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02 October 2020
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‘Act now to avoid Phase 3 lockdown’
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The Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon has called on the people of Roscommon to bring Covid-19 cases in the county back under control and avoid a return to lockdown. Speaking to the Roscommon People (see page 8), Cllr. Fallon said there was an “urgent need” for the people of Roscommon to bring the situation back under control before the county was placed under Phase 3 lockdown restrictions. A stark rise in cases here has seen the county’s total rise to over 445. Fifteen new cases were confirmed here on Roscommon-Galway Constituency Tuesday, which was the largest daily increase in the county since May. There had been seven confirmed cases on Tuesday and eight on Monday. The 14-day incidence rate for the county, following 64 confirmed cases il Vótá between September 15th and Monday, 28th stood at 99.2 per 100,000 popuAlexandra and Arianna Lavin with pets Jessie and Ruby after Alexandra’s lation, well above the national rate of Communion Day in Tibohine on Saturday last. Picture: Mick McCormack 88.47.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
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Cerebralwww.bccsolicitors.ie Palsy & Birth Injury
How will I know if my child has a legal case for Cerebral Palsy or a birth injury? If it can be established that a mother’s pregnancy, labour and delivery was mismanaged by the delivery team and the injury to the baby’s brain could have been avoided, had competent medical treatment been given then certainly questions will need to be answered by the hospital and the delivery team. What is Cerebral Palsy? Cerebral Palsy is a disorder of motor function caused by an acquired injury to the brain as it is developing. It is important to understand that only a minute number of babies who suffer from Cerebral Palsy, do so, as a result of negligent care during the pregnancy, delivery or even from the neo – natal care provided. Cerebral Palsy can occur without negligence but the manner in which the pregnancy, delivery and neo – natal care is handled can often have an effect particularly if it is handled poorly. In these instances, if competent care had been provided then quite often the injury to the brain could have been avoided or at least significantly reduced. Numerous common complications can arise during pregnancy, delivery and in the immediate period afterward, unfortunately some of these are not properly addressed by medical staff.
People WATCHING With WithPAUL PAULHEALY HEALY
Back to the local…and the pub bore! That was exhausting! It’s meant to be RELAXING! It’s okay, my friend! Our first visit to the pub in well over six months was always likely to be different! It will take time…to settle back in! Wet pubs? I’m sweating with the pressure! It wasn’t THAT bad! Not THAT bad! It was #hard work! Did you just say hashtag? Yeah! Are you going to start putting that into everyday conversation? CYCLING ACCIDENT Nah! Good! (They because pausing during these If you werepause, involved in a cycling exchanges is contact something they do every week) accident Carolan TheByrne Pub Bore, he was shocking! It brought Cunningham Solicitors it all back! How tiresome he can be! It was hard luck on us that we ran into him… but he’s okay! Okay? I was there for half an hour before you arrived! I was stuck with The Pub Bore! What a comeback! Did you keep a metre apart? I wanted to be a pub apart! Yes, we socially distanced, but I got stuck with him for that half hour! You were talking to him for the half hour? I was LISTENING to him for the half hour! How is he? HE’S STILL BORING! How did he find lockdown? Oh, that’s the thing…he’s come up with all these daft ideas! Go on… He has time on his hands, he wasn’t able to go to the pub for six months, he’s had time to think! And… First invention he’s proposed: ABBA.
Endangered Species The barstool boyos
ABBA? The Swedish superstars? I don’t understand… ‘A Banana Bread alert’! Says he’s invented an alarm that goes off in the adjoining room once someone in the kitchen’s at an advanced stage of baking banana bread! Anything else? Yeah…DAD. Dad? What about Dad? ‘Dial a drink’. The Pub Bore gets that pizzas and takeaways and dinners being delivered is now established, now he’s thinking of creating a ‘Dial a drink’ service. You order a pint from your living room, and it’s delivered to your door! He’s joking? Dunno, I think he believes everything he says.
Anything else? Yeah…DREAM FOOTBALL. Sounds interesting! No, it’s crazy! Go on… Well, he said that people have been having strange dreams during lockdown… Yeah, he’s not wrong...and his solution is? Well, for men who are into football – or women – he says they need to have a TV in their room. Go on… They need to go to sleep with the remote control in their hand. Yeah… He reckons he can programme the remote… Go on… …so that when you wake up from a bad dream, your finger activates the remote to switch the TV on to a classic football match. That way, you aren’t affected or traumatised by the dream…you’re straight into dream football! (They pause to daydream about dream football) Still, it’s good to be back. It was nice, the two of us meeting up in the local again. It was brilliant! Different, but brilliant! We’ll meet up again, later this week. In the meantime, are you up to much? Nah, have a few days off… Excellent! How will you pass the time? Oh, I’m working on my own invention… BMW. BMW? Didn’t know you were into cars? Nah…it’s a BORING MAN WARNING! I’m going to get a pendant for you and me…no matter where we are in the world, an alarm will go off when The Pub Bore enters our local!
What we liked… Congrats to Padraig Pearses on winning an exciting County Senior Hurling final, and commiserations to a gallant Athleague team.
Autism / Global Developmental Delay Of interest also is a number of worldwide studies investigating possible links between birth trauma and conditions such as Global Developmental Delay, Autism etc . particularly in cases where other causes have been ruled out. These very issues were scheduled to come before the Irish Courts last year but the case concerned was settled by the HSE for substantial compensation beforehand.
What we didn’t like… The first American Presidential debate…a mess!
If you have concerns regarding your labour and the delivery of your child please contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham LLP Solicitors Medical Negligence Department in confidence on 090 6478433 to arrange an appointment at a date, time and location convenient to you.
What PEOPLE are talking about
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
Byrne Carolan Cunningham SOLICITORS
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PIC OF THE WEEK: Alicia Glynn, mum of official man of the match Daniel Glynn, retrieves the sliotar during the County Senior Hurling Final! Picture: Mick McCormack
Errors in the Leaving Certificate Calculated Grades process; ongoing Covid crisis; Trump v Biden.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
NewsPeople
CEO quotes Pope in backing fire service! < DAN DOONER
Roscommon County Council Chief Executive, Eugene Cummins, told Monday’s meeting at Áras an Chontae that the fire fighters who responded recently to a fire in Castlerea had his “full confidence and respect”. The chief executive was responding to claims made last month that the Ballaghaderreen Fire Service had taken thirty minutes to respond to a suspicious blaze at a dilapidated building opposite the closed Castlerea Fire Station. Mr. Cummins said it had taken the fire fighters
y’s Ti m o t h OWN AB B E Y T
seventeen minutes to attend the scene and not thirty minutes as claimed. Quoting Pope Francis, Mr. Cummins said that “gossiping is a worse plague than coronavirus” and described the fire fighters as “great people and honourable people”, urging them to ignore “lies and gossip”. Sinn Féin councillor Michael Mulligan concurred with the chief executive, calling on the fire fighters to “take a bow”. Fianna Fáil councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice said it was “terrible to think that some people would put them (fire service) in a light (where) they weren’t doing their job properly”.
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The building in Castlerea where fire fighters from Ballaghaderreen Fire Service recently responded to a fire.
Cat found with chest wounds has died < DAN DOONER
A cat which was discovered with severe injuries in Elphin recently, has died following an operation, the Roscommon Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has confirmed. The Roscommon SPCA had posted images on social media last week showing the cat’s horrific injuries, which were believed to have been caused by shotgun pellets. The cat had been found by a local family in the Elphin area who then contacted the Roscommon SPCA branch. According to Bridget Banham of the Roscommon SPCA, no shotgun pellet segments were found during an exploratory operation so the cause of the wounds could not be confirmed. She did, however, call on people in Roscommon to be vigilant of any similar cases. “We’ve sadly had a number of these cases in the last six or seven months. We had this cat on a drip for a couple of days and he had started to do well and so we went ahead with an operation to clean up the wounds. We did everything we could for him but unfortunately he passed away during recovery,” she said. Bridget thanked all those who had made donations to the Roscommon SPCA to aid the cat’s recovery. “We just want to thank people from the bottom our hearts for all donations whether big or small. We are so grateful to everyone. “Sadly this cat didn’t go on to a full recovery but we are always taking sick kittens in and this money will go towards providing them with the best care possible,” she said.
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Dining at the Abbey Hotel… Grealy’s four-star Abbey Hotel, Roscommon have reopened and are delighted to welcome back all our wonderful customers. We are serving delicious Carvery & Lounge Food daily. Carvery Lunch is served from 12.30 to 3 pm (Monday to Friday) and from 12.30 pm-4 pm at weekends. We are also offering diners an exciting newseason Lounge Food menu which is available 7 days from 3-9 pm. Booking is advised, especially at weekends. We are now also taking bookings for Afternoon Tea at the Abbey. Guests can enjoy a delightful
selection of sweet and savoury treats including chicken, cranberry and Pinwheel wraps, freshly-baked buttermilk scones and a selection of decadent desserts including mouth-watering chocolate truffle slices, summer berry crème patisserie tartlets and a fresh fruit meringue Nest. Add a glass of wine, a snipe of Prosecco or a non-alcoholic cocktail and make the most of our relaxing and luxurious ambience here at the Abbey this summer. A perfect setting for a girls’ day out in a safe and welcoming environment. Afternooon Tea (€23.50), is now available Tuesdays to Thursdays. Prior booking is
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Carvery and lounge food served daily. Also new Pizza menu available. The Abbey Hotel are an approved Failte Ireland Spend and Save Hotel, which means great savings for all our customers.
essential. Afternoon Tea Weekend bookings are available upon request. T&C apply based on minimum group bookings of 6 or more. New pizza menu available to dine in or for takeaway. Tel 090 6626240 or email events@abbeyhotel.ie * Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for further updates and details of special offers.
NEW ONLINE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE FOOD BOOKING SYSTEM AVAILABLE AT THE ABBEY HOTEL Booking your table in advance has never been easier. Customers can now book your table via our online resdiary feature.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
NewsPeople
AGM of Elphin Community Centre CLG
The AGM of Elphin Community Centre CLG will take place in the Community Centre on Thursday 22nd October at 8.00 p.m.
Who’s saying what on Tweet Street ... Paul Healy’s take on top tweets!
TEMPORARY CLOSING OF ROADS ROADS ACT 1993, SECTION 75 ROADS REGULATIONS 1994, ARTICLE 12 Roscommon County Council hereby gives notice of its intention to close the road referred to hereunder for the period and the reason specified. Road to be closed: L6635-15 Alternative Routes: Traffic will be diverted to L-1625-22 from its junction with L1635-15 to its junction with L-1627-0, L1627-0 onto L1627-20, L1627-20 to its junction with L6635-35 and L6635-35 to its junction with L6635-15 and vica versa. Period of Closure: The 19th of October 2020 until the 13th of November 2020. Reason for Road Closure: Laying of water mains along the public road as part of the Oran Ballintober Group Water Scheme pipe laying Contract. All necessary approach signage and diversion signage will be used at the required locations as per Traffic Management Plan. Residents will be contacted and notified directly by the Contractor in advance of the closure. Closures will be phased to ensure minimum disruption to locals. Map showing proposed closure/diversions are available on www.roscommoncoco.ie Objections may be made in writing to the undersigned in respect of the proposed temporary road closure to arrive not later than Wednesday 7th October 2020. Water Services, Roscommon County Council, Aras an Chontae, Roscommon F42 VR98
Robbie Kenny @robbiekenny123 Heard Charlie Carthy is charging €600 for private free kick sessions – Okay, this tweet is over a week old, but we liked it…(note from legal advisors: Oran hero Charlie’s NOT charging €600 for private free kick sessions!) Fiona Kenny @FionaKenny1 Micheál Martin calling Alan Kelly “the far left” this morning. What next? Calling the Healy Raes Antifa? – Surely not? Eric Garcia @EricG1247 #PresidentialDebate if that’s how trump acts on national television imagine him behind closed doors – Reaction to THAT debate
Presidential Debate ... Joe Biden and Donald Trump
Ciara | Ciaraíoch @Ciaraioch Deep respect for the consistency of my father who, despite having it livestreamed into his own sitting room every Sunday, still manages to be late for mass. – We presume he doesn’t have to put up with ‘lads’ chatting down the back!
Gavan Reilly @gavreilly Jerry Springer, except everyone’s wearing suits. #PresidentialDebate2020 – Pretty fair comment! Jill Filipovic @JillFilipovic Men are too emotional to be president – Ouch! (Upsetting, actually!)
Tommy Conlon @TConlonthecouch Ffs. Mary McAleese still banging on
about the Church, like anyone cares anymore – The Leitrim man who toiled in the journalistic fields in Roscommon once upon a time fires off a slightly provocative tweet about the one-time President who now lives in Roscommon! Andrew Harris @zingonathome Morning...just in case you needed reminding, Boris Johnson and his horrific horde of hooray Henrys are heaving the country down a hopeless hole of horrors – Meanwhile, back in the troubled UK, Labour appear to have bagged another vote ftballmood @anantahutabarat Only Manchester United can get a penalty when the game isn’t even being played anymore #BHAMUN BRIGHTON – Thanks to VAR, Manchester United were awarded a penalty a few minutes AFTER full-time in their game against Brighton…talk about Fergie time!!
Kilduff ‘fed up’ with Lough Funshinagh debate Five houses ‘could be flooded’ < DAN DOONER
Mr. Liam McMullin (right) pictured with his colleague Mr. Mohamed Eldin on his retirement from Roscommon University Hospital on Friday, September 18th.
Hospital bids farewell to Mr Liam McMullin Mr. Liam McMullin, Consultant General Surgeon, has retired from Roscommon University Hospital following seventeen years of excellent and committed service to the hospital. Mary Garvey, Hospital Manager, said: “Mr. McMullin was a key member of the Hospital Management Team and played an integral role in the development of surgical services over the years. In particular, he played a pivotal part in the opening of
the Endoscopy Unit in 2016, and the development of the world class JAG accredited service that the unit now provides. “His legacy at the hospital will be long remembered through his role in development of new services and for training many surgical doctors who now work in health services across the world. “The management and staff of the hospital wish Mr. McMullin a long and well earned happy retirement”.
Independent councillor Donal Kilduff says he is “fed up” debating the issue of flooding at Lough Funshinagh and described the cost-benefit analysis carried out by the Office of Public Works regarding a solution to the issue as “flawed”. Addressing Monday’s Athlone Municipal meeting in Áras an Chontae, Cllr. Kilduff, the Cathaoirleach for the area, said: “I am sixteen months as a public representative and I’m sixteen months coming here to Áras an Chontae listening to and debating the issue of Lough Funshinagh and I am completely fed up with it. “There are six elected public representatives in the Athlone Municipal Area and we all agree that essential works are necessary at Lough Funshinagh to avoid mass displacement. This is not populism; I am certain, based on current water levels, that if we get a wet winter there will be at least five houses flooded this winter.
Who is going to take responsibility of evaluating and deciding on such a for it? project locally?” he asked. “We are being told here today nothThe Lecarrow councillor said Ireing will be done because the cost- land should look to countries such as benefit ratio is not where it needs Denmark and adopt a “stronger local to be to warrant action; but we all government and real autonomy at loagreed when the cost-benefit analysis cal level” so that locally-elected repwas first published that it was flawed resentatives could play a bigger part because the OPW cost template at- in decision making. tributed absurdly low costs against “We need a properly funded model agricultural land and private dwell- of local government where resources ings”. are distributed at local government Cllr. Kilduff was also critical of the level in accordance with a national lack of attendance of OPW officials policy of balanced regional develat the meeting. opment. If we had such a system of “When we collectively requested government the issue at Lough Funthe OPW to attend our municipal shinagh would be resolved several meeting to engage constructively years ago,” he concluded. on the issue we were told that they do not have the resources to attend municipal meetings. Is this a representative democracy or a centrally controlled bureaucratic dictatorship? “Why is a bureaucrat in Leinster and a body with such limited resources deciding the fate of a relatively simple infrastructure project in Roscommon when we have pubic officials in Roscommon County Council with top class multi-disciplinary competencies and an elected body capable Independent councillor Donal Kilduff
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
NewsPeople
Local Enterprise Office Roscommon announces ‘National Women’s Enterprise Day’ “We’re stronger together” was the message from Local Enterprise Office Roscommon at the announcement of events to mark National Women’s Enterprise Day on Wednesday, October 14th. The Local Enterprise Office initiative, now in its 14th year, was launched by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, and is being funded by the Government of Ireland in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Local Authorities. Figures released by Local Enterprise Offices to coincide with the launch reveal that 20,551 female participants took part in training programmes with the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in the first six months of 2020, an increase of 58% over the same period last year. There is also greater demand for mentoring support this year. The interactive events on October 14th for National Women’s Enterprise Day are moving online to LocalEnterprise.ie/NWED and the big themes this year are resilience, selfcare, innovation and opportunity. All events in the programme are free of charge and include workshops with experts, panel discussions, a virtual marketplace and facilitated
reer and I’m encouraged to see such a significant increase – 58%, taking up the training programmes that are available. Training and mentorship can make a huge difference to any entrepreneur starting out on what can often be a lonely journey, and I encourage all women considering setting up their own business to contact their Local Enterprise Office to see how they can help you”.
Louise Ward of Local Enterprise Office Roscommon said: “On National Women’s Enterprise Day on October 14th, we want to show businesses that we’re ‘Stronger Together’. We also want to show how small changes can make big impacts, how we can learn from each other, how small businesses can cultivate innovation and how international markets
can offer new opportunities. Registration is now open and events are free to join so I would encourage local businesswomen and aspiring female entrepreneurs to join us online for a day of education, inspiration and motivation!” Other contributors on the day include Siobhan Kinsella of Chambers Ireland, Alison Richie of Polar Ice, Joanne Hession of LIFT Ireland, Tracy Keogh of
Grow Remote, Larissa Feeney of Accountant Online, Deirdre Parkinson of Microfinance Ireland as well as Sheelagh Daly, Anne Lanigan and Marina Donohoe of Enterprise Ireland. * For more information on National Women’s Enterprise Day and to pre-register for the free events, go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/ nwed or search #NWED on social media.
Roscommon Artist Úna Burke, (Fashion Accessories Designer) – pictured above with Emmett and Leo – will tell her story.
networking to connect more entrepreneurs with each other. Entrepreneurs who will be sharing their insights and journeys include Olympian-turned-company founder Derval O’Rourke, Sonia Deasy of the Irish global skincare brand, Pestle & Mortar, Pamela Laird of Moxi Loves who was a finalist on BBC’s The Apprentice, and Áine Kerr, the
co-founder of Kinzen and RTÉ broadcaster, who is also the MC for the day. An Tánaiste, who will be delivering the opening address on National Women’s Enterprise Day, said: “The ‘Stronger Together’ message for National Women’s Enterprise Day has never been more important. The Government is determined to help more women pursue entrepreneurship as a ca-
Councillors vote to maintain Local Property Tax rate < DAN DOONER
Roscommon county councillors voted in favour of maintaining the current Local Property Tax (LPT) rate at Monday’s monthly meeting, meaning households will pay the same amount in 2021. Thirteen of eighteen councillors voted to retain last year’s level of LPT at its current level of 15 percent. A reduction would have created a deficit of just over €1 million (€1,000,069). CEO Eugene Cummins had warned that a reduction in the rate would have resulted in massive cuts in spending on services such as public amenity and graveyard maintenance, swimming pools and match funding for community and voluntary projects. Mr. Cummins said not maintaining the LPT rate would mean there was “no way forward”. He intimated that it would be difficult for elected members to explain to communities why funding
was unavailable for projects in 2021. Independent councillor Tony Ward had opposed maintaining the current rate along with three other Independent councillors and Sinn Féin’s Michael Mulligan. He called on Roscommon County Council to seek financial support from the Government, claiming that the local authority had been denied up to €100 million in roads funding in recent years. “Ratepayers have received a bail-out from the Government (during Covid-19 pandemic) so I can’t see any reason why Roscommon County Council can’t be bailed out too,” he said. Fellow Independent Ivan Connaughton supported Cllr. Ward’s stance, saying that the current rate was actually an increase on previous years. He claimed that there would be a backlash from people who had been adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Cllr. John Cummins had proposed maintaining the current rate and was one of thirteen councillors to support the move. He described a presentation by Director of Services, Martin Lydon, detailing the local authority’s position ahead of its upcoming Budget as “very grave”. Fianna Fáil Cllr. Orla Leyden asked where funding would be found if not through LPT. “Nobody wants to see services cut so the Local Property Tax needs to be maintained at 2020 levels. We have to be realistic…services will be lost”. Her party colleague Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice said there was “no option” but to maintain the current rate, describing the issue as “far too serious for councillors to be playing politics with”. The motion to maintain the current Local Property Tax rate was carried by thirteen votes to five following a short adjournment of proceedings on Monday afternoon.
Cllr. John Cummins
Cllr. Orla Leyden
Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
PAUL HEALY’S WEEK A column by Roscommon People editor
paul@roscommonpeople.ie
Saturday
turned to her car to resume her journey. She drove off, with the Roscommon afternoon traffic following. This lady is our ‘Thoughtful Person of the Week’!
Social media is buzzing with less than brilliant footage of what is quickly labelled a ‘wonder goal’ by Kerry star David Clifford. Clifford was playing for East Kerry against Mid Kerry in the Kerry County Final. I can only assume that Gaels in South and North Kerry were quaking in their non-activated boots when they saw the goal. Clifford, who received the ball from a human being and was then briefly confronted by an opposing human being, merely moved into his Superhuman guise and lashed a remarkable shot on the turn past a goalkeeper who was still (not unreasonably) wondering what might happen next. It was too late. It had happened. Social media viewers pretty much knew about the goal as quickly as the poor Mid Kerry ‘keeper did. What made it really special in my view is the fact that Clifford had both his feet off the ground as the ball crashed into the net. That doesn’t happen with most goals, does it? Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear an East Kerry jersey…
Later on Monday The Virgin Media 5.30 pm News cuts to the familiar evening press conference. Dr. Ronan Glynn (who is playing a stormer in his role as Acting Chief Medical Officer) informs the media – and the nation – of the latest ‘figures’. That normally inoffensive word – ‘figures’ – is not so likeable these days! (We surely have reached a point now where we should be having the proverbial ‘debate’ about whether or not it’s wise to continue with this daily focus on ‘the figures’ – it’s tormenting some people). Anyways, Dr. Ronan was doing his thing, and suddenly he threw Roscommon into the mix. Dublin and Donegal are already subject to extra restrictions, and there has been speculation about the fate of Cork, Galway and one or two other counties. Unfortunately, Roscommon and Monaghan are now the subject of concern due to rising numbers of confirmed Covid-19 cases. The text messages and tweets begin to zing around. People are alarmed. We knew Roscommon was having ‘a bad week’ on the Covid front – but are we facing a new lockdown?
Later on Saturday Passing by (no reservation), we popped into the renowned Cox’s Steakhouse in Dromod. It’s always a pleasure. Thankfully, we got a table! The relevant Covid restrictions were all in place, very well organised and adhered to. It’s great to see businesses like Cox’s Steakhouse emerging from the wilderness of lockdown and getting back to doing what they do so well. I know that operating in the Covid era is a huge challenge for the hospitality industry. The businesses in question need our support. I was also in Dromod’s other two fine public houses/restaurants recently (The Brandywell and The Copper Still). We wish the management and staff in both every success too. Congratulations to Derek and family in The Copper Still. This cosy and attractive bar/restaurant has received a beautiful makeover in recent weeks, and is well worth a visit. Meanwhile, back in Cox’s on Saturday evening, we opted for steak. Well, it is a steakhouse. And a famous one at that. The steak was great!
Saturday/Sunday I hardly ever hear Brendan O’Connor on the radio, but caught parts of two interesting interviews over the weekend. Rory O’Connor is the creator and star of ‘Rory’s stories’ – a big hit on social media – and has now written an autobiography (‘Rory’s Story: My Unexpected Journey to Self Belief’). I haven’t seen that many of Rory’s sketches/
Fans pictured at the County Senior Hurling Final between Padraig Pearses and Athleague. Picture: Mick McCormack
videos – I know he was busy producing them during lockdown – and intend to catch up now. He was a very interesting and likeable guest. Rory has recovered from gambling addiction and low self-esteem. In fact, he was in the proverbial gutter just a few years ago. Now he’s carving out a successful career in comedy. He came across as a thoroughly nice guy and it was lovely to hear how he has found happiness and peace of mind. Finding happiness was also on the agenda for Michael Harding, a guest with Brendan on RTE Radio 1 on Sunday. The prolific writer – now living in these parts – has yet another new book out (‘What is Beautiful in the Sky’). A little worryingly, Michael – philosopher/writer/commentator/humourist – suggested to Brendan that true happiness cannot be found on this earth. I’m paraphrasing, but Michael essentially made the point that when we experience a certain level of happiness/achievement, we invariably want more. Of course that’s a view that many people will identify with! Although his ‘message’ can be inconsistent – part of his appeal is his constant experimentation with different religions – Michael’s generally a wonderful guest on TV/radio. Ultimately, he’s a positive man – “I’m a man of faith” he told Brendan
– and a captivating, compassionate, and soothing voice – a national treasure, in fact.
Monday There was a traffic jam at Circular Road, Roscommon at noon today. I was driving towards the office – Topline Ward’s on my left – when I noticed the traffic opposite me wasn’t moving. Interesting, well unusual certainly, for 12 o’clock on a Monday. Then I noticed why…a car was stopped beside Norio’s/the optician’s…stopped and ‘abandoned’, and with a string of vehicles behind it. Then I noticed why the car was stopped! The driver had got out and was helping an elderly man to cross the road. Slowly and carefully, with a smile, the lady chaperoned the slightly frail man across from town centre to the business park opposite. And the lady was in no hurry. And nobody – rightly – seemed to mind. There were no beeping horns (can’t imagine what the response might have been in some places)… every other motorist just waited. Time stood still, kindness scoring a decisive win over the hurlyburly of 21st century life. When she had her good deed done, the lady re-
Tuesday/Wednesday I stayed up until just after 3 am watching two elderly men hurl insults at one another as a younger man tried to keep the peace. The last time that happened was probably in the late 1980’s when I was working behind the counter in a bar at Christmas. This time, I got their names – Donald and Joe. I’ve no idea if they’re feeling sheepish or apologetic this morning…in fact, rumour has it they’re gonna square up again!
“
The last time that happened was probably in the late 1980’s when I was working behind the counter in a bar at Christmas.
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The Salon celebrates three years in business! It’s all style and smiles at popular Castlerea salon! ‘The Salon’ in Castlerea is celebrating three years in business! It’s been a very successful three years for proprietor Sinéad Lally and her team of stylists, with The Salon going from strength to strength since first opening to the public on the 3rd of October 2017. Proprietor Sinéad Lally outlines the great range of services at this spacious, state-of-the-art salon. “We provide the highest quality products, including Joico, Alfaparf, Moroccan Oil, colour Wow, Revlon and Osis. We also offer a large range of hair extensions, including Belle, Great Lengths and Tape extensions, which
The modern, clean, spacious and friendly interior of The Salon in Castlerea town.
can accommodate all budgets. “Contrary to popular belief, extensions are not just for length, they are also used for adding thickness and volume to fine and even short hair. They are commonly applied to fill out the sides of your hair to give a fuller look and appearance – holding a curl better and giving more self-esteem and confidence”. Another service which has proven to be very popular in The Salon is the 12-week blow-dry. The team at The Salon have received amazing feedback from all clients who have availed of this service. This keratin treatment is designed to strengthen hair, calm frizz, smooth curls and cut your blow drying and styling time in half! If you have ‘unmanageable’, ‘unruly/frizzy’ hair, this service is for you! With their in-house colour masters technician, rest assured you’ll be in safe hands with all your colour, highlighting, and balayage needs. Expanding services Sinéad says: “We are continuously upskilling and training to provide to a wide range of services. Our aim in the coming months is to have a full scalp and wig clinic available to our clients. Whilst expanding our hair services, we also have an in-salon make-up artist and lash extensionist available on Saturdays and upon request (contact Kathy Connaughton, MUA on social media). “We have Joico and Alfaparf gift sets in The Salon which are exceptional value for money and a lovely gift for someone special”. Meanwhile, a Christmas Club is now open at The Salon. This innovation
Left to right: Anne Flanagan, Sheena Mulleady, Sinéad Lally (proprietor), Philomena McCrudden and Noelle Tynan.
provides customers with a chance to reserve products, gifts and vouchers and pay as much or as little as they like in the run-up to Christmas. A word of thanks Sinéad Lally and all at The Salon want to thank the public for such great support over the past three years. Sinéad says: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our lovely clients whom we have got to know so well over the last three years. “We appreciate your valued custom now more than ever since returning to work. We look forward to continued success in the future and we welcome all new clients to The Salon”. Contact us! To make an appointment or for any enquiries contact us on 094 9620596 and don’t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thesaloncastlerea.
Proprietor Sinéad Lally of The Salon in Castlerea.
‘A safe and enjoyable experience for all’ Covid-19 measures…
Sinéad has taken extensive measures to ensure the health and safety of all staff and clients. On arrival, every customer is given a medical face mask, asked to sanitise their hands thoroughly, and to complete a contact tracing form before service begins. Disposable gowns, towels and capes are used throughout the provision of each service. Disposable cups are offered for tea and coffee. The Salon also has colour developing rooms upstairs in order to ensure that social distancing is maintained at all times. Sinead’s aim is to make being in The Salon a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The Salon
The Salon, Castlerea are running a competition on Facebook and Instagram! All details on how to enter are on the post
Patrick Street, Castlerea Telephone: 094 9620596
Celebrating three years in business!
To make an appointment or for any enquiries contact us on 094 9620596 and don’t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @thesaloncastlerea Opening hours: 9 am-6 pm Tuesday-Saturday inclusive
Thank you to all our loyal customers Take care and stay safe from Sinéad and all at The Salon
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County gets reprieve but lockdown fears remain < DAN DOONER
County Roscommon was given something of a reprieve on Wednesday with news that it wasn’t included in the fifteen counties where five or more Covid cases were identified, though the county’s current 14-day incidence rate suggests some cases were recorded. However, fears over a Phase 3 lockdown still remain in the county due to a recent rise in confirmed cases in Roscommon, with the total number of cases here now at over 445. Fifteen new cases were confirmed in Roscommon on Tuesday, which was the largest daily increase in the county since May. There had been seven confirmed cases on Monday and eight on Sunday. The 14-day incidence rate for the county,
following 64 confirmed cases between September 15th and Monday, 28th stood at 99.2 per 100,000 population, well above the national rate of 88.47. Yesterday (Wednesday), it was announced that there had been 429 new cases and one new death nationally, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the country to 36,155 and the death toll to 1,804. Local politicians, including Senator Eugene Murphy and Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Laurence Fallon, have this week called on the public to play their part in the fight against Covid-19. The National Public Health Emergency Team is due to meet today (Thursday) and are expected to discuss whether further restrictions are needed in counties such as Cork, Galway, Roscommon and Monaghan.
Covid cases stop play in Roscommon town < DAN DOONER
Roscommon Gaels GAA Club in Roscommon town was forced to temporarily suspend all club activities on Tuesday following news that a playing member had tested positive for Covid-19. The club took to Twitter on Wednesday, however, to confirm that following a “thorough risk assessment by the HSE” it was free to resume club activities with immediate effect. The club said it was very aware of the rising number of cases in the local community and was prepared to suspend activities again in the event of further cases associated with the club. The club tweeted: “We commend our player for coming forward so quickly and we wish
them a speedy recovery to full health. We also want to acknowledge their team management who had handled their team affairs in compliance with public health and return to play guidelines in the run-up to the test result”. Roscommon Gaels also paid tribute to the HSE and the club’s Covid Response committee and called on members to follow public health guidelines and remain vigilant. News of confirmed cases in Roscommon Gaels GAA Club and CBS Roscommon prompted Roscommon United Football Club to cancel all midweek club activity in Lisnamult as a precautionary measure. Club Chairman, Tom Holian, told the Roscommon People the club was “erring on the side of caution” following a rise in local cases. “The decision was taken after the club was
< DAN DOONER
The Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon has called on the people of Roscommon to play their part in bringing Covid-19 cases in the county back under control. Speaking to the Roscommon People, Cllr. Fallon said there was an “urgent need” for the people of Roscommon to bring the situation back under control before the county was placed under Phase 3 lockdown restrictions. “There is an urgent need for the public to understand that there is a high risk of Roscommon moving into Phase
3 lockdown which will mean substantial restrictions on movement and business in the county. “We all need to reduce our daily contacts by half and to be extra-vigilant in the wearing of masks while also continuing to wash our hands,” he said. Cllr. Fallon said the rate at which Covid-19 cases had risen in the past two weeks was “alarming” but it was still possible to reverse the trend. “I am appealing to the public to be mindful that we are at the wrong end of the scale. There is a clear pathway to how this disease can spread but also a clear pathway to how we can
bring it under control. We can do this by working together, remaining vigilant and being aware that we all have the potential to carry this disease,” he said. The Cathaoirleach urged anyone experiencing any of the symptoms of Covid-19 to contact their GP immediately. He reminded those being sent for a Covid test to self-isolate, warning that symptoms can still appear following a negative result. “If you feel unwell it’s important to self-isolate while waiting for the results of a test. It is also important to self-isolate for a period of 14 days (in the event of a positive result) and
for those in your household to limit their movements while you are waiting to be tested,” he said. Cllr. Fallon said the guidelines around testing were clear and that citizens must work with the authorities in order to stop the spread. “A county like Roscommon, with a low population density and all the outdoor spaces we have, shouldn’t be in the position we are in. “I’m calling on individuals to do it for themselves and to do it for the common good so that together we can bring this situation under control over the next few days and weeks,” he concluded.
A number of businesses voluntarily closed in Elphin last week following a suspected Covid-19 outbreak in the town which was believed to be linked to a social gathering in a pub in the area. The Health Service Executive issued a press release last Thursday to confirm that the Department of Public Health had been made aware of cases of Covid-19 infection in the north Roscommon area, including the wider Elphin area. The HSE said a public health risk assessment had been undertaken and close contacts of confirmed cases would be contacted and advised accordingly.
Rapid Covid testing piloted in Roscommon
made aware of a confirmed case in Roscommon Gaels GAA Club. Many of our players would also play with the Gaels and our facilities are in close proximity. “It seemed like the sensible thing to do in light of the current situation in Roscommon and our club felt it was better to be safe than sorry in this instance as we await further updates regarding the overall picture in Co. Roscommon later this week. “As a club, we would like to take this opportunity to wish those who have tested positive for Covid-19 a speedy recovery and remind players and members to be vigilant and continue to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines. “We are all in this together as a community and it’s up to all of us to keep ourselves and others safe,” he said.
Cathaoirleach: We can stop Covid spread!
Elphin businesses close voluntarily due to outbreak
An Irish company has begun weekly rapid Covid-19 testing on an entire rural village in County Roscommon as part of a pilot programme which includes 12 other organisations including two secondary schools, Tallaght Hospital and a chauffeur firm. The testing is being carried out by The Roqu Group, which is run by former IDA executive Robert Quirke, and results will be monitored by the HSE. The test, which is said to have 97% accuracy, involves a nasal swab and a blood test for antibodies and provides results in 15 minutes. Speaking on RTÉ Radio One on Monday, Robert Quirke, chief executive of The Roqu Group, said the County Roscommon village was chosen because of “one very special person”. He added that the testing was being used at Frankfurt, Rome and Dusseldorf Airports and had been rolled out to 60 countries. Mr. Quirke said the test would be available for less than €20. Infectious diseases consultant, Professor Sam McConkey was quick to temper expectations however. Prof. McConkey told listeners that there was no guarantee that a test being used “here and there” actually works well.
‘Students and families getting fleeced’ Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has said that Government inaction has led to students and their parents handing over thousands of euro for accommodation they are unlikely to use and extortionate fees for a reduced learning experience. Deputy Kerrane said: “Last week in the Dáil I asked that Minister Harris intervene as parents and students, who had contacted me, were under huge pressure from colleges to pay up for accommodation. “It is outrageous that the Government has sat on its hands while hard-earned money was demanded from students for accommodation when all indications were that public health would require them to stay at home and do their learning online. “Even when Dublin went to Level 3, no announcement was made. It was not until late on Fri-
day afternoon, when all campus accommodation was paid, did Minister Harris come out and advise all learning to be conducted online”. Deputy Kerrane continued: “As we follow the Covid outbreaks in Scottish and English universities, where hundreds of students remain in isolation in Dundee, Liverpool and Manchester, we need to act quickly to protect the health of 174,000 third level students. “How are we going to ensure that the educational experience is a positive one and the quality of learning is preserved? “This must be done in partnership with students, staff, unions and Government. At least 11 universities in England and Scotland, as well as Queens University Belfast, have organised their own testing, tracing and tracking system”.
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Alana raises €11,000 in memory of her mam
WORKING HARD FOR YOU
CLAIRE
< DAN DOONER
A Lecarrow Leaving Certificate student recently raised a total of €11,000 for Cancer Care West in memory of her mother, who sadly passed away last month. Alana Broderick, a sixth year student in Our Lady’s Bower in Athlone, started fundraising following the death of her mother, Denise, at the age of just 41 in September. “My mam Denise was diagnosed at the start of this year. Cancer Care West were with
mam, supporting her in any way they could through her fight with cancer. She passed away on the 6th of September and I decided to do the fundraiser for my 18th birthday in honour of the wonderful woman she was. “In total, €11,000 was raised just in time for my birthday. To see the whole community, my family and friends pull together to help me reach my fundraising goal was the best birthday present I could have asked for. I would like to thank everyone
who donated and helped me achieve my goal and helped to honour mam’s life,” Alana explained. Funds raised will go towards Cancer Care West, a charity which is dedicated to providing patient-focussed support for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis. The charity aims to provide a full service that complements medical treatment through the provision of residential accommodation and support service.
Please phone my office for an appointment
KERRANE TD
Main Street, Ballaghaderreen. Tel. 094 9861688 : 087 194 5254 Bridge St, Ballinasloe. Tel. 090 9644901 : claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie claire.kerrane@oireachtas.ie Email:
KEEP UP TO DATE ON Alana Broderick (second from right) pictured with her mother Denise (RIP), sister Katie (14), and dad Gerry at home in Lecarrow.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
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G
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Danni’s Bellator winning streak continues! < DAN DOONER
Rathbrennan MMA fighter, Danni Neilan, took her Bellator record to three wins from three fights with a second round submission of French opponent, Claire Lopez, in Milan on Saturday night. Neilan, who finished her opponent by rear naked choke in the fourth minute of round two, now has her sights set on a title fight with the organisation. “I was ecstatic to get the finish. This fight was very different to my previous fights because the commentators were speaking about me being top of the Strawweight division. “There is currently no belt in this division but I’m hoping that the more finishes I get and the more noise around me will mean Bellator will let me fight for a belt or let me move on,” she said. The 30-year-old fighter has one fight left in a four-fight deal and has previously stated her desire to retire from fighting at the age of 35. “I’ve got one more fight in this deal in February and then I’m on a four-year countdown. Either we renegotiate with Bellator or I’ll have to think about stepping away to another organisation. “I’d much rather keep going with Bellator for six or eight more fights and win a belt with them. They’ve found me experienced opponents every single time and Claire was my toughest opponent so far. I’m expecting another step up in February,” she said. Danni, who received four Covid-19 tests in the run-up to Saturday’s fight, was pleased with how preparations for the event in Italy went. “Everything went to plan and the travel to
Pictured on their farm in Glenamaddy recently were Tom and Kathleen Burke with their grandchildren Sophie, Conor and Dylan Mitchell and donkeys Harmony, Bella and Ben. Tom and Kathleen’s other grandchildren, James and Thomas Connolly, who couldn’t make it to the photoshoot due to lockdown in Dublin, are also excited by the new arrivals! Pic: Marty Ward
Roscommon Bellator fighter, Danni Neilan, recently announced a new sponsorship deal with Panoptic Consultancy Group, which has allowed her to move fulltime into the world of MMA. Picture: Stuart Hayes.
Milan was grand. I was tested and quarantined before the fight and we were confined to the hotel and the arena for the week. I was tested twice over there before the fight and I’ve been tested in Ireland too. “I suppose you can’t really complain about the swabs when you’re getting into a cage with someone who wants to punch you in the nose!”
Donkey double in Glenamaddy! < DAN DOONER
There was a double celebration on the farm of Tom and Kathleen Burke at Keelogues, Glenamaddy on Saturday, September 12th when Harmony the donkey gave birth to twin foals. Mother and her two new arrivals, Bella and Ben, are doing fine, according to Kathleen. “They are doing really well. They will be fourweeks-old this Saturday and they are very ac-
tive, playing and fighting like kids,” she said. It is an extremely rare occurrence with only around 1.5% of donkeys giving birth to twins and just 10% of twins surviving. Kathleen says timing was everything when it came to the arrival of first, Bella, and then Ben. “She foaled between 11 am and 12 pm on the Saturday which is unusual. Normally they give birth late at night. There was someone there with her when she foaled which meant that there was more chance of both foals surviving,” she said.
GREEN FLAG FOR BALLAGHADERREEN COMMUNITY GARDEN! Members of Ballaghaderreen’s Community Garden pictured celebrating recently following the announcement that the facility has been awarded a Green Flag by An Taisce in the Community Gardens and Parks category. The Green Flag recognises good environmental practices, bio-diversity and pollination management plans. Members of the public are invited to drop in and visit the Ballaghaderreen Community Garden, which is located on the grounds of SuperValu in the town. Pic: Mick McCormack
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Goodbye to a great institution which leaves a gold-tinted legacy < PAUL HEALY
Maybe some day someone will write ‘The confessions of a lastminute (male) shopper and their visits to MJ Farrell Jewellers’! For many men – some of them flustered, some calm (even knowledgeable), all of them confident of the wisdom of their decision to call there – Christmas Eve will never be the same again! Most People readers are probably aware by now that an era ended in Roscommon Town last Saturday with the lamented closing of the doors at MJ Farrell Jewellers. To say it’s an institution in the town is to state the obvious. Much-loved by generations of families, Farrell’s has been at the heart of commercial life in Roscommon Town for over a century. Its success over the decades – built on an ethos of friendliness and commitment to excellence – meant Farrell’s was central to the commercial life of our great county town, while growing into one of the most renowned jewellery stores in the country. The landmark premises had a
great ambience, a sense of character. The moment you walked into the building in Church Street you could feel a sense of history, of tradition. What really made it so special and popular – well, along with the range of jewellery and assorted products – was the people behind the counter. Customers were always made feel very welcome. There was expert advice, patience…the staff unfailingly friendly. I have some experience of calling in during Christmas Week
– maybe even on Christmas Eve – invariably the crowds of shoppers/browsers were effortlessly put at ease and catered for. Overseeing it all was the genial Aidan Farrell, a gentleman to his fingertips (and wise in his job). If anyone is looking for the definition of unruffled, they might do well to recall Aidan in his pomp on a busy, buzzing afternoon there. When I moved to work in Roscommon in 1988, it was to
Church Street, which was brimming with character and fun. The Roscommon Champion was then based there, a couple of doors up from Farrell’s. Over the years, Aidan and Joan Farrell have been central to community life here. Back in the late 1990’s when we were launching the County Roscommon People of the Year Awards, I asked Aidan if he’d consider sponsoring the event. He responded positively and enthusiastically, his support of the annual Awards in subsequent
years marked by boundless generosity. We thought MJ Farrell’s would be there forever. We might have thought the same about the Champion. The years passed, mercilessly! Fiona and I moved from the Champion and established the People. Bumping into Aidan, albeit a little less than before, has always been a pleasure. For lots of men, coming to value the advice of Aidan when a special occasion was imminent became routine! The place is
Book launch today in aid of Join Our Boys
SUNDAY GOSPEL REFLECTION Sunday October 4 In today’s Gospel Jesus returns to the Old Testament symbol of the vineyard to teach about Israel, the Church, and the kingdom of God. And the symbolism of today’s First Reading and Psalm is readily understood. God is the owner and the house of Israel is the vineyard. A cherished vine, Israel was plucked from Egypt and transplanted in a fertile land specially spaded and prepared by God, hedged about by the city walls of Jerusalem, watched over by the towering Temple. But the vineyard produced no good grapes for the wine, a symbol for the holy lives God wanted for His people. So God allowed His vineyard to be overrun by foreign invaders, as Isaiah foresees in the First Reading. Jesus picks up the story where Isaiah leaves off, even using Isaiah’s words to describe the vineyard’s wine press, hedge, and watchtower. Israel’s religious leaders, the tenants in His parable, have learned nothing from Isaiah or Israel’s past. Instead of producing good fruits, they’ve killed the owner’s servants, the prophets sent to gather the harvest of faithful souls. In a dark foreshadowing of His own crucifixion outside Jerusalem, Jesus says the tenants’ final outrage will be to seize the owner’s son, and to kill him outside the vineyard walls. For this, the vineyard, which Jesus calls the kingdom of God, will be taken away and given to new tenants – the leaders of the Church, who will produce its fruit. We are each a vine in the Lord’s vineyard, grafted onto the true vine of Christ (see John 15:1–8), called to bear fruits of the righteousness in Him (see Philippians 1:11) and to be the “first fruits” of a new creation (see James 1:18). We need to take care that we don’t let ourselves be overgrown with the thorns and briars of worldly anxiety. As today’s Epistle advises, we need to fill our hearts and minds with noble intentions and virtuous deeds, rejoicing always that the Lord is near. – Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (Courtesy of Sacred Heart Church)
very, very special too for countless couples. MJ Farrell’s is synonymous with thousands of joyous occasions. Customers across many generations have returned time and time again. Then last Saturday, the curtain came down – and suddenly a great era is at an end. A new start awaits for Aidan & Joan and their now grown-up family. Paddy Joe was on hand to mark the occasion with some wise words. Business colleagues, friends and local residents gathered to acknowledge the milestone, to pay tribute to what’s been. The people of Roscommon will miss this great family business, which was so central to the ebb and flow of life in our town. The memories of the joy it gave will remain, as will the image of Aidan at work there… an absolute gentleman with a friendly word for all. We wish Aidan and Joan and family every happiness in the future. MJ Farrell’s served this town and county well, and leaves a gold/silver tinted legacy. The memories will remain. But Christmas Eve will never be quite the same again!
Connaughton family present €13,000 to Hospice PUBLIC THANKED FOR GREAT SUPPORT Members of the Connaughton family from Roscommon town recently made a presentation of a cheque for €13,000 to Mayo/Roscommon Hospice, proceeds of a fundraiser in memory of Billy Connaughton, who passed away earlier this year. Speaking following the presentation, the family said: “We, Billy’s family, want to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated and highlighted our fundraiser in his memory. “We were blown away by the
€13,000 we raised. We couldn’t be more grateful as the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Palliative Homecare service enabled us to have Billy in the comfort of his own home. The importance of this is even more important during these Covid times and we will be forever grateful to Mayo/ Roscommon Hospice who cared for Billy so well”. Pictured (from left to right): Angelina Nugent, Head of Fundraising and Communications, Mayo/ Roscommon Hospice; Martina Jennings, CEO, Mayo/Roscommon Hospice; Anne Connaughton, Emma Connaughton and Richard Johnson.
A new children’s book about disabilities and inclusion called ‘United We Play’ will be launched today (Thursday, October 1st) with funds raised going towards the Join Our Boys Trust. The book introduces readers to ten real-life Irish children (with one from Wales) from around the country including Roscommon, Dublin, Cork, Leitrim and Sligo. Money raised from the book will go towards Archie Naughton (14), and his twin brothers George and Isaac (10), who suffer from the debilitating, terminal illness Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The three Roscommon brothers are all now wheelchair users due to the effects of the disease and the book is part of a fundraising effort to build them a suitable home and continue the research into treatment for Duchenne. The book is aimed at primary school age children and uses child-friendly rhymes, drawings and photographs to explain various types of disabilities to children (and their grown-ups!) including: Autism, ADHD, Duchenne, O.D.D Muscular Dystrophy, Dwarfism, Deafness, Cerebral Palsy, Learning Disability and Down Syndrome. The book aims to teach children a little bit about each disability and remind people of the most important fact that although we may look different, we’re all really just the same! It encourages inclusion through play and reminds us that all children love to play, in fact play unites us all! The book is written by Leitrim Disabilities Advocate, Faye Hayden, whose son Patrick is autistic and has ADHD, and appears in the book and her daughter Erin is the narrator. Faye is passionate about disability rights and acceptance and hopes the book will educate children that we are all equal and that we can all be included with just a little bit of thought and effort. The book can be purchased online at www.joinourboys. org. If your child is interested in appearing a future volume of the book ‘United We Play’ please email: unitedweplay1@ gmail.com.
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FRANK
FRANK BRANDON’S
BRANDON
unique take on life ...
I never saw Love Island, but now I’m a fan of Maura’s Our columnist is not so sure about the honours system in Cambodia, but is happy to join the Maura Higgins fan club… The first thing I have to tell you this Monday morning is that I’ve never even looked at one episode of Love Island – and if God spares me I never will – but one would have to live in a hole in the ground to be unaware of the massive impact a young lady from Ballymahon – Maura Higgins – had on the show, and the equally massive impact the show had on her in return.
As a result, she has now become a media star, with appearances on any amount of daytime television programmes. She is also a model who is in very high demand, has probably made more money than she could ever have imagined, and is sure to have a very successful career on the back of her Love Island appearance. Last Saturday night, as I wondered how there could be so little to look at on so many television stations – changing and changing the channel much to the annoyance of my good wife – I stumbled upon a documentary. Called ‘You’re Joking Me’, the documentary followed Maura’s efforts to get fit for the Spartan Race – a five-kilometre, extreme obstacle course around Twick-
A hero with a difference
Back in 1968, by some miracle I managed to get an honour in Geography in the Leaving Cert. However, it is safe to say that Cambodia mustn’t have come up on that year’s paper. I’m not even sure if it existed back then, but there is no doubt that I knew nothing about it. All these years later and I still wouldn’t know a lot about it, except that for years it was ravaged by civil war with three decades of hostilities
which has left as many as 40,000 amputees in the country, as well as up to 10 million unexploded landmines just lying around the country. That is where Magawa, a giant Tanzanian-born rat comes in. He has been trained to sniff out the hidden explosives. Over the course of four years he has cleared an area the size of twenty soccer pitches of landmines, finding 39 landmines and 28
County Senior Hurling Final between Padraig Pearses and Athleague: Athleague supporters Anne Caslin and her son, Tadhg. Picture: Mick McCormack
enham rugby ground. I can honestly tell you that I have never laughed as much at anything, as the Longford girl didn’t hide the fact that she was unbelievably unfit and hated absolutely everything to do with her participation in the Spartan challenge. She was assigned a personal fitness trainer – a poor Dublin native called Paul Olima – and I doubt if he ever had as big a challenge in his career. Her aversion to any physical exercise was total – an 85-year-old dance teacher who took Maura for a class was immeasurably fitter than her. The thing that impressed me most about her was how natural she was. She seemed totally indifferent towards for the camera, and behaved as if she
Magawa ... awarded a Gold Medal for bravery!
different explosive products in the process. He is only one of many rats that have been trained to do this work, because in half an hour they can do what it would take a human four days to do. Magawa is however the best of them – having saved countless lives – and accordingly, the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) have awarded him their Gold Medal for bravery. This was the first time in their 77- year history that the award has gone to a rat. The award is the animal equivalent of the George’s Cross, which is given to civilians to recognise acts of bravery and heroism. In the presentation ceremony, he was praised for his dedication, skill and bravery, which deserved the highest possible recognition. However, despite his great work, and all he has done, I still can’t stand the sight of rats, even though his handler says he is friendly and hard-working. Magawa, I congratulate you on your award, but in the immortal words of Jimmy Cagney, you’re still a dirty, yellowbellied rat, and nothing you can do will ever change that. At the same time, it shows that everything, if properly trained, can be of some use – Manchester United players being the exception.
was completely on her own, effing and blinding all over the place and coming out with stuff you wouldn’t expect to hear on prime-time telly. All I can say is it was unusually real and uncontrived for a celebrity documentary. You could tell that she couldn’t care less about her newfound fame and resulting status, and her Longford accent was as strong as ever. So if you get a chance to see ‘You’re Joking Me’, do not miss it as it is pure TV gold. Good on you, Maura. I am definitely a fan, and long may the sun shine on your career. I don’t want to spoil it for you, so I am not going to tell you whether or not she completed the course – you simply have to watch it yourself
Enjoying local rugby again (at least for now) Back to Sunday afternoon, and for the second week in a row I was able to go and watch Creggs rugby team play a Cawley Cup match… last week in Tuam against the home side, and on their own home patch on Sunday against Buccaneers. It is so amazing how something which we always took for granted has now become such a treasured event. Both games resulted in victories for our lads, and the most heartening thing so far has been the huge amount of young blood being incorporated in the first team. Six players made their debuts for the club against Tuam, and our statisticians had it figured out that the average age of the starting fifteen
against the Tuam team was under twenty-one years of age. For a Creggs team this is a startling but very welcome development, and it shows that the good work being done in secondary schools around the area is really paying off. Thank God there are a few golden oldies like Tom Fleming (who is playing better than ever), and my own lad Mark to bring the average age up a bit. However, just being able to go to see the games is a huge bonus – let us all hope and pray that Galway doesn’t go into lockdown or our rugby season could come to a sudden, unwelcome halt. Fingers crossed!
And finally… Kathleen’s big day Finally for this week, on Friday evening we had a drive-by birthday party for Kathleen McKeague. At least 80 to 100 cars, all decked out in colourful balloons, drove by her house blowing horns to acknowledge the birthday of a very popular local woman. Kathleen, who is involved in
everything good that takes place in the parish, has been battling illness for some time, and the response by the local population to the drive-by birthday shows how highly she is thought of by everyone. Happy birthday Kathleen and keep your spirits up; you are in all our thoughts.
‘Till next week, bye for now
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
NewsPeople newsbriefs ‘Double the money for Amenity Grant!’ Independent councillor Valerie Byrne has called on Roscommon County Council to double the amount of money made available to local voluntary groups through the Amenity Grant ahead of announcing its Budget for 2021. Addressing Monday’s monthly meeting of the local authority, Cllr. Byrne said that the Covid-19 pandemic has made it impossible for groups to host fundraisers and that current Amenity Grant funding won’t cover struggling Tidy Towns committees. Cllr. John Naughten supported the motion, saying: “the value we get back from these grants is a very good return”. Cllr. Tony Ward was also in agreement and requested that groups be given an extension of one month (to the end of October) when submitting receipts and invoices.
Delegation to seek meeting with Minister Ryan over jobs A Roscommon County Council delegation is to seek a meeting with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, Eamon Ryan, over the “grave impact” on the region caused by job losses in Bord na Móna and the ESB. The motion, proposed by Fianna Fáil Cllr. Orla Leyden, received widespread support in the Council chamber on Monday. Cllr. Leyden said the meeting would “stress the need for supports for impacted communities in County Roscommon and the rest of the affected region by securing additional Just Transition and other funding and supports”. Independent Cllr. Tom Crosby said that such a meeting was “essential” due to job losses in the area. He added that it would be a “national disgrace” if power stations were to be decommissioned when they had could have “many uses” in the future. Fianna Fáil’s Cllr. Joe Murphy added that it is “important Roscommon isn’t forgotten about” when it comes to supports.
Ward wants ‘single authority’ for Shannon waterways Independent councillor Tony Ward has called on the Government to set up a single authority with “total control of the management, maintenance and the navigation levels of the River Shannon”. Addressing Monday’s monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Ward said that there were “at least six different agencies” currently involved in the management of the river and that none were taking responsibility. His calls for “immediate change” were supported by Cllrs. John Naughten and John Keogh.
Addressing obstacles to access for people with disabilities Councillor Anthony Waldron officially launched Make Way Day in Roscommon last Friday. After a Zoom meeting, all involved formed small groups/pods and walked around their own town or local community, with a view to highlighting barriers/obstacles to access for individuals with disabilities. Cllr. Waldron said: “As a member of Roscommon County Council, I want to welcome the Make Way Day initiative 2020 which has the support and sponsorship of Roscommon County Council and Roscommon LEADER Partnership. This is a relatively new initiative in Roscommon and it is great to see that, despite the challenges of Covid-19, the organisers – Roscommon LEADER Partnership and the Disability Federation of Ireland – have been able to devise a system of pod-surveys and Zoom virtual meetings to keep this project going nationwide. “Those members of our community who do not have a disability that impedes their mobility, can often overlook the daily challenge faced by their fellow citizens who have a disability or mobility issue. “Having a mobility disability is difficult enough in itself, without having to contend with obstructions or dangers that should not exist, if a little forethought was given in relation to such obstacles. I accept that many of the obstructions are the result of inadvertent neglect, rather than deliberate action. “However, this is where a bit of forethought is important, and the value of Make Way Day is that it’s an innovative way to alert the public to the dangers and obstructions that those with disabilities should not have to deal with, often on a daily basis”. Cllr. Waldron pledged to take note of the survey results and raise the issues highlighted with Roscommon County Council, so that the problems discovered can be addressed by the local authority or with the parties responsible. He added: “Make a Way day is in no way a witch-hunt for problems, but a way of surveying, identifying and hopefully remedying problems that those with disabilities should not have to contend with”.
Danny Burke, Cllr. Anthony Waldron and MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan supporting the campaign this week.
Dementia – technology taking us boldly into the future < EIBHLIS CAHALANE (PROJECT LEAD, HSE MEMORY TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE ROOMS)
As part of World Alzheimer Month, the Roscommon People, in partnership with the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign, is featuring a series of articles on aspects of life with dementia. In this third article, we focus on technology and how it can enhance the lives of people with dementia. Over the past months, as Covid-19 has changed the world we live in, technology has helped us to stay connected with family, friends and colleagues. From family video calls to online shopping, we have all had to adapt in different ways. For those living with dementia, we have also seen the benefits of technology, with online dementia cafés bringing people together for a virtual cuppa, and dementia-inclusive choirs serenading us off into an online musical world. Assistive technology can play a significant role
in enhancing the independence and well-being of people living with dementia and memory difficulties, while also providing reassurance to families about their safety and welfare. Memory Technology Resource Rooms have now been developed by the HSE in twentyseven locations across the country for people with memory problems, including those living with dementia. These rooms showcase a wide range of technologies and provide assessment and guidance on different products and how these may be helpful. Among the items you can expect to see in a Memory Technology Resource Room are: Automatic pill dispensers and push-button reminders with voice recordings to prompt a person to do something; TV remote controls and one-button radios that are accessible and easy-to-use; talking photo albums and picture phones with photos of family members on the handset so that a person can make a call by pressing a picture; speaking clocks, calendars, wall planners and whiteboards to provide a re-
minder of appointments; item finders that can track down commonly mislaid items; and motion sensors and mobile phones with in-built trackers. Memory Technology Resource Rooms are currently offering a mix of face-to-face consultations by appointment and telephone and video appointments. To find out more, you can speak to your GP or Public Health Nurse, or make an appointment directly with your local Memory Technology Resource Room located in the Primary Care Centre, Elphin Street, Boyle by telephoning 087 7514428. The ‘Dementia: Understand Together’ campaign is led by the HSE in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Age Friendly Ireland. For information on assistive technologies, as well as information on how to become a dementia champion in your community, visit understandtogether.ie. Alternatively, freefone the helpline provided by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland on 1800 341 341 (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, and Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm).
(Above) A onebutton radio, which is among the HSE Memory Technology Resource Room’s technology. (Right) Eibhlis Cahalane, Project Lead, HSE Memory Technology Resource Room.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
NewsPeople
Miriam’s
MUSINGS
Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS
Wolf whistling a hate crime? They must be joking… Wolf whistling has gone from being de rigueur to something that’s now viewed as being one of our most offensive gestures. In fact, it’s an is-
sue so acute that in the UK, according to reports, some individuals are in favour of reclassifying wolf whistling as a hate crime, lumping it
Give our Gardaí equal opportunities to defend themselves We all know that the number of violent attacks on members of An Garda Síochána is on the increase. In addition, (according to a report in the Irish Mirror), it can take approximately three hours for the Garda Armed Response Unit to arrive at a ‘violent incident’ in certain areas of the country, i.e. rural Ireland. Therefore, given this information, I find it hard to comprehend why An Garda Síochána are taking the decision to reduce the number of its members carrying firearms. I firmly believe that a properly trained, armed support/back-up capacity should be present in every single station across the country; especially divisions located in rural Ireland. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve no desire to see members of our force locked, loaded and tooled up. However, if the reason allegedly being given for reducing the amount of armed Gardaí is that, due to an expansion (some years ago) of specialist firearms units, ‘more detectives were being appointed who were authorised to carry firearms’ but had ‘received much less training than their specialist colleagues,’ my argument then is – why not provide them with the appropriate training? Give our lads and ladies of the force an equal opportunity to defend themselves in the event some scumbag with a lethal weapon attacks them in the line of duty. Simples!
Leave our seals alone! Under the Irish Wildlife Act (1976) and the EU’s Marine Mammal Protection Act (1972) seals are a protected species. In fact, these beautiful, intelligent, gentle creatures who’re sadly suffering a major decline in their numbers, are now possibly under threat of total extinction due to the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage considering granting licences to ‘cull individual problem seals’. Why? Well, to protect ‘fishermen’s catches’ of course! Now I don’t know about you readers, but personally I believe wiping out a beautiful, harmless and innocent species just because they’re trying to survive is not just horrific, it’s barbaric. To that end, I’d be advising those greedy commercial fishermen/women to either consider a career change or to consult with the Irish Seal Sanctuary and Ocean Research and Conservation Ireland regarding engaging in more humane and compassionate approaches; ones that don’t involve committing speciocide against these innocent creatures.
in with misogyny, which is in my opinion most definitely a hate crime as it’s a deep-rooted prejudice against women. To be honest, I fail to see how an innocuous expression of attraction towards anyone can be viewed in the same way as hurling horrific gender-based, racially/ethnically-charged, bigoted, homophobic or discriminatory and disgusting invective at them. But then we live in a world that’s painfully politically correct, meaning if – for example – a man were to whistle at a woman, instead of taking the gesture as a compliment, it’s likely some neurotic snowflake may take offence, dial 999 and divert Garda resources away from someone who is being abused. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about someone making sexual advances or shouting crude or derogatory comments; I wouldn’t tolerate that. I’m talking about a good oldfashioned, well-intentioned wolf whistle that I personally don’t find demeaning at all. To my mind, there’s only one thing worse than being whistled at, and that’s not being whistled at…i.e. being treated like you’re suffering from a chronic case of invisibility! Now that’s an issue that should be addressed; a topic which I personally find much more offensive than the genial and harmless wolf whistle. Chatting with some of my former TV sisters (all of us now women of a certain age), we remarked on the lack of mature ladies working in the industry. We joked about the continuous
Bette Davis
bombardment of that TV ad peddling those ‘I feel pretty and protected’ incontinence knickers professing to disguise our, ahem leaky bladders. Personally, I find these ads so hilarious I almost, well, wet myself laughing at them. But I have to ask…why is it that, as mature women who, despite taking care of our skin, engaging in regular exercise, sporting fashionable hair-dos and eating healthy diets, we now feel like we’ve been cast into a state of invisibility? Is it because we miss the wolf whistles of our youth? Let’s be honest girls, we’re all familiar with that scenario whereby, confidently walking down the street, the bloke/blokette on the building site, etc., assesses us through
a prism of desirability, and stereotyping us as ‘a mature lady,’ deems us unworthy of any attention. I mean, how insulting is it to see someone’s gaze pass right through you, only to settle on the younger model trotting behind? Now while we certainly don’t need a wolf whistle or male/female attention to validate us, I believe we’d all agree there’s no shame in wanting to be desired…am I right? With that sentiment in mind, perhaps those of us who’ve been feeling invisible should make a pledge to ourselves to rediscover our missions in life! We can do that by curbing that continuous swell of inadequacy and not worrying if our bum looks big in this– instead, let’s
consciously make an effort to relaunch ourselves onto this cruel ageist world. Middle age is not the time to hand over the baton to a younger generation of selfieobsessed, inexperienced Barbie dolls, ladies! No, it’s the time to wear our myriad of hats and tell the world we’re mothers, grandmothers, sisters, partners, workers, business owners, international travellers and highly relevant human beings. As Bette Davis famously said…‘old age ain’t no place for sissies’. She was right. Embrace your desire to be admired, choose to stand loud and proud – and, if someone dares to ignore you, don’t surrender, stand firm and demand that wolf whistle!
Please take care of yourselves Minding our mental health has always been vitally important. However, even for the most relaxed and easy-going among us, the current Covid calamity is proving to be extremely challenging. And yes, anxiety is part and parcel of our daily lives – unless you’re he-who-must-be-obeyed and are constantly calm and laid back, kinda like cartoon character Top Cat – but without the snazzy hat and waistcoat combo. Hubby is defo the antithesis to my self-analytical, neurotic Daffy Duck!
However, given the growing concerns around the rise in cases of Covid, the onset of winter and the annual flu virus, etc. I wanted to take time to address those readers who, like me, may be feeling a bit vulnerable. While a certain amount of anxiety would be construed as being healthy – in so much as it drives us to strive to do better – getting mired down by stress can seriously affect our daily lives. Feelings of inadequacy and other intense emotions can seep into our very
soul, often affecting our families, our relationships and our work. To that end, today, as you read this column, can I ask you to do two things… one, make a conscious effort to be kind to yourselves, and, two, believe me when I tell you you’re a wonderful human being, you’re loved, you’re cherished and you are, (by following all of our health experts’ advice regarding Covid-19), doing the absolute best that anyone can expect of you.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
NewsPeople newsbriefs Waldron welcomes progress on pedestrian pathway Cllr. Tony Waldron has welcomed a “breakthrough” on the issue of providing a pedestrian pathway in Roscommon Town. Cllr. Waldron said that €110,000 has now been allocated for planning and project design with a view to providing a “high quality” pedestrian pathway on the link road between Hannon’s Hotel and Golf Links Road. In a press statement, he said: “This road is much used by pedestrians but has only a limited amount of footpath along the way. Despite being part of Roscommon Slí na Sláinte, this part of the healthy walk route has been a location for accidents for far too long. “There have been a number of near-misses and potentially serious accidents on this road involving pedestrians and vehicles. I made addressing this dangerous situation a priority during the local election campaign and now I am pleased to say substantial progress has been made by Roscommon County Council in addressing the problem. I look forward to works commencing as soon as possible”.
Hawthorn Drive Residents’ AGM Hawthorn Drive Residents Association & Neighbourhood Watch (Roscommon) wish to remind any household that have not yet submitted their contribution for 2020, to do so. Envelopes have already been distributed to each house. This contribution is necessary for the upkeep and maintenance of our estate. Also, our AGM will be held in Hannon’s Hotel on Thursday, October 8th at 8 pm. Social distancing will be observed, in line with HSE guidelines. We request that at least one member of every household attends, as this is where you can have your say on any issue pertaining to Hawthorn Drive.
€111,000 to upgrade local libraries – Naughten Local TD and Chair of the Dáil Committee on Rural Development, Denis Naughten, has confirmed the allocation of €111,111 to carry out upgrading works on Ballaghaderreen and Strokestown libraries. In Ballaghaderreen, €66,666 has been allocated to provide for carpet, partitions and furniture. In Strokestown, €44,445 has been allocated to provide for shelving, perspex, furniture and an occupancy control system. “This investment in the smaller libraries across County Roscommon is welcome and will improve the experience for those who use and work in both libraries,” said Denis Naughten.
A letter from the President! Roscommon nurse Bernie Ryan and her colleagues in the Mater Hospital in Dublin were among the frontline health workers to receive letters of thanks and a special medal from President Michael D. Higgins recently in honour of their ongoing work during the Covid-19 pandemic. Part of the letter reads: ‘As a nation facing, together, the challenge of the pandemic we have been so greatly inspired and uplifted by the remarkable courage, compassion and generosity of all of those who work in our health services’.
Frenchpark Barracks as it is today…a Garda station and on right: the first major ambush in the county took place here, at Fourmilehouse.
War of Independence in Roscommon 100 years ago The month of October 1920 saw more barrack attacks, ambushes, shootings and Black and Tan raids. On the 2nd of the month, the IRA attempted to capture the RIC barracks at Frenchpark, dislodge the occupants, and destroy the building as Frenchpark housed a combined force of the British army, and Black and Tans. The planned action was the first assault on an occupied barracks’ by men of the South Roscommon Brigade. A large number of volunteers were mustered to carry out the operation. A daring plan had been hatched, whereby a house opposite the barracks was to be taken over, a bomb was to be detonated close to the barrack wall, and a cart-load of hay was to be placed at the front door and set on fire to smoke out the garrison. The operation became undone due to a number of factors; the force inside the barracks became alerted to the activity in the street outside and a short gun battle ensued. The bomb planted by the wall failed to make a big enough impression, and when a hand grenade was thrown from a top window by the defenders, the attackers had to abandon the hay cart and withdraw without having any success. The Frenchpark barracks was heavily fortified with steel shuttering and sandbags which made the task of dislodging the garrison by the IRA very difficult. The assault on Frenchpark barracks was to incur the wrath of the Black and Tans, who in the days after the incident went on a rampage of reprisals. The nearby village of Ballinagar was their target. They descended on the small, sleepy town, where they commenced to ransack and burn dwelling houses, barns and haystacks. The Black and Tans came back again to Ballinagar on October 19th to pillage and torch another number of houses. They
were specifically looking for certain volunteers they believed were in the vicinity. This time however, a young local man – thirty-two-year-old Pat Doyle of Drummin, Ballinagar – became one of their fatal victims. On that day, Doyle happened to be innocently visiting Pat Garvey, who lived at the southern end of the village. When the Black and Tans arrived at Garvey’s house, Doyle was asked for his name and address, and when it was found that he wasn’t a member of the Garvey household, this aroused the suspicion of the Tans. Doyle was then brought outside the door and shot dead on the street. As far as the crown forces were concerned, anyone found in the home of a neighbour was more than likely an IRA man on the run. It is believed that Pat Doyle had no connection with the IRA and his shooting by the Black and Tans was to set a pattern for many reprisal killings that took place in various parts of west Roscommon during this period. Black and Tan terror was rampant in 1920, and other villages in the county were targeted for special treatment. The small village of Rooskey, that straddles the Leitrim/Roscommon border on the River Shannon, was also subjected to a terror raid by the infamous force. On October 15th, a large number of Tans descended on the place and commenced to terrorise the inhabitants. Houses and shops were ransacked and searched. Men were taken out and made lie on the street while shots were fired close to their heads, others were beaten, and some were arrested and taken away for questioning. Before leaving the village, the Tans helped themselves to liquor and goods from the shops. Meanwhile, the IRA continued to harass the crown forces; the
Terence MacSwiney, who died after seventeen days on hunger strike.
Athlone Flying Column ambushed police in the parish of Drum, where a RIC man was hit by gunfire, but his injuries were not fatal. The largest ambush that occurred in the county to date during the War of Independence took place at Fourmilehouse, in the parish of Kilbride. On this occasion, a motor vehicle containing eight RIC men was ambushed on the morning of October 24th, 1920 by volunteers from the first, second, and third battalions (South Roscommon Brigade). The place where the attack took place was just beside Kilbride Church, where the road (the N61), travels through a deep cut. The ambushers were situated behind stone walls on both sides of the road on elevated banks, which gave them an advantageous position. When the police vehicle approached from Roscommon town and came into the ambush site, it was hit by a barrage of shotgun and rifle fire. Despite the ferocity of the gunfire, the driver of the mo-
tor managed to avoid being hit, speeding through and continuing to Strokestown, where medical aid was rendered to the wounded. When the car arrived at Strokestown, in it were two dead constables, and three wounded – two of which died later. Three of the occupants including the driver escaped without injury. The ambushing of the RIC at this location was regarded as an audacious act, in that it took place in what would be classed as open countryside. The surrounding terrain of Fourmilehouse is of large fields and stone wall boundaries, which would have been a difficult place for the volunteers to withdraw from if they were outflanked. The result of the Fourmilehouse Ambush was to cause more Black and Tan reaction, as will be dealt with in a later article. Apart from the occurrences in County Roscommon, other events were happening nationally. On October 25th, Terence MacSwiney (Lord Mayor of Cork) died on hunger strike in Brixton prison, England. MacSwiney’s hunger strike had gained international attention, with protests being organised in his support throughout the world. Many countries from South America to the US, Australia, Germany, France and Spain made representations to the British government for his release, but they all fell on deaf ears. MacSwiney died after fasting for seventy-four days. Before his funeral took place, his body lay in St. George’s Cathedral in London, where 10,000 people filed past his coffin. Terence MacSwiney had succeeded Thomas McCurtain as Lord Mayor after McCurtain had been shot dead in his home in Cork city by the RIC in March 1920. * (More next month – An Staraí Áitiúil)
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
PropertyPeople
Connaughton Auctioneers invite final offers for properties by October 9th Connaughton Auctioneers have three properties lined up for final offers on Friday, 9th of October next at different times during the day. First up for final offers by 12 pm is a luxury five-bedroomed residence on c.12.50 acres at Skrine, Rahara (F42 FC64). The property is being offered for sale with the residence and outbuildings on c.1.5 acres, c.11 acres of excellent quality lands with road frontage and the entire property. Second up for final offers by 2 pm is c.13.50 acres of excellent quality lands at Toberrory, Tulsk. The lands are located just off the main Dublin Western route with road frontage. They provide an ideal opportunity for a local farmer to increase their existing holding.
Last up for final offers by 4 pm is c.32.70 acres of good quality lands adjacent to Athleague village offered for sale in three lots, c.17.50 acres fronting onto two roads, c.10.30 acres on the Four Roads road and c.4.90 acres on the main Galway Road. Auctioneer Ivan Connaughton confirms: “We have substantial interest in each of the properties for sale and invite final offers by the times outlined above. All of the properties are currently under offer and we are confident of agreeing their sales on the 9th of October. “We invite final enquiries and viewings in advance. For further information on any of the properties, contact the office on 090-6663700 or email Skrine, Rahara… residence on c.12.50 acres. info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie”.
Commercial vacancy rates rise in Roscommon Ballinagare, (c.13.50 acres).
The commercial vacancy rates in Roscommon increased by 0.4 percentage points (pp) to 16.6% in Q2 2020, according to analysis in the latest GeoView Commercial Property report, released by GeoDirectory and EY-DKM Economic Advisory Services. This is higher than the national average of 13.5%. However, it is too early to gauge the impact of Covid-19 on commercial property stock and vacancy rates. With a Europe-wide recession predicted, and working from home to become more commonplace, it will most likely be 2021 or 2022 before the full impact of
emphasising the east-west divide in economic activity that has been evident in previous GeoView Commercial Property reports. The top five counties to record the highest vacancy rates in Q2 2020 were all in Connacht. Sligo, at 19.3%, was the county with the highest commercial vacancy rate, followed by Leitrim (17.1%), Mayo and Roscommon (16.6% each) and Galway (16.6%). Boyle was the town with the highest vacancy rate in Roscommon (21.9%), while Roscommon town had the lowest (20.9%).
Connaughton Auctioneers have concluded the sale of a two-bedroomed bungalow residence standing on c. 0.91 at Ballina, Dysart, just outside the village on the Ballyforan Road. Ivan Connaughton Auctioneer stated: “We are delighted to conclude the sale of this bungalow, located in a much sought after area convenient to Ballinasloe and Athlone. “Bungalow houses are in big demand in all locations that meet purchasers’ budget. The Roscommon and Galway region is very popular for purchasers seeking to reside within commuting distance to work. For anyone thinking of selling we have purchasers in waiting and you can call our office on 090-6663700 or email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie for a free valuation” concludes Ivan.
Fairymount residence sold by Connaughton’s
Connaughton Auctioneers have concluded the sale of a three-bedroomed bungalow residence with extensive range of outbuildings altogether standing on c. 1.14 acres at Fairymount, Castlerea. Ivan Connaughton Auctioneer stated: “We are delighted to close the sale of this fine residence, located convenient to Castlerea and Ballaghaderreen. “Demand for countryside properties has soared over the past three months and this trend is set to continue with a large volume of enquiries from cities and towns in both Ireland and the United Kingdom. “For anyone thinking of selling we have purchasers in waiting and you can call our office on 090-6663700 or email info@connaughtonauctioneers.ie for a free valuation” Ivan concluded.
Athleague (c.32.70 acres).
Covid-19 on commercial property trends becomes apparent. The total stock of commercial properties in the country was 211,194 in June 2020, with 28,469 (13.5%) listed as vacant. Almost half of all commercial properties in the country were located in Leinster (49.5%), with Dublin accounting for 23.6% of the overall total. Increases in commercial vacancy rates were recorded in three out of four provinces, with only Leinster (12.4%) remaining unchanged. Connacht had the highest commercial vacancy rate at 17%, further
Sale of Dysart residence by Connaughton’s
PSRA Licence: 001350
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PROPERTY SALES
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LETTINGS l VALUATIONS
ATHLEAGUE, CO. ROSCOMMON. Tel. (090) 6663700. Mob. (086) 8985013
• www.connaughtonauctioneers.ie
NEW TO MARKET
Residence On c. 12.50 Acres at
6 B/R Residence at
Skrine, Rahara, Co. Roscommon F42 FC64
‘Old School House’, Ballyforan Village, Co. Roscommon H53 H6N3
FINAL OFFERS - BY 12PM ON FRIDAY 9TH AUGUST
________________________________________
c. 13.50 Acres at
Toberrory, Ballinagare, Co. Roscommon FINAL OFFERS - BY 2PM ON FRIDAY 9TH AUGUST
________________________________________ • Very attractive six bedroom two storey residence in excellent condition • Located in much sought after area within walking distance of church, post office, shop and pub, convenient to Athlone, Ballinasloe and Roscommon • Boasting spacious living accommodation throughout • The auctioneer invites enquiries and offers for immediate sale
To arrange a viewing, contact the office on 090-6663700 Viewings at evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays also accommodated
c. 32.70 Acres In 3 Lots At
Araghty & Keenagh (Clanrickard), Athleague, County Roscommon FINAL OFFERS - BY 4PM ON FRIDAY 9TH AUGUST
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
PropertyPeople PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS
We are now seeking quality family homes in all areas. Reply in confidence to REA Seamus Carthy on 090 6630001.
ONLINE AUCTION 22ND OCTOBER 2020
NEW TO THE MARKET
FOR SALE
CARRIGAN MORE, ST. JOHNS, KNOCKCROGHERY, CO. ROSCOMMON, F42 VY84
MARYVILLE, ROXBORO, ROSCOMMON TOWN, F42 X640
9 THE FAIRWAYS, GOLF LINKS ROAD, ROSCOMMON TOWN, F42 R588
THE ARCHES, THE WALK, ROSCOMMON TOWN, F42 R996
Quality Detached 4 Bedroom Bungalow with Detached garage located in the sought-after residential area of St Johns, Lecarrow convenient to Roscommon and Athlone Town, the said property is set on a large 1.06 Acre site offering beautiful elevated views over picturesque countryside and the famous Lough Ree. Immediate enquiries advised. AMV: €220,000
Quality 3 Bedroom Bungalow with Detached Outbuilding conveniently set on a mature site at the end of “The Walk” Road, Roscommon Town. Presented in excellent condition, a most select and modern detached bungalow with detached outbuilding set in a most sought after location is now available to the marketplace. Immediate enquiries advised. Guide Price: €220,000
Quality 4 Bedroom Family home, attractive in style and presented to the market in pristine condition. Located within the sought after Golf Links suburb of Roscommon Town, this sought after residential location is convenient to all amenities. A most select 4 bedroom dormer style family home is now on offer and viewings are highly recommended. Immediate enquiries advised. Guide Price: €290,000
A most impressive 6 Bedroom family home situated in an exceptional and sought-after location at the junction of Circular road and The Walk in Roscommon Town. Considered a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial and modern family home built 2008, the said home is presented to a high specification and benefits from a detached Garage and attractive landscaped garden to rear. Enquiries and viewings are now invited.
ROSCOMMON TOWN
VIEWINGS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
T: 090 66 30001 • W: www.reacarthy.ie
PSRA Licence No. 002782
Quality five-bedroomed home at Ballygar A wonderful opportunity has arisen to acquire a quality, spacious, fivebedroomed dormer bungalow on a mature, private site of approximately 0.51 acres. The property is located approximately ten minutes from Roscommon town and 55 minutes from Galway city, making it a very central location. The property is on the market with Sherry FitzGerald P Burke with an asking price of €280,000. This is a bright, spacious, fivebedroomed detached property, with a large, private garden. There has been no expense spared in making this a home of the modern age, boasting tasteful décor throughout
with many attractive features. Internally, the front entrance hall is bright and welcoming, with a beautifully tiled floor and a stairwell to the first floor. It gives access to the large living room to the left with marble fireplace and timber flooring. Straight ahead leads to the kitchen/dining area with Waterford Stanley stove with back boiler, Neff kitchen appliances, fully fitted units and double doors leading to the rear garden. The utility is just off the kitchen. To the right are four large bedrooms (one ensuite), a family bathroom and a hot press. There is a further large double bedroom on
Quality five-bedroomed home at Rookwood, Ballygar
the first floor with a large ensuite, double delux windows and ample storage space. The large landing can be used as a relaxation area. Externally, the property is beautifully presented. The vehicular driveway which extends right around the property, is fully tarmacadamed. The landscaped gardens to the front and rear are well manicured. Overall, the property must be viewed to fully appreciate all it has to offer. For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Sherry FitzGerald P Burke, Roscommon Town on 0906627200 or email pburke@ sfpburke.ie.
Strokestown
Attractive bungalow in Strokestown area Newly arrived on the market is this attractive four-bedroomed bungalow located approximately one mile outside the town of Strokestown. It’s on the books of Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers. This residence has been recently renovated to a very high standard internally and has the addition of an adjoining garage. Boasting spacious living accommodation internally, this property is a must for viewing to fully appreciate all that is on offer. Ready for immediate occupation, no expense has been spared on the renovation and decoration of this superb family home. The residence stands on a large corner site c. 0.6 acres with unrivalled views over the adjoining countryside. Accommodation includes reception hallway with wooden flooring, ceiling coving and ‘Stira’ folding attic stairs, living room with solid fuel stove which assists heating, kitchen/ dining room with fully fitted kitchen units including
‘Belling’ fridge freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, ‘Belling’ dual fuel electric cooker and gas hob, extractor fan, centre island, Quartz worktops with double doors off to rear. There are four bedrooms (master ensuite) all with wooden flooring and ceiling coving. Main bathroom has a superior standard of tiling with wash hand basin, toilet, bath and shower with enclosure. Features are many and include super-fast fibre broadband connection with speeds up to 100mbs. Adjoining garage 18`9” x 13`6” with electricity servicing, roller door to front and door to rear. There’s post and rail fencing to front and one side, hedging to other side and rear. Block wall at entrance with piers. Laid lawns with large enclosed garden to rear, driveway kerbed and stoned, range of flower and shrubbery beds, raised concrete area to rear, large corner site of c. 0.6 acres. Viewings of this property are highly recommended
and strictly by appointment. For further information and to arrange appointment, contact the office on 09066 63700 or info@ connaughtonauctioneers. ie. Evening, weekend and Bank Holiday viewings organised by prior appointment.
Looking to sell? We have buyers! Our services include: • Sales – Sell your home! • Lettings & Rentals • Property Management – We will manage all aspects of your rental property • Valuations – FREE pre-sale valuation No Sale – No Charge Web: www.kleavyauctioneer.com Tel. 071 96 34737
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
PropertyPeople
Quality Ballygar residence with Earley’s This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is offering, new to the market, a most attractive, fourbedroomed, detached, two-storey residence of approximately 1,365 square feet, located at Tully, Ballygar, Co. Galway, F42 HY88. All offers above €200,000 to sell. John describes the property as being a “luxury four-bedroomed, detached residence of
approximately 1,365 square feet, standing on a large and mature site area of approximately 0.59 of an acre. The said property offers a superb location; adjacent to Ballygar town on the main N63 Roscommon/ Galway route”. Offering spacious living accommodation and all modern conveniences, this is a quality family home that must be viewed to be fully appreciated.
The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers above €200,000 to sell. Legal: Sinead Neilan, Messers Liddy Neilan & Co., Roscommon (090 66 27498). For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 66 26579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.
CO. GALWAY
€280,000
ROOKWOOD, BALLYGAR, CO. GALWAY
Call 090 662 7200
GOFF STREET, ROSCOMMON Find out more at mysherryfitz.ie
CO. ROSCOMMON
• Impressive 5 bedroom dormer home in excellent condition. • Nestling on 0.51 acre mature and private site. • 5 large double bedrooms including 2 ensuite. • Boasts Waterford Stanley Stove with back boiler, Neff kitchen appliances, marble fireplace. • Vehicular driveway which extends right around the property is fully tarmacadamed. • Only 2.5km from Athleague with all its amenities, 10 minutes from Roscommon and 55 minutes from Galway. BER: B3 – EIR CODE F42EA25 CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE
€165,000
NO 8 SHANNON GROVE, BALLYLEAGUE CO ROSCOMMON
• 4 bedroom semi-detached residence in the much sought after estate of Shannon Grove. • Finished to a very high standard including coving, cornicing, stove fireplace with back boiler. • Turn-key condition, bright and spacious. • Manicure garden front and rear with patio area. • Walking distance to the village of Ballyleague with all its amenities. BER: C1 – EIR CODE: N39H227
CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE
CO. LONGFORD
AGHAKEEL, LANESBOROUGH, CO. LONGFORD
POA
• Stunning 3 bed bungalow located beside the river Shannon. • Situated on C. 1 acre and includes C. 8.25acres and mooring rights. • Presented in excellent condition throughout. • 3 large double bedrooms all ensuite. • Set among mature well maintained lawns, trees and shrubbery EIR CODE: N39XP95 BER: C2 CALL DAVID FLYNN : 090 6627200; EMAIL: PBURKE@SFPBURKE.IE
It’s not just about property. It’s about people. PSRA No. 001316
Tully, Ballygar, Co. Galway
PROPERTY PARTNERS
ipav
Institute of Professional Auctioneer & Valuers
PSRA Licence No. 001481
EARLEY
NEW TO THE MARKET
NEW TO THE MARKET
THE RENOWNED 7 DAY RESIDENTIAL LICENSED PREMISES KNOWN AS
“THE GOAL POST”
A MOST ATTRACTIVE 1 B/R BUNGALOW RESIDENCE STANDING ON A MATURE SITE AREA OF APPROX. 0.5 OF AN ACRE located at
CLOONEARAGH, STROKESTOWN, CO. ROSCOMMON, F42 HX49
BAR, RESTAURANT, AND CAFÉ located at
BALLINAGARE VILLAGE, CO. ROSCOMMON, F45 XV48
Price Guide: €55,000 ono to sell
All offers after €150,000 to sell. Log onto: www.propertypartners.ie
Log onto: www.propertypartners.ie
Log onto: www.propertypartners.ie
A most attractive 1 B/R bungalow residence located in a select countryside location close to Strokestown. The said property is situated in a scenic location with views over Sliabh Bawn and stands on a mature site area.
A primely located and substantial 7 day residential licenced premises, cafe and restaurant located in the heart of Ballinagare Village on the main N5 Western route. The said property is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout and boasts many years of successful trading together with strong turnover figures having been recorded. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers after €150,000 to sell. BER: D1.
The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings. BER: F. Legal: Messers Padraig Kelly & Co, Solicitors, Strokestown. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SLATTED SHED TO LET A substantial 8 bay double (16 bays) slatted shed to let at the Rathcline Road, Lanesboro from now until the 1st May 2021. Enquiries invited.
Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon Email: jearley@propertypartners.ie www.propertypartners.ie Tel: (090) 6626579 / 6626796 Fax: (090) 6625405
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
PropertyPeople Auctioneers & Estate Agents Main Street, Ballygar. Tel 090 6624531 087 2786664
Email info@moranandco.ie PSRA no. 001472
www.moranandco.ie
Thornfield, Mount Talbot, Ballygar, Co. Galway F42 A074 Valuable Holding of Prime Lands, Historic Walled Garden, Courtyard & Stone Outbuildings, together with Bungalow Residence thereon. Total Area Lands c. 12.3 hectares (30.4 acres) For Sale By Private Treaty in one lot and in two lots
This most desirable property was once the site of “Thornfield House” now demolished. Remaining is the ornate entrance erected c.1840, a protected structure. This is one of the entrances to the lands comprising c. 12.3 hectares (30.4 acres) which are almost all prime quality farm lands laid out in one division. They are bounded on two sides by the N63, on one side by a minor public roadway and on one side by the River Suck. A pathway from the ornate entrance leads to the old courtyard, a ruinous two storey house, imposing old stone outbuildings with bell tower and the magnificent former walled garden. These historic structures have the potential for restoration and the possibilities are endless. The property is part of the rich heritage of Mount Talbot. It is located on the Roscommon-Galway border and has an idyllic and scenic location overlooking the River Suck. This amazing property can be a coveted residential holding of lands, a shrewd investment opportunity and subject to planning permission could be suitable for a variety of business/ tourism/recreational uses. There is also site potential subject to planning permission. The bungalow residence which was constructed in the 1970’s is perfectly located and has its own entrance off the N63. This is a bright spacious house c. 168 sq.mts. with a garage c. 27.5 sq.mts. and mature gardens. A bright inviting entrance porch leads to a spacious hallway and the following accommodation; Sittingroom, Diningroom, Kitchen, Utility, 4 Bedrooms, Toilet, Bathroom. The property is being offered in one lot and in two lots as set out hereunder; Lot 1 : The lands c. 12 hectares together with outbuildings Lot 2: The 4 Bed. Bungalow on c. 0.3 hectares. Viewing strictly by appointment. Further details from the auctioneer David Moran, MSCSI MRICS.
Ballygar, Co. Galway Commercial Unit For Sale
Spacious commercial unit which is well located just a short distance from Ballygar. It has a floor area of c. 296.3 sq.mts. (3,189 sq.ft) and there is three phase power. The unit is suitable for a variety of business uses and Ballygar is a very central location. This is a great opportunity for anyone seeking to start or relocate a business in the area. Viewing by appointment only. Full details from the auctioneer David Moran, MSCSI MRICS.
Market Square Ballygar F42 C566
Lissavruggy, Newbridge H53 EF89
Two Storey 3 Bed. Residence
One Storey 3 Bed. Residence
• Excellent location on the Town Square. Requires some investment. Nice family home/Investment property Potential for business. Full details from the auctioneers.
Nice rural location. Large garden c. 0.2 hectares Double glazing – Dual central heating Convenient to Ballygar & Mountbellew Ideal family/retirement/holiday home. Full details from the auctioneers.
WANTED – Newbridge/Mountbellew area 30 acres to 50 acres of lands. We currently have clients seeking properties in a number of areas across the region. Mortgage approved buyers for residential properties are waiting and buyers loan approved seeking farms and forestry lands.
If you have a property to sell contact Moran & Co. FREE VALUATION – NO SALE NO FEE
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
PropertyPeople
Substantial detached residence in Roscommon town
PSRA Licence No: 003201
NEW TO THE MARKET
Cappagh Bridge, Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway H53 AY94
Approached via a curved driveway this stunning 4 bedroom 2 storey residence is located in a quite country setting 2 miles from Kilconnell Village, 10 minutes to Ballinasloe 30 minutes to Athlone Town and only 40 minutes to Galway City. Built to a high standard and well maintained by its present owners this residence comprises entrance hallway, sitting room, living room, open plan kitchen/dining room and utility. First floor - 4 large bedrooms (master ensuite) and family bathroom.
Price Region: €279,500.
Ber Rating C2
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NEW TO THE MARKET
Cartron, Knockvicar, Keadue, Boyle, Co. Roscommon F52 YY51
Stunning 6 bedroom (4 ensuite) residence located on a large elevated c. 1 acre site close to Lough Key Forest Park, Kilronan Castle Hotel and Keadue Village famed for its National Tidy Town awards on numerous occasions. An exceptional property, it boasts most expensive fit out including Italian marble flooring, solid handmade oak kitchen with granite worktop and breakfast bar. Solid oak stairway together with solid oak doors, skirting and architrave throughout with tastefully decorated plaster coving. The sitting room looks out over scenic countryside with large bay window, marble fireplace and solid Canadian mahogany flooring..
Price Region €399,750.
Oates Auctioneers are delighted to offer a substantial 5-bedroom detached residence at 11 The Spinney, Abbeytown, Roscommon town (F42 AY99). The impressive home is situated in a hallmark development, in the centre of Roscommon Town. The property is located within walking distance to all local amenities - railway station, schools, supermarket, bakery, hotel and church. This residence would make and excellent family home or investment property. Spacious living accommodation includes:- entrance hallway, kitchen, utility, dining room, and living room, 5 bedrooms (one en-suite) and family bathroom. Price Region: €245,000 . BER Rating: C3 Please contact Oates Auctioneers for further details, Church Street, Roscommon town, telephone: 090 6627878. Email info@oates.ie; Website: www.oates. ie.
House bargain of the week with Property Partners Earley
Ber Rating C1
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NEW TO THE MARKET
Brackloon, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon F42 WV30
This 5 bedroom residence (3 ensuite) with its stunning view and elevated site at Mount Prospect Roscommon is located just 2 miles from Roscommon Town and 2 miles from the scenic village of Castlecoote. This elegant property features ornate stonework and is built to the highest standards with no expense spared. An added bonus is the c. 0.8 acre of garden which is bounded by mature poplar trees and beautiful hedgerows. The features of this house are almost too numerous to mention, therefore a thorough inspection is highly recommended.
Price region €375,000.
Ber Rating: C2
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NEW TO THE MARKET c. 5 acres with 10 stables
Emlagh, Fuerty, Co. Roscommon
Circa 5 acres of top quality lands with generous road frontage and site potential subject to Planning Permission. Standing on the said lands is a quality building comprising 10 stables, track room and storage area. This property is located on a quiet country setting circa 2 miles from the picturesque village of Castlecoote and 7 miles to Roscommon town Centre.
Price Region: €125,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
11 The Spinney, Abbeytown, Roscommon town
16, Ballyclare Court, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon.
This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is inviting all offers after €140,000 for a luxury, three-bedroomed, semi-detached residence, located at 16, Ballyclare Court, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon. John describes the property as being a “quality, three-bedroomed, semi-detached residence, located in this select residential development, situated adjacent to Ballyleague, Lanesboro and the famous River Shannon”. The residence is finished to an excellent standard throughout and offers spacious living accommodation over two floors. The auctioneers now invite immediate viewings and all offers above €140,000 to sell. BER: D1. For further details or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 66 26579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.
Quality 5-bedroomed Kilteevan property This week, John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley is offering to the market a luxury five-bedroomed, dormer-style residence of approximately 2,075 square feet located at Aughmagree, Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon. Price region: €265,000 ono to sell. John describes the property as being “a quality property, finished to a very high standard by its present owners with many extra features, boasting spacious living accommodation throughout”. The said residence stands on a large mature site area of circa 0.54 of an acre, commanding excellent
views of the surrounding picturesque countryside, and situated within walking distance of Kilteevan village, school, public house and church. It’s primely located approx. 4.8km from Roscommon town just off the main Lanesboro road. The auctioneer now invites immediate viewing and all offers to sell. BER: C3. For further details, or to arrange a viewing, please contact John Earley (FIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Stone Court, The Square, Roscommon on 090 66 26579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.
SEEKING HOUSES IN ALL AREAS This week, Property Partners Earley, Roscommon are seeking houses in all areas of Roscommon for cash clients and disappointed underbidders. Houses in the general Roscommon town, Knockcroghery and Lecarrow areas are of particular interest, with a number of properties having been sold here in the past few weeks. Property Partners have been selling property for generations and offer a nationwide network of offices offering exceptional local knowledge. With an extensive computerised database of active buyers, Property Partners Earley are best placed to advise on all you property matters. They also offer a professional marketing plan designed to deliver their goal of selling you home for the highest price possible. We have now launched our 360 degree virtual tour service at no extra cost and have sold a number of properties to overseas clients who are unable to travel due to Covid-19 restrictions. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact either John Earley (FIPAV) or David Diffley (MIPAV) of Property Partners Earley, Roscommon on 090 66 26579 or email jearley@propertypartners.ie.
Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
10-PAGE SPECIAL Where now for Roscommon? Pages 22 & 23
Yes, Ministers? Pre-Budget tough talk…page 30
Could your pet be Puppy of the Year 2020? Prize worth €1,500 Petmania.ie, along with sponsors BETA, has launched the hugely popular Puppy of the Year competition for 2020. The competition will be run entirely online for 2020, with €1,500 worth of prizes to be won by one very lucky puppy. Entries opened on Monday, 28th of September online at www.petmania.ie. Adorable pooches have just three weeks to enter the competition to be in with a chance of being named Petmania Puppy of the Year. To enter, pet parents simply fill out a short online form telling us about the pet and add a cute puppy pic before midnight on Sunday, 18th of October. Once all entries have been received and verified, the online voting will begin! The nation’s pets will battle it out to be named in the Top Five Puppies representing each local Petmania Store and
Grooming Studio. The overall winner of the Petmania Puppy of the Year 2020 will be announced via Petmania’s social media channels on Friday, 20th of November 2020. The Petmania Puppy of the Year will be pampered for a whole year with over €1,500 of prizes to be won! The winning puppy will become a model pup and will star in its own professional photoshoot and become the face of a number of Petmania’s advertising campaigns for ‘20/21. Meanwhile, Petmania has teamed up with Ireland’s Blue Book Hotels to offer the winning puppy the chance to chill out in the comfort of the dogfriendly Enniscoe House in Co. Mayo, along with his/her two favourite humans. This luxury staycation includes two nights’ accommodation with breakfast and dinner on one night at Enniscoe House, which is situated on the shores of Lough Conn, Co. Mayo. * For more, see www.petmania.ie.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
Martin Connolly
Milltown Castleplunkett Co. Roscommon
Telephone: (094) 9651160 (086) 2341041 Precision Chop Silage, Slurry Spreading, etc.
Veterinary Supplies Ros
MART BUILDINGS, ROSCOMMON TEL.: (090) 6625900
Colostrum, Milk Replacers for Calves and Lambs PRE-CALVER AND MILKING COW MINERALS IN STOCK Dog Fences
OPEN: Monday - Saturday 9-6pm Open late Tuesday evening
Michael & Conor
SLYMAN
Plant Hire & Groundworks 087 7726301 087 2490146
Tommy Dillon Farm Buildings
What’s next for Roscommon? Roscommon business and farming communities have been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in many changes to how we do business in the county. With this in mind, Dan Dooner asked a number of Rossies about what the future holds for the county…
‘We haven’t sold ourselves well enough as a county’ “It has now been established that a lot of people are now working remotely, which was not expected pre-Covid lockdown. We therefore urgently need highspeed broadband in homes across the county or an increase in the possibility of having broadband ‘hubs’ where people can work from. The big offices are no longer where people will work due to the virus and Roscommon has a huge advantage due to our
wide open spaces. “Secondly, we have to incentivise employers to come to Roscommon and create jobs. We haven’t sold ourselves well enough as a county with the advantages we have. Everything has changed in recent months and while there are many negatives associated with Covid-19, County Roscommon can turn some of those negatives into positives and become a places where people
can relocate to”. – Cllr. Laurence Fallon, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council on how the county can become a hub for remote workers. “I have felt so much safer and more comfortable here in Roscommon since I started working remotely for The Irish Times. The fresh air and wide open spaces
gave me headspace on hard days, and being back in the community I was reared in was a comfort to me. I miss my colleagues in Dublin and the structure of office life, but I hope in the future I can balance both”. – Niamh Towey, Irish Times journalist on remote working and a more sustainable work-life balance.
Kilkerrin Road Glenamaddy, Co. Galway
Telephone: 094 9659187 Mobile: 087 2616955
Strokestown, Co Roscommon S pe cia lists in the f abr i cat i on and erecti on of indus tr ial and f ar m bui l di ngs CE C e rti fi cati on to EN1090- 1 FPC- EX.C.2
P h o ne : 0 71 96 33 11 9 Fax: 071 9633900 www.r e ga ns tr uct ur al st eel . com E mail: info@r eganst r uct ur al st eel . com
Athlone Local Electoral Area Roscommon County Council
CLLR. LIAM CALLAGHAN COUNCILLOR FOR THE BOYLE AREA
Contact me with any issues on 086 3325839 or cllrlcallaghan@roscommoncoco.ie
Irish Times journalist and Ballaghaderreen native, Niamh Towey, believes a balance can be found when it comes to remote working in County Roscommon.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
Gannon Agri Contractors Creggs, Co. Galway Tel: 086 2538169
Crean & Co
Accountants & Tax Consultants
Lanesboro Street, Roscommon. Tel. (090) 6626680 Email: info@creanaccountants.ie “There are grants available for young farmers but they only go so far. There needs to be a wholesome conversation within families around the idea of succession and handing over the reins completely to sons and daughters. “There is still maybe a stigma around handing over control of the family farm and you can’t blame the older generations, especially full-time farmers who need the income. “There is a good start made by Government in relation to tax breaks but more needs to be done and a conversation maybe involving agencies such as Teagasc and Macra na Feirme needs to take place. “Everyone’s situation is different and when I came out of college in 2016, a neighbour’s farm came up for lease and I knew that was the route I wanted to go down. The
advice I would always give young farmers is to consider renting a farm”. – Eddie Egan, Macra na Feirme’s South Roscommon Young Farmer Development Group on handing the reins to the next generation of Irish farmers. “The first thing we need to do is to open up rural Ireland and make it a more attractive place to live and stay. That means providing broadband and the infrastructure to make it easier to get from place to place. “We also need to open up local services. We were very glad to be in the countryside during lockdown and to be able to get out in the fresh air but we do need to breathe new life into our rural towns and villages.
“One way we can do that is to look into development plans and grants provided for renovating older houses. We need to make it easier for people to relocate to the countryside”. – Lucy Carty, local businesswoman on the importance of making relocation to the countryside an attractive proposition for employees. “The first thing I’m going to mention is the need for high-speed broadband. The Covid pandemic has shown it means a huge amount to people and businesses. “I would also say we need a recognised centre of excellence in terms of business training and education. An Institute of Technology, for example, would attract professional expertise and encourage research and innova-
tion in County Roscommon. “We also need to move towards attracting a large multi-national companies away from the major urban areas. The Government has been so focussed on pushing these companies to places like Dublin that now there are problems (with overcrowding, etc.). “Recreation and leisure facilities are also needed with full diversity for both young and old to make full use of the countryside. “Infrastructure such as light rail servicing every major town is vital too. This will go towards the current global move to prevent people from having to commute huge distances”.
Cllr. John Keogh
Rose Cottage, Cloongowna, Bealnamullia, Athlone, Co. Roscommon 087 6440534 cllrjkeogh@roscommoncoco.ie
– Mary Hennigan, Network Ireland Roscommon branch on improving our rural network.
Telephone: 094 9646205 Specializing In Transporting & spreading of biosolids and biofert
www.evergreenfields.ie
WARD BROS QUARRY SUPPLIERS OF ALL TYPES OF: • Stone • Sand & Gravel • Topsoil • Readymix • Plant Hire
FOR KEENEST QUOTES CALL
071 96 33222
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Laurence Fallon (left) and local businesswoman Lucy Carty (right) have offered their insights into how Roscommon can be made more attractive for business.
E: wardbrosltd@gmail.com
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
FARMING & RURAL LIVING ess In Businyears over 30
Rain Water Storage
Have your Own Well
Francis is Fisheries’ chief
Mountain Stream, River or Lake
At Waterteck we provide Filtration Systems which give you a superior quality water supply from any of the above sources.
Well Drilling /Pump Installation/Water Analysis/Recommendations
WATERTECK 2000 Rooskey, South Leitrim. 07196 58976 / 086 8072249
waterteck@eircom.net
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Telephone: 094 9620420
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TELEPHONE: 094 9620300 Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER:
AA HEIFER SHOW AND SALE
IN CONJUNCTION WITH OUR USUAL SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS. SATURDAY 3RD OCTOBER:
SATURDAY WEANLING SALE. SALE COMMENCES AT 11 A.M. MONDAY 5TH OCTOBER:
BULLOCK SALE. THURSDAY 8TH OCTOBER:
SALE OF HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS. SATURDAY 10TH OCTOBER:
WEANLING SALE. For Enquiries Please Contact Mart Office Or Visit Our Website For Details.
Anger at deer permit delay There is considerable concern and growing frustration among thousands of licensed deer hunters and deer management groups due to a delay in the issuing of permits by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Wildlife Licensing Unit. Approximately 5,500 permits are issued annually by NPWS to allow for the
management of deer during the open deer season which runs from September 1st to February 28th. In the absence of a natural predator it falls on humans to maintain deer numbers at sustainable levels and to reduce any negative effect they may have on farming, forestry, and the wider ecosystem. While unverified, data re-
leased by NPWS show that 41,148 deer were culled by 5,515 licensed deer hunters in the 12-month period up to February 28th, 2019, highlighting the important role carried out by licensed deer hunters. In a statement to the Roscommon People, a spokesperson for the Irish Deer Commission said: “While we sympathise
with the challenges caused by Covid-19 for NPWS in the issuing of permits, we have engaged with NPWS in good faith since June while representing our members regarding the potential permit issues caused by Covid-19. However, we have been left frustrated and dismayed by NPWS’ inability to engage and adapt”.
Bullock Sale, Monday 21st of September: Castlerea Mart held its Annual Show and Sale of Continental Bullocks on Monday, September 21st. A fine yard of cattle met a lively trade with bullocks making up to €1055 over their weight with all categories of stock a good trade.
Sample prices: Ch 475kgs €1330 Lm 480kgs €1200 Ch 545kgs €1490 Lm 545kgs €1300 Ch 585kgs €1570 Ch 565kgs €1480 Ch 645kgs €1580 Ch 645kgs €1700 Lmx 845kgs €1780 Ch 760kgs €1690. Sales continue. On Thursday, 1st of October (today)
The Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has announced the appointment of Francis O’Donnell to the position of Chief Executive Officer. Francis is currently Director of the Western River Basin District with IFI. He will take up his position in the coming weeks. Prior to rejoining the inland fisheries service, Francis was the CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO). He has also worked with the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC), and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource.
Castlerea MART WATCH Castlerea Mart held its Annual Show and Sale of Continental heifers and Belgian Blue Weanling Sale on Thursday last. A large entry of stock met a fine trade with quality once again to the forefront in prices. In the heifer ring prices peaked at €950 over or €2.93 a kilo. In the weanling heifer ring a top price of €3010 was paid for a 350kg Belgian Blue Weanling heifer or €8.60 a kilo, while the weanling bulls noticed a top price of €1560 paid for a 320 kilo Belgian bull weanling bull or €4.87 a kilo. Dry cows, breeding stock and runners met with good demand, also resulting in an excellent clearance. Sample prices – heifers: Ch 420kgs €1070 Lmx 415kgs €1050 Ch 380kgs €990 Lmx 490kgs €1440 Lm 490kgs €1400 Ch 440kgs €1190 Ch 735kgs €1670 Ch 650kgs €1580 Ch 710kgs €1510 Ch 575kgs €1400. Dry cows: Ch 910kgs €1740 Ch 930kgs €1640 Lm 705kgs €1560 BA 675kgs €1440 Fr 475kgs €560. Cows with calves at foot made from €1140 to €1585. Springers made from €1000 to €1210. Calves/runners: Lots made from €300 to €840 for Continental types. Weanling bulls: BB 320kgs €1560 BB 405kgs
€1510 BB 363kgs €1300 BB 340kgs €1220 Ch 290kgs €910 Ch 370kgs €1060 Ch 380kgs €1040. Weanling heifers: BBx 295kgs €1190 BBX 270kgs €900 BBx 350kgs €3010 BB 380kgs €1410 BB330kgs €1180 Ch 345kgs €1030 Ch 285kgs €850 Lmx 285kgs €820.
we hold our Annual Show and Sale of Aberdeen Angus heifers in conjunction with our usual sale of heifers, cows, calves, runners and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am with restrictions in place due to Covid-19 for both buyers and sellers.
Castlerea Co-Operative Livestock Mart Annual Continental Weanling Show and Sale. Siobhan Earley on behalf of Kevin Henry, Castlerea Veterinary Clinic, presents 1st prize to Cathal O’Brien and Cathal Junior (Ballintubber, Castlerea) for the best Charolais Weanling Heifer. Pic: Glynn’s Photography, Castlerea
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
Bord Bia’s beef blitz! Bord Bia is running a major marketing activation partnership with 11 leading European retailers to drive sales of Irish beef steak this autumn and winter. The campaign, launched in Germany on the 15th of September, will be rolled out in Italy in the coming weeks, and in Spain in December, featuring in up to 6,000 stores across the three markets. The food service market accounts for a third of all Irish beef exported to Continental Europe, while over half of all Irish steak sold in Continental Europe is through food service. Although restaurants have reopened across Europe, most have done so under reduced capacity; and as a result, food service sales are forecast to decline by over 33% in 2020. Bord Bia’s European steak campaign aims to drive sales of steak at retail level outside of the traditional summer steak/ BBQ season, in order to compensate for this decline in food service steak sales. Despite accounting for only 13% of the carcase, steak commands the highest price, and so equates to approximately one-third of the overall value of the entire carcase. The marketing activation plan features a range of online and offline marketing materials including banners, on-pack stickers, and information on video screens in-store, all designed to increase awareness of Irish steak and provide an uplift in sales.
Technology Ireland Centre in Ashtown, Dublin last week. The goal of genetic evaluations is to identify, as ac-
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Beef eating Quality Index launched The world’s first national multi-breed genomic evaluation for sensorybased meat eating quality was launched at the Meat
Murray
curately as possible, genetically elite animals. These animals are often chosen as parents of the next generation in the pursuit of genetic gain. Accurate genetic evaluations are predicated on large databases of performance, ancestry and DNA information. One of the main objectives of the Meat Technology Ireland research programme was to generate such a database of in-
formative and genetically diverse animals for meateating quality, optimised for the generation of accurate national genomic evaluations pertinent to the Irish cattle population. Sensory data collected on over 6,000 cattle, which began in November 2016, now resides within the database, making it the largest such database globally used for genetic evaluations.
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Michael Donagh Berry, Teagasc Geneticist, said at the launch that “Ireland boasts a unique selling point of safe, nutritious and responsibly produced beef, but we are under constant threat from ever-aggressive competitors. “We must continually innovate, and delivering year-on-year improvement in meat-eating quality will become our new point of differentiation”.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
Roscommon MART WATCH (Proudly serving farmers for over 61 years) Property Services Providers Licence No. 001373
Harvest Special Sale of Bullocks
Friday, October 2nd at 11.am. 103 pens of Bullocks on offer Yard opens at 7.30 a.m. All stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. Viewing from 10 a.m. to 10.45 a.m. Also, Dry Cows & ICBF Sale of BDGP 4- & 5-star Heifers -------------------------
Harvest Special Sale of Heifers Friday, October 9th at 11a.m. Also Bullocks & Dry Cows
Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 1st
-------------------------
Harvest Special Sale of Bullocks Friday, October 16th at 11 a.m.
Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 8th
-------------------------
Special Sale of Breeding Heifers Friday, October 16th at 11 a.m.
Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 8th
-------------------------
Fall Special Sale of Weanlings
Tuesday, October 6th at 4 p.m. Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 1st
Also Springers/Suckler Cows -------------------------
Show & Sale of Weanlings Tuesday, October 13th at 4 p.m. Full details of classes on our Website
Bookings accepted up to 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 8th
------------------------Tuesday, October 13th at 6 p.m.
15 Super Simmental X Springing Heifers
in calf 5 Star easy Calving Simmental Bull 700 to 800 kgs – 13 calving Jan/Feb & 2 calving March Photos on our face/book Website Also 6 Excellent Quality Lim X Springing Heifers In calf to AI Lim Bull due October/November -------------------------
Organic Sale – Cattle & Sheep Saturday, October 3rd at 12 Noon -------------------------
Lambs & Cast Ewes
Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Yard open at 8 a.m. All stock must be penned by 10 a.m. -------------------------
Breeding Ewes & Hoggets (Final sale) This Saturday Sale at 11 am. – Gates open at 8 a.m.
--------------------------------------------------------
Live streaming of sales from Ring 1 see link on our Facebook or website
Please note that All Customers must wear a Face Mask
ENQUIRIES 090 6626352
Email: roscommonmart@gmail.com Visit our website: www.roscommonmart.ie
Find us on facebook
Manager’s report… Maura Quigley, Roscommon Mart “There was a very large entry of cattle on offer at Friday’s sale which included a special sale of heifers. Trade was firm for heifers with a good attendance of customers anxious for stock and prices ranging from an average of €2.26 per kilo up to €2.96 per kilo. The numbers of bullocks were small due to next week’s large entry of 105 pens. “On Saturday, September 26th there was a sale of breeding ewes with numbers slightly smaller than the previous week. “Two-year-old ewes fetched up to €160, threeyear-old ewes made up to €140 and hoggets fetched up to €204. Hoggets ranged from €120 up to €204 per head. “Please note that the final sale will take place this Saturday (October 3rd). “There will be a special sale of bullocks and general sale of heifers and dry cows on Friday, October 2nd with 102 pens of bullocks on offer. Sales commence at 11 am and the intake is from 7.30 am to 9.30 am. Viewing by appointment from 10 am to 10.45 am and online bidding is available with LSL. Gates close at 9.45 am. “On Friday, October 9th at 11 am there will be a special sale of heifers and general sale of bullocks and dry cows. Bookings accepted up to 5 pm this evening (October 1st). “There will also be a special sale of weanlings on Tuesday, October 6th at 4 pm and bookings are accepted up to 5 pm this evening (Thursday, October 1st). “All customers visiting Roscommon Mart for
sales are kindly asked to wear facemasks and adhere to all Covid-19 guidelines”.
Roscommon Mart sample prices Dry cows Lim X 825kgs €1730, Lim X 845kgs €1640, Lim X 765kgs €1540, Char X 755kgs €1510, Lim X 780kgs €1490, Lim X 805kgs €1460, SHX 720kgs €1190, Char X 710kgs €1260, Lim X 685kgs €1210, Lim X 595kgs €980, Lim X 595kgs €980.
Bullocks 705kgs €1660, Lim X 660kgs €1300, Char X 580kgs €1270, Lim 510kgs €1210, Lim X 630kgs €1200, Lim X 490kgs €1120, Lim X 505kgs €1100, Lim X 525kgs €1080.
Heifers Lim X 655kgs €1590, Char X 615kgs €1480, Lim 645kgs €1460, Char X 580kgs €1440, Char 560kgs €1430, Char 570kgs €1430, AAX 660kgs €1320, Char 550kgs €1360, Lim 485kgs €1080, Char X 415kgs €1090, Lim 420kgs €1120, Char 420kgs €1070, Char X 405kgs €1050, 3 Lim X 390kgs €1030, SHX 425kgs €1025, Lim X
410kgs €1040, 2 Char X 420kgs €1020, Lim X 365kgs €1000, AAX 425kgs €970, Char X 375kgs €970.
Weanling heifers Lim X 405kgs €1300 €3.20 per kilo, Char X 390kgs €1240 - €3.17 per kilo, Lim 385kgs €1210 - 3.14 per kilo, Lim X 355kgs €1140 - €3.21 per kilo, Char X 350kgs €1040 - €2.97 per kilo, Char X 305kgs €910 - €2.98 per kilo, Char X 295kgs €910 - €3.08 per kilo, 2 Char X 332kgs €980 - €2.94 per kilo, Char X 295kgs €900 - €3.05 per kilo, 2 Char X 275kgs €900 - €3.27 per kilo, Char X 245kgs €830 - €3.38 per kilo, BBX 250kgs €600 - €2.40 per kilo.
Weanling bulls Char X 455kgs €1200 - €2.63 per kilo, Lim X 445kgs €1170 - €2.62 per kilo, Char X 350kgs €1140 - €3.25 per kilo, Lim X 370kgs €1130 - €3.05 per kilo, Char X 350kgs €1100 - €3.14 per kilo, BBX 350kgs €1100 - €3.14 per kilo Char X 325kgs €1080 - €3.32 per kilo, Char X 305kgs €1040 - €3.40 per kilo, Char X 295kgs €1020 - €3.45 per kilo, Char X 285kgs €980 - €3.46 per kilo, Char X 265kgs €930 - €3.32 per kilo, 305kgs €1040 - €3.41 per kilo, Char X 160kgs €630 €3.93 per kilo.
Call for rollover of sheep scheme IFA National Sheep Chairman, Sean Dennehy has called on the Department of Agriculture to continue the Sheep Welfare Scheme, which is due to conclude in December 2020. Sean Dennehy said: “With 34,000 flock owners, sheep farming is the second largest sector in terms of farm numbers. “The Sheep Welfare Scheme has been positive and effective; sheep are significant contributors to environmental preservation, particularly in hill and mountainous areas. The four-year scheme is due to conclude in December 2020”. IFA met with Department officials to discuss its proposal. Mr. Dennehy said: “We were clear about what sheep farmers need; a targeted payment of €30 per ewe through a combination of CAP transition and national funding”. Other issues discussed included Brexit, the collapse of the wool price, and establishing a potential working group for the sector.
Finished lambs 53.6kgs €115, 53.7kgs €114, 52.3kgs €113, 50.7kgs €113, 53.3kgs €112, 51.3kgs €112, 51.5kgs €111, 47kgs €110.
Ewe lambs 48.5kgs €141, 46kgs €126, 45.9kgs €122, 45.50kgs €120, 49.3kgs €117,
53.80kgs €115, 40.2kgs €112, 42.70kgs €110, 41.9kgs €110, 49.8kgs €108, 45kgs €103.
Store lambs 38kgs €92, 38.7kgs €91, 37.8kgs €90, 32.30kgs €85, 35.8kgs €80. Cast ewes made from €63 to €113 per lot.
Autumn Weanlings Show and Sale winners at Roscommon Mart Class 1: Best Pen Weanling Bulls 1st: Paddy Dolan, Shancugh, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon; 2nd: Martin Kenny, Boxford, Cloverhill, Roscommon; 3rd: David Dolan, Errick, Four Roads, Roscommon. Class 2: Best Pen of Weanling Heifers 1st: Martin Kenny, Boxford, Cloverhill, Roscommon; 2nd: Carmel Moran, Carrowreagh, Athleague, Roscommon; 3rd: Evelyn Murray, Scrine, Rahara, Roscommon. Champion Pen of Weanlings (James F. Conry Candler Memorial Perpetual Cup) Paddy Dolan, Shancugh, Ballintubber, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
IFA response to Beef Taskforce meeting
Addressing tractor safety The Minister of State for Agriculture, Food and the Marine (with responsibility for Farm Safety), Martin Heydon T.D. and Chief Executive Officer of the Health and Safety Authority, Dr. Sharon McGuinness, have jointly launched an online Tractor Safety Awareness Training Course, in conjunction with the Irish Farmers Journal. Minister Heydon stated: “This online course is a great opportunity for all those working with farm machinery to refresh their skills. It can provide a reminder for ex-
Chartered Accountants & Business Advisers
perienced operators as well as a grounding for young people starting out with farm machinery”. Dr. Sharon McGuinness said: “Farmers must invest time for training for themselves, their families and others who work on their farm. Tractors and other vehicles were involved in 50% of all farm fatalities over the last 10 years. I would ask farmers to get online and complete this Tractor Safety Awareness Training course”. Justin McCarthy, Editor of the Irish Farmer’s Journal said: “We all have a responsibility both to ourselves
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and our families to farm safely. I would urge all farmers and their families to take this interactive course to help remind them of the proper practices and procedures that need to be undertaken before operating any type of machinery”. The course is aimed primarily at young people starting out who drive tractors on farms and highlights the daily safety elements that need to be considered. It can also be used as a good ‘refresher’ for other ages. Details on the Department website.
Following a recent Beef Taskforce meeting, IFA President Tim Cullinan acknowledged moves to address concerns raised by IFA. “Some important changes have been proposed in the document, as well as a specific commitment to develop and promote a suckler brand. IFA will consider the proposals, but we still have a number of concerns, principally the exclusion of young bulls,” he said. “While we understand the importance of securing a PGI, we must get it right. To be fair to the minister, he has been willing to listen to the issues raised by IFA, but we need farmer buy-in. Any benefits must go to farmers, particularly suckler farmers, not factories or retailers,” he said. “We will be considering the documents presented and engaging further with the Department and the minister with a view to trying to reach agreement at the next Taskforce meeting on October 12th,” he said.
28
Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
FARMING & RURAL LIVING Farming must be supported, not undermined
Cllr. Anthony Waldron
Running a small business in a rural town makes one aware of the importance of farming and farm families to the local economy. Telephone: 086 786 6774 Email: anthonywaldron@mail.com
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Forestry bill won’t solve current logjam – Fitzmaurice
The introduction of the Forestry Amendment Bill alone will not solve the current logjam of applications facing the forestry sector, according to independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice. With the Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020 making its way through the Dáil, Fitzmaurice made the point that the bill won’t solve immediate problems facing the sector on its own. He said: “I support the Bill, but it appears as if some people think that it will solve everything – but it won’t. “As it stands, there are up on 2,000 applications waiting to be processed by the Forestry Service. “While the Bill will make changes which will impact how new applications are dealt with, other work will have to be carried out to clear the current backlog. “Unless changes are made to the current procedures and protocols that are followed when dealing with applications, the sector will continue to be suffocated by red tape”. Continuing, the representative for the Roscommon-Galway constituency said: “At the end of the day, Ireland signed up to the Habitats Directive without giving enough consideration to the impact that it would have.
“For instance, despite it not being enshrined in law, every planner adheres to the 15km buffer zone rule. “Ireland has walked itself into a cul-desac by bringing in the likes of the Habitats Directive, which is destroying this country bit by bit. “It is negatively impacting the development of housing, ports, airports as well as the forestry sector. It is the bane of people’s lives. “We are now paying for what Michael D. Higgins signed in back in 1997”. Concluding, Fitzmaurice said: “To further explain what needs to be done to help the forestry sector people need to understand that the personnel who used to sign off on applications are now deemed to be unsuitably qualified for the role. “The minister and his Department need to ensure that adequately qualified people are hired who can screen applications in or out, in order to speed up the process. “If we continue to bury our heads in the sand and proceed with the same procedures, then the current logjam will continue. “It is imperative that timber is got to the mills as soon as possible, otherwise jobs will be lost,” Fitzmaurice said.
Timber industry ‘at breaking point’ Senator Eugene Murphy introduced the Forestry Bill “on behalf of Fianna Fáil” in the Seanad last week. This Bill, formerly known as the Agriculture Appeals (Amendment) Bill, will, he said, enable the forestry appeals system to be more efficient and reduce the current backlog of appeals with the Forestry Appeals Committee (FAC).
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Speaking in the Seanad, Senator Murphy said: “This is important legislation which aims to get the forestry sector moving again. “The legislation is allowing for an increase in the number of people on the Forestry Appeals Committee and it allows a subdivision of this committee so that it can review many appeals at one time. The appeals process will be more efficient and work quicker,” he said.
Senator Murphy referred to a recent warning by the head of Coillte that the timber industry is at “breaking point” with thousands of jobs at “imminent risk”. “In rural Ireland in particular thousands of families will be left without a wage packet if we don’t deal with this issue,” concluded Senator Murphy.
Harkin demands export supports Deputy Marian Harkin says the beef and sheep sectors, together with a range of small businesses, need and deserve immediate strong focus by the Government in its response to the challenges posed by Brexit. Deputy Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim) issued that call when addressing Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney in a debate in the Dáil on the Brexit negotiations. She emphasised the value of the beef and sheep sectors for her constituency and asked what steps the Government was taking in the face of the many challenges facing them. Deputy Harkin said that 250,000 tonnes of beef were exported to the UK from Ireland every year and the possible imposition of tariffs would totally undermine that trade and would collapse the mar-
ket. She pointed out that the UK currently exported 100,000 tonnes of beef to the EU but if the UK did not adhere to current environmental, sanitary and phytosanitary regulations it was highly likely that those volumes would not continue post-Brexit. Given these circumstances, Deputy Harkin asked what measures were in place for Irish beef to replace UK beef on the EU market. Despite the recent support measures for the beef sector, such as the beef exceptional aid measure, BEAM, and beef finisher pandemic payments, the estimated losses in the sector as a result of Covid and Brexit, amounted to €273 million, she said. She made a strong plea for further supports for the beef industry.
Deputy Marian Harkin
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
Macra Roscommon members to receive face masks Macra na Feirme will distribute 2,000 face masks to members around the country in the coming weeks. The initiative is part of a range of support measures being implemented to assist members, clubs and county executives to deal with the impact of Covid-19. The measures include a club reboot package, signposting members struggling with mental health to online mental health charity, Turn2me, as well as incentives at county level to support activities. Macra na Feirme President, Thomas Duffy said: “Participating in Macra na Feirme activities have for many members of the organisation provided an outlet for those struggling with isolation, loneliness and other mental health difficulties. These activities have been heavily curtailed by Covid-19. By signposting members struggling to Turn2me.ie, those members will be able to avail of the Turn2me’s suite of safe, secure and confidential online services such as 24/7 online clinically moderated peer support and information, counselling sessions online and online support groups on a wide range of mental health themes 7 days a week, 365 days a year”. Over the next week or so club secretaries in Roscommon and nationwide will receive a reboot care package for members in their own clubs. That package includes HSE-approved signage, a supply of hand sanitiser, and a selection of Macra branded facemasks to distribute free of charge. Number 002414
Elphin Mart Monday (evening) 5th October Dry Cows, Cows + Calves, In-Calves, Weanlings + Purebred Sale for all breds. Unhaultered Sale. Bookings taken by phone. Sale at 6pm Wednesday, 7th October SPECIAL HEIFER SALE Including prizes sponsored by Irish Charolais Society for best Charolais Store and Beef Heifer. 400 cattle on offer. Sale at 11am Friday 9th October 50 Super Quality in-calf Heifers for John McEneanny. Sale at 7pm
Please contact: 071/9635061
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Mobile: (087) 2323933 or (087) 7966039 Macra na Feirme president Thomas Duffy
Climate policy costs’ warning! Liquid Gas Ireland turns up heat in debate! Over half a million rural homeowners and businesses could pay a high price for Ireland’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to climate policy, according to Liquid Gas Ireland (LGI), which represents the country’s LPG industry. The Government’s National Climate Action Plan envisions the majority of Ireland’s households undergoing retrofitting to install electric heat pumps. However, LGI says that this approach does not consider the unique needs and economic and infrastructural challenges of rural Ireland. Over 500,000 Irish properties have no connection to the natural gas distribution network; two-thirds currently rely on oil boilers for heating and fuel. LGI says that
connecting remote, less energy-efficient properties to the natural gas grid or installing new heat pump technology will prove prohibitively expensive. In its new 2040 vision, ‘A Greener Deal for Rural Ireland’, LGI argues that the Government must legislate for a ‘mixed technology’ approach to decarbonisation, which includes lower-carbon fuels such as LPG and BioLPG. This would lead to a fairer, ‘just’ transition for rural Ireland while significantly reducing CO2 emissions. The vision lays out a plan for the LPG industry for the next twenty years. LGI says that it can transition up to 500,000 oil boilers to LPG by 2030, equivalent to 50,000 households and businesses per annum. As an industry, it aims to transition to 100% BioLPG by 2040. LPG is a clean-burning, smoke-free fuel that cuts emissions from domestic, commercial, industrial and transport sectors by up to 33% compared to heating oil and other solid fuels.
Knockcroghery, Co.Roscommon
DRUMSHANBO MART PLC SALE RING 1: Factory & store cows, In-calf & suckler cows SALE RING 2: Sale of Heifers SALE RING 3: Bullocks and weanling bulls Thursday 1st of October at 12 noon Sale of Store & Fat Lambs and Breeding Ewes Tuesday 6th October at 12 NOON SHOW AND SALE OF BULLOCKS NB Tuesday 13th October SHOW AND SALE OF WEANLING BULLS Tuesday 20th October SHOW AND SALE OF WEANLING HEIFERS Saturday 24th October ORGANIC SALE OF ALL STOCK License No. 003474
Tel: 071 9641116 or 071 9641117 Fax: 071 9641118
ALL CREATURES VETERINARY LANESBORO STREET, ROSCOMON Tel: 090 662 6898 AFTER HOURS/24 HOUR EMERGENCY
087 2596055
l Combine Harvesting
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING DURING THESE DIFFICULT AND CHALLENGING TIMES
Serving South Roscommon & East Galway area
YOU MUST CALL IN ADVANCE TO ORDER REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS
Thanks to all our customers in 2020 and looking forward to meeting you in 2021
(087) 6776731
Ring us from your car when you arrive for collection of your order/appointment. We ask that all payments be made by card if possible and encourage payment over the phone when ordering medication/food. While on the premises we ask all customers to observe the 2m rule at all times.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
FARMING & RURAL LIVING
Yes, ministers? IFA presents pre-Budget submission
IFA President Tim Cullinan
IFA President Tim Cullinan held an online meeting with the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, the Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath and the Minister of State at the Dept. of Finance Patrick O’Donovan recently to discuss IFA’s pre-Budget submission. “While we fully understand that challenges facing the exchequer arising from Covid-19, the shadow of Brexit is creating massive uncertainty for farmers. Government support for the sector was never more important,â€? he said. “While a â‚Ź5bn contingency fund has been set aside at EU level, our Government will have to step up to the plate also,â€? he said. “We are facing at least a one-year CAP transition, and the funding for farm schemes will have to be maintained. They are a vital part of farm incomes, and they also underpin investment in the sector,â€? he said. “Investment in farming gives a real return to the rural economy, and we believe farmers and the agricultural sector can play a major part in the economic recovery,â€? he said. The Chair of the Farm Business Committee Rose Mary McDonagh and the Chairman of the Rural Development Committee Michael Biggins also attended the meeting. Rosemary McDonagh said the delegation also raised the importance of the range of reliefs. “The renewal of consolidation and consanguinity Stamp Duty reliefs are crucial to encourage generational renewal. Both of these need to be renewed this year, and we need the PAYE selfemployed allowance equalised fully,â€? she said. IFA Rural Development Chairman Michael Biggins said that farmers need certainty concerning vital farm schemes. IFA also had the opportunity to raise the importance of an adequate budget to fund the proposed three-year cap on the Fair Deal Scheme, amongst other issues in their pre-Budget submission.
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe
Worrell Harvesting Ltd.
Specialists in Woodchip, Timber Harvesting, Haulage, Timber Marketing and General Logistics TELEPHONE: 045 529574 ‡ ˆ � � ��‰ˆ„ ‡  … � † †  Š  † ‰ �† � ˆ�
DO YOU WANT TO SELL YOUR TIMBER? Worrell Harvesting are looking to secure timber from clearfells, thinnings, fire damaged wooded areas, Christmas trees and roadside timber. We buy both hardwood and softwood. You will receive prompt payment and a professional approach. Our timber removal is 100% traceable through our docketing and text system.
Worrell Harvesting are looking to secure timber from clearfells, thinnings, re damaged wooded areas, pine forestry and roadside timber. We buy both hardwood and softwood
Free Quotation
SPECIALISTSTS IN ASH DYE BACK EXTRACTION
YOU WILL RECEIVE PROMPT PAYMENT AND A PROFESSIONAL APPROACH Our timber removal is 100% traceable through our docketing and text system
Farmers don’t burn bushes there may be Value in them
Contact us today for higher prices per hectare and no reforest costs in Clearfell Increase you forestry potential from Worell Harvesting’s unique BRASH UTILISATION PROCESS
Get extra revenue with BIOMASS HARVESTING
Contact us today for higher prices per hectare – no reforest costs in Clearfell
Farmers don’t burn bushes – there may be value in them!
Worrell Harvesting Ltd.
  � ��  � � �� � � Killenure, Ballybrittas, Portlaoiste, Co. Laois   €�‚ƒ� „ … � † Email: info@worrellharvesting.ie ƒƒƒ ƒ� „ … � †
Follow us on
www.worrellharvesting.ie
• DAVID BEIRNE – 086 3856051 – Western Timber Manager • CONOR KAVANAGH – 086 171 2279 – Western Forest Manager
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
Classifieds
Everyone wants it Everyone reads it 80,000 PEOPLE READ OUR NEWSPAPER EVERY WEEK!
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
CHIROPODIST
CHIMNEY CLEANING
PODIATRIST
For all foot ailments Siobhan Murray BSc (Hons) Podiatry M.Ch.S.I.
Department of Health Approved
Complete Chimney Services
Cloonchambers, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon For appointment: (094) 96 21647 / (089) 4142233 • Home visits • 20 years experience
PODIATRIST/ CHIROPODIST Mark Kilgallon B.Sc Podiatry (Hons) M.Ch.S.I. Department of Health Approved
EVERY FRIDAY St. Joseph’s Resource Centre, Boyle For appointment
085 1503353 086 8538404
Chimney Cleaning
• Power brush and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires
• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS • Firebacks replaced and flues repaired • Can be cleaned from the bottom up • Chimney cowels and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services. Telephone:
087 2798704
Email: m.kilgallon23@gmail.com
• House Visits • Insoles and Orthotics Prescribed • Chiropody Services
Clinics also in Ballaghaderreen and Castlebar
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
Tel: Catriona Byrne DIP CHFP
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.connachtchimney Cleaning.com
CATTERY & KENNELS
See us on
CHIROPRACTOR
COUNSELLING
ROSCOMMON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC
COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY
Specialising in:
• BACK PAIN • HEADACHES • NECK PAIN • LIMB PAIN
Telephone: 086 8433433
Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon. David Connor
BSC (Hon.) Chiro. MSc. Chiropractic Association of Ireland
VHI and Laya Covered
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
CONSTRUCTION Stephen Casey
Construction General Building l Extensions & Roofing l Groundworks l Renovations l
Strokestown, Co. Roscommon
087 9268424 stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com
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? Please call Glynis on
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
Learn to drive with ....
Roscommon Driving School Telephone:
090 66 61102 Road Safety Authority Approved Driving Instructor
085 2514394
email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk
https://www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
COMPUTERS 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 Email: info@dccomputerservices.ie Web: www.dccomputerservices.ie
FENCING/GATES
FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD For all your fencing needs. Glas Fencing Grant Fencing Post Rail
l l
FARMING < ABATTOIR SERVICE AVAILABLE: Cattle, lambs and pigs. Ready for freezing. Home Cured and Honey Dry cured traditional bacon (not pumped with water) now available. Tel: Webb’s Butcher’s, 094 96 20005 or 086 4094715. < SQUARE BALES OF HAY: Excellent quality square bales of hay, sold in lots to suit, can deliver. Call: 086 2628439 < 12 ACRES GRASS TO LET: For sheep, some pasture ground, some after grass up to Christmas, Ballygar area. Call: 087 0905960 < FOR SALE: Pedigree Chaorlais Hoggett and ram lambs for sale, top quality Call: 087 7952487 after 6pm < ROSCOMMON FARM SHOP: The Square Rocscommon. Freerange and Organic eggs, poultry, potatoes, fruit & veg Strokestown Honey, Gilligan Meats, freerange bacon & ribs, goat and sheeps milk and cheese.
FOR SALE < FOR SALE: 2 year old black setter bitch, starting to work €400. Tel: 086 3155044 < FOR SALE: 2007 Nissan Micra 1.2 Sport, NCT Sept, 60,000 miles, €1,650. 2006 BMW 5 Series, spares or repair €400. 2006 Audi A4 TD, spares or repair €200. Weslo Treadmill, excellent condition €275. Tel: 086 2281535
l
Tel: 087 2172281
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
< FOR SALE: VW Golf 2008, 1.4 lt petrol, silver metallic. Comfort Line, 80,000 miles, taxed until May 21, N.C.T. until September 21, €2,950 o.n.o. Tel: 086 6095431
GARDENING GATELY GARDENING
Four Roads, Co. Roscommon • Landscaping • Timber Decking • Patios • General Maintenance Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496
• 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.parklawntreeservices.
JOE HEALY
Tree Services
• Hedge Cutting • Dangerous Tree Removal • Wood Chipping • Fully Insured
Phone:
087 2721193 WALTER BEGLEY
Gardening, Maintenance & Painting Roscommon Town • Indoor & Outdoor Painting • Winter Garden Clean-Up • Power Washing Driveways - Paths • Prepare Lawns for Spring • Hedge Trimming • Planting • Grass Cutting • General Maintenance
Contact Walter on 087 9519873
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
Classifieds GARDENING
CORBETT
TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING
General Maintenance l Dangerous Tree Removal l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped l Wood Chipping l Fully Insured Contact Alan on l
087 6558597
www.corbetttreecareandlandscaping.com
GARDENING SERVICES 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
Pressure Washing & General Services Patios Decking | Houses | Vehicles | Driveways | Caravans | Walls | Gutters Full & Mini Car Valeting (we come to you!)
Furniture Removal & Collection Garden Maintenance
Phone John: 085 2113317
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
GRINDS
ROSCOMMON
MATHS GRINDS
Junior and Leaving Certificate Higher Level Experienced Higher Level Teacher Outstanding results record Excellent notes provided Application Forms now available Contact by phone/text:
Lorraine Beirne 086 3688302
EMAIL: roscommonmathsgrinds @gmail.com
JUNIOR & LEAVING CERTIFICATE ENGLISH GRINDS Online Classes l Highly experienced tutor and state examinations corrector. l Comprehensive and original course notes posted to students weekly. l Assessments given on a weekly basis. l Individual guidance and feedback. These online classes will take place on a weekly basis, affording students the opportunity to learn in a safe and relaxed environment. Please contact Aidan O’Connor at asconnor@ icloud.com or 086 6078154 (Text only) for further information
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
PHYSICAL THERAPY
REFLEXOLOGY
Roscommon Physical Therapy Clinic
REFLEXOLOGY
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
PAINTING & DECORATING
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING CONTRACTOR For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN
086 4679798 PAINTER & DECORATOR Private & Commercial Power washing 25 years experience Free Estimates Given
Phone Alan on:
090 6661635 or Mobile:
087 2683079 PLANNINGS
Design Consultation Planning Applications New Build, Extend, Renovate Bespoke Design Domestic, Commercial & Agricultural
086 3482387 info@moleskinarchitecture.com
facebook.com/moleskinarch
MARINA FUREY (MNRRI)
Reflexology may bring relief from conditions such as: • Allergies • Colic • Eczema • Constipation • Migraine • Back Problems • Stress • Infertility • Insomnia • Respiratory Disorders • Blood Pressure • Pain • Bowel Disorders • Joint/Muscle Problems • Thyroid Imbalance • Emotional Disorders - Fertility Reflexology - Ante Natal Reflexology - Baby Reflexology - Cancer Care Reflexology - Special Needs Reflexology Mobile Service Available Marina Furey B. Sc. (Hons)
Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon
Tel: 087 2264951 Find us on facebook
HOLISTIC JOAN MOORE Therapy Rooms • Sports Massage • Deep Tissue Massage • Reflexology • Indian head Massage • Reiki • Aromatherapy • Dry needling • Thai Massage Roscommon West Business Park, Circular Road, Roscommon
087 9201818
Gift vouchers now available
Find us on facebook
USEFUL SERVICES < ELECTRICIAN AVAILABLE: Rewires, first and second fix new houses, fuse board upgrade. All farm buildings and sheds, security lighting and garden lights. Tel: Tom on 086 0815802. < HANDYMAN SERVICES: Do you need odd jobs doing around your home/yard? Don’t have time to do them yourself? Don’t want to contact a specialised tradesman to carry out these tasks? l Gardening l Stonework l Clean up/Tidying l Concrete repairs l Fence repairs l Pointing/Repointing l Cutting/Chopping firewood. Honest Service Provided at a Reasonable Rate. Phone: 087 2176205
USEFUL SERVICES
Electrician Available Safe Electric Registered. Domestic and Industrial, All work considered. No Job too small.
TAXIS AND HACKNEYS
Pete’s Cabs Roscommon
Phone Paul 086 2553153 or 090 666 3053 or Email p0862553153@ gmail.com.
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 Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring: 087 9657933 or 090 6626752
SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED DRAINS/SEWERS CLEANED PERMIT NO: NW CPO - 09 - 03267 - 03
TELEPHONE MICHAEL HAVERTY: 086 8381227 or 086 1997815
Quality Small Job Services For Home or Business
OIL BOILER SERVICE
ONLY €80 Includes new nozzle, Efficiency report, Printout, etc .... 094 96 31880 087 9100477
– Contact –
Peter Lynch 086 8400002 USEFUL SERVICES
CARPENTER AVAILABLE for all types of work, including maintenace, roof repairs.
Call 087 646 7322 PEAT BEDDING
TURF AVAILABLE Tel: Donal
086 2721812 (All areas)
PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Gerry Dervin and John Crean for continued use of buildings as an educational facility/ Gaelscoil at Gaelscoil de hÍde, Lisnamult Townland, Cruby Hill, Roscommon Town. Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. Ph: (087) 2222874. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
TURF/FUEL/ FIREWOOD < THIS WEEK’S SPECIAL OFFERS: • Bags of seasoned firewood only €2 per bag• Bags of turf only €2.50 per bag, buy 20 get 2 free • Tonne bags firewood/turf €35 per bay, or buy tonne firewood + tonne turf + 2 bags coal 20kg all for €80 delivered. • Stove coal 40kg bags only €14, buy 10 bags get 1 20kg bag coal free. • 8x4 trailer load firewood only €90. All includes free delivery. Contact Tom: 086 2628439 WANTED: Fallen trees for firewood. Ash, Beech, Birch and Whitethorn. We are safety certified and insured. Phone:
086 2437376
< FIREWOOD & TURF: High quality seasoned hardwood timber split and turf, suitable for stoves and open-fire. Available in 500kg bulk bag and 25kg bag. Very competitively priced and delivery can be discussed. Call 086 3312411 after 6pm.
SITUATIONS VACANT < PART-TIME DELIVERY DRIVER: Part-time/temporary delivery driver required for Roscommon town. Florist - full clean driving licence required. Apply in writing. Box No: 2029 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon < PART-TIME BUS DRIVERS REQUIRED: D or D1 licence. Phone: 087 2793577 < PART-TIME WORK AVAILABLE: In Roscommon town, busy retail outlet, 3 days per week. Experience desirable. Box No: 2031 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon
PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I am applying to Roscommon County Council for full planning permission on behalf of Anne Kelly to construct a dwellinghouse, garage, waste water treatment system and associated siteworks at Skeavally, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon. Signed: Seamus Murray, Project Managers, Engineers & Surveyors. Ph: (087) 2222874. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
Classifieds PLANNINGS ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I intend to apply for planning permission for alterations and change of use of existing former Carnaska National School building to habitable use and to construct a vehicular entrance and a replacement sewerage system at Cloonylyon, Carnaska, Strokestown, 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 and submissions or observations in relation to the application can be made to the authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. Signed: Eamon Mahoney
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL I, Orla Nicholson, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for outline planning permission for construction of a dwelling house, onsite wastewater treatment system, access onto the public road, connection to services and associated site development works at Aghacarra Td, Corrigeenroe, Boyle, Co. Roscommon.
This 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 within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the planning authority. Signed: Michael Hennessy Advanced Planning & Design Services Dorrary, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon Tel: 086 1701549
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL Planning permission is sought of Roscommon County Council planning authority subsequent to previously granted Outline Planning Ref No. PL17/362 for proposed single storey dwelling, formation of new entrance, wastewater treatment system, polishing filter area and all ancillary site works at Curry Townland, Strokestown, Co. Roscommon for Virginia Kells.
The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €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: Brendan Quaine www.willdesign.ie
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
APPOINTMENTS
We are now recruiting for a full-time & part-time
Deli Assistants
JOB OPPORTUNITY
Receptionist/Secretary /Office Administrator JOB DESCRIPTION Due to the company expansion, ArchEngTech Consulting Ltd, a leading Architectural, Engineering & Project Management Consultancy firm, has an excellent opportunity for a receptionist/secretary/office administrator. The full-time position is available in our head office in Strokestown, Co. Roscommon. Candidates should possess the following: • Proven work experience as a Receptionist/Secretary/Office Administrator as front office representative or similar role • Professional attitude and appearance • Solid written and verbal communication skills • Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise • Excellent organizational skills • Multitasking and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks • Customer service attitude • Proficient in all computer packages relative to the job i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc Interested candidates should submit their CV with a cover letter by email to info@archengtech.com on or before 5.00pm on Friday, 02nd October 2020 Expanding business in Roscommon
Office Manager
We require a self-motivated person with excellent Customer Service skills. Hard-working and flexible, able to build good relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues. Good organisational and communication skills are essential. Daily processing of all client information and orders onto database system. Responsible for ensuring that all aspects of the business are being kept updated. Conduct team meetings and daily planning. Application deadline: 14th October 2020 Joy Type: Full-time Experience: l Microsoft Office: 3 years required l Office: 3 years required l Management: 2 years required Work remotely: No Apply by sending your CV to
Box No: 2030 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon
CHEF REQUIRED Full and Part-time position available Immediate start require Good position for suitable candidate Apply with CV and References to:
tullyshotel@gmail.com
for LONDIS STORE IN ABBEYTOWN ROSCOMMON TOWN. Please note candidates need to be fully flexible in their hours of work.
The ideal candidate will have/be: l Excellent communication skills, fluent English. l Previous customer service experience is an advantage. l The ability to work as part of a team in a fastpaced environment, ability to multi task under pressure. l A passion for food and the ability to inspire shoppers. In this role you will be responsible for the preparation of high quality hot and cold deli products and for ensuring customer satisfaction is the number one priority.- Prepare customer orders across all fresh food areas i.e. make sandwiches and rolls, dish up hot food and slice meats using the store’s portion control measures Cook, prepare and display the foods sold throughout the day l Ensure that the counter displays across all fresh food departments are to the highest standards at all times throughout the day l Demonstrate your passion for quality food by sharing knowledge, recipes and personal recommendations with customers l Deal with all customer queries efficiently, professionally and in line with store policy l
Email CV’s to annie@timothys-londis.com or post to Annie Timothy. Abbeytown, Roscommon Town, Co. Roscommon.
Junior Receptionist/Office Administrator required for busy wholesale office based in Roscommon Town. Responsibilities and Duties: • Deal with incoming phone calls and redirecting as necessary • Provide exceptional Customer Service at all times • Handle customer queries and ensure they are dealt with efficiently and in a timely manner • Data Entry and reconciliations • Producing Weekly Reports where necessary • Support services to Sales and Logistics Teams • General ad hoc administrative and reception duties Successful Candidates must have: •Relevant office administration experience is favourable. •Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced changing environment. •Good phone manor essential. •Excellent communication & organisational skills •Have a proficient background in MS Office. Please forward CV to: businessroscommon@gmail.com Closing date for applications is Friday 16th October. Our Company is GDPR compliant. Your data will be kept strictly confidential and will only be retained until our open roles are filled.
StepIn Supported Living Networks CLG seeks person 12 hours a week
Job in Castlerea StepIn is a charity providing support to vulnerable adults. We require someone to cover maternity leave in Castlerea, beginning immediately. The job involves supporting people in LIVING INDEPENDENTLY. The network supporter role is social, interactive with a strong community emphasis. Support for the role is provided by StepIn’s coordinator. It requires 12 hours per week commitment. A flexible approach to time is needed. The appointment is for six months with the possibility of a further six months. This is a paid role. You must be living — or willing to live — in Castlerea. Garda clearance will be sought. Training is provided. Apply to info@stepin.ie by F r i d a y, O c t o b e r 1 6 . F o r further info contact Aisling on: 087 2128658 or Louise on 087 9915804 for info and job description
www.stepin.ie
RCN:20105525
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Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
Classifieds
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES HOGAN Paul
THANKSGIVINGS NOVENA This Novena is to be said for 9 consecutive hours for one day. Publication must be promised. Jesus who has said ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be open to you. Through the intercession of Mary the Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask theee that my prayer be granted (make request). O Jesus, who has said, all that you ask of the Father in my name, he will grant you through the intercession of Mary the Most Holy Mother. I humbly and urgently ask thy Father in my name that my prayer be granted. (make request). O Jesus, who has said, “Heaven and earth will pass but My word shall not pass”, through the intercession of Mary, the Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be answered (make request). It never fails. S.B.
Love’s Greatest Gift - Remembrance
MEMORIAL CARDS Individually Designed and Printed
Email or call for Sample Pack
Convent Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon (20th Anniversary)
In loving memory of Paul whom God called Home on 2nd October 2000 Deep in our hearts is a picture more precious than silver or gold. The face of our loving son whose memory will never grow old.
Sadly missed by your Mam and Dad. xx ~~~~~ PAUL The midnight star is shining on a grave not so far away. Here sleeps a special brother I lost 20 years ago today.
Always remembered by your brother Damien. ~~~~~
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: anthonymurrayandsons@gmail.com
BRIAN MURRAY MEMORIALS
PAUL Today, I remember and feel so sad. A brother I miss and wish I still had. The sorrow I feel and can never explain But the ache in my heart will always remain.
Sadly missed by your loving sister Caroline, brother-inlaw Derek, nephew Jamie and niece Keeva. xx
O’ CONNOR Jerry Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon 2nd October 2003 (17th Anniversary)
087 6758874 www.brianmuraystone.com
Scrine, Athleague, Co. Roscommon E: brianmurraystone@gmail.com
Rogers Funeral Directors Rooskey
(Covering Rooskey and surounding areas)
Mobile: 087 2365453 Landline: 071 9638739 email: jrrogers40@hotmail.com
Racecourse Road, Roscommon 1st Anniversary, 4th October 2020
Claire’s heartbroken family and partner Don, together with our extended family, would like to acknowledge and convey our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the expressions of sympathy and support shown to us at a time of our great loss. Your love, kindness and prayers conveyed to us during this difficult time will always be remembered. A sincere thank you to those who called to our home to offer support and pay respects and to those who attended Claire’s Funeral Mass and travelled to Lakeland Crematorium, Cavan for the service held there. To all who travelled long distances and to her friends from Portugal we thank you sincerely. Thanks to everyone who sent Mass Cards, enrolments, sympathy cards, letters, phone calls and messages of condolences. Many thanks to our relatives, neighbours and friends for your kindness, help and support, to those who brought food and refreshments and helped in anyway in our home. A special thank you to Fr. Kevin Fallon, Fr. Joe Fitzgerald, Monsignor Travers and Fr. Pravin for celebrating Claire’s Funeral Mass and also attending our home offering prayers and blessings at a very difficult time. Sincere thank you to members of the Solstice Choir and Claire’s friends for their beautiful music and singing. A special thank you to Peter Massey Funeral Directors for their professionalism, attention to detail, care and respect in the kind handling of Claire’s funeral arrangements. To Isabel Soares Funeral Directors Portugal for all her help and assistance with arrangements in Portugal. Colin Bell, Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust for his help arranging repatriation from Portugal. Lakeland Crematorium Cavan, John Hoare and staff St. Coman’s Cemetery for preparing Claire’s final resting place. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgment as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Claire’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church at 7pm Saturday, 3rd October. It broke our hearts to lose you You did not go alone A part of us went with you The day God took you home Forever in our Hearts xx Hugs xx
KEANE (nee Beattie) Bridie Road Walk, Lanesboro Road, Roscommon Town (1st Anniversary)
In loving memory of Bridie who passed away on October 2nd, 2019. Our Mother kept a garden, a garden of the heart. She planted all the good things, that gave our lives a start. She turned us to the sunshine, and encouraged us to dream. Fostering and nurturing, the seeds of self-esteem. And when the winds and rain came, she protected us enough. But not too much, she knew we’d need, to stand up strong and tough. Her constant good example, always taught us right from wrong. Markers for our pathway, that will last a lifetime long. We are our Mother’s garden, we are her legacy. We hope today she feels the love, from all her family.
Deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family. We also remember her husband John and daughter Maura at this time. May they Rest In Peace in Heaven together. Anniversary Mass for Bridie will be celebrated in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Sunday, October 4th at 11.30am. Mass will be broadcast on churchtv.ie/roscommon.
GREENE Gerald & Frances Killerney, Roscommon. Gerald who died on 21st October 1988 (32nd Anniversary) & Frances who died on 30th September 2013 (7th Anniversary)
GERAGHTY Margaret & Sean Cloonara, Derrane, Roscommon (3rd Anniversary & 10th Anniversary)
• Superior Quality Headstones • Restoration work carried out • New Inscriptions added
CONTACT HAZEL
HOLIAN Claire
For those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day. Time may pass and fade away, but silent thoughts and memories stay. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts you are always there.
Sadly missed by your wife May and family. Anniversary Mass will be held in The Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague, on Saturday, 3rd October at 7pm.
In loving memory of Margaret who died on October 18th 2017 and her husband Sean who died 21st September 2010. Deep are the memories, precious they stay. No passing of time, can take them away.
Loved and remembered every day by your daughter Mary. Anniversary Mass for both Margaret and Sean in Derrane Church, on Saturday, 3rd October at 7pm. Eternal peace we wish on you.
MUM & DAD You brightened up this world And so very selflessly, Gave everything you had And brought so much joy to us. You guided us so wisely And you’re so sorely missed each day, And the only comfort is the memories That will never fade away. You were both so very special And, although losing you brought pain, You now are both together And one day we’ll meet again.
Loved and forever missed by Anne, Gary, Jacinta, Niall and families. Anniversary Mass in St. Brigid’s Church, Four-Mile-House, Roscommon on Sunday, 4th October at 11 a.m.
35
Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
Classifieds
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES MURRAY Noreen Lisphelim, Knockcroghery. Who passed away on September 30th 2005. ( 15th Anniversary)
Though her smile is gone forever, And her hand I cannot touch. I still have so many memories, Of the one I loved so much. Her memory is now my keepsake, With which I will never part. God has her in His keeping, I have her in my heart.
Sadly missed but never forgotten. Geraldine.
CORCORAN Martina Ballygurry, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)
CROGHAN Thomas Late of Galway Road and Roxboro Roscommon (2nd Anniversary)
In loving memory of Thomas who died on the 5th October 2018. May the road rise to meet you May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face May the rain fall softly upon your fields And until we meet again may God keep you in the hollow of His hand.
Sadly missed by his wife Joan, sons, daughters, sister, grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Cuimhníonn do theaghlach grámhar i gcónaí ort. Anniversary Mass in Derrane Church on Saturday, 10th October at 7pm.
CORCORAN Marie
NAUGHTON Anne & Johnny
Taughshane, Mount Talbot (1st and 17th Anniversary) In loving memory of our parents, Anne who died on 3rd October 2019 and Johnny who died on 1st December 2003
Wonderful memories woven in Gold This is a picture we tenderly hold Deep in our hearts to love, to cherish and never to forget.
MAM We lost a Mother with a heart of Gold, How much we miss her can never be told. She shared our troubles and helped us along. If we follow her footsteps, we will never go wrong. She was a Mother so very rare, content in her home and always there. On Earth, she toiled in Heaven, she rests. God bless you Mother, you were one of the best.
DAD We often sit and think of you, and think of how you died. To think you could not say goodbye, before you closed your eyes. The blow was hard, the shock severe, to part with ones who loved so dear. Our loss is great, we’ll not complain, but trust in God we meet again.
Sunshine passes and shadows fall. But love and memories outlast them all.
Always remembered by your family. Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 4th October at 11.30am.
BLIGHE John (40th Anniversary)
The moment that you died Our hearts were torn in two One side filled with heartache The other died with you. We often lie awake at night, When the World is fast asleep and take a walk down memory lane with tears upon our cheeks. Remembering you is easy, We do it everyday, But missing you is the heartache That never goes away.
Remembering our dear brother John Blighe, Portmarnock & Mote Park, Roscommon who died on 28th September 1980, age 32. Also our parents Mick,1988 & Brigid, 2009 and brother Michael (Mickey) 2001. May they all rest peacefully.
We hold you tightly within our hearts and there you will remain Until the joyous day arrives That we will meet again.
Sadly missed by all the family. Anniversary Mass in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Sunday, 4th October at 11.30am.
Miltown, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon In loving memory of dear Teresa who died on 25th September 2010. Rest In Peace. (10th Anniversary)
Tremane, Co. Roscommon Kendale Court, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon
Your memories are so special. Your presence missed so much. You will always be remembered. And loved by all of us.
~~~~~~~~~~
FLYNN Mary Miltown, Dysart, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon (8th Anniversary) In loving memory of dear Mary who died on 20th September 2012. Rest In Peace.
Forever loved and missed by your daughters Jacinta and Caroline, son David, son-in-law Cathal, daughter-in-law Marie, granchildren Connor, Dylan, Cara and Johnny. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Church of Christ the Good Sheperd, Four Roads on Friday, 9th October at 7.30pm.
BANAHAN Gretta & John
In loving memory of a dear mother, grandmother, Ballygurry, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon Who died on October 3rd 2015
FITZGERALD Michael & Marcella
Michael (22nd Anniversary)
(5th Anniversary) In loving memory of our Mother, who passed away on the 2nd October 2018
FLYNN Theresa
In loving memory of the late Gretta and John Banahan, Hollywell, whose anniversaries occur around this time Also remembering Patsy, who has also passed away.
Your names are often mentioned, Our thoughts are with you still, You have never been forgotten, And by us you never will.
CASEY Paddy & Mary Ann
Paddy who died on 4th October 1988 Aged 74 (32nd Anniversary)
A smile for all a heart of Gold. You were the best sister this world could hold. Never selfish, always kind, beautiful memories you left behind.
Forever in our hearts Aidan, John and Lizzie. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Dysart, Co. Roscommon on Friday, 2nd October at 7.30pm.
CULLINAN Francis (Frank) Lissananny, Castlerea Who passed away on 7th October 2010 (10th Anniversary)
Always remembered and sadly missed by John, Deirdre and grandchildren.
THANKSGIVINGS PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. M.L.C.
Mary Ann who died on 29th May 1993 Aged 66 (27th Anniversary) Love is not changed by death
Love always Patricia and John.
In loving memory of Frank from your loving wife Rhona and all the family. Anniversary Mass in Fairymount Church on Sunday, 4th October at 11.30am.
Marcella (2nd Anniversary)
Always loved and remembered
Remembered by Marie, James, Tom and Sinéad and grandchildren Jay and Caoimhe and extended family and friends. Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, on Saturday, 3rd October at 7p.m.
STROKER Angela
Late of Mullingar and formerly Kilteevan, Co. Roscommon Who died on 28th March 2020
The family of the late Angela Stroker wish to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy, messages of condolence and cards, we are truly grateful. A special word of thanks to the nurses and staff of Portiuncula Nursing Home, Multyfarnham for the wonderful care of Angela. Thanks to Fr. Beirne, Kilteevan and Smyth’s Funeral Directors, Roscommon. Please accept our thanks. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions.
THANKSGIVINGS THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. A.F. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. I.A.W. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. P.H. PRAYER TO ST. EXPEDITE For urgent need... Our dear martyr and protector, Saint Expedite, you who know what is necessary and what is urgently needed. I beg you to intercede before the Holy Trinity, that by your grace my request will be granted. (Clearly express what you want and ask him to find a way to get it to you.) May I receive your blessings and favours. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. Thanks to St. Michael the Archangel also. Publication promised. M.C. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. With thanks to St. Ann and St. Teresa. K.E. THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this special one, (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your Father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. M.L.C.
36
Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
AtYourService CHIMNEY REPAIRS
To advertise, telephone 090 66 34633 or email advertising@roscommonpeople.ie LOCKSMITH
WINDOWS/DOORS
Chris’s Locksmith Service
Chimney Problems
SHOWROOM:
Racecourse Road, Roscommon
Dooley Chimney Repairs • Lining
WE SUPPLY & FIT Double & Treble Glazed Windows & Doors, Patio Doors, French Doors, Porches and Conservatories WIDE RANGE OF COMPOSITE DOORS
• Relining • Rebuilding • CCTV Camera Inspection
uPVC Window and Door Locksmith We are the only Licensed Window and Door Locksmith in Roscommon
Cathal Dooley 087 6579064
20 Years Experience Free Insurance Quotes
Telephone: 090 66 33026
Nationwide Service Stoves and Ranges Fitted All Work Guaranteed
BLINDS
BRENDAN DOOLIN
Also Wooden Venetians, Velux Window Blinds.
www.roscommonwindows.ie
WINDOW AND DOOR REPAIRS
Window and Door Repairs • Door Handles • Door Locks • Letterboxes • Window Hinges • Patio Door Repairs • Misted and Double Glazed Units • Reseal Windows and Doors
Contact David Martin on 087 9959417 WINDOW AND DOOR SERVICE
Tel: 090 66 30521 Mobile: 086 8115928
DOOR & WINDOW SERVICE
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
CHIMNEY REPAIRS
Full replacement service provided and all work carried out to a high quality finish
- Chimney Repairs - Soot & Smoke Problems - Demolish, Re Build & Re Flue Line - Chimney Fires - Flexible Stainless Steel Liner - Insurance Claims processed
Tel: 090
9673336 2678350
Mob: 086 Email:
info@athlonechimneyrepairs.ie
INSTALLATION
Bonded Bead Cavity Wall Insulation Cellulose, Sheepswool, Fibreglass, SIGA Airtightness New Buildings & Retrofit Call in or contact us for free advice and quotes
Ballybane Industrial Estate, Unit 2, Ballybrit Industrial BlockEstate, 12, Galway H91 P5k5 Galway
091 768 768 info@ecowise.ie
www.ecowise.ie
l
Springfield, Williamstown, Co. Galway Window restrictors l Burglary repairs l Window locks l Cylinder replacement l Hinge replacement l Glass replacement l Lock replacement l Window and door seals l Window and door handles supplied and fitted l Aluminium and uPVC doors and windows repaired.
Te l : 0 8 5 2 1 9 1 2 3 4
email: chrislocksmith.162@gmail.com 08383
FARMING
Dead & Worn-Out Animals Contact JOHN GREENE BALLINASLOE TEL: (090) 96 88606 (090) 96 88830 or (090) 96 87651 Lowest price guaranteed Daily collection
VETERINARY
The Right Vet for your Pet
GlenamaddyVeterinary Clinic F45 F430 Office: 094 9659428 Mobile: 087 2543722 24 Hour Service
New clients welcome Established 1990
REPAIRS & SERVICING ALSO CARRIED OUT
l l l l l
Vaccinations Pet Passports Pain Management Neutering & Dentals Digital X-ray
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
086 6002721
Email: pjmhanley@gmail.com
Castlerea Vehicle Recycling All NCT Failures Destruction Certs Issued l Sale of Second Hand Parts l Contracted to all Major Car Companies l Farm Machinery, Old Gates l Metals, Iron Baths l Old Cooking Ranges l Weighbridge on Site
RECYCLING OF END-OF-LIFE VEHICLES
RECYCLING ALL TYPES OF METAL
C astlerea ELV Recycling Ltd ., Cloonkeen, Castlerea Kevin & Martina Keenan Tel: 094 96 21250 Mob: 086 2522231
SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED
SEPTIC TANKS EMPTIED ALSO DRAIN JETTING SERVICE
Contact Maurice on 086 2538169 or Kenneth on 086 8044030 Gannon Environmental Services Ltd.
Tel: 090
CAREER COACHING: * CV ADVICE AND TAILORING TO JOB SPECS * COMPETENCY BASED APPLICATION FORMS (inc. public sector) * INTERVIEW MASTERING (inc. competency-based) PERSONAL COACHING: * BECOME MORE ASSERTIVE & BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE! * HELP TO COPE WITH AND EMBRACE CHANGE (e.g. retirement, new job, separation etc) * FIND YOURSELF STUCK IN A RUT? - (take back control and explore options!) EDUCATION COACHING: * HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT COURSE/MAKE A BETTER MORE INFORMED DECISION THAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU
For appointment call me on 086 8229606 OR email your enquiry to carolinebburke@gmail.com
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
Don’t let your advert get lost in the Web!
RECYCLING
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PHONE: 086 8229606
SELLING A USED CAR?
to discuss your requirements
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CAROLINE BURKE COACHING
www.glenamaddyveterinaryclinic.ie
Contact Pat Hanley on
- CCTV Camera Inspection For Professional For Professional Advice Contact Advice Contact: John Hibbitt:
LIFE COACH
6621220
Lisagallon, Cloverhill, Roscommon Eircode: F42 K243 Tel: 0906665555 Fax: 0906627653 • Digital X-Ray Facility • In house Blood Analysis • Small Animal Ultra-Sound • Gas Anaesthetic • Veterinary Kennel’s facility •24hrs Emergency Vet on call Clinic Hours: 2pm – 7pm Mon – Friday • Saturday Clinic 10am - 3pm Office Hours: 9am – 7pm Mon - Friday PLEASE CALL TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT
You have a better chance of selling a reasonably priced used car within your own county! An advert in the Roscommon People will be seen by over
80,000 LOCAL people every week!
OUR DEADLINE IS STRICTLY 2PM ON TUESDAY We cannot guarantee publication after this time
Telephone: 090 66 34633 Email: advertising@roscommonpeople.ie
37
Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
Sports PEOPLE
Pictured is the St. Brigid’s minor team which won the Roscommon Division One Championship Final last Saturday at Dr. Hyde Park after a convincing victory over Pádraig Pearses. The win marks a fifth Division One minor title in a row for the Kiltoom club.
Brilliant Ben leads clinical St Brigid’s to five-in-a-row Paul Earley Consulting Roscommon MFC Division 1 Final ST. BRIGID’S PADRAIG PEARSES
3-16 0-3
< SEAMUS DUKE
St. Brigid’s’ domination of the Roscommon club football scene in
2020 continued at Dr. Hyde Park on Saturday evening when they swatted away the challenge of Padraig Pearses to win their fifth county minor title in a row. The manner of their win suggests that the supply line of excellent young players to their senior team is set to continue well into the future. Ruaidhri Fallon and Ben O’Carroll, fresh from the success at senior level a week earlier, lined out once
again and on this occasion it was O’Carroll who took the starring role. Playing at full-forward, he terrorised the beleaguered Pearses’ defence, scoring two goals and eight points in a mesmerising display. O’Carroll and his ‘partner in crime’ up front, Bobby Nugent – who scored 1-5 – set about the Pearses’ defence from the throw-in and within 90 seconds they had 1-1 on the board, with Nugent crashing home a
Fans pictured at the County Senior Hurling Final between Padraig Pearses and Athleague. Picture: Mick McCormack
great goal in the 2nd minute. It was one-way traffic after that and by half-time St. Brigid’s led 1-8 to 0-1. The pattern continued after the break with O’Carroll capping his brilliant display with goals in the 56th and 60th minutes. Pearses’ only point from play came in the second minute of injury-time as St. Brigid’s ran out the easiest of winners. St. Brigid’s: Brian Monaghan; Shane Keenan (0-1, free), Michael Sugrue, Ronan Doyle; Adam Donovan, Sean Trundle, Daniel Meeley (0-1); Thomas O’Brien, Brian O’Hara-Duggan; Oisin Canny, Ruaidhri Fallon, Conor Hand (0-1); Daniel Keenan, Ben O’Carroll (2-8, 1 ’45), Bobby Nugent (1-5, 2 frees). Subs: Gavin Daly for Keenan (44), Ultan O’Rourke for Hand (48), Michael Dillon for Meeley (52), Liam Hennelly for Donovan and Shane Daly for Nugent (56). Padraig Pearses: James Costello; Conor Harley, Conor Lohan, Aaron Burke; Luke Walsh, Jack Downey, Conor Costello; Calim Keogh, Kyle Blackweir; Declan Kenny, Eoin Colleran (0-3, 1 free, 1 ’45), Adam McGreal; Luke Feehily, Eoin McManus, Richie Browne. Subs: Ryan Kelly for Walsh (46), Colm Sheeran for Blackweir and James Mooney for McGreal (50), Fionnan Darcy for Feehily and Ciaran Curley for Browne (56). Referee: Brendan Beirne (Ballinameen).
GAA results Kepak Senior Hurling Championship Final Pádraig Pearses 2-22 Athleague 1-18. AET. Junior B Football Championship (Section A) St. Brigid’s 0-12 St. Dominic’s 1-9 Junior B Football Championship (Section B) Clann na nGael 3-11 Kilbride 2-7 Junior B Football Championship (Section C) Shannon Gaels 6-10 Kilglass Gaels 1-7 Junior B Football Championship (Section D) Tulsk Lord Edwards 2-9 Michael Glavey’s 0-9 Strokestown 5-16 St. Croan’s 0-6
GAA fixtures Friday, October 2nd Junior B Football Championship (Section B) At Woodmount: Pádraig Pearses v Fuerty. 8.30 pm Saturday, October 3rd Junior B Football Championship (Section A) At Knockcroghery: St. Dominic’s v Roscommon Gaels. 4.30 pm At Kiltoom: St. Brigid’s v St. Aidan’s. 7 pm Junior B Football Championship (Section B) At Kilbride: Kilbride v Pádraig Pearses. 4.30 pm Junior B Football Championship (Section C) At Ballyleague: St. Faithleach’s v Kilglass Gaels. 4.30 pm At Croghan: Shannon Gaels v Kilmore. 4.30 pm Junior B Football Championship (Section D) At Strokestown: Michael Glavey’s v Strokestown. 7.30 pm Sunday, October 4th Junior A Football Championship Semi-Final At Dr. Hyde Park: St. Brigid’s v Western Gaels. 12.30 pm Junior B Football Championship (Section D) At Enfield: St. Croan’s v Tulsk Lord Edwards. 1 pm Junior A Football Championship Semi-Final At Dr. Hyde Park: Pádraig Pearses v Clann na nGael. 4 pm
38
Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
SportsPeople
Short putts (News from local golf clubs) Roscommon
split the ‘2s club’ pot between them on September 17th.
The Winter Leagues are set to commence and the Jack O’Sullivan team is on the march once again in the semi-final stages where they will face Gort. Meanwhile, there were plenty of winners on the course recently, including: Jacqueline McCormack (9-hole qualifier); Mary Lalor (Tuesday 22nd); Neil Harney (Wednesday Open); Richard Browne (Sean Hanley Cup) and Jacqueline McCormack, Geraldine Relihan and Margaret Madden who took senior ladies’ honours recently. The results of the Senior Men’s on September 17th: winners were Eugene Finneran, Frank Grehan, Tommie Murphy and John F Hanley. September 24th: Michael Tierney, Des Mahon, Sergio Benedetti and Pat McDonagh. Last Sunday’s 18-hole competition was won by Daniel Watts with 44 points. Roger Hynes was second with 41, David Hill took Gross with 35 and Jackie Somers was third with 41. The Junior winner was Alan Connaughton with 37 points.
Castlerea
Athlone
Paddy Duffy won the Curamach Strings competition recently with 42 points. Finbar Cregg was second (also on 42) and Niall Roche was third (39). Danny Egan took gross. Phil Emmett, Sara Lapin and Ann Guckian won the recent Wednesday Scramble while Attracta O’Connor took her first win of the season with 35 points in the Mulvey’s House of Gifts Stableford. Dolores Mulvey was second, also on 35, and Frances Molloy was third with 32.
The Men’s Wednesday Open in Athlone was won by M. Heaven with 40 points while the Ladies’ Primrose Cotton Stableford was won by C. Dowling with 32 points. M. Hendrick (24 points) pipped N. O’Rourke (23 points) in the 97 Club last Thursday.
Boyle Lochlainn Conboy topped the order of merit in Boyle to take this year’s Golfer of the Year title. Tadhg Lowe won the final competition of the series last Sunday, the King Cup, to really put it up to Lochlainn, who was made to battle all the way. Padraic O’Connell was second in the King Cup while Jonathan Egan was third. New member, Colin O’Sullivan, won his first prize when he claimed the best gross score. The winners of the recent Thursday competitions were David Wynne (17th) and Conor Hamill (24th). Sean Heslin and Martin Wynne
Castlerea Golf Club will host a fundraising classic from October 9th to 11th. Entry fee is €75 per team of three. Great prizes guaranteed, with an additional prize for the best ladies’ team and for the best visiting team. The Bernie Keane Memorial Cup was played last weekend. The Keane family are gracious sponsors of an 18-hole stroke competition for both ladies and gents each year. Dympna Lambert won this year’s ladies’ prize with 68 nett while Tommy Murray was best of the men with 66. Mary Ward (68) and Geoffrey Claffey (67) were the respective runners-up. Meanwhile, Maureen Claffey completed a double when she won the recent ladies’ competitions with 35 points on both occasions.
Carrick-on-Shannon
Boyle Golf Club Captain Lorcan Egan pictured presenting Lochlainn Conboy with the ‘Golfer of the Year’ Cup for 2020.
Horses by Tom Red for Courses
Philip Reynold’s Presenting Dylan and Jack Kennedy skip the last.
There are two meetings today, both in the afternoon, at Clonmel over the sticks at 1 pm and on the level at Fairyhouse at 2.15 pm. There are two meetings tomorrow, in the afternoon with the first of two-day jump racing at Gowran Park at 2 pm, and in the evening a flat meeting on the allweather at Dundalk off at 4.35 pm. On Saturday, the jumping fare takes place again in Gowran Park at 2 pm and at 12.45 pm the first of a two-day meet on the flat in Tipperary. On Sunday, the national hunt action is in Tipperary off at 1 pm and the first of a two-day meeting in Killarney on the flat at 1.55 pm. Killarney is the location for NH action on Monday and next Wednesday at Ballybrit in Galway there is another jumping card. This year the Prix de l’Arc at Longchamp on Sunday is all about John Gosden’s Enable who bids for an unprecedented third Arc. The super mare won the race in 2017 and 2018 only to find Waldgeist too good for her last year. Gosden also sends over Stradavarius who is not without a chance. Aidan O’Brien will send over 5 of the 16 runners including Enable’s main danger, Love, who will be joined by Mogul, Japan, Sovereign and Serpentine, who has been supplemented at accost of €72,000. Deirdre has been based in England but represents Japan, where she is trained by Mitsuru Hashida and the other eight are all French trained. Enable’s main opponent is Love, unbeaten in three starts this season, winning the 1,000 Guineas, Oaks, and Yorkshire Oaks. Ascot Gold Cup winner Stradivarius, Grand Prix de Paris winner Mogul, last year’s third Sottsass and the filly Raabihah, 2nd to Dermot Weld’s Tarnawa in the Qatar Prix Vermeille are some of leading fancies behind two principals. Tony Mullins is sending Princess Zoe, seeking a five-timer, to France for the Group 1 Prix du Cadran on Arc weekend seeking black type. Claimer Joey Sheridan will retain the ride on the filly having won the last two outings on her in Ballybrit including the listed Ardilaun Hotel Oyster Stakes.
Roscommon Review
Roscommon Golf Club held their fundraising draw recently. Pictured is Michael Oates (second from right) collecting first prize on behalf of his daughter Nessa from President Tresina Smyth accompanied by Albert O’Connor (Finance Committee) and Liam Byrne (Club Treasurer, second from left).
Punters got off to a good start at Roscommon on Monday as Rachel Blackmore won the opening maiden hurdle on Henry de Bromhead’s Kapard at 11/10 from Aubretia and Vocal Duke by 2¼l and 4½l. Barry Connell made his second trip to the winners enclosure as Karen’s Gift beat Call The Fairies and Jenny’s Gift by 1¼l and 4½l in the second, the mares’ maiden hurdle. The 2m handicap hurdle provided the gamble of the day as Presenting Dylan proved an easy winner having been backed from 4/1 to 5/4. Jack Kennedy was aboard Gordon Elliott’s recent acquisition from Pat Kelly’s Athenry yard. A non-runner at Listowel due to soft ground
John McConnell’s Streets of Doyen made use of the improved ground to win by 1½l and 8l from Hello Pilgrim and The Trigger in the hands of Sean O’Keeffe. In the Ballymore EBF Kilbegnet Novice Chase, Benruben provided de Bromhear and Blackmore with a double as he held on by ½ l from Raxoul with the fav Andalusa another 5½l back in third. In the penultimate race of the season, owner-trainer Patrick Fitzgerald, based in Killeagh, Co.Cork, turned out Champagne Beauty to win the beginners chase ridden by his neighbour Denis O’Regan. O’Regan took up the running going out on the final circuit and went on to win by 15l and a distance from Lunch In Adare and Vic’s Little Miss. Fitzgerald is better known in the point to point fields this was his first winner on the track. The winner of the Connolly’s Red Mills bumper also gave Listowel a miss for the better ground here and duly won by 10l and ½l from Champagnesocialist and Salvador Ziggy. The winner is trained by Gordon Elliott and was ridden by Jamie Codd at odds of 8/11 on bringing racing in Roscommon to a close for 2020. Roscommon has nine meetings in 2021 hopefully starting on May 10th.
Racing News
The race for leading flat jockey title is heating up as Colin Keane cut Shane Foley’s lead to 1, winning on Treble Cone for his father Gerard at Cork on Tuesday. Foley is on 72 winners with Keane, last season’s runner-up to Donnacha O’Brien, now on 71. Keane sacrificed 2 weeks in quarantine to ride Siskin in the Sussex Stake at Glorious Goodwood in July where the pair finished 3rd and was 16 adrift of Foley on his 13th August return at Leopardstown. David Egan will renew his partnership with Mishriff in next month’s Qipco Champion Stakes at Ascot after missing the colt’s two big wins in France. Egan missed out the French Derby because of travel restrictions brought on by Covid-19 and was suspended for the Prix Guillaume D’Ornano at Deauville.
Point to Point Corner Saturday’s racing is at Toomebridge in Co Antrim with 81 and on Sunday much closer to home at Castletown-Geoghegan this side of Mullingar with 154 and probable divides, both meetings start at 2 pm. Roger Quinlan announced his retirement on social media earlier this week. He was the second jockey last week to announce his retirement following fellow colleague Mark O’Hare who hung up his boots after riding a bumper winner at Listowel. The Thurles native partnered 193 winners between the flags including Roscommon winner Gannon Again in Rockfield in 2009.
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SICK AS A PARROT/OVER THE ROSCOMMON & DISTRICT LEAGUE NEWS
Dooner’s weekend predictions The Roscommon & District Football League starts back for Premier and First Division teams this weekend. There are some surprises amongst the fixtures too with a couple of teams who took ‘sabbaticals’ last season returning to the fold this year. Strokestown United have been permitted to resume their place in the Premier Division while Lough Harps will reappear in Division One. All three divisions will be split in two following the first round of fixtures with the top half battling for the title and promotion and the bottom half aiming to avoid relegation.
Friday, October 2nd
RDFL Premier Division Boyle Celtic v Moore United. 8 pm There’s no formbook but Boyle have home advantage and so the pressure will be on them. Prediction: Boyle Celtic Norio’s Takeaway Division One (8 pm) Glen Celtic v Skyvalley Rovers An interesting opener for both sides as the Division Two winners meet newly-relegated Skyvalley Rovers. Prediction: Skyvalley Rovers Castlerea Celtic B v Dysart FC Away win. Prediction: Dysart FC
Sunday, October 4th RDFL Premier Division (2 pm) Ballaghaderreen FC v Castlerea Celtic
Creggs RFC Report
Last season’s Premier Division runners-up, Castlerea Celtic, travel to a Ballaghaderreen side hoping to build on a very successful treble-winning season. Prediction: Castlerea Celtic St. Peter’s FC v Ballymoe FC The treble winners will be favourites to take all three points at home. Prediction: St. Peter’s FC St. John’s Athletic v Cloonfad United The Lecarrow side should have enough for last season’s Division One runners-up. Prediction: St. John’s Athletic Moylough ’79 v Strokestown United This is one of the most interesting fixtures of the weekend with Strokestown making their return to the top flight. The hosts finished in the top four last season and get the nod this weekend. Prediction: Moylough ‘79 Norio’s Takeaway Division One Lough Harps v Roscommon United. 11 am Harps return to Division One this Sunday against a United side which was one of the form teams following lockdown. The visitors were unfortunate to finish empty-handed last season and will be expected to push on this term. Prediction: Roscommon United Dunmore Town v CP Ajax. 11 am There wasn’t much between these sides last season so I’ll sit on the fence! Prediction: Draw Ballinagare-Manor v Ballinasloe Town B. 2 pm Two First Division newcomers face off this Sunday with Manor United joining forces with Ballinagare this season. The hosts are slight favourites. Prediction: Ballinagare-Manor
Quick turnaround! Danny Browne (right) and Ballaghaderreen FC will be plying their trade in the RDFL Premier Division once again following a very successful treble-winning 2019-2020 season.
Handball
Mixed results in Connacht finals There were mixed results for two Roscommon players in the 60x30 Juvenile Connacht Finals, which were held in Fenagh, Co. Leitrim last weekend. Eoghan Carthy, fresh off his excellent semi-final win over Gavin Kelly, had a good win over Leitrim’s Benoit McKiernan in the Boys’ U-14 Singles. Benoit is a talented player who regularly trains with the players in St. Coman’s but at the moment he lacks the experience to beat Eoghan. He did however make the Roscommon youngster work hard for his points and there were a number of entertaining rallies throughout before the St. Coman’s player ran out 15-3, 15-4 winner. Kilglass’s Allana Coggeran is a recent convert to the big court and her lack of experience there also told when she took on Sligo’s hard-hitting Karley Cooney in the Girls’ U-15 Singles. Allana started very slowly and was well down before she showed what she was capable of. However, the Sligo girl always held the middle of the court and kept Allana out behind her and took a comfortable 15-8, 15-0 win.
THE GAIN LINE
Creggs score big in win over Buccaneers Cawley Cup (Round 2): Creggs 57 Buccaneers RFC 0. Creggs’ first team ran out easy winners in this second round Cawley Cup game at The Green on Sunday. Perfect conditions allowed the Creggs backline to move the ball at speed on the 4G pitch in the opening quarter, which resulted in two excellent tries from full-back Shane Dowd, both of which were converted by Shane Purcell, one of which was from the sideline. James Brandon broke through the middle for a third try with a powerful run while Michael Dunne showed his pace to romp home for a spectacular try following a well-timed interception inside his own half. Shane Purcell expertly converted both tries to leave Creggs 28-0 ahead at half-time. Further tries followed in quick succession from forwards Danny Arnold and Tom Farrell, with Purcell maintaining his 100 per cent conversion record with two fine strikes to give the home team an unassailable lead.
As both teams emptied their benches in the final quarter, Creggs added further tries from Aodha Hession, James Brandon and Brian Donohue. To their credit, a depleted Buccaneers team kept competing to the end, and no doubt they will be much stronger by the time the league starts up in November. Creggs on the other hand are playing very attractive attacking style of rugby with solid defence to back it up. New players that have progressed through from the Youth ranks are providing good competition for places both in the first team and the Development team. Creggs continue their Cawley Cup campaign with the third round game away against Monivea next Sunday, with a 2.30 kick-off. Creggs: Shane Dowd, Michael Dunne, James Brandon, Mark Purcell, Ronan Dowd, Shane Purcell, Aodha Hession, Aidan Leech, Danny Arnold, Jack Tucker, Eoghan Farrell, Brian Donohoe,
Tom Farrell, Conor Rohan, Brian Diffley (captain), Sean Higgins, Tom Fleming, Alan Brandon, Mark Brandon, Luke Meehan.
Creggs Development win Curley Cup (Round 2): Carrick-on-Shannon RFC 10 Creggs Development 16. The Creggs Development squad showed great character in coming from 10-0 down after just 9 minutes to overhaul a strong and well organised Carrick side in Sunday’s closely contested Curley Cup clash in Carrick-onShannon. Carrick’s big pack of forwards totally dominated the early exchanges and this led to two tries, one following a lineout maul and the other after a fivemetre scrum. Gradually Creggs began to get to grips with their powerful opponents, winning some crucial turnovers before out-half Michael Holland reduced the deficit to 10-3 shortly before half-time with a well-
The Creggs first team that defeated Tuam RFC away the previous Sunday in Cawley Cup. Added to the squad for the game v Buccaneers were Shane Dowd, Alan Brandon and Luke Meehan.
struck penalty. A second Holland penalty in the 52nd minute narrowed the gap further as Carrick began to tire as the pace of the game picked up. Holland was unlucky with a long-range penalty effort which hit the crossbar before he landed his third penalty midway through the second half to leave Carrick ahead by the narrowest of margins at 10-9. With just five minutes remaining, it was fitting that
Michael Holland should score the game’s decisive try when he crossed from close range after a welltimed off-load from No. 8 Alan Brandon. The Ballintubber ace landed the conversion to give his team a six-point lead which proved sufficient as Carrick were unable to gain a foothold in Creggs’ territory in the frantic closing stages. Creggs will take great encouragement from this result and the patient man-
ner in which they got back into the game. They now prepare for their next outing against Ballinrobe in Round 2 of the Curley Cup, this Saturday night in Creggs. Training continues on Tuesdays at 8 pm and Fridays at 8.15 pm. Creggs: Michael Farrell, Gerard Comer, Tommy Devine, Enda Muldoon, John McDonnell, Michael Holland, Brian Cleary, Eoghan Cahill, Brian Coady (captain), Eric O’Doherty, Ian Whittington, Ronan
Cahill, Jack Hanley, Edward Clinton, Alan Brandon, Enda Tully, Tommy Curley, Matthew Curley, Colin Canny, Luke Meehan.
Creggs AGM The postponed Creggs RFC AGM was due to be held by Zoom on Wednesday night. A report on the AGM will be included next week.
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St Dominic’s take minor crown
BREAKING BALL
Rossies resume promotion bid later this month < SEAMUS DUKE
The GAA have finalised the fixture list for the inter-county football season. Roscommon senior footballers will be back in action on Saturday, 17th of October when they travel to Armagh to face the home side in Division 2 of the Allianz League (at 5 pm). Roscommon will complete their league campaign with an away game in Cavan on Saturday, 24th of October
at Kingspan Breffni (2 pm). In the Connacht SFC, Roscommon will take on the winners of Mayo and Leitrim in the Connacht semi-final at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday, 8th of November (1 pm). This year’s Connacht final will be played on Sunday, November 15th. Meanwhile, Roscommon senior hurlers will face Wicklow in the Christy Ring Cup on Sunday, 25th of October Roscommon senior football manager, in Dr. Hyde Park (1.30 pm).
Anthony Cunningham.
Division 3 MFC Final St Dominic’s 1-12 Castlerea St Kevin’s 0-6
St. Dominic’s surprised the pre-match favourites to land the Division 3 title at Strokestown. The opening half was well contested and when Dominic’s went in leading by a point – 0-7 to 0-6 – it suggested that there would be a close battle in the second half.
Liam leads Four Roads U-16s to glory Four Roads defeated Athleague/Tremane/ Oran in the County U-16 hurling final last Saturday by 5-12 to 2-17. Liam Og Coyle scored 2-5 for the winners while Patrick Fallon was the scoring star for the losers, notching an impressive total of 1-15.
However, St. Dominic’s took over completely on the resumption and Castlerea were in fact not to score again. Cian Kelly got the only goal of the game for St. Dominic’s after 41 minutes as the impressive Knockcroghery lads won deservedly. Scorers – St. Dominic’s: M Watson (0-8), C Kelly (1-1), L Lyons (0-1), K Feerick (0-1), B Connaughton (0-1). Castlerea St. Kevin’s: S Keenan (0-2), A McDermott (0-2), K Finneran (0-1) D Farrell (0-1).
Junior football spotlight this Sunday This Sunday, the King & Moffatt JFC ‘A’ semi-finals take place at Dr. Hyde Park. In the first game (at 12.30 pm) St. Brigid’s will be hoping to reach another final for the club this year when the face Western Gaels. Brigid’s have many of their excellent young players on their team and they should be good enough to advance to the final. Later, at 4 pm, Clann na nGael will be fancied against their neighbours Padraig Pearses. Clann have a good mixture of experienced and younger players and they should prevail by a couple of points. – SD
Going Smoke/ Vape free! Four Roads Healthy Club, together with Four Roads hurling, camogie and ladies football clubs, and in agreement with the Tisrara Community Sports Park Committee, are going Smoke/ Vape free from October 1st, 2020. With the backing of the hurling, camogie and ladies football executives, the Healthy Club team secured smoke-free signage, and through their involvement with the GAA’s Healthy Club Project, this is on display at the grounds for everyone to see. The clubs feel this is a very important initiative as it helps to protect our members and visitors from the dangers of passive smoking and
sets a positive example in the community, especially to our younger members. Through the GAA’s Healthy Club Project, approximately 50% of clubs have gone completely smoke-free. Under normal circumstances we would have had an official launch to mark that we are going Smoke/ Vape Free, but unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions, we’re unable to do so. Anyone who is interested in getting some support around quitting smoking/vaping can visit quit.hse.ie/quitting/smoking or freephone the HSE Quit Team on 1800 201 203 or freetext ‘QUIT’ to 50100.
Pictured are members of Four Roads Healthy Club with two local school children from Mount Talbot and Tisrara National Schools who came first in a ‘No Smoking’ poster competition that was held to promote the launch. Photo: Paul Fallon
The Kilbride U-12s, who recently won the Roscommon Division Two Championship.
A cut above! Martin Egan, Roadside Barbers, Roscommon kindly sponsored a free haircut for all of the Kilbride U-12 boys team in recognition of them winning the Roscommon Division Two title recently. Pictured (left to right): Cormac and Mark Naughton, Paul Naughton, team manager, Martin Egan and Mike Bracken, Kilbride Minor Board Chairman.
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Sweeney: ‘Now we have role models’ < SEAMUS DUKE
County Senior Hurling Final between Padraig Pearses and Athleague: Eoghan Costello and Paul Dolan of Pearses celebrate with the cup. Picture: Mick McCormack
Padraig Pearses’ manager Shane Sweeney paid tribute to his team’s ‘leaders’. Speaking to People Sport, Shane said: “We are relieved. County titles don’t come easy. That goal near the end (of normal time) got them back into the match and they had the momentum then. In fact we were lucky we didn’t give away a free close to the end because it would have won it for them. But we stuck to our guns…we missed a few chances and I felt that when it came to extra-time that the lads would go again and thankfully it worked out great. “When it came to extra-time some of our leaders really
stood up. Shane (Naughton) and Cathal (Kelly) were fantastic and of course Daniel (Glynn) was going strong at all stages. Oisin Kelly also worked very hard. He scored six points from play in the semi-final and while he was never going to repeat that today he made a huge contribution and he got his goal eventually”. Sweeney was full of praise for the gallant losers. “Athleague stuck at it. Dave Connell rolled back the years with some mighty saves but when we got to extra-time we brought on Paddy Grehan and Darragh Finn who are two young lads just out of minor. They were mad to get on all year and this
was their chance – Darragh Finn got a great goal. “It’s been a great few years for this club. We have won two senior hurling and a senior football title in four years. The club is going very well. We have young players looking up to these guys. “We wanted role models in the club and we have them now in football and in hurling. We have the Dalys and the Murrays and the Cartys and Hubert Darcy and Paul Carey in the football. I said at the start of the year that I wanted us to develop role models in our club on the hurling side of things and we are well on our way to doing that. This is only one year but we will savour this success now”.
County Senior Hurling Final between Padraig Pearses and Athleague: Sisters Shelly and Tisha Barron were supporting Athleague. Picture: Mick McCormack
County Senior Hurling Final between Padraig Pearses and Athleague: Man of the match Daniel Glynn pictured with his mum, Alicia. Picture: Mick McCormack
Back in business! < SEAMUS DUKE
County Senior Hurling Final between Padraig Pearses and Athleague: Dara, Cillian and Luke Mulvey. Picture: Mick McCormack
County Senior Hurling Final between Padraig Pearses and Athleague: Joshua Sweeney, son of Pearses manager Shane Sweeney, was first to get his hands on the Mickey Cunniffe before the presentation on Sunday last! Picture: Mick McCormack
High-scoring Daniel Glynn of Padraig Pearses was delighted to return to action – and to savour a great county final win. “I am thrilled I came back (after a year away). It was great to get the call from Shane (Sweeney) to come back into the panel. This win is down to him and the lads. It’s been a great effort from everyone. “It was a strange year. We went back in January and we had 21 good sessions in
the gym and on the pitch. When the lockdown came we weren’t in bad shape. We did our own individual stuff and when the training started again everyone was so committed to the cause. “It was a very tough game today and we knew that it would be too. Athleague have some serious hurlers…we were expecting nothing soft. We got a few lucky breaks there at the end and that was all that was between us. It’s great to win my second senior medal. Hopefully there are a few more to come!”
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Pearses have X(tra) factor! Padraig Pearses celebrate after winning the Kepak Roscommon SHC Final last Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack.
Kepak Roscommon SHC Final PADRAIG PEARSES
2-22
ATHLEAGUE
1-18 (after extra-time)
< SEAMUS DUKE
Action from the Padraig Pearses v Athlegaue Kepak Roscommon SHC Final. Picture: Mick McCormack.
Senior hurling titles have been few and far between for the Padraig Pearses club over the decades but they are slowly putting that right in the modern era. On Sunday they swept to a deserved win against Athleague in what was an excellent and drama-filled decider played in almost perfect weather conditions at Dr. Hyde Park. That it took Shane Sweeney’s side two periods of extra-time to get over the line was a mystery as they were the better team for much of the match.
They led by five points coming towards injury-time but Athleague stuck to their guns and never gave up. A fortunate goal – when Cormac Kelly’s long delivery flew in over the heads of backs and forwards – gave Padraig Mannion’s team hope. Then, as referee Matthew Kelly played almost 10 minutes of injury-time, converted frees from Eamon Flanagan and Ben McGahon brought Athleague level and the game into extratime. Pearses really put this victory to bed when the game resumed. Players like Shane Naughton and Cathal Kelly stepped up to the plate with superb displays to compliment the deadly accuracy of Daniel Glynn who once again made a huge contribution, claiming sixteen points. Two minutes into the second period, Oisin Kelly whipped in
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Padraig Pearses celebrate after winning the Kepak Roscommon SHC Final last Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack.
claiming sixteen points. Two minutes into the second period, Oisin Kelly whipped in a vital goal at the second attempt after Leon Fehily had hit a post, and Pearses were on their way. Four minutes later young sub Darragh Finn crashed home a second goal and the Mickey Cunniffe Cup was on its way south. Athleague were in control in the early stages of the opening half and the 200 spectators allowed in to see the game witnessed some marvellous striking from Daniel Glynn for Pearses and Ben McGahon for Athleague. Both were unerring from placed balls and one
Stat attack Wides: Pádraig Pearses 8; Athleague 10 Yellow cards: Pádraig Pearses 1 (Cathal Kelly); Athleague 1 (Robbie Fallon) Red cards: Pádraig Pearses 1 (Luke Corbett, 25 mins.); Athleague 0 Man of the Match: Shane Naughton (Padraig Pearses)
sideline cut from McGahon was skill of the very highest order. In the 25th minute referee Farrell issued a red card to Pearses’ midfielder Luke Corbett after an incident with Niall Connolly. It looked a harsh decision but it fired up Pearses who went it at halftime leading by 0-9 to 0-8. Pearses pulled away in the second period and looked to be coasting to victory when Athleague struck in those final closing minutes. During this period Pearses couldn’t get the goal they needed to ensure the win and that was down to some great goalkeeping from David Connell and superb defending from Alan Moore and Tom Bannon. In extra-time, Pearses made no mistake. The official ‘Man of the Match’ award went to Daniel Glynn but I have plumped for Shane Naughton who was an inspirational presence all through, even when Pearses were under pressure. Glynn was magnificent too, as were Cathal Kelly, Eoghan Costello and Mike Donoghue.
For a gallant Athleague, David Connell, Alan Moore, Tom Bannon and the outstanding Ben McGahon could not be faulted on the day. Note: Well done to referee Matthew Farrell who did very well. Just 22 years of age, he was refereeing his first senior final. Padraig Pearses: Padraig Dolan; Ben Fallon, Paul
Dolan, David Dolan; Eoghan Costello, Shane Naughton, Matthew Comerford; Luke Corbett, Karl Fehily; Michael Donoghue, Daniel Glynn (016, ten frees, one ’65), Oisin Kelly (1-0); Leon Fehily (02), Cathal Kelly (0-2), Adam Finnerty (0-1). Subs used: Patrick Grehan for Finnerty (60), Jimmy Donoghue (0-1)
for Fallon (60), Darragh Finn (1-0) (e/t). Athleague: David Connell; Tom Bannon, David Delaney, Pat Nolan; Naoise Coyle, Niall Connolly, Alan Moore (0-1); Stephen Kilcommons, Cormac Kelly (1-0); Eoghan Coyle, Gary Fallon, Cian Murray; Ben McGahon (013, 11 frees, 1 s/l, 1 ’65), Ea-
mon Flanagan (0-4, 3 frees), David Flaherty. Subs used: Darragh Heavey for Kilcommons (36), Robbie Fallon (10) for Flaherty (44), Thomas Clayton for E Coyle (56), Eamon Bannon for Moore (70 mins), JP. Murray for Nolan (70 mins). Referee: Matthew Farrell (Oran).
Padraig Pearses celebrate after winning the Kepak Roscommon SHC Final last Sunday. Picture: Mick McCormack.
Roscommon People Friday 02 October 2020
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