01 July 2022 Roscommon People by RossiePeople

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Waiting list of several months for access to mental health services < PAUL HEALY

Statistics made public this week reveal that more than 20 young people in County Roscommon have been kept waiting between six and nine months for a first assessment with the HSE’s mental health services. The figures confirm that as of April of this year, 108 young people locally were on a CAMHS waiting list which is weighed down by “unprecedented” demand. According to the HSE, 21 young

people from County Roscommon were waiting between six and nine months for a first referral with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) as of April 2022. A further 44 young people were waiting between three and six months to have a first engagement with the service, while 43 individuals were on the waiting list for up to three months. In all, 108 young people were waiting several weeks or months for a first assessment appointment. The

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bleak figures were provided in response to a query by Independent councillor Tony Ward. The HSE said the waiting list for Community Healthcare West CAMHS commenced because of “unprecedented post-pandemic demand” which is compounded by the challenges in recruiting CAMHS specialists. However, the HSE expressed confidence that experienced staff will be recruited by the end of the month (i.e. today). See page 4.

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090 647 8433 ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT www.bccsolicitors.ie DO’S AND DON’T’S

If I am involved in a road traffic accident with another motorist what should I do or not do. Please advise. DO 1. Ensure that you and the other people involved in the accident are not injured. If anyone is injured call an ambulance. Be courteous and polite to others involved in the accident regardless of who is at fault. 2. Call the Gardai. Depending on the seriousness of the accident they may or may not attend the scene. 3. If it is a serious accident do not move your vehicle and ask the other motorist involved in the accident not to move their vehicle either until the Gardai arrive. If it is a minor accident and if it is not possible to leave the vehicles in the crash position due to the fact that the crashed vehicles are obstructing the road and holding up traffic then simply move the vehicles to the left of the road in a safe position. Try to take good photographs of the accident scene noting the position of and damage done to the crashed vehicles. 4. Take details of all vehicles involved in the accident to include: insurance details; vehicle registration numbers; names, addresses and phone numbers for all drivers. 5. Take names, addresses and phone numbers of independent witnesses who witnessed the accident. 6. Take note of the name and station of the Garda who attends the accident scene. DON’T 1. Don’t admit liability at the scene of the accident. It is a condition of many insurance policies not to admit liability following an accident. If you are obviously at fault it is simply best to exchange insurance details and tell the other party that you will report the matter to your insurance company. 2. Don’t leave the scene of the accident until particulars have been exchanged. 3. If the other motorist tells you that he is going to move his vehicle and return to the scene, don’t believe him. Make sure that all details are exchanged before anyone leaves the scene. 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

e l p o e WATCHING P With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY

All Shook up over Elvis (and Joe)…. Hey, this new movie that’s out…we HAVE to see it… Huh? About one of the greatest entertainers ever, a music messiah… Is it Daniel? It’s Daniel, isn’t it? What’s it called? The Big D? Daniel: The movie? Danny Boy? When Daniel met Majella? No, it’s not Daniel! It’s about the ULTIMATE entertainer! Well… The Big E! Dodgy hair arguably, but he had that cheeky grin, that boy next door CYCLING ACCIDENT charm, that irresistible allure… It’s not Enda Kenny, is it? Is it a biopic on If you were involved in a cycling Enda? contact Thisaccident guy was a SHOWMAN! Byrne Carolan Yeah, ENDA! Cunningham It’s…ELVIS!Solicitors Oh! Yeah…a new movie about Elvis, called ELVIS…it stars Tom Hanks… Ah yes, I can see him as Elvis… Actually, Hanks plays Colonel Tom Parker… You know, he was a ruthless leader… Yeah, nobody messed with the Colonel… No, not him. I mean Enda Kenny. Absolutely ruthless behind that carefully crafted persona. I met Michael Ring once and he said… Oh please…Don’t be Cruel! (Editor: ‘A Little Less Conversation’ surely?) So my friend…any news?

(Editor: You can say that again)

No, all quiet! Dare I ask, any news on those contract talks? Huh? You’ve been speaking to the Editor about renewing our contract…for months now! There IS news...he’s not taking my calls! You’re joking! I’m not! But you were having dinner with him, playing golf together…talking about us doing restaurant reviews, being

Anyways, are you lonesome tonight? Huh? Getting back to Elvis… Oh, very good. Will we go for a pint, or ask our respective partners if they’d join us for a nice night at the cinema…and some Elvis nostalgia? Let’s pencil Elvis in for the weekend…and have a pint tonight! Great! And we’ll relax about the Editor and Joe Brolly, we’re probably being paranoid. It’s as if we have… Both: Suspicious Minds!

PEOPLE writing headlines… Billie Eilish & Paul McCartney

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HSE Chief Executive and Carrick-on-

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The 20-year-old Billie became the youngest ever artist to headline/open Glastonbury Festival, while the 80-year-old McCartney rolled back the years with a rollicking and unforgettable set on Saturday night

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supplied with a driver… I’m telling you, he’s gone to ground! In fairness, he does that most summers. Maybe it’s the onset of the silly season! True…he could be off researching stories on talking dogs/giant sods of turf/vegetables that resemble celebrities! Sounds like classic silly season stuff in the media alright! Any more word on him sounding out Joe Brolly? That’s what’s worrying me. My sources say they were both in Croke Park at the weekend. Now he won’t take my calls this week! Just when I thought we almost had a deal! You’re not worried, are you? Nah…this page wouldn’t be the same without us!

Paul Reid

Shannon resident Paul Reid received many tributes this week (primarily for his calm leadership during the height of the Covid-19 crisis) after announcing he’s stepping down from the post in order to spend more time with his family

Bono

During an interview with Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio’s Desert Island Discs, the U2 frontman revealed that he has a half-

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The list of victims of the cool, clean hero – Mick is leader of a major transport union in the UK – now includes Piers Morgan, Kay Burley, Richard Madeley and various previously smug Conservative MPs (Lynch has been mastering them all during media appearances relating to the rail strikes in the UK)

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Senior officials from the Office of Public Works met with the Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council and the local authority’s senior engineer last week to discuss a viable solution to the flood risk posed by Lough Fushinagh. Addressing members at Monday’s meeting of the local authority, CEO Eugene Cummins described the meeting as “very positive” and praised the “supreme and continued effort” of Minister Patrick O’Donovan and the OPW. He said the OPW was committed to further meetings but called for the Minister and other officials to be given time to make progress on the matter. The issue was raised in the Dáil yesterday (Wednesday) when local TD Denis Naughten called for direct Government intervention to address what he described as “a humanitarian crisis” faced by eight

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Council meets with OPW over Lough Funshinagh families in the Ballagh and Lisphelim area of south Roscommon. Deputy Naughten had raised a motion calling for a cross-departmental task force to address emergency climate adaptation measures in order to protect homes nationwide without which, he said, families may be forced to relocate. “In the middle of a housing emergency, the very last things we should be doing is demolishing homes,” he said. “Will the Government commit to bringing all State players together to address the present legal impasse to flood alleviation works?” Responding to Deputy Naughten, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath said work was ongoing within Government to address the issue. Minister McGrath said certain matters had been referred to Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien and that OPW officials

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National Sunflower Day a great success Mayo-Roscommon Hospice has expressed grateful thanks to all the volunteers, Hospice support groups, local stores and all who helped make National Sunflower Days for Hospice a great success, especially those who donated so generously to the cause. Your support will help the Hospice palliative care teams to continue to provide a specialist service, free of charge, to all who live with life-limiting illness in the community including patients with conditions such as end stage Motor Neurone Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, MS, COPD, dementia and heart failure.

were available for discussions. The Minister also confirmed the OPW’s meeting with the Council’s CEO last Monday and said further meetings were being scheduled.

“The Minister of State, Deputy (Patrick) O’Donovan, has assured the council of his and the OPW’s continued support for the council as it works to find a solution to manage the flood risk at Lough

Funshinagh,” he said. A public meeting to discuss the future of Lough Funshinagh’s communities will take place at 7 pm on Monday next (4th) in St. John’s Community Centre in Lecarrow.

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Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

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Over 100 young people waiting for first CAMHS assessment < PAUL HEALY

Latest available statistics indicate that there are currently over 100 young people in County Roscommon waiting a number of months for a first assessment with the HSE’s mental health services. The figures, made public this week, reveal that as of April of this year, 108 young people locally are on a CAMHS waiting list which is weighed down by “unprecedented” demand. According to the HSE, 21 young people from County Roscommon were waiting between six and nine months for a first referral with CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) as of April 2022. A further 44 young people were waiting between three and six months to have a first

engagement with the service, while 43 individuals were on the waiting list for up to three months. The bleak figures – provided in response to a query by Independent councillor Tony Ward – confirm that at least 108 young people were waiting several weeks or months for a first assessment appointment with CAMHS as of April last. The HSE said it had to commence a waiting list for Community Healthcare West CAMHS due to “unprecedented post-pandemic demand” which is further compounded by the challenges in recruiting CAMHS specialists. Responding to Cllr. Ward’s query at Monday’s Regional Health Forum (West) in Galway, the HSE said that CAMHS referrals are reviewed and pri-

oritised on the basis of clinical necessity. Even though the Forum took place on Tuesday, June 28th, the HSE expressed confidence that experienced staff will be recruited by the end of the month (i.e. today). The HSE said: “We have an active waiting list management system, regularly reviewing clinical priority of referrals. We have received funding as part of the national CAMHS waiting list initiative and we are allocating this to recruit experienced CAMHS professionals and expect them in place by the end of this month. “We plan to address a substantial element of the existing waiting list over the next six months. We continue to advocate for funding to address the demands within the CAMHS services”.

Pictured at Kilmore GAA Park in Roscommon on Monday were Darren Kerins (Club Secretary), Senator Eugene Murphy, Jack Chambers TD (Minister with responsibility for Sport and the Gaeltacht), JJ McWeeney (Club Chairperson), and Trevor Hunt (Ladies Team Chairperson). Pic: Gerry Faughnan

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Cllr Joe Murphy (then-Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council) pictured on Friday at the launch of ‘Threading the Tain’ with textile artists Rosaleen Martin and Geraldine Beirne, Fiona Ni Chuinn (Senior Executive Officer), Nollaig Feeney (Heritage Officer), Majella Hunt (Director of Services), Frances Crowe (Artist Facilitator), textile artists Immacula Deane and Franziska Leinberger, and Rhona McGrath (Arts Officer). Pic: Brian Farrell

Castles in Communities returns to Ballintubber

Ballintubber Tidy Towns and Heritage Committee are inviting you to join them this Sunday (July 3rd) to mark the commencement of the Castles in Communities Project. This is a big celebration where the committee will welcome into their village and homes approximately

70 American students as well as Archaeology and Anthropology faculty to continue excavations of the castle. The celebrations will begin with a welcome at the Castle Green at 4 pm, by the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band and Dr. Niall Brady. This will

be followed by a free BBQ in Garvey’s Bar and entertainment by Kevin Garvey and dancing with Mildred. All are welcome. There will be a number of events planned for the month of July so keep an eye on Ballintubber Tidy Towns Facebook page for updates.

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Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

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Focus on Ballaghaderreen’s future 16-page pull-out supplement in today’s paper < PAUL HEALY

Tentative but optimistic soundings on the prospects for the development of Ballaghaderreen have been voiced this week by local politicians and community leaders. As the Roscommon People newspaper launches a proBallaghaderreen campaign in today’s edition and also across our social media platforms, prominent community figures have outlined their views on the local library saga, plans to develop a new Greenway locally, and the general economic prospects for the town. Ballaghaderreen Library has been closed for over two years, with public frustration growing. Roscommon County Council carried out a technical assessment of the library which concluded that a mechanical and electrical consultant would

need to be appointed to oversee required works. The Council published a tender on June 13th seeking the services of a mechanical and electrical consultant. Monday last (June 27th) was the closing date for receipt of submissions. Now local Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane is leading calls for these works to be fasttracked. However, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys told Deputy Kerrane that progress on the library works – and the timeline for completing same – are “a matter for Roscommon County Council”. The Minister said that works are due to commence in the fourth quarter of the year but that the Council will initiate this project earlier “if at all possible”. Striking a positive note was Fine Gael councillor Liam

Teresa Geever and brother Noel Higgins meet for a coffee in Rooskies Café, Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Mick McCormack

Callaghan who said that while the improvement works at the library will take some time to complete, he has been assured that the new-look facility will be “one of the most modern in the country”. Cllr. Callaghan agreed that many locals are frustrated with the delay but he feels the enhanced service will benefit everybody in the long-term. He confirmed that he will continue to seek extra mobile library visits in the interim. Meanwhile, Deputy Kerrane says the IDA has agreed to visit Ballaghaderreen to explore any possible opportunities for creating jobs in the town. This follows a meeting the TD had with the agency in May. In other news in the area, the Roscommon chairperson of the proposed RosSligo Greenway says the project has re-

ceived an extremely positive response from landowners and other key stakeholders in recent weeks. Eoin Madden says local support for the Greenway, which has been described as a possible game-changer for the region, is crucial in order to secure Government support for a

feasibility study later this year. Meanwhile, Ballaghaderreen Town Team Chairperson, Willie Murphy says the town’s Public Realm Enhancement Project, due to be completed in 2023, will breathe new life and purpose into the town. “There’s a major project ongoing at the moment in Balla-

ghaderreen and that’s the Public Realm Enhancement which is all about reimaging the town. It’s a very worthwhile project. Ballaghaderreen needs repurposing and it needs a new image both for the people living and working in the town currently and to attract new businesses, new people, and tourism”.

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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Available Lizzy Davis with daughter Charlotte at Rooskies Café, Ballagahderreen earlier this week. Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor

paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Thursday It’s Bonfire Night (June 23rd) – and a stark reminder that summer is moving on. Unfortunately, there’s no sign yet of consistently good weather. Pity, because we could all do with the wonderful morale booster that sunshine tends to bring. I see our friends across the water are similarly downbeat just now. On the quirky and often excellent Channel 4 News, a solemnfaced presenter reminds viewers that they couldn’t travel abroad for the last two years (due to Covid) and then grimly informs them that they may be facing another summer of being grounded…this time due to airline strikes. Just to help the mood, the Channel 4 graphics people have an image of a plane taking off, then reversing back on to the runway. The presenter goes on to remind viewers that they aren’t guaranteed public transport within the UK either, as the industrial action has already begun there, with trains currently lying idle. Hero of the hour on social media and elsewhere is Transport Union leader Mick Lynch, who for many people has suddenly evolved into a champion of the public because of his delightfully unflappable way of handling media interviews and smug politicians. On Twitter, the Irish are quick to claim him as one of our own (Mick was born to Irish parents). When Mr Lynch tells one presenter that his hero is “Irish socialist republican” James Connolly, his fan base grows further. Lynch, it must be said, is a refreshingly straight-talking media ‘performer’ who has bruised quite a few egos in studios over the past 48 hours. To really top off the week for the Irish social media brigade, there’s a viral video of American actor Bill Murray channelling his inner Irishness (his ancestry can be traced to Cork and Galway) by enthusiastically singing ‘Star of the County Down’ in a pub in Limerick. *No details yet of when Mick ‘One of our own’ Lynch will be appearing on the Late Late Show, to a suitably gushing introduction by Ryan.

Friday On the school run, Morning Ireland switches to sport, with Des asking Colm O’Rourke to preview the weekend GAA. I’m caught on the hop, as an unthinking Des fails to warn listeners that some of us may find part of the next item upsetting. I haven’t time to prepare myself…Colm is straight into Clare v Derry, and yes, he brings up how “Clare upset Roscommon”. Then, just as I’m recovering from the trauma of that unwelcome flashback, O’Rourke is on to Armagh v Galway and talking about the latter’s Connacht final win over Roscommon. Surely they mean Mourning Ireland?

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Lucy Coyle, Kaitlin and Thomas Kelly. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

With heavy hearts – given that neither of us could guarantee the safety of grasshoppers when teeing off – we welcomed him on board. Two holes later, the gentleman – having assessed what he was inflicting on himself – made his excuses and left (in fairness, he’d been very patient). I think I may have been searching for a ball under a tree at the precise moment that he ended the relationship. They say it’s a very sociable sport, but we never heard from him again. *I am still a golf beginner.

Saturday I wrote in last week’s People that Paul McCartney, in the news last week as he was celebrating his 80th birthday, is both ageless and peerless. Tonight, the superstar headlined at Glastonbury, and it really was an unforgettable performance. BBC’s live coverage brought this brilliant 2 hour 50 minute set into the homes of millions of TV viewers. I can only imagine how special it must have been for the fans who were actually at the venue. Brimming with energy, good humour and like-

ability, this legendary custodian of timeless classics sang some of the greatest songs of the past half-century (many of which he had written). There were several Beatles’ classics, some from his Wings’ days, and also a few hits of fellow stars. When he began dueting with Foo Fighters’ frontman David Grohl, that was pretty special. The excitement levels rose even further when McCartney casually introduced Bruce Springsteen! Watching McCartney and ‘The Boss’ on stage together was a thrilling experience. Seeing people in their 20s (or younger) sing along to McCartney’s playlist says it all about the influence and legacy of this genius. What a set…what a journey through six decades of pop culture. ‘Macca’ is indeed peerless…long may he enjoy good health, and continue to do what he does.

Sunday Pádraic Joyce is right. Deciding major GAA games on penalties is not satisfactory. My heart sank when today’s tremendous All-Ireland quarter-final (Galway v Armagh) went to a penalty shootout. Of course I was glad Galway fired

Monday We can exclusively reveal that sensational reports of alleged “clear and unambiguous” sightings of the sun are being treated with considerable suspicion by sceptical weather experts. Social media was ablaze with speculation after separate reports of sustained sightings of the sun in counties Donegal and Kerry. It is understood that while these bizarre claims are not being taken seriously by experts, the powers-that-be are obliged to investigate them. A Met Éireann spokesperson told the People: “Obviously our initial reaction to claims of outbreaks of hot weather – even pleasant sunshine for that matter – was to treat such reports as bogus and quite frankly a sign of early silly season nonsense on the part of a frustrated media. However, strictly speaking, we are obliged to look into them. A third report – suggesting that rain ceased in the midlands on Monday and was briefly replaced by sunshine – is not even worthy of investigation”. Attempts by the Roscommon People to contact a number of leading weather forecasters/experts have so far proven fruitless, with their ringtones suggesting they are all abroad (reputedly in Spain/Portugal/Lanzarote).

Tuesday

Saturday Leading the tournament and playing beautifully, Rory McIllroy was in supreme form as he approached the 12th tee at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut this evening. When he then basically imploded, hacking from rough to bunker and eventually taking eight shots on the par four hole, it reminded me of a summer’s day in the mid-1980s at a time when I was a golf beginner*. A friend and I were haplessly hacking around Longford Golf Club when we were approached by an elderly man who asked if he could join us (he hadn’t seen us play).

over a late, late equaliser, but I have absolutely no time for Outcome By Penalties. What a game this was, particularly from the start of the second half onwards. Galway should have been home and dry – they led by six going into injury-time – but Armagh stunned them with two goals, followed by a sensational equalising free from Rian O’Neill. Then, when it looked as if a Galway goal in extra-time had finally sealed the deal, Armagh struck with a goal of their own. Galway now looked to be facing a heartbreak exit, but up stepped the superb Cillian McDaid to provide a dramatic equaliser and ensure that penalties’ showdown. I must say I have great admiration for Joyce, who conducts himself so impressively on the sideline and in after-match interviews. And while Armagh have added much to this year’s campaign, I was delighted that Galway won, not least because of the disgraceful attack on Damien Comer during the very ugly brawl that has to some degree overshadowed what was a classic game. Mayo, unfortunately, came up short against Kerry in the second of today’s quarter-finals. I suspect one of Derry, Galway or Kerry are going to have to find another gear or two if the Dubs are to be denied yet another Sam success!

Shiven Rovers supporters, Mary, James and Colm Kilcommins, pictured at the recent Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup Final at Lecarrow. Pic: Mick McCormack

1.35 pm: Passing Hannon’s Hotel after leaving the office, I’m pleasantly surprised to observe sunny summer weather. Makes my satire/sarcasm (see ‘Monday’) look a bit out of date, I thought. Is the weather finally picking up? I also thought ‘This is great for the Roscommon Races today’. Then…a mere mile on – drizzle, dark skies, a breezy outlook too. Bizarre! Then…1.52 pm was the precise time on the clock in the car when I was making my way back into town via the Creevy Road…with near-torrential rain now bucketing down! It’s 2.55 pm as I write, and while it’s sunny enough, leaves are fluttering – at pace – along the pavements in Abbey Street. When it comes to Irish weather commentary, in the words of those TV cop shows, I’m off the case. I quit. It’s just too stressful!

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

NewsPeople

Some things change but Molloy’s focus on quality remains! Molloy’s logo 1980.

Molloy’s logo 1922.

During in the 1990s, Declan and Mary T Molloy invested in a new bakery premises which was built on the current site of Molloy’s Bakery at Abbeytown, Roscommon. A further investment followed in 2007 which represented a major change in direction for Molloy’s, transforming it from a traditional supermarket into a specialty bakery, fine food outlet and coffee shop. Molloy’s Bakery and coffee shop remain open seven days a week, serving the finest and freshest in baked goods each day. While there have been many changes down through the years in terms of production methods and the range of goods on offer, one thing that remains the same is the value the Molloy family continue to put on supplying the best quality products to our customers. We are proud to see our hard work paying off and grateful to our loyal customers who keep coming back. Our reputation has spread nationally too, and Mol-

loy’s Bakery has been honoured to receive a number of Great Taste Awards over the years for products such as our Oatmeal Soda, Christmas Pudding, Cantucci, and Chocolate Pudding. A rich variety of ingredients not only makes for great food, it’s also crucial for a great team too. Here at Molloy’s Bakery, we are proud of our talented and hardworking multicultural team which features staff members from Brazil, India, Syria, Poland, Croatia, Hungary, Georgia, Moldova, South Africa, Romania, Lithuania and of course Ireland. The Molloy’s brand has survived a number of ups and downs over ten decades. In the most recent decade, Mark Molloy became the fourth generation of Molloys to enter the business full-time. And, having recently welcomed the fifth generation of the family into the world with the arrival of Jackie-Ann’s son Oscar and Mark’s son Max, Molloy’s is surely in safe hands for the next ten decades too!

Congratulations to last weeks winner of a €75 voucher Michelle Murphy

You could be next! Have you entered?

Molloy’s logo 1998.

The present day logo for Molloy’s.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

ROSCOMMON TOWN LOCAL AREA PLAN 2023 – 2029

BOYLE LOCAL AREA PLAN 2023 – 2029

Planning and Development Acts 2000 (as amended) &

Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended) &

Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations 2004 - 2011

Pre-Draft Public Consultation

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 20(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) that Roscommon County Council intends to commence its review of the existing Roscommon Town Local Area Plan 2015 – 2021 and to prepare a new Local Area Plan for the period 2023 – 2029. The Local Area Plan will be prepared to be consistent with the strategic aims and policy objectives of the recently adopted Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028.

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 20(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) that Roscommon County Council intends to commence its review of the existing Boyle Local Area Plan 2015 – 2021 and to prepare a new Local Area Plan for the period 2023 – 2029. The Local Area Plan will be prepared to be consistent with the strategic aims and policy objectives of the recently adopted Roscommon County Development Plan 2022-2028.

Issues Paper In order to stimulate debate and encourage participation in this process an Issues Paper has been prepared and submissions and observations are invited on the topics raised. Informed by this pre-draft consultation, a Draft Roscommon Town Local Area Plan will then be prepared and a statutory public consultation on that Draft Plan will take place later in 2022. The Draft Plan will be informed by and accompanied by a suite of Environmental Reports.

Issues Paper In order to stimulate debate and encourage participation in this process an Issues Paper has been prepared and submissions and observations are invited on the topics raised. Informed by this pre-draft consultation, a Draft Boyle Local Area Plan will then be prepared and a statutory public consultation on that Draft Plan will take place later in 2022. The Draft Plan will be informed by and accompanied by a suite of Environmental Reports.

Public Display The Issues Paper will be available for inspection from 30th June 2022 to 29th July 2022 (both dates inclusive) and may be viewed in the following ways: • Online - On the dedicated Roscommon County Development Plan website: www.rosdevplan.ie • Roscommon County Council Offices - At the Planning Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98, during normal opening hours.

How to get involved Roscommon County Council hereby invites any interested parties to make submissions or observations to inform the preparation of the Local Area Plan and to ensure that it will deliver an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Roscommon town. Children or groups or associations representing the interests of children are entitled to make submissions or observations to inform the preparation of the Local Area Plan and to ensure that it will deliver an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Roscommon Town . Requests or proposals for the zoning of particular land for any purpose are premature in this pre-draft consultation phase and will not be considered.

How to get involved Roscommon County Council hereby invites any interested parties to make submissions or observations to inform the preparation of the Local Area Plan and to ensure that it will deliver an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Boyle. Children or groups or associations representing the interests of children are entitled to make submissions or observations to inform the preparation of the Local Area Plan and to ensure that it will deliver an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of Boyle. Requests or proposals for the zoning of particular land for any purpose are premature in this pre-draft consultation phase and will not be considered.

Submissions or observations may be made to the Planning Authority between the 30th June 2022 to 29th July 2022 (both dates inclusive) either: (a) In writing to Planning Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98 (Correspondence to be marked ‘Roscommon Town Local Area Plan’) or (b) In electronic format using the submission function on the website (www.rosdevplan.ie) Please note, submissions that are e-mailed cannot be considered and will be returned. Please make your submission / observation by one medium only i.e. in hard copy or via the website. The deadline for receipt of all submissions is 4.30pm on the 29th July 2022. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Submissions or observations may be made to the Planning Authority between the 30th June 2022 to 29th July 2022 (both dates inclusive) either: (a) In writing to Planning Department, Roscommon County Council, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, F42 VR98 (Correspondence to be marked ‘Boyle Local Area Plan’) or (b) In electronic format using the submission function on the website (www.rosdevplan.ie) Please note, submissions that are e-mailed cannot be considered and will be returned. Please make your submission / observation by one medium only i.e. in hard copy or via the website. The deadline for receipt of all submissions is 4.30pm on the 29th July 2022. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Data Protection Written observations or submissions received by Roscommon County Council during the pre-draft consultation period will be published on the aforementioned website. All submissions should include your name and a contact address, and where relevant, details of any organisation, community group or company etc., which you represent. To assist Roscommon County Council in complying with data protection legislation, you are asked to provide this information on a separate sheet. This processing of your personal data is lawful under Article 6 (1)(e) of the GDPR regulations. The Council’s Data Protection Policy, is available at https://www.roscommoncoco.ie//en/freedom_of_information/data%20protection/ data-protection-policies-procedures/corporate-data-protection-policy.pdf The policy is also available in hard copy upon request.

Signed: Shane Tiernan Date: 30th June 2022 Director of Services - Roads and Transportation, Active Travel, Emergency Services, Building Control, Planning and Boyle MD Area Manager

Opening Hours in Áras an Chontae: Motor Tax Office 9.30am to 1.00pm only Monday to Friday. All other services are open 9.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Derryadd Wind Farm

Community Engagement In line with ongoing company strategy, Bord na Móna is proposing to develop a wind farm across the Derryadd Bog Group located in South County Longford. The proposed wind farm will be known as Derryadd Wind Farm.

In recent months, the project team has advanced the design of the proposed development and now wishes to consult the local community about the proposed draft layout for the wind farm.

In order to get your feedback on the proposed development, including any queries and concerns you may have on the project, Bord na Móna intend to hold a series of Community Engagement Sessions as follows:

Date

Time

Venue

Wednesday 29th June Thursday 30th June Tuesday 5th July Wednesday 6th July

5-9pm 5-9pm 5-9pm 5-9pm

Keenagh Community Centre St Brigid’s GAA, Killashee St. Mary’s Parish Hall, Lanesborough The Hill, Newtowncashel

Bord na Móna invites you to attend one of these Community Engagement Sessions during the scheduled opening hours. No appointment is required. In addition to these Sessions, you can also submit your feedback to the project team via the online feedback form available on the dedicated project website www.derryaddwindfarm.ie. You can also download a PDF version of the feedback form from the above website. If you are unable to use the online resources you can send your completed feedback form or other views, observations, or comments to us via the following channels: By post to: Derryadd Wind Farm, Bord na Móna, Main Street, Newbridge, Co. Kildare. W12 XR59

By email to: derryaddwindfarm@bnm.ie Should you not have access to the internet, a postal copy of the public consultation material can be requested by contacting the project’s Community Liaison Officer, James on 087 7087022 (Weekdays 9am-5pm). Please return your feedback on this Consultation Phase to the Project Team by Friday 26th August 2022. The views submitted by you on our proposals, along with results from further studies, will help us to identify the best plan to take forward into the planning process. All feedback in relation to the proposed development will be reviewed and considered by the project team.

As part of our commitment to community engagement and to ensure you are kept up to date on developments of this project you can also join our project mailing list via the project website. Visit www.derryaddwindfarm.ie for more information. A copy of the consultation material, including maps of the proposed layout will be available on the project website mentioned above after 5pm on Wednesday 29th June.

For more information on the proposed development please visit www.derryaddwindfarm.ie or contact the Project’s Community Liaison Officer, James on 087 7087022.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

The

D News page

Local men sailing around Ireland in aid of Lecarrow Benevolent Fund Two local men are part of a crew currently sailing around Ireland in order to raise funds for the Lecarrow Benevolent Fund. Owen O’Connor and Mossie Reilly, who are joined by Paddy Shryane and Paddy Mons, set sail onboard a 38foot boat from Wild West Sailing on Monday in a bid to circumnavigate the island of Ireland.

Their planned voyage launched from Dun Laoghaire on Monday morning and will return to the same harbour on July 5th. The Lecarrow Benevolent Fund was established in 2001 to assist groups and individuals in difficulty. It has since raised over €400,000 for worthy causes. While a significant portion of funds are distributed

throughout the parish, Lecarrow Benevolent Fund has also reached out to a wider area including County Roscommon, Monksland and Dublin. A GoFundMe page has been set up and over €1,700 has been raised so far. To donate, visit www.gofundme.ie and search ‘The Lecarrow Benevolent Fund’ which was set up by Mossie Reilly.

Pictured (left to right): Paddy Mons, Mossy Reilly and Owen O’Connor are sailing around Ireland to raise funds for the Lecarrow Benevolent Fund.

Fr Kevin releases new song in memory of his mother

The Melting Pot in Roscommon town has been named as one of 35 national finalists for the National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2022. Sonya Lennon (left) Chair of this year’s judging panel, pictured at the announcement along with Gráinne Seoige, Pic: Mac Innes Photography

The Melting Pot named as national finalist in National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2022 The Melting Pot in Roscommon town has been named as one of 35 national finalists in this year’s National Lottery Good Causes Awards. The group, a non-profit organisation, will contest the Community category of this year’s awards. The Melting Pot provides support to people who are marginalised and experiencing social exclusion within the community by offering them an opportunity to volunteer, access work experience or a respectful place to relax within the Melting Pot café, charity shop and community space. The funding received through the HSE National Lottery Grant enabled the organisation to set up a Meals on Wheels Service knows as Dinner4U in Roscommon town and the surrounding catchment area. The service supports people to live as independently as possible and ensures their customers receive nutritious meals. The winners will be announced at the National Lottery Good Causes awards ceremony which takes place on Saturday, October 1st in the Kilashee House Hotel, Co. Kildare, where each of the seven category winners will receive €10,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year will take home an additional €25,000. Gráinne Seoige, who will host the awards for the third consecutive year, said: “While last year’s event truly was

unique as we had to go virtual due to the Covid restrictions in place, I am looking forward to meeting this year’s fantastic finalists in person. “Hearing stories of triumph, strength and endurance have stood out as highlights from my previous two experiences of presenting the Awards and I am certain that this year will be no different. Seeing how communities from all over Ireland help and look out for each other is a truly inspiring part of the night and one that I am looking forward to playing a part in”. Speaking at the announcement, Sonya Lennon who is Chair of this year’s judging panel, congratulated the 35 finalists who have reached this stage of the awards process. “Last month, we announced 118 County winners from all over the country who all had such inspiring stories about the work they do within their communities. Narrowing that same list down to 35 finalists was certainly not an easy task as all of the entries were truly moving. “The entire judging process has really proved just how important the Good Causes Awards are in recognizing the incredible work being carried out by groups all over the country. I am now looking forward to meeting the finalists and hearing even more about the wonderful work they all do”.

Fr. Kevin Fallon is a singer, songwriter and traditional musician based in Roscommon town where he serves as parish priest at the Sacred Heart Church. Born in Newcastle-uponTyne to Sligo parents, Fr. Kevin developed a love of music at a very young age. His first foray into the world of music came at the Tyneside Irish Centre where learned to play the tin whistle. ‘Graduating’ to the concert flute in his teens, he also started to learn guitar. He first started to perform songs during his seminary years at St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth. Releasing his successful first album, ‘Twice the Catch’, in 2015, Kevin combined traditional flute music with easy listening,

vocal cover tracks. His latest song, ‘Sweet Philomena’, was written by Kevin as a fitting tribute to his beloved mother, who passed away on November 4th 2013, which rather poignantly also happened to be the birthday of his late father, Sean. Recorded by Paul Gurney at Real World Studios in Longford, ‘Sweet Philomena’ features Kevin Fallon on vocals, guitar and whistle with Paul Gurney on guitar and bass. The song will soon be available on Spotify and further information about its release will be available in next week’s issue. Fr. Kevin Fallon has just released his latest song ‘Sweet Philomena’, written in memory of his late mother.

Castleplunkett student to climb Kilimanjaro for Meningitis Research Foundation Jamie Earley from Castleplunkett is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in order to raise funds for the Meningitis Research Foundation. The 19-year-old, who is a second-year student at Mary Immaculate College, will join 19 other students from Limerick in attempting to climb the second highest mountain in the world on August 22nd. The expedition is expected to take six days. Jamie has set up a Just Giving page (https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/jamie-earley22)

in order to raise funds for this worthy cause. Jamie posted: “Meningitis is a cruel disease caused by a buildup of bacterial infections in the brain and spinal cord. If not treated immediately it can have longlasting effects or can be fatal. This disease causes more deaths than malaria, aids, tetanus, and measles combined. MRF’s aim is to eradicate Meningitis by 2030. “All donations received through this page will go directly to the

Meningitis Research Foundation in their fight against making the future for children suffering from MRF brighter. Any help that you can offer no matter how small would be greatly appreciated, and please don’t be afraid to share with others. “Any questions or queries in relation to this project or if you just want to simply find out more you can find me at my email: jamieearley16@gmail.com and I will be more than happy to help you!”

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

NewsPeople

Roscommon population up 8.4% since 2016 HIGHEST IRISH POPULATION SINCE 1841 Preliminary Census figures show that Roscommon’s population is now 69,995, an increase of 5,451 or 8.4 per cent higher since 2016. The figure, as of April 3rd of this year, includes 35,062 males and 34,993 females. In terms of housing, the total housing stock in Roscommon in April 2022 was 32,265. This shows an increase of 980 (3.1 per cent) since 2016. There were 4,326 vacant dwellings, which was 997 fewer than in 2016 (a decrease of 18.7 per cent). This does not include holiday homes, of which there were 1,327.

Speaking about the nationwide population figures, Cormac Halpin, Senior Statistician in the Census Division, said: “The Preliminary Results show a population of 5,123,536 on Census night. This is an increase of 7.6 per cent since 2016. It is also the highest population recorded in a census since 1841. “There were 2,593,600 females and 2,529,936 males recorded, which is an increase of 7.7 per cent and 7.5 per cent respectively. The population increase of 361,671 was made up of a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 171,338 and estimated net inward migration (population change minus natural increase) of 190,333”. Mr. Halpin also stated that the preliminary census results provide initial figures on the country’s housing stock.

“The preliminary results show that the total housing stock on April 3rd was 2,124,590, an increase of 6 per cent on the 2016 figure. There were 16,560 fewer vacant dwellings (-9 per cent) in 2022 compared to 2016. This does not include holiday homes, of which there were 66,135, compared with 62,148 in 2016,” he said. “The publication of these preliminary results, less than 12 weeks after Census night, is only possible thanks to the commitment and dedication of both our census field staff and the permanent census staff in Swords, as well as the continued support for the census from the public. “We are busy working on the completed census forms and look forward to begin sharing the full set of detailed results from April next year”.

VIRTUAL SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING Members are cordially invited to the

SGM of Roscommon Credit Union Ltd To be held virtually, via zoom, on

Tuesday, 12th July 2022, at 6pm This SGM is a single item agenda meeting, dealing with a consideration of a special resolution and will last approximately 15-20 minutes. Pre-registration is required. Only registered members can access the SGM

TO REGISTER

Enter your contact details online via our website www.roscommoncu.ie/sgm Speak with a member of staff by phone or in branch, alternatively Email sgm@roscommoncu.ie to request registration Registrants will receive a confirmation email within 48 hours of registration

The closing date for registration is: Tuesday, 12th July 2022, at 1pm

PHONE-SQUARE 090 6626657 ✉ sgm@roscommoncu.ie Learn more at roscommoncu.ie/sgm

Irish consumers recycled a record number of electrical items last year but Leo Donovan, CEO of the country’s largest recycling scheme, WEEE Ireland, has warned that unsustainable targets need to change to include reuse and repair of electrical items in a circular economy. Pic: Robbie Reynolds

794 tonnes of electrical waste collected in Roscommon An average of 12.3kgs of e-waste was recycled per person in Roscommon last year according to figures released by WEEE Ireland. This is just outside the county’s 2020 collection rate of 12.8kg but higher than the national average of 10.9kg per person. A total of 794 tonnes of electrical waste were collected in Roscommon in 2021 by the country’s largest recycling scheme. “People in Roscommon have contributed greatly to ewaste recycling every year, and we want to encourage that trend,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan. “One of the key habits consumers are encouraged to embrace is to stop hoarding end-of-life electronic goods – estimated at 4-5kg of e-waste per person. “So many of these appliances and devices can be repaired, re-used or re-gifted, but if they cannot, make sure you recycle them for free”. Mr. Donovan said consumption levels are only going in one directions with an average of 12 household electrical products sold for every person in Ireland in 2021. “It is now more important than ever to rescue ewaste after consumption of new electrical devices

such as mobile phones, computers, small kitchen appliances and white goods soared during the pandemic,” he said. “After the safe removal of hazardous elements, 82 per cent of all material that we collect is recovered for use again in manufacturing through both indigenous operators and specialist processors in Europe. “Most end-of-life products contain metals and minerals in higher concentrations than primary resources. “These stock of resources are the urban mines of the future, so our recycling efforts can have a significant impact on the environment”. As part of the WEEE programme, 127,000 fridges and 205,000 TVs and monitors were recovered, as well as over 2.3 million lightbulbs in a total takeback of 38,464 tonnes or 57 per cent of the average goods sold over a three-year period. In 2021, the equivalent of 231,179 tonnes of CO2 emissions were avoided by recycling e-waste through the WEEE Ireland Scheme as opposed to landfilling. That is the equivalent of the annual carbon consumption of 4,624 hectares of trees.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

NewsPeople

FRANK

BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique

take on life ...

Weekend GAA thrills may have tested my pacemaker! Our man Frank on a thrilling weekend of GAA action; More on the plight of rural pubs; How to avoid being confronted by car thieves…and how the golden oldies still reign in the music world… It’s Saturday afternoon and I find myself heading for the County Galway village of Clonberne where the more mature footballers, i.e. the Masters, of Galway and Roscommon are about to

do battle in a championship clash. To take part in the Masters you need to be over 40 years of age and obviously still be fit enough to be able to participate. This turned out to be a surprisingly feisty enough game of football. One or two lads on the Galway team looked young enough to have been on the minors but I am sure they were of the required age. The only thing that seems to be different from the younger men’s version is that subs can come in and out as often as they want, and there seems to be no limit as to the numbers of subs that can be used. Other than that everything else was the same and I have to admit that I was surprised at the fitness of most of the players and

the competitiveness of the exchanges. On reflection, I should have expected nothing else as no matter what age the participants are the old intercounty rivalry is always there. As it happened, our lad, Mark, was in the Roscommon line-up, and for the first time in my life I actually shouted for the Rossies. It didn’t do any good as the Galway lads won by a couple of points. However, bad as my ‘who to support’ dilemma was, it didn’t compare to the situation faced by the woman from Williamstown who was sitting beside us. Her son was playing centre halfback for Galway and her son-in-law was corner-back for Roscommon. She very wisely cheered both of them

McDonagh’s, Oranmore

Counter-attack needed …to save more pubs! After the trip to Clonberne (see main piece) we headed home for the dinner and later in the evening set sail for Oranmore where we were meeting a few family members for a pint or two in the lovely thatched bar called McDonagh’s. For some reason on the journey up I started to think about the number of rural pubs that have closed over the last few years and the truth is that it re-

ally is very sad. Every village on the way – Creggs, Ballygar, Newbridge, Moylough, Derreen, Abbey, Turloughmore and Loughgeorge – has had at least one closure, and some of those villages have lost three or four of their locals. When you put all of those together it makes for very depressing reading. Thankfully McDonagh’s was very much alive and well and

our little group of nine or so had a very enjoyable evening there. Business was booming in the lovely pub and from what we could see the village itself seemed to be experiencing a very busy Saturday night. I know it’s too late for so many rural pubs but hopefully people will soon start to socialise again and at least keep any more from closing down.

on. I followed suit by cheering my son on. I know it might seem a bit weird but ‘Come on Roscommon’ just didn’t sound right coming from me, but sometimes you just have to get out of your comfort zone! Talking of comfort zones – and now wearing my Galway hat – just before leaving for Clonberne I watched the Galway minors almost lose their All-Ireland semi-final against Derry when they managed to concede six points in the last few minutes. Thankfully they were leading by seven and had a single point to spare when the ref blew the final whistle. By then my nerves were at breaking point, but that – as we all know by now – was nothing compared to what happened in Sunday’s All-Ireland quarter-

final at senior level against Armagh. In my reasonably long life I have never seen any game that was as crazy as that one and once again the wearers of the maroon and white did their best to lose a game they seemed to have sewn up. The world of GAA knows by now that Galway got through to the semi-final on penalties. Now while it was great to win any way at all, it’s an awful way to lose a big game. Anyway, thank God we made it through, but after those two dramatic football games I should nearly head to my cardiologist and get my pacemaker and my stents looked at just to make sure they are still in working order. I doubt if they were ever tested as much.

Is this the ‘key’ to dealing with car thieves?

Some weeks ago I told you about a lady called Geraldine Herbert who is a motoring correspondent – and specifically about her article on self-drive cars and trucks in America and how they will eventually take a large share of the motor market. Now it seems that prediction may be put on ice for a while as the self-driving thing seems to have been slowed up a bit but in the meantime Geraldine has landed the plum job as motoring editor on the Sunday Independent. On Sunday’s paper she had an in-depth look at the best new cars that are coming on the market over the next few months, although why I read it I have no idea as the chances of my being able to buy a new car are as remote as Mayo’s are of winning this year’s Sam Maguire. Anyway, on Ireland AM this Monday morning there Geraldine was and she was rightfully very proud to let the world know that she is the first female motoring editor ever in Ireland. However, it was her advice to people whose cars are desirable enough to attract any of the thieving gangs that are all around the place, that caught my attention. I had always been led to believe that you should hide the keys to make it difficult for the robbers, but she said it is better to leave them where they are easily accessible. Her reasoning is that she would much prefer to have the car taken rather than find a masked man in her bedroom in the middle of the night. To be fair, she made a lot of sense. As the proud owner of a 08 Passat, I don’t think I need to worry much about any thieves

targeting it in the middle of the night, but if they do I am taking Geraldine’s advice and the keys will be on the kitchen table.

And finally… As we know, Glastonbury is one of the biggest music festivals in the world and on Saturday night the biggest crowd to ever watch a headliner act – 120,000 people – were there to see 80-year-old Paul McCartney who turned back the years as he put on an almost three-hour set. He was joined on stage by Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen, who between them are worth £1.5 billion. Apparently the performance was absolutely fantastic. Throw in the fact that Sunday’s headliner was 78-year-old ‘Supreme’, Diana Ross, and it goes to show that age is no barrier in showbusiness. People like Neil Diamond, Tom Jones and our own Red Hurley are still sounding as well as ever and packing the crowds into their shows. Diana Ross also pulled in one of the biggest crowds ever seen at Glastonbury and as she is performing in the 3Arena in Dublin this Sunday coming, her many Irish fans will also get a chance to see her. As a fully paid-up member of the Old Age Society, it is wonderful to see that so many of our age group are defying old Father Time and still performing at the top of their game. ‘Till next week, bye for now

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

NewsPeople

Roscommon Racecourse calls on all fashionistas for SuperValu Ladies Day Professional make-up artist and fashion influencer Hayley Coleman has been confirmed as judge for the SuperValu Ladies Day at Roscommon Racecourse, which takes place on Monday, July 4th. After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, five SuperValu stores in Roscommon have come together again to sponsor the annual ladies day event for the sixth year, which has become one of Roscommon’s most popular race meetings. The winner of the best dressed competition will walk away with a top prize of €1,200, while the nine runners-up will each receive €100.

The SuperValu shops sponsoring the event include Fleming’s SuperValu (Roscommon), Smith’s SuperValu (Monksland), Glancy’s SuperValu (Carrick-on-Shannon), Keane’s SuperValu (Lanesboro), and Cahill’s SuperValu (Castlerea). Hayley Coleman commented: “I’m really excited and honoured to judge the SuperValu Ladies Day at Roscommon Races. As we know, all events and social outings were put on hold over the last two years, so it is fantastic that everyone can dress up again, show off their

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Anne Gately and Phil McDonnell. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

individuality and style and have a great day at the races. “I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and seeing all the style that the SuperValu Ladies Day at Roscommon Races is renowned for”, she concluded. Michael Finneran (Roscommon Racecourse Manager) commented: “The SuperValu Ladies Day is one of our most popular race meetings, so it’s great to have it back after two years. We are delighted to partner with the five SuperValu shops for the sixth year – local sponsorship is key to our success here at Roscommon.

We are looking forward to welcoming Hayley to Roscommon Races. I’m sure she will have a tough job on her hands to pick the winner”. Race sponsors on the evening are SuperValu, Co. Roscommon, Re/Max Team Earley, Roscommon Herald, EBF and Martinstown Stud. The Best Turned Out Prize in each race is sponsored by Lynch Flooring, Golf Links Road, Roscommon. The first race goes to post at 5.30 pm. For further information or to buy tickets, visit roscommonracecourse.ie.

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Tommy Muldoon, Jamie O’Keeffe, James O’Connor and Cormac Muldoon. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Sorcha O’Meara, Grace Dwyer, Chloe McNamara and Orla Dwyer. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured is professional make-up artist and fashion influencer Hayley Coleman, who has been confirmed as judge for the SuperValu Ladies Day at Roscommon Racecourse, taking place on Monday, July 4th.

Owner Lloyd William, winner of the Dermot Hughes Car Sales Handicap with his horse Herring Island, pictured being presented with his prize by sponsor Dermot Hughes, along with Nuala, Daire and John Hughes. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Co. Roscommon

Best Dressed Lady Competition Winner: €1,200 Cash Prize

9 finalists will receive a €100 Cash Prize

Trainer Gavin Cromwell, winner of the Redmill Handicap with his horse DHA Leath, pictured with Anthony Flaherty of Red Mills at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Sponsor of the best turned out house at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday, Aidan Gately from Gately Building Stone, pictured with Pat Rogers of Roscommon Racecourse. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

NewsPeople

Miriam’s

MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

No woman should ever be forced to submit her body to a pregnancy she’s unable to carry Readers have been asking me about the history and the implications of the Roe versus Wade controversy we’ve been hearing so much about. They’ve also asked me what my own opinion is regarding its outcome. I told them I’d do my best to explain. Here goes… Back in 1969, a 25-year-old single woman called Norma McCorvey (under the pseudonym ‘Jane Roe’), challenged the criminal laws forbidding abortion in the US state of Texas. Pregnant with her third child, Ms McCorvey claimed she had been raped. However, as her case was rejected, the woman was forced to give birth. Fast-forward to 1973, when Ms McCorvey’s appeal reached the US Supreme Court, where it was argued that the laws regarding abortion went against the Constitution of the US for the simple reason that they infringed a woman’s right to privacy. Defending that anti-abortion law was one Henry Wade, hence the now famous Roe versus Wade case. Roe’s victory meant that women were afforded the right to a termination in the first three months or their pregnancy. There would be ‘some’ regulations ‘imposed’ on the second trimester, with restrictions or a ban to be enforced in the final trimester. However, if doctors certified a termination was necessary

for a woman’s health, or to save her life, then she could obtain one. That’s the history bit. Now for the implications! By overturning that decision last Friday, the US Supreme Court has robbed women of that right, with individual states now being allowed to do what they like – as in they can outlaw abortion by imposing draconian measures, or they can permit it. Put simply readers, the sword of Damocles, which has been hanging precariously over the heads of the women of America, has finally fallen hard. I’m sure that the members of that sneaky, insidious, hypocritical and exploitative anti-choice brigade who ‘only want what’s best for women’ but who really want to break and batter us into submission, are, this week, jumping for joy. At this point, may I mention that being vegan, I believe all sentient beings, both human and animal, deserve to be loved, respected, and above all protected. This means, that yes, I am pro-life. However, as someone who grew up in a patriarchal, misogynist Ireland where women weren’t trusted enough to use contraception and make our own choices – and because no situation is ever black and white – I am, always have been, and always will be unequivocally pro-choice!

Please stop shaming people for wearing their face masks

Given that latest statistics are telling us a ‘fresh mutation of the Omicron variant’ has made the coronavirus ‘more transmissible than it once was’, it’s my intention, and my right, to continue to wear my mask every time I enter a public indoor space. It’s kind of become my security blanket if you like. You see readers, while we’re definitely making positive strides in combatting this virus, the pandemic is certainly not over, and those who judge or try to shame cautious people like me need to know their nasty comments could be having a harmful effect on those who’re vulnerable.

Why? Because I believe that the bodily autonomy of all women is of major importance, and besides, who am I to inflict my will upon another human being? Who am I to stand in judgement of another woman? Who am I to deny any woman a ‘solution’ to her very personal heartbreaking crisis? To that end, in 2018, when Ireland unanimously voted to repeal the eighth amendment to our constitution, despite being pro-life, I breathed a sigh of relief for the simple reason that I believe it’s morally wrong for us as a nation to pit the lives of mothers against those of their unborn babies. While in my heart, I will always find it difficult to come to terms with ending the life of an unborn infant, in my head, I cannot and will not ever condemn any woman, nay, punish or criminalise her, for making the heart-shredding choice to end her unplanned or her crisis pregnancy. I believe that every woman, irrespective of how she became pregnant, should have a right to access safe abortion services and care should she need it, and I’m glad our country provides for that. However, while I will always advocate and stand together with women (and with children), I’d be lying if I said there isn’t a small

Not on me – personally I don’t care what you think. The fact that someone chooses to wear a mask doesn’t impact in any way on the freedoms of those who’ve decided to bin theirs. Therefore this week, I’d like to take the opportunity, if I may, to ask the pair of ignoramuses I witnessed eye-rolling, giggling, and menacingly staring at a mask-wearing senior couple in a local supermarket to grow up and show a bit of respect and tolerance. Better still, next time, try rolling those eyes and aiming those immature remarks at me and let’s see how it all works out for ya!

part of me that worries (just a tad) that access to abortion may, for some small minority, be potentially used and abused as a quick-fix, convenient solution. It’s for this reason I’m so glad that, as part of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022-2023, our country will provide free access to contraception for women between the ages of 17-25. I will add though, while this initiative is groundbreaking, eradicating unplanned pregnancies is not going to be as simple as handing out the pill or the coil because sadly, the reality for many young girls and women will be so much more complex than that. It’s time these banner-brandishing, biblebashing anti-choice folks stopped demonising women and womanhood, stopped enforcing the bias that we’re the problem, and stopped turning pregnancy into a criminal offence. No woman should ever be forced to submit her body to a pregnancy she’s unable to carry for whatever reason, and most especially not if that reason is due to medical issues such as an ectopic pregnancy or genetic conditions, etc. It’s a sad day for women when a threat-tolife decision regarding her situation is made for her by legislators rather than by herself and her medical professionals.

Mandatory health warnings on alcohol? I’ll drink to that! I love a bit of alcoholic fortification, especially at the weekend – and sure why not? I believe I deserve it! I won’t go into detail readers, but given the week I’ve just had, it was my opinion that diving head-first into a chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc was the only way I would save my sanity. I didn’t even bat an eyelid when I read that, under the provisions of the draft Public Health Regulations 2022, we’re to be subjected to ‘mandatory warning labels on alcohol products’ and ‘notices in pubs’ alerting us that wine, beer and spirits could cause us liver damage and other health issues, etc. Mind you, as our occasional tipple can prove to be both a tonic and a toxin, as adults, we have a right to

make informed decisions around whether or not we decide to indulge. I’d say our government’s move to place ‘mandatory’ warning signs on bottles is a positive one. In fact, I’ll drink to it! That being said, these warnings (necessary though they may be), will not stop a moderate drinker (and moderation is the key word here) like me lunging for my weekend pick-me-up. Why? Because dear readers, I believe in taking the ‘bore’ out of Bordeaux. That means instead of spending my weekends as the clichéd menopausal woman who takes up cross-stitching cardies for her grandchildren, I’ll instead be unwinding with my favourite tipple. Sláinte!

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

NewsPeople newsbriefs

His Excellency Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Jude Chaddeus Okolo pictured with Chevalier Joe Tiernan KCHS at his home, Annavale Manor, in Kilmore, Co. Roscommon, on Friday, June 17th.

Choose a course with RWN Training Services

Looking for progression routes to college or looking for a job in the healthcare sector? Why not get yourself a qualification that allows you to do both with a guaranteed job at the end. Roscommon Women’s Network Training Services, Castlerea is now recruiting for all courses in Healthcare, Computers, and Retail Skills. Call 094-9621690; call/text 087-2718118 or email training@rwn.ie for more information. Apply online at www.fetchcourses.ie and search RWN to see all available courses.

Murphy welcomes Creagh NS works

Local Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has this week welcomed confirmation from Minister for Education Norma Foley that initial project approval has been given for the refurbishment of an existing area of Creagh NS in Ballinasloe.

Castlerea Show launch and table quiz

The launch of Castlerea Agricultural Show will take place at 9 pm on Friday, July 1st, in McGourty’s Bar, Castlerea, with a table quiz underway on the night. The cost for a table of four is €20. All are welcome to attend.

Free upcycling workshops in Athleague

Free ‘Cycle-Up’ workshops will take place weekly in Athleague Angling centre, running on Tuesday July 5th, 12th, and 19th, from 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm. The course will focus on how to make upcycled bags from scratch with a sewing machine. No experience is necessary and machines and tuition will be provided. To book, please contact Teresa on 086 0291215.

Castlerea Swimming Pool opens today Castlerea Swimming Pool will open today (Thursday) it has been confirmed. The opening of the outdoor heated pool for the summer season was due to take place yesterday but was delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. The pool, featuring a new slide, will be open from 11 am this morning.

Over 650 runners for Roscommon Harriers’ road race this Saturday The annual Roscommon Harriers ten-mile road race takes place this Saturday, starting at 11.30 am, returning after a two-year absence due to Covid. Over 650 people have entered the race, including top Irish Olympians such as Mick Clohisey from Raheny Running Club in Dublin and Lizzie Lee from Leevale Running Club in Cork. The race is part of a National Race series, set up by Popup races and sponsored by KIA motors. This Saturday’s race is the fifth in a seven-race series event, with €1000 in prize

money up for grabs and a bonus €500 for breaking the course record. The record holders are Mick Clohisey (48:47) and Michelle Finn (58:47). Teams and individuals from all over the country will be travelling to Roscommon on Saturday for this run, with all accommodation in Roscommon town booked out for the night. This is the largest mass participation event in Roscommon county this year. Race HQ is at Hannon’s Hotel. The race starts at 11.30 am at the Oldwood estate, taking

in Ballinagard, Turville and Mote Park environs, with some road closures

in place on the day. We would love to get as many people as possible

out on the route to support the runners, so come on out to cheer them on!

TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council has decided to close the roads set out in the schedule hereunder for the periods and the reason specified. Road to be closed:

L7055 Ardsallagh Woods Road from Hannons Hotel to Golf Club

Period of Closure:

9.30am to 2.00pm on Saturday 2nd July 2022

Alternative Routes: via N61, N63 & L1812 Road to be closed:

L7081 Turville from Galway Road Junction to Rahara Road Junction

Period of Closure:

11.15am to 12.45pm on Saturday 2nd July 2022

Alternative Routes: via L1812, L7126 & N63 Reason for Closure: Shane Tiernan Director of Services

To facilitate Roscommon Harriers Club Road Race

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

CIARAN MULLOOLY On The Back Benches

Learning from Poland could help towards a just transition “Did you hear the one about the country that sold off its natural resources and then let go hundreds of people in a bid to save the world from environmental disaster?” When the letter in the post begins with a sentence as evocative as this one, you can be sure there’s a hell of a message coming down the line from its writer. That’s the feeling I had this week when I opened the envelope that came in through the post box. It’s not a new story either. Learning to cope with the effects of lowering carbon emissions from industry and the community in rural Ireland is nothing new to the people of this region. One only has to walk down through the quiet villages of Arigna, Ballyleague or Shannonbridge to see for oneself the way life has changed so dramatically here since prohibitions on the burning of coal and peat came in, reducing local employment levels by hundreds of people over the last three decades. Some people in these towns are far from amused when they hear about the new ‘green agenda’ on the national airwaves and the way things are “going to change” in the next ten years. I dare any reader to tell any member of one of the old mining families in North Roscommon how things are on a different trajectory now “compared to the way they used to be”.

Livelihood Every person who lives in these communities also knows that these forms of electricity generation were not profitable either from as far back as day 1 – and have been subsidised for decades – but the reality remains that these industries were created by an Irish state determined at the time to provide a form of livelihood and income for those living in the parts of the country with the highest unemployment rates. This was an effort to try to stop thousands of people from emigrating to the UK and USA (as they most certainly would have done if the power stations were not there). When I wrote about this issue in the People recently, I received the aforementioned very interesting letter in direct response. It came from a Dublin man who worked in the ESB here in the midlands for nearly three decades. He had some very strong things to say about the way the whole process of burning peat, turf and coal came to an end in what he described as an “unjust transition”.

Fair play Peter worked in the ESB here from 1972 to 1989, but, in his letter, he wanted to concentrate instead not on how the industry had come to a staggering halt here in recent years, but the way in which other nations in the world had tackled a similar challenge – and, in his opinion, ensured that there was some level of fair play in treating the sensitivities of the impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. Peter began by telling me that in 1990, 70 hard coal mines were operating in Poland, most of

ESB Power Station, Lanesborough

them in the Silesia province. They were then employing nearly 390,000 workers. He reckons they extracted 147 million tons of hard coal from the earth which were every bit as inefficient as the peat and turf he burned here. He says that since 1990 the same region has undergone a series of restructuring reforms aimed at scaling down the employment, reducing debt, improving management, and adjusting production to improve the mines’ economic performance – and get the industry ready for massive decarbonisation.

Repurposing As a result of those reforms (which were not popular locally), by 2020 employment in hard coal mining in that area had shrunk to roughly 80,000, and annual coal production had decreased to 54 million tons. The way it was done was blunt, but “at least layered out over a long period,” as he

“

this was the type of pre-closure planning that should have been instigated in our own country. In his closing line he describes this as “the longest sleepwalk in history” into industrial decline and deprivation.

writes. “Among the first policies to assist workers, emerging in 1993, were a pre-retirement miners’ leave payment and a welfare allowance. Miners’ leave was offered to underground miners facing job losses at closing mines. Eligible beneficiaries who were old enough or had sufficient seniority on the job were paid 50 percent of their salary for a maximum of three years. The money could be taken in one up front payment or in monthly instalments. Thousands left”. The local municipal area management played a direct role in the next phase of what happened in Poland. The word ‘municipal’ is a bit of a brainteaser for many readers here. It’s a new word to the Irish political vocabulary and our administrative system – borrowed from our neighbours and EU cousins. In effect, it just means the local county councils and their sub-divisions in the local electoral areas who moved in around the Polish mining regions and took on the role of preparing for the end of coal – the only difference being they set out a plan to do it over 50 years! Silesia had 60 such municipalities or county council areas. To support local job creation, a municipality could start new enterprises with the mining company, take over real estate from closed or scaled-down mines, and receive preferential loans from the government to stimulate economic activity. Yes, you read that part right – cheap loans, tax-free breaks and direct financial and economic benefits were offered to take people out of the mines and create alternative industry. Now is that an idea we haven’t heard of before? The result of the direct involvement of the local authorities was fairly dramatic. Local authorities assumed the assets of mining sites and created new jobs in modern business centres. One example is the New Gliwice Center for Education

In association with: LOUGH REE ACCESS FOR ALL

and Business. The local municipality carried out a model revitalisation of the old decommissioned KWK Gliwice coal mine, using EU funds, and transformed the site into a modern zone of education and business. Today, New Gliwice is home to several technology companies and a functional urban space that attracts residents with cultural and sports events. It was one of the biggest postmining repurposing projects in Poland. It cost 34 million euro to revitalise the 15 hectares of land, 13 million of which came from European funds, with the remainder provided by the municipal budget. All of this happened 20 years ago – and can make one only dream of what could have been delivered here pre-closure at some of the old ESB power stations now destined for dismantling in our neighbourhoods.

Shining example The New Gliwice Center is a shining example of what could and should have been planned 20 years ago for the Shannonbridge or BallyleagueLanesborough areas. About 1,900 new jobs were created, particularly in ICT and other new technologies. The buildings were retrofitted to new functions – as business incubators, a technology park, and a college. Peter’s letter ran to about eight pages (I’m still reading it!) but the essential point he makes was that this was the type of pre-closure planning that should have been instigated in our own country. In his closing line he describes this as “the longest sleepwalk in history” into industrial decline and deprivation. “The region will be paying for this in the next 10 or 20 years” he says, “unless some of the measures now being wheeled out are put on fast-track – and fairly smart too!”

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

NewsPeople €10k in Community Integration funding for Ballaghaderreen < DAN DOONER

Ballaghaderreen will receive €10,000 for two projects as part of a €566,000 national allocation of Community Integration funding announced this week by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman. As part of the funding, Ballaghaderreen Integration Initiative will receive €5,000 and €5,000 will go to Ballaghaderreen Commmunity Games for the integration of Syrian and Afghan refugee children. Elsewhere in the county, Boyle Cares will receive €4,500, Donamon Refugee Centre Support Project will get €4,990, and the Fáilte Ukraine Rossie Radio Project will benefit from €4,950. Local Fine Gael representatives have welcomed the announcement with Senator Aisling Dolan highlighting the fund’s importance in helping families integrate into their new communities. “Children can find it easier to settle in once they are in school and learn very quickly…it can be more challenging at an older age so these projects can be ways to help people get more involved,” she said. “It is a competitive fund and some have not been successful. I want to thank all community groups who applied for this fund and are always looking at how to make events more inclusive of everyone who lives in our county”. Ballaghaderreen Community Games’ funding will go towards the integration of young Afghan and Syrian refugees while the Refugee Support in Ballaghaderreen and Boyle Family Resource Centre have also been given funding to support families. Meanwhile, Roscommon LEADER’s funding will go towards the Donamon Fáilte Centre and the group’s continued work with families from Ukraine. The Roscommon Lions Club’s funding of €5,000 will be put towards their efforts in supporting Ukrainians through their Fáilte Ukraine Rossie Radio project. Minister of State Frank Feighan, meanwhile, has also welcomed funding for Boyle Family Resource Centre’s Boyle Cares project as well as seven similar projects in Sligo and Leitrim, which shared just over €30,000. Minister Feighan congratulated the successful applicants and commended them for their good work in promoting integration in their community.

Fantastic mural in Keadue

Entente Florale Europe 2022 judges in Keadue on Friday! RTE’s Nationwide visited Keadue last Friday as the village prepares for Entente Florale Europe 2022. Keadue and Dalkey are the two entrants from Ireland chosen from over 900 possible nominations for Entente Florale Europe 2022, competing against Hungary, Germany, Czech Republic, Belgium and Austria. This is a huge honour and testament to the ranking of this area in the National Tidy Towns Competition. Jury members will arrive at Heritage Park at 8.45 am on this Friday, July 1st for the ‘Raising of the Entente Flag’. Everybody is welcome. Judging starts at 9 am with the jury visiting ten stops before finishing at Kilronan Castle at 1 pm. A route map will be on display on Facebook and in O’Donnell’s window.

Eveni gBar&BistroMenu 3 -9

Cllr Joe Murphy (then-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council) pictured on Friday at the launch of ‘Threading the Tain’ with the creators of the Roscommon tapestry – Rosaleen Martin, Geraldine Beirne, Frances Crowe (artist facilitator), Immacula Deane and Franziska Leinberger. Pic: Brian Farrell

Textile artists Franziska Linberger (Ballinameen) and Geraldine Beirne (Elphin) pictured on Friday at the launch of the ‘Threading the Tain’ tapestry exhibition at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. Pic: Brian Farrell

Cllr Joe Murphy (then-Cathaoirleach, Roscommon County Council) pictured on Friday with Noel Molloy and Jack Crowe at the launch of the ‘Threading the Tain’ tapestry exhibition at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. Pic: Brian Farrell

Launch of ‘Threading the Tain’ tapestry

The launch of the ‘Threading the Tain’ tapestry exhibition took place last Friday, June 24th, at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. The Táin Tapestry is an inter-county community, visual arts project, wherein five tapestries/banners are created to celebrate the Táin Bó Cúailnge. The tapestries depict the story of Queen Medb and her quest for the brown bull of Cooley. The tapestry exhibition is open to the public during office hours at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, until July 22nd, 2022.

Roscommon artist facilitator Frances Crowe pictured on Friday with Majella Hunt (Director of Services, Roscommon County Council) and textile artist Franziska Linberger at the launch of the ‘Threading the Tain’ tapestry exhibition at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. Pic: Brian Farrell

Breakfast 7.30am – 11.30

Breakfast: 7.30am to 11.30am Lunch 12 – 3

Lunch 12pm to 3pm

Evening Bar & Bistro Menu Evening Bar 3-9 & Bistro Menu:

3pm to 9pm

ATHLONE ROAD , ROSCOMMON GREAT FOOD, ALL DAY EVERY DAY 09066 37644

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

NewsPeople

Civil War breaks out 100 years ago – and Roscommon suffers its first casualty On June 28th, 1922, Irish Free State troops attacked the republican garrison in occupation of the Four Courts building in Dublin. In the early hours of the morning, the troops, who were using field guns on loan from the British army, began bombarding the Four Courts with 18-pound artillery shells. The shelling of the building caused a fire to break out resulting in a massive explosion, and as a result of the fire, priceless centuries-old documents held in the Public Records Office went up in smoke. The battle lasted three days until the republican garrison surrendered. The attack on the Four Courts signalled the start of the Irish Civil War. Back in Roscommon, the town of Boyle was the setting for the first encounter of the civil war in the county. In the period before June 28th, the situation in Boyle was very fluid, with both antiand pro-treaty troops sharing possession of the town. Boyle barracks had originally been occupied by anti-treaty Republican forces until April 1922, when the building was taken over by protreaty troops and the Republicans were arrested and placed under lock and key. However, at a later stage the Republicans gained control again, and the government troops fled to a new headquarters in Strokestown. Brigadier Michael Dockery, who commanded the government troops, had been absent from Boyle when the republicans

The Four Courts building in Dublin pictured in 1922 after the bombardment.

gained control of the barracks and, strangely, a gun had been left unattended, which aided the anti-treaty takeover. By June, pro-treaty troops had occupied the Union building in Boyle, and so the town was then garrisoned by two diverse forces. Overtures for peaceful coexistence were made by the commanding officers of the opposing sides. Johnny Grealy was O/C of the

Republican Divisional Flying Column stationed in the military barracks at Boyle, and Mick Dockery commanded the ProTreaty troops in the workhouse. Commandant Grealy met with Brigadier Dockery and they arranged for joint patrols of proand anti-treaty men to go out and patrol the town each night keeping law and order. Grealy and Dockery would meet for an hour

each evening and discuss the day’s problems and the general course of events in the country. Years later, Grealy stated that he was always of the opinion that as a result of those face-to-face discussions he had with Dockery, the brigadier was arranging to turn the entire Boyle operation, buildings included, over to the Republicans – “lock stock and barrel”.

The phoney war between the anti- and pro-treaty sides in the country ended on June 28th, 1922, when the Free State army attacked the Four Courts, which was the headquarters of the Republican forces in Dublin. A few days later, on the night of July 2nd, Mick Dockery approached the Republican position in Boyle to meet with the leaders there, as was com-

mon procedure at the time. This was just four days after the first shots of the Civil War had been fired. The sentry on duty challenged the man in the dark; Dockery uttered a previously agreed password, not knowing that the password had been changed since July 1st. The sentry, not recognising the password, fired at the supposed intruder. Dockery was hit by the bullet and fatally wounded. This unfortunate quirk of fate, this ill-fated case of misadventure by the brigadier, resulted in his regrettable death. One has to ask the question: why did a Free State officer such as Mick Dockery choose to approach a hostile group on his own, a group that was on high alert in the early days of the civil war? Observers and comrades of the brigadier claimed that Dockery had been plotting to defect to the Republican side and surrender Boyle over to them. The actions of Mick Dockery on that tragic night have remained a mystery down through the years, and at this stage it’s a mystery that will never be solved. Brigadier Dockery was the first casualty of the civil war in Roscommon. A few days, later his funeral took place in Ballinderry Cemetery, Fourmilehouse. More articles at a later date. An Staraí Áitiuil (The local historian)

Gospel Reflection

Sunday July 3rd Jesus has a vision in this week’s Gospel: Satan falling like lightning from the sky, the enemy vanquished by the missionary preaching of His Church. Sent out by Jesus to begin gathering the nations into the harvest of divine judgment (see Isaiah 27:12–13; Joel 4:13), the seventy are a sign of the continuing mission of the Church. Carrying out the work of the seventy, the Church proclaims the coming of God’s kingdom. She offers His blessings of peace and mercy to every household on earth, “every town and place He intended to visit”. Our Lord’s tone is solemn today, for in the preaching of the Church “the kingdom of God is at hand,” the time of decision has come for every person. Those who do not receive His messengers will be doomed like Sodom. But those who believe will find peace and mercy, protection and nourishment in the bosom of the Church, the Mother Zion we celebrate in this week’s beautiful First Reading, the “Israel of God” Paul blesses in this week’s Epistle. The Church is a new family of faith (see Galatians 6:10) in which we receive a new name that will endure forever (see Isaiah 66:22), a name written in heaven. In this week’s Psalm, we sing of God’s “tremendous deeds among men” throughout salvation history. But of all the works of God, none has been greater than what He has wrought by the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Changing the sea into dry land was but an anticipation and preparation for our passing over, for what Paul calls the “new creation.” And as the Exodus generation was protected in a wilderness of serpents and scorpions (see Deuteronomy 8:15), He has given His Church power now over “the full force of the enemy.” Nothing will harm us as we make our way through the wilderness of this world, awaiting the Master of the harvest, awaiting the day when all on earth will shout joyfully to the Lord and sing praise to the glory of His name. -Scott Hahn PhD, salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

Killina NS Communion class pictured with their teacher Natalie Fallon. Photo: Mary Lane

Castleplunkett NS Communion class pictured with their teacher Deirdre Hannon. Photo: Mary Lane

Tulsk NS Communion class pictured with their teacher Sinead Parker. Photo: Mary Lane

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

NewsPeople

Roscommon County Playday on Saturday, 2nd July in Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle Fun and games from 12-4 pm

ALL PLAY TOGETHER

Roscommon County Childcare Committee CLG are delighted, in association with Roscommon County Council and with support of local agencies, to hold our annual County Playday in line with National Playday in the lovely venue of Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle, Co. Roscommon on Saturday, 2nd July 2022 from 12 pm-4 pm. There will be fun and games for children to support the theme of the day ‘All Play Together’. There will be Arts & Crafts, Music Generation workshops, Outdoor Play workshops for parents, FAI Football & Roscommon Sports Partnership workshops, Lego block building for babies, storytelling, Sticky kids, face-painting and mindfulness for teenagers. All of these workshops/activities are free once registration is completed at our registration tent. Places for each event are limited and registration is advised. Lough Key Adventure kingdom will not be available on the day. All children must be supervised by parents/guardian. Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman announced that €93,000 has been approved to support National Play Day 2022. The aim of National Play Day is to promote play opportunities for children and young people all across the country, with this year’s theme being ‘All Play Together’. Welcoming the announcement, Minister O’Gorman said: “Play is vital to supporting children’s development, learning and wellbeing. It encourages a sense of adventure and discovery, helping young minds to better understand

the world around them through fun and creative ways. This National Play Day is an opportunity for Local Authorities to invite children, and their families, to come together in their communities and take part in a range of fun and exciting activities that everyone can enjoy”. The events will be held from 12-4 pm with registration necessary as places at workshop sessions will be limited. Lough Key adventure Kingdom will not be available on the day. Children must be supervised by parent/adult. Roscommon County Childcare Committee CLG Co-ordinator/ Manager, Irene Cafferky said: “It is great to be able to once again coordinate and deliver Roscommon County Playday face to face in such a lovely venue as Lough Key Forest Park, Boyle. The theme of the day will promote the importance of play and recreation for children which supports child development. The activities planned will provide opportunities for children to explore, play and have fun. We look forward to seeing families and children enjoying the day”. For more information, please contact Roscommon County Childcare Committee CLG on 094 9622540. A schedule of the events of the day will be available on Roscommon County Childcare Committee CLG Facebook: https:// www.facebook.com/roscommonchildcare Roscommon County Childcare Committee CLG will also have a National Childcare Scheme stand set up at the event to inform parents of the National Childcare Programmes. For more information on the scheme please see www.ncs. gov.ie or contact our office on 094 9622540 to talk to a member of our team regarding eligibility of childcare and/or childcare in County Roscommon.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

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The need for online educational resources hasn’t gone away with the restrictions Let’s talk about ... ONLINE EDUCATION POST-PANDEMIC (A student’s perspective)

Alannah Ita Healy A study carried out recently by NUI Galway has highlighted the bleak reality of student accommodation prices across the country, with Irish third-level students paying increasingly steep prices to live on-campus, on average shelling out more than students in other European places such as Britain. Anecdotally, evidence of the poor state of accommodation options for students is not hard to come by. We’ve all been witness to the housing crisis (or ‘disaster’ as our president dubbed it the other week) that Ireland has been reckoning with the past while – especially when it comes to the urbanised areas in which universities and colleges are found, where exorbitantly high rent prices are the norm, not the exception. Presumably however, where private housing is not a realistic option for students, purposebuilt student accommodation would be the solution. But, as NUIG’s recent report outlines, such accommodation is often way out of budget, with the development of private, investor-led student housing resulting in unaffordable rents,

as well as lowering both space and accommodation standards. It was always inevitable that as restrictions lifted and inperson third-level education returned, that there would be a surge in the number of students moving into university cities and towns. It was inevitable too that this surge would put a strain on the availability of affordable student accommodation. If you then take the ongoing housing crisis into consideration, it’s no wonder that finding campusconvenient accommodation that doesn’t break the bank is proving to be a mammoth task at the moment. Ultimately however, the prohibitive costliness associated with pursuing inperson courses at the moment is proving to be a significant barrier when it comes to education access. Surely this begs the question – why are we so eager to do away with online education resources just because Covid-19 restrictions are gone? In the last few years, resources for online education grew exponentially, a process sparked by necessity as a result

of the pandemic. And it goes without saying that in many different ways, there were aspects of online education under Covid that left a lot to be desired, and it became obvious very quickly the areas in which online education was failing to live up to in-person learning. But as the pandemic progressed, we got better at navigating online teaching, and succeeded in establishing a framework for carrying out education online. So why, with this framework now in place and students being unable to afford places near their in-person course, is there no push being made towards continuing to provide online resources? Even offering blended learning would alleviate a number of students’ issues when it comes to this problem, by making

commuting a more realistic option for them. NUIG’s report offers some really good longterm solutions for Ireland’s student accommodation problem, but for students facing into the next academic year, a more immediate fix is needed, and perhaps this is where online learning could be of benefit. To me, the eagerness to return to an education system that’s largely reliant on in-person learning never really made sense. Again, that is not to say online education has always been perfectly executed, but in so many ways, prioritising online resources the past couple of years has served to make third-level education radically more accessible. Not just for those for whom the rent and cost of living in college towns and cities was unaffordable, but also for immunocompromised,

and for neurotypical people, who benefited from learning materials being offered in different formats and from being able to learn from home, away from sensory disruptions. For anyone who missed a handful of lectures due to their mental health, all the resources to catch up on their own time were already there. For any students studying for exams, the ability to go back and sit through a lecture from any point in the semester was a huge help. The list goes on. Online education wasn’t a perfect system by any means, but neither is in-person education; the standard of both differ from institution to institution, and the question of which one is more suitable differs from student to student. Offering more flexibility and more blended learning

options would do a world of good when it comes to improving education access, especially considering the lack of affordable student accommodation at the moment. With all the talk that’s had about ‘learning from the pandemic’, I find it genuinely surprising that there hasn’t been more of a push towards continuing to develop and provide online educational resources. The pandemic restrictions may have been what instigated our need for online education, but that need hasn’t gone away with them. Online resources need to form part of how education is delivered in Ireland, because it is a sure-fire way to make third-level education more accessible for a variety of students.

Jack Chambers TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and the Gaeltacht, and Senator Eugene Murphy pictured with club officers, committee members and junior members during their visit to Kilmore GAA Park in Roscommon on Monday. Pic: Gerry Faughnan

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

NewsPeople

THIS WEEK...On The Political Beat This week on the political beat, local public representatives called for the extension of rural broadband, highlighted Back to School allowances, and welcomed a number of reforms to the Rural Social Scheme…

Back to School Allowances to be paid from July 11th

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy welcomed news that the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance will be paid from the week beginning July 11th. Around 120,000 families are eligible for the payment which has been increased this year. “I’m delighted to see this very important payment being made to families as they prepare for their children returning to school in September,” he said. “It’s very welcome that the rate of payment for each child has been increased this year by €10 to €160 for children aged 4 to 11 and to €285 for children aged 12 years and over in second-level education”.

Calls for broadband services to be extended

Independent TD Denis Naughten has called on the Government to work with existing wireless broadband providers and utilise equipment from some 30,000 homes set to avail of the National Broadband Plan this year. Deputy Naughten said that by reusing equipment, families further down the list of deployment areas would benefit. The Roscommon-Galway TD said that in order for

Safe pair of hands: Senator Eugene Murphy pictured preparing to receive a ball from Jack Chambers TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Sport and the Gaeltacht, during their recent visit to Kilmore GAA Park in Roscommon. Pic: Gerry Faughnan

this to happen, Councils and State agencies must provide sites to wireless operators for transmitters. “Because these extensions to the wireless service will have a short lifespan…until the end of 2027 when it’s likely the National Broadband Plan will be completed, these sites should be provided free of charge,” he said. Deputy Naughten said that while it is disappointing that the NBP delivery date would slip back to 2027, he said close to one-third of families who can connect are doing so within the first six months of availability.

Letters to the Editor

He added that he had already raised the potential for the redeployment of equipment with Minister Heather Humphreys.

Rural Social Scheme reforms welcomed

The announcement this week of a number of major reforms to the Community Employment, Tús and Rural Social Scheme have been welcomed by local public representatives.

The reforms include the removal of the six-year time limit for all participants on the scheme; an extension of eligibility for Tús to persons in receipt of Disability; new flexibility to allow CE schemes to directly recruit candidates and an increase in referrals via Intreo, as well as a pilot scheme to explore extension of eligibility. Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said the schemes were a “very important form of labour market activation” and the changes were “very significant”. “Schemes can also continue to extend individual placements and retain existing participants in cases where no replacement candidate has been selected. This means that local services should not be impacted due to an inability to replace participants,” he said. “This is particularly important in communities where schemes support local services in areas such as childcare, meals on wheels, the maintenance and upkeep of local amenities and other vital work”. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane commended supervisors and participants in “forcing a Government u-turn” on the scheme, saying the six-year rule would have had a “devastating impact on community organisations”. “I am glad that common sense has prevailed here and I am glad that this announcement has been made now as time was rolling on and participants and communities needed and deserved clarity,” she said. “The Rural Social Scheme, like Tús and Community Employment are hugely important - they support and are relied on by thousands of organisations in every community in Ireland. “We must protect them to sustain them into the future and we must ensure that where changes are needed, they are made. “Today is a positive step in the right direction and I commend scheme supervisors and participants for taking the stand that they did and really leading from the front on the protection of this scheme”.

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

Roe v Wade reversed: Readers respond

Monksland, Athlone Dear Editor, A couple of work trips abroad have, unfortunately, not allowed me to regularly read the ‘Roscommon People’. I try to catch up with past editions when I return home. Forgive me please for revisiting the issue of women’s reproductive rights and abortion, which were the topic of a number of letters to your newspaper over a month ago. There are a few points on this highly sensitive issue which I would like to reply to. Firstly, a lady writes about the regret, no doubt genuine, that Cosmopolitan columnist SueEllen Browder had after having an abortion. This is just one person’s experience. What about the converse views of well-known pro-choice group, ‘Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights’? Many (involved in the group) became pregnant as teenagers from being in abusive relationships or through rape. They campaigned

successfully for the Roe v Wade judgement, and 40 years on, have been campaigning for its retention against the wave of right-wing misogynism currently swamping America. They speak passionately and powerfully about the trauma of crisis pregnancy and the lengths that they had to go to in order to procure unsafe ‘back-street’ abortions, with the fear of haemorrhaging to death, away from family and loved ones. These illegal clinics will no doubt be booming again now that Roe v Wade has been overturned. Why is the clothes hanger the chilling symbol of the pro-choice groups in the USA I have to ask? To your recent correspondents, I would like to pose a few questions – the answers to which they all crucially and conspicuously avoid in their letters. One letter writer states that “life begins at conception”. If so, does that correspondent want a total ban on all abortions in Ireland in all circumstances? Regardless of

a woman’s life being in danger as a result of a pregnancy, if she’s suicidal as a result of rape? Crucially, as a logical follow-up to this opinion, how should the state implement the law? Would a woman, post-abortion, be a criminal? Similarly, her GP and chemist who may have prescribed the morning-after pill? Guilty? Yes? No? To another correspondent, I say that during the Repeal debates, RTÉ insisted on balance on Liveline, Prime Time, and Claire Byrne Live. Is it only opposing opinions that are ‘peddled’? Subsequent to the referendum, the Irish Times published a review of their ‘Letters to the Editor’, which showed a remarkable similarity in the proportion of letters to the actual vote – 66% for repeal, 34% against. This is a majority in any democracy. The eighth amendment effectively passed the sovereignty of the reproductive rights of Irish women to Westminster, as thousands of our mothers, sisters,

wives, girlfriends, daughters, and work colleagues made the lonesome journey across the Irish sea for England to deal with. How contemptible was that? Another letter writer (a man) no more than myself, will never be impregnated as a result of sexual assault. It’s easy to pontificate and talk about your Church attendance, but that is a solution to what exactly? This writer gives the tired old cliché about Hitler and atheism. I’ve read numerous books on Adolf Hitler and nowhere have I seen him describe himself as an atheist. He was baptised as a Christian and like all fascists, he was a misogynist and banned all abortions in Germany. He omits to mention the other great fascist dictators of the 20th century, Mussolini and Franco, who were both great friends of the Church. They were honoured and extolled by the Vatican, despite butchering thousands of their own people – but they did ban abortions, of course.

You know that abortions, both self-induced and otherwise, have been the lot of women, often poor, since the dawn of humanity; archaeologists have found gruesome implements in excavations across the world. My question is: what compassionate solutions do your recent correspondents have to offer? Yours sincerely, Richard Cunningham Ballygar, County Galway Dear Editor, The US Supreme Court officially reversed Roe v Wade last week, declaring the constitutional right to abortion no longer exists. Many came out in protest over the weekend, but all those protesters got their opportunity to see the light of day and reach their potential. The babies whose lives were terminated by abortion never got that opportunity. Yours sincerely, Michael Nolan

TAKE A BREAK

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

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Creideamh children’s art competition winners Students of Tisrara and Ballintleva National Schools in County Roscommon were among the winners of the 2022 Creideamh Children’s Art Competition. The annual art competition

is open to national schools in the Elphin, Clonfert and Achonry Dioceses, and the artwork is inspired by a passage of scripture or a faithbased theme. It is often said that a picture is worth a thou-

sand words, and in this case, the beautifully accomplished artwork speaks of thriving faith in our community. Winning prizes for the students included art hampers, which were supplied by

Peter Kitt of Mountbellew. Additionally, each winner was presented with two illustrated children’s bibles – one for themselves and one for their school. Judges commented on the

high standards of entries this year. Parish priest Fr Francis Beirne and John Weldon, Creideamh Schools Liaison, presented the winners with their prizes and congratulated the students on their

success in the competition. Grateful thanks to our sponsors, Creideamh, St Grellan’s Council of The Knights of St Columbanus, and Claddagh Optical, Roscommon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Famous birthdays ... this week

Margot Robbie (Australian actress, will be 32 on Friday)

Cheryl Cole (English singer, turns 39 on Thursday)

Tom Cruise (American actor, turns 60 on Sunday)

Larry David (American comedian/actor/ writer, celebrates 75th on Saturday)

The things people say…

“

Ballintleva National School students pictured being presented with their prizes in the Creideamh Children’s Art Competition by John Weldon (Creideamh Schools Liaison) and parish priest Fr Francis Beirne.

“Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow Internet to see who they really are” -Will Ferrell

For updates, check our social channels

Tisrara National School students pictured being presented with their prizes in the Creideamh Children’s Art Competition by John Weldon (Creideamh Schools Liaison) and parish priest Fr Francis Beirne.

It’s been a GOOD week for… Golfing great Padraig Harrington, who won his first tournament on the US seniors’ tour when he held off a late surge by Steve Stricker to win the high profile PGA Tour Champions US Open UK-based Trade union leader Mick Lynch, who shot from relative obscurity to national fame (and Twitter acclaim) after a series of memorable

interviews with top broadcasters during which he ‘disarmed’ them one by one, while also making life very uncomfortable for pompous politicians (Lynch is the no-nonsense generalsecretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers, and centre stage just now in strike-hit UK) The footballers of Derry, Dublin, Galway and Kerry (the

four provincial champions, as it happens), who all advanced to this year’s All-Ireland SFC semi-finals with wins (respectively) over Clare, Cork, Armagh and Mayo Roscommon ladies, who defeated Louth last weekend to reach the All-Ireland IFC semifinal (we have full coverage in our sports section)

Superstar ex-Beatle and current legend Paul McCartney, who performed a sensational headlining set at Glastonbury, while being joined by special guests Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen (see Paul Healy’s Week, page 6) Former UUP leader David Trimble, who had a portrait by renowned artist Colin Davison unveiled in his honour

It’s been a BAD week for… Boris Johnson, with the UK Prime Minister under pressure again, his position as Conservative Party Leader and Prime Minister very much still under the spotlight after his party suffered two by-election defeats

waiting for an improvement in the weather, this as rain showers and fluctuating temperatures dominate the weather outlook, leaving everyone asking when – and if – some sustained sunshine is going to arrive!

Anyone expecting a notable outbreak of sunshine, with the entire nation patiently

Armagh GAA, with one of their entourage at Croke Park on Sunday accused of

attempted eye gouging during a disgraceful melee at the end of normal time in their All-Ireland SFC quarter-final with Galway, this incident to some extent overshadowing a tremendous game which ended in heartbreak for Armagh, Galway winning on penalties after extra-time failed to separate the sides

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

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POLITICAL PEOPLE

Tom Crosby begins fourth term as Cathaoirleach < DAN DOONER

Independent councillor Tom Crosby was elected as the new Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council at Monday’s AGM, taking over the chain of office from outgoing Caithaoirleach Cllr. Joe Murphy. Cllr. Crosby was proposed for the role by Cllr. John Cummins and seconded by Cllr. Laurence Fallon. There were no other candidates proposed. Addressing Monday’s AGM, Cllr. Crosby said it was a “great privilege” to be elected to the chair for the fourth time. The new Caithaoirleach paid tribute to Cllr. Joe Murphy, who he said had done an “excellent job” in the past year. Cllr. Crosby added: “Despite the economic uncertainty, there are still many challeng-

es and opportunities for this county”. He said issues such as job creation would be top of the agenda during his term and paid tribute to those involved in tourism in the county such as management and staff at Lough Key Forest Park and the Callery family at Strokestown Park House. Cllr. Crosby also highlighted issues such as dumping, Lough Funshinagh, and projects such as the N5 bypass. Independent councillor Laurence Fallon was elected LeasCathaoirleach after he was proposed by Cllr. John Keogh and seconded by Cllr. John Naughten. Meanwhile, outgoing Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Joe Murphy, received widespread praise for his work over the past year,

particularly in his efforts to get the County Development Plan passed. Cllr. Murphy said he was “fully confident” the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue project would go ahead despite recent setbacks and that he was looking forward to positive news on Lough Funshinagh. He said that during his tenure he was able to witness the great work going on across the county. He thanked outgoing Leas-Cathaoirleach Orla Leyden for her guidance and dedication throughout the year. He also paid tribute to Chief Executive Eugene Cummins and his executive, as well as Council staff, his colleagues both in An Post and the Chamber, and his wife Nicola and their two sons.

Roscommon County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Tom Crosby, and Leas-Cathaoirleach Cllr Laurence Fallon (who were elected at Monday’s AGM of Roscommon County Council) pictured with CE Eugene Cummins. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Crosby completes comeback… < PAUL HEALY

That’s quite the comeback by experienced veteran politician Tom Crosby, who has returned to ‘first citizen’ status by once again claiming the chain of office in Roscommon County Council. Remarkably, it’s Crosby’s fourth spell in the role once titled ‘Mayor’ but now (much to councillors’ dismay) labelled ‘Cathaoirleach’ (of the Council). Whatever the title, it’s quite the honour, and, in Crosby’s case this week, a tribute to his persistence. The Tarmonbarry man’s political career looked as if it might be over when he lost his seat in 2014, but Crosby bounced back in 2019 – and has once again positioned himself in a key power role in the Chamber. Meanwhile, the irony of Cllr Joe Murphy – an excellent Cathaoirleach over the past year – being the person who handed over the chain of office to Cllr Crosby was remarked on by a few observers, given the past rivalry between Tom and now Senator Eugene Murphy (brother of Joe). For the record, we might add that all was sweetness and light between a delighted Cllr Crosby and the ever-unflappable and polite Cllr Murphy in the Chamber on Monday.

If Dessie and Charlie could do it…

Incoming Cathaoirleach, Cllr Tom Crosby, and Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr Laurence Fallon, pictured with fellow councillors and council executives at the Roscommon County Council AGM at Áras an Chontae, Roscommon. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

So, after those recent very personal exchanges in the Dáil between Taoiseach-in-waiting Leo Varadkar and Sinn Féin heavyweight Pearse Doherty, absolutely no chance of a Fine Gael/SF Coalition after the next election? Yeah, right… Here’s Pearse in last weekend’s Sunday Business Post: “We don’t have any working relationship. That’s not to suggest that one couldn’t develop…but look, myself and Leo have never hit it off. Not so far”. Mmnn…

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

GOING OUT

To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Nicole and Jonathan Finan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Lorna Bailey, Sally Towey and Tara Bailey. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Daniel and Abby Higgins and Sarah McDonnell. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Paddy Hennigan and Billy Reaney. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were Sarah McDermott, and Deirdre and Ciara Banahan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Races on Tuesday evening were John Hughes, David Kearney and Dermot Hughes. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People

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Sasha Suprunenko and Vika Lavadnia pictured with their art work during a recent Community Art Group class in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

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Team Chairperson, Willie Murphy, is excited about the future and reckons the Public Realm Enhancement Project, due to be completed in 2023, will breathe new life and purpose into the town. “The Town Team is a very active organisation in the town” he said, explaining how it’s involved in “reimaging” the town with the input of other local organisations, such as sports clubs. “We work for the town’s development and for the good of the town in general,” Willie said. “There’s a major project ongoing at the moment in Ballaghaderreen and that’s the Public Realm Enhancement which is all about reimaging the town. It’s a very worthwhile project…Ballaghaderreen needs repurposing and it needs a new image both for the people living and working in the town currently and to attract new businesses, new people,

and tourism. It’s a whole facelift and this is planned as part of Roscommon County Council’s plan for the town, which is great. “This is a significant investment and the plan is for this to be taking place next spring and it’s due to completed next year. It’s going to really enhance the town’s image and create a new face and a purpose for the town”. Existing clubs and organisations play a big part in life in Ballaghaderreen and Willie believes they are vital for the town’s development. “Having clubs and organisations like the various sporting clubs in a town like Ballaghaderreen is essential and the Town Team has a representative from all of those organisations on it to bring a new perspective to it from the various sporting organisations and for the town development to include those organisations,” he said. “Organisations like the GAA club, the soccer club, the tennis club,

schools, and businesses. It’s a great forum for people to engage and be part of the whole development process”. Despite suffering from a number of economic setbacks in recent years, the people of Ballaghaderreen continue to put their best foot forward. This was never more obvious as when the town was announced as ‘Community Group of the Year’ at the 43rd Rehab People of the Year Awards in 2018. The town was also acknowledged for the welcome it extended to refugees fleeing the war in Syria. “People will know that a couple of years ago Ballaghaderreen won the ‘Community of the Year’ award because of how it manages the diverse communities in the town, particularly the EROC Centre and the welcoming of the Syrian community,” Willie explains. “Ballaghaderreen is a very welcoming town; it welcomes all nationalities and they integrate well.

You can see that in the various clubs…and that enhances the reputation of the town in terms of openness and inclusivity”. Looking to the future, Willie believes a change of tack is needed to return the town to its former glory. “Ballaghaderreen used to be a very important town at one stage and it needs to go back to that. It was a big business town and there was always a lot going on. It’s come through its own challenges in the last number of years but there is a new plan to

develop the town, bring in new business and new opportunities,” he said. “There’s also a focus now on working from home…and we’ve highspeed broadband and we’re close to an airport (Ireland West). The town needs new businesses, a new identity and maybe a new big employer and we need to put the infrastructure in place to attract businesses, people, tourism and anything that is going to assist in the further development of Ballaghaderreen,” he concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People

Positive response to proposed Greenway

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he Roscommon Chairperson of the proposed RosSligo Greenway has said the project has received an extremely positive response from landowners and other key stakeholders in recent weeks. Eoin Madden says local support for the Greenway, which has been described as a possible gamechanger for the region, is crucial in order to secure Government support for a feasibility study later this year. “Both the Sligo and Roscommon committees set out to contact all 91 landowners on the closed railway line between Ballaghaderreen in Roscommon and Kilfree in Sligo, 17km away,” he said. “We are delighted that the vast majority of landowners have given their support to the feasibility study and very thankful for this as nothing could happen without that support”. Mr. Madden described the recent development as a “very significant step” in receiving Government support for the study. “We are confident that the Greenway will be a major asset to the whole area. Ballaghaderreen is

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Tel. 094 98 61033 Walking the Ballaghaderreen to Kilfree branch line in Monasteraden recently were Paul Taylor, Chairman of the Co. Sligo RosSligo Greenway Committee with his counterpart on the Co. Roscommon section, Eoin Madden. Pic: Mick McCormack

the furthest town in Roscommon from the centre of power in the county and so too is Kilfree in Sligo. They are two areas which are neglected in terms of tourism but they offer a lot in terms of local history and landscape”. The proposed route for the Greenway will run close to parts of the Beara Breifne Way with further potential links to the likes of Lough Gara Way and the Miners’ Way in the north of the county. “All members of our

communities will gain so much in terms of health benefits, the opening of new businesses, and increased tourism,” Mr. Madden added. “It is hoped that the existing trails from Kilfree to Limnagh Bog and Boyle will eventually connect Ballaghaderreen to Boyle and beyond on a trafficfree, fully-paved way. Boyle itself will soon be connected to Carrick-onShannon, Leitrim village and Drumshanbo”. It is also envisaged that

the new Greenway will incorporate the River Lung into Ballaghaderreen, therefore providing the local community with a much-needed amenity. The project has already received widespread support from local businesses, schools and sporting organisations. “This Greenway is for every citizen including clubs, families, the elderly, and those with disabilities,” Mr. Madden said. “It passes by two special conservation areas as

well as a number of historical sites including Lough Gara with its dense population of crannogs”. While the response has been extremely positive so far, this is just another step in the development of the RosSligo Greenway. Both committees must now wait until September of this year to find out if the project will receive Government funding for the widely supported feasibility study.

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Flashback from our files: Famous faces in Ballaghaderreen…Michael Flatley, Matt Molloy and Seamus Tansey pictured in the town a number of years ago. Photo: Mick McCormack

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Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

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Tell us a bit about yourself…

Do you have any sporting heroes?

Ireland medal in my back pocket!

I live in Lisacul with my parents, four brothers and one sister. I go to St. Nathy’s College in Ballaghaderreen, where I have just completed my Junior Certificate exams. I have represented St. Nathy’s in Colleges handball where I won a Connacht title. I’ve also represented the school in football where we reached a Connacht final at Junior level. I play football with my local club Éire Óg and county football with the U-16 Ladies. I play handball for Lisacul Handball Club, and I have also represented Connacht in the Handball Team of Ten nationally.

My sporting hero is tennis player Serena Williams because she has inspired me to be determined about my sporting goals and to never give up. She also continuously promotes equality in women’s sport.

What would you like to do when you leave school?

What do you hope to achieve in sport in the coming years? I hope to win an All-Ireland in both football and handball. I have reached an All-Ireland final in handball and two AllIreland finals in football. Since starting both sports, I have always dreamed of eventually having an All-

I haven’t thought that far ahead yet but at the minute I’d love to work in the agricultural industry. I have a huge interest in farming and really enjoy spending time on our own farm in Lisacul. What piece of advice would you give to other young athletes? I think the best advice I could give young sportspeople is to train hard every chance you get. No matter if it’s a train-

Ballaghaderreen CREDIT UNION VIRTUAL SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING Members are cordially invited to the

SGM of Ballaghaderreen and District Credit Union Ltd To be held virtually, via zoom, on

Tuesday, 12th July 2022, at 8pm This SGM is a single item agenda meeting, dealing with a consideration of a special resolution and will last approximately 15-20 minutes. Pre-registration is required. Only registered members can access the SGM

TO REGISTER

Members are to email: info@ballaghcu.com to request a link to the SGM. Members are to include their full name, member number and contact details in the email Registrants will receive a confirmation email with access link and instructions within 48 hours of registration

The closing date for registration is: Monday, 11th July 2022, at 4pm

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CONNOLLY CARPETS & FLOORING Pound Street, Ballaghaderreen

Telephone: 087 1366482 Supply and installation of Carpets,Vinyl, Laminates, LVT and Wood Flooring ing session or a match always try your best and don’t be too hard on yourself. Use each training session as a learning time to improve on parts

of your game you feel need extra work. Always leave the pitch/court with no regrets and knowing you couldn’t have done anything more.

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Callaghan positive on library and CCTV < DAN DOONER

ocal Fine Gael councillor Liam Callaghan has this week received positive updates from Roscommon County Council on upgrade works at Ballaghaderreen Library as well as the installation of a CCTV system for the town. Cllr. Callaghan said while the improvement works at the library would take some time, he has been left assured that the new-look facility will be “one of the most modern in the country”. “In relation to Ballaghderreen Library, which closed during Covid, funding was approved for upgrade works for fittings, furniture and disability access measures,” he said. “While this application

was in progress an extra opportunity for funding arose which Roscommon County Council were successful in applying for under the ‘My Open Library’ programme. This concept will provide automated self-service access to the library from 8 am to 10 pm 365 days a year. “The new-look library, when complete, will cater for all age groups and people in the community as well as (providing) a specialised space for teenagers”. Cllr. Callaghan agreed that many locals are frustrated with the delay but he feels the enhanced service will benefit everybody in the long-term and confirmed he would continue to seek extra mobile library visits in the interim.

The Fine Gael councillor also sought an update on an application for CCTV to be installed in the town. Cllr. Callaghan raised the issue at a recent meeting of the Joint Policing Committee. Addressing the meeting, Superintendent

Tom Colsh acknowledged that there were outstanding issues with the application but assured the councillor that the service, when installed, would be of a very high standard and would benefit local businesses and residents.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People

Marek Petrovic (Photographer) VOX POP Tell us a bit about yourself… I spent the first years of my life in a small town in Slovakia. In 1999 I moved to Prague in Czech Republic, where I met my wife. Our son was born in Prague. In 2016, we moved to Ireland to Ballaghaderreen and now we have lived here for almost seven years. Our daughter was born here in Ireland. What do you think of Ballaghaderreen as a place to live and work? After 17 years in a busy and noisy city, we enjoy the peace and quiet of Ballaghaderreen. Irish people are nicer, friendlier and more helpful. Life in Ballaghaderreen suits us. We already know a lot of people here. We meet them on the streets and talk. It’s a very nice change, compared to a busy big city. In the beginning, I worked at Dawn Meats but now I work in B-pod Ballyhaunis as a plumber. My wife works as a caregiver. She praises the job a lot. She feels good about helping people.

Tell us about your photography… I have photography as a hobby. I also take photos for money, but just to make money on new equipment, and right now I’m saving for my first photo exhibition – I’m still looking for a sponsor! (laughs). I started in Prague around 12 years ago. I was just fascinated by street photography. I was inspired in the beginning by the likes of Bill Brandt, Josef Sudek, František Drtikol, Helmut Newton, Henri Cartier, Richard Sandler, Herb Ritts and now Martin Stranka. I won first place in the prestigious Prague Photography competition with a photo from the street. What is the most enjoyable aspect of photography? I was a wedding and portrait photographer in Prague. I photographed weddings, business portraits, family photos, etc. I enjoyed this job. One meets new people, and in general, the work is very interesting. But I saw myself more as an art pho-

tographer, so I started creating photos that radiated my ideas. I addressed my friends or people on social networks and took photos that evoked feelings of satisfaction in me. I still like to take family photos, because it’s fun and many times it’s a very happy meeting. But for

me, the primary thing is to do art. I can’t draw, so I use the camera and computer to create my scenes. How do you hope to develop your hobby in Ireland? In Prague, I did workshops on

how to use or set up a camera, and how to learn to take pictures. I’m in the process of planning something similar here in Ireland too. I like that. It’s great to see how happy people are to learn something. I also created an e-book on how to set up the camera

properly. I started selling it this year and with a friend of mine, I plan to create a book of my photos and short stories. So, as you can see, I am involved in a big way…and my whole life revolves around photography!

KEEP UP TO DATE ON



CLAIRE

KERRANE TD Email  : claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie

WORKING HARD FOR THE PEOPLE OF BALLAGHADERREEN

If you require assistance, please call into my office on  Main Street, open five days or phone  0949861688

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People

Computers 4U premises is part of town’s storied history

< DAN DOONER

t’s difficult to tell from the outside but the Computers 4U premises in Ballaghaderreen is a place where a dark period of Ballaghaderreen’s history meets the modern day. The town was targeted by the Black and Tans in

reprisals for the Rathra ambush of September 1st, 1920. During the Rathra incident, a party of IRA men attempted to ambush an RIC patrol travelling from Ballaghaderreen to Frenchpark. Two RIC men, Constables Edward Murphy and Martin McCarthy, were killed along

with IRA volunteer, Capt. Thomas McDonagh. On September 2nd, a band of Black and Tans travelled from Boyle to Ballaghaderreen and set fire to a number of prominent premises in the town, including the building (formerly Flannery’s) where Computers 4U is located now.

Computers 4U owner, Susan Smyth, was always aware of the building’s links to that fateful night. “We put an offer in for the building in March 2020, just after the pandemic started and we finally got the keys in August 2021,” she said. “We were fully aware that it had been burnt by

the Black and Tans 100 years before. We bought it due to its great location and we were also aware that had been rebuilt with reinforced concrete with compensation from the British government. “It’s a beautiful building as you can see and it was built to the standards of a London Department Store at the time. It’s a really high quality building and inside it’s very comfortable; there’s no dampness or anything like that. It’s rock solid,” Susan added. The historical significance of the building was certainly something which attracted both Susan and her brother and business partner Martin Smyth. “It’s believed that Tullamore Due once owned the building and there was a bottle house upstairs. There is still a lift in the building which was probably used to transport bottles in the past,” Susan said. “At other times the building was home to a number of bars too, some of which were rather notorious! A lot of people who know its history also say that there was a beautiful mural of Ballaghaderreen Train

Station which ran right across the walls. Sadly, the mural was painted over some time ago which is a real shame. When we were putting new floors in we also discovered traces of a stunning mosaic floor too”. Few traces of the build-

ing’s rich history now remain but it is rather poignant that it has now been given a new, modern purpose 100 years on from the burning of Ballaghaderreen, at a time when local businesses were rising from the ashes of a global pandemic.

Calls for library works to be fast-tracked

Susan Smyth pictured at Computers 4U in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Mick McCormack

Mechanical and electrical consultant to be appointed

Flashback to last month’s protest march outside Ballaghaderreen Library. Pic: Mick McCormack

< DAN DOONER

ocal Sinn Féin representatives have called for works at Ballaghaderreen Library to be fast-tracked so that the service can reopen to the public as soon as possible. Recently, Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane raised the issue with the Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys, seeking further information on an expected start time for the works. Deputy Kerrane said: “There is considerable frustration and anger locally because these works have taken longer than they should have. It now needs to be fast-tracked where possible so that this vital local service can reopen”. Replying to Deputy Kerrane’s recent Parliamentary Question, Minister Humphreys said the provision of library services was primarily a matter for local authorities under the Local Government Act.

“Accordingly, progress on the works in Ballaghaderreen Library, and the timeline for completing the project are, first and foremost, a matter for Roscommon County Council,” she said. Minister Humphreys said a technical assessment carried out by the council concluded that a mechanical and electrical consultant would need to be appointed for the project. “Once appointed, this consultant will lead a multidisciplinary team to include a conservation expert, and will then prepare a scope of works for the project. This will be used to progress the appointment of a contractor to carry out the works,” she said. “Roscommon County Council have advised my Department that they published a tender on June 13th seeking the services of a mechanical and electrical consultant with a closing date for receipt of submissions of June 27th”.

The Minister added that the local authority acknowledges the vital service provided by Ballaghaderreen Library but that it was obliged to follow procurement guidelines and planning regulations. “Accordingly, it is not possible for works to be brought forward or fast-tracked,” she said. “However, while the local authority has advised that works will commence in Q4 2022, they are fully dedicated to the project and will initiate works sooner if at all possible.   “In the meantime, Roscommon County Council has advised that the mobile library continues to provide a service in the town every Thursday and the local authority will continue to monitor demand throughout the duration of the works”. Sinn Féin councillor Michael Mulligan is expected to raise a motion at an upcoming meeting of Roscommon Council calling for the works to be expedited wherever possible.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People

Enhanced Motion celebrating two years in Ballaghaderreen E

nhanced Motion first opened

its doors in Ballaghaderreen in July 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and has since gone from strength to strength. Owner and Ballinagare native, Liz Cummins, who celebrates two years in business this month, had previously worked in the fitness industry for ten years. “I opened Enhanced Motion on July 17th, 2020 in Ballaghaderreen. I am a neuromuscular therapist and so I work with people who are in acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain and those suffering with chronic injuries, such as back, shoulder, neck or knee pain, and injuries or conditions that limit range of motion,” she said. “I also have Conor McGreivy working with me. He is an athletic therapist and so works mainly with sports injuries. He was recently appointed Head

Academy Athletic Therapist at Sligo Rovers Football Club”. There is a wide selection of services available at Enhanced Motion, including: dry needling, sports cupping, and athletic rehab. Clients can also avail of a number of sports packages involving massages and recovery boots too. Liz says business has been good since the lifting of Covid restrictions with plans for further expansion in the near future. “I was working privately from home when this building became available in 2020. We thought it would be fine for a few weeks…little did we know we’d still be here two years later! “Enhanced Motion has definitely gone from strength to strength since then. When I started it was just me and now we have three people working here. We are open for appointments from Monday to Saturday

Thank you

from 9 am to 8 pm and we are kept going throughout the day,” she said. “A lot of people are now coming to us directly and we also have great links to the local sports clubs and GPs. We have people coming from Swinford, Castlebar and Sligo, not just Ballaghaderreen. Being centrally situated on Main Street in Ballaghaderreen (opposite GRG), makes life easier for everyone. “We are delighted to be celebrating two years in business this July and we are looking forward to expanding further in the next two with the introduction of small group rehab classes and workshops! “The support of the local community and businesses in Ballaghaderreen has been amazing since I came into the town and I feel very grateful for all the support, it’s very much appreciLiz Cummins pictured at Enhanced Motion in Ballaghaderreen earlier this week. Pic: Mick McCormack ated,” Liz concluded.

m o r f u o y from k n a h T

St. Attracta’sNational National School St. Attracta’s School Ballaghaderreen Ballaghaderreen

The pupils, parents and staff of St. Attracta’s National School thank the local community for their support. he pupils, parents and staffcontinuing of St. Attract a’s National School thank

special thanks our local businesssupport. community who he local Acommunity fortotheir continuing A special thanks provide a wide range of services to our school. to our local business community who provide a wide range of areschool. proud toWe support our local andour services. ervices toWeour are proud to shops support local shops and services.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People

Power of the pen! Writers’ Group continues online in Ballaghaderreen

< DAN DOONER

allaghaderreen

Writers’ Group has been providing a creative outlet for members for a number of years now and continues to meet online each week. Member and group facilitator, Fiona Drury, says members were impacted by the closure of Ballaghaderreen Library following the outbreak of Covid-19. “We used to meet at the library every second week and that was lovely, but when Covid-19 broke out we moved online,” she says. “Now we WhatsApp and have video calls, taking turns to facilitate each session.

Facilitators provide writing prompts and it’s quite different to meeting face-to-face. When meeting in person the prompts could be anything – such as musical pieces – but online our options are a bit more limited”. Writers are provided with the prompts and then given 20 minutes each to compose a piece of writing. Each member then reads out what they’ve written to the rest of the group. “We also give ‘homework’ or writing prompts to be done at home. We don’t take it too seriously and you don’t need a degree or anything to take part. It’s open for everyone and it’s great craic,” Fiona added.

Community Writers’ Group members, Pippa Black and Jolanda van Herk, pictured outside Ballaghaderreen Library which remains closed to the public. Pic: Mick McCormack

The group has a core of six or seven members with other writers joining up from time to time. “Our members are from all over and some find the online classes very convenient,” Fiona says. “It’s a bit of fun and a great way for people to work on their writing. “I love writing myself…it’s just a pity I didn’t know that when I was in school! Members find it very therapeutic and new members are always very welcome”. The Ballaghaderreen Writers’ Group meets every second Wednesday via WhatsApp and those interested in joining are invited to check out the group’s Facebook page.

Local writers call for library reopening

< DAN DOONER

embers of the Ballaghaderreen

Writers’ Group have called on Roscommon County Council to reopen the local library in order to facilitate a return to in-person meetings. Local writers have been forced to meet online and via WhatsApp since the library closed two years ago following the outbreak of Covid-19. The service has remained shut ever since despite substantial funding being allocated for upgrade works. Pippa Black says the Writers’ Group now has nowhere to go: “We met in the boardroom that’s owned by the Western Development Com-

mission (WDC). (The late former librarian) Deirdre Creighton set it up for us. She was absolutely brilliant,” she said. “Now we are ready to meet in person again but we’re like ‘What do we do?’ Obviously, we want to get in touch with the WDC…we used to be able to fall back to sitting in the library (when WDC boardroom was in use) but now that’s gone we have nowhere,” she said. Fellow member, Jolanda van Herk said the library was accessible to all members. “The library is a well-known place and it’s in the middle of town so it’s easily accessible. Anyone could just drop in so that was great. It was free

From West Virginia to West Roscommon! < DAN DOONER

West Virginian Patricia O’Connor was delighted to return to Roscommon this summer for the first time since the lifting of Covid-19 travel restrictions. Prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, which made travel from the United States almost impossible, Patricia had been a regular visitor to her husband’s home place near Kilmovee.

“I’m originally from West Virginia but live in Vermont now. My husband’s family (Regans) are from near to where we have a house here and I had been visiting for around 20 years up until 2019,” she said. Patricia has taken part in the local Community Art Group for the past seven years and credits group leaders Jolanda van Herk and Barbara van Sevenser for welcoming new mem-

bers from the community. “Barbara and Jolanda are my nextdoor neighbours and they invited me to come along. It’s been really nice and I usually manage to get a few weeks in each summer,” she said. “Working with the tutors is also really good because they introduce different aspects and offer advice. We also work with different media and one year we did pieces with plaster of

as well and that makes a difference too because it takes the pressure off groups when it comes to fees,” she said. Pippa also liked the fact it was a community space: “For example, the noticeboard (in the library) also does a service…everyone in the town knows what’s happening. It’s how I found the Writers’ Group in the first place in 2008,” she said. For now, the library remains closed to the public and recent updates would suggest that may continue to be the case for 2022. Calls to fasttrack works on the listed building have so far fallen on deaf ears. In this instance, red tape would appear to be even mightier than the pen.

Paris which I had never experienced before”. Patricia will return to Vermont in July following her first visit to Ireland in almost three years. “I’m staying until mid-July so I should be able to finish this part of the programme. The area we are staying in is kind of similar to our home in Vermont because we are in the backwoods too!

“I find the people here very friendly and though we have some relatives here I’ve also made friends in the art group and by playing cards and attending the summer music sessions,” she said. “Because she is from somewhere else too, Jolanda is very open to welcoming everyone to the group and I’ll get to take home some nice souvenirs from my time here”.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People

Local group bringing out Ballaghaderreen’s artistic side

< DAN DOONER

he Ballaghaderreen Community Art Group meets every Monday morning and features artists from a variety of different backgrounds and nationalities. The group was first established in 2011 by Dutch woman, Jolanda van Herk, who says a dedicated core group of members remain deeply involved. “I am originally from The Hague in the Netherlands but I have also spent time in Utrecht and Rotterdam. My partner,

Barbara, is from Amsterdam and we moved here 14 years ago in February 2008,” Jolanda explains. “Like so many people, I always thought I couldn’t draw but when we arrived in Ireland we did a course with what was then the VEC and is now GRETB (Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board). It was Barbara who was interested first and I said I’d join her. We both loved it and it was nice to do something together too”. Jolanda and Barbara then set up the Ballaghaderreen Community Art Group

Jolanda van Herk, Barbara van Sevenser and Mary Caulfield pictured during a recent Community Art Group class in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Mick McCormack

which now boasts a multinational membership. “There have been lot of different nationalities involved over the years… Belgian, Swedish, Polish…and more Irish people have also become involved,” Jolanda says. “A lot of people have passed through also before going on to start jobs or going on to further education”. Like many groups, the art group was affected by the outbreak of Covid-19 with meetings moving online. “During the lockdowns we set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch and to keep each other busy with prompts. We also posted on Facebook and that helped to keep the interest. Now that we can meet up again we hope to hold an exhibition of our works in future”. Jolanda says the group received great encouragement during Covid from the GRETB. “The GRETB offered us a tutor during the lockdown and Mary Duignan was very popular with members. We now have a new tutor starting with us, the artist Andrew Dillon, and we will be doing online and general classes,” she said. The group looks to give something back to the community and has provided an outlet for those arriving in Ballaghaderreen from war-torn countries.

Members of the Ballaghaderreen Community Art Group during a recent class. Pic: Mick McCormack

“We have had a couple of Ukrainians attending the class and before the pandemic started we were in with the Syrian refugees at Abbeyfield. The classrooms were not that big and our classes were crammed with both the Syrian residents and our members. It was such a pity we couldn’t continue due to Covid,” Jolanda says. The Ballaghaderreen Community Art Group continues to meet from 10.30 am to 1 pm every Monday at Ozanam and are always on the lookout for new members. If you are interested in getting in touch with your artistic side then check out the group’s work on their Facebook page.

Art Tutor, Andrew Dillon, pictured with Kathleen Harford during a recent Community Art Group class in Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Mick McCormack

Ukrainian woman praises welcoming local community < DAN DOONER

Ukrainian woman, who arrived in Ballaghaderreen following the Russian invasion of her homeland earlier this year, has praised the local community for welcoming those fleeing the war with open arms. 28-year-old Sasha Suprunenko arrived in the Co. Roscommon town

two months ago with her mother and sister and they were later joined by Sasha’s father and brother. “I am from Kyiv and we came here on April 4th. I still have cousins in Kyiv but my mother, father, sister, and brother are here in Ballaghaderreen now. They like it here. It is safe, and there are lovely people and everyone is helpful,” she said.

Sasha had previously worked in the digital sector in Kyiv, focusing on Search Engine Optimisation. Since her arrival in Ballaghaderreen, however, she has found alternative employment. “I worked for six years in Kyiv in SEO and now I am working in the SuperValu in Ballaghaderreen,” she said. Sasha says the Ukrainian people have

integrated well in Ballaghaderreen and she has even joined up with the local Community Art Group, which she and fellow Ukrainian member, Vika, really enjoy. “My friend told me about the classes. I never painted before…but she said ‘Sasha you must come!’ I’m enjoying it. I’m not so good but I am trying hard to be better!”

While Ukraine still faces an uncertain future, it is Sasha’s intention to return once the situation there becomes safer. “We don’t know when the war will finish in Ukraine but it is not safe for now. We must work on building a new life and when everything is okay in Ukraine we can go there again. Right now, here (Ballaghaderreen) is lovely for us,” she concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People

A photograph of Ballaghaderreen which was taken in the 1950s/60s.

Famous faces from Ballaghaderreen…

Matt Molloy (Musician)

Seanie McDermott (Gaelic footballer)

Garry Hynes (Theatre Director)

Considered one of Ireland’s best musicians, Ballaghaderreen native Matt has inspired many aspiring Irish flute players. He was a member of the Bothy Band and Planxty, and joined The Chieftains in 1979.

The former Roscommon captain attended St. Nathy’s College before going on to make 178 appearances in the Primrose and Blue, winning two Connacht titles. He now runs a popular barbershop in Ballaghaderreen.

Hynes became the first woman to win the prestigious Tony Award for ‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’. A founding member of The Druid Theatre Company, she has also served as artistic director of The Abbey Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, and Royal Court Theatre in London among others.

Brian O’Doherty (Art critic, writer, artist) O’Doherty was born in 1928 and went on to become an art critic for the New York Times, editor of Art in America and an on-air critic for NBC. His altar ego was Patrick Ireland, which he ceremoniously buried at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in 2008 in recognition of the peace process.

Andy Moran (Gaelic footballer) A Mayo legend, Moran won eight Connacht titles and two NFL titles with the Green and Red as well as two All Stars and a Player of the Year award. He was appointed manager of the Leitrim senior team ahead of the 2022 season.

From art to sport:

There’s something for everyone! < DAN DOONER

allaghaderreen has earned a reputation as an inclusive town in recent years, most notably receiving a ‘People of the Year’ award in 2018 for the community’s efforts in welcoming Syrian refugees. A number of local groups have played their part including sports clubs like Ballaghaderreen GAA and Ballaghaderreen Football Club as well as the Town Team and local Men’s Shed. The Roscommon People’s most recent visit to the town also highlighted a number of other groups which have thrived in recent years

due to the efforts of hard-working volunteers. Ballaghaderreen Tennis Club, for example, now has up to 50 adult members and almost 90 players amongst its junior ranks while the local Community Art and Writing Groups have continued to grow in popularity. These groups have been bolstered by both long-time Ballaghaderreen residents and newcomers to the town including members of the Syrian community and recent arrivals from war-torn Ukraine. While the town has faced and continues to face a number of economic challenges,

it’s thanks to the efforts of the local community that there is hope for the future. Local residents have responded positively to the wide variety of activities and groups on offer, and numbers continue to grow in weekly art classes, online meetings of writing groups, and even the Community Garden at SuperValu. With the proposed development of a new Greenway nearby, there is scope for further development of local amenities too and that and further positive projects would be warmly embraced by the welcoming community of Ballaghaderreen.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 087 6638463 Opening hours: Tuesday-Saturday (9 am to 5 pm)

Rooskies

Rooskies.ie

• Serving breakfast, lunch and delicious cakes and pastries! • Great coffee and tea! • All food cooked to order • We aim to serve food that’s locally sourced • Available to cater for parties, functions etc A big thank you to all our producers and suppliers, and to all our customers for their support and good wishes!

Spacious, light-filled, relaxing setting

Rooskies Café – Locally sourced food in a relaxed setting! H

ailing from Rooskey originally, Karen O’Callaghan certainly wasn’t about to forget her roots when she opened her new café in Ballaghaderreen earlier this year. “We opened Rooskies at the beginning of April. I come from the village of Rooskey outside Ballaghaderreen…hence the name! “Here at Rooskies We serve a selection of breakfasts and lunches, all made to order. Also cakes, desserts, pastries and a selection of scones, from rhubarb to nettle, plain and fruit. Not to mention great coffees and teas!” Karen has adopted a ‘slow food’ policy at Rooskies as is evident on the café’s menu. “Our ethos is very much slow food, which means our menu is filled with locally sourced, organic food as much as

possible,” Karen says. “We also offer our customers delicious and nutritious alternatives. All our scones and cakes are homemade and our food is cooked to order. Our ingredients are sourced as close to Ballaghaderreen as possible to reduce our carbon footprint”. Diners at Rooskies can enjoy delicious food in a spacious, light-filled setting; safe in the knowledge that what’s on their plate is supporting local suppliers and producers. “We really believe in local and we would like to thank all of our producers including Ballymore Organics, Croghan Organics, Dozios Cheese, Dunmore Goats Cheese, SuperValu, McHugh’s Wholesale, Musgrave’s Sysco and Aurivo,” Karen says. “We are also extremely grateful to our wonderful customers who have been

Barista and owner Karen O’Callaghan hard at work in Rooskies Café, Ballaghaderreen. Pic: Mick McCormack

extremely supportive since we first opened in April. We have received

Chef Paddy Mahon, owner Karen O’Callaghan, and waitress Lara Radchenko pictured in Rooskies Café, Ballaghaderreen earlier this week. Pic: Mick McCormack

so many good wishes from people in Ballaghaderreen and we look

forward to serving them for a long time to come”. Located at Duffy’s

SuperValu, just off New Street in Ballaghaderreen, Rooskies Café is open

for dine-in or takeaway Tuesday to Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People Molly’s Bar Ballaghaderreen. Tel. 094 9877923

DJ - Saturday night Zoom Bingo - Thursday night l

Beer Garden Open

Sky TV l Pool and Darts Come along and enjoy a great night out l

GP Hayden Tool Sales & Plant Hire Barrack Street, Ballaghaderreen T: 086 806 2318 E: sales@gphaydentoolsales.ie Opening Hours: Mon – Closed Tue/Wed – Open to 3pm

Thur/Fri – Open to 5pm Sat – Open to 2pm Sun – Closed

Live music All live GAA shown l Watch all the big games with us l

The Hatch Bar Ballaghaderreen T: 089 485 4897

#seeyouthisweekendatthehatch

Into The West

RESTAURANT & BAR Sheepwalk, Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon Telephone: 094 9870391 Email: intothewestrestaurant@gmail.com RAFA 08 OCT 2017

· Indoor Dining · Heated Outdoor Seating Image capture: Oct 2017

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Members of Ballaghaderreen Community Garden celebrating after they were awarded a Green Flag for Community Gardens and Parks. This achievement recognises good environmental practices, biodiversity and pollination management plans. When you are in the area, make sure to take the time to drop in and visit Ballaghaderreen Community Garden. It is located on the grounds of SuperValu. Pic: Mick McCormack

Community Garden continues to grow < DAN DOONER

The Ballaghaderreen Community Garden has continued to develop since it was first established in 2017 thanks to a generous invitation from the late John Duffy, who offered growers a space at his SuperValu store. Maria Fleming, a native of Gotland in Sweden, is a member of the committee and she says the garden has become a hive of activity in recent years. “We had problems getting a site but John Duffy, who has since sadly passed away, visited our own garden at home. He offered us a piece of land next to SuperValu. It’s really good because it’s in such a central location,” she said. Maria, who has developed an impressive garden (check out thegreenerdream.com) at the home she shares with partner and fellow Community Garden member, Paul Cole, first arrived in Ballaghaderreen in 2004, moving to Ireland on account of the good climate for growing. “We are really proud of the Community Garden. It has achieved a Green Flag in the Communities and Parks category for the past two years. Every time the judges visit in the summer they are very impressed with it,” she said. The garden is tended to by a number of local community groups including ‘Ballagh Project’,

members of the Pakistani and Syrian communities and those taking part in community service. “The playschool used to have a bed here too when it was open and we also gave some classes to Transition Year students from St. Nathy’s College,” she said.

“

“We have a very multicultural community here and the garden is open to everyone in line with SuperValu opening hours”. All those involved in the community garden are volunteers and Maria says it’s a labour of love for members. “We have around six

or seven people on the committee and probably up to 20 people who come in and grow too. It is all done voluntarily and it’s important that people remember it’s for the whole community of Ballaghaderreen and to respect it,” she said. “People are always

welcome to come in and we still have a number of beds outside. It’s definitely a place for everyone and we hope more and more people will use it”. You can learn more about the Ballaghaderreen Community Garden or get involved by visiting the group’s Facebook page.

“We are really proud of the Community Garden. It has achieved a Green Flag in the Communities and Parks category for the past two years”

Maria Fleming pictured with her daughter Josie Fleming and Maura Towey with the Ballaghaderreen Community Garden’s Green Flag.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People IDA visit, An Bealach and Cllr. Michael Mulligan new Greenway give cause for & Family optimism The Square, W < DAN DOONER

hile Ballaghaderreen faces a number

of significant challenges in terms of its local economy, recent developments have given residents and business owners some cause for optimism. The town has suffered from a continued fallout from Ireland’s most recent recession and a number of businesses have also been forced to close following the Covid-19 pandemic. But Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane believes the tide can turn. “I met with the IDA in relation to job creation and opportunities in Ballaghaderreen in May. The town has suffered massively in the last ten years; many of the jobs lost in the 2008 recession were never replaced. Today, sadly, Businesses continue to close,” she said. “I have asked the IDA to visit Ballaghaderreen and to look at any possible opportunities for jobs in the town. It is well located, well populated and has vacant premises’ both in and just outside the town. They agreed to come to the town and I hope that something can come out of this”. Deputy Kerrane said the An Bealach Regeneration Project and the RosSligo Greenway would also create a number of new opportunities for the town. “I hope the An Bealach Project can be progressed quickly as it too will present

Senan Johnston (aged 10) Tennis player VOX POP When did you first become involved in tennis?

always trying to be better, and the fun with your friends.

I went to the Ballaghaderreen Summer Camp when I was sevenyears-old and I’ve been playing ever since then. I’m now 10.

What’s the most difficult part of the game?

What made you choose the sport? Some of my friends were already playing and it looked like fun! What has been your most memorable moment in the sport to date? Finally winning the Ballaghaderreen U-10 tournament after being beaten in the final in other years. What’s the best thing about tennis? The enjoyment of every game, the competition,

Getting my serve right! Who’s your favourite tennis player?

opportunities as well as a remote working space for those who have jobs elsewhere but can work remotely from Ballaghaderreen – keeping them in the town. “The RosSligo Greenway, which I am a committee member of, also has the potential to be a game-changer for Ballaghaderreen,” she said.

Ballaghaderreen Contact me on (087) 7799781

Dublin Road, Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon F45 WN62 • Tel. 0 94 9861116 • E-mail: shop@toweystopoil.com

Everything you need under the tree at Spar! Enjoy the long summer days, with excellent offers instore. Full Off Licence, Multipacks Ice Creams, ATM, HOT DELI, Fresh Pastries & Insomnia Coffee at your local SPAR on The Dublin Rd. OPEN EARLY TO LATE.

Your 1st Stop Shop for all your Back to School needs!

Large Selection of Primary and Secondary Books l Teachers Educational Supplies l School Bags and Pencil Cases l Large Selection of Art and Craft Supplies l Stationery l Educational Games l

Rafa Nadal – he’s so skillful and powerful. What do you hope to achieve in the future? I’d like to win some U-12 tournaments over the next two years. I just always want to play tennis…and maybe beat my coach Tim (Clarke) one day too (laughs). *This year’s Junior Championships in Ballaghaderreen run from August 8th to 13th while the Senior Championships take place from August 18th to 27th.

Fully stocked with Primary and Secondary School books for Back to School

of assle out Take the H o ol, drop in h Back to Sc he list an d t il a m or e the rest! we w ill do

/ Email: info@firstclassoffice.ie

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People

Josh McDermott (tennis coach) VOX POP

Tell us a bit about yourself… My name is Josh and I’m one of two tennis coaches currently working at Ballaghaderreen Tennis Club. I always played as a youth player and started playing when Tim Clarke started coaching in 2014. I was playing and helping out a bit as I got older. I had a background in sport and when Covid came in I managed to get my (coaching) licence. Tim mainly does the Tuesday evenings and I do the Friday evenings. When was the club first established? The club was set up in 1999 by the community of Ballaghaderreen, but it wasn’t used for a few years until Tim Clarke set up a coaching business in 2014. He started very small – just coaching a few local kids. How has the club developed since 2014? Through a lot of hard work! Tim has built it up year by

year and now we have over 90 kids a week on Tuesdays and Fridays and full-time adults too. We have 40-50 adults playing each week so it’s been a massive thing for ourselves at the club and the community of Ballaghaderreen as well. How important is the club in a town like Ballaghaderreen? I think it’s very important for the kids to get out in such a small town. They have the GAA and other sports but this allows them to experience an alternative sport which is not so competitive. Obviously tennis is an individual sport and so you’re focussed on each individual kid. They push themselves as much as they want or they can take it nice and easy and come down and have fun with their friends. It’s a good outlet for kids who are not into the traditional Gaelic sports more than anything else. Is there much crossover between the various sports clubs in Ballaghaderreen?

Yeah, we would have a lot of kids involved in soccer and other sports. A lot of them would head straight down after training here for a football match. We never make them choose between sports; it’s all up to them. When the club was set up we did avoid Gaelic football training which is on Wednesday so we weren’t pulling kids from one sport to another. What other positive things do you see happening here? There are a lot of positive things happening here. At the moment we have a lot of kids coming in from Ukraine and Syria and we use tennis as a great way of integrating them. The people from the EROC will come up to us and take part. We also have a lot of connections at the local schools so even if they can’t speak the language tennis is a great way to communicate in a certain way with each other. It’s done a lot for local youths and it keeps them busy (in something healthy) twice a week too.

COMPUTERS4U BALLAGHADERREEN

New Kodak centres in Ballaghaderreen and Ballina Ireland’s lowest cost seller of grade A refurbished phones are now delighted to announce the opening of our new Kodak centres in Ballaghaderreen and Ballina. We can now offer superior quality prints from .20 cent a photo, pictures can be printed from our photo kiosks in store or from our app “local prints now” simply download, type Ballina and print. Photos can be collected in store. We are now also offering, high end canvas prints, glass printing, wedding albums, wedding album modernisation, photo restoration for old and damaged photos, and much much more. Call in to chat about the many new services in our brand new Ballaghaderreen store.

Computers4U would also like to thank our loyal customers for their continued support and welcome all of our new customers.

Opened on the Square in Ballaghaderreen in September 2020 at the height of the lockdowns but stayed open throughout and now boasts impressive indoor and outdoor dining. Their menu is vibrant and full of flavours from many different cuisines. Their Lavazza barista coffee is a smooth crowd-pleaser and they have a delightful sweet selection. The Garden at GROW is a hidden gem in the heart of Ballaghaderreen and the go-to spot when then sun comes out for Iced Coffee and Pancakes. Matthew and Gerda will greet you with a warm welcome and a big smile.

You can check them out on Facebook and Instagram at “TheGROWCafe” for information on their menu and opening hours or call them at 083 8217694

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People Ballagh Farm Shop – Your local hub for artisan food!

allagh Farm Shop

was opened by husband and wife team, John and Sue McMillan, in Ballaghaderreen in March 2020 just as the Covid-19 pandemic was taking hold worldwide. Since then, the shop has gone from strength to strength as an increasing number of consumers embrace fresh, locally sourced, Irish produce. Sue’s further studies have also enabled the business to grow in the last two years as she graduated with a degree in

Business and Community Development. Sue and John have a long association with the world of growing and selling vegetables. Sue’s father started with a horse and cart around 60 years ago in the UK while Sue and John also grew their own produce at home. Ballagh Farm Shop started as a ‘text and collect’ service over the McMillans’ garden wall before John built a HSEcompliant shop. Since then The Farm Shop has gone from

Fresh fruit baskets are available from Ballagh Farm Shop.

strength to strength, offering a wide range of artisan goods, fresh veg boxes, and locally sourced eggs, honey, cheese, breads, chutney, jam and much more! “We are not organic but we are chemical-free and we see ourselves as a food hub for local suppliers,” Sue explains. “We sell a wide variety of vegetables and our Fresh Veg Boxes are very popular too. We have retained our ‘click and collect’ service so our customers can pre-order before 9 am on Friday for collection or delivery on Saturday. Our focus is on locally sourced food wherever possible”. Sprouting from humble beginnings, Ballagh Farm Shop has been featured in the Irish Independent as an up and coming food business while John and Sue now offer ‘Grow Your Own’ and food preservation courses. But fresh food and the local economy is the main

Main depot - Ballaghaderreen, Co.Roscommon (094) 9860314 BALLAGHADERREEN, CO. ROSCOMMON Niall Murray: 087 8356179 / Dermot Murray: 087 8127491 Roscommon town depot : Gerry Finneran 087 695 0025 Email: roshireanddrainservices@gmail.com Website: www.roshireanddrainservices.ie

Chainsaw Repairs, Replacement Chain and Sharpening Service Phone: 094 98 60314 (Ballaghaderreen) or 087 6950025 (Roxboro, Roscommon) • Plant, Tool & Pump Hire • Drain Jetting and CCTV Drain Surveys • Septic Tanks emptied • Portaloo Hire

Ballagh Farm Shop was opened by husband and wife team, John and Sue McMillan, in Ballaghaderreen in March 2020.

focus, according to Sue. “It’s all about shopping local and keeping money in the town. Our aim is to keep it fresh and offer the best vegetables and artisan products we can source to our valued customers,” she said.

You can follow John and Sue’s Ballagh Farm Shop on Facebook and Instagram and at ballaghfarmshop.ie. Located just two miles outside town (F45 EW60) – text or WhatsApp orders to 0877957190.

KILGARRIFF Funeral Directors

Market Street, Ballaghaderreen

Tel: 094 9860069 (24-hours)

Email: info@funeralcare.ie Web: www.funeralcare.ie Excellence in Funeral Care

Cllr. Liam Callaghan

Athlone Local Electoral Area Available to all communities Roscommon County Council Keeping in touch with the farmers for any agricultural issues. Contact me on 086 3325839

Email: cllrlcallaghan@roscommoncoco.ie

Your local hub for artisan food! Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon (F45 EW60) Phone John or Sue on 087 7957190 You can follow John and Sue’s Ballagh Farm Shop on Facebook and Instagram and at ballaghfarmshop.ie Located just two miles outside town (F45 EW60) - text or WhatsApp orders to 087-7957190

Keith Revins Tyres Ltd.

Castlerea, Ballaghaderreen and Ballyhaunis Phone:

086 2569155

Specialist in Tyres for Car, Agri, Commercial and Off Road Tyres. We do all brands in Agri Tyres such as Firestone, BKT, Agrimax and Goodyear. (mobile tyre repair service)

***** OUR SERVICES INCLUDE *****

TYRE VULCANISING Have our experts examine your cut Agri Tyre and maybe we can repair it (vulcanise) and save you hundreds of euro ********* Also fully functional in all our depots for mechanic services doing timing belts, clutches, general service with service light rest, exhaust, batteries with free alternator and battery checks, shocks, brakes, diagnostics, bulbs, wipers, light focus , Wheel Alignment and much much more. FREE NCT and DOE checks The best friendly service, choices and value always. Why not avail of our experts and people you can trust with your safety.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Ballaghaderreen People

THIS WEEKEND: Only @ Duffys SuperValu

Ballaghaderreen Tel: 0949 862354

Over 120 price cuts on own brand products in store Duffy’s SuperValu are also clearing out any remaining summer garden furniture stock. BBQ down to €150, Gas Patio heater and outdoor pizza oven both down to €95!

All we need now is a bit of sunshine...

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

PropertyPeople

Cormac 086 3519492

PSRA Licence No. 004420

NEW TO THE MARKET

NO 8 STONECOURT THE SQUARE ROSCOMMON TOWN CENTRE F42 KV80

Cathal 086 1409158

NEW TO THE MARKET 4 BEDROOMED BUNGALOW RESIDENCE

MONEYMORE KNOCKCROGHERY F42 F660 AMV: €200,000

RETAIL UNIT (TENANT NOT AFFECTED)

AMV: €70,000 A primely located retail unit of approx. 700 sq.ft. Located in the busy Stone Court development on the Town Square and benefiting from ample free car parking facilities at the rear and on the Square. • Extensive glass/display frontage into the Stonecourt Mall. • Kitchenette and toilet facility servicing. • Fully Let • Management Fees for Stone Court: approx. €4,750 per annum. • County Council Rates: approx. €1,671 per annum. The auctioneer now invites immediate viewings and all offers to sell.

A quality 4 bedroomed bungalow residence of approx. 1800 sq.ft. standing on a site area of approx. 0.54 of an acre comprising briefly of entrance hallway, kitchen/living room, utility 4 bedrooms in all with Master on suite and family bathroom. Services oil fired central heating, mains water and septic tank. Externally the property has a large private garden area. Located 8km from Roscommon Town and 3 km from the award winning tidy towns village of Knockcroghery. The auctioneer now invites immediate viewings and all offers to sell.

NEW TO THE MARKET

4 BEDROOMED BUNGALOW RESIDENCE

PRIME LANDS OF APPROX 41.98 ACRES WITH RESIDENCE STANDING THEREON

CORRISLIRA, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON F42CK81 AMV: €275,000

CORBOHILL, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON F42 PF70 AMV: PRICE ON APPLICATION

Prime quality lands set out in one lot comprised in Folios RN21810F and RN41327F with cottage style residence standing thereon

A wonderful opportunity to acquire a fine family home of approx. 1312 sq.ft. with the ability to work from home or operate a food business with the property already producing various fruit and vegetables in the Permaculture areas and tunnels. This prime property is located in a rural setting and comes complete with extensive outbuildings, an arena and number 13 stables previously used for breeding of draught horses and set on an immediate 4.05 acres approx. There are 4 well appointed bedrooms, a sitting room, lounge, dining room, a lovely kitchen and a sunroof opening onto a beautiful private and tranquil courtyard. Corraslira, Strokestown has an abundance of natural amenities including country walks, boating, fishing and bird watching and is a much sought after address, only minutes drive from Strokestown. The property presents itself with fantastic lake views and a south western aspect to avail of the best of sunlight and also comes with benefit of approx 8 acres of rewilding land with lake access. The auctioneer now invites immediate viewings and strictly by appointment.

Prime farm located just off the R368 Four Mile House to Strokestown Route offering quality lands in one holding. Standing on said farm is compact 2 bedroomed slated residence in need of modernisation, together with stone barns set to side. All land is set out in approx. 12 paddocks with stock proof fencing and handling facilities. Regarded land location adjacent to the Scramogue River. Services include water, ESB and cattle holding pen The sale of these said lands must offer all farmers a great opportunity to acquire lands in this regarded farming district.

Stone Court Centre, The Square, Roscommon. Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796. Mobile: Cormac 086 3519492 or Cathal 086 1409158 Email: teamearley@remax.ie • Web: www.teamearley.ie

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

PropertyPeople

Abbeyville open viewing this Sunday in Roscommon Town Connaughton Auctioneers have an open viewing for 102 Abbeyville, Galway Road, Roscommon from 2 pm to 3 pm this Sunday (July 3rd).

The four-bedroomed residence is in excellent condition throughout and located in a much sought-after area. It is an ideal investment property or starter home

and anyone interested in viewing the property is welcome to visit. The property is currently under offer at €195,000 with final offers invited by 2 pm

on Thursday next (July 7th). For further details you can contact the office on 090-6663700 or email: info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie.

Impressive six-bedroomed residence on Circular Road

Impressive family home new to the market at RE/MAX Team Earley Cormac Sheehy of RE/ MAX Team Earley is delighted to present an impressive family home to the market, located at 32 Oldwood, Athlone Road, Roscommon (F42X403). This four/five-bedroomed, detached family home of approximately 2,023 square feet is set within the highly regarded Oldwood residential estate in Roscommon town. Convenient to all amenities, this property will be of interest to owner-occupiers. Its location, adjacent to Mote Park and Roscommon Golf Club, creates an ideal base for families. Mote Park is always a hugely popular destination for families and ramblers alike. The highlight of this home is the kitchen-living area, set with pocket doors, separating a fine living room from a stunning kitchen. The house benefits from many additional features and high end finishings and is of a level that is rare coming to the market, with coving, solid oak panelling, and granite worktops. There is a home office, as

Hughes & Company are offering for sale an impressive six-bedroomed, twostorey residence at Circular Road, Roscommon town. The residence stands on a large site with a garage to the rear and is located in a prominent location in Roscommon town and close to all amenities. Accommodation consists of two sitting rooms, a dining room, kitchen, utility, bathroom, and downstairs bedroom with fitting units. Upstairs, there are five double bedrooms (all ensuite) with two having the benefit of walk in wardrobes and the other three with fitted units. This property would be an ideal investment opportunity for someone looking to run a B&B or would

make a fine large family home. Viewing is highly recom-

mended. For further information or to make an appointment to view, contact

the office on 090-6627003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

24 acres for sale at Farm, Ballymoe Hughes & Company are offering for sale at Farm, Ballymoe, Co. Roscommon, approximately 24 acres of lands suitable for forestry. For further details contact the office on 090-6627003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com. well as four large double bedrooms, one of which is en-suite. The garden is perfectly maintained, manicured and is an oasis of tranquillity and relaxation, with raised beds, seating areas, and spacious sheds and outbuildings This is a must-view property to arrive to the market.

The BER rating is B2. For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact RE/ MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 0906626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie. Contact auctioneer Cormac directly on 086-3519492.

Henry Street apartment for sale with Hughes & Co Pat Hughes has for sale at Henry Street, Roscommon a large commercial building and two-bedroomed, first floor apartment which is currently rented. For further details contact the office on 090-6627003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com.

Contact Pat for free property advice! If you are thinking of buying or selling, contact Pat Hughes and let him advise you - his advice is free! For details on all properties on offer with Pat

Hughes & Co. Ltd, contact the office on 0906627003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers. com.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

PropertyPeople

Auctioneers & Valuers

NO. 1 ABBEY ST., ROSCOMMON. Licence No. 001090 TEL 090 66 27003. FAX 090 66 26296 EMAIL info@pathughesauctioneers.com Web: www.pathughesauctioneers.com

#### URGENTLY REQUIRED ####

Due to continued success Hughes & Company are urgently looking for all types of property in and around Roscommon for a number of disappointed underbidders. If you are thinking of buying or selling talk to Pat, let him advise you, his advice is free. Phone: 09066 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com NEW TO THE MARKET - FOR SALE CIRCA 18.5 ACRES OF LAND WITH EXCELLENT ROAD FRONTAGE

at BALLYNACULLIA,

CARTRON, KILTEEVAN, ROSCOMMON

NEW TO THE MARKET - FOR SALE at DERRYGEEL,

LANESBORO, CO. LONGFORD

for the Reps of the late Mary ( Maisie ) Farrell, Deceased

The Lands can be sold in one or more lot to suit. The lands are located approximately ½ mile off the main Lanesboro to Roscommon Road and 3 miles from Roscommon Town. This is an ideal opportunity for local farmers to increase their holding. Most of the lands are of good quality. • Lot 1 – Entire Property Circa 18.5 acres • Lot 2 – Circa 13.5 acres • Lot 3 – Circa 2.5 acres • Lot 4 – Circa 2.5 acres Legal: Carmel Leahy, Thomas K Madden & Co. Solicitors, 1 Camlin View, Deanscurragh, Longford, (043) 334 1192 For further details contact 090 6627003 or email: info@pathughesauctioneers.com

For sale – new to the market – at Derrygeel, Co. Longford is an attractive 3 bedroom bungalow on circa 2.5-acre site with a range of outoffices including an old disused farm house. Accommodation consists of: Sitting Room, Kitchen cum Dining Room with Oil Fired Range, Utility and a Bathroom. There are a range of out-offices, Cattle Pen & Crush. The residence is located approximately 2 miles from Lanesboro on the main Ballymahon to Lanesboro Road. The residence is in need of some modernisation.

NEW TO THE MARKET - FOR SALE AN ATTRACTIVE 2 BEDROOMED COTTAGE ON CIRCA 5 ACRES

at ROSDAUL,

WILLIAMSTOWN, CO. GALWAY F45TW88

Legal: Martina Dolan, Solicitor, Groarke & Partners Solicitors, 33 Deanscurragh, Longford, Co. Longford For further details contact 090 6627003 or email: info@pathughesauctioneers.com

The residence is located approximately 3 miles from the village of Creggs and 10 minutes drive to Glenamaddy. Accommodation consists of large kitchen, living area with downstairs sitting room and a full-length window. Upstairs are two bedrooms and a bathroom. The residence has been recently renovated. The lands are situated to the side and the rear of the dwelling which will be suitable for further development subject to planning permission be granted. For further details contact 090 6627003 or email: info@pathughesauctioneers.com

FOR SALE

NEW TO THE MARKET - FOR SALE

A BLOCK OF 2 X 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS

ATTRACTIVE TWO-BEDROOM TOWN HOUSE

at NO. 16 ABBEY STREET,

ROSCOMMON

This would make an ideal investment opportunity for someone. Selling to offers in excess of €160,000. For further details contact 090 6627003 or email: info@pathughesauctioneers.com

CIRCA 35 ACRES

at ANVIL COURT, ROSCOMMON TOWN

at MONEYLAE, GLENBALLYTHOMAS, CO. ROSCOMMON

Accommodation consists of: Sitting Room, Kitchen cum dining room, two bedrooms and a bathroom with a small yard to the rear. The residence is in excellent condition, located in the prime rental area and would make an ideal investment property.

Circa 35 acres of top-quality agricultural land located at Moneylae, Glenballythomas, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon, one of Roscommon’s most renowned farming areas. The lands are in one block and situated approximately 3 miles from Tulsk Village on the main Tulsk to Frenchpark Road. For further details contact 090 6627003 or email: info@pathughesauctioneers.com

For further details contact 090 6627003 or email: info@pathughesauctioneers.com

NEW TO THE MARKET - FOR SALE

FOR SALE CIRCA 40 ACRES OF MATURE PLANTATION LOCATED

CONVENIENT TO CASTLECOOTE at EMLAGHKEADEW

The trees are approximately 28 years planted and have a benefit of excellent road frontage which will be big benefit when they will be harvested For further details contact 090 6627003 or email: info@pathughesauctioneers.com

FOR SALE

A 2 BEDROOMED FIRST FLOOR APARTMENT

at CHURCH STREET,

ROSCOMMON TOWN

Accommodation consists of a Kitchen, Living Area, 2 Bedrooms and a Bathroom. The property is currently rented and generating an annual rental income of €9,600. For further details contact 090 6627003 or email: info@pathughesauctioneers.com

For further information or to make an appointment to view any of the above contact the office on 090 66 27003 or e-mail info@pathughesauctioneers.com

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

PropertyPeople

Impressive waterside property for sale with Oates Auctioneers On the market with Oates Auctioneers is an impressive three-bedroomed elevated property, located at 25 The Waterfront, Dromod, Co. Leitrim (N41NX33). With excellent views over Dromod Harbour and the River Shannon, this unique waterside

property, situated in a gated development setting, is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, pubs and the harbour. Located within easy access to Carrick-onShannon and the N4 motorway, this property comprises of an entrance

hallway, sitting room with balcony kitchen/dining area, utility room with WC off, three large double bedrooms (master ensuite) and a family bathroom. Outside there are exceptional views and a maintenance-free garden. Viewings come highly recommended by the

auctioneer. The price region for this property is €190,000 and the BER rating is D1. For more information or to arrange an appointment to view, contact Oates Auctioneers on 090-6627878, email info@oates.ie, or visit oates.ie.

PSRA Licence No: 003201

NEW TO THE MARKET 2 bedroom Cottage on c. 18.70 acres

Toberdan, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon F42 NY07

2 bedroom cottage on c. 18.70 acres of quality agricultural lands together with 2 bay back to back dry shed, crush, silage slab and cattle handling facility. The said lands are located 10 minutes from Athlone Town Centre just off the Athlone/Roscommon route. The cottage is in excellent condition with sitting room, kitchen/ dining room, 2 bedrooms and family bathroom. The lands are of excellent quality all in one block and include c 1.3 acres of bog. The house and lawns can be sold separately should market interest dictate. All offers to Oates Auctioneers Ltd, sole selling agents. BER Rating E2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET

27 Shannon Grove, Ballyleague, Lanesborough, Co. Longford N39 EK51 Quality 4 bedroom property presented for sale in excellent condition by the present owners. This property boasts many attractive features including fitted wardrobes in each bedroom, coving, integrated appliances and open fireplace. Shannon Grove is a very popular residential location within walking distance of all town amenities, waterway, schools, shops, marina etc. Accommodation includes entrance hallway with guest toilet off, open plan kitchen/dining room, large utility and sitting room. First floor 4 large bedrooms, master en-suite and family bathroom. Outside, manicured grounds with gated private garden to rear. BER Rating:C1 Price Region: 175,000. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET

Roscommon house prices rose 5.4% in last three months The price of the average second-hand three-bed semi-detached house in County Roscommon has risen by 5.4 per cent to €195,000 in the last three months, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance. And the survey has shown that 70 per cent of sales in the county are to first-time buyers, with 50 per cent of all purchasers coming from outside the area. Across the county, the average time taken to sell is five weeks, the Q2 REA Average House Price Index has shown. Roscommon town prices rose by €10,000 to €230,000 this quarter, an increase of 4.6 per cent, while prices in Castlerea saw a 6.7 per cent increase to €160,000. “We have experienced an uplift in the supply of stock in the last quarter, which is

Main Street, Rooskey, Co. Roscommon N41 V9R3 Superb two storey residence located on a large private site within walking distance to all town amenities including shops, pubs, church schools etc. Finished to a high standard with large garage to side, this property comprises entrance hallway, sitting room, kitchen/ dining room, 4 large bedrooms all with built in wardrobes and family bathroom. Overall, this is a much sought after mature residence in an unrivalled location for which the Auctioneers invite viewings and offers. Price Region: € 209,000 BER Rating: D1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW TO THE MARKET C. 10.8 acres excellent quality of land

Killiaghan & Gort, Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon

a positive, and prices are still increasing steadily,” said Seamus Carthy of REA Seamus Carthy. “We have a long way to go before supply meets demand, but Roscommon is now very much seen as a quality relocation destina-

tion for families who have the ability to work from home”. The REA Average House Price Survey concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland’s typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture

of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide. A marked increase in private landlords selling their properties nationally has increased supply levels and tempered price rises in some areas.

C. 10.8 acres of top quality agricultural lands laid out in one lot located on the main Roscommon/ Athlone Road adjacent to Lecarrow Church and 10 minutes from Athlone Town Centre. This is an excellent parcel of land to come to the market at this location and is an opportunity for adjoining farms to increase their existing holding. Open to offers.

Church Street, Roscommon Town, CO. ROSCOMMON TEL: 090 6627878 FAX: 090 6627877 E-mail info@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

The Manse, Northgate Street, Athlone, CO. WESTMEATH TEL: 090 6477500 FAX: 090 6477546 E-mail athlone@oates.ie Website: www.oates.ie

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Business

Tier3Tech announce 30 new jobs in Roscommon and Dublin Cloud optimisation specialists Tier3Tech have announced plans to create 30 news jobs in a move which will strenghten the company’s workforce over the next three to five years. The new positions will include support engineers, finance, sales and marketing, and administration roles at the firm’s Roscommon and Dublin offices. The company, which was established in 2020, specialises in SME-focused solutions that enable businesses to modernise their operations. Welcoming the news this week, Fine Gael Senator

Aisling Dolan said it was fantastic news for the IT sector. “Roscommon native David Waldron is Managing Director of the Irish operation and I’d like to congratulate David on this success and the opportunity for some of these remote working or blended working roles which could be based here in Roscommon,” she said. “This expansion of Tier3Tech shows the opportunity to create employment in regional areas in the digital and technology sectors. The newly created positions will include

support engineers, finance, sales and marketing and administration roles”. The Fine Gael Senator said introduction of legislation aimed at supporting remote and hybrid working would benefit the county. “The benefits are more people living and working locally in Roscommon. It encourages the growth of highly skilled roles in growth sectors such as cloud computing in the west,” she said. “I’d encourage people working from home and employers to check out the Connected Hubs

Voucher Scheme, which was launched this week by Minister Heather Humphreys under the Department of Rural and Community Development. “The three-day voucher offers free co-working spaces when you set up a profile on connectedhubs. ie or on the mobile app. People can use the voucher before August 31st for 250 hubs all over the country, including the Arbutus Innovation Centre in Monksland, Enterprise Kiltullagh in Ballinlough, the Tulsk Digi-Hub or the Spool Factory in Boyle,” she concluded.

Tier3Tech’s Eithne Waldron, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar and David Waldron, CEO and Managing Director of Tier3Tech.

IDA urged to secure HSE lands in Ballinasloe

A local TD has called on the IDA to acquire additional land from the HSE to aid industrial investment in Ballinasloe. Addressing the Dáil recently, local Independent TD Denis Naughten highlighted the St. Brigid’s Hospital campus as a prime opportunity in terms of development. “(At the campus) We have 50 acres of development land with water, wastewater, fibre optic cable, gas and motorway access adjoining the lands

at the IDA campus, and these need to be acquired for future industrial development,” he said. Deputy Naughten said the town of Ballinasloe should not viewed in isolation due its proximity to Athlone. “These lands are just 15 minutes away from the industrial lands in Athlone where there are challenges accessing available development land,” he said. “If the IDA were to purchase some of those lands at St. Brigid’s and develop

a new industrial park there, just west of Athlone, it could exploit the pipeline of industrial investment that is coming into Athlone now”. Responding to Deputy Naughten, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the priority is to develop the IDA site in Ballinasloe and create jobs. “I do not know whether we need to expand it or not to include the old St. Brigid’s Hospital lands, but I will certainly speak to the IDA about that,” he said.

I have been to the land in Ballinasloe, and I would be confident that we would be able to secure investment there at some point in the future. There is also quite a significant land bank in Athenry as well, which I think could be useful in the future too”. Deputy Naughten said he hoped the intervention would not only lead to the IDA securing further lands but that it would also tie into a coordinated marketing strategy.

Senator Aisling Dolan is among a number of local public representatives to welcome investment at Alexion in Monksland.

Major investment boost for AZ’s Monskland facility AstraZeneca’s rare disease group, Alexion, has announced it is to invest €65 million to develop new and enhanced capablities at its sites in Monksland Industrial Park, Athlone, and College Park, Blanchardstown. The investment will see the installation of new drug substance production equipment and warehousing facilities at the Monksland site. Welcoming the news this week, Independent TD Denis Naughten said it was a further vote of confidence in Monksland. “This will expand Alexion’s drug substance production capabilities in Athlone and is a boost to the reputation of the area as a key biopharmaceutical hub in the country,” he said, adding that it is “now important to attract further investment in other local towns”. Alexion, which became AstraZenica’s Rare Disease Division last year, is aimed at “the discovery, development and commercialisation” of life-changing medicines

to serve patients and families affected by rare diseases. “Some rare diseases are well known such as Cystic Fibrosis, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Huntingdon’s disease, it includes most cancers and all cancers affecting children,” Deputy Naughten added. “In Ireland about 1 in 12 people are, or at some stage in their lives will be affected by such a condition. So, this announcement is not only a huge boost for the local economy but also an incredibly positive development in helping to manage and treat rare diseases”. Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said the “hugely significant investment is testament to the strong pharma sector and talent base in County Roscommon”. “This is such a boost to the local area in Athlone and will translate into more jobs as well as the construction spin-offs,” she said.

Pictured are Teresa Carroll of Early Table, Garrett Clifford of sponsors Worldpay and Nichola Mullen of St Vincent de Paul.

Early Table raises €3k for SVP

A ten-day Dining Week initiative by Early Table, a promotional dining platform which offers discounted rates in restaurants nationwide, raised €3,000 for St. Vincent de Paul. The initiative saw customers enjoying discounts on dining out with €1 from every booking donated to the charity.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

RTE presenter Miriam O’Callaghan, Roscommon artist Alan Tarpey and curator Miriam Spollen pictured at the inaugural Connecting Artists Exhibition at the RCSI in Dublin, held to showcase the work of artists with intellectual disabilities who were chosen from a nationwide selection. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Drama, spoken word and comedy to feature at Boyle Arts Festival Julian Vignoles, Sharon Mannion, Carole Coleman, Brian Leyden, Ian Coppinger, Una Mannion, Hilary Beirne, the Beezneez Theatre Company and Gerry Boland will all take part in Boyle Arts Festival, which runs from July 14th to July 23rd. Beezneez Theatre Company will present John McDwyer’s ‘Unforgiven’, described by the author as “a mad play about mad people who are content with their madness”. This classic comedy can be seen in St. Joseph’s Hall on July 20th. Meanwhile, Ollie Grace will present ‘The Hidden Folklore of Ireland’ in the Open Table on July 24th. This is a novel event filled with wit, music and laughter. On July 16th, comedians Sharon Mannion and Ian Coppinger will present a night of hilarious stand-up comedy in King House Carole Coleman’s ‘In Conversation’ series will see the RTÉ News journalist, presenter and author speak to Boyle native Hilary Beirne in King House, on July 22nd. On July 15th, King House will host a number of spoken word

events, and Julian Vignoles will discuss David Thomson’s classic book during ‘The Woodbrook Legacy’. Authors Brian Leyden and Una Mannion will read from some of their published works on July 16th and our popular science themed event ‘A Naggin of Knowledge’ looks at brain cell transplantation and the benefits of dance as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease patients. Professors Eilis Dowd and Amanda Clifford will be joined by Dr Orfhlaith Ní Bhriain for this very special event in King House on July 19th. Paul Kelly will discuss ‘The Postcards of John Hinde’ during what promises to be a fascinating presentation on July 21st, and author John Mulligan will launch his latest book ‘Black Friday 13’ with the help of singer/songwriter Charlie McGettigan in the King House Tea Rooms on July 19th. For those interested in history, Oliver Fallon will discuss ‘The Battle for Boyle’ on July 23rd, giving an outline of what occurred 100 years ago as the town and its inhabitants found itself on the front line of the unfolding conflict during the

Civil War. Dr Eve Campbell will present ‘Mirrorland: The Archaeology of a prehistoric sacred fen at Gortnacrannagh in Co. Roscommon’ on July 20th, and Paula Barrett, Daniel Curley and Steve Larkin will discuss the ancient Rathcroghan in the Moylurg room at Lough Key Forest park on July 18th. There are two literary-themed workshops this year, both in St Joseph’s Resource Centre. Author Brian Leyden will conduct a Writing Craft Workshop on July 16th, and author and poet Gerry Boland will explore contemporary Ukrainian and Russian poetry on July 17th. On July 23rd, Tony Conboy will look at ‘Boyle’s Chequered Past’ with popular themed walks, this year unveiling many elements of the town and river that local people may have passed with regularity but not really noticed. On July 17th, take a stroll around the Pleasure Grounds in the company of poet Gerry Boland. For more information on Boyle Arts Festival 2022 please visit boylearts.com, email info@boylearts.com, or call 089 9830448.

Creative Conversations – ‘The Language of Flowers’ Pictured above and below is artwork by Roscommon artist Alan Tarpey, who was featured at the inaugural Connecting Artists Exhibition at the RCSI in Dublin, held to showcase the work of artists with intellectual disabilities who were chosen from a nationwide selection. Pic: Marc O’Sullivan

As part of the Roscommon Bealtaine Festival, which takes place during the month of May, a project called ‘The Language of Flowers’ was coordinated by Roscommon Arts Office under the ‘Creative Conversations’ Programme. As part of this project, artist Catherine Fanning explored the meanings associated with flowers and plants, which carry several cultural meanings. Flowers facilitate expression, provide meaning and communicate emotions that words sometimes fail to capture. Through phone conversations and letters, artist Catherine Fanning and participant Eileen Duignan explored the language and meaning associated with flowers. Like Catherine, Eileen has a fondness for wildflowers. She shared childhood memories of foxglove picking and daisy-chain making. One of her favourite wild flowers is the poppy. Currently her poppy seeds are about to bloom. This coincides aptly as the finished artwork shows a field of poppies in full blossom. The artwork, which is mixed media, contains images of foxgloves, clover flowers, honeysuckles, and poppies. The name ‘foxglove’ is a loose derivative of the phrase, ‘folk’s gloves’, with ‘folk’ referring to fairy folk. Meanwhile, clover flowers symbolise promise, joyfulness, good luck, prosperity and protection. Honeysuckle is also a symbol of affection and deep devotion, as the vine will clamber on anything it can reach in order to keep the new flowers in the sun’s warmth. Finally, there are the poppies, the symbolism for which can vary from culture to culture and according to the pop-

py’s colour. Red poppies are most often seen as a symbol of war, death, or peace. The poppy has also been linked with magical and mystical powers as well as imagination and dreaming.

Artist Catherine Fanning pictured presenting the painting to participant Eileen Duignan from Roscommon town, together with Rhona McGrath (Arts Officer).

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

To feature in this section, call 090-6634632 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie

Volunteers and members of MAD Youth Theatre, pictured participating in ‘Rediscovering the Tàin’ in Roscommon Town as part of the Táin March Festival. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Deirdre Kelly and Anna Flanagan (Roscommon) pictured participating in ‘Rediscovering the Táin’ in Roscommon Town as part of the Táin March Festival. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin Volunteers and members of MAD Youth Theatre pictured at ‘The Battle of the Bulls’ at Rathcroghan, which was performed as part of the Táin March Festival. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Con Connolly and Kevin Woods (Roscommon Town) pictured with Donal Brady (Tulsk) at ‘Rediscovering the Tàin’, which took place in Roscommon Town as part of the Táin March Festival. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Pictured in Roscommon town for the Táin March Festival is Neil Kellar of MAD Youth Theatre. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Leo Mullen and Mars McNamee of MAD Youth Theatre pictured at ‘The Battle of the Bulls’ at Rathcroghan, which was performed as part of the Táin March Festival. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Bernadette D’Alton of Rathcroghan Visitor Centre pictured at ‘The Battle of the Bulls’ at Rathcroghan, which was performed as part of the Táin March Festival. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Fearless warriors celebrate Tàin March

The Táin March Festival 2022 arrived in Roscommon on June 25th in celebration of the rediscovery of the Táin, the epic tale of the Cattle Raid of Cooley, which started and ended in Rathcroghan, one of the royal sites of Ireland. MAD Youth Theatre, in association with the Táin March Festival and assisted by volunteers from Roscommon, performed ‘Rediscovering the Tàin’ in Roscommon town, followed by a performance of ‘The Battle of the Bulls’ at Rathcroghan. Festivities concluded with a booked out performance of ‘Telling the Táin before the Beginning’ by Candlelit Tales in Rathcroghan Visitor Centre. The Táin March Festival is funded by the Roscommon County Council Creative Ireland Programme, as an action of the County Roscommon Heritage Plan.

Mairead Nally (Roscommon) pictured participating in ‘Rediscovering the Táin’ in Roscommon Town as part of the Táin March Festival. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

FarmingPeople Castlerea MART WATCH Approximately 500 animals presented for sale on Thursday last with prices and trade holding despite talk of slippage. The bullock ring witnessed prices peak at €2,360 while the heifer ring topped out at €2,290 and the dry cows reached €2,260. Breeding stock made up to €2,410 for a BBx cow and her Simmental bull calf at foot with a good clearance taking place. Springers made up to €1,240 while young calves made from €30 to €220 with runners making from €170 to €840. Sales continue at Castlerea Mart today (Thursday) with our weekly sale of Bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings on offer. All sales commence at 11 am. Sample prices for bullocks: Ch 425kgs €1550, Ch 490kgs €1510, Lmx 455kgs €1430, Ch 525kgs €1610, Lm 505kgs €1540, Lm 510kgs €1470, Lm 560kgs €1660, Lmx 610kgs €1800, Lm 680kgs €1800, Lmx 610kgs €2060, Ch 760kgs €2360, Ch 715kgs €2000. Heifers: Lmx 420kgs €1220, Lm 425kgs €1140, Lm 495kgs €1800, Lm 485kgs €1670, Lm 600kgs €2290, Ch 665kgs €2090, Lm 585kgs €2030, Lm 535kgs €1890, Ch 605kgs €1730. Dry cows: AAx 795kgs €2260, GA 810kgs €2240, Lm 745kgs €2080, AA 730kgs €2080, Lm 640kgs €2060, AA 860kgs €1980, Lm 485kgs €1130, Her 725kgs €1920. Weanling bulls: Lmx 280kgs €860, Ch 260kgs €840, BBx 445kgs €1430, Lm 445kgs €1350, Lm 410kgs €1270, Lm 240kgs €670. Weanling heifers: Lm 255kgs €800, Lm 255kgs €790, Ch 330kgs €880, Ch 300kgs €790, Lm 355kgs €940, Lmx 240kgs €600.

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SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS ALL STOCK PRE-BOOKED YARD OPENS AT 8 A.M. ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. VIEWING TIME 10 A.M. - 10.50 A.M.

For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Visit Our Website For Details.

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New Agri-Environment Scheme likely to be Bureaucratic Nightmare IFA President Tim Cullinan said the new agrienvironment scheme announced by the Government was likely to be a bureaucratic nightmare. “While we don’t have full visibility on the exact conditions of the scheme, it looks very complicated and is likely to be tied up in red tape,” he said. “This is typical of how the Minister and his Department are operating now. Big announcements with headline figures before the detail is properly discussed with farmers,” he said. “We have had various environment schemes over the years from REPS to AEOS to GLAS. Each version has put more costs on farmers without any income increase. This new scheme is extremely complicated. It will exclude many farmers and huge amounts of funding will leak to people running the Co-operation model, and to other consultants,” he said. IFA Rural Development

Chairman Michael Biggins said all farmers who apply in 2023 must be paid in the same year. “Not accepting all participants into the scheme in 2023 simply cannot happen. Agri-environment payments are a critically important part of farmers’ incomes. It’s essential that all applicants under all tranches receive a payment in 2023 and the scheme cannot be limited to 50,000 participants.” “I am calling on the Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to ensure no farmer is without an environment scheme payment for 2023. This can be done by either rolling over 12,000 GLAS 3 participants for 2023 or alternatively by paying an upfront payment in 2023 for Tranche 2 participants similar to the way REPS payments were in the past.” “If the scheme is to live up to expectations, payment rates for prescriptionbased measures must be improved upon when com-

IFA Rural Development Chairman Michael Biggins

pared to the GLAS payment rate and the payment rate of €10,500 per farmer must be available to all farmers, not just those in Co-operative areas.” Results-based measures must be realistic and suitable for all sectors. They must include a large list of options and provide for simple scoring which is easily defined. They

must also be practical and achievable. “Consultation with farmers on the design of the scheme has been minimal, but from what we have seen, it will cause huge frustration amongst farmers. For a scheme which is due to open this year, there are simply not enough details available to help farmers prepare,” he said.

Michael Biggins said to honour the Programme for Government commitment of a REPS-type scheme, the Minister must ensure that payments of €10,500 are available to all farmers in both the General and the Co-operative options and it cannot be limited to 50,000 farmers. It must be open to all farmers who wish to participate.

Ifac: Keep accurate work records and avoid a fine! Farming, food and agribusiness specialist, Ifac, is advising farmers in Roscommon to be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to managing employees’ working time. Mary McDonagh, Head of HR & Payroll Services at Ifac, has said: “Farmers, in common with other business owners, have a lot of responsibilities when managing employees, including monitoring each employee’s working time. If you employ even one person on your farm, you must keep an accurate record of their working time. “Working hours are calculated based on the average number of hours worked per week over four months for most employees. It is over six months for employees working in Agriculture.

“Also, employees should not work more than 48 hours per week and employers must ensure that breaks and rest periods are adhered to”. Employment law dictates that employers must keep an accurate record of their employees’ working time. When compiling working time records, farmers are advised to keep an eye out for any instances of employees exceeding the permitted working hours, by failing to take breaks or working excessive hours for an extended time for example. Any issues that you identify need to be promptly addressed. The working time record should include details of each employee’s name, address, PPS number, employment contract and job title or

role. It must set out the days and total hours worked each week, details of any leave granted to employees in each week by way of annual leave or in respect of a public holiday and details of payment made in respect of that leave. The record must be retained for three years and must be in a format that can be readily accessed and understood by a Workplace Relations Commission officer. Failure to keep an appropriate record is an offence which could result in an employer receiving a fine of up to €2,500 for each employee whose working hours record is found to be inadequate. Another recent development for farmers to be aware of is the introduction of a Statutory Code of Practice on the Right to Discon-

nect. This came into effect last year and contains three key provisions: The right of an employee to not routinely perform work outside normal working hours; The right to not be penalised for refusing to attend to work matters outside of normal working hours; and the duty to respect another person’s right to disconnect (by not routinely emailing or calling outside normal working hours). The code can be downloaded on the Workplace Relations Commission website. Mary concluded: “In my experience, farm businesses often find that managing employees is one of their most stressful responsibilities but obtaining good HR advice can be a good way to achieve peace of mind”.

IFA welcomes Teagasc’s new module supporting female farmers IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs Chair, Alice Doyle, has welcomed the launch of Teagasc’s new Farm Safety & Assurance module which will be delivered to female farmers. “The launch of this module recognises the important contribu-

tion of female farmers and their role in preventing farm accidents and hazards,” Alice Doyle said. “IFA fully support initiatives which focus on female participate in and help to support and promote gender equality in farming,” she added.

The module will cover safe tractor operations, food assurance and traceability along with animal health and welfare. Particular emphasis will be placed on the safe execution of common farm safety and farm assurance operations including tractor, trac-

tor/loader, tractor/trailer combinations and attaching a mounted PTO driven machine. “For more information about the new Level 5 Farm Safety & Assurance module please visit https://www.teagasc.ie/education/courses/,” Alice concluded.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

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Friday, July 8th at 11 a.m.

63rd Anniversary Special Sale of Bullocks Also Heifers, Dry Cows, Weanlings & Suckler Cows Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Monday, July 4th ----------------------

Saturday, July 9th at 1 p.m.

Show & Sale of Pedigree Vendeen Sheep 55 Males & 17 females on offer Show at 10.30 a.m. Viewing time 12.15 p.m. to 12.45 p.m. ----------------------

Tuesday, July 12th at 4 p.m.

63rd Anniversary Special Sale of Weanlings Also Suckler Cows Included in the sale 65 Super Quality Weanling Bullocks – & 60 Excellent Quality Weanling Heifers approx 400 +kgs born in January 22 Photos of stock on our facebook/Website pages Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 7th ----------------------

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BEEF2022: ‘Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming’ The Teagasc Beef 2022 Open Day takes place next Tuesday (July 5th) in Teagasc Grange in Co. Meath and the theme for this year’s event is ‘Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming’. The sector is facing significant challenges and the focus of BEEF2022 will be on the application of technologies to help farmers increase their profitability and environmental sustainability of their family farm businesses. Increasing the competitiveness and sustainability of the beef sector will be the main focus of the Open Day, which will feature four main stands highlighting beef systems for your farm, performance targets, and achieving targets while optimising beef profitability. There will also be a variety of technology villages demonstrating the environment ‘signpost programme’, grassland management and budgeting, suckling systems, growing and finishing cattle and more. Calving at 24 months workshops will take place throughout the day and visitors can speak to ‘Future Beef’ participants and learn more about the new DairyBeef 500 campaign also. The Teagasc advisory, education and policy village will focus on pathways for a career in agriculture succession and inheritance and the implications of CAP reform for beef farmers. The lifestyle village is a must-see, with a focus on health and safety, labour, work-life balance and wellbeing.

There will be a forum with a panel of experts in the afternoon as well as live demonstrations in relation to low emissions slurry application, grazing management and health and safety taking place throughout the day. Teagasc Grange has recently completed a pilotscale anaerobic digestor

and this plant will be available to visit throughout the day also. Teagasc acknowledges with gratitude the support of FBD Trust who will be available on the day to meet attendees. There will also be an opportunity of meet with key industry representatives including the Department of Agri-

niversary sale, on Thursday, July 12th a sale of weanling and suckler cows, and on Friday, July 13th a sale of heifers. There were good numbers on offer at this week’s sheep sale with a slight improvement in the trade. Spring lambs ranged from an average of €142 per head up to €160 per head. Stag ewes fetched from an average of €149 per head up to €255 per head. Sample prices for dry cows: Simm X 875kgs €2390, Lim X 770kgs €2380, Lim X 840kgs €2350, Lim X 795kgs €2280, Lim X 715kgs €2260, Char X 760kgs €2230, SAX 775kgs €2200, AAX 660kgs €1530, Lim

results of Teagasc’s comprehensive research and innovation programme and to meet Teagasc research, advisory and education staff. BEEF2022 on Tuesday, July 5th in Teagasc Grange is a free event and is a day not to be missed. Further information www. teagasc.ie/beef2022.

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Tuesday

5 July

Teagasc

Proudly Supported by

BEEF2022 Grange Supporting Sustainable Beef Farming

Tuesday, 5th July | Teagasc, Grange

The Teagasc Beef Open Day, BEEF2022 will focus on the application of technologies that will help beef farmers increase the proﬁtability and environmental sustainability of their family farm businesses. What will you see on the day? Win a prize fund of up Main Stands to €500 in our beef • Beef Systems for your Farm photo competition and • Performance Targets for Resilient Beef Production see your entry on • Achieving the Performance Targets display at BEEF2022! • Optimizing Beef Farm Proﬁtability Technology Villages • Environment - Signpost Farms • Grassland Demo • Signposts for sucklers - Future Beef • Signposts for dairy beef - DairyBeef500 • Meat Quality • Growing & Finishing Cattle For more info or to enter visit: • Advisory, Education & Policy www.teagasc.ie/beef2022 • Farming Lifestyle

Roscommon MART WATCH There were good numbers on offer this week for the time of year with a firm trade for all classes. Bullocks averaged from €2.71 per kilo up to €3.60 per kilo. Heifers made from an average of €2.65 per kilo up to €2.96 per kilo. Dry cows ranged from an average of €2.64 per kilo up to €3.16 per kilo. Weanling bulls averaged from €2.60 kgs up to €3.19 per kilo. There was an excellent clearance rate with only three cattle going home unsold. There is a special sale of heifers, bullocks, weanlings, suckler cows and dry cows this Friday (1st). On Friday, July 8th, the mart will host a 63rd An-

culture, Food and Marine, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, Animal Health Ireland, Bord Bia, Meat Industry Ireland, Meat Technology Ireland, University College Dublin and the Health & Safety Authority. If you are a beef farmer, BEEF 2022 is your opportunity to see first-hand the

Learn to drive with X 640kgs €1680, Lim X 650kgs €1770, BBX 715kgs €1990, PIX 705kgs €1980, AUX 710kgs €1870, Char 730kgs €2000. Weanling bulls: Lim X 570kgs €1360, Char X 460kgs €1190, Char X 440kgs €1190, Char X 245kgs €720, Lim X 405kgs €1000, Lim X 440kgs €1090, AAX 420kgs €1130, Lim X 360kgs €1150. Bullocks: Char X 740kgs €2550, Lim X 765kgs €2470, Lim X 685kgs €2240, Lim X 725kgs €2220, Char X 660kgs €2200, Char X 660kgs €2200, AAX 825kgs €2010, AAX 680kgs €1900, Lim X 635kgs €2000, Char X 400kgs

€1440, 3 Char X 513kgs €1500, Lim X 465kgs €1500, SAX 615kgs €1600, Char X 450kgs €1320, Lim X 445kgs €1250, Char X 435kgs €1250. Heifers: Lim X 670kgs €1850, Lim X 650kgs €1780, Char X 495kgs €1470, Char X 525kgs €1260, Lim X 400kgs €140, Lim X 410kgs €1120, Simm X 470kgs €1110, BAX 390kgs €1100, BAX 365kgs €970. Spring lambs: 52kgs €159, 50kgs €159, 43kgs €140, 44kgs €150, 45kgs €150, 57kgs €160, 48.50kgs €155, 45kgs €150, 38.90kgs €125, 37.50kgs €110, 56kgs €160, 49kgs €130, 37.90kgs €120, 44.80kgs €145, 36.30kgs €126.

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Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

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CARPENTER AVAILABLE for all types of work, including maintenance, roof repairs.

Call 087 646 7322 COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING Are you experiencing difficulties in your life? Such as depression, anxiety, life or spiritural crisis. Are you having difficulties in relationships at work? Have you experienced sexual abuse or abuse and need counselling to help you?

Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on

085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

Foot Care Practitioner

071 9637984 / 086 3562718

CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Casey

Construction l General Building

087 2798704

l Extensions & Roofing

COMPUTERS CONNAUGHT CHIMNEY CLEANING Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess) - Openfire - Stoves - Ranges Chimney CCTV Inspection OIL BOILERS SERVICED Burners Repaired CARPETS CLEANING Satellite and Digital TV Installation All areas covered Mob: 086 2495851 www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

CARPENTER

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

l Groundworks l Renovations l Chimney CCTV

Inspections l Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon

087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

COUNSELLING

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

DRIVING LESSONS

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

FARMING

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE • Sprayers tested on owners premises • Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided. • Small stock of parts available and can be fitted on sprayers

All sprayers tested in 2016/2017 are now due re-test Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069 e-mail: thomasneilan4@

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

NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL

gmail.com

D.A.F.M. Approved Reg No: EI000083

FARMING

GARDENING

JOE HEALY

< SLURRY TO TAKE AWAY: From 3 bay slatted tank, Boyle area. Tel: 085 1742995

FOR SALE < FOR SALE: Black Labador Cross, micro chipped, vaccinated with all paperwork, leash trained, very quiet, 1 1/2 year old, Ballaghaderreen area. €300. Phone: 087 1684579

Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured

Phone:

FENCING/GATES

087 2721193

Des Kelly Fencing Over 20 years in business All types of fencing supplied and erected Including: • Cresoted Posts • Agricultural Fencing • Site Fencing • Security Fencing • Post & Rail Fencing • Concrete Fencing • Grant Approved Fencing No job too big or too small Just give us a call on

087 2346364

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD l l

For all your fencing needs. GLAS Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail

• Certified Arborists • Tree Surgery • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Leylandii hedges reduced and shaped Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165 www.parklaw treeservices.com

GARDENING SERVICES

Tel: 087 2172281 GARDENING

Mop & Mow Ballaghaderreen Garden & Property Services l Grasscutting l Strimming/ Brushcutting l Hedge cutting l Weeding/spraying l Light chainsaw work l Cleaning l Pressure washing Husband and wife team offering the help you need at a price you can afford Email: mopandmow@ icloud.com Telephone: 085 868 4169

Including: • Hedge Cutting • Hedge Planting • Grass Cutting • Spraying • Strimming • Weeding • Garden Tidy-ups • Planting • Gutter Cleaning, etc. Chainsaw work also available

Phone John on

087 2860428

CORBETT

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

l General Maintenance Dangerous Tree Removal l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped l Wood Chipping l Fully Insured Contact Alan on

087 6558597

www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com

GARDENING

GATELY GARDENING

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

MEMORY TECHNIQUES < MEMORY TECHNIQUES: Learn how to remember, remember names, remember numbers, remember why the frack you opened the fridge door. For students no more revision. More info: memorycoach@hotmail. com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic Movement Matters 20 years experience treating babies to adults. Everyday aches & pains to sports injuries. Physical Therapy CranioSacral Therapy Medical Dry Needling Prescription Orthotics Pilates – Small Classes

Can we help you? Call us today to enquire 090 663 0009 Like us on Facebook www.rosptc.com 1 Castleview, Roscommon F42 C902

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon! The local paper!

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Paul McElhone and Mary Casserley are applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission to construct domestic dwelling house along with domestic garage, treatment system and percolation area, domestic entrance and all ancillary site development works at Lissanuran, Hillstreet, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon.

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, €20 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. Signed:

Unit 5, Ballypheason House, Circular Road Roscommon, F42 C982. Ph: 0906634365 Mob: 0878228529 E: james@jlce.ie & aaron@jlce.ie Web:www.jlce.ie Architectural Designs – Consulting Engineers

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Annelot and Stephen Harte, are applying for Retention Planning Permission for the following - 1. For alterations to the existing dwelling house to that which differs from planning granted under PD/03/817, the alterations include an increase in roof height to accommodate an attic conversion with the addition of 5 no velux windows and 2. For alterations to the site layout to include the relocation of the wastewater treatment system and percolation area and the construction of a timber post and rail fence along the roadside boundary with all associated site development works at Cloondacarra Td, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: AOL Design Ltd. Consulting Engineers C/O Albert Looby, Killeenboy, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. Tel: (090) 66 28184 Mobile:(086) 8167365 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 a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning 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.

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

PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Andrea Crean, hereby give notice that I am applying to Roscommon County Council for the following: 1. Full planning permission to construct extension to side (Southeast) elevation of existing dwelling house on revised site. 2. Permission to retain (i) revised site boundaries and (ii) existing rear extension and all associated site works at Mount Talbot, Co. Roscommon, F42 K466.

Signed: Lo-Homes Limited Tonamaddy, Creggs, Co. Roscommon. Mobile: 086 8551835 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 a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Kieran Leavy intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for change of use of Old Granary Building to 2 no single occupancy residential units, connect to existing public water and sewer services, associated site development works and services with access from Bridge Street, Strokestown, Co. Roscomon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd. Architects Fallon Avenue, Roscommon. Phone: 090 6626974 Mobile: 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 to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL We, Phillip and Fiona Tyndall intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for retention of attic development including bedroom, ensuite and games room and minor changes internally to accommodate stairs, double doors from dining area and 2 no first floor gable windows, associated works and services at Killinvoy, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscomon.

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED 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. Tel: 086 8212732

info@moleskinarchitecture.com

facebook.com/moleskinarch

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

Tel: Donal

086 2721812 (All areas)

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI at

Tullys

TOP QUALITY TURF 10x6 Loads of Turf, saved in good weather and stored in dry shed, will deliver. Phone:

083 0684011

HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available l

PODIATRIST

For all foot ailments

Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment.

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

Department of Health Approved Kearney’s Chemist Main Street, Castlerea For appointment: Phone: (089) 4142233 • Home visits SIOBHAN ALSO RUNS A CLINIC FROM KNOCK

• 20 years experience FOOT CLINIC ROSCOMMON – MOLLOYS PHARMACY (Monday to Saturday) Also available in Boyle & Athlone -------Chiropody treatment and all aspects of Foot Pain. Orthotics prescribed

By Appointment Only –

087 2982214

USEFUL SERVICES

Carpenter Available

HOME MAINTENANCE

Doors l Floors l Stairs l Wall Panelling Glenamaddy/ l

Roscommon area Over 30 years experience

Phone Tommy

086 8934576

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

094 9620009

086 3482387

TURF AVAILABLE

PODIATRIST

For any of your foot issues call:

Design Consultation Planning Applications New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural

TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD

WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:

086 2437376 < FOOTED PLOTS OF TURF FOR SALE: Orders taken for loads and bags delivered. Tel: 087 6175160

Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring:

087 9657933

or 090 66 33084

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS: WASHING MACHINE, REPAIRS, DISHWASHER REPAIRS, OVEN AND TUMBLE DRYER REPAIRS Contact Paul on 086 0538977 087 4046478 071 9664207 www.appliance-repairs.ie

Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small.

Phone Paul 086 2553153 or email: p086255315@gmail. com

Midwest Painters l ROOFS washed and painted l DRIVEWAYS washed and sealeed l AGRI/FARM SHEDS washed and painted

All work guaranteed Fully insured

Telephone 083 2070158

Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business

CAN’T FIND ANYONE to do that small job, or you haven’t got the time ...

WE DO ANYTHING From fitting Curtain Rails to laying that footpath • Fast Reliable Service • Professional, Courteous Employees • Trustworthy

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL ! 094 9373445 087 9100477

www.oddjobsolutions.ie Established since 2005

HANDY MAN AVAILABLE Power Washing Gutters Cleaned l Fitting Shower Doors l Bathroom Accessories l Tiling and Timber Flooring l General Gardening Maintenance and Clean-up etc. l

To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! The most read newspaper in Co. Roscommon!

NO JOB TOO SMALL

Call Mike

087 2478609 To have your advert seen by over 80,000 people every week advertise with us! THE MOST READ NEWSPAPER IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON!

Tel:

Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP

< PAINTER & DECORATOR AVAILABLE: For all your painting needs, keen and competive prices. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802

The local paper!

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Classifieds USEFUL SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN CABINET PAINTER AVAILABLE

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

USEFUL SERVICES TARMACADAM

AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY

083 8838022

085 7359120

C&G Quarries Williamstown, Co. Galway

Tel: 087 2601639

READYMIX CONCRETE

Suppliers of Maintenance - Pea Gravel - 804 l Broken and Round Stone l Drainage Chip l Washed Sand

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN

086 4679798

SHOWROOM:

Racecourse Road, Roscommon

Tel: 090 662 6898

Phone JOHN

Contact Luke on

DOORS/ WINDOWS SERVICE

VETERINARY

Lanesboro Street, Roscommon

Tried & Trusted Since 1993

• Bathroom planning and design to suit you • All aspects of plumbing and maintenance • Boiler Servicing • Heating Installation • Call for FREE QUOTATION

BLINDS

F42 W294

BRENDAN DOOLIN

FOR ALL EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR PAINTING

Plumbing & Maintenance

AtYourService

087 2596055 Harpur Bros, Castlecole, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.

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

Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928

Spare Parts Counter in our Showroom where we stock most brands of PVC Window & Door Parts. Hinges, Handles, Locks, Seals, Door Cylinders, Shop Door Parts

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

- CCTV Camera Inspection

MEDITATION

For Professional Advice Contact John Hibbitt:

Chimney Problems Sahaja Yoga is a method of meditation that takes you beyond mental, emotional and physical activity and allows you to experience the true self which lies within. It can bring balance and a greater sense of wellbeing to your life.

LAWNMOWERS

Waldron Lawnmowers Tel. 086 7866774

Window Protection Ireland Commercial/Domestic Registered and Insured All areas covered Also protecting windows during construction see windowprotection.ie GUTTER CLEANING ALSO AVAILABLE Telephone

087 9795226

24" hedae cutters from €239.00 24cc stnmmer's from € 169 .00 3.5 horsepower lawnmowers from € 199 .00

Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining

Full replacement service provided and all work carried out to a high quality finish

086 6002721

to discuss your requirements

Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com

CARS

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

INSULATION

We buy any CARS, VANS, TRUCKS, JEEPS all types wanted. End of life certs can be provided. Also scrap metal

Tel: 087 0944027

All our products are fully guaranteed

WALDRON LAWNMOWERS (094) 9655201 Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness Bonded Cavity & Wall Insulation NewBead Buildings Retrofit Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, Call in SIGA or contact us for free Airtightness advice and quotes New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free

andfrom quotes Unit advice 2,Grants Ballybrit Industrial €1,214 to Estate, Galway

€3,500

091 768 768

The local paper!

Supply and fit uPVC Doors and Windows ONLY TOP QUALITY PRODUCTS USED Composite Doors, French Doors, Patio Doors in a wide range of styles and colours Also various styles and colours of uPVC Windows

Cathal Dooley 087 6579064

Complete back up service, spare parts stocked, delivery and pick up service available

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

DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE

Contact Pat Hanley on

• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection

FULL RANGE OF BATTERY POWERED LAWNMOWERS STRIMMERS, BLOWERS, CHAINSAWS IN STOCK

Te l : 0 8 5 2 1 9 1 2 3 4

email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com

REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT

www.FreeMeditation.ie

■ 350L Capacity ■ Cruise Control ■ Hydrostatic Drive - Rear Hitch & Mulch Kit Included ■ Front Bumper

WINDOW CLEANING

Springfield, Williamstown, Co. Galway Window restrictors l Burglary repairs l Window locks l Cylinder and lock supplied l Hinge replacement l Glass replacement l Window and door seals l Window and door handles supplied and fitted l Aluminium and uPVC doors and windows repaired.

■ 105cm / 42" Complete back up service, spare partsCut stocked, delivery and ■ B&S lntek 27 HP Twin Cylinder pick■upTwin service available. All our products are fully guaranteed Bladed Mower Deck & Integral Collector

Alan O’Toole

www.roscommonwindows.ie roscommonwindows@hotmail.com

Chris’s Window Service

Please ring to make an appointment for the small animal clinic.

PERMIT NO: WCP - MO - 09 - 0267 - 01

<SOCIAL DANCING: Every Friday night in An Bothar Rua, Elphin with live music from 9.30pm til late. This Friday night John Rafferty. Dance class with John from 8.30pm. Tel. 087 9809432

Telephone: 090 66 33026

You must call in advance to order repeat prescriptions

DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED

COVERING ROSCOMMON AREA TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815

WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS

Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2,info@ecowise.ie Ballybrit Industrial Estate, Galway H91 P5k5 Block 12, Galway www.ecowise.ie

091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie

www.ecowise.ie

CLEANING

S tephen H oare

Cleaning Services • Roscommon • Carpets & Upholstery Cleaning • WINDOW CLEANING • POWER WASHING Fascias & Soffits • Gutters & Down pipes • Drive ways ‘paths and patios’ KEEN and COMPETITIVE PRICES

M: 086 3912396 Ph: 090 66 62892

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

AtYourService DRIVING LESSONS

ROSCOMMON Driving School

Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

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

FARMING

PROPERTY

THANKSGIVINGS 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 father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.C.

TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection

GATES

Western Side Gates

Do you want to increase the security of your home? l Enhance the look of your home and garden? l Keep pets and children secure and safe? Western Side Gates are specialists in manufacturing and fitting side gates and shed doors. All our gates are pressure treated and made to last. l

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED

SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE

Call Bernard on: 085 2274806 Email: westernsidegates@gmail.com Or vist: www.westernsidegates.com

INSURANCE CLAIMS

Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 or Kenneth on 086 8044030 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd.

Tel: 090 DRIVING LESSONS

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633 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.

FAMILYNOTICES ....

Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA Martin HibbittAPA-PL, APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA LA Martin Hibbitt CIP, CDIP

Martin Hibbitt APA-PL, CIP, CDIP LA Mountbellew, Co. Mountbellew, Co. Galway Mountbellew, Co.Galway Galway

info@mhla.ie 091 380900 | 0879818153 9818153Co. Galway info@mhla.ie Mountbellew, 091 380900 380900 087 9818153 info@mhla.ie 091 || 087 www.mhla.ie www.mhla.ie www.mhla.ie 091 380900 | 087 9818153 Dip in Loss Certified Dip DipCertified in Loss Loss Certified in Adjusting Adjusting Adjusting Loss Assessor Services Loss Loss Assessor Assessor Services Services

Certified Dip in Loss Adjusting

Approved Product Advisor

POWER BRUSH

Loss Assessor Services

info@mhla.ie

ApprovedProduct Product Member of the PSAB-GI Approved Member of the the PSAB-GI PSAB-GI Approved Member of Advisor Product Advisor by the Central Advisorwww.mhla.ie Regulated Regulated by Regulated by the the Central Central Member of the Insurance Bank of Ireland Member of Insurance Bank Member ofofthe the Insurance Bank of of Ireland Ireland Institute Ireland Institute of of Ireland Ireland Institute

Member of the Insurance Institute of Ireland

Member of the PSAB-GI

Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

ROSCOMMON Driving School

Phone 087 2295551 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor

6621220 GENERAL SERVICES

THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. M.L. NOVENA TO ST MARTIN DE PORRES Most humble St. Martin, whose burning charity embraces all, but especially those who are sick, afflicted, or in need, we turn to thee for help in our present difficulties and we implore thee to obtain for us from God health of soul and body, and in particular the favour we now ask … (pause to ask favours). May we, by imitating thy charity and humility, find quiet and contentment all our days, and cheerful submission to God’s holy will in all the trials and difficulties of life. Amen. M.L. THE MIRACLE PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this you for this special favour. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Say for three days and promise publication and favour will be granted no matter how impossible. M.

Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance

Patios l Decking l Houses l Vehicles l Driveways l Caravans l Walls l Gutters l Domestic Cleaning l Roof Cleaning l All Types of Algae Treated l

MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed

Full & Mini Car Valeting (we come to you) Furniture Removal & Collection l Garden Maintenance l Painting Service Fully Registered & Insured Phone John: l

Email or call for Sample Pack

085 2113317

Power Washing

Contact Dave:

087 751 3774 RECYCLING

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@rosommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Third generation Monumental Sculptors specialising in: • New Headstones • New Inscriptions • Restoration and Cleaning of Monuments • Wall Plaques and Name Plates • Grave Maintenance Service Contact James on 087 3549574 or David on 087 6086723 E-mail: info@anthonymurrayandsons.com www.anthonymurrayandsons.com

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES KILCOMMONS Martin Kilbegnet, Creggs (4th Anniversary)

QUINE Michael (Mickey) In loving memory of Michael (Mickey) Quine, Oran, Donamon, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 1st of July 2021

KELLY Eamon

GREHAN Stephen Killeglan, Taughmaconnell Who passed away on July 1st, 2019 (3rd Anniversary)

R.I.P. Pound Road, Ballygar. (9th Anniversary) Who passed away on the 8th July 2013

BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS • Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added

CONTACT HAZEL

087 6758874

Scrine, Athleague, www.brianmuraystone.com Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com In loving memory of Martin who passed away on July 3rd 2018 Until We Meet Again Those special memories of you will always bring a smile. If only I could have you back for just a little while. Then we could sit and talk again just like we used to do. You always meant so very much and always will do too. The fact that you’re no longer here will always cause me pain. but you’re forever in my heart until we meet again.

Sadly missed by his wife Bridie, sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, brother and sisters-in-law. ~~~~~~ A Heart of Gold A heart of gold stopped beating, working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best. Leaves and flowers may wither, the golden sun may set, but the hearts that loved you dearly are the ones that won’t forget.

Always loved and remembered by his grandchildren and great-grandchild Anniversary Mass for Martin will be in Kilbegnet Church, on Sunday, 3rd of July at 11.30am.

Submit your Classified online Send your Classified advertisement to advertising@ roscommonpeople.ie or alternatively call 090 66 34633

You held our hands when we were small, you caught us when we fell. The hero of our childhood and of latter years as well. Everytime we think of you, our hearts just fill with pride, and though we’ll always miss you Dad, we know you’re by our sides. In laughter and in sorrow, in sunshine and in rain, we know you’re watching over us, until we meet again.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his son Francis, daughters Cathy and Michelle, daughter-in-law Mary, son-inlaw John, adored grandchildren Emma and Jamie, sister Sr. Patricius, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

July it comes with sad regret, it brings a day we will never forget. You closed your eyes without goodbye, fond memories of you will never die. God took him home, it was his will, but in our hearts he liveth still.

Sadly missed by his family and friends.

Mickey’s First Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Church, Cloverhill on Saturday, 9th July at 7pm.

Anniversary Mass for Stephen in St. Ronan’s Church, Taughmaconnell on Sunday 3rd of July at 11am, live on Radio 105.4FM.

THANKSGIVINGS

MONTH’S MIND MASS

PRAYER TO ST. THERESE O glorious Saint Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and counsel mankind, I implore your Miraculous Intercession. So powerful are you in obtaining every need of body and soul our Holy Mother Church proclaims you a “Prodigy of Miracles...the Greatest Saint of Modern Times.” Now I fervently beseech you to answer my petition (mention specifics here) and to carry out your promises of spending Heaven doing good upon the earth...of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Henceforth, dear Little Flower, I will fulfill your plea “to be made known everywhere” and I will never cease to lead others to Jesus through you. Amen. Say for 9 days and you will receive a flower during or after 9 days to indicate that your request will be granted. V.E. UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received.V.E. NOVENA TO ST. JUDE O Blessed St. Jude, Glorious Apostle, faithful servant and friend of Jesus. The name of the traitor has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honours and invokes you as the Patron of Hopeless Causes, of matters despaired of. Pray for me, who is so miserable. I implore of thy particular privilege to bring visible and speedy help where help is most despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consultations and succour of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and suffering, particularly (request). That I may bless God with thee and all blessed throughout eternity. I promise thee, O Blessed Judge, to be ever mindful of this great favour and I will never cease to honour thee as my special and powerful Patron and do all in my power to encourage devotion to thee. Amen. Thank you, St. Jude. Say for three days and publish. V.E. 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 father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. V.E.

MONTH’S MIND MASS We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain. To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again.

BEADES Peggy Rahara, Athleague, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 22nd May 2022

Missed dearly by your loving wife Anne, daughter Leanne, sons David, Alan, Eamon, Ivan and Ronan, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday, 2nd July 2022 at 7.30 pm.

KELLY Joseph (Joe)

Killastaliff, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon. Who passed away on the 27th May, 2022

Joe’s wife Vera, sons Seamus, Tony, Joseph and Andrew, his daughters Orla, Grace and Eimear, sonsin-law, daughters-in-law, his grandchildren and great grandchild would like to thank all who sympathised with us on our recent bereavement. Thanks to all the people who called to our home with food and refreshments and to those who served the food, to those who travelled long distances and to those who sent mass cards, phone calls, flowers and left messages of condolences on RIP.ie. Special thanks to our local GP’s, Dr. Nuala Hardiman and Dr. Annette Rogers for their wonderful and kind care towards our husband, father and grandfather. Special thanks to Lena for her loving care and also our good friend Kathryn. Also, thanks to Kelly, Rachel and June. Special thanks to Fr. Evaristus Nkede for celebrating the Funeral Mass and the choir for the beautiful music. Thanks to all the grave diggers who prepared our father’s resting place with such care and attention. Thanks to Tully’s Funeral Directors for their kindness and professionalism. Our heartfelt thanks to those who attended the removal, funeral and burial. Thank you to the Percy French for the lovely meal. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. - May Joe’s gentle soul Rest In Eternal Peace Month’s Mind Mass for Joe will be held in the Sacred Heart Church, Kilglass, Co. Roscommon on Friday, 1st July at 7pm.

We, the family of the late Peggy Beades wish to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who sympathised and supported us on our recent sad loss. Thanks to those who attended the Funeral Mass and burial, and all those who travelled long distances and gave floral tributes. We also thank those who could not attend and who joined us online for the Mass, who sent Mass cards, left condolence messages on RIP. ie, telephoned, sent letters, we are truly grateful and appreciate your kindness and support. Our thanks to the Funeral Undertaker Donal Hamrock for his professional attention to the funeral arrangements and to those who prepared the grave with such care and attention to detail. We also would like to thank our neighbours and friends who helped with parking and providing sandwiches and helping serve refreshments during the funeral. A special thank you to Fr. Michael Donnelly for celebrating a beautiful Funeral Mass and tending to Peggy’s spiritual needs. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Alexandra Robinson for taking such good care of Peggy over the years along with David Hynes and his staff for all your kindness to Peggy. To Declan and the wonderful staff in Oakwood Nursing Home, their care was exceptional and professional during Peggy’s brief stay until the day she passed, thank you. A special thank you to all the staff in Roscommon University Hospital for taking such good care of Peggy during her stay in hospital. Thank you to everyone who visited Peggy during her stay in the hospital and nursing home. To Finola Ward for your excellent care, you were always so helpful and kind to Peggy and to all the other carers, we really appreciate everything you did for Peggy to help her. Appreciation also to the many neighbours who were always there for Peggy, when she needed your help with the little tasks, thank you. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions. Memorial Mass for Peggy will be celebrated in Rahara Church on Friday, 1st July 2022 at 7pm.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Classifieds

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

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES McGARRELL Eithne (nee McDermott) Late of Lucan, Co. Dublin and formerly of Rahara, Co. Roscommon. (3rd Anniversary) Who passed away on the 13th July 2019. Remembered with Love

MURRAY Andrew (Andy) Kilclough Newbridge Ballinasloe Who passed away on the 4th of July 2021

DONNELLY Bridie

LAVIN Jer Essex Grove, Roscommon and formerly of Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon

Bessie

Jer

I give you this one thought to keep I am with you still, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on the snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone – I am with you still, in each new dawn.

Loved and missed by her husband Eugene and children Karen, Gerard, Sandra and Marie, grandsons Sean and Aidan, brother Dermott and all extended family and friends. Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 9th July in St. Patrick’s Church, Lucan, Co. Dublin at 7pm.

HOARE Owensie & Son Tom (TP) Racecourse Road, Roscommon (15th Anniversary)

God saw you getting tired, When a cure was not to be. So He wrapped His arms around you, and whispered, “Come to me”. You didn’t deserve what you went through, so He gave you rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best. And when I saw you sleeping, so peaceful and free from pain, I could not wish you back to suffer that again.

Fondly remembered by his brothers and sisters. ~~~~~~~~~~

Who passed away on the 6th July 2021

Who passed away on the 3rd July 1982

On his first anniversary, the family of the late Jer Lavin, Roscommon and formerly of Ballyleague who died on 6th July 2021 would like to express our sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to those who helped and supported us on our sad loss. We wish to thank all those who offered condolences, sent mass cards, letters, flower tributes, online condolences and phone calls. To neighbours and friends who lined the route on Jer’s final journey, the support meant so much to us all. We sincerely thank all the staff in Innis Ree Nursing Home, Ballyleague who cared so well for Dad in his final years. We would also like to thank the staff in Tullamore General Hospital for the care and compassion shown to Dad and our family. A special thanks to Fr. Daniel for the support and beautiful Funeral Mass. We would also like to thank Pat McHugh Undertakers and the gravediggers for the kindness and professionalism in facilitating Dad’s final journey. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Jer’s First Anniversary along with our mother Bessie Lavin’s 40th Anniversary Mass will take place in the Church of The Holy Rosary, Ballyleague on Sunday, 10th July at 11am.

FOR MY UNCLE I have so many memories of the times we spent together, and even though you’re no longer here, I’ll cherish them forever. TARMEY (NÉE WALDRON) I miss your laughter TARMEY PHILOMENA so much and the mischief Philomena & Martin in your Cloontuskert, smile. Lanesboro, Co Roscommon and formerly of Moate, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo. Cloontuskert, Lanesboro, Co Roscommon When I feel the sadness Who passed away peacefully on 3rd July, 2021 welling up (1st and 51st Anniversaries) I’ll remember it a while. For though you are no longer here, you’ll never be truly gone. So long as I have these memories, your spirit will carry on. So until I see your smile again, I’ll hold you in 51st Anniversary 1st Anniversary (NÉE WALDRON), Cloontuskert, my heartThe andfamily mind.of the late Philomena Tarmey 4th AprilLanesboro, 1971 3rd July 2021 Roscommon and formerly of Moate, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo who died on 3rd July 2021 A shiningCoexample, peacefully in the devoted care of the staff at Sonas Innis Ree Lodge, Ballyleague, in her Time cannot steal the treasures my uncle of the best of 100th year would like to thank most sincerely allwe those whoin sympathised that carry our hearts,with them on the humankind. loss of their dearly loved mother, grandmother great mother. nor everand dim the grand shining thoughts our neighbours cherished and pastfamily imparts, Always remembered by his grateful to our many friends, We are eternally who attended, sent for the memories of the ones mass cards, left condolences online. sister-in-law Anne, niecesphone calls sent letters andwe loved still cast a gentle glow, Noreen and Tina, nephew thank all the staff in Sonas Innis We sincerely Lodge, We will be forever to Ree grace our Ballyleague. days and light John and theirgrateful families. for the care, help and compassion provided to our we mummay and go. our family. ouryou paths, wherever

First Anniversary ThankMass to Pat & Gillian Smyth, Smyths Funeral Directors, Roscommon for their on Sunday, 3rd of July Lovingly by alldiggers their family. professionalism, Compassion andremembered Support, the grave and Enya for her beautiful in St. Patrick’ssinging Church, in the church. Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, 3rd July 2022 at Newbridge atA11.30am. special thanks to Fr. Daniel support theRosary, beautiful funeral mass and 11amfor in all thehisChurch ofand thefor Holy Ballyleague. If we could write a story, it would be the greatest ever told. Of a kind and loving father and brother, who both had hearts of gold.

Always remembered by your family.

homily.

Thank you to everyone who lined the routes & attended guards of honour for Philomena on her final journey. We are so appreciative for all your thoughtfulness during the current restrictions. As It would be impossible to thank you all individually so please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE Month’s Mind Mass for Philomena will take place on Saturday 14 August 2021 at 7pm in HEART OF THE COMMUNITY Holy Rosary Church, Ballyleague. The Holy sacrifice of the mass will be offered for your intentions.

(17th Anniversary)

To hear your voice, to see your smile, to sit and talk with you a while, to be together in the same old way would be our dearest wish today.

Fondly remembered by her husband Sean, daughters Pauline, Geraldine and Martina, sons Joe and David, daughter-inlaw Jayne, sons-in-law Jonathan, Gerard and Enda and grandchildren Laura, Lochlainn, Keelan, Grace, Olivia, Jessica, Carla, Hazel, Ava and Sean. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Will those who think of her today a little prayer to Jesus say.

Lovingly remembered by her sisters, Ellie and Sheila, their husbands and nieces and nephews. Anniversary Mass in Rahara Church, on Sunday, 3rd of July at 12 o’clock.

GILLOOLY Peter

DALY Jason

HEALY Jimmy

Cullen, Dysart (14th Anniversary)

Kiltultogue, Ballinaheglish Who passed away on the 4th July 2016. (6th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear son and brother Jason, who died on the 5th of July 2008 Memories are like leaves of gold, they never tarnish or grow old, no more tomorrows for us to share, but yesterdays memories will always be there. Nothing on Earth can ever replace, the sound of youur voice, and the smile on your face. No words, no flowers, no tears can say, how much we love and miss you - Jason

Healy

Memories are precious they don’t fade away, we remember you always not just today. Although we sadly miss you, we are not alone, for you are watching over us from a place you now call home. Jimmy

Kiltultogue, Ballinaheglish Who died 4th July 2016. (5nd Anniversary)

Memories are precious they don’t fade away, We remember you always not just today.

Although we sadly miss you, we are not alone,

For you are watching over us from a place you now call home. Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family

Anniversary mass will be held on Sunday 4thth July @ 11am in St. Patricks Church, Ballinaheglish

Always remembered and sadly missed by Dad, Mam, Michelle and Cathal.

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his family. Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 3rd of July at 11am in St. Patrick’s Church, Ballinaheglish.

Anniversary Mass for Jason on Friday, 1st July at 7.30pm. in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart.

MONTH’S MIND MASS STEPHENS Michael (Mickie’s) Church Park, Tremane, Roscommon Who passed away on the 3rd June 2022

Derrycunny, Derrane, Co. Roscommon Who passed away on the 1st June, 2020 (2nd Anniversary)

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.

Fondly remembered by Brid, Mark, Enda, Monica, Lewina, Iarlaith, Naoise, Feidhlim, Éanna, Anne, Martin, relatives and friends. Also remembering his parents Martin and Mary. Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 2nd July in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Derrane at 7pm.

Michael (Mickie’s) family, wife Imelda, son Enda, daughter Aoife, daughter in law Andrea, his grandchildren, brothers Joe and Padraic, sisters-inlaw and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported and sympathised with us on our recent and sad loss. Our sincere thanks to everyone who attended the removal, Funeral Mass and burial and to those who sent messages of condolences, mass cards and offered condolences on RIP.ie. A special thank you to our neighbours and friends for all their support and help during Mickie’s illness and for all they did for us the week of his funeral. We truly have the best neighbours and friends. Thank you to Fr. Eugene McLoughlin who guided and supported us with kindness and understanding. Special thanks to the Palliative Care Team in Roscommon and to Dr. Fiona Sweeney and Dr. Wojciech Wawrzynek who showed Mickie such kindness and gave him such good care. We will be forever grateful to you all. Thank you to Pat Smyth of Smyths Funeral Home Roscommon for organising his funeral and his final resting place so professionally. As it is impossible to thank everybody individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our appreciation and thanks. May Mickie’s gentle soul Rest In Peace. Mickie’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, July 2nd at 7pm.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Classifieds

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

Appointments Financial Accountant Opportunity (Contract) Part of CWS Group, Service Matters is one of Ireland’s largest providers in the Hygiene Rental sector. We are recruiting for the following role:

Financial Accountant - Roscommon

dynamic person to join our Sales and Marketing

Service Matters have an exciting opportunity for a dynamic accountant to join our Finance and Administration team and gain a broad finance and operational experience as part of a multi-national company. Candidates must be qualified with some post qualification experience. Responsibilities include management accounts preparation, Group reporting, and involvement in companywide projects. This is a 12 month maternity leave contract. Hybrid working arrangement available. Please email CVs to: recruitment@servicematters.ie Golf Links Road | Roscommon | F42 DW26 | 090 662 7477 www.servicematters.ie

SITUATIONS Roscommon & District Football League Community VACANT < CHILDMINDER: ReEmployment Scheme quired three days per week

RDFL Community Employment Scheme are looking to recruit Soccer Coaches for Primary Schools throughout the County and surrounding catchment areas. l 19.5 hours weekly. l No experience necessary, full training provided for coaches. l Excellent opportunity to retrain or upskill by availing of a variety of accredited courses. l Own transport required. l Garda Vetting will apply. l Eligibility to participate on CE is generally linked to those who are 21 years or over and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for 1 year or more or 18 years and over for certain disadvantaged groups. Applicants should contact the case office in the local Intreo office to confirm eligibility. For further details please email: roscommonsoccer@yahoo.co.uk or write to: Roscommon & District Football League CE Scheme Culleen, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon.

Required for small Ballinasloe based Building Contractor - work in Galway and Roscommon - Good computer skills required. Please forward CV to: anthony.cunnane@yahoo.ie PART-TIME

MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST

Certified Irish Angus Producer Group Seeks to recruit a

livestock inspector. This position is on a part-time basis in the meat plants of our processor partners, Slaney Foods, ABP & Kepak

Responsibilities include:

The Square, Claremorris, Co. Mayo

VACANCY

We are a small multidiscipline Engineering and Architectural practice who specialise in: • The Design and Project Management of industrial, commercial and government projects • Housing developments • Once off housing design • Digital Surveying and Mapping

Essential Requirements:

• Excellent knowledge of livestock. • Computer literate. Willingness to work on own initiative. Only candidates with essential requirements need apply. Apply in writing or by email only to recruitment@certifiedirishangus.ie: Closing Date Friday 01st July 2022

Certified Irish Angus, Longfield, Virginia, Co. Cavan Email: recruitment@certifiedirishangus.ie

Previous secretarial experience desirable but not essential. Apply with CV to: lakeviewmedicalpractice@gmail.com or telephone surgery at 094 9659049 Waldron and Associates Engineers and Architects

Inspection of livestock prior to slaughter. Implementation of Group's livestock policy. • Production of reports of inspections.

Our vacancy is for a suitably qualified person capable of: • Preparing CAD drawings and processing planning, Fire and DAC applications. • Undertaking Digital Surveys and the preparation of conveyancy maps If interested please apply with full CV to Waldron and Associates, The Square, Claremorris. E-mail address: info@waldrons.ie

LOCALLY OWNED ... IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

< OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR: Required part/time or full-time for small Ballinasloe based Building Contractor - Good computer skills required. Please forward CV to: anthony.cunnane@ yahoo.ie < CHEF DE PARTIE, SOUS CHEF, COMMIS CHEF: 1 and 2 and Executive Chef required for Food Fusion, The Crescent, Co. Roscommon. Salary €30kpa, 39hpw. Call 0852516251 or email info. aryancatering@gmail.com < MEN WANTED: To foot turf in Creggs area. Tel: 086 2544294 or 090 6621090

Junior Civil Engineer

- Glenamaddy

in the Castlerea area for two school going children. Own transport essential for school drop-offs and pickups. Please contact 087 6407562

< CREATIVE & ARTISTIC ASSISTANT: Required to work part time on annual festival. Please send CV to info@percyfrench.ie

SITUATIONS WANTED < KEEN TO CLEAN: Years of experience, you relax while I do your house keeping, windows, floors, fridges, cookers, dusting, ironing, change bed linen etc. Don’t delay book me today. Phone: 089 2607391 < AVAILABLE: Two teenage boys available for saving turf, odd jobs and lawn mowing in Roscommon area. Contact: 086 3859274 < RETIRED GENERAL NURSE: Looking to provide part-time home care. For further information contact Angela 089 2186693

Headerz

Hair Studio Ballaghaderreen WE ARE HIRING

FULL TIME stylist position available to join our busy award winning salon. We also are looking for a PART-TIME stylist to cover maternity leave commencing in August. Minimum of 3-5 years experience in all aspects of hairdressing. Must be passionate, confident, enthusiastic and work well as a part of a team. Please forward CV to: natasha.headerz@hotmail.com or contact Natasha in the salon on 094 9862244 All applications will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

Sports PEOPLE

Hurling Championship throws in this weekend

My ball! Action from the recent O’Rourke Cup quarter-final between Western Gaels and Tulsk at Frenchpark. Western Gaels ran out 0-16 to 1-11 winners and will now meet St. Brigid’s in this Sunday’s semi-final at Kilbride. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

ROSCOMMON SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

< SEAMUS DUKE

The Kepak Roscommon Senior Hurling Championship gets underway with three matches this Sunday. At 12 Noon, champions Athleague will open the defence of their title against Oran in Athleague. Ronan O’Meara and Pat Nolan have retired so they will be looking for replacements

for both those very experienced players, which will not be an easy task. Oran will be hoping for improvement this year. When the sides met last year Athleague won easily. There won’t be too much between them on Sunday. Last year’s beaten finalists Tremane take on St. Dominic’s at 1.45 pm, also in Athleague. Dominic’s have certainly been making progress. They ran Four

Roads all the way in the league final last Sunday, a match that will stand to them this weekend. They have dangerous forwards like Naos Connaughton, Mickey Joe Egan and Conall Kennelly. Peter Kellehan, Niall Kilroy the Brennans and the Gatelys will feature for Tremane. Dominic’s can start with a surprise win. Four Roads take on Roscommon Gaels at 7 pm in Bally-

foran on Sunday. The Gaels are managed by Ronan O’Meara this year that that is sure to bring about an improvement from them. But this is a very tough start for the town team. With Micheal Kelly, Conor Coyle, Mikey Lohan, Brendan Mulry and Cathal Dolan all playing well it is hard to see anything other than a win for the Tisrara club.

Camógs finish campaign in Derry < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon will complete their All-Ireland Junior campaign with an away tie against Down on Saturday. While it would take a

very unlikely set of results for Roscommon to go through even with a win, the side has been much improved in recent weeks. Following a disastrous start to the year which saw Roscommon withdrawn from

the National League, it has been an encouraging campaign under new manager Liam Gordon and they will be hoping for a good performance to finish off the campaign this weekend.

GAA Results

GE Warehousing New York O’Rourke Cup Division One Quarter-Finals St Brigid’s 2-12 Elphin 0-13 Western-Gaels 0-16 Tulsk Lord Edwards 1-11 Boyle 2-11 Roscommon Gaels 1-8 Clann na nGael 6-11 St. Dominic’s 3-10 Leydon Bros London O’Gara Cup Division Two Éire Óg 2-12 Kilmore 2-11 St. Brigid’s 2-14 Castlerea St. Kevin’s 3-3 Atlantis IPS Tansey Cup Division Three St. Michael’s 3-6 St. Dominic’s 0-6 St. Barry’s 2-17 Castlerea St. Kevin’s 3-7 Strokestown 3-13 Kilglass Gaels 1-11 Sidero AFL Division Four Relegation Play-off St. Joseph’s 1-12 Tulsk Lord Edwards 1-11 Senior Hurling League Final Four Roads 0-26 St. Dominic’s 2-16

Fixtures

Friday, July 1st Leydon Bros London O’Gara Cup Division Two (8.15 pm) At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v St. Croan’s At Mulhern Park: Fuerty v Shannon Gaels At Kilmore: Kilmore v Clann na nGael At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v Oran At James Timothy Park: Éire Óg v Kilbride Atlantis IPS Tansey Cup Division Three At Kilglass: Kilglass Gaels v Creggs. 8 pm At Pairc Naomh Bearra: St. Barry’s v Ballinameen. 8.15 pm At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v St. Dominic’s. 8.15 pm At Ballyforan: St. Aidan’s v St. Michael’s. 8.15 pm Saturday, July 2nd GE Warehousing New York O’Rourke Cup Division One Semi-Final At Rockfield: Boyle v Clann na nGael. 5.30 pm Atlantis IPS Tansey Cup Division Three At O’Rourke Park: Castlerea St. Kevin’s v Strokestown. 6 pm Sunday, July 3rd GE Warehousing New York O’Rourke Cup Division One Semi-Final At Kilbride: St. Brigid’s v Western Gaels. 1 pm Senior Hurling Championship At Athleague: Athleague v Oran. 12 pm At Athleague: St. Dominic’s v Tremane. 1.45 pm At Athleague: Four Roads v Roscommon Gaels. 7 pm Monday, July 4th Leydon Bros London O’Gara Cup Division Two At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v Clann na nGael. 8 pm

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

SportsPeople

Horses for Courses

through his Adare Manor Series. The SuperValu County Roscommon novice hurdle then precedes the Larry O’Farrelly Maiden hurdle sponsored by Helen Mee O’Farrelly. The Re/Max Team Earley Handicap, over 2m, is the first of two handicap hurdles followed by the Roscommon Herald Handicap over 3m 1f. The finale is a Pro/ Am Mares Bumper sponsored by Irish Stallion Farms EBF for lady riders. Lynch Flooring sponsor the Best Turned Out horse in each race and music is by Henry and the Usual suspects after racing.

Racing this weekend starts this evening on the flat at Bellewstown, off at 5.10 pm, the first of their three-day festival meeting. There is also national hunt racing at Tipperary featuring the Kevin McManus Grimes Hurdle away at 5 pm. Tomorrow, the second day of Bellewstown, the action is again on the flat at 5.28 pm and the national hunt is running at Wexford first race at 5.15 pm. Racing starts in Naas on the flat at 1.05 pm on Saturday and over the sticks at Bellewstown, first race at 5.05 pm. On Sunday, Tramore runs a national hunt card away at 1.55 pm. Racing returns to the west on Monday at 5.45 pm, check this time on the day, with a national hunt card in Roscommon. ITV cover four races from Sandown and three from the Haydock meeting including the Group 1 Coral Eclipse Stakes from Sandown and the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks from Haydock.

Racing News

JP McManus’s dual Champion Hurdle winner, Buveur d’Air, has been retired. The 11-Y-O won the Champion Hurdle in 2017 and 2018 for Nicky Henderson. McManus’s racing manager Frank Berry hailed the dual Champion Hurdle hero a “fantastic horse”. He won eight Grade 1s for Nicky Henderson and retires to Martinstown in Co. Limerick where he will join other Champion Hurdle winners including the great Istabraq.

Curragh Derby meeting

Last Friday evening, champion jockey Colin Keane got his weekend off to a flying start with Slan Abhaile for Ger Lyons at 11/1. Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore got off the mark in the second with Never Ending Story at odds-on. Keane and Lyons doubled up with the third winner, Mutasarref at 9/4f. In the feature, the Curragh Cup, they made it a treble with 10/1 shot Camorrra. Joseph O’Brien supplied Dylan Browne McMonagle with the winner of the Apprentice Derby, Common Practice winning at 3/1f. Dunum, ridden by Wayne Lordon for Natalia Lupini, won the 1m 1f handicap, another favourite at 5/2. Keane made it a four-timer in the last on Willie Mullins’ Maze Runner at 3/1f. A great day for punters with five winning favourites and for Keane with four winners. Saturday got even better for Keane when he easily won the Derby on the English raider Westover, the 3/1f, for Ralph Beckett who was third at Epsom. Joseph O’Brien and Dylan Browne McMonagle made it a double for the meeting with Night Of Romance as did his father and Ryan Moore with 20/1 shot Aikhal. Billy Lee rode an opening and closing double with Ken Condon’s Teresa Mendoza and Willie McCreery’s Bay of Bengal. Sunday’s Pretty Polly Stakes went to Paddy Twomey’s La Petite Coco, given here last week, at 9/1. Billy Lee was aboard and hope some of you backed her.

Roscommon Review

On Tuesday, great work by all involved left the track at Roscommon raceable after terrible rain over the weekend and it passed inspection at 8 am on the morning of the meeting. Trainer of the moment, Paddy Twomey, combined with Declan McDonagh to win the Lenabane Listed Stakes with Beamish who beat the joint favourites Ger Lyons’s Yaxeni and Henry de Brom-

by Tom Red

Point-to-Point News

Dutch Schaefer has her neck in front in a tight finish.

head’s Jason The Militant by ½l and 5l. It was the middle leg of a treble for the jockey. Racing opened with a double for jockey Gary Carroll aboard Pandora Lovegood in the EBF Auction Maiden for Joseph G Murphy, and with Girl Crush for Joseph Murray in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Maiden. Denis Hogan’s 28/1 outsider Dutch Schaefer won the Guinness Apprentice Handicap in the hands of Sean Bowen by a neck, a nose and the same in the best finish of the day from Princess Sela, Coviglia and Manhattan Dandy. In the Dermot Hughes Car Sales Handicap, Declan McDonagh had the first leg of a riding double with Joseph O’Brien’s Herring Island at 12/1. In the Connolly Red Mills Handicap, Gary Carroll completed a treble with Gavin Comwell’s Dha Leath. The closing maiden race gave Joseph O’Brien a training double with Busselton again ridden by Declan McDonagh.

Roscommon Preview

Racing is on again in Lenebane and it is Ladies’ Day with a national hunt card on Monday with a jump card starting with a claiming hurdle race followed by an opportunity hurdle sponsored by JP McManus

s t t u p t r o h S

Ann Ferris, champion point-to-point rider in 1976 with 23 winners, has died. She was a daughter of trainer Willie Rooney, and her biggest win was in the Irish Grand National in 1984 when she rode Bentom Boy to victory at Fairyhouse, the first lady to win the race, for her father. Her sister Rosemary Rooney finished third in the race on Dawson Prince. Ann also won the Irish Sweeps Hurdle for Arthur Moore on Irian in 1979. Herself and her sister, joint champion pointto-point rider with Nicky Dee in 1977, laid the foundations for Nina Carberry, Katie Walsh, and Rachael Blackmore.

Competition Time

Bernie Heavy, Athleague, Rose Kiernan, Fuerty and Ann Hussey, Ballinlough, won tickets for Ladies’ Day at Roscommon on Monday, as they knew it was Polittese who won the Connaught National. Don’t forget to collect your tickets in the office. Second and last chance to win tickets for Kilbeggan, Ladies’ Day and the Midland Grand National, on July 8th and we want you to tell us which Aidan O’Brien-trained horse won the Ascot Gold Cup in 2022? First chance for tickets to Kilbeggan, July 15th. Tell us who rode Westover to win the Irish Derby? Answers as usual please to The Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon or by e-mail to tomred17@gmail.com by 5 pm, Wednesday, July 6th for Kilbeggan on the 8th and by 5 pm on July 13th July for the 15th. As always, do not forget to include your name, address, and a contact number with all competition entries. As usual all tickets will have to be collected in the office in Abbey Street.

Handball

(News from local golf clubs)

Athlone

Sam Delaney will host his President’s Prize weekend this weekend beginning on Friday (1st) with a four-person Scramble. The President’s Prize to the Men will commence on Saturday while the playoff for the President’s Prize to the Ladies will take place on Sunday. Inter-Club update: The Challenge Cup team beat Loughrea last Wednesday while the Junior Cup team overcame Ballinasloe the day before. The Intermediate team also enjoyed a great win over Ballinasloe recently as did the Senior Foursomes. Recent winners at the clubhouse: 18-hole Stableford: Kay Vaughan (44 points); 9-hole: Susanne Meares (28 points); ’97 Club: Patricia Kinahan (30); AWGS: P. McNamara (32); Ladies and Gents Stableford: Eamonn Farrell (44); Monday Plumbers (13th): B. Fagan (32); Monday Plumbers (20th): Michael Downes (30). The Connacht Men’s Mid-Amateur Open took place in Athlone last weekend, and was won by David Shiel of

Powerscourt Golf Club, who finished on eleven over par.

Boyle

Mark Whelan’s run of good form continued as he shot 45 points to take home the Drumderrig Cup on June 19th. Adam Daly was second with 42, Lorcan Egan had the best gross score and Pat Conroy was third. Open Week returns to the club for the first time since 2019 this month. It will run from Monday, July 4th to Friday, July 8th with competitions for Ladies and Gents each day. The week kicks off with the Ladies’ and Gents’ 9-hole stroke competitions on Monday. Tuesday is Ladies’ Day with an 18-hole Stableford and Gents’ 9-hole. Wednesday sees the annual Scotch Mixed Foursomes as well as 9-hole Stableford competitions for Ladies and Gents. Thursday’s competitions are 18hole and 9-hole Stablefords for the men. The big event of the week will be the 9-hole social Scramble and the presentation of prizes on Friday.

Carrick

Congratulations to our Pierce Purcell team who had a 4-1 win over Enniscrone in the first round last Wednesday evening. They take on Boyle in the next round. Our Jimmy Bruen team were also winners on a 4-1 scoreline against Sligo and are now through to the Zone final. The following were the winners of recent Senior competitions in Carrick: June 16th: Overall: Owen Caulfield (43 points), Cat 1: Michael Keville (42), Cat 2: Michael Duignan (43), Cat 3: John Burke KV (39), Front 9: Michael Delorey (21), Back 9: Charlie Farrell (23). June 23rd: Overall: Michael Keville (41), Cat 1: Albert Hogg (40), Cat 2: Joe Keville (40), Cat 3: John Burle KV (40), Front 9: Barry Donnellan (21), Back 9: Dermot Conlon (23).

Roscommon

Well done to Olivia Costello on finishing runner-up in the Connacht Women and Girls Championship in Castle Dargan last week. Olivia had shot a course record 65

in round two but lost out to Katie Poots in a sudden death play-off. The young Roscommon golfer has been selected for the European team championships in Iceland this month and was also honoured with a civic reception by Roscommon County Council recently too. Open Week continues in Roscommon until Sunday with competitions each day for Ladies and Gents. Today (Thursday) sees the Senior Men’s and Ladies’ 18hole Stableford while Friday features the men’s Fourball Betterball. The Scotch Foursomes take place on Saturday while on Sunday there is a Men’s 18-hole Stableford and Ladies’ 9-hole competition. Unfortunately, both our Men’s Junior Cupand Pierce Purcell teams were defeated by Athlone and Ballina respectively last week. The Ladies’ Intermediate team won their matches against Strandhill. Recent winners at the clubhouse: Ladies’ 18-hole: Kitty Bligh; Men’s Open: Michael Armshaw (42 points); Senior Men’s: JF Hanley (38); Golfer of the Month: Gerry Finn; Senior Ladies’: Peggy Kelly.

Doubles title for Tully

St. Coman’s Fiona Tully travelled to Portland, Oregon in the US recently for the USHA Nationals and teamed up with her Cork rival Catriona Casey for the first time to take down the Ladies’ Doubles title in impressive style. As expected, the Irish pair proved to be a formidable outfit and in the final they demonstrated their full array of skills against the determined Tuscon team of Ashley Moler and Mikaila Esser. The first game proved rather one-sided with the Irish girls winning 21-4, but the Americans knuckled down in the second to make it much more competitive before eventually losing 21-11. This was an excellent experience for the Roscommon town youngster, teaming up with the number one female player in the world but she learned the hard way in the Singles final how much ground she still has to make up on Casey. Having had a comfortable quarter-final win, Fiona had a tough tie-breaker victory over the afore-mentioned Ashley Moler in their semi, before facing Catriona in the final. Unfortunately, it was a one-sided contest with Casey winning easily in two straight games.

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

SportsPeople Creggs RFC Report

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs host San Diego Mustangs Creggs RFC played host to a touring side from the USA recently. U-13 and U-15 teams from San Diego Mustangs are on tour in Ireland. Even though it’s out of rugby season, over 50 players turned out for these challenge games. Our U-13 boys played some decent rugby early on but it was clear that the visitors were a well drilled outfit with some excellent players. We struggled to contain their marauding number 8 early on and Brian O’Connor had to make a last-ditch tackle to keep our line intact. On eight minutes the ball was moved out wide to Sam Walsh who cut inside and despite having received the ball on our own 10 metre line, ended up touching down under the posts. Harry Waldron converted. Six minutes later Walsh once more touched down, increasing our lead to 12. The visitors got a foothold again and crossed three

times before the break, leaving the half-time score Creggs 12 Mustangs 17. It looked like we were going to struggle to keep with the visitors in the second half but with a finisher of Sam Walsh’s ability there is always a chance. Sure enough Walsh again broke through the defence to touch down for his hat-trick five minutes into the second half. Harry Waldron nailed a tricky kick to restore the lead. A massive defensive shift led by the brave tackling of Kian Hughes and Joseph McSharry and some great steals from Cathal Mulry and Oisin Connolly left the game finely balanced. Replacement hooker Niall Timon somehow managed to keep his feet and extend our lead with 10 minutes left. Waldron’s 3rd conversion had nine points between the sides. Mustangs then camped in our 22 and eventually breached the line with five

minutes left. A huge effort kept the visitors out and when Cathal Mulry secured a turnover under our posts with the clock in the red the lads were duly rewarded for their efforts. The final score was Creggs 26 Mustangs 24. The win was tainted due to an injury to our flying winger and Player of the Match Sam Walsh, who received an arm injury and had to be taken off. Everyone involved with the team wishes Sam a full and speedy recovery. Thanks to those who attended to him on the evening. Creggs’ U-14 panel: Declan Hoare, Davy Featherstone, AJ Tully, Kian Hughes, Dara Killeen, Cathal Mulry, Joseph McSharry, Robbie McArdle, Patrick Murray, Harry Waldron, Sam Walsh, Jack Lally, Daniel Nerney, Raymond Mullin, Brian O’Connor, James Murray, Andrej Anic, Oisin Connolly, Fionn Heavey, Conor Hannon, Sean

Photo shows referee Luke Gregory (in yellow) with two players from Creggs and two from San Diego Mustangs.

Photos and Stories...

C’mon The Town

Roscommon Town is thirty years in the game. That’s thirty years of games and goals, victories and defeats, teams and training, cups and cups of tea! The club would be nothing without its people. If you have been involved with our club over the last thirty years, feel free to get in touch to share with us your stories and photos. Past and present players, coaches, volunteers, and parents are welcome to share these photos and stories. Email: info@roscommontownyouthsoccer.ie.

(Roscommon Town IDEAL Coaching... When coaching a drill/exercise... Youth Soccer) In association with the

Introduce the drill. Demonstrate the drill. Explain the purpose of the drill. Action – Let the players practice the drill. Learn - When the drill is complete; ask the players what they learned.

Richardson, Niall Timon. In the U-15s game the visitors were physically stronger. Creggs, with a mixed U-14 and U-15 side, struggled to keep the game even, but those watching spoke of the high level of skills from both sides. An enjoyable match finished with the San Diego side 10 points clear. Thanks to referees Ken Loughrey and Luke Gregory who were outstanding and highly praised by the visitors. U-18 girls: Well done to the four Creggs representatives who played for Connacht U-18 girls in Sligo on Saturday last versus a Canadian touring side, Celtic Barbarians. The Creggs players (photographed) are Roisin Maher, Nadine Fitzmaurice, Rachel McDonald and Sarah Purcell. Also in photo is Gemina Adams Verling who missed out on this occasion due to injury.

We wish all our Creggs girls well in the rest of the summer programme ahead of the squad being reduced for the interpros.

Well done to the four Creggs representatives who played for Connacht U-18 girls in Sligo on Saturday last versus a Canadian touring side, Celtic Barbarians. Pictured are Roisin Maher, Nadine Fitzmaurice, Rachel McDonald and Sarah Purcell. Also in photo is Gemina Adams Verling who missed out on this occasion due to injury.

Wise Words...

Life is a pitch - play your part and don’t sideline others.

On the field...

It was a big win for Connacht, 51-5, with Sarah scoring three tries and Roisin also crossing the line to score.

While the boys’ U-16 team had a free week, the girls’ U’16s were at home to Skyvalley Rovers. After suffering a heavy defeat to Skyvalley earlier in the season, the girls put in a much-improved performance. They got off to a super start, with Andrea scoring after thirty seconds. However, Skyvalley came into the game and went home with the three points. All three boys’ U-14 teams were in action. Lisnamult hosted a double header with Town I playing Ballymoe. Cian Kiernan scored three and Marc Shally netted

two as the hosts cruised to the three points. Tiernan O’Toole and Ryan Beisty were also on the scoresheet. Town III looked to be on course to make it two home wins but a late goal deep into stoppage time earned Ballymoe a point. Phellipe Carvalho scored a brace while Joao Vitor Santes, Lewis Smyth and Niall Timon also found the net on a frustrating evening for the young players. A depleted Town II lost out on to a physical Glen Celtic side. Aaron Miley scored one off each foot to bag a brace. Attention now turns to the Sevens Series in July. The boys’ U-12s Town I team lost out at home to Ballaghaderreen. Town II travelled to Glenamaddy and came home empty handed. Max Matuszewski scored the only goal in that game. The boys’ U-11 EL and CL teams are playing each other in the league this Friday evening. The girls’ U-9 teams had a free week while just one of the boys’ teams was in action with Town II EL and CL sides playing Moore United. The U-7 sides also had a free week. The coaches hope to use training to de-

velop core skills and to work on the areas and errors highlighted during competitive matches. Mistakes are an opportunity to learn for players and coaches alike.

Player Profile...

Name: Ben Dolan Team: U-14 Position: Right back Three words that describe me: Happy, athletic, smart Skill strength: Pace Skill weakness: Strength Favourite team: Liverpool Favourite player: Messi Favourite Irish player: Michael Obafemi Best stadium in the world: Anfield Messi or Ronaldo or Neither: Messi PlayStation or Xbox or Neither: PlayStation Favourite food: Apple What makes me happy: Football Person you admire the most: Messi Why I play soccer: I enjoy it Hopes for this season: To win trophies

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

SportsPeople As Kilglass Handball Club celebrates its 10th anniversary, it’s apt that the progressive club is hosting major national championships this weekend. Report: DAN DOONER Photos: MICK McCORMACk

Kilglass Gaels Handball th Club celebrates 10 anniversary SPECIAL REPORT:

Kilglass Handball Club

< DAN DOONER

For a man who says he never played handball, Anthony Mahady has certainly made his mark on the game in Roscommon. The chairperson and founding member of the Kilglass Gaels Handball Club is now preparing to celebrate its tenth year in existence by cohosting the renowned Wallball Nationals event. “There was never a handball club in the parish or nothing about handball until we built this big hall,” he told Roscommon People recently. “The County Convention was held here back in December 2011 and I was there that night

Thomas Mahady pictured with Noah Washington and Eoin Grehan at Kilglass Handball Club training last Thursday. Pic: Mick McCormack

to meet and greet visitors. After the meeting, a man called Liam Ó Ceallaigh introduced himself

Handballers for the future: Noah Washington and Eoin Grehan in action at Kilglass Handball Club training last Thursday. Pic: Mick McCormack

to me. He was the chairperson of the Roscommon Handball Board at the time. He said we had a great facility for three Onewall handball courts. “At the time I was a full-time referee and I was training two teams here with the club…but I knew what was coming! Sure enough, Liam asked if I would be interested in setting up a handball club (laughs)”. Anthony received great support from the wider club and decided to call a meeting for February of the following year. “Eddie Conboy got involved and he’s been the secretary for the last ten years. Johnny McHugh also helped out in the early years. My daughter, Natasha, has come on board now and she helps us out with Facebook and things like that,” he said. A court was set up with financial support from the club’s Bingo Committee and Kilglass Gaels Handball Club was born.

Generation Game! NATASHA FOLLOWS FATHER INTO WORLD OF HANDBALL < DAN DOONER

Natasha Mahady was 15-years-old and busy with football when her father, Anthony, first set up Kilglass Gaels Handball Club – but it wasn’t long before she made an appearance on court. “We (Natasha and brother Thomas) just kind of got into it after the football season finished. I was playing football here and so played handball on the side, especially during winter to keep my fitness and help my coordination. That’s how I got into it and then I was asked to compete in competitions so it went from there,” she said. It didn’t take long for the now 26-year-old to get to grips with the sport and start bringing titles home. “It took a while to get into it and learn the skills and that…it’s taken over from the football a little bit now. There was one year when I really got into it and got as far

Eddie Conboy, Cormac Farren, Milo Judge and Conor Gately pictured at Kilglass Handball Club training last Thursday. Pic: Mick McCormack

as Connacht, which has been the biggest achievement for me so far,” she said. While there were a few doubts in the beginning, Natasha and family are understandably proud of what their father has achieved in the last ten years. “We all thought ‘Okay, yeah go ahead!’ not thinking it would really go anywhere. But he really put his mind to it and it took off really well. In the first few months everyone in the club came out and supported it and from there it just got bigger and bigger. It’s great to see all the people in the hall training now,” she said. The club has come a long way since 2012 and now the Mahadys and everyone involved with handball in Kilglass can look forward to hosting the Wallball Nationals this weekend. “It’s a brilliant achievement and we’re very proud of him. It’s only in the last few years that I’ve started to help in setting up the Facebook page and things like that. In the last few months the page has really blown up. It’s amazing to see it and it’s all down to him (Anthony). It’s great to see it happening and the club is really proud of it too,” she concluded.

The club was carried on the crest of a wave in those early months, thanks in no small part to a resurgence in the game’s popularity following the World Handball Championships at Citywest in 2012. The game’s popularity continued to grow in Kilglass in 2013 and the club installed its second and third walls to meet demand. The club’s first county title soon arrived when Adam Coggeran and Anthony’s son Thomas paired up to win the U-13 ‘B’ doubles in 2014. That juvenile success was followed quickly by the club’s first adult title in 2015 as secretary Eddie Conboy won that year’s Onewall competition in Mount Talbot. Further county titles arrived in 2017, 2018 and 2019 with Anthony’s daughter, Natasha, Eddie Conboy, John Corcoran, and well-known clubman Dermot Washington among the winners.

Oliver O’Sullivan and Fintan Creamer pictured at Kilglass Handball Club training recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

The Covid-ravaged year of 2020 was a “short but successful one” according to Anthony with county titles for brothers, John and David Coggeran. 2021 was the club’s most successful year in terms of the number of titles won (8). There were four county titles in Mount Talbot that year with John Coggeran (Masters), David Coggeran (Men’s ‘B’), Fionn Cusack (Men’s ‘A’), and Thomas Mahady (Junior ‘C’) all taking home silverware. It was 2022, however, when the club took home its biggest title to date when Alanna Coggeran (daughter of John) claimed national honours in the 40x20 Girls’ U-17 ‘B’ finals in Tyrone. “We’ve always had good numbers coming along and taking part but it’s really taken off in the last four years with county, provincial and national honours won,” Anthony said.

“At the moment we have around 40 or 50 playing between the juveniles and the adults. We have 13 players taking part in the Wallball Nationals this weekend. “The club has developed massively in the last ten years. We have a fully functioning structure and a youth coaching programme every week. We are regarded as one of the finest handball courts across the country now”. This weekend will see the culmination of ten years’ hard work in Kilglass as Anthony and his fellow committee members prepare to host one of the biggest events in the Irish Handball calendar, the Wallball Nationals. “It’s a great boost for the club and a great way to celebrate our tenth anniversary. We’re looking forward to it now and hopefully it will be a great weekend,” he concluded.

Eddie Conboy (secretary), Natasha Mahady and Anthony Mahady (chairperson) pictured at Kilglass Handball Club training recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

SportsPeople

Kilglass and Roscommon to host Wallball Nationals Players pictured at Kilglass Handball Club training recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

< DAN DOONER

This Saturday and Sunday (July 2nd and 3rd) promises to be the biggest weekend Roscommon Handball has experienced in quite a number of years as the Wallball Nationals take place in Kilglass and Roscommon (Convent of Mercy and Strokestown CS). The past decade has seen the Wallball Nationals become one of Irish Handball’s most popular events, attracting huge numbers of competitors from right across the island. Normally held at Breaffy House in Castlebar, the event faced a late change of venue this year, with Kilglass and Roscommon only too happy to step in. Anthony Mahady is a founding member and current chairperson of Kilglass Gaels Handball Club, which celebrates its 10th anniver-

sary this year. Anthony says hosting the Wallball Nationals is the perfect way to mark the milestone. “It’s the biggest Irish Handball event on the calendar. It’s a huge boost to the club and the surrounding areas and will provide a financial boost for the area as well because there will be people arriving here from all over the country,” he said. “Croke Park hosted All-Irelands here in 2014 and they were very impressed with our facilities and I suppose this is a step up now. For us to be hosting the biggest event in handball is just brilliant for the club”. While it’s a major feather in the cap for clubs like Kilglass and Coman’s, the Onewall Nationals will also provide a boost for Roscommon Handball in general following the impact of Covid-19.

“It is a major boost for the county and the surrounding areas. There will be clubs coming from every county in Ireland. This is huge for our members and the likes of Eddie Conboy (Kilglass Handball secretary) and myself. We’ve stuck with it for the last ten years when there was no real history of handball in the club,” Anthony added. “I remember when we were marking out the first handball court here by putting tape on the walls and now here we are hosting this national competition. It’s a great occasion for the club in its tenth year,” he concluded. For those wishing to attend, the handball will be staged in the GAA complex in Kilglass and the Convent of Mercy Gymnasium in Roscommon town, with action starting at 10 am both days.

Erin and Chara Farren, Saoirse and Erin Burke pictured at Kilglass Handball Club training recently. Pic: Mick McCormack

Rising star Alanna ready for weekend

< DAN DOONER

Earlier this year, Alanna Coggeran brought home Kilglass Gaels’ first ever national handball title when she won the 40x20 Girls’ U-17 ‘B’ title in County Tyrone. Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, Alanna gave a modest assessment of what it meant to the ten-year-old club. “It was surreal…I can’t even explain it. It was amazing to bring something back to the club. To bring the club’s name all the way up to Tyrone and bring an All-Ireland title back was nice,” she said. The 17-year-old hails from strong handball stock – her father John and uncle David have also won county and provincial titles for the club – so it’s no real surprise she has taken to the game so well. “My dad played a lot when he was younger but gave it up for a while. When he came back he dragged me along and I loved it!

“I used to play football for Kilglass but handball is now my first love. I broke my nose playing football and then I wasn’t really doing anything in sport so decided to come and play handball,” she said. The Junior national winner is now firmly focused ahead of this weekend’s Wallball Nationals and has even found a new training partner. “My mind is on it now...it’s all I’m thinking about even when I wake up in the morning I’m thinking of it,” she said. “My brother Adam came back to handball only two months ago because we were telling him about the nationals and he kept telling me he could still beat me with no training done,” she laughs. “We have our own bit of a court at home and he did beat me during lockdown – with no training. But I got him back in here one day and that was the first time I beat him…now he has started taking it seriously again!”

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

SportsPeople

Ollie makes case for defence! Pictured is the Roscommon team and subs ahead of throw-in against Louth in Kinnegad on Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

GREAT DEFENSIVE PERFORMANCE KEY TO ROSCOMMON ADVANCE TG4 All-Ireland Ladies IFC quarter-final Roscommon 1-10 Louth 0-6 < SEAMUS DUKE

Top class defending was key to Roscommon’s victory in Sunday’s All-Ireland Ladies IFC quarter-final according to the

team’s manager, Ollie Lennon. Lennon was full of praise for his hard-working side after Roscommon defeated Louth by 1-10 to 0-6 in Kinnegad, thus advancing to the All-Ireland last four.

“It was always going to be tough on a day like today with the conditions the way they were” Lennon said, referring to the difficult weather faced by both teams. “We had looked at Louth and although they don’t score a lot they don’t concede much either so we were very happy to score 1-10. Our defending was top class today. We closed them down any time they threatened and it was the winning of the game”. The manager said that reaching a semi-final was the aim all along and that date with Wexford has now been secured.

“We have a nice bit of momentum built up. Our girls know that there is a big prize available at the end of the next match and we will concentrate hard on that now for the next two weeks”. Lennon agreed that Roscommon’s defensive display was the key to the victory. “It looked as if some of Louth’s shooting was rash out there but it was down to the pressure that our girls put on them throughout…that was the key”. An excellent all round team display from Roscommon saw them emerge seven-point winners in

‘We had to grind out the win’ – Natalie

Roscommon full-forward Natalie McHugh gave her reaction to People Sport. “The conditions today meant that it was not just about scoring. It wasn’t a day for fancy football. We had to grind out the win and keep the ball in hand – and that’s what we did. Scores were hard to come by at times but we were very patient and got the scores when we needed them”. The Kilglass Gaels player paid tribute to the management team and the mood in the camp. “The management of the team have been fantastic and there is a great atmosphere within the group. Everyone is pulling together and we are looking forward to the semi-final now”.

this quarter-final played in difficult conditions at CoralstownKinnegad on Sunday evening. While a fisted goal from Aisling Hanley a minute before the break was the crucial score from a Roscommon point of view, that excellent defensive display was the basis for this impressive victory. Rachel Brady, Roisin Wynne, Sinead Kenny and sweeper Caroline Conway were outstanding all through as Roscommon restricted Louth to very few clear goal chances. Down the other end of the field, Laura Fleming played a captain’s part, scoring six points. On a day of strong winds and squally showers scores were at a premium early on. Laura Fleming nipped in to score a fine point from play after only 40 seconds, but it was a full 20 minutes before we saw another score as both defences ruled the roost. Louth had more possession but they were restricted to shooting from long-range by the tenacious Roscommon defence. Indeed Louth amassed nine wides over the course of the game to Roscommon’s one. Jenny Shine increased Roscommon’s lead in the 21st minute but the Wee County girls hit back with points from Laura Collins (free) and Rebecca Carr by the

25th minute. In a decisive scoring burst, Roscommon tacked on 1-2 before the break. Fiona Tully scored two fine points from play in the 26th minute, and with a minute to go to half-time a great team move ended with Tully passing to Aisling Hanley who fisted to the Louth net. A late Collins free for Louth meant it was Roscommon 1-4 Louth 0-3 at half-time. A Laura Collins point from a free six minutes into the new half gave Louth some hope, but Roscommon then took over. Laura Fleming with two points (one a free), and another from sub Rosie Lennon saw the lead stretched to six – and now Roscommon were looking comfortable. Collins was on target for Louth with another free in the 50th minute, but two more pointed frees by the 55th minute from Roscommon captain Fleming kept the scoreboard ticking over. Laura Collins crashed a thunderbolt of a shot against the crossbar in the 59th minute and Lisa O’Rourke was sin-binned in injury-time, but Roscommon had done more than enough and now they will turn their attentions to a meeting with Wexford in the All-Ireland semi-final on Sunday week.

Teams & scorers Roscommon: Helena Cummins; Sinead Kenny, Rachel Fitzmaurice, Rachel Brady; Roisin Wynne, Aisling McAuliffe, Niamh Feeney; Lisa O’Rourke, Laura Fleming (0-6, 3 frees); Michaela McHugh, Jenny Shine (0-1), Fiona Tully (0-2); Aisling Hanley (1-0), Natalie McHugh, Caroline Conway. Subs: Rosie Lennon (0-1) for Hanley (43), Niamh Shanagher for Shine (45), Kaye Nolan for McAuliffe (53), Ellen Irwin for Tully (57). Louth: Rebecca Lambe-Fagan; Holly Lambe-Sally, Sarah Quinn, Eimear Murray; Ceire Nolan (0-1), Shannon McLoughlin, Aoife Russell; Aoife Halligan, Roisin Kavanagh; Hannah O’Neill, Ciara Woods, Rebecca Carr (0-1); Kate Flood, Eimear Byrne, Laura Collins (0-4, 3 frees). Subs: Jenny McCourt for O’Neill (40), Aine Breen for Lambe (44), Sarah Moore for Byrne (50), Seona Halligan for Woods (50), Kate Matthews for Russell (55). Referee: Gus Chapman (Sligo).

Stat Attack Wides: Roscommon 1 (first half ); Louth 9 (4, first half ) Red cards: 0 Yellow cards: Roscommon 1 (Lisa O’Rourke, 62); Louth 0 Player of the match: Rachel Brady (Roscommon) Attendance: 500 (approx.)

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

SportsPeople

U-16s’ All-Ireland dreams dashed by deadly Dubs The Roscommon team which played Dublin in the LGFA All-Ireland U-16 ‘A’ semi-final at Kinnegad yesterday evening (Wednesday). Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

LGFA All-Ireland U-16 ‘A’ Championship semi-final Dublin 7-9 Roscommon 1-12 < SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon U-16s Ladies may not be celebrating an All-Ireland final appearance but they can be very proud of the way they performed in what was a superbly entertaining semi-final played at Kinnegad last night (Wednesday). At the end of the day, Dublin were just

too strong, and their ability to get goals at vital stages was the difference in the end. But Deckie Walsh’s team played some marvellous football throughout and Aisling Shanagher, Erica Hagen, Siofra Hession and Shauna Walsh were outstanding for a very impressive Roscommon side who traded blows with Dublin in a terrific first half before the Dubs pulled away after the break. In front of a big crowd there was some marvellous football in the opening half. Elsa Joyce pulled first time in the 3rd minute for the Dubs’ first goal but Siofra

Hession replied with a terrific strike two minutes later and from there to the break it was tit for tat. The outstanding Joy Ralph scored two fine goals for the Dubs in the 11th and 21st minutes but Roscommon were always in the hunt and with Siofra Hession and Erica Hagen playing superbly around the centre, there were only three points in it at half-time: Dublin 3-4 Roscommon 1-7. Dublin’s ability to get goals when they needed them was the biggest story of the second half. Kate O’Toole, Anna

McGrath, Lucy Ahearn and the rampant Ralph all raised green flags. But the final scoreline was harsh on a Roscommon team who tried hard right to the finish and we will hear many of their names again in the future. Dublin: Niamh Barrog; Tessa Lambe, Elsa Kearney (1-2), Lucy Ahearn (1-2); Lily May Conaty, Aoife Robertson, Ellie Doyle; Joy Ralph (35, 1 free), Siobhan Birnie; Ellen Joyce (1-0), Ellen Leddy-Doyle, Rebecca Nolan; Naoise Koppel, Karrie Rudden, Leadan Murphy. Subs: Kate O’Toole

(1-0), Eimear Kehoe, Aisling Moran. Roscommon: Leah McCawley; Erica Jordan, Aisling Shanagher, Aloise Regan; Denise Duffy, Erica Hagen (02), Holly Rogers; Millie Hagen, Shauna Corrigan; Anna McGrath (0-2), Siofra Hession (1-2), Lilly Murray; Shauna Walsh (0-1), Cara Cox, Niamh Walsh (0-4 frees). Subs: Keeley Sammon for Corrigan (32), Lucy Sheffield (0-1) for Walsh (45), Hannah Murray for Jordan (50) Gillian Regan for L Murray (55), Vanessa Kielty for N Walsh (56). Referee: Gerry Canny (Mayo)

Roscommon’s Rachel Fitzmaurice pictured in action during the TG4 All-Ireland Intermediate Football Championship quarter-final against Louth in Kinnegad on Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon People Friday 01 July 2022

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