoiseach himself who made the broken promises and the Boyle man who suffered. However, leaving the A&E Dept. aside, nobody can argue with the statement that Roscommon County Hospital is vastly improved over the last few years, and as a recent beneficiary of the fantastic cardiac services there, I can say it’s a credit to all concerned. I don’t know how much of those improvements can be laid at Frank Feighan’s door, but, as he leaves political life behind him, maybe he should be judged on the overall picture regarding the hospital, which also has a new soon to be opened endoscopy unit, at a €5 million cost, rather than just as the man who – rightly or wrongly – is blamed for closing the A&E Unit.

And ﬁnally… Finally for this week…up to now the most famous John McCormack that I had heard about was the renowned late singer from Athlone…however this week we learned of the other one, the Chief Executive of the Irish Cancer Society, who, while he may never have released any musical recordings, was certainly laughing all the way to the bank. A salary of €145,000 was more than enough to keep him happy, but I would wonder how all the thousands of voluntary fundraisers, who give up their time to sell daffodils, as well as taking part in lots of other fundraising activities, feel about it. He

has volunteered to take a €10,000 cut, which is in my opinion an empty gesture, and once again it highlights the rewards (remember the IFA, the FAI, the banks, amongst others) that are available for the occupiers of such positions. I don’t really have any qualifications as such (do you need any?), but if any organisation out there needs a chief executive, I’m available, ready and willing – and as a gesture of good faith, l’ll start at €100,000. Martina at the People will give you my number.

‘Till next week, Bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

NewsPeople Naughten hits out Chamber to hold AGM next week The Roscommon Chamber of Commerce in the new civic offices. The main business over Loughglynn AGM shall be held on Tuesday the 26th of of the evening shall be the election of a new January next at 7.30 pm. officer board. The current President, Declan The AGM shall be held in the new civic of- Molloy, will be standing down having comambulance base fices and the chamber have invited the new pleted an excellent two-year term.

Independent TD Denis Naughten has described as a “national disgrace” the long delay in making the new ambulance base in Loughglynn operational. The Health Service Executive spent €70,000 refurbishing the former Garda station into an ambulance base to serve west Roscommon and east Mayo. The HSE originally said that the base would be operational early last year, but that never materialised and it remains idle. A dispute arose between HSE management and staff over operating the base: HSE management wanted existing resources from Roscommon town to be utilised, while staff sought additional resources. The impasse continues. This week, Deputy Naughten said that, in November 2014, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) identified three ambulance blackspots in the county: Loughglynn, Tuam and Mulranny. He added: “The other two ambulance blackspots, Tuam and Mulranny, were allocated a dedicated ambulance, with paramedic staff permanently appointed to the stations earlier this year. So why has Loughglynn been shortchanged?” He said that the lights were on for 24 hours a day at the unused Loughglynn ambulance base, but that there was “no ambulance service for a population of 29,680 people within 25 minutes of Loughglynn”. Patients’ lives were being put at risk, claimed Deputy Naughten. “Delays in responding to life-threatening 999 calls in east Mayo and west Roscommon, with further delays in getting to hospital, put patients at a far higher risk of dying or having serious longterm complications,” he said. He said that the people of the area had played “ambulance roulette” for long enough and finally deserved a fully operational ambulance base.

CEO of Roscommon County Council, Eugene Cummins, to attend the AGM and give an opening address on the occasion of the first ever meeting of Roscommon Chamber

The chamber have encouraged all existing members of the chamber to attend this inaugural meeting with all new members also invited to attend.

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Ewa’s award a thing of beauty

Ewa Zbrzezniak from Molloys Lifestyle Pharmacy Roscommon celebrates at the 2015 Vichy La Roche-Posay Skin Health Awards, which were held in the Westin Hotel, Dublin. Picture: Brendan Lyon/ ImageBureau.

Ewa Zbrzezniak from Molloys Lifestyle Pharmacy Roscommon was celebrating at a recent awards ceremony in Dublin hosted by world recognised brands Vichy and La Roche Posay. The Skin Health Award Ceremony was designed to recognise achievement in in-store events. Both Skin care brands are favourites with Molloys Lifestyle Pharmacies and for Ewa Zbrzezniak herself, who with her family and friends, has been using the products for years. “Personally I absolutely love the brands. I feel like I can always trust them,” commented Ewa. Ewa hosted a number of events throughout the year and in the process helped to raise much-needed funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

– DE

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Business Comhairle Chontae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

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Draft Castlerea Local Area Plan 2016-2022 Roscommon County Council is due to publish a draft Local Area Plan in March 2016. It is important that the views and opinions of the public are taken into consideration in the preparation of the draft. In this regard, a public consultation workshop is being held. Public Consultation Date, Time & Venue Draft Castlerea Local Area Plan Date

Venue

Time

Wednesday 27th January 2016

Castlerea Enterprise Hub The Demense, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

6.30 p.m.

Have your say on: • Social and Community Facilities • The Economy and Jobs Infrastructure and Services • Tourism • Sporting Provision • Built and Natural Heritage • Zoning and Design For more information, please contact the Forward Planning Unit, Roscommon County Council on 090 66 32510. Mr. Martin Lydon A/Director of Services Planning & Enterprise 19th January, 2016

Comhairle Chontae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

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60 jobs announced with Bluebird Care Bluebird Care, home care provider for Longford, Roscommon and Westmeath (LRW), will create 60 jobs in the region over the next 12 months. Bluebird Care LRW opened its offices in, Monksland, Athlone on the 7th September and is a HSE approved provider of a comprehensive range of quality homecare and support in the community for people of all ages and diverse needs, while also catering for the private sector. There will be a Bluebird Care Open Day in Roscommon Learning Links, Elphin Street, Boyle on Wednesday, 27th January from 10 am to 1 pm.

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Local businesses target international buyers The network of Local Enterprise Offices has unveiled 97 different design and craft businesses, including local businesses, aiming to impress 5,000 buyers visiting the ‘Enterprise Zone’ at Showcase in Dublin later this month. The small craft and design businesses, representing 22 counties around Ireland, have all been supported by their Local Enterprise Office, making it possible for them to sell to international retail buyers from more than twenty countries such as the US, France, Japan, China and Italy. Roscommon will be represented by three craft and design businesses within the Enterprise Zone, which include: Patricia O’Flaherty, Naomh Padraig Handcrafts, Cloonshee, Strokestown; Vera Gaffney, Limited Edition Prints, Boyle; and Ethel Kelly, Ogham Wishes & Bog Buddies, Knockcroghery. Also from Roscom-

mon with a display in the main hall is David Knight, Willow Design & Publishing Limited, Boyle. Showcase at the RDS runs from January 24th to 27th and is the first major trade event of the year, organised by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland and promoted internationally by Enterprise Ireland. The dedicated Enterprise Zone on the balcony area, co-ordinated by the Local Enterprise Offices, has become known as the home for emerging designers and craftspeople in recent years. A wide range of creative sectors will be represented within the Enterprise Zone this month, such as ceramics, knitwear, jewellery, interiors, skincare and giftware. Louise Ward from Local Enterprise Office Roscommon said: “Thanks to practical business supports through the Local Enterprise Office in the Local Authority, our local craft and design

businesses are well-placed to secure substantial international orders during the four days of Showcase, helping them grow and expand into new markets.” She added, “On a year-round basis, there are lots of other supports available to the craft and design sector locally. These include financial assistance, microfinance loans, trading online vouchers, mentoring, business advice clinics and training programmes, which are all available through the Local Enterprise Office.” The Enterprise Zone is located along the balcony area of the RDS Main Hall at Showcase, which is open to trade buyers from Sunday, January 24th to Wednesday, January 27th. Further information around the Enterprise Zone at Showcase is available through www.showcaseireland.com and www.localenterprise.ie.

COMMERCIAL RATES INCENTIVE SCHEME Roscommon County Council has recently adopted a Commercial Rates Incentive Scheme to apply from 01/01/2016. There are two elements to the scheme as follows; 1. An incentive for the occupation of vacant commercial premises. 2. An Early Payment Discount of 5% for Rate Payers with an annual Rates Liability of up to €5,000 when paid in full on or before 30th of June 2016. Both elements of the scheme are subject to Terms and Conditions and full details are available at www. roscommoncoco.ie Derek Caldbeck A/Head of Finance and Housing

Pictured left to right are: Martina Gibbons, Bernie Smyth, Ursula Hussey, Tony Gibbons, Karen Ryder and Stephanie Gannon, all of SuperValu Glenamaddy, announcing that Barnardos has received a significant donation and grant aid of €275,000 from 19 SuperValu retailers throughout the country, including Heneghan’s SuperValu Glenamaddy and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to improve the energy efficiency of its family care centres nationwide, saving them €30k per year Photographer: Joe Mc Hugh

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

NewsPeople New Tote building on way… you can bet on it

The Tote building at Roscommon Racecourse which will be replaced in time for the new season.

newsbriefs IFA meeting on boundary tonight (Thursday) The Roscommon branch of the Irish Farmers’ Association will host a public meeting on the Athlone Boundary Review at Drum Parish Hall, near Athlone, tonight (Thursday) at 9 pm. John Hanley, the chairman, said that the organisation was completely opposed to the review, which could see the Monksland, Bealnamullia and surrounding areas moved into Co. Westmeath.

Rose of Tralee in Roscommon on Friday It’s that time of year again and the 2015 International Rose of Tralee, Elysha Brennan, is going to visit Roscommon this Friday, (22nd of January). She is arriving at around 2.30 pm and visiting Scoil Mhuire National School. After that she will take in a visit to The Sacred Heart Nursing Home and following on from there she will from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm visit Hannon’s Hotel to meet and greet the public. So come along this Friday and greet the 2015 Rose of Tralee in Roscommon town!

Rose of Tralee, Elysha Brennan

Flood damage on agenda for Tennis Club In the wake of the flood damage to the club’s tennis courts at Ballyleague it has been decided to hold the AGM of the Lough Ree Bay Tennis Club on Friday, January 22nd at 8 pm at St. Mary’s Parish Hall beside the bridge in Lanesborough. All club members, parents and interested tennis players are invited to attend the meeting which will discuss the damage done and the club’s plans to get coaching underway again in the very near future. The club has already engaged the services of Tim Clarke, our coach for 2016, and we will be announcing plans for the restart of coaching in Ballyleague Hall and new weekly visits to schools in the area at the AGM.

Members of the Roscommon Racecourse Committee and Roscommon Coursing Committee pictured at the Tote building, which is going to be replaced in time for the new racing season. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

ELECTION 2016 OUTLOOK • The People • The Personalities • The Power • The Promises

9 CANDIDATES ... 1 SIMPLE QUESTION Would you support a Government that decided to alter Roscommon’s county boundary? (Meaning, after the General Election, should the new Government alter Roscommon’s boundary, will you vote for/support that Government from Cabinet, backbenches or Seanad if in a position to do so?)

What the bookies say Independent TDs Denis Naughten and Michael Fitzmaurice and Fine Gael councillor Maura Hopkins are all odds-on to win seats in the General Election, according to the bookmaker Paddy Power. Deputy Naughten is the favourite, at 1/33, followed by Deputy Fitzmaurice, at 1/25, and Cllr. Hopkins, at 2/9. Next comes Fianna Fáil’s Cllr. Eugene Murphy, at 9/4. Fianna Fáil has yet to confirm that Shane Curran has been added to its ticket, but Paddy Power has still listed him as one of their candidates, and rate him as 4/1 to win a seat. The remaining candidates are as follows: Senator John Kelly (Labour), at 6/1; Claire Kerrane (Sinn Féin), also 6/1; Anne Farrell (Renua), at 33/1; Miriam Hennessy (Green Party), 50/1; Eddie Conroy (AAA-PBP), also 50/1.

Eddie Conroy (People Before Proﬁt-Anti Austerity Alliance) Absolutely not. Roscommon is fighting for its life, having been ignored by two successive governments. This land grab must never be allowed to happen.

Anne Farrell (Renua) No, absolutely not. Any change that is made that has such a huge impact on their lives is absolutely scandalous.

Green Party unveils candidate < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

A new candidate has emerged in the Roscommon-Galway constituency for the General Election, with Miriam Hennessy to run for the Green Party. The 59-year-old, from Knockvicar, near Boyle, confirmed this week that she would be seeking a seat in the Dáil. She has been a member of the Greens for the past 23 years and has campaigned strongly on a number of environment issues, such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking), which she completely opposes. A mother of three – Lisa (28), Kate (26) and Gareth (24) – she is currently training to be a chaplain in Dublin. Ms Hennessy explained the main issues that prompted her to run for office. “The main thing that concerns me is climate change and the limited resources that the Earth has,” she said.

“Climate change is a real threat, and we are now in the 11th hour.” She said that she was also concerned about the local economy.

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice (Independent)

Miriam Hennessy (Green Party)

No. None of the four areas where boundary reviews are ongoing (Athlone, Carlow, Drogheda and Waterford) should be changed. Leave every county to itself.

No. I like the idea that power is kept within the locality. The people in the area are the ones to make the decision for their area.

ATHLONE BOUNDARY REVIEW Sign the Submission to say you are against changing boundary

SEE PAGE 10

ROSCOMMON WANTS YOU!

atens to transfer Athlone Boundary Review thre County Westmeath! part of County Roscommon to

to say you Please sign Submission undary bo g gin an ch ST are AGAIN

Supporting ‘Save Roscommon’ campaign

Doherty to launch Kerrane campaign

Miriam Hennessy to run for the Green Party

Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty will deliver the keynote address at the official launch of the party’s General Election campaign for the Roscommon-Galway constituency on Thursday, January 21, at 8 pm in Durkin’s Hotel, Ballaghaderreen. The party’s candidate, Claire Kerrane, from Tibohine in Castlerea, said that she looked forward to welcoming the Donegal South West TD to Roscommon. “Roscommon and Galway have been badly served by the failed policies of the established parties of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. “Our people have been betrayed by the

broken promises in relation to A&E services at Roscommon Hospital and brutalised by the austerity measures that have ripped through the hearts of our communities.

Curran update Shane Curran will not now be added to the Fianna Fáil ticket in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, sources have said. The former Roscommon goalkeeper declined to comment. It now seems likely that Cllr. Eugene Murphy will the party’s sole candidate in the constituency.

The buzz word I’m hearing is ‘change’

DOOR TO DOOR

Eddie Conroy (People Before Profit/ Anti-Austerity Alliance)

I’ve always taken a keen interest in politics and have never been shy to question candidates who’ve called to my door in previous elections. Now that roles are reversed, it’s great that people are being so nice. I’m not sure I was at times. (Some deserved it). The buzz word that I hear at almost every door is ‘change’. Despite certain apathy towards politics, the people are more than happy to engage on the issues that are important to them. The older people love

to chat and they’re very forthright with their views. Younger voters tend to be more reserved but they’re very aware of current affairs through social media, which wouldn’t have been the case even 10 years ago. Perhaps this is the election that will see a real change in how things are done politically. Given the chance I will work very hard to do just that. Last week’s canvas got off to a very positive start when a pensioner couple told me I was getting two number 1s from them, because I was

“Pat Conroy’s son”. Every little helps. Another lady told me I was a “lovely young man” and that was enough to win her vote. I won’t count my chickens there as Denis Naughten is only two years older than me. That vote could be swung! Later on we came to a well-known Fine Gael stronghold but ventured in anyway. Even their dog is right-wing I suspect, as he thankfully took a laissezfaire approach to us. We discussed our differences (with the voters, not the

dog) and parted amicably, whilst being assured that we’re certainly higher on their list than Fianna Fáil. The government’s attempt to purloin Monksland was a big issue for people at the doors last week. It’s a real own goal for the government parties. I am unequivocal on this issue. I would never support any such proposal. I think the government will find that the electorate in Roscommon are just as unequivocal. *In an interview with Dan Dooner

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

ELECTION 2016 OUTLOOK • The People • The Personalities • The Power • The Promises

9 CANDIDATES ... 1 SIMPLE QUESTION Cllr. Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) I am absolutely opposed to any change to our county boundary. I believe the county boundary will not change under the next government. If elected, my priority will be to secure the support of all members from both Houses of the Oireachtas to ensure that the Roscommon boundary remains intact.

Senator John Kelly (Labour) Not a hope in hell. I will be doing everything in my power this week to get that off the agenda completely. I think it is nonsense.

Claire Kerrane (Sinn Féin) Absolutely no way. I have spoken to my party HQ and made sure that Sinn Féin made a submission. We have party support for ‘Save Roscommon’ nationally. Our party leader has also highlighted the issue on social media.

Deputy Denis Naughten (Independent) No, absolutely not, under no circumstances.

Cllr. Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fáil) Absolutely not – no matter who the government is. I put that on the public record at a recent meeting of Roscommon County Council.

‘They think it’s all over…surely not?’ ELECTION (B)LOG PAUL HEALY ‘There was menace in the air. It had been brewing. I remember instructions were given out that all chairs in the count centre were to be removed. The Gardai were fearful they might be used as missiles.’

he above is a quote from Denis Naughten, as published in my book ‘Nothing About Sheep Stealing.’ Denis, now an Independent TD, was recalling the incredible drama and tension that prevailed at the count centre during the 1987 General Election. He was only fourteen years old at the time of the count. His father, Liam Naughten (now deceased) was involved in an epic battle (featuring incredibly tense recounts) with party colleague John Connor. The count featured arguments, scuffles and outbreaks of fighting that led to Garda intervention. And that was the Fine Gael supporters fighting amongst themselves (the Fianna Failers were looking on, with holier-than-thou expressions!). That 1987 count was pretty exceptional – for its mood of menace – but the atmosphere was fairly reflective of the huge tension and fierce rivalry that loomed large on the political landscape in Roscommon for many decades. No one wants to see a return to the chaos of the 1987 count, but one certainly hopes that reports of the demise of ‘dramatic Roscommon elections’ has, to paraphrase Mark Twain, been greatly exaggerated. I’ve been covering elections in Roscommon since 1989. Before becoming a journalist, I had observed the elections of the 1970s and ‘80s. I can’t recall any of these elections being predictable or dull, either in the build-up or in how they eventually panned out. Is the upcoming election in Roscom-

mon/Galway set to dishonour our tradition? What tradition, you might ask? Well, we have a long track record here of making devastating, informed and clinical calls when we enter the ballot booths. We turf out giants if we feel they have failed us. We lower egos. We punish arrogance. We spot fools and send them packing. We raise new heroes from obscurity. Faced with factions forming within parties, we say ‘bring it on.’ We relish the combat, we pounce on complacency and we reward the honourable. It usually ends up in drama, frequently in shocks, always in a sense of an electorate having clinically parsed through the spoofing, the substance and the stuff in between, before delivering their verdict. And, after watching this unfold for well over a quarter of a century, I can vouch for the fact that the electorate here ultimately makes impressively informed choices. So I won’t be arguing with whatever the people decide in a few weeks’ time, but I will be very nostalgic, not to mention deflated and feeling shortchanged, if current predictions to the effect that

‘I’m not joking you, Denis…you’re 1/33 on and I’m 1/25 on! We’d better start guarding against complacency!’ Okay, so the above wasn’t stated by Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice (left) to Deputy Denis Naughten, but the high profile Independents must be both encouraged and apprehensive about the widespread view that they are ‘shoo-ins’ in the forthcoming election. The duo, pictured at last year’s Vincent Browne debate in Roscommon, are expected to vie for ‘poll-topping’ honours. Picture: Andrew Fox

Enda hasn’t fired his starting pistol. And what they’re saying is that both Denis Naughten and Michael Fitzmaurice should book return tickets when they vacate the Dail to formally hit the campaign trail.

‘We turf out giants if we feel they have failed us. We lower egos. We punish arrogance. We spot fools and send them packing. We raise new heroes from obscurity’ ‘it’s all over bar the shouting’ prove accurate. Surely Roscommon/Galway isn’t going to serve up a dull election? Please say it ain’t so. Anyways, I don’t know what the dogs on the street are saying, but the political pundits and the grassroot warriors and the merely ‘mildly interested’ are – with a few exceptions perhaps – calling this election already, even though

The word on the street is that Naughten and Fitzmaurice are shoo-ins to be returned. And that the third seat is Maura Hopkins’ to lose. By the sound of this, there’ll be little need for chairs at all in the count centre, much less for said chairs to then be removed by Gardai. (And, as an aside, the ‘seats as potential missiles warning’ does not apply

for the weekly bingo sessions that are held in the Hyde Centre). It goes without saying that – whatever about big-hitters Fitzmaurice and Naughten – not everyone is signing up to the presumption that Cllr. Maura Hopkins of Fine Gael is safe. It remains to be seen how Cllr. Hopkins fares on the campaign trail, particularly when pressed on the Roscommon Hospital controversy and her less than unequivocal stance on the ‘Save Roscommon’ issue. Cllr. Hopkins is a new political force here and she will poll very well, but she has a few potholes to dodge on the road to Dail Eireann. As of now, she is well placed to win a seat, but by no means certain of doing so. The best prospect of a close (“it’s down to transfers”) contest materialising probably lies with Fianna Fail getting its house in order, rallying its

troops and finding some momentum. It is too early to assess how Cllr. Eugene Murphy is going; suffice to say he has a tough battle on his hands. As I write, it appears increasingly likely that Murphy will be a sole FF runner. The ‘dark horse’ must be Claire Kerrane of Sinn Fein, who will poll strongly. I won’t dismiss the prospects of any of the other candidates, not yet anyway. The game hasn’t even kicked off and they are all entitled to go out, do their stuff and try to woo the audience. The election is about issues (we will return to that) but it is also the proverbial ‘bloodsport.’ Roscommon doesn’t do dull elections. Why start now? * See updates on PAUL HEALY’S ELECTION (B)LOG throughout the campaign on www.roscommonpeople. ie

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

NewsPeople

Letters to the Editor

Send your letters to: Abbey Street, Roscommon Town. Fax: (090) 66 34303 or email: news@roscommonpeople.ie

‘Won’t be voting for candidates th who want to repeal 8 Amendment’ Dear Editor, After reading your enlightening article ‘Many local politicians against change to abortion law’, Roscommon People 8th January 2016, I now have my mind made up as to who I shall be voting for in the upcoming General Election – and it will not be those candidates who want to repeal the 8th Amendment. The 8th Amendment, which was voted on and approved by a two-thirds majority of the Irish people in 1983,

has served Irish society well for the past 32 years by acknowledging the right to life of the mother and her unborn baby. Not one pregnant woman in Ireland had died as a result of the 8th Amendment, though some in the media would have you believe the opposite. Treatments for life-threatening conditions in pregnancy such as an ectopic pregnancy, pre-eclampsia or cervical cancer, have never been denied to women in Ireland, even if the life of

the unborn baby is lost. These treatments are permissible and are carried out in our maternity hospitals since the intention is to treat the condition, not to deliberately kill the baby. By removing constitutional protection for the unborn baby we are opening the door for unrestricted abortion on demand as has happened to our British neighbours. The British Abortion Act was meant to be “restrictive”, only available under certain circumstances, but British Dept. of

Health figures show that up to 200,000 abortions take place in Britain every year, while 37% of those were repeat abortions in 2014. 90% of babies with Down Syndrome are aborted according to a 2013 UK Parliamentary inquiry (Bruce Inquiry). Laws are a significant influence of cultural standards – and when the law changes so do cultural norms. Abortion is a lucrative business. British taxpayers spent 118 million sterling on abortions in 2010, of which 75 million

Time for sitting on the fence is over for local politicians! Roscommon Dear Editor, With the General Election nearing, a great time for voters to assess their options and consider what has happened since 2011. In 2011 there were many promises made. Most were of a serious nature, which were to have a significant impact on the people of Roscommon and surrounding areas. Surely the most critical promise was that made by two of the most senior politicians in the state…Enda Kenny and James Reilly. As we now know, to our eternal cost, this was nothing short of a scam to get a good result locally and make fools of the people of Roscommon yet again. Of course the fallout from these promises was to have a significant effect on some local politicians – most notably Denis Naughten. Were it not for his brave stance he would most likely be a minister in the Fine Gael/Labour Government today. Of course alongside Denis were a number of lukewarm local representatives who aesthetically tried to take a strong stance, yet did little to further the cause of our local hospital. These politicians and others like Frank Feighan tried to ‘ride both horses’ without damaging their image locally. In Mr Feighan’s case it is

appalling and amazing that to this day he insists that his personal stance (which was to do nothing) actually improved the lot of the County Hospital, with all these wonderful new services and capital investment. There is one thing that these local representatives – including Mr. Feighan – need to realise, and that is that the people of Roscommon are not fools. They see clearly what happened and the implications for the community and all the PR bullsh*t in the world will not change that. So we are faced with a new chance to elect a ruling Government and hopefully we will take account of everything that happened. We will soon have a new group of canvassers at our doors begging for the vote and promising the sun, moon and stars. But we are now very cynical – once bitten twice shy. Why believe anything now? Representing the current Government we have the smiling ‘I know the health service as I worked there’ Ms. Hopkins. Her colleague Mr Kelly has nothing to point to for his period as a Senator, other than more PR stunts which have had no positive impact on the local community. Ms. Hopkins’ image as a new and decisive

politician is nothing more than a transparent sham – she has nothing to offer to the people of Roscommon unless she takes up the gauntlet and places on record her intention to fight strenuously for the re-opening of the A&E. We will have a range of new candidates all looking to change the world. These include Eugene Murphy, looking to win back the Fianna Fail seat held by Michael Finneran. Well, Mr Murphy, FF nationally has not played a blinder regarding the hospital issue since Deputy Finneran’s time – so you have it all to do. You must again put your cards on the table. Why would anyone want to get elected in Roscommon without having a passion for the re-opening of the A&E? At this late stage maybe you will have a running mate who will have no problem calling it as it is – just maybe? Should any potential politician think that they can represent the people without dealing with this most important and critical issue, then they are living in a dream world. I say the same to Sinn Fein and all the Independents, as well as Renua’s Ms Farrell, who knows well about the health services and how they are necessary to our people. People of Roscommon/East Galway, now is the time to

wake up. You can rightly ‘roast’ anyone looking for a vote without having their campaign well thought out and the A&E on top of their agenda. Yes, it is possible to undo the past, especially where serious decisions were based on untruths and deceit. It is time again for the people of this constituency to show that we are still relevant. Why should we be written off and for the benefit of other areas who cannot offer us a reasonable service? This is like the closure of the Garda stations – it has saved nothing – only caused grief and stress to elderly and ill people. I hereby challenge all candidates to now show their mettle. Denis Naughten has done so and the world has not ended for him. It is such a pity that more decency has not been shown by other politicians, national and local, and then we could honestly say that we are proud of our public representatives. Unfortunately we cannot utter such a comment. I doubt after this upcoming campaign that we will be in a position to do so, but I suppose we can offer them all the benefit of the doubt until they bury themselves. Yours sincerely, Seamus Thompson

went to private clinics and 44 million to NHS establishments. Our General Election candidates should be very mindful of the type of society they propose to create – a just and caring society to hand down to future generations or a pro-choice culture with very few boundaries, where the unborn baby is given no choice. Yours sincerely, Roscommon People reader (Name and address withheld on request)

Reader’s views on ambulance service Little Acre, Lisnamult, Roscommon Dear Editor, On 18th of December you published an article headlined ‘Further decline in Roscommon Ambulance record.’ The figures are actually for three counties, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. In particular, the statistics show that only in 60% of lifethreatening cardiac cases did an ambulance reach the patient within HIQA’s target of 19 minutes.

The figures do not show how many of the 60% were within easy reach of A&E in Galway City or Castlebar, or how many of the 40% who failed to meet the 19-minute target were in Co. Roscommon. Nor do the figures give any idea of the time the patient must travel to reach life-saving A&E. May I wish a healthy New Year to you and all at the Roscommon People and all your readers. Yours sincerely, Christine Walker

Flooding: A thank you Mountdillon, Curraghroe, Co. Roscommon Dear Editor, Thank you to ICMSA President John Comer for making contact with Roads Engineer with Roscommon County Council, Eugene Dwyer, regarding flooding on the Mountdillon Road to Drinagh to Erra Road.

Last week the road was raised at Drinagh – this was the third time to raise it since 2009. I hope we will never have such a long spell of wet weather again. Thanks to all concerned, especially the hard-working Council staff. Yours sincerely, Percy Flynn

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Weekend

PEOPLE

OUT AND ABOUT:

Pictured in the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night last were Enda McCoy, Rachel McCoy, Tara and Joe Beisty. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured enjoying the Roscommon Solstice Choir Christmas Dinner in Hannon’s Hotel were Nicola Kelly and Brian Murray. Picture: Andrew Fox

A ‘Syn-Free’ Night at Arts Centre with comedy Weighing In

James Kilbane in concert in St Mary’s Church, Mohill James Kilbane will host a concert at St. Mary’s Church, Mohill for a night of country and gospel on Friday, 26th February in support of church restoration and development work. Since 2004 James Kilbane has become a popular voice on radio and television across the country with his country, gospel and faith-based music. Kilbane’s home-grown and easy style now attracts all ages and many for different Christian traditions to his music from every walk of life. St. Mary’s Church has been a focal point for the community for the past two hundred years. It was built and completed in 1815. The parish celebrated its bicentenary last year. Work is and has been carried out by the parish community over the last year to upgrade the external surrounding grounds with tarmac. There has also been restoration work carried out to the church windows, doors, walls and outside gates. Tickets for the concert are €15 and are available locally. Contact Aideen at 086-8710215 or Ruth at 071-9631692 for more information. Concert doors open at 7.30 pm.

See page 25

in Castlerea

Castlerea Musical Society will present the musical Guys and Dolls from Wednesday, February 10th to Saturday, February 13th in The Hub, Castlerea at 8 pm nightly. Tickets for Guys and Dolls will be available to book in advance. The booking line number is 0874676475. A concession price of €12 is available for students and OAPs on Wednesday night. Tickets cost €16 for all audience members all other nights. Guys and Dolls is a very well-known musical made familiar to many by the success of the 1955 movie starring Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando and Jean Simmons. It is a story of comedy and romance and includes musical greats such as ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat,’ and ‘Luck be a Lady.’ Interviews with members, stories of musicals past and music from Guys and Dolls performed by this years cast can be heard on Joe Byrne’s Ceol Agus Ealaíon show on Midwest Radio on Tuesday nights between 10 and 1 am in the weeks leading up to the show.

eighing-In is a fast paced comedy play about life, love and dieting – and how we all need to adjust the scales to find the right balance and it takes to the stage at the arts centre on Thursday, 4th February at 8 pm. This topical play deals with the modern obsession of dieting. Set in the Easi-Slim diet club we meet the highly driven Pam (Isobel Mahon – Glenroe, The Clinic) and the motherly Breda (Rose Henderson – Fair City, Father Ted). Both attend the weekly clinic for the weigh-in and strike up an unlikely friendship. Easi-Slim’s recent new member – upwardly mobile Pam McGowan has cruised into town in her soft top sports car. Pam has reached her target weight and has only signed up to maintain, and brag about the four stone she’s lost. Breda has diligently attended the Easi-Slim meetings but just can’t manage to win the battle of the bulge – until Pam comes along to power-walk her into shape. Breda becomes a disciple of the high-priestess of lowcarbs and is bowled over by just how fabulous Pam’s jet-set lifestyle really is. With her low-calorie intake and rigorous exercise regime, Pam certainly lives life in the fasting lane. In fact, the only part of Pam that weighs too much is her over-bloated ego. Breda’s gushing admiration for her new diet guru buddy only serves to make Pam all the more condescending and insufferable. However, when Pam’s mask begins to slip, Breda is reminded that things aren’t always what they appear to be. Sometimes, you already have the life you wished for. Booking for the infectiously enjoyable ‘Weighing In’ now at Roscommon Arts Centre on 090 66 25824/www. roscommonartscentre.ie.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

NIGHT LIFE • BARS • NIGHTCLUBS • CINEMA • SOCIAL • ARTS

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Arrow in the Sky

The Country Ballroom

TULSK INN Saturday, 23rd January - Music with

Dave Lawlor DANCING CLASSES Every Wednesday night with Christopher Beirne, commences at 8pm

Week Commencing Fri 22nd—Thur 28th

Movie Times

BROOKLYN (12A)

14:40; 19:10

CAPTURE THE FLAG 2D (PG) PREVIEWS SAT 23RD & 14:20; 17:00 SUN 24TH CREED (12A)

15:00; 16:30; 21:20

DADDY’S HOME (12A) No 14:20 & 17:00 Show Sat 23rd & Sun 24th

14:20; 17:00; 21:30

RIDE ALONG 2 (12A)

14:35; 19:20; 21:45

ROOM (15A)

16:50; 19:15; 21:35

STAR WARS:THE FORCE AWAKENS 2D (12A)

18:30; 21:20

THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX (G)

12:30 (KMC)

THE GOOD DINOSAUR 2D (PG)

12:45 (KMC); 14:00; 16:15

THE HATEFUL EIGHT (18)

17:45

Sunday 24th

Patricia Lane with Anthony McDermott - 6 pm in Middle Bar

Pictured in the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night last were Patricia and Damien Leonard. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Pictured in the Roscommon Arts Centre on Saturday night last were Adrian Dalyand Emer Kelly. Picture: Andrew Fox

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Ahead of their appearance at JJ’s this Saturday night, Arrow in the Sky’s Brian Murphy and Conor McCauley sat down with the Weekend People to talk bed sheets and Elvis. So lads, have you made any New Year’s resolutions and how are they going? Brian: Any of my new year’s resolutions have been in the Woody Guthrie vein i.e. write more songs and change bed sheets more often. Brush teeth at least once a week. So yeah, I’ve been writing a lot more!

What’s your guilty listening pleasure? Quite partial to a bit of old doo-wap. The Platters, The Drifters, Dion and the Belmonts, that kind of thing. I don’t feel too guilty about it though. Conor’s music taste is the kind that requires guilt. What are you looking forward to most in 2016? We have a brand new album ready to go and that will be released mid 2016. It will feature 11 new songs and the drum stylings of Jason Cooper of ‘The Cure’ as well as a bit of bass from ‘The Cure’ and ‘Tin Machine’ guitarist

Reeves Gabrels. So we’re very excited about that. If you could share the stage with one act who would it be? That’s a good question. Alive or dead?... Elvis. Elvis to both. What can Roscommon punters expect this Sat night? JJ Harlow’s is one of our favourite spots to play around the country. We’ll be playing a mix of our old songs and some new ones plus a few covers too. And there’s always a great crowd in so it’s guaranteed to be a night of good craic for all.

* No Cover Charge, all gigs are at 10pm approx unless stated otherwise * Search for us on facebook: JJ-Harlows- The- Square-Roscommon-Town

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JJ Harlows supporting Irish Micro Breweries

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

NIGHT LIFE • BARS • NIGHTCLUBS • CINEMA • SOCIAL • ARTS

Pictured in Castlecoote Lodge on Friday night last were Nessan and George McDermott. Picture: Andrew Fox

ces Faces & PlaAndrew Fox Photographs:

Castlecoote Lodge

Pictured in Castlecoote Lodge on Friday night last were Malachy Donnelly and Michael Coleman. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in Castlecoote Lodge on Friday night last were Peter Nestor and Mary Leyden. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in Castlecoote Lodge on Friday night last were Gena Considine and Catherine Coleman. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in Castlecoote Lodge on Friday night last were Eilish Kilcommons, Brian Neilan and Brid Nestor. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured in Castlecoote Lodge on Friday night last were Senator Terry Leyden, Mike Keegan and John Williamson. Picture: Andrew Fox

‘If you have the goods the breakthrough will happen’ < SHANE REYNOLDS

Now that the music industry has become so synonymous with shows like The X Factor, the chances of original singer-songwriters making a breakthrough have become rarer. That’s why when one charts the progress of Carrick native Brian Farrell in recent years you cannot but be impressed. Having emigrated to the USA three years ago, the 24-year-old guitarist is making major in-roads in the music scene, not only locally, but also internationally. More recently he was thrust into the limelight having received critical acclaim for his cover of Ryan Adams’ Desire, described as “a thing of beauty” when it was featured on popular Irish website, Joe.ie. After performing in many bands in the Carrick-on-Shannon region – while also becoming renowned for his electric oneman shows – Brian moved to the US on a J1 visa in 2012. While performing in Ocean City, Maryland, a chance encounter with artist manager Scott Marconi from Los Angeles saw him move to LA. After performing for a number of producers he ended up working in Laurel Canyon at Canyon Hut Studios. The studio, owned by producer Tim Hutton and his brother Dash – who is also drummer to band HAIM – is hidden in the Hollywood Hills on historic grounds once owned by Alice Cooper. In 2013 Farrell moved to New York where he has spent the last two years performing and writing alongside artists such as

Michael Brunnock and Emily Cavanagh. In his short time in New York, he has performed at a number of well-known hotspots including the Red Lion, Rockwood Music Hall and in many places in Brooklyn, where Brian and singer-songwriter Brunnock played Session House every week. Brunnock has also won an Italian Oscar, worked with Talking Heads and Glen Hansard, and Brian has been writing with him the last few years. One of his finest moments in his musical career to date saw him perform on Tuesday night, January 5th alongside Cavanagh in the musical mecca which is Whelan’s of Dublin – a stage which has hosted none other than Hansard and Ed Sheeran in recent years. Although Brian has become synonymous with the guitar, it was actually the purchase of a piano by his father when he was eight years old which triggered his love for music. “I started playing piano when I was eight years old,” he explained. “My father bought a piano at an auction where the house and its furniture had been burnt. He ended up getting it repaired over a number of years and then I started taking lessons. I wasn’t the biggest fan but grew to appreciate it as I got older.” Brian revealed that he had a plethora of musical influences growing up, including Coldplay, Damien Rice, The Frames, Bellx1, David Gray, Simon & Garfunkel and Neil Young. The Carrick man also explained that he harbours no real animosity towards shows

like The X Factor, even if some critics have suggested that such shows have deflated the music industry and been decidedly unhelfpul for original artists. “When I think of the music industry I don’t really take X Factor, etc. into account. I feel that ship has sailed and it was all good business for the suits involved,” he explained. “In terms of making a breakthrough these days, it’s a lot different. Record labels get daily stat sheets now on who received the most likes/shares on social media in the past 24 hours. That sheet of artists might get 15 seconds each to impress. The bottom line is if it’s really good, if you have written an incredible song and perform it well, it will grow legs, gain momentum, get shared and get to the ears of a person who can take you to the next level in terms of management or recording,” he continued. “I love that aspect of the industry now. Every artist can be so easily independent and run their own show in terms of social media, gigs and branding. If you run your own show to the point of noticeable buzz and you have the goods the breakthrough will happen. You’ll get opportunities,” he added. Brian concluded by saying that he hopes one day to write and record his own album, and establish a successful career. “My hopes for the future would be to release music I’m proud of and believe in, tour and be involved in the production/writing of as many great musical projects as possible.”

Brian Farrell

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

NIGHT LIFE • BARS • NIGHTCLUBS • CINEMA • SOCIAL • ARTS

Pictured enjoying social dancing in the Kilteevan Community Centre were Fiona Kilmartin, Annette Dolan-McGeeney, Sharon Dolan and Will Keane. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured enjoying social dancing in the Kilteevan Community Centre were Trisha and Tom Killion. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured enjoying social dancing in the Kilteevan Community Centre were Celia and Mattie McLoughlin. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured enjoying social dancing in the Kilteevan Community Centre were Willie and Mary Teresa Coffey. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured enjoying social dancing in the Kilteevan Community Centre were Hanorah and Pat Byrne. Picture: Andrew Fox

Pictured enjoying social dancing in the Kilteevan Community Centre were Josie Morris and Seán Kenny. Picture: Andrew Fox

Kilteevan Social Dance a success

Members of the Kilteevan Community Development Committee, back row (l-r) Dion Hegarty, Martha Fallon, Brian McNeela, Brian Carroll, Trisha Killion and Seamie O’Neill. Front row (L-r) Will Keane, Sharon Dolan-McGeeney, Neil McManus and Michael Spellman. Picture: Andrew Fox

Despite heavy frost a massive crowd descended on Kilteevan Community Centre last Friday for the first Social Dance hosted be Kilteevan Community Development Group. The Band, J&S Sound, kept dancers on the floor late into the night and despite the harsh weather those dancing inside the centre were kept warm with a selection of waltzes and jives. A much-anticipated raffle was held. The winners were: €100 cash (Killteevan Gun Club): Housing staff, Longford County Council; €100 cash (Kilteevan Wheelers): Tommy Quinn; €100 voucher (Rachel Feeley Designs): Shane Hegarty, Donegal; €100 hamper (Castlemine Farm Shop): Tom Killion, Carramore; €100 voucher (Gannon’s Furniture): John Gaffney; €100 cash (St. Joseph’s GAA): Albert Looby, Killeenboy; €100 voucher (Top Oil Ltd.): Margaret Smith, Killeenboy; €100 voucher (Service Matters): Eileen McGuinness, Enfield, Co. Meath; €100 cash (Triest Press Ltd.): Charlie O’Reilly, Strokestown; €100 voucher (Tesco): Peter Murtagh, Newtowncashel. The next Social Dance will take place in Kilteevan on Friday, April 22nd with music from the Liam Mannering Band.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

WinterHeating&Insulation

Some cheap and cheerful tips to help keep your home warm this winter < MIRIAM KERINS

il prices have hit

their lowest in over a decade! Yep, that was the lead story on RTE’s 2fm news last week, leading me to ask myself the question…is oil now cheaper than water; and with Applegreen, one of the country’s leading petrol stations being quoted as making a prediction that we could actually see a further drop in prices, perhaps now is the time to fill those tanks folks. However, if you live in a badly insulated home (and, like a lot of people, unfortunately we do), then you could end up wasting an awful lot of your hard-earned cash this winter because, no matter how much turf you throw on that fire – and hubby has the range going 24/7 – or how often you top up that oil tank, the fact is that a poorly insulated home, with only single-glazed windows, even ones you’ve insulated, and where the insides of the external

walls are actually so cold your fingers nearly stick to them, will in my view require a serious rethink of your heating situation. As such I have a few tips that I hope will get you started. During the day, make sure to open those curtains wide and allow the sunlight, yes, even the watery winter sunlight, to freely shine through. However, as soon as night falls, close them again in order to try and form a bit of a barrier to heat loss and to try and reduce those draughts. If possible, buy some nice ceiling to floor lined curtains – you’ll pick them up in the January sales – and hang them on the inside of your front door; this will do two things…(1) make a lovely colourful feature around your door frame and (2) help to eliminate those bitterly cold draughts. While you’re buying those curtains, why not invest in a rug and use it as a decorative wall hanging to add a pleasant

texture and break up the monotony of that impersonal, cold-to-thetouch wall, and to provide extra insulation, giving your room warmth and depth. You could repeat

this theme throughout the house, bringing it right up to the bedrooms by hanging cheerful, fun and graphically designed rugs behind beds to create a cosy atmosphere.

If you have radiators, make sure they’re not blocked by furniture, after all, there’s no point in heating the back of a chair or a bookcase now is there?

And finally homeowners, why not check out www.citizensinformation.ie regarding the Better Energy Homes Scheme whereby grants are provided in order

to help improve energy efficiency in your home covering the following criteria; wall insulation, high efficiency boiler installation, solar heating and roof insulation.

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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“For all your winter home heating and insulation requirements at keenest prices, please contact us on the below numbers or call in to our shops for advice & assistance from our staff” Tibohine, Frenchpark Tel: 094 98 70007 Fax: 094 9870104 Elphin Tel: 071 96 35470 Fax: 071 9635462 Castlerea Tel: 094 96 20033 Fax: 094 9620478

Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister for Older People, is pictured as she launches OFTEC’s new oil heating guide to help older people to ‘Keep Warm this Winter’, with Breda Sargent, OFTEC Ireland manager David Blevings and Head of Advocacy for Age Action Ireland, Justin Moran.

DELIVERING KEROSENE & HEATING OIL TO YOUR HOME

DECLAN GERAGHTY (086) 2543304 ROSCOMMON (090) 6634645 / (087) 9824500 WILLIAMSTOWN (094) 96 43355

Guide to help keep older people warm this winter

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FTEC Ireland, Age Action and Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Older People, officially launched a free guide, offering key advice to help older Roscommon people using oil home heating to stay safe and warm throughout the winter period. The guide, which is being distributed throughout Ireland, was created by OFTEC, which represents the domestic oil heating and cooking industry in Ireland, in conjunction with Age Action. Following the success of the campaign which launched for the first time last year, Minister Lynch is once again lending her support to the campaign to highlight the important issue of excess winter deaths and raise awareness of how those at greatest risk can keep safe and warm this winter. Kathleen Lynch TD, said: “With harsh winters posing a very serious threat to the health and wellbeing of older people across Ireland, it’s essential that older people know what they can do to keep their fuel bills low and stay warm and well over the winter months. I’m pleased to once again support this guide which not only provides money saving tips, advice on energy efficiency and oil tank security, but also information on heating payments and schemes for older people. It also contains useful phone numbers and general

Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister for Older People, is pictured as she launches OFTEC’s new oil heating guide to help older people to ‘Keep Warm this Winter’, with OFTEC Ireland manager David Blevings and Head of Advocacy for Age Action Ireland, Justin Moran.

guidance on staying warm and is a must have reference guide for all older people throughout Ireland.” Age Action will be distributing the guide throughout its network of offices and shops and the guide is available free of charge. Alternatively, a digital copy is available to download from both the OFTEC and Age Action websites. David Blevings, Ireland Man-

ager of OFTEC, said, “We’re delighted to launch this campaign with Age Action, now in its second year. Approximately 600,000 homes in Ireland use heating oil as their primary heating source so we feel it’s vital to provide older people with as much information as possible to help them save money and keep warm through the coldest part of the year.”

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Athleague – Co. Roscommon. T. 090 66 63311 / 090 66 33033. M. 087 8512921

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Most improved areas for Connaughton Fuels are: THE SPINNEY, HAWTHORN DRIVE, GLENVIEW, LISNAMULT

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Seasoned Log Bags

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

WinterHeating&Insulation

DIVILLY FUELS GLENAMADDY, CO. GALWAY

Telephone (094) 96 59920 or (086) 2622294

Special Offers for January 2016 40kg Polish Coal €17.50 or 5 for .............. €82.50 40kg Polish Doubles Coal €16.00 or 5 for ...€75.00 40kg Stove Coal €17.50 or 5 for ................€82.50 40kg Smokeless Coal €17.50 or 5 for .........€82.50 40kg Smokeless Nuggets €16.00 or 5 for ..€75.00 40kg Cosyglo Gems €17.50 or 5 for .......... €82.50 40kg Arigna Ecobrite €17.50 or 5 for ........ €82.50

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- Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed For Professional Advice Contact: JOHN HEGARTY

APPROVED INSTALLER

090 9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Tel:

Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

A touch of glass with Doyle & Sons Q

uality windows and doors not only help your home to stand out; they also provide security and warmth all year round. With a record in business over five decades, Sean Doyle & Sons offer:

timber, PVC, Aluclad and aluminium windows with double or triple glazing. Triple glazing is perfect for saving on heating bills during long, cold winters. Sean and his fully insured fitters can also re-

move those old windows and doors and have your home sparkling this year. Contact Sean Doyle & Sons on 090 6626753, email info@seandoylewindows.ie or log onto www.seandoylewindows. ie.

Keep warm without the cost this winter W

inter has

arrived and keeping your home warm can be a costly business. Worry not, we have some money saving tips to prevent your blood running cold at the sight of bills. Firstly, there’s probably no need to have your thermostat set to 35 degrees, unless you’re trying to acclimatise for a trip to the Sahara. Simply turn it down to a comfortable 20

Sean Doyle & Sons CIRCULAR ROAD, ROSCOMMON Whitestown Business Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Over 35 years in business!

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degrees. Lowering by just 1 degree can knock 10% off your heating bill. Follow the 30-minute rule. Heating switches off 30 minutes before bed and comes on again 30 minutes before you get up in the morning. Programme your heating so that you can control it throughout the day. Lowering it or switching it off when it’s not needed will save on energy costs. Only heat the rooms you are using and turn off the heating when you’re not there or heading away for a few days. Programmable heating can help with this. Remember to draught proof windows and doors as this can prevent precious heat from escaping. Finally, service boilers yearly to improve overall energy efficiency by 10% and if changing your boiler consider a condenser as they are more energy efficient.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

WinterHeating&Insulation

Hot tips for more affordable heating < MIRIAM KERINS

ith the snow falling

all around me this week making me feel bitterly cold right through to my bones, and with my current (huge) electricity bill needing to be paid, making me feel red hot with anger and leading me to wonder if perhaps I’m paying to generate the national grid, I thought that it was about time I looked into the benefits of changing my energy supplier. You see, being the loyal type I tend to stay with the same energy, internet, mobile ‘phone and digital TV supplier; I mean, better the divil you know, right? However, to be honest, given the latest radio ads I hear these days regarding great deals for new customers, I’m not only beginning to feel like I’m being neglected and overlooked as a faithful devotee by my suppliers; I’m also feeling, that, as a loyal customer of many decades, I’m getting well and truly screwed!

So folks, if, like me, you’ve been with your energy supplier for many years, it’s quite possible you’re not getting value for money (then again it’s also possible you are), either way, my advice to you this week is to shop around and use some price comparison sites like www.bonkers.ie or www. uswitch.ie or www.moneyguideireland.ie or others; these are just examples, or why not just chat with friends and neighbours to see what their packages, bundles and bills are like. Your next step is to gather all the information, making sure to tick all of the boxes relevant to your specific situation, contact your supplier, read them the facts and see if they can better or at least match the quotations of their competitors…all the time bearing in mind that energy suppliers need you…the consumer! However, if you do decide to switch suppliers, thanks to the energy regulator, this can be

done smoothly and efficiently so don’t worry about any disruption to your power, don’t worry about hordes of high viz, tool belt wearing workmen or women coming to your home and setting up camp because the only difference you should notice is a changeover in the supplier’s name on your bill and hopefully the lower charge at the bottom of it. So, you’ve done the research and decided it’s time to make the move and change your electricity or gas supplier… what’s the next step? Armed with your unique MPRN number for your electricity or your GPRN for gas, both printed on the first page of your bills, and your meter readings so your old supplier knows where to stop billing and your new one knows where to begin; make contact with both organisations. You’ll need to provide your new supplier with billing details and bank details if you’re paying by direct debit,

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TERMS & CONDITIONS All prices on a cash and carry basis. Delivery charges will apply. Offers subject to availability. Prices are subject to change without notice. Prices are correct at the time of print. Prices quoted are inclusive of VAT. Images are for illustration purposes only.

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

On a Budget? Don’t worry…you can still have the Wedding of your Dreams < MIRIAM KERINS

kay, so you’ve got

Christmas out of the way and now the serious ritual of tying the knot begins; yes folks, wedding season is upon us with every spare moment being taken up by plotting, planning, budgeting, booking, emailing, Facebooking and threatening your chief bridesmaid with certain death if she gets pregnant because that slinky little number you’ve planned for her leaves no room for alterations! You might think I’m joking folks, but when I had the honour of being a chief bridesmaid for a Dublin friend many years ago she actually warned me and her other bridesmaids not to get either ‘pregnant’ or ‘put on weight’ in the run-up to her big day! You see, bless her, the budget was so tight she didn’t want to have to pay for any alterations. I told her there was no fear of me becoming pregnant; I was done in that department; besides, if I wanted to hear the pitter patter of tiny feet in our house again I’d just pop a pair of crocs on my Jack Russell. However, while all brides

want to have their big day, unless you’re one of the three winners who shared the $1.6bn from last week’s US Powerball Lottery, I’m afraid now is the time for the pair of you to start channelling your inner Michael Noonan and Brendan Howlin and make a budget, because, as anyone will tell you, getting hitched doesn’t come cheap; that said, it doesn’t have to break the bank either and there are some creative ways in which you could shave a good few hundred euro off the bill while still throwing a first class event giving both you and your guests a day to remember. A lot of venues offer discounts for weddings booked midweek or even booked during an off peak season, say in November. However, do your research because I’ve found that there are some wonderful venues right here in Roscommon whom, because of their obvious opulence and grandeur, might appear to be too expensive and, sadly, may go overlooked. However, once you chat with their helpful wedding coordinators you’ll find they’re only too happy to tailor-make a bespoke wedding

befitting your budget meaning you get more bang for your buck by hosting your big day in your dream venue, even if it means having to cut some costs with the likes of fancy chair covers or centre pieces so massive and garish they take up half the table space. So do check out that local historic castle or that friendly family hotel. While you’re at it, get your skates on and pop into those lovely shops all over Roscommon who are now holding their post-Christmas fairy light and decorative, scented candle sales and nab a few bargains for your tables. Sign up for TV shows like RTE’s brilliant reality series ‘Don’t Tell the Bride,’ or other such shows or competitions whereby you could actually be lucky enough to have either all, or a good portion of your wedding budget covered; depending on your expensive expectations. The purse on offer for the lucky couples featured on ‘Don’t Tell the Bride’ is €10,000. So, if you’ve both got high hopes but a really dodgy budget, why not send an email to info@cocotelevision. ie, they’re a lovely production company who make the series

Wedding Showcase at The Shamrock Lodge Hotel

Sunday 28th February 2016, 3pm‡6pm Showcasing our newly refurbished Ballroom and Honeymoon Suite

Let Our Family Look After Yours at The Shamrock Lodge Hotel Clonown Road, Athlone, CoÆ Westmeath wwwÆshamrocklodgehotelÆie E∫ info@shamrocklodgehotelÆie T∫ 090 649 2601

for RTE. Sure it’s worth a go, isn’t it? In addition, why not sign up to the mailing lists of every local florist, bakery, wedding dress maker and designer and dress hire company you can find because they won’t be shy about letting you know when they’ve got their big sample sales and discounts on offer. If you decide to do your own hair and make-up – this is a bit iffy unless you’re actually very talented at creating the difficult eyeliner flick. I’m not, but luckily for me my eldest is an award-winning hair and makeup artist who sorted me out for my wedding day; otherwise I’d have ended up looking like an aging drag queen auditioning for the lead in Priscilla Queen of the Desert. My advice is to stalk the beauty counters in your friendly local pharmacy for trial size samples, end of line or near their sell by date products. I’m sure they’d be delighted to help you out; however if you are going the DIY route, make sure to practise in order to perfect your look. Remember, just because the Kardashians are experts at contouring it doesn’t mean that you are.

Wedding Showcase at Shamrock Lodge Hotel P

roud finalists in the

WeddingsOnline ‘Hotel Venue of the Year Leinster’ which is voted by the public, The Shamrock Lodge Hotel will host a Wedding Showcase on Sunday, 28th February from 3 pm to 6 pm. The most important day of your life deserves a special setting and that setting is The Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone. Come along and be wowed by the wedding venue, where our newly-renovated ballroom will be transformed to allow you to experience what the team can do to make your day that little bit different. Having spent the month of January on refurbishments, the team are very excited to

showcase the changes that have been made. Their Honeymoon Suite, beautifully named ‘The Princess Grace Suite’, will also be showcased having been completely renovated in late 2015. At the end of a treelined avenue the hotel proudly sits on its own private grounds and well-manicured gardens providing the perfect backdrop for those all-important photographs. Couples can enjoy an entire fairytale day from their exchange of vows in the beautifully decorated Shannon Suite and later dine and dance the night away in the banqueting suite which creates a superb setting for guests to relax and enjoy the occasion. At The Shamrock Lodge Ho-

tel you will begin your married life with your family and with ours. The family team have been giving happy couples their professional assistance for over 20 years and are only too happy to guide you with any aspect of your day. With packages to suit all tastes and budgets, we welcome you to come and visit the hotel for our Wedding Showcase to show what we can offer you on the most important day of your life. Special winter and mid-week packages as well as a few other special features will be available on the day. For more information, call 090 6492601 or email info@ shamrocklodgehotel.ie for further information. (Advertorial).

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

Abbey Hotel Roscommon inviting all recently engaged couples to their

Wedding Showcase This Sunday, 24th January from 2-6pm. FREE ADMISSION

All couples who book will get a selection of redeemable Discount wedding supplier vouchers & a 10% discount on all wedding packages booked on the day.

Enquiries call 090 6626240.

Congratulations to Louise Comer and Sean Conneely who were married recently in St. Patrick’s Church, Glenamaddy. Reception was held in Abbey Hotel, Roscommon. Photo by Maurice Sirr Photography.

Weddings at Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens

rom the moment you first arrive at Lough Rynn Castle you will realise it is no ordinary venue, from the drive up the tree-lined avenue, the magnificent castle comes into view. Perfect for a grand affair, the ballroom at Lough Rynn Castle provides

an exquisite décor that sets the tone of opulence underneath magnificent chandeliers. Our grand ballroom offers a picturesque floor to ceiling glass backdrop for the top table, overlooking the woodlands and a view of the lake in the distance. It is a stunning

location for your wedding celebration. The romantic setting and breathtaking views are matched by creative menus and impeccable service. The wedding meal is imperative to a wedding reception, our award-winning Executive Chef, Clare O’Leary and

her team are passionate about food, with a clear focus that ensures the highest standard of quality and presentation, using the best local suppliers in the region. Planning your wedding is part of the excitement of getting married, so allow our very experienced wedding team to assist you in every way possible. The long established team at Lough Rynn are renowned for their friendly attitude and personal approach, ensuring exceptional attention to detail on all aspects of your special day, and always with a professional and educated flair. With its magnificent walled gardens, it truly is a special venue for your wedding day, a perfect place to start your new life together. For more information contact the sales team – email: enquiries@loughrynn.ie, tel: 071 96 32700. Visit: www.loughrynn.ie. (Advertorial).

Wedding Showcase at Abbey Hotel this Sunday

et a taste of the splendour of

an 18th Century Castle Manor setting at the Abbey Hotel Wedding Showcase this Sunday (24th January). The Abbey Hotel in Roscommon town has been hosting weddings and events of distinction since 1963 and offers wedding packages to suit your individual style and budget. This event is a must for recently engaged couples as all couples who book

with us will receive a selection of wedding supplier vouchers and 10% off all wedding packages on the day. So come along and meet our expert team this Sunday with free admission from 2-6 pm. You can contact the Abbey to discuss their range of 2016/17 wedding packages by calling Wedding Co-ordinator Aishling McConn on 090 6626240 or email weddings@abbeyhotel.ie – don’t forget to mention LOVEWEDDINGS.

Meet some of the management team at the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon: Tom and Geraldine Grealy, Elaine McNamara and Adrian Grealy.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

Glasson Country House Hotel – a wedding venue with a difference I

Call us to arrange your personal show around

f you are looking for a

wedding venue ‘with a difference’, with stunning panoramic lake views and superb food, then you have to pay a visit to Glasson Country House Hotel and Golf Club. Situated just outside the quaint village of Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Glasson Country House Hotel could be your ideal wedding venue. As you enter the gates and drive down ‘The Avenue’, with its ancient beech trees, you are welcomed by stunning panoramic views out over the golf course and the inner lakes of Lough Ree. Your arrivals reception takes place in a private room, blessed with floorto-ceiling glass, designed to make the most of the spectacular setting, with a roaring ‘real’ log fire. When you walk up the feature spiral staircase, you will once again get the ‘wow’ factor. The elevated setting further enhances the views and you can relax on the spacious balcony after your delicious meal. The quality of the food and the warmth and efficiency of the service are both key elements of the success of all the weddings at Glasson. Glasson have been consistently receiving excellent feedback; have a look at www.tripadvisor.com to see for yourself.

Let the wedding experts at Glasson help you arrange your special day. They are more than happy to tailor their sample packages to suit your own particular requirements. Your wedding guests can enjoy four-star luxury with the added bonus of being able to choose from a private cruise, a game of golf or an on-site massage for the ‘day after’. The hotel are proud to introduce the award-winning planning software Moposa – a fantastic tool that will help all brides and grooms with the wedding budget, RSVPs, the seating plan and much more. Confirm your booking at Glasson and you can relax, knowing that they will take care of your every need on your special day. Please contact the hotel on 090-6485120 or by email at info@glassoncountryhouse.ie if you wish to arrange your own personal viewing. Maybe take the time to arrange an appointment now. Feel free to visit Glasson’s website, www.glassoncountryhouse.ie, to register your wedding enquiry details. As a family-owned and managed property, you can be assured of a genuine commitment to making sure that you, your families and all your guests have a truly memorable occasion at Glasson. (Advertorial).

or Trip Advis ’ Travellers s ard Choice Aw r – Winne 2015

Telephone: 090 64 85120 E: info@glassoncountryhouse.ie www.glassoncountryhouse.ie

Congratulations to Pat Hession, Tuam, Co. Galway and Therese O’Reilley, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon who celebrated their wedding reception at the Abbey Hotel on Saturday, 3rd January. Pic: Liam Carroll

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

Exciting new collections at Marian’s

MARIANS

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE BRIDGE STREET, BOYLE, CO. ROSCOMMON Tel: (071) 96 62031 • Web: www.marians.ie

Marian’s on RTE’s Today Show on Monday

ere at Marian’s

of Boyle we are constantly sourcing new and exciting labels and we are excited with the beautiful new collections now in store! Marian’s – simply stunning! Marian’s are showcasing fashion for mother/bride/groom on Today Show with Daithi and Maura on RTE1 next Monday afternoon (25th January) so don’t forget to have a look!

Marian’s has been making ladies feel glamorous, elegant and confident on their special occasion since 1954

Whether it be Mother of the Bride/Groom, stylish

MJ Farrell: Creating bespoke wedding rings for generations

hen it comes to wedding rings, whether you’re purchasing the latest fashion trend, converting your grandmother’s ring into your very own wedding ring, or choosing a bespoke style to match a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, there are few people as well placed to help you as you make your decision as jeweller Aidan Farrell, of MJ Farrell, Church Street, Roscommon. The company has been supplying wedding rings for over 100 years and Aidan now has over 30 years’ experience in the business. When asked about the trends Aidan has noticed in recent years, he immediately mentions the diamond-set wedding ring, a feature of many weddings in recent years. However, wedding rings are also something very traditional and designed to be worn for life, so when choosing a ring, bear in mind that you want something which will wear well and which will not date. “The Ladies ring, while fashionable and maybe set with

many diamonds, it must also be practical and wearable in the workplace that they can wear to work,” said Aidan Farrell. “The trend of wearing engagement rings all the time is waning and many people get a diamonds in the wedding ring and wear it on its own.” A very big part of the business at MJ Farrell is the creation of bespoke wedding rings. “People get engaged all over the world and they come back with an unusual and exotic engagement ring and they have to get a fitted wedding band which will complement the engagement ring,” said Aidan. “We specialise in hand-making bespoke designs to match the engagement ring in gold or platinum.” The price rise of metals, such as gold, on the commodity market means that people are looking for value for money now more than ever and that’s just what Aidan aims to provide at MJ Farrell. With a history of one hundred years of wedding rings in the family, MJ Farrell have now provided generations of Ros-

common men and women with their wedding rings. “It’s part of the tradition for many Roscommon families. We have people coming all parts of Ireland and indeed further afield simply because their parents got their ring here.” Wedding rings are often associated with the bride-to-be, but men also have a large range of options to choose from. The designs vary in terms of colour and diamond set, as well as cut, but in general Irish men are more conservative than their European counterparts and sales of diamond set wedding rings would not be as big in Ireland as in Europe. Most wedding rings are engraved with the name of the spouse and the date of the wedding. Aidan said: “It is very useful for men to have the date of their anniversary on the inside of the ring, because then there is some chance that they might remember the date!” Contact MJ Farrell on (090) 6626233 or email mjfarrell@ eircom.net. (Advertorial).

Church Street, Roscommon www.mjfarrell.com

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day Martina’s Fashions Ballygar, Co. Galway. Tel.: (090) 66 24561

Sale starting this Friday, 22nd of January 20% - 50% off selected lines Gift Vouchers Available (Image for illustration purpose only)

• Variety of Accessories • Catering from sizes 10-24 • Hats and Fascinators For Hire • Selection of Kiddies Wear also in stock

CASTLE STUDIOS

Ballindrimley, Castlerea

Specialising in Wedding DVD Service provided for: Video to DVD Conversion Service, Weddings, Home Movies, Holiday, Sporting, Concerts, VHS to DVD, Camcorder to DVD, Photo to CD/DVD, Music to MP3, Editing Service, Musicals, Plays, Corporate Work, Conferences, Football matches and all types of sport.

Office: (094) 96 20610 Mobile: (087) 2308152 Email: info@seanbrownevideo.ie Web: www.seanbrownevideo.ie

Fairytale Brides Specialising in Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaids & Flower Girls

Capture your wedding day on video with Sean C

apturing your special day on video provides you with a family heirloom to keep for generations and Seán Browne, from Castlerea, a videographer with over 25 years experience, is renowned for his emphasis on quality productions at affordable prices. Sean is a well-known figure around Castlerea and County Roscommon. He has been involved in the wedding video business for over 25 years, operating primarily within the counties of Roscommon,

Leitrim, Galway, Mayo and Sligo. In that time, he has built up a very strong reputation, based on his relaxed manner and professional services. Sean’s style of capturing your big day is based upon one important thing – your wishes. “It is totally up to the bride and groom on how we interact with them and their guests during the wedding day,” said Seán. “If you prefer a discreet documentary-style of recording, that is how we will approach the shoot. If you like more interaction

with some set-up ‘funny shots’, then once again this is no problem. “Regardless of what style you select, you can be assured that your wedding day video will be produced by an artisan who aims to deliver a family heirloom.” Seán uses Panasonic broadcast quality cameras for all of his wedding videos to ensure that his customers get the very best in picture quality. Good sound quality is the mark of a professional videographer and Seán uses the latest wireless

sound technology to ensure that the ceremony and speeches are recorded to the highest standard. Castle Studios is the title of Seán’s videographer business and he has carried out extensive work for a number of corporate clients over the years. Seán regularly captures all the main sporting action for the GAA and he is available for all types of functions and family gatherings. Contact Seán on 087-2308152/0949620610 or emailseanbrowne@eircom.net (Advertorial).

Louise’s Beauty Salon – for your special day L ouise’s Beauty

Salon in Roscommon has been preparing brides for their big day for over 13 years. Clients have the option of visiting Louise at her studio in Roscommon town or having Louise visit them wherever they are across the county and

beyond. Louise offers a range of bridal packages to suit everyone’s tastes with all packages tailored to suit each individual bride. It is your special day after all! Louise’s Beauty Salon offers a wide range of product and Louise uses Italian make-up brand,

Royal Effem, for long lasting and beautiful looks. Louise also offers tips and advice and you can view some of her work on Louise’s Beauty Salon Facebook page. You can also get in touch with the beauty salon directly on 090 6637939. (Advertorial).

Main St., Delvin, Co. Westmeath www.fairytalebrides.ie

For Appointment Tel: 044 966 4620 / Text: 087 6340064

Athlone Road, Roscommon T: 090 6627500 E: triestpressroscommon@eircom.net

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

My guide to the dreaded ‘Best Man’ speech < DAN DOONER

Beauty Studio

1 Slieve Ban View, The Walk, Roscommon Telephone:

et’s face it, as

proud as you were of being asked to do Best Man at the wedding, you are dreading the speech. This speech has to cater for everyone, without offending anyone. Yes, that probably means the story about the groom running naked through the nightclub in Santa Ponsa needs to be left out. Fear not however, we have some helpful tips to help you avoid embarrassment or a family brawl. Firstly, nobody really wants to hear about the ex-girlfriend, regardless of how funny the story is. Leave the ex at the door. Keep in-jokes out. You may know the groom really well but that doesn’t mean everyone at the wedding does. So keep it obvious. For example, if the hapless hubby is built like Paul O’Connell: “I hope you like the venue for today’s celebrations,

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as it wasn’t easy having it taken down and reassembled around Patrick for the day.” Always, always compliment the bride, even if she looks like Paul O’Connell

mid-maul. The groom, however, is fair game, so go nuts! Know your limits and keep growing inter-family relations in mind. The last thing you want is to

offend or upset the bride, or even other guests. Keep any really embarrassing stories to yourself and remember to thank everyone involved in bringing the day together.

Weddings by

Strokestown 071 9633300 | info@thepercyfrenchhotel.com

Exclusive Offers available on remaining early 2016 dates Newly Refurbished Ballroom Now Open Now Taking Bookings for Weddings Dinner Dances - Family Gatherings For further information or to make an appointment, please contact a member of our dedicated sales team on 071 9633300

Finally, relax as much as possible and don’t drink too much before you start. Otherwise you’ll end up slurring your words saying something you’ll regret!

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

Shearwater Hotel – the perfect place for your special day S

hearwater Hotel is a beautiful, four-star modern hotel on the River Suck, Ballinasloe; an ideal location for local and long-distance weddings. From the moment you step into the magnificent marble foyer, you and your guests will be wowed by the sheer elegance of the hotel and its beautiful ballroom. When it comes to weddings, the dedicated wedding team at Shearwater Hotel understands the importance of having a seamless, effortless and memorable day. They are dedicated to creating lasting wedding memories for you and your guests. The hotel is renowned for its warm welcome, freshly prepared and locally sourced food with excellent friendly service. You can relax in knowledge that your guests dining experience will be of a high standard. The Plaza Ballroom can cater for intimate civil ceremonies and receptions from 50 people to a maximum of 400 guests. They can cater for formal and informal style weddings and welcome new creativity for

each individual wedding. After all, no two weddings are the same! The Plaza Ballroom has wall-to-wall glass, where double doors open out onto a large and private outdoor seating area with white umbrellas, fairy lit outdoor trees, colourful flowers and outdoor candlelight. All brides and their guests can avail of Heather & Earth Spa pre and post-wedding packages. They can provide full hair and makeup the day after your big day, making the whole experience stress-free. Wedding packages include: choice of arrival music; cocktail reception on arrival with tea, coffee and signature cupcakes; classic fully dressed ballroom, with chair covers, fresh flowers, candlelit candelabras and evening buffet; Complimentary one year leisure membership; and exclusive discounted spa packages. For more information, call the Shearwater Hotel on 0909630400 or log on to www. shearwaterhotel.com/weddings. (Advertorial).

Clare Frances Photography – professionally capturing your big day

ou’ve chosen a date, picked a location, and chosen a band. The next part is organising your photographer! Your wedding photographs will be the key keepsakes from one of the most important days of your life. Inevitably they will even help to shape your memory of the event, so it is important that you choose the right photographer! At Clare Frances Photography, the joy of capturing two people in love on the most special day of their lives is so special. Clare commented, “At each wedding, I will capture your wedding day in a creative, colourful, fun and candid manner…unfolding the emotions, the action and spirit of the day as unobtrusively as possible. My objective is always to bring quality right from the capturing of those special moments through to the printing process of your wedding album. I want your album to be unique in every way and different to those of your peers.” The selection of albums Clare offers will suit every couple’s style and all albums are chosen from prestige designers, with

lifetime guarantees. Clare feels it is important to choose a photographer that matches your own vision and style! Remember you will be inviting your photographer to your big day. Clare added, “As an experienced photographer, I consider myself a creative, fun relaxed person who enjoys a laugh. I look to keep things relaxed and loose. On the other hand, there are parts of the day which require the utmost professionalism while continuing to

make things fun for everyone involved.” Clare Frances Photography boasts a range of wedding packages to suit all couples’ budgets! You can find all her work on her website www. cfphotographer.com, or if you wish to contact her, you can email info@cfphotographer. com or call 085-7047080. Clare will be happy to answer any queries you may have and would be honoured to have the opportunity to capture your wedding day!

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

Imagine…. perfect beginnings at Hodson Bay Hotel

t Hodson Bay Hotel it is the little touches that allow us to create the perfect moments for your wedding day to mark the beginning of your life together. As your family and friends raise a glass to you, our dedicated Wedding Management Team will stand proudly by, ensuring no stone is left unturned to provide you with the

perfect celebration. Hodson Bay Hotel has earned its reputation as one of Ireland’s leading wedding venues. Offering a spectacular location on the beautiful shores of Lough Ree, elegant banqueting suites, excellent food and service combined with the wealth of experience and the dedication of our team, Hodson Bay Hotel will strive to create the wedding recep-

tion of your dreams. We pride ourselves on our superb cuisine and menu offering which is one of the most important aspects of any wedding reception. Our award-winning Executive Head Chef, Gavin O’Rourke, and his team will make sure that no attention to detail is spared when preparing sumptuous meals for you and all of your guests with

Dedicated to helping you achieve theWedding of your dreams the very best of fresh local and Irish produce. We are delighted to announce our 2016 Winter Wedding Fair which will take place on Sunday the 21st of February from 3-6 pm. Come meet our wedding team with over 22 years experience as one of Ireland’s top waterside wedding venues. Meet our range of exhibitors from photographers and bands, to florists and videographers, and choose that perfect wedding cake! Sample our wonderful wedding menu with a complimentary tasting

where you can meet our Executive Head Chef Gavin O’Rourke and his team. Be inspired by our wonderful fashion show in association with Catwalk Model Agency, with an array of wedding party and guest attire. Finish the day with a live showcase by the Bentley Boys, this is an event not to be missed! For further information on all of our wedding packages, please contact our wedding co-ordinator Lisa Wykes on 090 6442000 or weddings@ hodsonbayhotel.com. (Advertorial).

Tel.: 09066 30444 info@futureflowers.ie Lanesboro Street, Roscommon Town

Andrew Fox Photography ROSCOMMON TEL: 089 4146620 WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES

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Your perfect day....all taken care of Meet our wedding team & a wide range of wedding suppliers. View our stunning ballroom and bridal penthouse to the sounds of ‘Eden’ and ‘The Bentley Boys’, and get your fashion ¿[ at our bridal catwalk show.

Come dine with me!

Join me to taste and discuss how we can make this the most memorable meal of your lives. *Pre-booked consultations only. E[ecutive Head Chef Gavin O’Rourke

Wedding Fair

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Gavin ORourke

FEBRUARY 21st from ϯͳϲWD

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day Rosebud Weddings - Ireland Wedding Decoration Hire & Handmade Wedding Stationery

Proprietors: Gerry & Caroline Tobin Loughenbrine, Kiltormer, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway

Phone: 086

0510 501

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osebud Weddings are on hand to relieve some

Luxury weddings at Cromleach Lodge L

uxury Weddings

are the heartbeat of Cromleach Lodge whose expert team are committed to making every couple’s day unique and strive to ensure the highest standards are achieved in doing so. Their wealth of experience and passion ensures that no request is too big and no detail is too small when it comes to a couple’s big day.

Located just off the N4 Sligo to Dublin road, Cromleach is central to idyllic surroundings and overlooks the stunning Lough Arrow. Guests will banquet on fine dining cuisine as they soak up the panoramic views and breathtaking scenery from the Grainne & Diarmuid Suite which can seat up to 210 comfortably. Alternatively couples can treat their

LODGE Cromleach Lodge 4 Country House Hotel & Ciúnas Spa Lough Arrow, Co. Sligo

guests to a BBQ in their log cabin, which can seat between 120-150 and comes with your own personal chef. Cromleach’s contemporary culture means they cater for any wide range of alternative ceremonies including humanist and shamanic, to name but a couple. They have their finger on the pulse and have a constant eye on the evolving trends so they

can meet the needs of wedding couples today. Overnight wedding show rounds are encouraged and popular. Cromleach have created a show round package which enables a couple to sample all aspects of the hotel from the luxurious bedrooms to the award winning cuisine at Moira’s Restaurant and soothing Ciúnas Spa. Deirdre Ryan is our dedicated Wedding Co-

ordinator and treats each wedding enquiry on an individual basis tailoring each package to suit the requirements and wishes of each couple. Book a private consultation with Deirdre today by emailing deirdreryan@ cromleach.com or calling 071 91 65155. Please visit www.cromleach.com for more details. (Advertorial).

Privately Owned & Managed by Moira & Christy Tighe Moira’s Fine Dining Food & Service Unique Unique Homely Homely Athmosphere Atmosphere Stunning Views from Wedding Suite

of the stress involved in planning your big day. We offer services which cover the finer details and provide beautiful finishing touches to your wedding venue. Services include wedding decoration hire for church, receptions, and ceremony, including: flower arrangements, chair covers, rose arch, etc. We also offer handmade wedding stationery, ceremony booklets, wedding candles and handcrafted silk bridal bouquets. So to add that flourish to your special day, contact Gerry and Caroline today on 086-0510501/email: rosebudweddingsireland@gmail.com

● Award winning luxury wedding venue overlooking Lough Arrow, Co. Sligo ● Private show arounds available every Saturday & Sunday in January & February 1-5pm. No appointment needed! ● Award winning food & restaurant quality service for your wedding guests

Making luxury affordable Tel: 071 91 65155 www.cromleach.com

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

Glamorize FASHION ACCESSORIES

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ant to really sparkle on the big day? Glamorize, Roscommon, Castlerea and Ballina have everything you could possibly need for the big wedding. With a fantastic range of fascinators, wraps, occasion bags, gloves, jewellery, tiaras and pearls, Glamorize truly is your one-stop shop for all wedding accessories.

WEDDING GUESTS & BRIDES We stock special occasion bags, fascinators, hair jewels, pearls and various finishing touches to accessorise your outfit.

So, for a wide range of various finishing touches at very competitive prices why not call into our stores in Roscommon, Castlerea and Ballina to see the range for yourself! For more information contact the Roscommon store on 090 6634961, the Castlerea store on 094 9622776 or the Ballina store on 096 75571. (Advertorial).

Call into our stores in Roscommon, Castlerea & Ballina to see our range

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You Decide the Flavours, You Decide the Style & Our Dedicated Staff Will Do The Rest Sweet Cart & Cake Stands Available to Hire To Make an Appointment, Contact us By Phone: 0906625940 or email: info@molloysbakery.ie Check Out Our Website: www.molloysbakery.ie

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

Thinking of taking the plunge this Leap Year? We’ve got some advice for you < MIRIAM KERINS

I’m sure it hasn’t escaped all those lovelorn ladies out there that next month we have an extra day at the end of February; a quirky little tradition

devised by Julius Caesar to keep our calendars in sync, bringing them in line with the seasons. Okay enough with the Phenology already. (Ah ya didn’t think I knew that word did ya). February

29th or Leap Year is also an ancient 5th century tradition that many believe began right here in Ireland when, legend has it, St. Brigid complained to St. Patrick that women were forced to wait too

long for the lads to pop the question. He agreed and decreed that one day every four years, i.e. 29th February would be the day when women could propose. However, poor Biddy, desperate to walk

Connaught

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up the aisle with the tea towel on her head, immediately dropped to one knee and proposed to Paddy who refused her by gently kissing her on the cheek and offering her a silk gown for her trouble. Scarla for her! But back to now, and as a recent survey carried out by games company PopCap found that ten per cent of you are planning to do the bizzo and propose this Leap Year, we thought it was important that we at the Roscommon People, helpful little Cupids that we are, would offer you some advice regarding not only making that proposal a memorable one but making sure it’s accepted. However, just in case it’s not…and we don’t want to put the mockers on it, but, if you are, er, rejected, according to folklore, the ungrateful creep, sorry, intended, has to buy you twelve pairs of gloves to hide your hand from the embarrassment of not wearing an engagement ring. But I prefer the way the Brits used to deal with rejections; they actually used to levy fines

on anyone who refused a proposal and proper order I say, and if you were a clever girlie you could go around collecting rejections and earning enough fines for a nice little deposit on a house; besides, what the hell is wrong with these people anyway, how dare they reject you; sure you’re a great catch! However, despite your best mate trying to talk you out of it, if you want to go and bite that bullet (and you’re running short in the glove department), then you go girl. However, if the pair of you happens to be going through a bit of a rough patch and you’re using a Leap Year proposal to try and cement over the cracks in your relationship, step away from the jewellers now and rethink the situation. Don’t overdo the romantic gestures, and instead keep it low-key and light-hearted. You see men in particular may feel a bit put out or feel they’re being outdone; especially if you make a big deal by having a public showcase. It’s usually us women who

enjoy the pomp and ceremony of having an oohing and aahing appreciative audience. Instead opt for a fun gesture like having a nice meal or an overnight stay in your favourite hotel or even plan a healthy hike together. If the unthinkable happens and he says no, I’m afraid you’ll have to deal with it. Accept his rejection gracefully and try to come to terms with the fact that this relationship isn’t right for you; you’ve had a lucky escape girl; put down the scissors, his suits aren’t worth shredding, walk away with your dignity in tact because he just doesn’t deserve you.

The versatile shop that really ﬁts you S ince opening its doors in June of 2013, The ZipYard Athlone has grown to be one of the top garment alterations locations in the region. Apart from providing the very important repair and mend service used by us all, The Zip Yard Athlone has also concentrated on and developed a specialised bespoke service, which brings individual designs and styles to life for the one-off fashion item. Due to increased demand, the ZipYard Athlone designed a dedicated Bridal area within the store, offering privacy and space for the bride to be and her entourage to begin the important work of ensuring the dress is fitted exactly to compliment her body shape. The Zip Yard Athlone staff are accredited and trained by Julie Cobbe of stylefish.ie to understand body shapes and to advise on how you can maximise to your advantage the best way to present your dress, which will compliment your body shape. As your wedding day is one of the most important days in your life, The ZipYard Athlone operates on an appointment

basis so as to ensure you and your entourage have lots of time, total privacy (no one getting a sneak peek in advance!) and most of all a dedicated and highly experienced seamstress who will be with you from the first day you meet to the day you collect your dress to wear on your big day! The ZipYard Athlone wants to

ensure that you will: Look your very best Feel totally comfortable and confident in your dress And – most importantly… ‘WOW’ your husband-to-be, families and guests as you walk up the aisle! It’s your day; we would love to be a small but important part of it!

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

Elaine & Mark Donnelly Nov. 13th 2015

T hey said “I Do...” T hey said “We Love...” T hey tell us Why... Join us at our Wedding Showcase Sunday 24th January from 2pm to 5pm

“We had our reception in the Shearwater and we could not say enough about this hotel and its staff. It is a fine hotel. The reception area and Plaza suite is just beautiful. We were so happy with how our wedding day went. From the day we went to the Shearwater we knew straight away that this was where we were going to go book. Nothing was a problem and they made our wedding day a dream come true. I cannot recommend this venue enough”.

Shearwater Hotel, Marina Point, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway Tel: 090 963 0400 Email: Weddings@shearwaterhotel.com Website: www.shearwaterhotel.com/weddings

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

Sheraton has thought of everything for your special day Wedding Fair this Sunday

t Sheraton, we believe actions speak louder. For your wedding, that’s something we bring to life in everything we do. You’ll see it in our preparation. You’ll feel it in the passion of our staff and you’ll taste it in every plate that leaves our kitchen. Extra special things, perfectly timed things and ‘they even thought of that!’ things. At Sheraton Athlone, you’ll experience the difference long before your big day arrives. It starts with our team. Warm, approachable and dedicated to making your wedding day a memory you’ll treasure forever. Erica Kelly, our Wedding & Events Executive, has helped organise every style of wedding imaginable. From the opulent and wonderfully ‘over the top’ to the personal and perfectly sized. Whatever questions you might have and no matter how unique you’d like your celebrations to be, Erica has the answers and the experience to

help make it happen. Rory Gabriel, our Executive Head Chef and Christine Shine, our Head Sommelier, complete the core team. Rory will create a menu that’s all about you, full of little flourishes and personal details to delight your guests. Christine will help you plan a drinks menu to match, with wine and food pairings that sing together in harmony and cocktails or craft beer options that are bang on trend. As a venue, here in the Sheraton you couldn’t ask for more. You’ll enjoy our breathtaking two floor bridal suite with full-length windows and spectacular views from our iconic Sheraton Towers. It’s the perfect place for those finishing touches with the girls beforehand and a beautiful place to wake up as newlyweds afterwards. We also have a private roof garden for relaxed outside entertaining and capturing photographs with family and

friends. Then it’s time for the celebrations to really begin. Our exquisite ballroom is beyond compare. Host your guests in the sparkle of our stunning Swarovski chandeliers and let the party flow. On your wedding day, you’ll see why the Sheraton really shines. The red carpet is rolled out for the bridal party with a champagne welcome on arrival. While behind the scenes, your team of three multiplies in numbers exponentially to deliver a sublime level of service effortlessly. For everyone on our team, all that preparation and planning, all the thought and all the attention to detail is worth it. Because at Sheraton, we know these small things… make your big day. Sheraton Athlone Hotel’s wedding fair takes place this Sunday from 2 pm-5 pm. To attend, please RSVP to Erica on ekelly@sheratonathlonehotel. com or 090 64 51000. (Advertorial).

‘We wanted something special…it was perfect’

WIN 2 nights in Sheraton’s fabulous ‘W London Hotel’ RSVP TO ENTER ON: 090 645 1000

ABBEY HOTEL TESTIMONIAL (Erin Jo and John Killion) ‘When John and I began searching for a wedding venue in Ireland, we knew it had to be something special, something out of the ordinary. While John was born and bred in Roscommon, I am American, and we knew we would have a lot of overseas guests coming to our big day with high expectations for a lively Irish wedding. I am also half-Jewish, so we needed somewhere that could accommodate different cultures and backgrounds, but seamlessly integrate these with a traditional feel of an Irish wedding for John’s side of the family. Furthermore, it was important to us that the venue be able to accommodate people with disabilities as well as food allergies, as we had guests with both of these requirements. If the list wasn’t long enough already, we also needed some place that was reasonably priced; both of us only finished college a year before our wedding after all! We thought with all those requirements it would be a struggle to find a suitable venue, but the Abbey Hotel in Roscommon turned out to be the perfect place for our wedding reception.’

View from our bridal suite

Wedding Fair January 24th, 2-5pm At Sheraton, we believe actions speak louder. You’ll feel it in the passion of our staff and you’ll taste it in every plate that leaves our kitchen. Because at Sheraton, we know these small things...make your big day.

09064 51000 | weddingsbysheraton.com

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Planning your Wedding Day

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

PropertyPeople Sean Naughton MIPAV COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS, AUCTIONEERS, VALUERS, ESTATE AGENTS THE SQUARE, ROSCOMMON TEL: (090) 6625080 ((offi office) ce) Mob: 087 2479486 — Fax: (090) 6627161 Email: seannaughton@eircom.net

FINAL OFFERS NOW BEEN ACCEPTED DRUM, ROCKFIELD, ATHLONE, CO. ROSCOMMON Semi Derelict old residences set on approx one acre for sale at Drum, Rockfield, Co. Roscommon. Offers fantastic opportunity for the right person FINAL OFFERS NOW BEEN ACCEPTED. ----------------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY CREGGS, GLENAMADDY, CO. GALWAY 3/4 bedroom residence, with a large garden at Creggs, Glenamaddy, Co. Galway. Accommodation consists of Kitchen Cum Dining Room, Sitting Room, Dining Room, Utility, 3 Bedrooms and Family Bathroom. OPEN TO REALISTIC OFFERS

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

LAND TO LEASE AT FOURMILE HOUSE, CO. ROSCOMMON 147 acres of good quality land with slatted sheds and number of outbuildings to rent for 6 year term at Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon. PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

Variety of residential properties on offer from Sean Naughton Sean Naughton is delighted to offer to the market a number of residential properties in County Roscommon. A stunning three-bedroomed bungalow is for sale by private treaty set in a mature gardens at Havan, Knocknacunnagh, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Accommodation includes kitchen cum dining room, living room, three bedrooms and bathroom. The property boasts many additional features including OFCH & Aga range in kitchen and mature landscaped gardens. The property has additional benefit of a 2-acre bog included in the sale. This property has been tastefully refurbished and is in turn key condition and viewing is highly recommended. Offers in the region of €90,000. Also new to the market is a stunning three-bedroom bungalow for sale by private treaty set in a mature gardens at Grange, Fourmilehouse, Co. Roscommon. Accommodation includes: kitchen cum dining room, living room, three bedrooms, bathroom, toilet and whb. The property boasts many additional features including OFCH, mature gardens, and large double garage with rear entrance. Also on offer this week is this well maintained four-bedroomed bungalow located at Carna Brickna, Roscommon within walking distance of the town centre just off the main Castlerea to Roscommon Road. Accommodation consists of: four bedrooms (one ensuite), kitchen/dining room, living room utility and family bathroom. This property has may additional features. The master bedroom benefits from a walk in wardrobe and en-suite, built in wardrobe in two bedrooms, new bathroom with Jacuzzi bath, OFCH and remote controlled gas fire. Finally on offer returned to the market due to cancellation, 18, The Paddocks, Athleague, Co. Roscommon five-bedroomed detached residence for sale located at the front of The Paddocks housing estate on the outskirts of Athleague village. Accommodation includes: five bedrooms (one en-suite), living room, kitchen cum dining room, utility, downstairs toilet and washhand basin and family bathroom. The property boasts many additional features including OFCH, master en-suite, bedroom with walk in wardrobe, pine fireplace, garden areas to the front and rear. Viewing is highly recommended. For further details, please contact Sean Naughton Auctioneers on 090 6625080 or email seannaughton@eircom.net.

www.propertypartners.ie Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon. Tel. 090 66 26579. Fax: 090 66 25405. EMAIL: jearley@propertypartners.ie

REA Seamus Carthy – “We’re coming to bring you home” REA Seamus Carthy have launched their biggest ever property marketing campaign which includes a brand new Property Exhibition of all their properties which will take place in: Fitzpatrick’s Hotel, Grand Central, New York City on Thursday, 3rd March. As part of the Real Estate Alliance Group, with 55 offices all over Ireland, this exhibition has already attracted a vast amount of interest among the Irish Community in the U.S. While already comprehensively marketing properties via the major Irish property websites: Daft. ie MyHome.ie; REA.ie and Auctionroom.ie, REA Seamus Carthy also comprehensively target the UK market via the UK-based website www.Rightmove. com. In order to ensure maximum exposure for the New York Property Exhibition entitled ‘We’re Coming To

Bring You Home’, there is currently an extensive PR and marketing campaign underway in the USA. This exhibition forms part of the biggest marketing campaign in REA’s history. In addition to prime newspaper coverage, it will also feature on prime time radio advertising. The ‘We’re Coming To Bring You Home’ campaign is as a direct result of the number of Irish emigrants who have bought or want to buy properties back home in their native county. REA Seamus Carthy are now seeking properties to satisfy this interest, such properties include hotels, pubs, investment properties, country homes, lands and quality family homes. Seamus Carthy noted: “In what is still a challenging property market, one has to consistently listen and react to market demands. In the last quarter of 2015,

we sold residences, businesses and investment properties to purchasers based in the USA. People are returning to Ireland to buy these properties given Ireland’s recovering economy and the very favourable exchange rates on the US Dollar at present. “Returning home to raise a family or for other personal reasons are some of the key drivers for US based individuals and quality family homes or business opportunities are particular sectors of the market that we are keen to address.” New York New Market – Be a Part of It as we bring homes, businesses, land and investment properties from all over Ireland to the New York REA Property Show. List your property today to ensure your property gets maximum exposure and the best price: REA Seamus Carthy, Director, on 090 6630001.

Final offers sought for luxury bungalow John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley is this week inviting final offers over €175,000 for a luxury four-bedroomed residence of c.1,750 sq. ft. incorportating garage located at Slevinagee (adjacent to the Golf Links Road), Roscommon town. John describes the property as: “A highly attractive residence located in a most sought after residential location convenient to Roscommon Golf Course and Roscommon town. Standing on a beautifully mature, private and spacious site area, the said property briefly comprises of reception/hallway, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, w/c, garage area, four bedrooms in all with master ensuite and family bathroom. “Externally, the property benefits from spacious and mature lawns to front and rear and a detached garage of c. 200 sq.

LONDON AND NEW YORK EXHIBITIONS

For greater exposure of your property and to have same listed in our forthcoming London & New York property exhibitions, contact the office for a free property appraisal. -----------------------------------------------------------------

FOR LEASE

A PRIME GARAGE PROPERTY LOCATED AT LANESBORO ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN ADJACENT TO

ARDCARNE GARDEN CENTRE & GARVEYS HARDWARE.

A PRIME PROPERTY OFFERING AMPLE PARKING AND LARGE SERVICE YARD.

This said property offers c. 3,600 sq ft of show rooms, administration and sales offices, toilets, stores, workshop and service bays. The said property is serviced by electric roller doors and access via large double gates to a spacious tarmacadam yardway at rear. The said property offers prime location on the edge of Roscommon town for which the Auctioneer invites viewing and offers. BER: D1 LEGAL: MESSERS HUTCHINSON DAVIDSON & CO, BALLINASLOE, CO. GALWAY. 090 96 42143. -----------------------------------------------------------------

LAST 3 HOUSES REMAINING

QUALITY 4 B/R SEMI-DETACHED & DETACHED RESIDENCES LOCATED IN THE LUXURY

ft. Altogether, this is a quality property to come on the market in a highly select area for which the auctioneers now invite final offers after €170,000 to sell.” For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley, FIPAV of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 6626579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.

“CHESTNUT GROVE” DEVELOPMENT, BESIDE TULSK VILLAGE, CO. ROSCOMMON.

Public houses from €80,000 Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are this week offering to the market three prime public houses located in County Roscommon with prices starting from only €80,000. John Earley commented to the Roscommon People: “We have experienced a very busy period of sales with the reemergence of significant interest in public house in all areas. The value to be found at present holds excellent business opportunities for the right clients wishing to get into the licenced premises sector. “We presently have three properties in County Roscommon with prices starting at €80,000 for a substantial residential

public house in a village setting, a self advertising residential public house on a busy western route from €100,000 and up to €250,000 for a primely located trading house with quality residential accommodation in a prominent town. We now invite enquiry and viewings.” For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley, FIPAV or David Diffley MIPAV, Property Partners Earley, Stonecourt, The Square, Roscommon on 090 6626579, email jearley@ propertypartners.ie or log onto www. propertypartners.ie. Find us on facebook at www.facebook.com/propertypartners. earley.

Quality semi-detached & detached residences located in a select residential development beside Tulsk village and all amenities. 4 B/R semi detached from €80,000. 4 B/R detached with garage from €105,000. BER: C3 – D2. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and enquiries. LEGAL: MESSERS KANE TUOHY, GRAND CANAL QUAY. D2. (01) 6722233.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

PropertyPeople Strong demand across Roscommon with Pat Hughes This week Pat Hughes is reporting that there is a strong demand for all types of property in and around Roscommon at present. Pat is confirming that they have on offer at Porteen, Dysart, Roscommon a circa 20-acre residential farm. The residence is in need of total modernisation. The land can be sold in a number of different lots to suit. The company also has for sale at Clooneigh, Kilteevan circa 60-acre residential farm with river frontage. Approximately 30 acres of the lands would be suitable for planting. The residence would be in the region of 50 years old and is structurally sound. This would be an ideal start up or family home. At Racecourse Road, Roscommon Pat has on offer a block of four one-bedroomed apartments which is finished to a high standard and fully let at present and generating an annual income of approximately €16,500. At The Grove, Kilteevan, Hughes & Company are offering for sale a large five-bedroomed bungalow on an elevated site located convenient to the village. Pat is considering every offer in excess of €180,000 for this well finished five-bedroomed property. At Moher, Lanesboro, Pat is offering an impres-

– SALES BY – PAT HUGHES & CO. LTD. AUCTIONEER & VALUER ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. TEL: 090 66 27003 FAX: 090 66 26296 EMAIL: phughes2@eircom.net

Kilteevan

Moher, Lanesboro

sive four-bedroomed bungalow with a large garage and stores to the rear. The site is totally private and is located less than half a mile off the main Longford to Roscommon road. Viewing is highly recommended. Hughes & Company are offering for sale a three-bedroomed townhouse located in Roscommon town. Offers in excess of €100,000 are being considered. The company also has for sale at Ballinagard Road, Roscommon two sites. One has the benefit of full planning permission. Offers in excess of €60,000 are being considered. At The Walk, Roscommon the company are offering for sale a large site with outline planning permission, offers in excess of €70,000 are being considered.

The Grove, Kilteevan

Hughes & Company are urgently looking for all types of farm land to rent for a number of clients at present. If you are thinking of renting or leasing your lands Pat has a number of customers interested. Top prices are being paid. Due to recent sales Hughes & Company urgently require all types of properties in and around Roscommon town. They have a cash customer urgently looking for a three bedroomed bungalow on its own ground. Must be convenient to the town centre. For further details on all properties on offer with Hughes & Company call Pat and talk to him. Let him advise you – his advice is free. Contact the office on 090 6627003 or email phughes2@eircom.net.

New to the Market – For Sale GREENMOUNT HOUSE, STONEPARK, GALWAY ROAD, ROSCOMMON

The property is a four bedroomed 2 storey residence on circa ½ acre site located convenient to Roscommon Town. FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE ON 090 6627003 OR E-MAIL PHUGHES2@EIRCOM.NET

Sale of the week at Seamus Carthy

---------------------------------------------------------

New to the Market for Sale At ARAGHTY, ATHLEAGUE, ROSCOMMON

REA Seamus Carthy is delighted to confirm another successful sale of a prime detached house situated at Dromod, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. The residence was a three-bedroomed dormer-style bungalow on five acres and had a guide price of €155,000. The sale closed this week and the successful purchasers were based in the UK. To list your property for sale, contact Seamus Carthy at Goff Street, Roscommon Town on 090 66 30001.

Circa 27 acres of top quality lands. The lands can be sold in 1 or more lots to suit. For further details please contact the office. ---------------------------------------------------------

FOR SALE

Bales of Hay & Silage Convenient to Roscommon Town.

NEW TO THE MARKET

ATTRACTIVE TRADITIONAL STYLE RESIDENCE WITH A RANGE OF STONE OUTBUILDINGS ON 0.93 ACRES

QUALITY DETACHED 4-BEDROOM HOME –

2 BEDROOM TOWNHOUSE –

SCREGG, KILKEERIN, CO. GALWAY

Seamus Carthy of REA Seamus Carthy have this week placed a traditional 3 bedroom country cottage with outbuildings situated on a 0.93 acre site (.38 Hectares), 3 km from the picturesque village of Kilkeerin, Co. Galway on the market. The said residence comprises of a Living Room, Central Dining/Sitting Room, Shower Room, Kitchenette, Utility and 3 Bedrooms. O.F.C.H. Externally, the property benefits from a number of stone traditional outbuildings and a 2 bay hay shed. Separate vehicular access available to both the cottage and the land via a side roadway. Enquiries now invited. For further details, please contact Seamus Carthy of REA Seamus Carthy on 090 6630001 or email seamus@reacarthy.ie

GUIDING €140,000 AUGHRANE, BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY

GUIDING €35,000 10 STATION ROAD, BALLAGHADERREEN, CO. ROSCOMMON

Seamus Carthy of REA Seamus Carthy have this week placed an attractive 4 bedroom detached dormer bungalow on a site area of 0.21 hectares, situated on the outskirts of Ballygar village on the market. The said residence extends to 192sq.m. and comprises a kitchen, sun room, sitting room, playroom, 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Located on a quiet, established residential road convenient to the village of Ballygar. Enquiries are now invited. For further details, please contact Seamus Carthy of REA Seamus Carthy on 090 6630001 or email seamus@reacarthy.ie BER: C2: No.107831026

Seamus Carthy of REA Seamus Carthy have this week placed a finished 2 bedroom Home attractively set within a small residential estate, “Station Road” on the outskirts of Ballaghaderreen town on the market. the property is situated within a central location overlooking an open green area and is exceptionally convenient to all amenities in the town of Ballaghaderreen. The property briefly provides a kitchen, separate sitting room, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. Enquiries are now invited. For further details, please contact Seamus Carthy of REA Seamus Carthy on 090 6630001 or e mail seamus@reacarthy.ie BER: D1 BER No.107741365

GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON TOWN

T: 090 66 30001

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Classifieds

Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

WEEKEND ON CALL EMERGENCY ROTA From 6 pm Friday 22nd to Monday 25th January for Medical Emergencies Please Contact WESTDOC FOR APPOINTMENT On: 1850 365 000 EMERGENCY SURGERIES WILL BE HELD ON SAT 11am TO 12 Noon OR 4pm TO 5pm AND SUN 11am TO 12 Noon.

All Patients must Contact WESTDOC on 1850 365 000 for an appointment for these surgery times.

DOCTOR SURGERY

NEW GP PRACTICE DR. ALEXANDRA ROBINSON G.P. ABBEY STREET MEDICAL CENTRE, ROSCOMMON (Has taken over Public patients from Dr. Carmody Morris)

Public and Private patients welcome FAMILY PLANNING SERVICE: Mirena Coil, Implanon, Copper Coil by appointment SURGERY HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday MORNINGS: 9.30-11.30am: Walk in Surgery AFTERNOONS: 2.30-4.30am: By appointment WEDNESDAY (AFTERNOON): CLOSED

FREE CAR PARK AVAILABLE AT REAR OF SURGERY

PHONE: 090 66 25650

DENTAL

ACCOUNTS

Dental Design Studio • Natural Cosmetic Dentures • Palate Free Dentures • Flexible Dentures • Repairs & Re-lines • Express replacement of lost/broken dentures

Patrick Lynch Clinical Dental Technician

Henry Street Medical Centre Roscommon TELEPHONE: 090 66 65917 087 228 8780

NEED HELP IN COMPLETING YOUR TAX RETURNS Eg. Farmers, B&B, Rental Income, help with school grant applications. Contact Margaret on 087 6430717.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS ST. COMAN’S CLUB, ROSCOMMON

ACCOUNTS ACCOUNTANTS AND TAX ADVISERS To farmers and small businesses at fees that the small businessman can afford. Advice and consultations free. Pat Baxter & Company, Accounting Services, Clondra. Tel: (043) 3326125, (087) 2251591.

Tuesday 1pm; Tuesday 9pm; Thursday 1pm; Thursday 9pm; Saturday 8.30pm; Sunday 12 noon Phone: (01) 4538988 or (091) 767777.

BOUNCING CASTLES ROSCOMMON CASTLES

Email: clondra@iol.ie Web: www.patbaxterco.ie

MCGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES Catering for: • Individuals • Sole Traders, Partnerships & Companies • VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours Provides training for start your own business and basic computers and accounting. Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’ Contact Nuala 090 66 25818 (086) 0352849 Email: mcgacco@gmail.com Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

• New Crocodile 50ft Obstacle Course • Soccer Stadium • New Castles with slides - all weather obstacle courses • Pillow Basher and big slides

Phone No: (087) 4136355

BALLYGAR Bouncing Castles Super Slides – Combi Units – Sumo Suits – Activity Trailers (all weather) – Marquee Hire - New Obstacle Courses • Keenest rates • FULLY INSURED

TEL.: (087) 2315448 or (090) 6624797 Find us on facebook BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT FOR COMMUNIONS/CONFIRMATIONS

CAREERS

CHIROPODIST

CAREER ASSESSMENT & ADVICE

PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.

Grace O’Reilly B.Sc. Psych., B.Comm., H.Dip. in Ed., MBPS & PSI Registered Occupational Psychometrician Assistance with: • Interview Preparation • CAO & UCAS Course Application • Subject & Course Choice • Study Skills / Exam Preparation

CONTACT: Abbeyside House, Abbey Street, Roscommon. Tel . 090-6630760. Email: abbeysidehouse@ eircom.net Facebook: www.facebook. com/careersgraceoreilly Opening Hours: 9 am - 5.30 pm, Mon-Fri.

CHIMNEY

New power brush and vaccum technology Can clean from the bottom up, eliminating broken roof tiles. Also firebacks replaced and flues repaired. Fast efficient and no mess guaranteed. Carpentry and General Repairs TV Aerial and Satellite

Tel: 087 2798704 CHIMNEY CLEANING

• Home visits • Insoles and Orthotics prescribed

CHIROPODY

Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie

For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233

Mary Lennon SRN, HSE Approved. Galway Road, Roscommon

(090) 66 26023 086 8225575

ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC Specialising in:

• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN

Phone: (086) 8433433

Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland

BUPA & VHI Covered

CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimneys (Power Sweep and Vacuum - no mess) - Openfire - Stoves - Ranges Oil Boilers serviced and repaired Carpets and Upholstery cleaned Satellite and Digital TV Installation All areas covered Tel: 071 91 97984 Mob: 086 2495851 www.connaughtchimney cleaningservice.com

DC Computer Services Providing IT services for Homes, Businesses & Schools. Home Callouts. No Fix No Fee. PC Maintenance – Upgrades, Repairs, Virus & Spyware removal. Network Solutions – Cabling, Hardware & Software Installation & Maintenance. Contact David Conboy Tel: 087 7496459

Department of Health Approved Every Monday - Cuan Aire Resource Centre, St. Patrick’s Street, Castlerea

CHIROPRACTOR CHIMNEY CLEANING & REPAIRS

COMPUTERS

CLEANING SERVICES < CARPET AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING: Carpets dry immediately (25 years experience). Get years longer from your carpets and suite by having them professionally cleaned. Phone John Higgins or Gerard Cuffe at CLEAN & DRY - 086 2328291/087 1689521

Please call us on 090-6634633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

SYL’s

School of Motoring

Learn to drive from approved Driving Instructor SPECIAL RATES FOR BEGINNERS AND STUDENTS Gift vouchers now available

Call (085) 1348779

O TOW WI RN T TH EA SYL’s School of Motoring

Have you a licence to tow a trailer? Car/Jeep & Trailer Training available

Contact: 085 1348779 COUNSELLING COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY Are you effected by Anger Issues, Bullying, Bereavement, Confidence/self esteem issues, OCD, Stress, Depression, Eating disorders Panic/Anxiety, Relationships, Exam pressure, Sexual Abuse Call Billy (094) 96 59966 Mobile (086) 0675433 or visit www.billybrogan.com

DRIVING LESSONS NOEL’S Driving School ADI/RSA Approved Driving Instructor Reg No. 37840

Tuition in Car Car available for test

EDT LESSONS AVAILABLE Contact: Noel Burke Ballintubber

087 6870248 www.noelsdrivingschool.ie Email: noelsdrivingschool@gmail. com

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2.30PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

DRIVING LESSONS

DOCTORS’ ROTA

Paul McStay DSA/ADI (UK) RSA MIAM ROSPA Approved Driving Instructor Former BSM Driving Instructor and UK advanced Met. Police Driver. GIFT VOUCHER CARDS AVAILABLE Castlerea & Roscommon

EDT Lessons Available Telephone: (094) 96 20099 Mobile: (086) 8936012 This driving School conforms for the new RSA regulations & legislation

DOCKERY’S SCHOOL OF MOTORING • ROSCOMMON

R.S.A. Approved Driving Instructor Tuition in Car Also 16 seater mini bus Car Available for Tests Gift Vouchers

(094) 98 80281/ (087) 2031909

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Classifieds DRIVING LESSONS

JOHN DOORLY School of Motoring RSA REGISTERED AND FORMER DRIVER TESTER

Excellent pass rates CAR - 12 EDT LESSONS CAR & TRAILER (B&E) TRUCKS - RIGID, ARTIC & CPC

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

TEL: 086 2387528 www.aclearsteerdriving.com

Learn to drive with ....

Roscommon Driving School CONTACT: (090) 66 61102 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Webb’s Butcher’s 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715. < FOR SALE: Good quality silage, double wrapped and double chopped. Athleague/Fuerty area. Tel: 085 7482187. < FOR SALE: 65 bales of silage. Off re-seeded, fertilised land in Kilrooskey area. Tel: 087 9958195. < FOR SALE: 50 bales of good silage, near Frenchpark. Tel: 086 3497865. < SILAGE BALES FOR SALE: Loughglynn area. Tel: 094 98 80280.

FOR HIRE

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: New complete double divan bed including leather base and headboard, memory foam pocket sprung mattress. Still in packaging. Retail €950, will sell for €240 including free delivery. Tel: 086 4438919. < FOR SALE: 6 timber doors, suitable for out-houses/sheds. €100 for the lot. Glenamaddy area. Tel: 086 2200520.

GARDENING GATELY GARDENING Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on (086) 8749550 or (090) 66 27496

● Amatsu Therapy ● Neuromuscular therapy

& orthopaedic sports massage

Appointments with Anne: Molloy’s Pharmacy, The Harrison Centre, Roscommon

Tel: 087 2721757 www.aobtherapies.com www.facebook.com/ AOBTherapies

HOLISTIC SEAMUS HUNT

PARKLAWN TREE SERVICES • Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped. Comprehensive insurance cover. I.S.A. member. Telephone: (086) 6077307/(086) 8125165.

• Massage & Sports Therapist • Holistic Massage • Injury Assessment & Treatment • Ultrasound & Infra Red Available

Tattie Hoaker, Health Store, Goff Street, Roscommon Phone: (086) 1930766

www.parklawntreeservices.com

DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE Woodchipping & Shredding Splitting service also available Insured and c2 Registered Contractor

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd., Creggs

DANGEROUS TREE REMOVAL SERVICE • Woodchipping • Log Splitting • Tree Surgery • Hedge Cutting

Bernard Conroy Timber Clearance Ltd Tel: 087 2533101 or 090 66 22328 Wishing all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year

RM TOOL HIRE Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon Hire – Sales – Repairs – Construction DIY & Garden Equipment Mini Digger Hire Tel: (090) 6630700 Mobile: (087) 8299628.

HEALTH & WELL-BEING

HEALTH & WELL-BEING JOAN MOORE Therapy Rooms • Sports Massage • Deep Tissue Massage • Reflexology • Indian head Massage • Reiki • Aromatherapy Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon

(087) 9201818 Gift vouchers now available

Find us on facebook

KATHLEEN KELLY M.I.R.I.L. • Reflexology • Reiki • Indian Head and Shoulder Massage • Gift Vouchers Available • Evening appointments available

Tattie Hoaker, Health Store, Goff Street, Roscommon

Phone: (086) 3614230

IRONING SERVICE < IRONING SERVICE AVAILABLE: 18 Abbey Street, Roscommon. Wash and dry. Call in or tel: 089 9883802.

KENNELS HAPPY TAILS BOARDING KENNELS Lanesborough WHERE TAILS ARE ALWAYS HAPPY! • Large heated sleeping areas with large covered runs • Nine large play areas • Secure, Safe and fun for our guests Check out our website www.happytails boardingkennels.com 043 33 30804 083 0037577

KENNELS

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

LISBROCK BOARDING KENNELS & CATTERY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic

Brideswell, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

18 years experience in treating babies to adults

• Spacious Kennels provided • Spacious exercise areas outside • Short Term - Long Term boarding welcomed • Dogs walked on request. Micro-chipping service now available.

For further details contact Mary (087) 6162191 or Barra (087) 9764250. www.lisbrockkennels.ie Members of IBKCA

MACHINERY FOR SALE < FOR SALE: 1990 Zetor tractor 5211, good tyres, running well. Bale lifter and spike, old Belmac topper. Transport box, all in good condition. Call Pat 089 2527886.

MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION

MINDFULNESS & MEDITATION 6 WEEK COURSE STARTING TUESDAY 26TH JANUARY TIMES: 10am & 7.30pm WHERE: Roscommon Primary Care Centre Given by a Mindfulness Trainer

For more details and to book, please text or phone:

086 8394323

MUSIC TUITION TUITION AVAILABLE IN • Piano • Electronic Keyboard • Modern Electronic Organ INCLUDING: • Reading Music • Ad-lib • Playing • Creative Song • Arranging, etc All ages and abilities welcome Tuition given in your own home by experienced tutor and professional musician.

For details telephone: 087 1952666 No text please

Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes Can we help you? Call us today to enquire

Ph. 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com

Located at Henry Street

PERSONAL & SOCIAL < GENTLEMAN WOULD LIKE TO MEET lady companion. Roscommon/Athlone area. Please reply to Box No: 858, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon.

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We are applying for planning permission for demolition of existing dwelling house and erection of replacement dwelling house and domestic garage, with treatment plant and percolation area, and associated site development works at Carrownderry, Kiltoom. Signed Padraig and Grace Carney. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions , or may refuse to grant permission.

MORRIS LOHAN Consulting Engineers Castle Street, Roscommon Phone: 090 66 27950 • PLANNING APPLICATIONS • ASSIGNED DESIGN & CERTIFIER ‘New Building Regs’ • BER RATINGS ‘Domestic & Commercial’ • STRUCTURAL & CONDITION SURVEYS • FIRE DESIGN CERTIFICATES

www.morrislohan.ie

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Patrick Liam Harpur intend to apply for planning permission to Roscommon County Council for the following development: To Construct a New 4 Bay Slatted Cattle Shed and Farmyard Manure Storage Pit, together with all associated Site Works at Deerpark Td., Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Signed: P Durkan & Associates. Telephone: 071-9630037 Mobile: 086-1600385 Email: padraicdurkan@ eircom.net

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, County Roscommon SITE NOTICE I, Joe Keyes, intend to make an application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect a 6-bay slatted cattle shed with lie-back area, concrete silage base, concrete work apron and all associated site works at Knock, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Joe Keyes Site Notice Erected: 19/01/2016

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without condition, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Joseph Higgins intend to apply for planning permission to Roscommon County Council for the following development: To Construct a New 5 Bay Slatted Cattle Shed, a New 3 Bay Solid Floored Cattle Shed and a New Concrete Silage Base together with all associated Site Works at Creaghnakirka and Culleenrevagh Townlands, Hillstreet, Carrick On Shannon, Co. Roscommon. Signed: P Durkan & Associates Telephone: 071-9630037 Mobile: 086-1600385 Email: padraicdurkan@ eircom.net The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without condition, or may refuse to grant permission.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of James Brennan to erect a sheep shed, sheep holding pen and associated siteworks at Carrigan More, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. Ph: (087) 2222874, seamusmurray60@gmail. com The Planning Application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and that submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Acceptance of an advertisement or payment therefore is not to be taken as implying guarantee that the advertisement will be published. The right is reserved to refuse to insert any advertisement, without giving any reason; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisement previously published, without compensation for any loss or damage claimed for non-publication. Publication of an advertisement cannot be guaranteed on a specific week or at all, whether or not a particular week has been stipulated by the advertiser, and the company will not be liable for any loss claimed by such omission, whether from all editions or any particular edition or editions of the paper. Right is reserved to alter any advertisement without liability for any compensation for such alteration. Further, the company does not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccuracy in the printing of any advertisement.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Niall and Helen McSharry intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to refurbish and extend existing dwelling, install new proprietary effluent treatment unit and percolation area to replace existing septic tank, associated site development works and services at Carrownskeheen, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Gaynor Architectural & Design Services Ltd. Architects, Fallon Avenue Roscommon. Phone 090 6626974 086 8115449 The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

PROPERTIES TO LET/RENT CHAZEY PROPERTIES: We require properties for waiting tenants, we advertise, conduct viewings, arrange references, read meters, set up tenancy agreements and arrange direct debit payments straight into your bank. We charge a one off fee only if we are successful in renting your property. If not no fees are payable. Call (086) 8212732.

< ROOMS TO LET: Athlone Road, Roscommon. Contact: 087 8048853. < TO LET: 3 bed apartment in Roscommon Town. Contact 087 1272457.

PSYCHIC DOLORES PSYCHIC MEDIUM CLAIRVOYANT REIKI HEALER

• Tarot & Angel Card Reading • Honest & Confidential • Spiritual Guidance • Need Direction? Phone for an appointment (090) 66 23898 or (085) 7857191

Athleague

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

REFLEXOLOGY

SOULMATES

REFLEXOLOGY

SOULMATES - DON’T BE ALONE, LOVE IS ALL THERE IS: Find that special person for friendship and romance with likeminded people. Confidentiality assured. Tel: 087 9216302/087 7720250.

MARINA FUREY (MNRRI) African & Classical Reflexology/ Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Eczema • Migraine • Back Problems • Gynaecological Disorders • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Insomnia • Stress • Exam Stress • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Colic • Pain Relief • Emotional Disorders - Hand Reflexology - Foot Reflexology - Infant/Child Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)

Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook

SEPTIC TANKS

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03

TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

SITUATIONS VACANT INTERESTED IN WORKING IN CHILDCARE? Full training and work experience provided to become a qualified Early Years Educator. To be eligible for this training and employment programme, you must be 21 years of age or over and are in receipt of a social welfare/DSP payments for 1 year or more. Successful candidates will receive a top up payment in addition to your Social Welfare/DSP payment. Free childcare may also be provided. Vacancies throughout county Roscommon.

For further information please contact Kara or Linda on 094 98 70111 or 087 6486457

SITUATIONS WANTED < CHILDMINDER AVAILABLE: FETAC Level 6. Registered with Roscommon County Childcare. Knockcroghery area. Contact 086 4025452.

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

Pete’s Cabs

Roscommon

SPECIAL NOTICES TRACING ANCESTORS I AM TRYING TO LOCATE the Irish Ancsetors of my Great Grandparents, who were from County Roscommon. My Greatgrandfather’s name was Denis Ward, who was born in 1834 approximately. My Greatgrandmother’s name was Mary Fannon (Fannin) who was born in 1833 approximately. The couple’s first child was born in the United States (Pennsylvania) in 1855. I have been to Ireland, searching in Genealogy Centres, but so far have not had any results. If anybody has information on my ancestors, can you please contact me at the below email or postal address. I would be very grateful for any information, anyone may have. Marilyn J. Sachtjen 12917 N. North Park Road Newman Lake Washington 99025 USA

TAXIS AND HACKNEYS

PADRAIG HEALY Wheelchair accessible Car & Mini Bus Hire Call car direct

(086) 2714879

ATHLEAGUE CABS 1-8 Seats Wheelchair Accessible

PADDY PURCELL 087-3186590

HUGH KILDUFF Hackney Service (086) 2479829

– Contact –

Peter Lynch 086 8400002 HACKNEY SERVICE Tommy Gilligan, Roscommon

(086) 8099503 JOHN BEATTIE Cab and Bus Hire Roscommon

086 2670670 BUS HIRE FOR ALL OCCASIONS

TUITION GRINDS IN JUNIOR AND LEAVING CERTIFICATE BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTING Tutoring for college students in Business and Accountancy. Go to www. mcgowanaccountancy. com to download voucher

LEAVING CERTIFICATE STUDENTS Would you like to do Accounting or Business as an extra subject? Higher or ordinary levels catered for

Contact: Nuala McGowan on 086 0352849. < CASTLEREA AREA: Leaving/Junior Certificate Maths, Irish, French. Private tuition in your own home. Phone: 086 3282437. < MATHS GRINDS AVAILABLE for both Leaving Cert and Junior Cert to all levels. One-to-one tuition in student’s own home. Tel: 086 1237232. < MATHEMATICS GRINDS FOR 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students. One-to-one or very small group (no more than 3 people). Experienced teacher. Roscommon town. Please call 083 4843192.

TUITION FIRST CHOICE TUTORIAL CENTRE: Junior and Leaving Certificate grinds available in Roscommon town with qualified teachers in Maths, Science, Biology, Chemistry and Agricultural Science. For details or bookings, call 087 9497825 or email firstchoicetutorialcentre@gmail.com < EXPERIENCED TEACHER AVAILABLE for Leaving Certificate Accountancy grinds. Tel: 085 7219928.

TURF, FIREWOOD AND FUEL < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned timber only €2 per bag, buy 20 bags get 2 free • Bags of top quality black turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • 8 x 4 trailer load of turf only €120 delivered • 10 x 6 box load of timber only €180 delivered • 1 Bags of BNM briquettes only €2.50 delivered • Tonne bags of turf and firewood only €35 delivered. • ALSO PACKAGE DEAL: 1 bale of briquettes, 1 bag of logs, 3 bags of turf delivered only €10. Price cannot be beaten. Contact Tom: 086 2628439. WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch, Sycamore and Whitethorn. Good price paid. We are safety certified and insured. Phone: 086 2437376. < FOR SALE: 40kg bag of smokeless coal, only €15 per bag, delivered. Contact Tony on 086 0703946. TURF FOR SALE in tonne bags (1 metre cubed). Delivered to Roscommon town and surrounding areas. €50 delivered. Tel: 086 8534011. < TURF FOR SALE: Can be sold in trailer loads or small bags. Free delivery. Tel 086 2332704.2014 BLACK HOPPER TURF, sold in loads. 25% discount. Tel: 087 1413238. < TURF FOR SALE: Good quality, in bags. Glenamaddy area. Tel: 086 2200520.

USEFUL SERVICES DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINES, REPAIRS, DISHWASHERS REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on (086) 0538977. www.appliance-repairs.ie

USEFUL SERVICES

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

OIL BOILER SERVICE

ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 96 31880 087 9100477 SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAINS JETTED & CLEANED Waste Collection Permit No: NWCPO-12-11038-01

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd, Creggs

VAN AND MAN AVAILABLE FOR: Delivery, collections, house and flat removals.

Contact: 087 6718564 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND DECORATING CONTRACTOR – For all your decorating needs.

Call John 086 4679798 MAGIC THE TILER

Ceramic, Porcelain, Mosaic, Marble, Granite and Fireplace Hearths Great value tiling services, free 3D computer project and quotations All types of floor and wall tiling, re-tiling and removal of old tiles

Telephone: 087 4540208 Roscommon Town n

BUILDER AVAILABLE FOR • Extensions • Renovations • Refurbs • Fibreglass Flat Roofing • Gutters & Facias cleaned • Stoves fitted and removed

Call Mike on 089 4396624

USEFUL SERVICES < MAN AVAILABLE FOR ROOFING: roof lights fitted, re-roofing, facia board and gutter repairs, roofing, flat roofing, timber, slating, tiling, stone work, chimney repairs, Insurance claims handled, attic conversions, lights, general building, etc. All types of farm work, repairs to sheds, cattle crushes, yards, concrete, fencing and painting. Contact: 087 9188170. < FURNITURE REMOVALS DELIVERY SERVICE: Household and office furniture removals. Large and small loads to all areas. Phone for free quotation: 086 2649313. Email: homemoversrc@gmail. com < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel Tom on 086 0815802. < HANDYMAN AVAILABLE – to lay wooden floors, painting and decorating. Tel: 089 4523534. < MAN AVAILABLE FOR WORK: Painting, gardening, all odd jobs. Glenamaddy and surrounding areas. Tel: 086 2200520.

WINDOW CLEANING < WINDOW CLEANING: Competitive rates. All areas covered. Also Gutters/fascias. Contact John: (087) 2291931.

FAMILY CIRCLE FAMILY CIRCLE DATE: 16/01/2016 FIRST PRIZE €60: Catherine Gleeson c/o K Finan SECOND PRIZE €30: Mairead Tully c/o Ros Vet Supplies THIRD PRIZE €20: Ellen Tully c/o Ros Vet Supplies. 10 RESIDUAL PRIZES OF €10 EACH: Shauna Macklin, c/o K Finan; Catherine & Bridget, c/o K Hoare; Catherine Macklin, c/o K Finan; Mary Beirne, Corboley; Ann Connaughton, c/o Ros Office Supplies; Niamh Nestor, c/o Donnellans; Chrissie Farrell, c/o Donnellans; Alannah Curran, c/o Mary Mulhern; Kathleen Hoare; Kathleen and Callum, c/o K Hoare. 10 PROMOTORS PRIZES OF €5 EACH: Mary Mulhern; Kathleen Collins; Breda Healy; Kathleen Collins; Breda Healy; Kay Hoare; K Collins; Kathleen Finan; Thomas Murray; Kathleen Collins. TOTAL RECEIPTS €316. TOTAL PRIZES €260.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

AtYourService BLINDS

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

PIO TULLY

BRENDAN DOOLIN

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds. Tel: (090) 66 30521 Mobile: (086) 8115928

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

LANESBORO ROAD, ROSCOMMON. Tel.: 090 6625470 Mobile: 087 2869496

• Chimney Repairs • Removal of cracked flues and relining • Firebacks replaced • Free Insurance Quotations • Fully Insured

INSULATION

fergalkelly@live.com

Fergal 086 1016899

- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hegarty: Tel: 090

9673336 Mob: 086 2678350 Email: info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie

CHIMNEY PROBLEMS

Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

CATHAL DOOLEY 087 6579064

20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed

Contact

JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

SHOWROOM:

Athlone Road, Roscommon

Lowest price guaranteed

Gerry Monaghan

SERVICES: • Tarmacadam • Kerbing • Patio • Domestic & Commercial TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT HRI SCHEME

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS • Door Handles • Door Locks • Letterboxes • Window Hinges • Patio Door Repairs • Misted and Double Glazed Units • Reseal Windows and Doors

Contact David Martin on (087) 9959417 GLASS WORKS

Tel: 071 96 68368 - Stained Decorative

and Frosted Glass - Double Glazed Units - Bevelled Glass/ Mirrors - Glass Shelves/Table Tops - Painted Glass Splashbacks - Balcony Glass

- STOVE GLASS - Fire Rated Glass Find us on DoneDeal/boyleglass

WE REPLACE AND FIT DOUBLE GLAZED UNITS

Donal Haughey - 086 8210710

KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

SPECIAL OFFER ON COMPOSITE DOORS

We have in stock a large range of locks, hinges, handles to suit all brands of windows and doors

www.roscommonwindows.ie

Gary Jameson 2nd Fix Carpentry Munsboro, Roscommon • Fitted Kitchens & bedroom units • Doors, Timber Floors • Stairs • Attic Conversions and all internal woodwork

(086) 0708833/ (090) 66 34426 TILING Michael Mulryan Tiling MARBLE - PORCELAIN - MOSAIC - CERAMIC

ROSCOMMON, WEST of IRELAND and BEYOND!!

RECYCLING

M: 086 3912396 PH: 090 66 62892

Castlerea Vehicle Recycling All NCT Failures ● Destruction Certs Issued ● Sale of Second Hand Parts ● Contracted to all Major Car Companies ● Farm Machinery, Old Gates ● Metals, Iron Baths ● Old Cooking Ranges ● Weighbridge on Site ●

RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES

VETERINARY SUPPLIES & SERVICES

All Creatures RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL

C ASTLEREA ELV RECYCLING LTD., CLOONKEEN, CASTLEREA KEVIN & MARTINA KEENAN TEL: 094 96 21250 MOB: 086 2522231 HOME MAINTENANCE

-VETERINARY CLINIC & Shop Lanesboro Street, Roscommon. Tel/Fax: 090-6626898 Web: www.allcreatures.ie www.facebook.com/allcreaturesroscommon

SERVICES AVAILABLE:

SHOP OPENING HOURS: • Gas Anaesthetic Monday to Friday, • Digital X-Ray 8.30am to 8.00pm; Saturday, 9am to 6.00pm • Bovine & Equine Scanning AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY • In-house Blood Testing 087 2596055 - 24 HOURS • Grooming • All your Dosing & Mineral Requirements

PLEASE RING TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

E: gerrymonaghan1@eircom.net

CARPENTRY

CLEANING SERVICES • ROSCOMMON

WE SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories

TARMACADAM

Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes

STEPHEN HOARE • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Suites • WINDOW CLEANING • Rental Cleaning • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’ CAR VALETING

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 (090) 96 87651

Contact: Gerry Monaghan

Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway

CLEANING

Dead & Worn-Out Animals

New Buildings & Retroﬁt

Boyle Glass Ballinameen, Boyle,

ELITE CHIMNEY REPAIRS • Lining

WINDOWS/DOORS

TARMACADAM

WINDOW/DOORS

- Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed

FARMING

Daily collection

CHIMNEY SWEEP • Open fire, stove, ranges • All flues and chimneys • Power brushed & vaccumed • No mess, no fuss • CCTV camera inspections • Detailed report and CCTV recording provided for insurance claims • Fully insured Also available for powerwashing and gutter cleaning

To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

House & Garden Maintenance

Member of

GROUP

Alan Somers Cluain Árd, Ardsallaghmore, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 27970 Mobile: (086) 8161651 Email: aboutthehouse@imagine.ie

Powerwashing - House, Driveway, Roof Complete Painting Service DIY Solutions

Chimney Cleaning Service NOW AVAILABLE

• SAORVIEW • FREEVIEW • Satellites • Aerials • Repairs • Installations • Upgrades • Multi-room • Free to Air • Retuning

MAL HEVEHAN Telephone: 086 8100292

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Tel: (094) 96 51889 (086) 2536105 Knockalaughta, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Remodelling Bathrooms & En-suites, Plumbing, Tiling, Electrical, Drylining, Waterproof Tanking System in Showers & Wet Areas, Carpentry work. Also catered for Special Needs and all Tiling Needs.

ALL GRANT WORKS UNDERTAKEN QUOTATION FREE OF CHARGE

ABBEY STREET, ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: ADVERTISING@ROSCOMMONPEOPLE.IE OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

Appointments Comhairle Chontae Roscomáin ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL ----------------–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––-

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for inclusion on a panel for the following post. The lifespan of the panel will be for a period of 1 year.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION NETWORK (PPN) RESOURCE OFFICER Permanent Post Application forms and full particulars may be obtained from the Human Resources Department, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon E-mail: humanresources@roscommoncoco.ie Telephone 090 66 37143 or visit www.roscommoncoco.ie Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on application form. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday 3rd February 2016. Canvassing will disqualify. Roscommon County Council is an equal opportunities employer. Is fóstóir comhionannais deiseanna í Comhairle Chontae Roscomaín

COSTELLO’S NURSING HOME Ballyleague, Lanesboro Have a vacancy for a

STAFF NURSE • Full-Time Permanent Position • Excellent terms & working conditions • Salary comparable to HSE Payscale, with the option of a Pension Scheme and other added benefits • Flexible, variable shifts • Pin No and Garda Vetting will be required • Immediate start FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE: EMAIL: costellosnursinghome@gmail.com PHONE: C.N.M. Geraldine on 043 33 21361

PART-TIME PERSON REQUIRED FOR COFFEE SHOP IN BALLYGAR

APPLY IN WRITING TO: patgreally@gmail.com OR CONTACT 087 3265922 AFTER 6 P.M.

ADMINISTRATOR

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is a national, free, confidential and independent service, providing advice and support to people in debt or in danger of getting into debt. Each MABS company is rooted within the communities they serve and staff work with clients to enable them to cope with immediate debt problems and assist them to develop good money management skills.

THE ROLE

The MABS Administrator will provide full phone, reception, secretarial and administrative support to the Company. The duties of the Administrator will include records management, bookkeeping including payroll (current/recent working knowledge of SAGE payroll an advantage), data collection and database maintenance. Candidates must display empathy with those who find themselves in financial difficulty; familiarity with the provision of an advice, support and advocacy service; together with excellent communication, organisational, administrative and IT skills.

ROSCOMMON MABS HAS A VACANCY FOR A FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATOR This is a permanent position for a fixed term contract up to a maximum of 3 years. A panel may be formed of qualified candidates from which temporary and permanent, part-time and full time administrator posts which arise within the next 12 months will be filled should vacancies arise in this period. Post will be located in Roscommon Town. MABS is an equal opportunities employer. Funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board

A detailed job description, application form together with further information on MABS can be accessed at www.mabs.ie TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE SEND YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM AND COVERING LETTER TO:

Ita Hodder at ita.hodder@collinsmcnicholas.ie For further information please call 090 64 78104 CLOSING DATE: 5 p.m. on Wednesday 3rd February 2016.

JUNIOR STYLIST REQUIRED For busy salon in Roscommon town. Experience required.

Contact Daria or Sylvia on 090 66 65683

POSITION AVAILABLE FOR PART-TIME

SECRETARY (Maternity Cover)

OAKWOOD NURSING HOME Ballaghaderreen & Roscommon

NURSING STAFF REQUIRED • GENERAL • PSYCHIATRY • ID Full-time or Part-time

REPLY TO EITHNE ON 086 8725201

Experience necessary. General office duty requirements. IT and dictation skills essential. Roscommon town.

Please reply to Box No 862, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us!

THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON! The local paper!

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB?

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON! The local paper!

TELEPHONE: 090 66 34633 EMAIL: advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie

OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY

We cannot guarantee publication after this time

TIMBER FLOOR FITTER/SALES PERSON REQUIRED For busy flooring shop in Roscommon town. Experience desirable. Apply to Box No: 860 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

PRACTICE NURSE POSITION ROSCOMMON TOWN

- Part-time hours - Flexibility required - Experience necessary Please reply to Box No: 861, c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon THANKGIVING NOTICES THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one (mention it)Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your fathers sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. H.C. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one (mention it)Take it dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your fathers sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour, not mine, Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. M.F.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I Humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Amen. This prayer is never known to fail and is to be said for 3 consecutive days. Publication on granting of the favour must be promised and done. E. PRAYER FOR A SPECIAL REQUEST Dear Mother of God, our Lady of Conception Aparecidal Oh! Saint Rita of Cassia and Saint Jude, worker of miracles and helper of impossible causes pray for me. Saint Expendite, saint of urgent causes, Saint Edwiges, the saint of the needy, you know how desperate I feel, please ask Jesus to help me (here mention your request). May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored and glorified forever. Pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be .. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Pray for 3 days. Publish on the 3rd day. See what will happen on the 4th day. H.C.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

FamilyNotices ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES TIGHE Philomena

TIERNAN Margaret

McNAMARA Frank

McGOVERN Pat

Glinsk

(5th Anniversary)

Rockfield, Roscommon (7th Anniversary) Who died on 23rd January 2009

London and formerly of Curraghrevagh (2nd Anniversary)

Treasured memories of dear Philomena, who died on 22nd of January 2000 Will those who think of her today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

In loving memory of my dearest mother and granny, late of Cartron, Kilrooskey, Roscommon, who passed away on the 14th of January 2011 R.I.P.

Lovingly remembered by her mother and brothers. Anniversary Mass on Saturday 23rd of January at 7pm in Glinsk Church.

Two tired eyes are sleeping Two willing hands are still. The one who worked so hard for us, Is resting in God’s will.

HOPKINS Mary

Much loved and sadly missed by your daughter Eileen, Frank, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren xxx

(1st Anniversary)

GATELY Dara

In loving memory of our dear mother and grandmother Mary, Kilbarry, Ruskey, Co. Roscommon, who passed away on January 23rd 2015 Death leaves a heartache No one can heal, Love leaves a memory No one can steal.

Sadly missed and always remembered by your loving family. Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church, Whitehall, on Sunday 24th January at 11am.

HOARE Annie Racecourse Road

Will those who think of him today, A little prayer To Jesus say.

Remembered by Chris and family.

O’BRIEN Bill Rathbrennan, Roscommon Who died on 24th January 2012 (4th Anniversary)

Castlecoote, Roscommon 4th Anniversary - 24th January In loving memory of a dear son, Dara

Sadly missed by his dad, aunts, uncles and grandparents. Anniversary Mass to be held in Fuerty Church on Friday 22nd January at 8pm. Many a lovely memory Many a silent tear But always treasured memories Of a mother we loved so dear.

Lovingly remembered by all your family.

Ros Memorials Headstone, Memorial & Gravestone Specialists

KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON

PAT: 087 7799076 PAUL: 086 6052649

• Headstones • Kerbed Memorials • Grave Site Care • Headstone Cleaning • Monument Levelling • Gravestone Repair

Lovingly missed by his wife and family, brother and sister, nieces, nephews and extended family. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet on Friday 19th February at 7pm.

CURLEY Josie Beautiful memories silently kept, Of the one that we loved and will never forget.

Death leaves a heartache No one can heal Memories are treasures No one can steal Some may forget you Now that you are gone But we will remember No matter how long You will always stay Loved and remembered in everyway No tears, no verse Can ever say how much We miss you everyday.

Will those who think of him today A little prayer to Jesus say Quietly today your memory is kept No need for words We will never forget Our thoughts go back as they always do We treasure the memories we have of you.

Castlestrange, Fuerty, Roscommon Whose 2nd Anniversary occurs on 18th January 2016

Lovingly remembered by Myra, Sean, Austin, Jackie, Natalie and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass on Saturday 30th of January in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon at 8pm.

MOORE Mary (10th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Mary, late of Carrenterriff, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co Roscommon, who died on January 21st 2006 LOVE LIVES ON Those we love remain with us For love itself lives on, And cherished memories never fade Because a loved one’s gone. Those we love can never be more than a thought apart, For as long as there is memory, They’ll live on in the heart.

Sadly missed on this your Tenth Anniversary by your loving husband George and family. Anniversary Mass to be arranged for a later date.

In loving memory of our beloved mother Josie Curley, Castlestrange, Fuerty, who passed away on 18th January 2014 R.I.P. As each day dawns We think of you As each night falls we pray for you And in between no matter where Deep in our hearts Your always there A special person in God’s care. Always loved and remembered by all your loving family.

GRENHAM (nee Hanley) Mary Main Street, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway (2nd Anniversary)

In loving memory of my sister Mary, who passed away on 23rd January 2014 God called your name so gently That only you could hear No one heard the footsteps Of the Angels drawing near And so today we pray again That God will let you know How lonely life is without you And how we miss you so.

Sadly missed by your sister Florence, brother-in-law Stephen, Lorraine, Sandra, David, Calum. Anniversary Mass on Saturday evening, 23rd January at 7pm in St. Michael’s Church, Ballinasloe. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GODMOTHER Sadly missed along life’s way Quietly remembered every day No longer in our lives to share But in our hearts you are always there. A silent thought A quiet prayer For a special person in God’s care.

Sadly missed by Michelle, David, Nathan and Marc.

LAMBERT Michael and Thomas (1st and 30th Anniversaries)

In loving memory of Michael Lambert, late of Clooneygrasson, Ballymoe, who died on 25th January 2015 and his son Thomas, who died on January 9th 1986 WE REMEMBER THEM In the rising of the sun and in its going down We remember them In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter We remember them In the opening of the buds and in the warmth of summer We remember them In the rustling of leaves and the beauty of autumn We remember them In the beginning of the year and when it ends We remember them When we are weary and in need of strength We remember them When we are lost and sick at heart We remember them When we have joys we yearn to share We remember them So long as we live, they too shall live For they are now a part of us as We remember them

Fondly remembered and sadly missed by Mae, Micheal, Hubert, Eamonn, John, Maura, Kathleen, Gerard, Kevin, Noel and their families. Anniversary Mass in St. Croan’s Church, Ballymoe, Co Galway on Sunday 24th January 2016 at 10.30am.

Family Notices • Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Rembrance Call into our office on Abbey Street, Roscommon Phone: (090) 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie Our deadline for receipt of Family Notices is 2.30pm on Tuesday. We cannot guarantee publication after this time.

LEAVY Memorials Lanesborough

Est. 1784

Headstones in Granite and Limestone Additional names inscribed Tel: 043 33 21184/ 086 1637808/086 2040154

memorial stationery from

For brochure and sample pack call:

Athlone Road, ROSCOMMON 090 66 27500

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

FamilyNotices

FarmingPeople

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HOARE Jerry 3 Ard Comain, Henry Street, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)

My darling husband, When I lost you two years ago I lost part of myself, but I think you would know I have tried my best to muddle along But it cannot be the same now you’re gone. So on this day as I do every year I hope you can see just how much I care And until we meet again my love Just keep watching me from your cloud above.

Always remembered and loved by your heartbroken wife Kathleen. Anniversary Mass on Monday 25th of January at 10.30am in the Sacred Heart Church. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Losing our dad was our rock shattered We may no longer have been children But oh how dad mattered Our foundations are shaky And we wobble and fall. So when this day arrives each year We do our best to show how we still care We hope dad knew how much he was loved And that he is looking down on us.

Always remembered and loved by his heartbroken children and grandchildren. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HOARE Jerry Henry Street, Roscommon (2nd Anniversary) As I sit here in Heaven And watch you everyday I try to let you know with signs I never went away. I hear you when you are laughing And watch you as you sleep I even place my arms around you to calm you when you weep. I see you wish your day away Begging to have me home So I try to send you signs So you know you are not alone. Believe me when I tell you Heaven is a beautiful place Just you wait and see. So live your life, laugh again Enjoy yourself, be free Then I know with every breath you take You’ll be taking one for me.

Pictured at the launch of FBD Champions for Change was farmer Francis Fannon and his neighbours in Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. Picture by Agtel.

88% of farmers feel connected with local community – FBD study According to a survey of urban and rural neighbourliness by FBD entitled ‘Rooted in the Community,’ 88% of farmers say that they feel a strong sense of connection to their local communities, compared with 75% of people living in urban areas.

The study was conducted as part of FBD’s Champions for Change programme – a major national farm safety and awareness initiative. This month’s Champions for Change theme is about promoting community spirit and FBD is asking people

Castlerea Co-operative Livestock Mart Ltd. TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com PROPERTY SERVICES PROVIDERS LICENCE NO. 002249 THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES AND WEANLINGS ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED. YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. FOR SALE THURSDAY 28TH JANUARY, 2016

4 SPRINGERS DUE FEBRUARY/ EARLY MARCH TO AI CH FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Family Notices

Phone: (090) 66 34633 Fax: (090) 66 34303 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Serving Farmers since 1985

THINKING OF FORESTRY:

• Tax Free Annual payment up to €635/ha • Full grant to cover planting costs • Harvesting/Forest Roads/Felling License • Group Forest Insurance Scheme

Colm Freyne BSc (Forestry)

Galway/Roscommon Ph: 087-6606043

The local paper!

initiatives such as GAA clubs, churches, local charity groups, neighbourhood watch initiatives and tidy towns committees. In fact, 3 in 5 farmers said that they were engaged with a community group in their locality, which was considerably higher than the national average of 41%. Fiona Muldoon, CEO of FBD, said, “It’s perhaps no great surprise that the farming community feel so connected to the goings on in their locality. They have a strong sense of community

ICMSA wants “push” on live calves for Dutch market Speaking following the Bord Bia Live Export Seminar, the Chairperson of ICMSA’s Livestock Committee, Mr. Michael Guinan said that all the indicators are pointing towards a strong live export trade for calves this spring and that decent prices are achievable. “We’re satisfied that there’s a market there and it’s essential that the Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine and his officials along with Bord Bia ensure that the live exporters receive all the necessary supports to maximise the number of calves exported and that the dairy farmers concerned get a strong price at the start of what is likely to be a very challenging year for dairy farmers”, he said.

ICSA calls for immediate action on food labelling abuse

Sadly missed and always remembered by his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

• Anniversary Remembrance • Acknowledgements • Birthday Remembrance Call into our office: Abbey Street, Roscommon

to nominate their Community Champion for Change, someone who makes a big difference in their community and deserves recognition. The overall winner of the award will receive €1,000 towards the community project of their choice and recognition given to all finalists. The FBD ‘Rooted in the Community’ study shows that the sense of belonging amongst farmers was particularly reflected through their level of involvement with local groups and

Call in to our office at the Mart in Ballinrobe or call:

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ICSA beef chairman, Edmond Phelan, is calling for immediate action to be taken regarding the abuse of country of origin labelling by supermarkets. “I am urging Minister Coveney to work in conjunction with MEPs to put pressure on the European Commission to take a robust approach where labelling laws are being flagrantly abused,” he said. Mr. Phelan made his comments following an ICSA meeting with Sinn Fein MEP Matt Carthy in Dublin last Friday. Mr. Phelan said, “Such obvious abuse of country of origin labelling by multinational retailers cannot be tolerated. The single European market is being undermined in respect of cattle being sold into Northern Ireland and Britain. I am calling on all MEP’s and Department of Agriculture officials to ensure that this problem is addressed in Europe on behalf of Irish beef farmers whose produce is not being valued. “Irish cattle are being discriminated against and this cannot be allowed to continue. The free movement of goods, as enshrined in EU law, should in theory protect Irish beef farmers, but the widespread abuse of country of origin labelling leaves them out of pocket and struggling at every turn to get a fair price for their produce,” he concluded.

as well as a natural instinct for looking out for one another. You only have to turn on the news at the moment to see extraordinary acts of kindness and togetherness as people support each other during the recent flooding crisis. “That’s why we want to recognise and celebrate the people who are making a real difference on the ground, the ordinary people who go the extra mile for others, through our Community Champions for Change awards.”

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

FarmingPeople

Hopkins urges farmers to apply for fodder scheme (Serving Farmers for over 56 years)

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Fine Gael’s Cllr. Maura Hopkins has urged farmers to apply to the Government’s assistance fund to help replace lost feed in order to feed stock in the coming weeks. The RoscommonGalway General Election candidate said that €2 million had been set aside to help farmers whose fodder has been destroyed because of flooding. Cllr. Hopkins said: “Having met a number of farmers recently who are trying to continue to work in difficult situations, I know there is a huge need out there for fodder supplies. “The compensation scheme relates to the loss of straw, hay, silage and other materials, which are not available to claim under insurance.” With the deadline for applications being January 22, Cllr. Hopkins urged anyone who had lost feed to apply with haste. “Farmers are set to get the full market value of lost fodder and the application process is very accessible,” she said. “One-page selfdeclaration forms can be downloaded from the Department of Agriculture’s website and an inspector is sent out to

Castlerea Mart Report Despite the dangerous road conditions and inclement weather, 190 cattle were presented for sale at our second sale of 2016. Trade was similar to the previous week, with a good clearance reported from both rings. Trade for store heifers and bullocks was good, while the dry cows sector reported a full clearance. In the weanling classes, top prices were reported for the top quality export-type lots, while the feedlot buyers were purchasing at prices reflective of the current beef prices. Sample prices – bullocks: Ch 465kgs €1000, Ch 570kgs €1275, Lim 630kgs €1460, Lim 610kgs €1400, Lim 430kgs €960. Heifers: Lim 410kgs €1190, Lim 480kgs €1125, Ch 530kgs €1270, Ch 540kgs €1225, Lmx 430kgs €990. Dry cows: Lm 690kgs €1280, Lm 690kgs

€1335, Si 675kgs €1195, Fr 625kgs €1040, Lm 690kgs €1165. Cows with calves at foot – top price on the day was €1950 for a Lm cow and her bull calf at foot. Springers made from €900 to €1520 with good numbers on offer. Calves: Dairy-type calves made from €120€180, AA heifer made from €255-€285 with AA bulls making up to €355. Stronger-type calves made from €385 to €680 for continental-type calves. Weanling bulls: Lm 265kgs €800, Lm 280kgs €845, BBX 440kgs €1060, Lim 500kgs €1200, Si 440kgs €1055. Weanling heifers: Lim 295kgs €860, Lm 220kgs €665, BBx 325kgs €1040, BBx 320kgs €980, Lm 340kgs €940. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart.

Roscommon Mart Report Tuesday, January 19th: There was a good entry of stock on offer at the first weanling sale of the year. The average prices for weanling heifers ranged from €2.20 per kilo up to a maximum of €2.73 per kilo. Bulls averaged from €2.38 per kilo up to €3.15 per kilo. Weanling and suckler cow sales continue weekly on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Weanling heifers made from €330 to €525 over. Sample prices: Char X 415 kgs €940, Lim X 390 kgs €905, Char X 330 kgs €800, Lim X 305 kgs €790, Shx 330 kgs €755, 2 Lim X 322 kgs €670, Lim X 225 kgs €615. Weanling bulls made from €285 to €580 over. Sample prices: Char X 470 kgs €950, Lim 380 kgs €870, Char X 315 kgs €875, 2 Char X 257 kgs €740, AAX 335 kgs €700, Lim 290 kgs €700, BAX 240 kgs €665, Char X 270 kgs €825, BAX 325 kgs €850. Sheep sale, Wednesday, 20th January: There were similar numbers on offer this week. The

trade for lambs was on par to last week with all lots sold. There was a slight improvement in the trade for cast ewes and again there was a complete clearance of lots. Sample prices: Ewe hoggets: 41.90 kgs €96, 48 kgs €114, 48.40 kgs €120, 52 kgs €124.50, 37.30 kgs €76, 42.70 kgs €101, 42.30 kgs €105. Mixed hoggets: 51.70 kgs €125, 49.50 kgs €115, 55.60 kgs €125.50, 51.70 kgs €125, 50.5 kgs €121. Wether hoggets: 49.4 kgs €124, 53.3 kgs €123. Cast ewes made from €85 to €126 per lot. There will be a sheep scanning service commencing on Wednesday, February 3rd from 9 am to 10 am sharp and each Wednesday thereafter. On Wednesday, February 10th there will be a reduction sale of 65 excellent quality 2nd and 3rd crop Belclare X ewes in lamb to Belclare and Suffolk rams lambing early March. All scanned in lamb. Enquiries to the Mart or 087-2738711.

verify what has been lost. “If individuals need advice in obtaining or filling out forms, they can speak with their local Teagasc adviser. “I am informed that payments will be made quickly.”

Fine Gael councillor Maura Hopkins with Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney

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Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

SportsPeople

Loss of Mayo game ‘a huge disappointment’ < EOGHAN YOUNG-MURPHY

Roscommon town suffered a financial setback last Sunday when Roscommon’s FBD League match against Mayo was switched from Hyde Park to Elverys McHale Park in Castlebar. Instead, 3,849 spectators travelled to the Mayo county town to watch the Rossies beat their arch-rivals by 0-13 to 0-10. “It was a huge disappointment that the game was switched,” said Declan Molloy, the President of Roscommon Chamber of Commerce. “It just goes to show the loss that the Hyde is to the town generally, when you consider you had 4,000 at an FBD League game.” Mr Molloy said that it is critical that Hyde Park is redeveloped as soon as possible, to avoid the regular cancellation of matches, and he welcomed this week’s news that the playing surface is likely to be addressed in June. “It has to be done at some stage, and it is better done soon rather than later,” he said. It is hoped that the existing playing surface will have improved by the time Roscommon host Monaghan, Down, Mayo and Dublin in their eagerly-awaited foray into Division One of the National Football League this spring. Mr Molloy said that this would provided enhance business activity in the town, with thousands of spectators likely to go through the turnstiles. “It would be a massive boost to not just the town, but the local environs because the likes of Tarmonbarry, Strokestown and Castlerea would benefit with people coming through,” he said. “Whereas the town will be the biggest beneficiary, there has to be a spin-off to the rest of the county.”

Hyde Park to close in June for €300,000 overhaul Board in update as concern mounts over Hyde Park availability < EOGHAN YOUNGMURPHY

Roscommon GAA County Board intend closing Hyde Park for six months in June and overhauling the pitch, a project which is expected to cost around €300,000. There was an outcry locally last weekend when Roscommon’s FBD League match against Mayo was switched to Elverys McHale Park in Castlebar because the Hyde’s playing surface was in poor condition. It also raises question marks over whether or not Hyde Park will be fit to host Roscommon’s bumper National League Division One matches against Monaghan, Down, Mayo and Dublin this spring. The County Board took over control of the maintenance and upkeep of the Hyde from Roscommon Gaels last year. They now

say that they intend to address the playing surface this summer. “Roscommon GAA intend to redevelop Hyde Park,” said Seamus Sweeney, the chairperson of the County Board. “In this regard, at our county management meeting on Tuesday night, we agreed to recommend to the clubs that we install a new playing pitch at Dr Hyde Park. “We will recommend closing Hyde Park in June and reopening the Hyde for the first round of the National League in 2017.” The last match played at the Hyde before the pitch is redeveloped could be the Connacht SFC semifinal in June: these would involve Roscommon and Sligo, provided Roscommon overcome New York and Leitrim. The masterplan for the redevelopment of the Hyde Park stadium is far more

ambitious: it is estimated that this would cost €9.5 million. That outlay would be beyond the County Board in the short term, a source said. But Mr Sweeney said: “We also intend developing Hyde Park as per our development plan, which will see a total reconstruction of the spectator areas and the addition of muchrequired facilities for players, patrons and officials. “We will not be able to start that work immediately, as there are planning processes to be addressed. “We are working closely with Croke Park and the Connacht Council to ensure that we are in a position to do the job as soon as possible.” Mr Sweeney said that he regretted that Roscommon GAA had to relinquish home advantage for last weekend’s match, but said that he was confident that

the pitch would be fit to host their National League opener in ten days’ time. “We found ourselves in an unenviable situation, where we had to make a choice between moving

that game, or the biggest league game we have had in many years – against Monaghan January 31, in our return to Division One – from our county grounds,” he said.

Here come the Men in Black Roscommon GAA is in the process of recruiting personnel who are interested in taking up refereeing. If you are in full-time work, seeking employment or still going to school or college, this is an ideal way to earn extra money and make new friends while keeping yourself healthy and fit in the process. If you think you have what it takes to referee a senior county final, a Connacht Final or indeed an All-Ireland Senior Final, this is where the dream begins. For more information please contact Haulie Beirne on 086-8293845, hauliebeirne@gmail.com or Roscommon GAA County Board office on 090 6627176.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

SportsPeople Darts

Golf

Captains’ Drive-in at Roscommon on Sunday In golf news, Roscommon Golf Club’s Drive-In takes place this Sunday (24th) at 2 pm.

This will be followed by a 9-hole scramble, sponsored by Gleeson’s Townhouse.

Members can add their names to timesheet on the men’s noticeboard.

Athlone At Athlone Golf Club, Anne O’Sullivan was first in the Ladies Christmas running followed by Maria Elliot in second place and Breda Ryan in third. Yvonne Walsh and Brid Kenny made up the top five. Mary Costello won the 9-hole competition on Tuesday, 12th January (20 points).

Boyle At Boyle Golf Club, Mother Nature led to the cancellation of recent events and there is no on-course action to report. Realistically, it may be another two weeks at least before the course is fit for play.

Prize-winners in sponsored December competitions at Roscommon Golf Club: Back (L-r) President Kevin Henry, Mary Lalor and Peter Brady, winners, Mixed Christmas Hamper (Bear An Raile), Captain Francis Ferguson, Ollie Hannon and Willie Weldon, winners of Winter League (Roscommon Office Supplies). Front: Lady Captain Paula Keane, Ailbhe Donnellan, winner, Christmas Hamper (O’Brien’s Mushrooms).

Burke casts a spell in Ballaghaderreen Spell’s Bar in Ballaghaderreen was the venue on Saturday evening for the 8th running of the A1 Roofing Ltd Open Singles darts tournament. It was Mullingar man Paddy Burke who fared best, topping the field of 47 players. Wins over David Boyle (3-0), Ethan Duffy (3-1) and Dean McDonagh (3-0) got Burke through the first three rounds. A 4-2 quarter-final win over Thomas Concannon was followed by a 5-1 win in the semi-final over 2015 winner Martin Fleming. Burke’s journey to his deserved success was completed with a 6-2 win over Roscommon’s JP Feeney. Roscommon County Darts wishes to thank Seamus Duffy at A1 Roofing Ltd., Spell’s Bar, Sean Fleming and Denis Cof-

fey for sponsorship and the running of the event. Meanwhile in the Roscommon Darts League, latest results are as follows: Hollywood 5 The Hatch 2, Ned’s Bar 5 An Bothar Rua 2, Flanagan’s 4 The Forge 3, Charlie’s 2 McDermott’s 5. In last week’s rescheduled game: Charlie’s 5 Creaton’s 2. With the County Men’s Team in action this weekend the league will take a break and will resume on 29th January. The West Coast Challenge is the Roscommon People’s pick of darts action this weekend. The event will take place this Saturday (January, 23rd) in the Bush Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon. Best of luck to both the youth’s and men’s Roscommon teams.

Handball

Super handball action The County final of the 40x20 Junior Singles will be between St. Coman’s Oisin Naughton and Lisacul’s Denis Creighton after both won their semifinals in impressive fashion last Saturday. Oisin beat Lisacul’s Sean Jennings 21-13, 21-17, while Denis Creighton eased to a 21-4, 21-16 win over St. Coman’s Darren Beattie.

It was double delight for the Tully family at the all-female She’s Ace tournament held in Mayo last weekend, as both Fiona and Siobhan won their respective grades. Fiona defeated Kildare’s Hannah Dagg 25-22 in the final. Siobhan competed in the ‘B’ grade, where she beat Aisling Fitzgerald (Clare) 15-8, 15-7 in the final.

The County finals of the Cumann na mBunscoil were held in St. Coman’s last Saturday. Carragh Kennedy (Roxboro NS) won the Girls U-13 singles event, defeating Katie Heneghan (Tisrara NS) 11-6, 11-5. The Treacy twins from Mount Talbot NS were hot favourites for the Girls U13 doubles title but were made work for it by Fourmilehouse newcomers

Aoife and Karina Leonard. Siobhan and Aisling won 11-5, 11-0. Gaelscoil de hIde’s Rory Carthy faced a tough battle in the final of the Boys U-11 Singles against clubmate Irslam Yakhyaev (Abbey Boys NS). Rory proved that bit more consistent and won a very entertaining game 11-7, 11-7. The Boys U-13 singles was the best

competition of the day and when the dust settled the impressive Philip Halliday (Gaelscoil de hIde) emerged victorious. There were two walkovers in the Boys doubles, with David Brennan and Brian Keegan (Fourmilehouse NS) and Michael Devine and Sean Healy (Fourmilehouse NS) going forward to represent Roscommon in the U-11 and U-13 grades respectively.

SICK AS A PARROT/OVER THE MOON ROSCOMMON & DISTRICT LEAGUE NEWS

Connacht Cup proves happy hunting ground for local sides < DAN DOONER

Last Sunday saw the third round of the Connacht Cup take place and overall it was a very good week for Roscommon & District League teams. Skyvalley Rovers hammered Sligo/Leitrim side, Ballisodare, 5-1 away from home with David Grehan (2), Ethan Keogh and Mark Richardson(2) with the goals. Fellow Premier Division side Dysart travelled to Mayo where they were convincing 3-1 winners

in their tough tussle with Mayo Premier Division champions, Ballyglass. All the goals arrived in the second half with Ferdinand Coyne, Andy Higgins and John Coyne on target. Moore United continued the Roscommon sporting domination of Mayo as they trounced Mayo Premier Division side Claremorris 9-0. A Mark Duignan hat-trick, a brace each for Alan Duffy and Mark Nicholson and one each from Enda Kenny (not that one) and Andy

Kickstart 1 Course in Ballaghaderreen The FAI and Roscommon County Council are running a Kick Start 1 Coaching Course (beginners coaching badge) for coaches and parents in Ballaghaderreen Football Club Grounds, Ballaghaderreen. The course will take place on Saturday, 30th January from 9.30 am until 6 pm. The cost for the Kick Start 1 is €45 and you must pre-book your place by logging on to www.fai.ie. Any queries please contact Adrian Carberry on 086-0455957 or email adrian.carberry@fai.ie.

Nevin put the Roscommon side through. Ballinasloe Town continued their recent impressive form, beating Sligo side, Aughannagh Celtic, 3-2 at home. Mark Duffy and two from Darragh Concannon gave Ballinasloe a 3-0 lead before the visitors pulled two back. In an all-Roscommon tie, Ballaghaderreen returned to winning ways as they enjoyed a convincing 52 win over MD Town at Dunmore. Danny Browne, Dillon Edwards (2), Gerry Ward and Cormac Rushe scored for the visitors. Tom Gleeson and Tommy Wrynne were on target for the hosts. Cloonfad United were beaten 4-1 at home by last season’s Connacht Cup finalists Athenry. Morgan Lyons was on target for Cloonfad. Castlerea Celtic had a good 2-1 win over the Galway Premier side Colemanstown at Castlerea,

Ronan Curran and Peter Farrell with the goals to secure a place in round four. Ballymoe made the long journey to Annaghadown but were beaten 2-1 by Corrib Celtic. Keith Muldoon gave Ballymoe a 10 lead but Chris Greaney struck twice for Corrib Celtic. The St. John’s Athletic v Colga game was level at 3-3 in Lecarrow at the end of normal time before the referee called it off. In the Connacht Shield Kilkerrin United lost 8-3 away to the Galway City side East United. Damien Mahon scored two and Jason Ward scored one for the Kilkerrin side. Lough Harps had a great win away to the Galway side Medtronics. The game finished 2-2 at the end of extra-time before Lough Harps won 6-5 on penalties. Sean Burke and Ronan Murphy scored for Lough Harps. In Division 1 of the Roscommon & District League

leaders Shiven Rovers had to come from 3–1 down to earn a point at home to Ahascragh United. Glen Celtic beat Rahara Rovers 6-0 in their Division 1 game at Glenamaddy. Kieran Trautt and Ryan McHugh gave Glen a 20 lead at the break before Willie Comer scored two and Paul Dolan and Kieran Trautt added one each in the second half. Ballinasloe Town beat Ballaghaderreen 6–1 at Ballaghaderreen. Dillon Keane got four and Brian Campbell and Jason Tuohy added one each. Owais replied for the home side. In Division 2, Moylough and C P Ajax drew 2-2 at Moylough. Skyvalley Rovers beat MD Town 3-0 at Onagh Park, Taughmaconnell. KC Celtic beat Cloonfad United 2-1 at Cloonfad. Roscommon United beat St. John’s Athletic 4-0 at Roscommon.

This week’s Awards…

e Week Performance of thfoll owing impressive Rosweek The award is shared this in the Connacht Cup. Skyvalley es anc form per n mo ore com over Ballisodare and Mo Rovers enjoyed a 5-1 win . 9-0 s orri United hammered Clarem

Game of the Week Medtronics 6-5 on

y side Lough Harps beat Galwa ertaining 2-2 draw in their penalties following an ent Connacht Shield tie.

Moan of the Weekn ever. This week the

er’ tha Yes, I’m back and ‘moani game between St. John’s and ned ndo aba the is of et targ . Imagine the frustration Colga in the Connacht Cupafter playing out 90 minutes players and management happy to a 3-3 stalemate. t the referee wasn’t too My understanding is tha ga after they conceded a late Col with the reaction from t to equaliser. ries and while it’s difficul It’s sad to hear such sto es, clubs need to come down tim at maintain composure hard on any indiscipline.

Soccer Fixtures

Saturday, 23rd January n (8 pm) The Herald Premier Divisio C Fitzgibbon ers. Rov y valle Sky v ic Celt a tlere Cas ted (7.30 pm). E. Deering Cloonfad United v Moore Uni ision 1 (7.30 pm) Div ay eaw Tak io’s Nor ted. W. Stokes Glen Celtic v Loughglynn Uni y Sunday, 24th Januar pm) Connacht Shield Round 2 (2 ers Rov en Shiv v B ulla Man n (2 pm) The Herald Premier Divisio Dully Dysart FC v Ballymoe FC. D. M. Hachett rreen FC. St. John’s Athletic v Ballaghade n. J. McLoughlin MD Town v Ballinasloe Tow n 1 (2 pm) Norio’s Takeaway Divisio Stokes Rahara Rovers v Brazukas. R. ted. E. Collins gh Uni Ballaghaderreen FC B v Ahascra United B. A. Gonclaves errin Kilk v B n Tow loe inas Ball n 2 (2 pm) Killeen Sports Ground Divisio W. Stokes CP Ajax v Skyvalley Rovers B. Kelly Lough Harps v KC Celtic. G. D. Kiernan United. Uni Moore ted B v Roscommon h 79. N. Larkin loug Moy v B ted Uni Cloonfad

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

SportsPeople This weekend’s action

Horses for Courses by Tom Red

Racing in Ireland today is at Gowran Park featuring the Grade A Thyestes Chase over 3m 1f and the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle. Tapes are away for the first race at 12.40 pm. Friday features flat racing on the on the all-weather at Dundalk with stalls opening for the first at 6.00 pm. Saturday’s racing takes place at Navan tapes back for the first at 12.45 pm. On Sunday Leopardstown holds a card featuring 2 Graded 1 races, the Champion Hurdle and Arkle Novice Chase and the Grade 2 Golden Cygnet Novice Hurdle with racing off at 12.50 pm. The going will be heavy at Gowran today, standard at Dundalk tomorrow and soft to heavy at Navan on Saturday. Going at Leopardstown is soft, soft to heavy in places, with very little rain forecast. In a wide open Thyestes Chase Willie Mullins runs 4 horses in an attempt to complete a hat trick having won the last 2 runnings with Djakadam and On His Own. Ruby Walsh rides Ballycasey who will probably go off favourite. A chance can be taken with Jimmy Mangan’s Letter of Credit who rarely runs a bad race and will be suited by ground conditions at a big price. In the Irish Champion Hurdle on Sunday Closutton inmates Faugheen, Nichols Canyon along with Arctic Fire will do battle in a preview of the Prestbury race, Aiden O’Brien’s Plinth and John Shanahan’s King of the Picts complete the 5 runner field. In last Thursday’s Grade 2 Kinloch Brae Chase Gordon Elliott’s Don Cossack repeated his win of last year. He beat his 3 rivals Wounded Warrior, Rubi Light and Mount Colah 9½l, 1l and 10l. On the local scene Katie Walsh was aboard

Seabass once again on Sunday as the pair took 3rd place in the Leopardstown Chase. The 13-Y-O tried to make all and only gave way to Empire of Dirt after the penultimate fence and Killer Crow after the last. The pair stayed on well to hold off the favourite. Fine Rightly for 3rd place. In his last 3 races the grand old man has earned The Gunners Syndicate over €25,000. Ruby Walsh showed his value as a jockey last Sunday in Leopardstown aboard Killtultagh Vic in the aptly named ‘Money Back On Fallers’ At Coral.ie Novice Chase as Willie Mullins’ Killultagh Vic overcame a near disastrous final fence error to win under Ruby Walsh, who must be glued into the saddle. At Ayr on Tuesday three of our lesser known Irish-based trainers provided three winners in the seven races. James Lambe’s Cinder Rua, having her eight outing out of 25, for the Dungannon yard, finally made the winners enclosure in the mares’ maiden hurdle. Loughbrikland, Co Antrim based Neil McKnight’s Master Ruffit won the first division of the maiden hurdle. The Irish completed the treble when Art Lord won the handicap chase for the Skerries based trainer Karl Thornton.

Cheltenham Watch There are 19 horses entered in the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle, 5 of them Irish trained and headed by the reigning Champion Faugheen. Willie Mullins also has Nichols Canyon, Arctic Fire and Sempre Medici entered. The quintet is completed by Henry de Bromhead’s Identity Thief. Willie Mullins has 6 of the 23 entries for the £350,000 two mile Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham headed by

Killultagh Vic and Ruby Walsh recovered, to win, from this final fence error.

Un De Sceaux, the antepost favourite at 6/4 who has won all 13 starts in which he finished. He is joined by stable mates Vautour, Champagne Fever, Felix Younger, Twinlight and Mozoltov. The Irish entry is brought up to ten by the Henry de Bromhead pair Special Tiara and Sizing Granite with Gordon Elliott providing Bright New Dawn and Clarcam. The 2015 winner, Dodging Bullets, along with Sire De Grugy, 2014, and Sprinter Sacre, 2013, are in the line-up.

General News Paul Carberry, out since last September after breaking a leg in a fall at Listowel, was nearing a return to race rid-

ing but last Friday broke the same leg in a fall riding out at home. He was hoping to be passed fit to ride at the end of this month but will now be out for another few months, missing the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Point to Point View There are only 2 meetings down for decision this weekend, both on Sunday with a 12.30 pm start. The Dungarvan Farmers hold their meeting outside the town on the Youghal road and The Wexford’s race at Ballinaboola outside New Ross. The Scarteen Hunt have abandoned their meeting at Kilfeacle which had been refixed for Sunday.

THE GAIN LINE Creggs remain top of league Creggs RFC Report

Connacht Junior 1 League – Creggs 17 Castlebar RFC 10: In a tremendous game of rugby Creggs overcame the expected strong challenge from Castlebar to maintain their drive for league honours this season. This win, which avenges their only first round loss, leaves Creggs topping the table with four rounds remaining. It is however very tight with secondplaced NUIG only 4 points behind with a game in hand and third-placed Tuam RFC just 5 points adrift. Creggs got off to a flying start, pressurising Castlebar from the kick-off. A Tom Oates line-out steal provided the vital ball for Ger Heneghan’s opening try after just 2 minutes. Heneghan was at the receiving end of a lovely kick threaded through by out-half Shane Dowd who then converted. Castlebar equalised with a try from out-half Mark Staunton (converted by Steven Rogan) 3 minutes later. Creggs pulled away again, Oates sprinting free following a forwards and backs interchange to leave his side 12-7 ahead as the game went into the second quarter.

From a line-out scrumhalf Chris Duignan turned over the Castlebar throw, feeding Matthew Brandon. It was taken on by Kevin Brandon with Tom Fleming powering over for the decisive try. The final 20 minutes was mainly Castlebar who opted to take the three points from a penalty award with 10 minutes to go, teeing up a frenetic final period with Creggs’ backs to the wall defence holding out for a deserved victory. Creggs’ stand-out player was open-side Peter Lohan whose work rate and tackle count were quite phenomenal and the back-line functioned well throughout with halfbacks Duignan and Dowd gelling well together and Kevin Gavin settling in nicely at full-back. Next weekend sees the first round of the Connacht Junior Cup, with Creggs hosting Boys Club at The Green on Sunday. Kickoff 2.30 pm. Training continues on Friday, and new players are always welcome. Creggs squad: K Gavin, R Horan, G Heneghan, T Callaghan, P Leech, S Dowd, C Duignan, T Fleming, S O’Higgins, A Leech, T Oates, B Kilcommons, M Brandon, P Lo-

Pictured is the Creggs U-14 side, which defeated Galwegians last weekend.

han, K Brandon, E Conlon, N Walker, B Donoghue, B Egan and D Flahive. Connacht Junior 2 League – Creggs 10 Oughterard RFC 7: Creggs 2nds recorded a great win in a hard-fought game played in difficult conditions at Creggs on Sunday. Oughterard got off to a great start with a converted try in the 3rd minute, to lead by 7-0. A superb intercept try by out-half Dylan Keaveney in the 18th minute was a huge boost for the home team, and he also kicked the conversion to level the scores at 7 points all. The impressive Keaveney proceeded to add a well-struck penalty shortly before half-time to leave

Creggs ahead by 3 points, which looked a slender lead with Oughterard enjoying the benefit of a strong wind in the second half. However, Creggs dug deep in an exciting but physical battle in which scoring opportunities were at a premium. With Alan Glennon revelling in the conditions, Creggs held on for a vital win. Oughterard turned down a number of penalty kicks at goal in search of victory, and this proved to be their downfall as Creggs tackled with fierce determination to repel everything the Galway men could throw at them. Captain Enda Tully led by example, pulling off a trysaving tackle in the right corner with the defence

stretched to the limit, while Johnny Pontier and Luke Meehan also defended valiantly but no Creggs player was found wanting as Oughterard piled on the pressure in the closing stages. Creggs will travel to Ballina next Sunday with confidence and hoping for back-to-back victories to maintain momentum following a difficult mid-season. Creggs squad: Luke Meehan, David Naughton, James Ryan, Stephen Crehan, Johnny Pontier, Dylan Keaveney, David Hoare, Brian Coady, Enda Tully, Kevin Rushe, Seamus Collins, Declan Nee, Damien Nolan, Alan Brandon, Graham Curran, Peter Heavey,

Daragh Thomas, Enda Naughton, Alan Glennon, Ken Loughrey. Creggs YOUTH rugby – Galwegians RFC 12 Creggs U-14s 15: Creggs U-14s put in a very good second-half performance last Sunday morning in Creggs to overcome a strong Galwegians side in the U-14 Division 1 Connacht League. Creggs U-14 squad: Ronan Lambe, Diarmuid Fahey, Ethan Glennon, Luke Divilly, Lorcan Maher, Rory Callaghan, Jack Tucker, Ben Finnerty, Cian Glennon, Mark Purcell, Darragh Kiernan, Callum Coughlan, James Rocke, Loius McCaffrey, Brandon Kilcommons, Darren Gately, Jack Crehan, Aaron Lyons.

Big win for Community College Roscommon Community College had a decisive 19-0 victory in their Connacht Junior Emerging Cup pool match in atrocious conditions at Ballina against St. Tiernan’s College, Crossmolina last week. An Aaron Hannon try was expertly converted by Daire Keenan for a 7-0 lead. A Conor Lavin try, again converted by Keenan, made it 140 to the Roscommon College at half-time. Next, a five-metre scrum saw a nice backline move finished off by full-back Gareth Delaney who went over for an unconverted try. RCC squad: Gareth Delaney, Sean Trundle, Conor Lavin, Jack Donnelly, Diarmuid Treacy, Daire Keenan, Eoghan Farrell, Oisin Campbell, Simon Leonard, Aaron Hannon, Dylan Geraghty (c), Keelan Morris, Erik Matik, Adam Bracken, Luca Stratford, Cormac Lavin, Keelan Gallagher, Erik Horvath, Diarmuid Quinn, Evan Croghan, Shane Donoghue and Brandon Maguire.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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Seamus Duke ON SPORT Rossies to face Galway in FBD ﬁnal So another weekend of action has passed for our county football and hurling teams in preparation for the national league and championships which will come up quickly now. The senior footballers went to Castlebar and won again for the second year in a row in the FBD League but I wouldn’t be rushing out to

U-21s unlucky against Cavan The U-21 team completed their Hastings Cup games with another defeat last weekend, against Cavan. But it was a good display from Roscommon and they were unlucky not to have won the game. The team has been woefully depleted in all their games and as manager Mark Dowd said to me after the game against Cavan they know far more about their squad this year than last year when they were fielding strong teams every weekend in the Hastings Cup. It’s all about the game against Galway in the Connacht Championship in Kiltoom on March the 9th.

the bookies after that game because neither side seemed too bothered whether they won this game or not and Roscommon were just that little bit stronger and fitter than their opponents on the day. The high-energy game that we have seen from Roscommon since the new management have

Life’s a pitch at the Hyde At the time of writing there is still a doubt over the staging of the league game against Monaghan at Dr Hyde Park on January the 31st. My view is that the game will probably be played but it will be touch and go. But this situation once again highlights the lack of forward planning that has existed in Roscommon GAA for many years past. Practically no major work has been carried out on the playing pitch in Hyde Park since it was opened in 1971. The caretaker, Peter Murray, has done his best over the years to keep the pitch in good shape and during the summer it is always in great condition. But as we all know there is more and more rain falling during the winter months and the surface as it is cannot drain the water away. The first priority in any new refurbishment of Dr Hyde Park has got to be a new playing surface. If we want to be a Division One team then our players and the opposition they face deserve to be playing on a Dr. Hyde Park awaits a vital upgrade. proper playing surface.

game in mind for this coming weekend but now they will have to turn their attentions to the FBD League Final against Galway in Tuam. It will still afford the management to try out another combination and fine-tune the team which I am sure they have in mind for the game against Monaghan on January the 31st.

United v ‘Pool: No longer a highlight Times were when Manchester United v Liverpool was one of the games of the season on the English soccer calendar. Last Sunday I was in Castlebar and I was not able to see the latest instalment of the rivalry live so I had to rely on the highlights on Match of the Day. The game was so poor that there were hardly enough highlights to fill ten minutes. Yes, United won the game but they had one shot on target in the entire match and the game was woefully short on quality and excitement. Liverpool were bad and Manchester United were worse. Mediocrity was the watchword as these two mid-table teams slugged it out. This was a fixture in which Ronaldo, Giggs, Scholes, Irwin, Schmeichel, Fowler, Barnes, Owen, McManaman and Torres starred in the past. The games were often not classics but they were always high intensity and eminently watchable. It’s sad to see these two once-great clubs produce such yawn-inducing drivel. There have been a few good games in the past week in the Premier League but overall the standard has gone down alarmingly. Arsenal still look good for the title but I suppose Manchester City and maybe Spurs might have a say in that. Manchester United and Liverpool look way off the pace as far as a title run is concerned.

We shall not be moved

Hurlers beaten by Mayo The Roscommon hurlers went down to Mayo in Athleague last Saturday but again the team were short a number of players for one reason or another and the league is the main focus for Justin Campbell and his side this spring.

taken over was evident again, but this game was about as far from the cut and thrust of Division One football and championship fare as one could get. Nevertheless it was another win and as Kevin McStay said after the game, it’s another small rung up the ladder. The team management had an in-house A v B

Seamus Sweeney and Brian Carroll pictured on the sideline. Picture: Andrew Fox

It is not often that a political story makes its way into this sports column but after the U-21 game in Kiltoom last Saturday and after the senior game in Castlebar on Sunday the only topic of conversation was the proposals to take a large chunk of South Roscommon and put it into Westmeath. What effect that proposal would have on the GAA and other sporting organisations remains to be seen but people in County Roscommon are absolutely fuming at the notion of this proposal being allowed to become a reality. As the years go by I would be less and less inclined to be militant about anything but I have to say that in common with a lot of

people that I met at the weekend I will do whatever it takes to stop this proposal going through. It is not only people in South Roscommon that are angry about it. I was talking to people from Boyle, Strokestown, Castlerea and from other parts of the county who are incensed at what is being proposed here. My advice at this stage is to send off the submissions that are going around and keep an eye out for other possible courses of action if it looks like the submissions route won’t work. As someone that was born, bred and reared in County Roscommon this proposal is an insult to all Roscommon people and we cannot allow it to become a reality.

Liverpool v Manchester United at Anfield used to boast world class players like Xabi Alonso and Paul Scholes.

Central Council’s proposals unlikely to ﬂy So the Central Council has come up with its proposals to revamp the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and from reading them I feel they have no hope of going through. The idea of taking the eight teams in Division Four and having them play a ‘B’ Championship is daft and has

no hope of being passed. It’s like they wrote it down in 30 seconds on the back of a cigarette packet! If the GAA want to be serious about changing the championship structures then they have to abandon the provincial system. It would be a very bold step and it would open up all

kinds of possibilities and all teams would then be treated with equality, which is not happening at the moment. However, the provincial councils have too much power and that is never going to happen so the chances of any meaningful reform of the cham-

pionship system are zero. Then we have the proposal to scrap the U-21 championship. I am against that, for very parochial reasons. Roscommon have had great success with that championship over the years so why should we be voting to get rid of it? But if they do get rid of U-21 I

would be in favour of also scrapping minor and having an U-19 championship instead. Remember that all these proposed changes will require a two-thirds majority at Congress. It is very unlikely that any of the changes proposed will get through.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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Rossies make themselves feel at home in Castlebar Roscommon take venue switch in stride FBD Connacht Senior Football League ROSCOMMON

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MAYO

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< SEAMUS DUKE

Defending champions Roscommon have qualified for the final of the FBD League for the second year in a row following this deserved win against old rivals Mayo last Sunday at McHale Park. It took Roscommon almost 30 years to defeat Mayo in a competitive game in Castlebar – achieved last year – and now they have succeeded again one year on. Roscommon prevailed in a game that was switched from its original venue, Hyde Park in Roscommon. However, before any Roscommon supporters get carried away, Mayo were very poor on the day and you got the distinct impression that this defeat did not cause them any anxiety at all. They were short many of their star names (in fact Aidan O’Shea was tweeting from

Anfield during the game!) and they lost Keith Higgins with a nasty-looking knee injury after only six minutes. But in fairness to what was another experimental Roscommon side, they started well and got their noses in front and played some enterprising football throughout. Once again a feature of the Roscommon display was their work ethic and the hard graft of all the players paid dividends on the day. In truth this was like a slow bicycle race. Neither side were that bothered whether they won or not and as Roscommon joint manager Kevin McStay said after the game, getting to the FBD League Final was ”not in the plan” – but now they are there it is another chance for the players to show what they can do ahead of what will be a massive opening league game against Monaghan in two weeks’ time.

Niall Daly prepares to make a tackle. Picture: Andrew Fox

In a game played on a dark, cold and wet day, and before a very good crowd of 3,849, it was Roscommon who started best. By the 12th minute they were 0-4 to 0-0 ahead. Diarmuid Murtagh, Neil Collins, Fintan Cregg and Cathal Cregg (with a superb effort) were the Roscommon scorers. Then Mayo scored three on the trot through Conor Loftus (free), Mark Ronaldson and Keith Rutledge. Two fine points from Cathal Cregg helped Roscommon into a 0-6 to 0-4 halftime lead. Roscommon were struggling at times in midfield but the hard work of the defence ensured that Mayo chances were few and far between as Seanie McDermott and Niall McInerney kept the back door closed in impressive fashion. Early second-half points from Ciaran Murtagh (free) and another from Enda Smith after a rampaging run up the middle, saw the visitors four to the good by the 34th minute (0-8 to 0-4). Mayo did rally briefly but then a surge of scores from Roscommon left them 0-13 to 0-8 ahead after 53 minutes. Ciaran Murtagh (2 frees), Senan Kilbride, Niall Daly and Diarmuid Murtagh were the Roscommon scorers. Mayo did hit back with two late points from Jason Doherty (2 frees), but

Neil Collins breaks the ball away from Donal Vaughan. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon held out for a comfortable win. Roscommon were best served on the day by Seanie McDermott, Niall McInerney, Niall Daly, Fintan Cregg, Cathal Cregg and Diarmuid Murtagh, but there were still some problems with the midfield area, and with some of the kick-outs as well, but overall there was a huge level of work rate amongst all the Roscommon players. As for Mayo, with most of their star players either sitting in the stand watching, or elsewhere, they will not be too put out at this defeat as they have far bigger fish to fry later on in 2016. Roscommon: Geoffrey Claffey; Niall McInerney, Neil Collins (0-1), Ronan Stack; Seanie McDermott, Niall Daly (0-1), Conor Daly; Enda Smith (0-1), Ian Kilbride; Fintan Cregg (0-1), Ciaran Murtagh (0-3, frees), Ronan Daly; Senan Kilbride (0-1), Cathal Cregg (0-3), Diarmuid Murtagh (0-2, 1 free).

Subs: Brian Murtagh for N Daly (46), Scott Oates for D Murtagh (56), Kieran Kilcline for F Cregg (56), Gary Patterson for Stack (57). Mayo: Rob Hennelly; Ger Cafferky, Kevin Keane, Padraig O’Hora; Keith Higgins, Caolain Crowe, Colm Boyle; Tom Parsons, Jason Gibbons; Donal Vaughan, Mark Ronaldson, Darren McHale; Keith Rutledge, Jason Doherty, Conor Loftus. Subs: Lee Keegan for Higgins (6), Shane McHale for Keane 18), Diarmuid O’Connor for Rutledge (44), Shane Nally for Boyle (49), Brendan Harrisson for O’Hora (52). Referee: John Gilmartin (Sligo). Wides: Roscommon 4 Mayo 5 Black cards: None Yellow cards: Roscommon 1 (Cathal Cregg); Mayo 2 (Padraig O’Hora, Lee Keegan) Attendance: 3,849

Ciarán Murtagh gathers possession for Roscommon. Picture: Andrew Fox

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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TIME ADDED ON… Talking point Mayo fielded a very weak team on the day, nevertheless there was a huge crowd at the game (the official attendance was announced as 3,849, but it looked closer to 5,000 to me) which proves the enduring quality of the Mayo-Roscommon rivalry.

Danny Burke, Castlerea I am enjoying the style of football that Roscommon are playing. They have cut out a lot of the needless handpassing that they were at. But I wouldn’t be looking too much into the result of this game because Mayo were very weak. Roscommon played well and worked hard but we struggled a bit at midfield and Cathal Shine is badly needed there. Our kick-outs were dodgy enough at times and for Mayo Keith Higgins was a big loss. But we are going in the right direction and we have to concentrate on the Monaghan league game now. That’s the big one at this stage.

This time last year Roscommon went to Castlebar and defeated Mayo to qualify for the FBD League Final against Galway. It was the first time in almost 30 years that Roscommon had defeated Mayo in a competitive game at McHale Park.

What’s next? Roscommon play Galway in the FBD League Final on Sunday next in Tuam at 2 pm.

Media View ‘This win sets up a repeat of last year’s pre-season final with Galway and allows Roscommon joint team manager Kevin McStay to feel that they are nudging themselves in the right direction all the time. “McStay was keen during the week to play down any Ouch! Niall Daly is sent to the ground under this high challenge. Picture: Andrew Fox rising expectation there might be in the years ahead, something that his predecessor John Evans wasn’t afraid to ventilate especially after the Division 2 final victory over Down when he suggested sufficient gaps in the All- Hugh Lynn @lthugh Shane Curran @shanetcurran Ireland market lay ahead for them to exploit. “156 years ago today Douglas Hyde was “Very good morale boosting victory for Rossies v “Evans may be proved right but for now McStay only born. Hyde Park is unplayable today. Can this @MayoGAA in McHale Pk today – only two weeks has the cliff-face of their opening Division 1 games Roscommon team mark his birthday with a win?” to Monaghan game early signs VGood.” (Former against Monaghan and Kerry in mind.’ (The Roscommon PRO looks for a belated birthday Roscommon goalkeeper and current Padraig (Colm Keyes, Irish Independent) present for a former president.) Pearses’ manager Shane Curran gives his view.)

TWEETS OF THE WEEK

Cavan edge Hastings battle Dowd’s focus is on Galway Hastings Cup (Round 3) CAVAN ROSCOMMON < SEAMUS DUKE

The stats will show that this match in Kiltoom last Saturday was a third defeat in a row for Roscommon in the Hastings Cup, but in terms of performance this was far more like it from a Roscommon point of view. Mark Dowd’s men were depleted once again but they put in an excellent afternoon’s work and indeed if Cathal Callinan had converted a 45th minute penalty, Roscommon could well have won the game. Either way it was a good performance from Roscommon and with a lot of the more established players to come back into the panel, the manager and his selectors have plenty of options to consider ahead of the opening round championship game against Galway on March 9th. This was a very entertaining game in which both sides enjoyed periods of supremacy at different stages. Cavan led by 0-4 to 0-2 after six minutes but in the 7th minute Aengus Ly-

0-15 2-8 ons was fouled on his way towards goal and Cathal Callinan fired home the resultant spot-kick to give Roscommon the lead. Then Cavan assumed control and with Tom Hayes inspirational in attack they led by 0-10 to 1-4 coming up to the break. However, Roscommon went in level. A fantastic team move involving Cathal Callinan, Aengus Lyons and Hubert Darcy ended with Kevin Farrell blasting to the Cavan net. Half-time score: Cavan 0-10 Roscommon 2-4. Cavan were the better side in the third quarter and by the 44th minute they led by 0-15 to 2-5 and were looking good for a comfortable victory. But Roscommon rallied again. Hubert Darcy was upended in the large square in the 45th minute but Cathal Callinan’s spot-kick was saved by Fergal O’Rourke (after Joe O’Donoghue received a black card) and when the rebound came back to the Clann na nGael man he miskicked and the chance was gone. Even so Roscommon

kicked three fine points without reply from Callinan, Davy Neary and John Gannon, to reduce the margin to the bare minimum, but Roscommon ran out of time and Cavan prevailed by a point. Best for a lively Roscommon on the day were Davy Neary, Evan McGrath, Keelan Beirne, Kevin Farrell, Aengus Lyons, John Gannon and Hubert Darcy. After the game the Roscommon manager Mark Dowd was happy with the way his side played. “There was nothing in it in the end. I was disappointed that we lost but I am a lot happier this week because we really worked hard in the second half today whereas we faded in our last two games in the second half. We have another game now next weekend and that’s good.” “This time last year we were fielding strong teams in the Hastings Cup – and did it prove much of a benefit to us later in the year? I’m not so sure. But this year we are in a much stronger position in that I have seen a lot more of the players on the panel as we prepare for the championship. I know that the results have not gone our way but

Mayo hurlers edge out Rossies Connacht Senior Hurling League MAYO ROSCOMMON

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Roscommon manager Mark Dowd.

it’s all about March the 9th to be honest,” he concluded. Cavan: Joe O’Donoghue; Jason McMahon, Cormac Daly, Michael Devine; Caoimhin Carney (0-1), Benjamin Kelly (0-1), Niall Clerkin (0-1); Cian Monaghan, Brian McGee (0-1); Matt McKiernan, Liam Galligan (0-3, 2 frees), Pearse Smyth (0-2); Caoimhin O’Reilly (0-5, 3 frees), Tom Hayes (0-1), Sean Rutherford. Subs: Donal Monaghan for Kelly, Stuart Dunne for Rutherford, Fergal O’Rourke for O’Donoghue (Black Card), Dylan Raythorne for Devine (Black Card),

Evan Doherty for Carney, Sean Tierney for O’Reilly. Roscommon: Adam McManus; Davy Neary (01), Evan McGrath, Conor McNiece; Keelan Beirne (0-2), Shane Pettit, Jack Casey; Tom Butler, Senan Farrell; Aengus Lyons, Austin Kielty (0-2), Kevin Farrell (1-0); Cathal Callinan (1-2, 1 free), John Gannon (0-1), Hubert Darcy. Subs: Niall Connorton for Butler, John Donohue for Pettit. Referee: Hugh O’Kane (Longford). Note: Roscommon will play Leitrim in a shield game in Rathcline this Saturday (23rd) at 2 pm.

The Roscommon senior hurlers travelled to Ballyhaunis Centre of Excellence for the second week in a row last Saturday due to no pitches being playable in Roscommon. Mayo were the better team in the first half and registered ten points to Roscommon’s four. Mayo then started the second half as they finished the first with two quick points. However, Roscommon hit a purple patch halfway through the second half with a free from Jerry Fallon and a well-worked goal by Ronan O’Meara. Jason Kilkenny struck a good long-range point to reduce the arrears to just three points. Sadly Roscommon missed four very scoreable frees which could have made the difference. Mayo finished strongly with three points, to win 0-16 to 1-7. Best for Roscommon were Alan Moore, Ciaran Shaw, Warren Boyle and Michael Kelly.

Ronan O’Meara…netted Roscommon goal.

Roscommon: Noel Fallon; Alan Moore, Ciaran Shaw, Warren Boyle; Jason Martin, Michael Kelly (0-2, frees), Shane Curley; John Moran, Jason Kilkenny (0-1); Jerry Fallon (0-4, frees), Eamon Flanagan, Adrian Murphy; Cillian Egan, Ronan O’Meara (10), Geraoid Keenan. Subs. Jamie Lawlor for J. Fallon, Hugh Rooney for A. Murphy. Chris Duignan for C. Egan, Tommy Doyle for G. Keenan.

Roscommon People Friday 22 January 2016

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INSIDE No-show at Hyde Park: ‘Lack of forward planning’ – Seamus Duke, page 59

McSTAY’S MIDFIELD MISSION! ‘We have to figure out way of operating in the midfield area’ < SEAMUS DUKE

oscommon’s joint manager Kevin McStay (pictured by Andrew Fox last Sunday) has revealed that his team weren’t planning to reach this weekend’s FBD League Final! While Roscommon ¬recorded a notable three-point win over Mayo in Castlebar on Sunday, McStay was quick to make the point that his team is further advanced than Mayo in terms of early-season preparation. Accordingly, he wasn’t reading

a huge amount into Sunday’s win. “Look, we won and that’s about it! It wasn’t really in the plan to get to the FBD League Final but now that we are there (v Galway this Sunday) it will give us a chance to look at some more players, which is good. “I am sure we have more work done than Mayo because we are new to Division One (of the NFL) and we have to prepare hard for it, while Mayo can ease themselves into the season.” With the start of a momentous league campaign just over a week away, McStay has pin-

pointed the crucial midfield area as a sector which needs to be addressed. “Our first four or five league games will be crucial. Will we be good enough? We will have to see, because it’s a higher level that we have been used to, but we are improving all the time and it’s one little rung higher on the ladder every time we play. “We have to figure out a way of operating in the midfield area. We just don’t have the size like Mayo and other teams have, but we will figure a way around it. Our sole focus is on the start of the national league

in two weeks’ time.” Meanwhile, Mayo manager Stephen Rochford said: “Roscommon have more work than us done at this stage but we played fairly well in the second half. We have a lot of injuries – and a few more after today – but we are not going to feel sorry for ourselves. “It’s difficult to be losing players through injury but it gives someone else an opportunity to stand up and say ‘I am able to replace an established player’, and (therefore) leave us in a stronger position for the year ahead.”

Another chance to impress! For players, FBD Final is a warm-up for Monaghan game < SEAMUS DUKE

or the second year

in a row, old rivals Roscommon and Galway will meet in the FBD League Final in Tuam (this Sunday, 2 pm) and while a victory for either side would be a boost going into the NFL, an FBD title would not exactly be on the priority list for Galway or Roscommon. Roscommon’s management team were planning to hold an in-house A v B game this weekend to finalise preparations for the league opener against Monaghan, but now, after last weekend’s win against what was a very understrength Mayo side, they will be able to look at new players and combinations in a competitive setting against Galway. Trying to predict what Roscommon team will be playing on Sunday is most likely a futile exercise as it will probably feature many changes from the team we saw against Mayo on Sun-

day last. I presume that the likes of Neil Collins, Enda Smith and Diarmuid Murtagh, all of whom returned to the fold last weekend, will get more game-time in this encounter. The priority will be to ensure that there are no serious injuries ahead of the game against Monaghan on Sunday week. Like Roscommon, Galway have three wins behind them and they will be hoping to launch a promotion bid in the upcoming National League campaign. Familiar faces like Paul Conroy, Thomas Flynn and Danny Cummins were to the fore against GMIT last weekend, while Eddie Hoare has been impressive in this FBD League campaign and is putting down a big challenge for a starting place in the league at full-forward. Given that neither side will lose any sleep if they lose this final, it’s a toss-up, and maybe Galway, with home advantage, might just want it a little more. Prediction: Galway.

Close encounters of a Mayo and Roscommon kind! ‘Action’ from last Sunday’s FBD game in Castlebar. Picture: Andrew Fox