03 February 2023 Roscommon People

Pictured at the Convent of Mercy All-Ireland Camogie presentation ceremony at the Convent of Mercy on Saturday last were Katie Lohan, Kate O’Brien, Eimear O’Farrell and Mikaela Lohan.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

DIGITAL HEIR

I have a Facebook account and I wonder what would happen to my account if I died. I would like for my account to close immediately after my death. Also, I would not like my friends of family to see my name as a “suggested friend” after my death. Do I have to mention this in my will or how should it be dealt with? Please advise me.

Most of us now have a Facebook account and the question of what happens our account after our death is something that we don’t often consider. Facebook however offer a number of options to users. Facebook now allows users choose someone who can manage their account after their death. Users can choose a “legacy contact” to post on their page after their death, respond to new friend requests and update their profile picture and cover photo. Alternatively, users can have their accounts deleted. Facebook advises that a legacy contact will not be able to see any of the user’s private messages. If users do not name a legacy contact, but do name a “digital heir” within their will, Facebook will designate that person as a legacy contact. Facebook will also ensure that the account of a user who has died will not appear as a “suggested friend” or in other ways which may upset the person’s loved ones.

If the deceased did not select a legacy contact or digital heir then the named executor in a will or closest next-of-kin may contact Facebook and arrange for the account to be deactivated. A special request must be submitted to Facebook including a copy of the deceased person’s birth certificate, death certificate and proof of being the lawful representative of the deceased person, or his/her estate. Google also allow users to select digital heirs for its Gmail accounts and cloud storage.

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

Telephone Central Line 090 6478433 info@bccsolicitors.ie www.bccsolicitors.ie

WATCHING People

With PAUL HEALY

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

You were a bit funny in the pub last night…

So were you! We had three pints…and you bought the odd round! I couldn’t believe it! Funny! I meant when you began talking about getting old…

I was just facing facts! We are getting old!

Older…but not old!

(They pause to calculate how much it will cost Enoch Burke in fines if he keeps turning up at his ‘old’ school between now and end of term)

Do you really think we’re getting old? We don’t stay out as late as we used to, do we?

True…

Other signs: Do you ever get up in the middle of the night to have a pee?

Sounds familiar!

I’m guessing you’re a classic middle-aged dad. Do you go on and on about the heat being left on too long?

Well, have you seen the price of oil?

Are you watching documentaries on World War II?

They’re fascinating!

And mass murderers?

That would be ‘Britain’s Most Evil Killers’ with Fred Dinenage…great stuff!

Endangered Species Thebarstoolboyos

Well, you know what I mean… Have trouble finding your keys? Okay, I’ve accepted your argument! But we’re young at heart! Get grumpy with other drivers? Yeah, but have you seen some of the idiots out there!

Prefer Lyric FM to any of the other stations?

But it’s so…soothing!

(They pause to discuss Roscommon’s impressive win against Tyrone, before resuming…)

Not a fan of TikTok, I’m guessing? I’m still trying to navigate Facebook! You’re so behind the times! Facebook’s on the decline!

Oh dear! Just as I was about to start posting! I took a photo of my breakfast earlier!

You’re not the only one about to start posting! They’ve let Donald Trump back on Facebook…and Instagram!

Really? Maybe regular Trump posts will halt Facebook’s decline… ‘Go oldies’! Mmnn…

So there’s a reminder that great things can be achieved…even in old age! Huh?

Well, Trump is 76, and he’s planning to run for the White House again! Have you forgotten the chaos he caused? Now you’re suggesting that I’m getting forgetful!

Well, I did wonder when you bought that odd round in three last night!

Roscommon footballers, with Davy Burke’s charges recording an unexpected win over Tyrone to make a great start to their Allianz National Football League campaign

The Irish movie industry, still basking in the glow of Ireland receiving a record 14 Oscar nominations, including nine for The Banshees of Inisherin

Rory McIlroy, this after he won the Dubai Desert Classic, holding off the challenge of Patrick Reed, with whom the Northern

Ireland golfer has been involved in a public spat

It’s been a BAD week for…

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and then-Tory party chairman Nadhim Zahawi;

Sunak sacked his friend after he was deemed to have breached the ministerial code, but critics say the PM showed poor leadership and acted too late

Struggling Liverpool FC, this after defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup continued a poor run of form for Jurgen Klopp’s men

PIC OF THE WEEK: Ryan Lynch having a selfie taken with team manager Davy Burke after Roscommon’s victory over Tyrone in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

☹

€528k cannabis find at ‘growhouse’ in Ballaghaderreen

< DAN DOONER

Two people have been charged following the discovery of a ‘growhouse’ and the seizure of an estimated €528,000 worth of cannabis in Ballaghaderreen earlier this week.

A man (60s) and woman (50s) were arrested following a search of a property at around 1 pm on Monday.

Gardaí from the Roscommon Divisional Drugs Unit, assisted by Gardaí from Castlerea, conducted a search of the premises in Ballaghaderreen as part of Operation Tara.

During the course of this search, a “suspected cannabis growhouse” was discovered by Gardaí. Cannabis plants with an estimated value of €288,000 were seized along with approximately €240,000 worth of processed cannabis.

Gardaí say that the drugs seized are valued at approximately €528,000, pending analysis from Forensic Science Ireland.

A woman in her 50s and a man in his 60s were arrested at the

scene. They were both detained at Castlerea Garda Station under the provisions of Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. They ap-

peared before Strokestown District Court on Tuesday evening where they were remanded in custody. Investigations are ongoing.

Castle St., Roscommon. Tel.: (090) 66 26041.

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FEEVAGH N.S.

www.feevaghns.ie

Enrolment Evening

Tuesday 14th Feb. from 6:00-7:00 pm Come

What Can We Offer:

• Low pupil-teacher ratio ensuring individualised learning

• Strong ties to the local community

• Well-resourced classrooms

• Aistear play-based learning

• Welcoming and inclusive of all children

• Catering for the academic and social needs of children of all abilities.

• Delivering the curriculum using a variety of methods in a friendly, warm, supportive, and caring environment.

School Initiatives and Activities:

• Sport: Gymnastics, Soccer, Gaelic Football, Hurling/Camogie, Basketball, Swimming, Athletics (Participation in the Active School Flag Programme)

• STEM: Participation in Science/Engineering/Maths Week, individual use of laptops and tablets, coding, cyber safety, Google workspace accounts for senior students, Doodle Learning App in Maths and English giving every child a personalised work programme tailored to their strengths and weaknesses

Feevagh N.S., Dysart

• The Arts/Music: Participation in BLAST (Bringing Live Arts to Students and Teachers), Creative Schools (run by the Arts Council), trips to the Theatre, Tin-Whistle in Senior Classes, Christmas Play

Tuesday

• Environmental Education: Working towards our 8th Green Flag, Participation in Incredible Edibles (3 consecutive gold awards) run by AgriAware encouraging children to grow their own fruits and vegetables

• Wellbeing – Participation in the Amber Flag Programme creating a healthy, inclusive environment that supports mental well-being

Enrolment forms can be requested by email or downloaded from the school website www.feevaghns.ie

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A man (60s) and woman (50s) were arrested as Gardaí seized €528,000 worth of cannabis following the discovery of a growhouse in Ballaghaderreen earlier this week.

Ardcarne Graveyard Committee AGM

The Ardcarne Parish Graveyard Committee Annual General Meeting will take place this Thursday (February 2nd) at 8 pm sharp in the John McGahern Barracks Museum in Cootehall. New members especially welcome.

Boyle-Tulsk road will close for three months

Roscommon County Council has confirmed that the N61 Boyle to Tulsk road will close for three months from next week to allow road resurfacing works.

The local authority said the whole route, which is over 15 miles long, will close from Tuesday next (February 7th) for a period of 14 weeks so that the works can be carried out. Resurfacing works will be completed on a 5-mile section between Shankill and Runnaboll, near Elphin. Diversions will be in place and motorists will have to use the alternative route of the R361 Boyle to Frenchpark road. Maps are available on the Roscommon County Council website.

Castlerea ICA Guild meeting

A meeting of the Castlerea ICA Guild will be held in ‘D Gaff’, Barrack Street, Castlerea on Tuesday, February 7th at 8.15 pm. A guest speaker will attend on the night. New members welcome.

HSE confirms Covid vaccination clinics

HSE Community Healthcare West has confirmed dates for Covid-19 vaccination public clinics to be held over the next number of weeks at Roscommon University Hospital. The clinics, open to all approved groups, will commence this Saturday, February 4th from 11 am to 3 pm and continue until Saturday, April 29th

The dates are as follows with clinics taking place on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm on each day: February 4th; February 18th; March 4th; March 18th; April 1st; April 15th; April 29th

Gaels’ greats turn back clock!

On Friday January 27th last the Roscommon Gaels senior county football champions from 1972 reunited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their success.

There was a great turnout and all who attended had a most enjoyable evening which started in Regan’s with a fantastic meal and onwards to the great GAA haunt that is the ‘Down The Hatch’ pub.

The event, organised by John O’Gara and Michael McNamara, was well attended with many coming long distance to reflect and celebrate with old friends and great Gaels.

Mick McNamara was master of ceremonies with many of the former players present giving a reflection of their memories of the campaign which started with a victory over Clann na nGael and Rooskey in the early rounds, and culminated with a superb win over the kingpins of Roscommon at the time, Castlerea St Kevin’s. Indeed, that Castlerea team was full of Roscommon inter-county stars who had just won the Connacht title in 1972 and lost to Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final.

This was a key breakthrough for the club at the time and indeed kick-started a golden period

of success for Roscommon Gaels in the 1970s. Many of this team represented Roscommon during the successful 1977-1980 years.

One sombre moment was remembering those members of the team, management and club delegates that have gone to their eternal reward. The influence of the school football (Brother Dwyer) Street Leagues, (Roscommon Gaels coaches) and Mick Hoare (manager) was spoken about in detail.

The night was a huge success. Congratulations to the Team of ‘72 and thank you so much for the memories.

Pictured in Regan’s, Roscommon at a reunion celebrating the 50th anniversary of their Roscommon Senior County Football title win in 1972 were members of the Roscommon Gaels team (back row, left to right): Tom Hunt, Dominick Twomey, Mick Fahey, John McDermott, Hugh Griffin, Gerry Flanagan, Mick McNamara, Frank Daly, John O’Gara, Tom Donnellan. Front row, left to right: Mickey Menton, Gabriel Keating, Gerry Coffey, Seamus Comiskey, Brendan Penney, Anthony Doolan, Seamus (Jumbo) Casey.

On April 11th, 2014, Mark McClean lost control of his car on a dangerous stretch of road not too far from his home in Ballinalee, Co. Longford. Mark, who wasn’t wearing his seatbelt at the time, was ejected through the sunroof, his body slamming into a tree, while his car was flipped onto its roof.

The first person on the scene that night was Mark’s own mother, or his “guardian angel”, as he calls her. She was making her way home from a game of bingo.

“I must have a pretty hard head,” the 33-year-old told Roscommon People this week, “thank God for bingo!”

Following the accident, Mark was taken to Mullingar Hospital before being transferred to the Mater Hospital, where he spent a month in a coma. When he came to, he was faced with the news that he was paralysed from the chest down and would now be confined to a wheelchair.

The qualified cabinet maker and father of two daughters, Jasmine (14) and Esmé (9), says it was a difficult transition at first.

“It was only after that my family told me the priest gave me the Last Rites in Mullingar. My sister went mad, telling them all I was still alive,” he said.

“I had survived but I was in the Mater for two months before moving to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) – that was one of the best times of my life, believe it or not!

“There were two other guys around the same age as me there and we had great craic. It’s so important to have good people around you especially for your mental health”.

While rehabilitation has been tough, Mark says he was also

Glanduff National School

lucky to be surrounded by the love and support of his family.

“The first couple of years were very hard. I had to learn to do everyday things again…like managing the toilet, for example,” he said.

“My beautiful daughters, Jasmine and Esmé, got me through those first couple of years. I’m so thankful to them…they just make me so happy”.

Since his accident, Mark has been busy putting his life back together. He is thankful to all at Lough Ree Access For All for helping him to return to work.

“I truly believe that everything happens for a reason,” he says.

“There have been so many good things happening for me in the last year…my work with Lough Ree Access For All is one of the biggest things in my life.

“I took the boat out on the lake and it was one of the best feelings!”

Keen to maintain his independence, Mark managed to pass his driving test for adapted control vehicles while at the NRH. But still he wants to do more, and it’s for this reason he recently became the newest presenter at local radio station, RosFM.

“I’ve been through everything following my accident…anxiety, depression, you name it. Through this new radio show I’ve called ‘Mark My Words’, I want to share my story and let other people share theirs too,” he said.

“As I said, I believe everything happens for a reason and now I just want to keep going and do even more with my life”.

Mark McClean presents ‘Mark My Words’ on RosFM 94.6 each Monday from 12 pm to 1 pm.

New RosFM presenter, Mark McClean, pictured in studio during his ‘Mark My Words’ programme, which airs from 12 noon every Monday.

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

THURSDAY Our survey says…

On Newstalk this morning, the newsreader references a survey which claims that parents turn off the light in an empty room on average 333 times a year!

According to the price comparison website Uswitch.com, another big frustration for parents is having to switch off the TV when nobody is watching it. Parents claim they have to do this on average 218 times a year, leading to 45 arguments.

Maybe because the website in question deals with price comparisons – in this instance highlighting the extra costs incurred – there were no references to tidying of bedrooms, commitment to homework, time spent on devices, or Loading The Dishwasher The Wrong Way.

I suppose children might make the point that a survey on what frustrates them about their parents would also be timely!

FRIDAY Ghost of elections past

Those folks in the Dáil! Just as a rather smug Sinn Féin were marching Paschal Donohoe along the road towards the court of public opinion, they met the ghost of elections past coming the other way.

To Sinn Féin’s dismay, the ‘ghost’ was shaking its head and brandishing a number of unpaid invoices relating to that party’s hiring of venues at election time.

As the red-faced SF folks hastily did some thinking on the spot, Paschal –until then under fire for non-declaration of expenses related to postering – breathed a sigh of relief.

Despite weak attempts to maintain that what Paschal didn’t do was worse than what they didn’t do, SF have now more or less accepted that the ghost of elections past has won this one.

SATURDAY 21st century rambling

I heard about the rambling houses of old from my late parents, and from

others, when writing my book God Save All Here. In those distant days, neighbours would ramble in from nearby dwellings, gather around the fire and then pass the night with stories from folklore, gossip, maybe a ghost story or two, and the odd song and dance. The men might even have a drop of poitín.

It’s all a far cry from today’s world, when technological advances have given us so many ‘entertainment’ and information options that we are at risk of being exhausted – mentally at least – by the scale of the possibilities. At the same time, our exposure to traditional human interaction is being reduced, which is probably not a good thing.

Just think about a typical house in Roscommon, say on a weekend night. Invariably (at least in most houses) family members will be immersed in devices/ technology. Some will be on Facebook,

others on Instagram, TikTok or Twitter. Podcasts are a popular option, likewise YouTube. Hopefully there are a few newspapers lying around! For younger children, PlayStation and its ilk often rules. Phones ping with WhatsApp and Snapchat messages. ‘Traditional TV’ is still in play, albeit under pressure from the streaming services, such as Netflix and others. This is Life In The Social Media Age, the world rambling in your house.

Personally, as a keen reader of books and newspapers all my life, I sometimes struggle with the limitless choice now, and the immediacy of social media. Tonight is a perfect example. Weekend nights are for relaxing. What medium will I choose? Those bulky weekend papers have an enduring magic for many of us, but now there are temptations all around. Still, flicking through the TV

menu or scrolling on your smartphone can often mean you are just browsing, but not actually consuming and enjoying content. Do you watch the Late Late & Tommy Tiernan, or wait for the reaction on Twitter?

(Twitter is always tempting, with its bewildering menu of madness and mayhem. Sometimes I dive in, often I prefer to avoid exposing myself to the permanently angry).

The clock ticks, a quiet backdrop to the news and information tsunami bubbling away in front of us. Maybe I should have gone into town for a pint, where we could have muttered about social media making us all unsociable.

In any event, the joys and pitfalls of modern technology will continue to dictate much of our lives. It’s for us to work out the extent to which we embrace/reject/enjoy/manage it all!

The rambling houses obviously died out decades ago, but these days, even the odd visit of neighbour to neighbour is a rarity. The pandemic has accelerated this sad decline in human interaction. If someone knocks at your door now and they’re not selling broadband or fish – or delivering that takeaway order – you get quite the shock.

Oh well, in our house we’re all having a relaxing evening in our own way, and I’ve ended up typing this. The clock is ticking towards another Monday morning. And, trust me, there’s no poitín in the house.

SUNDAY Winning start…

There was a great atmosphere in town before the Roscommon v Tyrone game in Hyde Park today. The match itself turned out to be quite the thriller, Roscommon producing a great second-half performance to make a winning start to this season’s league. Supporters were beaming on exiting the Hyde after this stirring campaign opener. See our coverage on pages 38-39.

MONDAY

Casey’s crowned

A few years back, when writing about social change over the decades in Roscommon, I made a tongue in cheek reference to life here ‘BC’ –before Casey’s.

Certainly the Casey family-led business at Circular Road – overlooking the roundabout now unofficially named after it – has become quite a phenomenon over the years. It is now well established not just in County Roscommon terms, but nationally too; recognised as a landmark ‘go to’ business.

All of which comes to mind with the news that Casey’s has been crowned ‘Store of the Year’ at the 2023 Fed Awards at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel, heading off competition from Ireland and the UK (see page 23).

Congratulations to the Casey family, Jim McCausland (manager) and all the staff on this significant honour.

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

Roscommon Credit Union welcomed 140 pupils representing 19 national schools from across the county – along with supporting principals, teachers, and parents – to Kilbride Community

Centre on Sunday, January 29th, for the first round of the national credit union school quiz.

With two competitions run simultaneously on the day (competition A for the U11 age category and competition B for the U13 age category), all 19 schools were well represented in both competitions. The day proved exciting with ten rounds of questions for competition A and twelve rounds for competition B, with very little separating teams throughout the competition. Two outright winners were declared for competition A and competition B, with a nail-biting end when not one but three tiebreaker questions were needed to determine second and third place for both competitions.

In competition A, the U11 winners were the pupils of Scoil Bhríde Four Mile House with the winning team comprising of Rory Lally, Sadhbh Kelleher, Bhuvi Bhandori and Senan Naughton, along with school Principal Shane O’Donnell. In competition

B, the U13 winners were the pupils of Lisaniskey National School, the winning team comprising of Michael Tierney, Claire Featherston, Alice Featherston and Dylan Hoban,

along with school Principal Noel Dervan.

Both teams will now progress to the regional finals, which are to be held in Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

The pupils of Gael Scoíl de Híde scooped both second place in competition A and third place in competition B. The winning U11 team comprised of Joy Ní Dhúinn, Donnchadh Ó hOisín, Liam Pleamáin and Jack O’Maolalaidh along with school teacher Éanna de Roiste, and the winning U13 team com- prised of Finn Ó Ruairc, Shauna Ní Eidhín, Niamh De Búrca and Russ Mac Raghnaill along with school teacher Éanna de Roiste.

Athleague National School placed third in competition A, with the winning U11 team

comprising of James Connaughton, Senan Mulry, Mia Fallon and Bobby Lyons along with school teacher Hubert Darcy.

The pupils of St Attracta’s National School, Ballaghaderreen completed the day with a second place win in competition B, the winning U13 team comprising of Elizabeth Forrest, Ella-Mai Hunt, Ciarán Lavin, and James Moynihan, along with school teacher Fearghal Hughes.

Congratulations to all participating pupils and schools and the very best of luck to our two winning teams, Scoil Bhríde Four Mile House and Lisaniskey National School, who progress to the next stage of the competition.

Pictured are Gael Scoíl de Hide, 3rd in Competition B, U13. Left to right: Finn Ó Ruairc, Shauna Ní Eidhín, Niamh De Búrca and Russ Mac Raghnaill. Also pictured are school teacher Éanna de Roiste, John Devaney (Chairperson of Roscommon Credit Union), Sinéad Fannon (Educational Officer) and Bernie Moran (CEO of Roscommon Credit Union).

Pictured are St Attracta’s National School, 2nd in Competition B, U13. Left to right: Elizabeth Forrest, Ella-Mai Hunt, Ciarán Lavin, and James Moynihan. Back, left to right: John Devaney (Chairperson of Roscommon Credit Union), Bernie Moran (CEO of Roscommon Credit Union), school teacher Fearghal Hughes and credit union staff member Declan Donoghue.

Pictured are Athleague National School, 3rd in Competition A, U11. Left to right: James Connaughton, Mia Fallon, Senan Mulry and Bobby Lyons. Back, left to right: John Devaney (Chairperson of Roscommon Credit Union) and school teacher Hubert Darcy.

Pictured are Scoil Bhríde Four Mile House, winners of Competition A, U11. Left to right: Rory Lally, Sadhbh Kelleher, Bhuvi Bhandori, and Senan Naughton. Back row: John Devaney (Chairperson of Roscommon Credit Union), School Principal Shane O’Donnell and credit union staff member Lynda Lane.

Pictured are Lisaniskey National School pupils, winners of Competition B, U13. Left to right: Michael Tierney, Claire Featherston, Alice Featherston, Dylan Hoban. Back row: John Devaney (Chairperson of Roscommon Credit Union), School Principal Noel Dervan and staff member Declan Donoghue.

Pictured are Gael Scoíl de Hide, 2nd in Competition A, U11. Left to right: Joy Ní Dhúinn, Donnchadh Ó hOisín, Liam Pleamáin, and Jack O’Maolalaidh. Back: school teacher Éanna de Roiste and Roscommon Credit Union board members Anne Murphy and Anthony Lee.

Cloonbonniffe N.S. CASTLEREA, CO. ROSCOMMON Now accepting enrolments for September 2023

Cloonbonniffe NS, 8km from Castlerea town, is now accepting enrolments for September 2023. Established in 1875, an O’Connor Don School, it is steeped in history and has a long record of excellent education. We are a mixed primary school vibrant and busy with a strong teamwork ethic within our school community.

Nestled in the countryside, we are a perfect choice for your child, if you wish their education to revolve around abundant nature and outdoor schooling. We have small class sizes which provides great opportunities for all children.

As well as focusing on the academics of school, we seek to immerse your child in a rounded development of individuality,

wellbeing and physical health in our natural surroundings.

Facilities include a football and basketball pitch, nature park, very spacious school yard, sensory garden, children’s playground, general purpose room, as well as excellent classroom and special education resources. Our school also offers free lunches from Freshtoday to all pupils.

If you wish to view our school and meet our staff with your child, please email cbns1875@gmail.com or contact 094 96 40388 or 086 8865345.

Please follow us on Facebook to see regular updates of our daily school lives!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU

Roscommon Garda assaulted in Athlone

The female Garda who was hospitalised following an assault at Athlone Bus Station last week is a resident of County Roscommon. The assault happened on Tuesday, 24th of January last when Gardaí attended the scene of a public order incident at the bus station shortly after 7 am. During the course of an arrest, a member of An Garda Síochána was assaulted, sustaining hand and facial injuries. Three female youths, all

in their teens, were arrested and brought to Athlone Garda Station.

The three youths have since been released and a file is being prepared for the Garda National Juvenile Office and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The injured member of An Garda Síochána attended Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe for treatment of her injuries and has since been discharged. Investigations are currently ongoing.

Choice Based Letting

Choice Based Letting

Choice Based Letting (CBL) is a method of social housing allocation which is designed to offer more choice and involvement by qualified households in selecting a new home.

Choice Based Letting (CBL) is a method of social housing allocation which is designed to offer more choice and involvement by qualified households in selecting a new home.

Roscommon County Council intends to use CBL for allocating Local Authority houses in low demand areas for applicants on the Social Housing waiting list.

Roscommon County Council intends to use CBL for allocating

Available Properties to let as at 31st January, 2023 as follows

A household that wishes to be considered for the allocation of one of the above properties, which will be called “Bid Dwellings” must, apply in writing or by email to cbl@roscommoncoco.ie to express an interest in the property. Please mark your envelope “Bid Dwelling”, “CBL” and send to Roscommon County Council Áras an Chontae

Roscommon

Co. Roscommon F42 VR98

Closing date for receipt of expressions of interest is 2 weeks from the date of this Notice (i.e. 14th February, 2023).

Those on the Housing waiting list can only express an interest in the properties advertised. In the event, you wish to express an interest in multiple properties that are advertised, please include your preference in order of choice. Fiona NiChuinn, A/Director of

Father and son Shane and Mark Kennedy pictured supporting Roscommon in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday during the Allianz Football League Division One opener against Tyrone. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

< DAN DOONER

5 ways to surprise your loved one this Valentine’s

< ALANNAH HEALY

With February 14th fast approaching, there’s no doubt that many people are on the lookout to find the perfect way to surprise their loved ones this Valentine’s Day. With that in mind, we have put together our top five suggestions for treating your significant other this year in a manner that they are sure to love!

Go on a dinner date

Going out for dinner is a classic way to celebrate a romantic break with your partner – who doesn’t love being treated to a nice meal out? Making a booking at your loved one’s favourite local restaurant for Valentine’s evening would be a great way to surprise them on the day!

A romantic night in Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, which might make it less feasible to spend the evening out on the town! So, if you do decide to stay in this Valentine’s, why not treat your partner to a romantic night in – cook their favourite dinner, order their favourite takeaway and

settle down to watch a film together…

Organise a getaway

Treating your significant other with plans for a romantic weekend getaway is another great way to surprise them this Valentine’s Day. Even if going away for an entire weekend isn’t possible, you could plan a day trip to Dublin, Cork, Galway, etc. that the two of you can enjoy together.

Concert tickets

Who doesn’t love some live music? Why not show your partner how well you know them by getting tickets for one of their favourite artists. With so much happening at local venues like the Roscommon Arts Centre, The Dock and Backstage Theatre, you could also treat them with tickets for an upcoming event nearby.

Look local

Of course one thing you can never go wrong with on Valentine’s Day is a box of chocolates, a bunch of flowers, or a small gift to mark the occasion. So remember when buying for your partner this year, make sure to shop local and avail of all that’s on offer from the wonderful businesses in our area.

€2.5m boost for county’s walkways and cycleways

The county’s walking and cycling infrastructure has been given a financial boost following the allocation of €2.5 million in Active Travel funding by the National Transport Authority.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan yesterday (Wednesday) announced the funding as part of a €290 million investment in approximately 1,200 Active Travel projects nationwide.

21 Roscommon projects have been allocated funding, with Ballaghaderreen’s town development project the largest beneficiary, receiving €1 million.

€280,000 has been allocated for the provision of footpaths in Ballinlough while the Bealnamulla Active Travel Scheme will receive the same amount.

Schools including Carrick NS, Ballinlough (€20,000), Coláiste Chiaráin, Summerhill (€60,000), St. Paul’s NS, Castlerea (€50,000), St. Attracta’s NS, Ballaghaderreen (€10,000), and St. Michael’s and St. Patrick’s NS, Cootehall (€15,000) have also received funding.

Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan said she was pleased that part of the NTA funding will be allocated to the Safe Routes to School programme.

“€20 million was recently an-

nounced for Round 2 of the programme which will see over 37,000 students across Ireland benefit from safer infrastructure and encourage them to cycle, walk and wheel to school,” she said.

“In conjunction with Safe Routes to School, funding will also be committed to continuing the Cycle Right Training programme, which in 2022 saw over 30,000 students trained to cycle safety”.

Other notable projects to benefit include Lecarrow Village Footpath (€150,000); Roscommon Local Transport Plan (€100,000); South Roscommon Villages Active Travel Measures (€75,000), and St. Joseph’s NS Summerhill (€75,000).

Deputy Denis Naughten said: “This funding will help to provide safe walkways and cycleways for communities throughout the county and is particularly welcome where it improves safety for those who walk and cycle to school”.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has said continuous funding for active travel is a cornerstone of the Government’s transport strategies.

“This will mean that communities across the country will be better connected with safe and peoplefriendly corridors to visit friends, go to the shops, or cycle and walk to school, sports training or other recreational and tourism activities,” he said.

Naughten slams further rehab unit delays

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Deputy Denis Naughten says a Rehab Unit for Roscommon Hospital which was first promised over a decade ago has been further delayed.

The Independent TD says the proposed 25-bed regional rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital won’t even be considered again until later this year.

Deputy Naughten has slammed the HSE over

the latest delay for a project which first received government backing over a decade ago, after the closure of Roscommon A&E Unit in 2011. He said this week that plans for the unit, which would act as an outreach facility for the National Rehabilitation Unit in Dun Laoghaire, were put on hold since the outbreak of Covid-19 in 2020 and won’t be considered again until later this year.

“This admission by the HSE that it has long-

Fitzmaurice on election expenses row ‘shenanigans’

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Local TD Michael Fitzmaurice has branded the recent row over historic election expenses as ‘shenanigans’ and says he believes the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) should be allowed to do its job.

Deputy Fitzmaurice was speaking on the political fallout following former Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe’s failure to declare some poster-linked expenses relating to his 2016 and 2020 General Election campaigns and Sinn Féin’s failure to declare certain 2016 expenses.

fingered Roscommon’s rehabilitation unit is not the first time this project was delayed,” he said. “Back in 2016 I discovered that the funding for the unit had been dropped from the capital plan even though it had been on the HSE list 12 months earlier”.

The TD said despite commitments in 2011, the HSE “continues to find reasons to delay the planning for the project”. He said further delays to the project were completely unacceptable.

Kerrane welcomes move on child maintenance supports

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has welcomed Minister Heather Humphreys’ confirmation that lone parents who apply supports will no longer be required to show that efforts have been made to seek maintenance from the other parent.

However, Deputy Kerrane said there now needs to be necessary legislation to remove the use of child maintenance as means, and called for the implementation of all Child Maintenance Review Group recommendations without any further delay.

“I welcomed the recommendations made by the Child Maintenance Review Group, specifically the removal of child maintenance from the means test for social welfare supports, and an end to lone parents being obliged to show that they have sought maintenance from the other parent as a condition to access and retain social welfare supports,” Deputy Kerrane said.

“It should never have been the case that child maintenance was treated as household means when it is income towards rearing children. Lone par-

ents should never have been put in the position of having to seek maintenance from a former partner as a condition to access social welfare supports”.

The Sinn Féin said that this was “very wrong” and the review group reinforced this view with their support.

She welcomed that the Department of Social Protection was being proactive in this matter but said that urgency was now needed to implement the remaining recommendations.

Gardaí investigate criminal damage to ‘rainbow crossing’

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Roscommon Gardaí are investigating an act of criminal damage following the discovery of offensive slogans on a rainbow crossing at Abbeytown in Roscommon.

The rainbow crossing, situated between the County Library and CBS Roscommon, was installed by Roscommon County Council to mark the ‘Belong To Stand

Up Awareness Week’ last November.

The LGBTQ+ and Allies Student Group at Roscommon Community College had campaigned for the construction of the rainbow crossing to mark the annual event which is aimed at schools and youth services to denounce homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying.

The graffiti, which was discovered some time around January 27th, contained bible

references and also a reference to retired priest Fr Sean Sheehy, who last October denounced homosexuality as a sin during mass in Listowel, Co. Kerry.

Local Gardaí say they are at the early stages of investigations into the incident and have appealed for witnesses to contact them at Roscommon Garda Station on 090-6638300 with any information which might help them in their enquiries.

Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show on Shannonside FM last Friday, Deputy Fitzmaurice said there had been “a lot of shenanigans” in the Dáil recently.

“At the end of the day, there is a lot of theatre going on up there at the moment. There’s a vying at the moment for who’s going to be the next government, to be quite frank about it,” he said.

“At the end of the day, SIPO is going to sort this. Yes, SIPO needs more powers in my opinion, and it will get those powers”.

Cloonakilla works to be completed by September

Roscommon County Council has said planned road safety works at Cloonakilla National School, Bealnamulla, are at the design phase and are expected to be completed by September.

The works, which include road resurfacing, the installation of footpaths, a pedestrian crossing and a roundabout, were Part 8 approved in November of last year.

Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice

Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane

Locally owned and in the heart of the community!

Boyle students lead way in promoting online safety

Two students from Abbey Community College, Boyle are among more than 140 students from across Ireland who are taking part in the Webwise Safer Internet Day (SID) Ambassador Training Programme.

The peer-led programme equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead their own online safety awareness-raising campaign in their schools and local communities.

Saoirse Supple and Caoimhe Reilly attended the in-person training day in Dublin, where they received training and support from the Webwise Youth Advisory Panel. The theme for Safer Internet Day 2023, which takes place on Tuesday, February 7th, is ‘Promoting respectful, inclusive online communication’, and aims to empower young people to build positive and inclusive online communities.

The Webwise Safer Internet Day Ambassador Training Programme gives students the opportunity to take a leading role in promoting a safer, better internet and tackle issues that are important to them including online bullying, wellbeing and privacy online.

Safer Internet Day (SID) is an EU-wide initiative to promote a safer internet for all users, especially young people. It is promoted in Ireland by the PDST Technology in Education and Webwise, with a record-breaking 183,000 people taking part in last year’s celebrations.

To find out what you can do and for free resources, visit the Webwise Safer Internet Day Hub at webwise.ie/saferinternetday.

Local students aid Western Alzheimers

A group of Leaving Cert students from Elphin Community College recently raised €251 in aid of Western Alzheimers at their recent ‘Split the Bucket’ fundraiser. The students organised this fundraiser as part of their Leaving Cert vocational project. They not only raised vital funds but also awareness of the work of Western Alzheimers.

newsbriefs

Roscommon ICA meeting on Tuesday

The next meeting of Roscommon ICA Town Guild takes place on Tuesday, 7th of February at 8 pm in Hannon’s Hotel.  A talk will be given by a registered dietician on ‘Eating for Health’. New members welcome. If interested, please contact: townica@gmail.com

Boost for St Attracta’s NS

Senator Eugene Murphy has this week welcomed the approval of funding for a two-classroom extension for St Attracta’s National School, Ballaghaderreen.

“I was delighted to be informed by the Minister for Education Norma Foley that the monies for the extension have been allocated and that the planning phase between the school design team and the Department of Education is now underway,” said the Senator.

“The school caters for 271 boys and girls in the Ballaghaderreen area and this new investment will improve the space and general amenities available to the students and all the school community”.

Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club AGM

The Mid-Roscommon Vintage Club held their AGM on Saturday, 28th of January in the Percy French Hotel, Strokestown.

There was a good attendance at the meeting and lively discussion and debate took place on various issues. The club is anxious to acquire a building or premises for the purpose of repairing and restoring vintage vehicles, machinery and implements. Persons with information regarding such a place suitable for this purpose should contact any member of the club.

The officers elected for the year 2023 are: Honorary President, John Lyons, Cloonerra, Strokestown; Chairman, John O’Connor, Tully, Strokestown; Secretary, John Farrell, Mountpleasant, Strokestown; Treasurer, Bernie Kearney (jnr), Grange, Fourmilehouse; Safety Officer, Paul Gill, Clooncunny, Strokestown; PRO, Henry Owens, Lismehy, Strokestown.

Votes of sympathy were extended to the Morris family, Ballinaheglish, on the death of Deirdre Hussey (Morris) and to the Bosquette and Murray family, Ballyhammon on the death of Maisie Bosquette (Murray).

Caroline Boyle (fundraising manager, Western Alzheimers) pictured receiving a cheque from Elphin Community College Leaving Cert students Emma McManus, Emma Quinn, Aisling Ryan and Alice McCarthy.

Pictured at the Webwise Safer Internet Ambassador Training Day are, from left, Saoirse Supple and Caoimhe Reilly from Abbey Community College, Boyle.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Wooden start: Could focus on timber frame homes ease housing crisis?

Our man Frank on why wooden houses could help ease the housing crisis; The need to utilise local walking amenities; Local dining options… and Kevin’s party!

We all know about the huge shortage of houses and accommodation all over the country and the resultant outrageous numbers of homeless people and families we have. For a while now I have wondered why we aren’t putting up wooden structures to accommodate people, given that these are substantially cheaper than conventional housing.

I had sort of put it to the back of my mind until a reader from South Roscommon got in touch on the same subject, asking me to highlight what he thinks would be an obvious solution to the housing crisis.

As a result of his call, I got in touch with one of the suppliers of timber frame houses in the east of the country, and the proprietor told me that conventional, block-built houses are costing between two and a half and three times the cost of the timber frame ones. When I pushed him, he estimated that to be fully finished to a Ber A rating, with all groundworks done and the house fully completed, a

Supporting local businesses

For a good while now I have been hearing nice things about local pubs, restaurants and hotels that are doing a great Sunday lunch trade – and indeed great Sunday lunches. The truth is that I never seemed to have the time to go to any of these popular places!

Joe Dolan’s in Fuerty, the Malt House in Mountbellew, and Jimmy Screene’s in Guilka (near Moylough) are among the many local establishments that have built up great reputations for top quality food, but most Sundays I would be going to a rugby or football match and therefore have no time to go anywhere else.

However, last Sunday I booked a table for two, for two o’clock, in Screene’s in Guilka. There were a huge number of families eating there, and, as always, the food was superb and the value was even better. As someone who hadn’t had Sunday lunch in a long, long time (if ever), I have now been so impressed that I intend to pay an occasional visit to some of the places that are within a reasonable distance. Please support these local establishments!

four-bedroomed wooden structure would cost about €100k to €120k. As we all know, a four-bedroomed standard house, with the huge increase in the price of building products, is now costing at least €300k to €350k to build, so I can’t understand why we aren’t looking at the Scandinavian model, particularly the Swedish one, where timber houses are very popular.

My contact (the reader) reckoned that a combination of business interests –including banks, construction companies and politicians – are all united in their opposition to the provision of cheaper houses, as the banks want to be giving out large mortgages, the builders want to be building expensive houses, and the Government needs prices to stay high in order for them to gather in more revenue from the building sector.

Now I don’t know if he is right or wrong, but as I write this on Monday morning, I have an outstanding invite to go to see a lived-in four-bedroomed wooden house on the Eastern seaboard, and I will give you a full report in the next week or two.

In the meantime, it is my opinion that solving the housing problem could be done with a bit of enlightened thinking, and with the provision of wooden houses and the reconstruction of thousands of derelict structures around the country made a priority.

Walk this way!

As someone whose heart is kept in check by a load of stents and a newly-acquired pacemaker, I am advised by my consultant to be mindful of my diet (I more or less ignore that bit) and, more importantly, to walk as much as possible.

Last Sunday, when driving home from Guilka (see separate piece) I began to wonder why so many of us, me sadly included, walk on dark, dangerous country roads on winter nights. We are arguably taking our lives in our hands when we do so.

Now I am well aware that there are places where people have no alternative, but in our local area there really is no excuse. Here in Creggs we have a fully-lit, perfectly safe walkway all around four pitches at the rugby club. Glinsk and Fuerty both have safe off-road walks, as have Creggs GAA, and so there is no reason why any of us should be taking unnecessary

Get well soon, Fr Donal

Out here in Creggs at present we have a slight reversal of roles because normally we are asking our parish priest, Fr. Donal Morris, to pray for our sick and ask God to get them well again. Sadly Fr. Donal himself is a bit unwell, so let us all say a few prayers, wish him well and hope he is back amongst us as soon as possible. Get well soon, Fr. Donal!

And finally…

chances as we try to keep up our step count. And yet I am as guilty as anyone else. While I walk at the rugby club regularly enough, I also continue to walk up the lovely rural area that is Lenamarla. I wear my hi-viz jacket and, if it’s fully dark I always carry a torch, but the truth is that nowadays so many tractors, cars, vans and even trucks travel those narrow rural roads that there is danger lurking around every corner.

A friend of mine believes that if an area has a safe floodlit walk, it should be compulsory to use it and that people should be fined for walking on the public road. It would be impossible to enforce such a law, but at the same time anything that saves lives is surely worth looking at.

At a time when the number of pedestrians losing their lives on our roads is constantly rising, why don’t we all use the safe, floodlit walks that our local clubs have so thoughtfully provided?

On Saturday of last week, Kevin Bradley celebrated a big birthday with a bit of a bash in Mikeen’s.

Kevin is the man who built Bradley’s ‘singing lounge’ in Creggs back in the 1970s, in doing so putting Creggs right at the top of the local entertainment scene. Singing pubs were all the rage at the time, and Bradley’s was definitely the very best of them all. Huge crowds flocked to the popular venue, with the top acts in the country – like Brendan Grace, Joe Cuddy, Anna McGoldrick and Sonny Knowles – all gracing the stage in Bradley’s. Looking back now, they were almost unbelievable times.

So congrats and happy birthday Kevin – it was great to see so many friends and family at your ‘do’. Fair play to Joachim Dunne who supplied the music. It was a great night’s craic.

Kevin looks as well as he did all those years ago when he first arrived in Creggs, and I have no doubt there will be many more birthdays to be enjoyed in the future!

newsbriefs

Green light for Baysports expansion

A popular County Roscommon waterpark has been granted planning permission to carry out a major expansion of its existing facilities.

Baysports, which is located at the Hodson Bay Hotel at Barrymore near Athlone and is currently Ireland’s largest waterpark, has been given the green light to construct a number of new marquees and inflatables.

The planning application, first submitted on April 9th last year, includes two marquees for use as a reception and wet suit distribution area, a dining area and gift shop, outdoor showers, and prefab office buildings.

Development of the main waterpark includes platforms, slides, climbing walls, and a junior waterpark.

The proposed installations are all inflatable PVC structures which will be permanently fixed to the lake bed using ropes and anchors. The proposed annual operating period for the facility is from March 15th to October 15th, closing by 9 pm each day.

Carrick NS gets go-ahead for extension

Roscommon County Council has given the go-ahead for an extension to Carrick National School in Ballinlough. The application was submitted by the school’s Board of Management on September 7th last year and the local authority made their decision on January 24th. The development includes an extension to the existing school building with all ancillary works and services. The Council granted planning permission with nine conditions.

THE BRIDGE CLUB

Roscommon Bridge Club

1st: Chris and John McGrath; 2nd: Ann Flynn and Marie McSharry; Gross: Kitty Dowd and Phyllis O’Shaughnessy.

St Coman’s Bridge Club

1st: Breege Weir and Pat Pierse; 2nd: Rita Roughneen and Josephine Devaney; Gross: Nuala Costello and Chris McGrath.

Ballymurray Bridge Club

Charity Night – Section A: 1st: Jill Farrell and Pat Lyons; 2nd: Angela Carney and Marion Dolan; Gross: Mary Law and Susan Farrell. Section B – 1st: George Bannon and John O’Gara; 2nd: Valerie and Pat Finneran; Gross: Ann Shine and Kathleen Corcoran.

Kilbride Bridge Club

1st: Bridie and Tom Moran; 2nd: Frances Keane and Brid Gillooly; 3rd: Pauline Donohoe and Mary Kelly.

Gospel Reflection

Sunday February 5

Jesus came among us as light to scatter the darkness of a fallen world. As His disciples, we too are called to be “the light of the world,” He tells us in the Gospel this Sunday (see John 1:4–4, 9; 8:12; 9:5).

All three images that Jesus uses to describe the Church are associated with the identity and vocation of Israel.

God forever aligned His kingdom with the kingdom of David and his sons by a “covenant of salt,” salt being a sign of permanence and purity (see 2 Chronicles 13:5, 8; Leviticus 2:13; Ezekiel 43:24).

Jerusalem was to be a city set on a hill, high above all others, drawing all nations toward the glorious light streaming from her Temple (see Isaiah 2:2; 60:1–3).

And Israel was given the mission of being a light to the nations, that God’s salvation would reach to the ends of the earth (see Isaiah 42:6; 49:6).

The liturgy shows us this week that the Church, and every Christian, is called to fulfil Israel’s mission.

By our faith and good works we are to make the light of God’s life break forth in the darkness, as we sing in this week’s Psalm.

This week’s readings remind us that our faith can never be a private affair, something we can hide as if under a basket.

We are to pour ourselves out for the afflicted, as Isaiah tells us in the First Reading. Our light must shine as a ray of God’s mercy for all who are poor, hungry, naked, and enslaved.

There must be a transparent quality to our lives. Our friends and family, our neighbours and fellow citizens, should see reflected in us the light of Christ and through us be attracted to the saving truths of the Gospel.

So let us pray that we, like St. Paul in the Epistle, might proclaim with our whole lives “Christ, and him crucified”.

-Scott Hahn., www.salvationhistory.com (courtesy of

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Inmate (25) found dead in Castlerea Prison

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The inmate who was found dead in Castlerea Prison last week is believed to have passed away in his sleep.

Donegal man Keith Boyle, 25, was found dead in his cell early on Thursday morning.

Mr Boyle, from, Derryveagh Avenue, Letterkenny, was serving a 15-month sentence for drugs offences having been jailed by Letterkenny Circuit Criminal Court last October. He was due for release in September of this year.

A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death has been launched by the Irish Prison Service.

A spokesperson for the prison service confirmed the death and said the next of kin had been notified.

“This death in custody will be investigated by the Irish Prison Service, the Inspector of Prisons and An Garda Síochána, where circumstances warrant. The cause of death is determined by the Coroner’s Office,” the spokesperson said.

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

As an educator, it’s my firm belief that every single student/participant attending my classes/training programmes should feel not just safe and welcome, but also affirmed and respected. Therefore, whenever I’d introduce myself to the room, I’d politely request that everyone present would let me know how they’d like to be addressed. I did this, (and still do), because not only do I like to be mindful and thoughtful around my use of pronouns – especially when addressing a person whose preferred one differs from what appears on their birth certificate – but I believe that an individual’s gender identity should never be assumed.

Misgendering a person, especially a young one, can be embarrassing both for the individual who – albeit unintentionally – makes the error, but I’d imagine even more so for the person who’s been called the wrong pronoun. To that end, instead of opening my lectures with “good morning boys and girls” or “hello ladies and gentlemen”, I always said “hi folks”, or, being from north Dublin, opened with the ice-breaking colloquialism, “hower yez”?

I mention the above on foot of many readers asking me what I think about the current debacle, (some say debate; I say catastrophic disaster), regarding a certain educator’s refusal to address

a transgender student with the pronoun ‘they’. This educator’s stand is, I believe, being taken based purely on their devout Christian beliefs.

That’s fine, everyone is entitled to hold their religious beliefs, and to base their choices around them if they so wish. I respect that. However, (and I’m just throwing this out there), doesn’t being a Christian also mean being tolerant? Doesn’t being a Christian, and being a decent human being, also mean striving to foster a relationship with your students which is based on safety and trust? Doesn’t being a Christian mean being able to support and respect another per-

son’s gender preferences; especially if that person is a young student at what is possibly a vulnerable stage of their development?

If I were chatting with this Enoch Burke, my advice to him would be to ask himself two very basic questions: What kind of relationship do you want to have with the young people whose minds you’re guiding/nurturing? I don’t know what their answer would be, but I’d hope they’d want to foster trust and safety. I’d then ask this educator how they’d personally feel if their supervisor (in this instance the school principal), refused to call them by their chosen name or pronoun? Again, I don’t know what their response

would be, but I’m guessing they may feel unsupported and disrespected.

On July 15th 2015, our government, in its wisdom, passed an important piece of legislation called the Gender Recognition Act. This Act provides for anyone over the age of 18 years to avail of a process enabling trans people to achieve full legal recognition of their preferred gender. It also allows them to get a new birth certificate to reflect that change. While the procedure is slightly more difficult/takes a bit longer for teens in the 16-17 age bracket, it’s still possible, and still achievable. If anyone reading this (particularly a young person) is experiencing uncertainty re-

garding their gender, believing they don’t identify with the one assigned to them at birth, I implore you to please have a chat and share those feelings with a parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle/sibling/ friend or a trusted teacher.

Remember folks; our gender identity is the single most fundamental element of our lives from beginning to end – and no individual, organisation or doctrine should ever have the power to invalidate our human sense of being. Nor should they demand we state as fact something which we organically believe to be untrue. To access support services, or to get advice, readers can log onto www.belongto.org or www.teni.ie

HSE

and Donnelly

should have seen mental health tsunami coming

Unless you’ve been living on Mars, you’ll know that a report by the Mental Health Commission has highlighted a litany of deficits across the board in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

These revelations are damning, bringing into clear focus the fact that our health service is not just struggling, it’s also failing to pro-

vide even the most basic of care for children who’re anxious, have an eating disorder or who are selfharming, etc., and to the families battling to help them.

It’s all very well for the HSE to say, (on foot of this report), that it’s now taking steps to address ‘many’ of the issues highlighted; but isn’t it a bit late for them to be getting the finger out?

We all know that when it comes to our mental health, a prompt diagnosis, early intervention and continuous monitoring by a specialised professional is not just key in reducing the progress of a potential lifelong issue, it’s also critical; especially as any delay could in some cases possibly prove fatal.

I do understand that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and its

fallout has brought a litany of new mental health-related concerns and issues to the fore. I imagine many of these symptoms may have developed (or progressed) in children and teens due to the lack of socialisation and a disruption in their education and sporting activities.

However, shouldn’t HSE bigwigs and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly have seen this tsunami coming? Please correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t forecasting, preparing, planning and structuring all part of our government’s Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, 2020-2030 plan? Maybe the email went into their Spam folders!

I don’t know about you readers, but as a parent/grandparent, and as a human being, I find it an absolute disgrace that vulnerable children and teens experiencing any form of psychotic episodes, behavioural issues, depression or generalised anxiety, etc., are effectively getting lost in a system that’s clearly not fit for purpose.

Instead of Tánaiste Micheál Martin joining in the chorus of ‘ooohing’ and ‘aaahing’, and describing the report’s findings as ‘unacceptable’, it’s my opinion his time would be better served ascertaining exactly what went wrong, who fizzed up, and then sacking their incompetent backsides with immediate effect!

Carol Vorderman

No individual or doctrine should have power to invalidate our sense of being One

man is more than enough for me, Carol!

Some women are gluttons for punishment! Yes, I’m talking about you Carol Vorderman, and your very candid revelation that you, ahem, are currently entertaining ‘five special’ male friends!

While I wish the stunning and clearly energetic TV presenter every happiness and success with her no-strings-attached polyamorous set-up, I have to admit her inventive, and I’d imagine exhaustive ‘system’ of juggling five lovers, (placing each one on ‘rotation’), would never work for me.

Why? Because it’d be worse than doing hard labour, that’s why!

As far as I’m concerned folks, having one man slumped on the sofa, washing and folding one man’s underpants and socks, scraping one man’s beard stubble out of the bathroom sink, and coping with one man’s snoring is about as much as my nerves can take!

Civic reception for handball champion

Addressing Tuesday’s meeting of Athlone Municipal District in Áras an Chontae, Cllr Tony Ward proposed that All-Ireland Masters ‘B’ handball champion, Paul Kelly, be given a civic

reception in recognition of his achievements.

Mr Kelly, Curraghboy, partnered with St. Coman’s’ Glen Walsh last September to win the 60x30 Masters ‘B’ Doubles title in Tipperary.

STEM student Niamh to receive scholarship

Lecarrow, Co. Roscommon student Niamh Corcoran was among the students from University of Galway to receive scholarships as part of Johnson & Johnson’s Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate Award Programme, recognising outstanding female students in STEM2D disciplines (science, technology, engineering, math, manufacturing and design).

Each recipient will receive a student award, industry mentoring, and leadership training, along with the opportunity to attend careers workshops, visit Johnson & Johnson sites, and participate in WiSTEM2D events designed to support them with pursuing future STEM careers.

The Johnson & Johnson WiSTEM2D programme fuels the development of the female STEM2D talent pipeline by awarding and sponsoring girls and women at critical points in their educational experience and their careers, within STEM disciplines.

The Undergraduate programme was first introduced at University of Limerick in 2016. Since then, it has expanded to include University College Cork in 2018, University of Galway in 2021, and Munster Technological University in 2022, supporting more than 400 female students over the last six years.

Glinsk N.S.

Glinsk, Via Castlerea, Co. Galway

Glinsk

Application forms and further information are also available to download from www.glinskns.ie or please email the school at glinskschool@gmail.com

Phone: 094 9655257

E-mail: glinskschool@gmail.com

Website: www.glinskns.ie

Twitter: @Glinsk_NS

Closing date for applications: 3rd March 2023

Councils to cooperate on Baylough works?

Athlone MD members have called on the Council to seek cooperation with Westmeath’s local authority in completing public works on a 1-kilometre stretch of road between Newtowncarberry, Baylough and Athlone.

Cllr Tony Ward proposed that the local authority, in conjunction with their colleagues in Westmeath, provide public lighting and footpaths for local residents, members of St. Peter’s Football Club and landowners in the area. His proposal was widely supported at Tuesday’s Athlone Municipal meeting with Cllr John Keogh proposing that a letter be written to members of Westmeath County Council as well as its executive.

Cllr Laurence Fallon, right, said it had been agreed when Athlone was designated as a Regional Growth Centre that there would be “ongoing dialogue” between the two local authorities. He called for that to be reintroduced following a lull post-Covid.

Athlone MD Cathaoirleach Cllr John Naughten said he would raise the issue with his counterpart in Westmeath.

N61 safety report due this month

A recent meeting of the Athlone Municipal District heard that a Transport Infrastructure Ireland draft report into safety concerns on the N61 in south Roscommon should be available by the end of this month.

Cllr Tony Ward had asked the Council for an update on the report, which is being carried out by Roughan O’Donovan Consultants for TII.

The report, which will form the basis of an improvement strategy for the route, relates to safety issues from Ganly’s roundabout to the turn-off for St. Brigid’s GAA Club.

Pictured is University of Galway student Niamh Corcoran from Lecarrow, who recently received a scholarship as part of Johnson & Johnson’s Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate Award Programme.

Team Archie’s Sinead Gannon, Adrian Smith, Frank Carr, Frank Murphy, and Padraic and Isaac Naughton pictured at the 2022 Connacht Athletics Awards, held recently in Gleeson’s, Roscommon.

Preparing your garden for spring

We

We

Padraic Kelly

It’s officially spring, the season of regrowth, when the natural world begins to revive itself after the colder winter months. This means it is also the perfect time to starting thinking about your garden again, and with that in mind, here are our top tips to help you get your garden prepared for spring.

Tidy up first!

The first thing you want to concentrate on is doing a general tidy-up, digging up leaves and removing leaves and debris from flower beds, borders, paths, etc. You can use the dead leaves and organic matter by using it to fill your compost pile.

Check for pests!

After winter, your garden may have become home to hibernating pests, snails,

slugs, etc. Make sure to checking for white-vineweevil larvae, which live in the compost and feed on plant roots – and get rid of any you find.

Tackle hardscaping issues

Early spring, before the ground is ready to be worked, is the perfect time

to focus on hardscaping – repair damaged walls, clean out your gutters, and fix fences, benches, window boxes and raised beds, etc.

Cool-weather loving plants

It’s still a bit cold out, so if the soil isn’t ready for planting, why not get to work filling your spring containers with coolweather loving plants like pansies, nemesia, and osteospermum daisies.

Get summer -flowering bulbs

Get your hands on some summer-flowering bulbs that are ready for spring planting, such as dahlias, begonias, lilies, peonies, etc. By planting these during the spring, by the time summer comes round, your garden will be set to burst into colour with flowers.

Our top five spring cleaning tips!

February has finally arrived, which can only mean one thing – it’s time for the annual spring clean. Here at the Roscommon People, we’ve put together five spring cleaning tips designed to give you a fresh start in 2023!

Do a big clear-out

Before you do anything else, you need to go through your things and declutter, throwing it all out or donating anything you no longer have any use for that’s still in good condition (such as clothing, appliances, books, CDs, furniture, etc.). Also, don’t forget to check the use-by dates on your food, bathroom products, etc., and throw thing out where needed.

Make a to-do list

Making a to-do list for your spring clean can go a long way towards helping you map out all the jobs you need to do and also making sure that you don’t accidentally forget anything. Plus, being able to see the progress you make as you ‘tick off’ each job will keep you motivated to see the job out.

Deep-clean time

No one likes doing it, but when it comes to bigger appliances such as ovens, freezers, etc., the big deep clean is inevitable.

In the case of appliances like fridges, freezers, ovens, microwaves, etc., make sure to empty it out completely before cleaning it appropriately and thoroughly, and also try to move the appliance out (if possible) and clean in behind it too while you’re at it.

Work top to bottom

To ensure you don’t have to keep going back to clean the same area over and over, make sure you work from the top down to avoid dirtying something you’ve already cleaned. Start up high by getting rid

of the cobwebs and work your way down to cleaning the furnishings before finally getting to the floors.

Take breaks and make it enjoyable!

The big annual spring clean can be a bit of a drag, no matter how satisfying the end result is. Make sure you don’t get too fatigued and end up wasting time working much slower and ineffectively. Take breaks and switch on a podcast or playlist to keep you motivated to see the job through.

Special Needs families enjoy Kilteevan Peatlands

Shamrock Squad Adventures is a community of Special Needs families with a mission to make outdoors accessible for all needs. Their most recent event was a 5km walk on the Cloonlarge Loop, Kilteevan.

The event was organised by Vika and Alina, co-founders of the Squad, in conjunction with Kilteevan Tidy Towns.

The walk was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Stories were told, information on wildlife and local history was shared. Lilliput Way was very much appreciated and Gulliver was a gigantic hit.

Shamrock Squad are a very environmentally aware group and offered to ‘litter pick’ on the 5km route. The children, including wheelchair users, worked enthusiastically during the walk.

Padraic and Ellie, trainers with Leave No Trace Ireland, accompanied the group on the hike. Padraic carried out a very interesting exercise with participants to highlight the im-

portance of making good decisions to protect nature and the environment.

Representatives from the following support groups were also in attendance: Hidden Disabilities Ireland, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Family Carers Ireland, and Decathlon Ireland. They shared

very valuable information and resources.

After the walk, all returned to Kilteevan Community Centre to enjoy pre-packed, healthy lunches and refreshments provided by the Falls Hotel, Ennistymon, Co. Clare. Thanks goes to Carol Proctor Photography for capturing precious memories.

The route was left in perfect condition; all that was ‘taken’ was litter and photographs.

A spokesperson for Kilteevan Tidy Towns said: “Our encounter with the Shamrock Squad was an eye-opener. We experienced a model of outstanding, inclusive, holistic, caring practice from start to finish”.

New Roscommon Ploughing committee elected

Roscommon Ploughing Association recently held its Annual General Meeting which saw the election of committee members for the year ahead.

The following officers have been elected for 2023:

Chairman Padraig Nolan; Secretary Patrick Lambert; Treasurer Martina Beirne.

The recent AGM heard that the County Ploughing Championships, held in April of last year, were deemed a great success. The competition was held on an excellent site, the Lambert farm in Rockfield.

A report from the committee read: “The crowd was entertained by the big number of ploughing competitions and trade stands on the day.

“The winning competitors went on to represent the county at the National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Co. Laois, where they acquitted themselves very well.

“Presently, the Roscommon Ploughing Association is looking for a suitable site

to host the 2023 Ploughing Championships. Please call 087-2965494 with any offers.

Kilteevan Tidy Towns is committed to reduced inequality, and committed to good health and wellbeing, and is now looking forward to receiving feedback from The Shamrock Squad in order to make future walks more inclusive and enjoyable.

Civil War victims to be honoured on Sunday

On Sunday next, February 5th 2023, the Co. Roscommon IRA Commemoration Committee will honour three victims of the Civil War who were killed in north Roscommon in 1923.

One hundred years ago, the scenic region of Arigna in north Roscommon was plunged into sadness and gloom with news of the tragic deaths of brothers Michael and Seamus Cull of Tullynahaw, and Paddy Tymon of Knockadryan, who died in the conflict.

The Cull family were first bereaved by the death of their son Michael, an anti-treaty republican, who was killed in an encounter with Free State forces in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan on January 6, 1922.

Later in the following month Michael’s brother, Seamus along with his neighbour and comrade, Paddy Tymon, both also members of the Republican forces, were killed in an explosion. The two men were on the run from the Free State authorities and had gone to a dug-out in the Arigna hills where they took shelter and respite from the conflict. Their place of hiding was discovered by Free State soldiers, who surrounded the area. The two men refused to come out and surrender to the troops. One of the soldiers then threw a hand grenade into the entrance

of the hide-out and the explosion killed both men instantly. This took place on February 27th, 1923.

Sunday’s commemoration will commence at 1.30 pm, when a parade headed by a colour party and the Raheen Pipe Band will march the short distance from the townland of Tullynahaw, Arigna to the memorial erected in memory of the dead volunteers on the slope of the Arigna hills.

A wreath-laying ceremony will take place and an oration will be delivered by Councillor Tom Curran of Barna, Co. Galway. Refreshments will be served afterwards in Arigna village.

Special Needs families, their Kilteevan hosts, other guests and Vika Galite and Alina Barone, co-founders of the Shamrock Squad Adventures, pictured on the day of the event.

Photo: Carol Proctor Photography

Pictured is the Cull-Tymon Memorial in Arigna.

Pictured is Conor Gilleran, Derrane, Roscommon, who was the official match mascot for Connacht at the Connacht v Lions United Rugby Championship match on Saturday last at the Sportsground, Galway. Conor, who plays for Creggs RFC U-9s, led out the team with Connacht captain Jack Carty.

“The association’s first meeting of the year will be held in Hannon’s Hotel,

Roscommon on Wednesday, February 8th at 8.30 pm. All are welcome”.

Record 14 Oscar nominations bodes well for the future of Irish cinema

Let’s

talk about ...

Until very recently, the last time I’d thought about Clare Keegan’s 2010 novella ‘Foster’ was probably when hurriedly trying to scribble out a comparative studies essay about it during the English Leaving Cert exam. I remember quite enjoying the story when we’d read it for class and everything, but had essentially almost forgotten about it in the time since. That is until recently, when the novella’s movie adaption, ‘An Cailin Ciuin’, was released.

On paper, it wouldn’t have been overly cynical to expect a film like ‘An Cailin Ciuin’ to receive little fanfare upon release. A product of the Cine4 development (a partnership between TG4, Screen Ireland, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland),

An Cailin Ciuin is an Irish language film, and this factor, coupled with the general fact that Irish entertainment media too often ends up the underdog against bigger industries (in the US, etc.), could easily have led this film to slip under the radar. However, as it turns out, this has not been the case at all.

An Cailin Ciuin has had an overwhelmingly positive reception, both at home and abroad. After nabbing the main prize at the Irish Film and Television Awards (IFTAs) and receiving international praise at various festivals, the movie’s most major accolade came last week, when the adaptation received an Oscar nomination for Best International Feature Film. In obtaining this nomination, An Cailin Cuiun has made history, becoming the first Irish language film to ever be nominated for an Oscar. And yet, while this feat alone would constitute a true milestone for Irish cinema, the nominations didn’t stop there.

We managed to secure a record fourteen nominations this year, with a host of Irish talent being represented across all sectors of the movie-making industry, from cast members

to production. Notably, nine nominations went to the black comedy ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ alone, which in addition to being shortlisted for Best Picture, Original Screenplay, Film Editing, Director, and Original Score, also saw four of its main actors (Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan) receive nominations. In addition to them, Paul Mescal, who shot to fame after appearing in the adaptation of Sally Rooney’s ‘Normal People’, has become the fifth Irish actor to be nominated this year, up for Best Actor for his performance in the Britishmade ‘Aftersun’.

Irish talent has by no means been a stranger to Oscar recognition over the years, but the string of nominations for 2023 truly is a landmark achievement. It’s the most Irish actors we’ve ever had shortlisted in one year, the most across the categories too. But perhaps even more remarkable than either of those feats is An Cailin Ciuin’s aforementioned achievement of being the first ever Irish language film to be Oscar-nominated. Given the Oscars’ reputation as the so-called authority on all things film-related, An Cailin Ciuin’s nomination directly serves to legitimise Irish language media on an international level, and bolster potential for future Irish language productions (and domestic productions in general).

‘An Cailin Ciuin’ could easily spark a new era for Ireland’s film industry, and its reception speaks to how well Irish language media could potentially be received abroad – as Parasite director Bong Joon-ho told the audience at the 2020 Golden Globes, “Once you overcome the 1-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films”. We often lament that the Gaeilge is dying out, but this film’s achievement should serve to show the opposite.

Increasingly lately, we are seeing Ireland reach new heights of success in the realm of television, film and the arts. Only a few months ago, I wrote about the success of shows like ‘Derry Girls’ and ‘Normal People’, and how Ireland is continuing to make strides in this industry. We have a long history of excelling in the arts and have been investing more and more resources into them lately (spending 40% more on feature films, documentaries, animation and TV drama between 2019 and 2021, according to Screen Ireland), and it’s paying off – not just in Oscar nominations, but in increases in international viewership, and our continued success in niche genres like horror and animation.

It’s brilliant to see Irish talent enjoying such major success on the international scene, but hopefully this is just the beginning. Oscars’ viewership has famously been dwindling the past few years, but no doubt when the time

comes many of us will be tuning in to support all the Irish involved – and while nominations alone are a huge accomplishment, just maybe (perhaps with a bit of the ‘luck of the Irish’?) we’ll even see some award winners too!

President does his homework on ‘no homework’

In a recent appearance on RTÉ’s news2day children’s news programme, President Michael D Higgins commented that he believes homework should be scrapped outside of school hours, stating, “the time in the school is an educational experience and it should get finished at the school. People should be able to use their time for other creative things”.

His suggestion made headlines, with a large amount of people agreeing with the President, and calling out the undue stress homework can put on students.

Mind you, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar responded to President Higgins’ comments in a Newstalk interview this week, stating that while he agrees schoolchildren do get too much homework, he doesn’t think an outright ban is the right move.

So whether either an absolute ban or just cutting down the workload would be best, it seems there’s widespread

agreement that students are under too much stress from homework.

Given how much we’ve been talking about children’s mental health lately (since the recent CAMHS report made headlines), I think it’s worth taking seriously how overwhelmed students are with homework, and timely for us to consider Higgins’ sentiment that it is vital children are able to use their own free time to pursue

their own interests. Mental health should take precedent.

Even beyond that, doing away with homework doesn’t have to hinder students’ education; consider Finland, where they don’t give out homework and yet still boast the best developed education system in the world according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report.

Some people were unhappy about the President being seen to seek to ‘influence Government policy’ by discussing this topic, as people similarly did when he spoke about housing last year, but it’s hard not to think that he’s onto something. If these are the balanced takes we can expect, and if it’s going to spark a constructive national conversation, I’ll continue to welcome hearing President Higgins’ opinions.

President Michael D Higgins

Margaret O’Malley-Kenny and Brendan Keegan pictured in Dr. Hyde Park last Sunday during the Allianz Football League Division One opener between Roscommon and Tyrone. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Michelle and Martin Shiel pictured ahead of last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division One opener between Roscommon and Tyrone in Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Athlone Gardaí

investigating phone thefts

Gardaí in Athlone have appealed for witnesses to two separate incidents in the town on Sunday last, in which teenagers were wrestled to the ground and robbed of their mobile phones.

The first incident occurred between 9.30 pm and 10 pm in the Strand area when two men approached a single male from behind, dragging him to the ground before making off with his phone. The victim received medical treatment for cuts and bruises following the incident.

Later on Sunday evening, at around 10.30 pm, a male teenager was attacked from behind by a single male near the Glen Abhainn student village complex on the Dublin Road. He too was wrestled to the ground before the assailant made off with his mobile phone.

There have been no arrests made in either case, but Gardaí have issued an appeal for anyone who was in the Strand or Glen Abhainn areas between the hours of 9 pm and 11 pm and noticed anything unusual to contact them at Athlone Garda Station on 090-6492600.

Time to ‘see the woods from the trees’ – Flanagan

< PAUL HEALY

In a week which has seen Coillte strongly criticised over its alliance with British asset managers Gresham House, MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan hasn’t held back.

“A large international corporation tramples over the rights of a local population to generate a fair living in order to increase the profit margins of PLCs. Sounds like the last century…sounds like the Third World, but it isn’t – welcome to Ireland in 2023”.

MEP Flanagan said that Ireland has massive problems with agricultural greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), mainly methane and nitrous oxide.

He claimed that “government and big business” have consciously decided that rather than addressing the problem at source, they will follow a policy which will allow intensive agriculture to continue unabated.

“The fact that no amount of forestry that may sequester CO2 will reduce the emissions of methane and nitrous oxide is conveniently ignored. This is not about sustainable farming, this is about balancing the books at national level”.

The Castlerea native added: “Intensive agriculture must clean up after itself. The ‘polluter pays’ principle cannot be turned on its head, where those

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

creating emissions, biodiversity loss and reduced water quality are given a free pass and other sectors are expected to carry the can. It is morally unjustified to

ask some to give up their enterprises and way of life in order that others can continue their destructive practices”.

MEP Flanagan said that the

current policy will see intensive agriculture continuing, leading to negative consequences at both ends of the spectrum.

“Intensive agriculture will continue on its destructive path – destroying biodiversity, polluting our waterways, and increasing agricultural GHGs. At the other end of the scale, low intensity farmers – currently the keepers and custodians of our biodiversity – will be coerced and muscled out by the money behind the investment funds and their land planted with monoculture forestry”. He added that ‘blanket forestry’ has serious negative effects on water quality, biodiversity and the landscape, as well as impacting on the social fabric of rural areas through depopulation, and loss of the services needed to maintain life in rural areas.

The MEP contended that the “billions” being “marshalled” by Coillte would be much better used in incentivising takeup of agroforestry across all farms in Ireland.

Last Thursday, over 100 people protested outside Leinster House after it emerged that British asset managers Gresham House will manage the Irish Strategic Forests Fund which will provide up to €200 million to assemble a portfolio of 12,000 hectares of new and existing forests. Ger Kelly and Nuala McNulty of Manorhamilton supporting the ‘Save Leitrim’ campaign are pictured with Marian Harkin TD at the demonstration outside Leinster House last Thursday calling for an end to Coillte’s arrangements with investment funds to buy and plant forestry land in Ireland.

Reader responds to coverage of Peter Pringle case

Loughglynn, Co Roscommon

Dear Editor,

I refer to your piece last week regarding the late Peter Pringle where you claim he was cleared of any wrongdoing and that he was wrongly convicted of the capital murder of two Gardaí at Shannon’s Cross, Loughglynn.

I beg to differ and highlight that at no time was Pringle deemed to have been wrongly convicted nor was he cleared of wrongdoing.

My memory of those events including his appeal in 1995 is that the appeal hearing set aside the conviction over a dispute that blood from a nose bleed by Pringle was procured and included in evidence improperly and even though it wasn’t used in the trial, it was deemed inadmissible by the Court of Appeal. His release was on a technicality and the finding of guilt was not overturned. At no time did the courts say “you are an innocent man” – instead it said the conviction was unsafe.

This decision by the court left the Director of Public Prosecution free to proceed to a new trial. The issue preventing the new trial was that 15 years after the murder in Loughglynn many witnesses were dead, most crucially the Chief Superintendent who had signed the detention order for Pringle in 1980, meaning that

the evidence gathered during this detention could not be used in court.

I was only a child when John Morley and Henry Byrne were shot in Loughglynn. My father was the Garda Sergeant in Loughglynn at the time. I obviously remember the day and all that happened afterwards.

I would like to remind you and all your readers that at no time did Pringle ever get a penny from the State in compensation, nor did he seek nor receive a pardon. Those facts speak for themselves.

Yours sincerely, Hugh Lynn

Paul Healy replies: The issue of what words to use in instances such as this can be challenging, not least for the media.

Pringle was convicted of the murders, but subsequently the Court of Criminal Appeal deemed his conviction to be unsafe and unsatisfactory. To that extent, the original conviction no longer stood. It was set aside; Pringle was freed.

In my article last week, I endeavoured to accurately report on Pringle’s status. I feel I got that right, but I fully accept the nuances at play. I did not suggest that the courts told Pringle he was “an innocent man”.

‘Wrongly convicted’ are the words most commonly used by most media entities when referencing Peter Pringle in the context of the events in West Roscommon in July 1980.

Journalist Mick Clifford, who recently wrote an in-depth feature on Pringle in the Irish Examiner, questioned the ‘wrongly convicted’ phrase, but seemed sympathetic to those using it. He wrote: “That (‘wrongly convicted’) is debateable and weighed with nuance… whether or not he (Pringle) was wrongly convicted, he was certainly blessed with luck’. I welcome Hugh’s various informed points and absolutely recognise and accept the logic of his summary.

‘Three out of ten’

Roscommon

Dear Editor, I would appeal to the people in charge of the Centre Point Retail Park in Roscommon to please do the necessary works to repair the road at the exit/entrance.

A bit like one of my school reports, I’d be giving them three out of ten at the moment – and adding “could do better”.

Yours sincerely,

Joseph Murray

“Agroforestry can build resilient and sustainable food production systems and increase productivity as trees give cover and protection to crops and animals in extremes of weather. It can also prevent soil erosion and water pollution and generate space for nature”.

Tyrone supporter thanks Roscommon people for coming to aid of mother

< DAN DOONER

A Tyrone GAA supporter has publicly thanked the people of Roscommon and fellow match-goers who came to his mother’s aid after she suffered a fall at last Sunday’s National Football League match at Dr Hyde Park.

The man got in touch with Roscommon GAA to express his gratitude to those who helped his injured mother following the incident at full-time.

The following letter was posted on the Roscommon GAA social media channels earlier this week.

“I was at the game on Sunday which I thoroughly enjoyed despite the result. I was with my son, mother and father.

“After exiting the ground and walking back to our car my mother took a fall and hit her forehead/eye on the ground.

“I would like to express my thanks to all those who helped while she was still on the ground. The family who stopped and gave us wipes to help stop bleeding, those who got us water, those who helped keep me calm and helped look after my mum’s injury, to the Garda who got a Garda car to take her to the nearby hospital Urgent Care unit.

“Thanks to the staff at the Urgent Care unit who were very thorough and looked after my mum in every way possible. Mum was discharged and is home recuperating and doing well.

“To my friends who looked after my son and went and got my car, thank you.

“The people of Roscommon…you couldn’t have done any more.

“The goodwill shown to us by everyone who passed was amazing”.

< DAN DOONER

Councillors want Ryan to intervene over TII delays

< DAN DOONER

Members of Athlone Municipal District have called for Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to intervene in order to implement reduced speed limits on roads which run close to local schools.

A joint motion from the six members of the municipal district will be brought to the next full meeting of Roscommon County Council.

It comes as councillors expressed growing frustration with delays around road safety initiatives at Tuesday’s meeting.

The meeting heard that there were significant safety concerns at three local primary schools in particular –

Cornafulla NS, Ballybay NS and Mount Talbot NS.

Cllr John Naughten had earlier proposed writing to the National Transport Authority urging it to prioritise Cornafulla National School for funding under the Safe Schools Programme.

Members were told that the infrastructure office at An Taisce, which is over the programme, had completed the latest round of funding and Cornafulla was on a “subsequent list”. The motion was however forwarded to Tom McDermott, the Council’s Safe Routes to Schools point of contact.

Cllr John Keogh described the current situation at Cornafulla as dangerous and said speed limit reductions close to the school should be used as an imme-

diate measure to make the area safer for pedestrians.

Cllr Laurence Fallon said there was a need for urgent safety measures at schools before an accident occurred, and asked whether members were wasting their time or “being made fools of”.

Venting his frustration, Cllr Donal Kilduff said: “I can’t believe we keep talking about the same stuff. It’s a no-brainer as part of Active Travel to have blanket speed limit reductions at schools.

“TDs have been introducing motions for years to reduce speed limits at schools. It doesn’t make any sense that it’s allowed to continue like this. The collective will of public representatives doesn’t seem to be sufficient to do anything about this”.

Cllr Tony Ward said he had met with the National Roads Authority on two separate occasions since 2004 to raise safety issues at Ballybay NS but said NRA officials didn’t visit the area when invited.

“There are still concerns around safety on the N61. We are still no further on in 2023 than we were in 2004,” he said.

“I can understand Donal Kilduff’s frustration…but just imagine how I feel!”

Members agreed to a joint motion calling on the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to instruct Transport Infrastructure Ireland to accept speed limit reductions at schools. It was agreed that the motion would be taken to the next Council meeting.

Our Lady of the Rosary Fatima

Establish devotion to My Immaculate Heart and the Communion of Reparation on the First Saturdays – also called First Saturday Devotions of five consecutive months. If my requests are fulfilled, Russia will be converted and there will be peace.

– July 13th, 1917.

It is important to note that in the final apparition of Our Lady of Fatima

– October 13th, 1917 – to the shepherd children, Our Lady appeared as Our Lady of Mount Carmel after the great Miracle of the Sun had taken place. This also illustrated the importance of the Wearing of the Brown Scapular. The history of this is that the Carmelites were not initially welcomed in Europe. So, Simon Stock, the Head of the Carmelite Order in England spent the night of July 15th, 1251 in prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel seeking her help. In the early morning Our Lady appeared to him holding the Infant Jesus and accompanied by a host of angels and she haded him a Brown Scapular with the following promise ...

“Receive, my beloved son, this Scapular of thy order. It is a special sign of my favour which I have obtained for thee and for thy children of Mount Carmel. He who dies clothed with this habit shall be preserved from enternal fire. It is a badge of salvation, a sheild in time of danger and a pledge of special peace and protection”. This pledge was later extended to everyone who wore the Brown Scapular.

What did Our Lady of the Rosary at Fatima say God wants?

“You have seen hell where the souls of the poor sinners go. In order to save them, God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If you do what I tell you, many souls will be saved, there will be peace…. I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, and the Communion of reparation on the first Saturdays. If my requests are fulfilled, Russia will be converted and there will be peace” (July 13, 1917, emphasis ours).

What has been done?

The consecration of Russia and the world was fulfilled on March 25, 1984 by St John Paul II and the bishops of the world.

-This opened the way for the end of the persecution in Russia as Jesus promised Sr. Lucia in 1930, and also for the return of religious freedom in Russia. Many other countries in Eastern Europe have shared in these blessings as well.

- This was the 1st of 2 phases towards Russia’s conversion, which is yet to come.

V er y few have fulfilled our Lady’s second and most important request for the Communion of reparation on the First Saturdays. This fulfilment of this second and most important request will help bring about the conversion of the world and a period of peace.

Pope Benedict XVI’s Words at Fatima “We would be mistaken to think that Fatima’s prophetic mission is complete…” (May 13,2010)

What is the Communion of reparation on the First Saturdays? (also known as the First Saturdays or First Saturdays of devotion)

On December 10, 1925, Jesus and Mary came to Lucia. Jesus said, “have compassion on the Heart of your Most Holy Mother covered with the thorns with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment, and there

is no one to remove them with an act of reparation.” Mary then said, “My daughter look at My Heart surrounded with the thorns with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. You at least try to console me, and say that I promise to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who on the First Saturday of five consecutive months, go to Confession and receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary and keep me company for a quarter of an hour while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me” (emphasis ours)

What are the two promises made by Our Lady in regard to the First Saturdays?

The 1st promise in regard to the First Saturdays was made on July 13,1917. Our Lady promised the salvation of souls and a period of peace, together with the conversion of Russia, if we fulfil her two special requests.

One request remains fulfilled, the First Saturdays. The first promise requires that we persevere in making the First Saturdays and is no limited to making 5 consecutive First Saturdays. This first promise also requires that a large number of people fulfil the First Saturdays

In this way, we may try to help repair the sins of the world, and in particular, those against the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In this way also, we can remove what prohibits an outpouring of graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Thus, in the ongoing practice of the First Saturdays, we can greatly benefit our neighbour as well as ourselves.

On December 10, 1925, Our Lady made a 2nd promise of salvation for each one who makes the five First Saturdays (See the bold print in the previous question). This 2nd promise presupposes that we are already aware of the first promise. In time we should come to realise that the love of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary is our greatest motivation for practicing this devotion.

Why are there 5 First Saturdays?

There are 5 First Saturdays because, as Jesus told Sr. Lucia, there are 5 kinds of offenses and blasphemies against the Immaculate Conception of Mary:

1. Against the Immaculate Conception of Mary

2. Against Mary’s Virginity

3. Against Mary’s Divine Maternity and her Motherhood of all mankind

4. Turning children against Mary as their heavenly Mother

5. Against Mary’s Sacred Images

Why it is important to make reparation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary?

Reparation to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary is an act of mercy and an act of justice, which helps repair the harm done by sin. As mentioned above, the Child Jesus said, “Have compassion on the Heart of your Most Holy Mother covered with the thorns with which ungrateful men pierce it at every moment, and there is no one to remove these thorns of sin with acts of reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, not only for our own sins, but also for the sins of others. Also, this reparation can help remove obstacles to the grace and mercy poured out by the Holy Spirit.

Also, because Jesus proclaimed Mary to be our Mother from the Cross when He said, “Behold your Mother!” (Jn. 19:27), we can therefore recognise that she is a Gift to us of His love represented by His Sacred Heart. When Jesus’ Gift of Mary is offended, His Heart is offended. Thus, our reparation for the sins against the Immaculate Heart of Mary is essential to a more complete reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pope

“If you do what I tell you, many souls will be saved, there will be peace”. – Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, July 13, 1917.

“Christ will conquer throught [Mary], because He wants the Church’s victories now and in the future to be linked to her.”

– St. John Paul II.

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Pray The Rosary everyday

Pope Pius XI wrote of the importance of reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, “And truly the spirit of the expiation or reparation has always had the first and foremost place in the worship given to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” (Miserentissimus Redemptor)

What if I start the First Saturdays devotion one month and cannot complete it the next month?

You would need to restart in order to make five consecutive First Saturdays. However, even though the one month would not count toward the fulfilment of the five consecutive First Saturdays, it can still be of great value, and can benefit one’s self and one’s neighbour.

What if I forget to do one of the practices of the five First Saturdays?

All the practices are necessary to complete each First Saturday. This includes the intention to making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary by each of the four practices. If you forget one practice, you should start again for 5 consecutive First Saturdays. Further, hopefully, the faithful will continue to make the First Saturdays, beyond five, for peace and the salvation of souls.

How do I keep Our Lady company for a quarter of an hour while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary with the intention to her Immaculate Heart?

You can fulfil Our Lady’s request for this meditation any time on the First Saturdays. If possible, a special time to do this is immediately after Holy Mass in which we can receive Jesus in Holy Communion. One might read and ponder the Scriptures or some other reading about the mysteries of the Rosary while keeping Our Blessed Mother company.

Is it all right to meditate on any of the mysteries of the Rosary that one wishes?

There are no requirements as to which mysteries one chooses to meditate on in fulfilling the First Saturdays. It would be helpful to plan on covering all the of the mysteries over a period of time.

What if I cannot go to Confession on the First Saturday.

One can go to Confession anytime as long as there is one Confession for each First Saturday (within about 20 days before or after), and as Jesus said “as long as they receive Me in the state of grace and have the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary” (Jesus to Sr. Lucia, 1926).

Remember

In order to fulfil the First Saturdays devotion, on five consecutive First Saturdays and on a continuing basis, the following 4 separate actions must be completed:

1. Go to Confession with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

2. Receive Holy Communion with intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

3. Pray the Rosary (5 decades) with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

4. Keep Our Lady company for an additional 15 minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Power in Prayer Together

“Clearly the most efficacious kind of prayer for gaining the divine protection is prayer that is offered publicly by the whole community; for Our Redeemer said: ‘Where two or three are gathered…’” (St John XXIII, Paenitentiam Agere, n. 23; cf. also Mt. 18:19-20)

Thus, communal prayer can have a greater power to obtain an answer from God and can have a greater reparatory value. The Communal First Saturdays provides these benefits to us.

The Communal First Saturdays is a parish or community celebration of the First Saturdays in which all conditions of the First Saturdays are fulfilled while joining together with others in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

The Communal First Saturdays helps a person fulfil all the conditions of the First Saturdays by participating in the parish service on those days. The Sacrament of Penance is made available before the service begins. Some helpful prayers related to the Fatima message are said to begin the service followed by the Communal Recitation of the Rosary. The Rosary is prayed before the Holy Mass. The Rosary helps to prepare the faithful for the Holy Mass and the Communion of reparation. As St Paul VI said, the Rosary can be “an excellent preparation” for the Liturgy and “a continuing echo thereof” (Marialis Cultus). After the Holy Mass, the faithful keep Our Lord and Our Lady company while making the 15 minute meditation on Scriptures for two or more mysteries of the Rosary. This is a more special time for the meditation since the faithful would have just received Jesus in Holy Communion.

Also, this meditation is made in a communal form of lectio divina. The leader begins the first step of the lectio divina by reading a verse or more of Scripture at a time and the pauses so the faithful can reflect. The mysteries of the Rosary becomes a “continuing echo” of the Liturgy. It follows that the Communal First Saturdays helps us to “Rediscover the Rosary in the light of Scripture, in harmony with the Liturgy, and in the context of [our] daily lives.” (St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae, n. 43, brackets are ours).

Further, Jesus and Mary made it clear that the First Saturdays can only be fulfilled if each of the above practices is done with the intention of making reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

This communal celebration of the First Saturdays offers an easier way for people to fulfil the conditions of the First Saturdays. Also, the communal celebration offers a service in which a much larger number of people are able to practice the First Saturdays, not only for five First Saturdays, but on a continual basis. Because of its communal form, the Communal First Saturdays gives visible witness that the First Saturdays

devotion is being practiced. Otherwise, without a communal form, when the time comes, it will be very difficult to connect the First Saturdays with the fulfilment of Our Lady’s promise of peace. Also, through the Communal First Saturdays, we can make reparation and obtain the graces of the conversion for ourselves and others in greater measure, and so can help bring about a period of peace and salvation of souls.

It is also important to note that the Communal First Saturdays is the first canonically approved public First Saturdays devotion accompanying the Liturgy in a standardized wriiten form that can be established in any parish. Therefore, we encourage you to use the associated devotional materials available through Communal First Saturdays Apostolate.

Please go to www.CommunalFirstSaturdays.org to order the books and any other materials to help you start or learn more about the Communal First Saturdays.

All original material copyright © First Saturdays for Peace 2019.

It is important to note that the Blessed Virgin Mary said to St. Catherine Labouré in the 1st Apparition of the Miraculous medal on July 18, 1830 on the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul at 140 Rue de Bac, Paris, France ... misfortunes will come crashing down on France. The throne will be toppled. The whole world will be turned upside by misfortunes of all kinds [...], but come to the foot of this altar. There graces will be poured out on all those, small, or great, who ask for them with confidence and fervour. Graces will be poured out especially on those who ask for them.

On November 27th, 1830 the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré while she was at meditation in The Chapel at Rue de Bac, Paris. She lowered her hands and the brilliant rays shone forth with even greater splendour. A moment later an oval frame appeared about her with an inscription in golden letters: ‘O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Have a medal made after this model.

It is important to note that when you come to the foot of the altar in any Catholic Church – anywhere in the world – there graces will be poured out on all those small or great who ask for them with confidence and fervour. Graces will be poured out especially on those who ask for them. Have a medal made after this model. All who wear it after it has been blssed will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck. Graces will abound for those who wear it with confidence.

Anyone who needs to get in touch can contact Our Lady of Fatima Association, at Chris O’Gara, No. 3 The Courtyard, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Tel. 086 2255 029.

Anyone seeking more information on the First Saturdays Devotion and anyone who is not a Catholic and would like to become one and receive preparation for Baptism and Communion to help them complete this First Saturdays Devotion throughout their lives I will ask them to make contact with a Catholic Priest or a Catholic Deacon in the Parish where they live. The Catholic Church has Parishes all over the world. Contact Our Lady of Fatima Association, No. 3, The Courtyard, Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Tel.

Siobhan Kilroe, Hollie Kilroe and Fintan Kilroe pictured at the 2022 Connacht Athletics Awards, held recently in Gleeson’s, Roscommon.

Hollie Kilroe and Isaac Naughton pictured at the 2022 Connacht Athletics Awards, held recently in Gleeson’s Roscommon.

The Roscommon County Board Committee – comprising of race director Paul McNamara, secretary Laura Clyne, chairperson Donal Flynn, PRO Siobhan Kilroe, and Vice-President Frank Murphy – pictured at the 2022 Connacht Athletics Awards, held recently in Gleeson’s, Roscommon.

FarmingPeople

Over 600 animals presented for sale on Thursday last with trade and prices continuing to strengthen with a very strong trade on offer for all categories of stock.

Forward lots in particular are in very strong demand at the moment with heifers peaking at €2,990, while the bullocks topped out at €2,370.

The dry cow ring saw heavier lots make up to €2,540 and the store cow trade has witnessed increased demand also.

The weanling rings noticed the bulls making up to €4.29 a kilo, while the heifer weanlings topped out at €4 a kilo.

The numbers of breeding stock on offer continue to grow while the calf trade has started off brightly.

Sales continue at

Castlerea Mart today

(Thursday, February 2nd) with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. All sales commence at 11 am with three rings in operation.

Sample prices for

bullocks: AA 480kgs

€1610, Ch 465kgs €1490, Lim 430kgs €1440, Ch 510kgs €1670, Ch 525kgs

€1660, Lim 535kgs €1630, AAx 570kgs €1910, Ch 555kgs €1890, AA 615kgs €2030, Ch 855kgs €2370, AA 650kgs €2150.

Heifers: Lim x 420kgs

€1450, Lim 410kgs €1340, Lim 395kgs €1300, Ch

370kgs €1230, Ch 475kgs

€1590, Ch 460kgs €1570,

AA 498kgs €1440, Ch 930kgs €2990, Ch 715kgs

€2410, Ch 710kgs €2400, Ch 660kgs €2180, AA 785kgs €2200.

Dry cows: Ch 885kgs

€2540, Lim 840kgs €2510, Lim 645kgs €1800, Ch

685kgs €1720, Fr 780kgs

€1690, Her 720kgs €1850, Ch 770kgs €1970, Ch 813kgs €2320.

Weanling bulls: Lim x

295kgs €980, Lim 275kgs

€960, AA 265kgs €920, Lim 250kgs €860, PTx

490kgs €1500, Ch 310kgs

€1330, Lim 435kgs €1470, AA 365kgs €1170.

Weanling heifers: Lim

280kgs €1000, Lim

270kgs €880, Lim 255kgs

€800, Ch 215kgs €660, Lim 275kgs €890, Ch 330kgs €1290, Ch 355kgs

€1260, Lim 310kgs €1240, Ch 335kgs €1060, AA 310kgs €900, Lim 315kgs €1060.

Salmonella outbreak at Irish poultry farms

The Department of Agriculture is currently working with the Food Safety Authority and the National Reference Laboratory for Salmonella following confirmed outbreaks at eight poultry farms, most of which are in Co. Cavan.

According to the Department, all affected flocks have been restricted and under departmental controls it is understood that some flocks have been culled.

Call for further support for Ukraine

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has called for continued support for the Ukrainian agriculture sector and continued monitoring of the impacts of the Russian invasion on European markets and supply chains.

Speaking ahead of this week’s meeting of Agriculture Ministers in Brussels, Minister McConalogue said European initiatives such as Solidarity Lanes and the Black Sea Initiative should be maintained and added to.

Farming Desk

Exemption on burning of agri green waste

Regulations were signed last Friday to provide for an extension to the exemption which allows for the onsite burning of agricultural green waste in certain circumstances. The regulations, drafted by the Department of the Environment, extend the exemption for burning, which expired on January 1st, until March 1st. This will be the final time the exemption will be extended.

Call for suspension of ‘banding’ letters

Reacting to the opening of applications for the 2023 Nitrates Derogation, ICMSA President Pat McCormack has said it is now “completely obvious that the ‘Banding’ measures agreed by Ireland will do enormous damage to the farm family model”.

Mr McCormack repeated his call for the Minister to suspend or postpone ‘Banding’ for 2023 in order for a full assessment of all the implications and to allow farmers a reasonable length of time to plan their futures.

He said ‘Banding’ was agreed last spring between the EU Commission and the Government, but the Department has still not explained to farmers what it involves.

‘Delays put forestry targets in jeopardy’

IFA Farm Forestry Chair Jason Fleming has warned that the delay in State Aid for the new Forestry Programme means this year’s targets are unlikely to be met.

Mr Fleming said the programme was “off to a bad start” and the target of aiming to plant 8,000 new hectares as set out in the Climate Action Plan was “near impossible”.

Income crisis on sheep farms

IFA President Tim Cullinan says farmers have left factories and Minister Charlie McConalogue in no doubt as to the seriousness of the income situation in Ireland’s second largest farming sector.

Speaking after an IFA sheep farmers’ meeting in Athlone recently, Mr Cullinan said farmers’ concerns were vindicated following Teagasc’s recent assessment of incomes, which showed net margins dropping by 81 per cent last year.

The IFA President also called on the Government to allocate the €1 billion Brexit Adjustment Reserve fund before the end of this year.

The IFA Chair called on the Department of Agriculture to focus on reducing turnaround times. He also highlighted Interim Afforestation and Forest Road Schemes (via General De Minimis), which he said offered new grants to farmers who have not yet started to plant or construct a road.

All Organics applicants to be accepted – ICSA

ISCA Organics Chair Fergal Byrne has welcomed news that all applicants to the Organics Scheme (2,134 farmers) will be accepted.

Speaking following last Friday’s Organics Strategy Forum in Backweston, Mr Byrne said there would be another opportunity to join the scheme in October of this year.

Another busy week with a large entry at last Friday’s general sale and a very strong trade for all classes. Bullocks averaged up to €3.49 per kilo while heifers fetched up to €3.42 and dry cows made up to €3.15. There was a good entry of top weanlings on Tuesday evening with a strong trade seeing bull weanlings making up to €4.19 a kilo and heifer weanlings fetching up to €4.04.

The mart also hosted a special entry of in-calf heifers, heifers with calves at foot, and in-calf cows. Sample prices: Lim heifer with bull calf €3,280; Lim heifer with heifer calf €3,050; In-calf heifers up to €3,050 and in-calf

cows up to €2,500.

A smaller number of sheep at Wednesday’s sale, where prices for finished hoggets peaked at €146. The top stag ewes made €155 while prices for a special entry of in-lamb ewes ranged from €160 to €170. Sheep sales continue on Wednesdays and can be viewed on www. livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for dry cows: Lim X 905kgs €2820, Char X 850kgs €2480, SIX 800kgs €2460, Lim X 775kgs €2390, Char X 740kgs €2330, Lim X 775kgs €2270, Lim X 680kgs €2120, SIX 755kgs €2200, Char X 670kgs €2080, Lim X 605kgs €1830, Lim X 565kgs €1700.

Heifers: Char X 685kgs €2340, Lim X 675kgs €2310, Lim X 685kgs €2040, Char X 770kgs €2450, Char X 775kgs €2200, AAX 505kgs €1380, Lim X 530kgs €1500.

Bullocks: Char X 975kgs €3000, Char X 940kgs €2960, Lim X 960kgs €2980, Lim X 945kgs €2850, Char X 680kgs €2360, Char X 625kgs €1990, LIM X 660kgs €2090, Char X 685kgs €2040, BBX 825kgs €2560, Char X 525kgs €1830, Lim X 465kgs €1520, Lim X 485kgs €1460, Lim X 495kgs €1540, Char X 545kgs €1650, Lim X 415kgs €1290.

Weanling heifers: Lim X 260kgs

€1050 - €4.04 per kilo, Lim X 272 kgs €950 - €3.49 per kilo, Char X

335kgs €1160 - €3.46 per kilo, Char X 350kgs €1190 - €3.40 per kilo, Lim X 320kgs €1060 - €3.31 per kilo, Char X 325kgs €1150 - €3.54 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: Char X 267kgs €1120 - €4.19 per kilo, Lim X 350kgs €1260 - €3.60 per kilo, Lim X 225kgs €830 - €3.69 per kilo, Char X 340kgs €1270€3.74 per kilo, BAX 295kgs €1030 - €3.49 per kilo, Char X 265kgs €970 - €3.66 per kilo, Char X 315kgs €1200 - €3.81 per kilo, Char X 320kgs €1150€3.59 per kilo.

Finished hoggets: 56kgs €146, 52.5kgs €146, 51.4kgs €146, 52kgs €144, 50.2kgs €142, 50.1kgs €140, 48.6kgs €137.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue

ISCA Organics Chair Fergal Byrne

Sale of Weanlings

Bookings accepted until Tuesday, 9th February at 5 p.m.

Saturday, 11th February at 12 noon

Opening Organic Sale of 2023

followed by Dispersal Sale of 4 and 5 Star Organic Breeding Cattle on behalf of Mary Conry–Candler at 1pm 5 - First Calvers with Calves at Foot, 14 - Cows with Calves at Foot, 1 - In Calf Heifer, 11 - In Calf Cows, 6 - Maiden Heifers

Lambs & Cast Ewes

Each Wednesday at 11 a.m. Stock must be penned by 9.30 a.m. – Gates close at 10 a.m.

Wednesday February 8th -

Special Entry 15

Suffolk Cross Ewes

with strong lambs at foot -

Note: Sheep Scanning Service commencing next Wednesday, 8th of February from 9 am to 10 am

‘Store of the Year’ award for Casey’s Londis!

A Roscommon town business was celebrating last week as it was crowned ‘Store of the Year’ at the exclusive 2023 Fed Awards at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel.

Casey’s Londis, Athlone Road, Roscommon held off competition from UK and Irish stores to win the top award from one of Europe’s largest employers’ associations.

The ceremony, held at the plush London hotel, was hosted by BBC presenter Naga Munchetty on Tuesday, January 24th.

The Federation of Independent Retailers is a not-for-profit organisation with over 10,000 members across Ireland and the UK.

Irish start-ups hit six-year low

Ireland’s new company start-up levels reached their lowest point in six years due to economic uncertainty brought about by rising inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, according to the latest figures from credit analyst CRIFVision-net.

A total of 21,637 new start-ups were registered in 2022, the lowest figure on record since 2016 (21,018). Last year’s figure also marked an overall decrease of 16 per cent from 2021.

Casey’s were announced as winners by Booker Group’s customer director Martin Swadling and manager Jim McCausland was on hand to collect the award from Fed’s National President Jason Birks.

Mr. Birks commented: “Last spring, I was part of a group that flew over to Ireland for a whistle-stop tour of some of our members’ stores, and the positivity and ingenuity I saw has made a lasting impression.

“One store in particular blew me away, as the owner truly knows and understands the demographic of his customer base and he tailors this offering accordingly.

“In short, Casey’s thoroughly embraces the ethos of being an independent retailer. I decided that he deserved recognition for displaying excellence and ingenuity across all retail disciplines”.

THE BUSINESS BRIEF(S)

February.

The former Armagh star has worked with the who’s who of business and sporting leaders over the last 25 years and they share their stories in his new book.

General Manager of Intel Ireland, Eamonn Sinnott and Irish rugby legend

Former All Star, All-Ireland winning footballer and entrepreneur Enda McNulty will launch his second book ‘Commit

Rory Best are among those who share their stories and insights with Enda in his latest publication.

Commit 2 Lead! will be available in all good bookshops from February 23rd, websites and direct from www.mcnultyperformance.com.

70% of consumers looking to EV option

Ireland’s largest car website, DoneDeal, in association with the SEAI, found that 70 per cent of Irish consumers are considering an electric vehicle as their next car purchase.

Last year was the first time an electric vehicle, the Volkswagen ID.4, was the most in-demand new car on the website and that trend has continued into 2023. Onsite demand for new and used electric vehicles grew by 33 per cent in

2022, while demand for diesel vehicles fell by 39 per cent.

€1m investment in western solar project

Astatine, a leading renewable heat and power specialist, recently announced a €1 million investment project in the west of Ireland. The project, at the CMLS Limited cold storage facility in Oranmore, Co. Galway, involved the upgrading of the building’s roof to solar power, and is expected to deliver 50 per cent energy savings and carbon cuts of 25 per cent for the business. CMLS Limited is one of Ireland’s fastest growing supply chain management companies, delivering services for businesses in the retail, food service, and manufacturing sectors.

Casey’s Londis, Roscommon held off competition from UK and Irish stores to take the ‘Store of the Year’ gong at the Fed Awards in London last week.

< DAN DOONER

PropertyPeople

Sale closed on character residence in Fuerty, Roscommon

Cathal Meares of RE/MAX Team Earley is pleased to advise that he has closed the sale of a character property known as ‘Bailey’s Lodge’, located in Fuerty, Co. Roscommon.

Standing on a wonderfully mature site area of approximately 0.54 of an acre, the property is located in a select residential district close to Roscommon town. The residence was presented for sale in excellent condition throughout. The property has a BER rating of D2. All mains services are connected and there is also a septic tank sewerage system and a character stone-built storage shed of approximately 345 square feet on site. The property also features a solid fuel stove in the sitting/living room to assist the OFCH heating system.

RE/MAX Team Earley are currently looking for similar houses in all areas for cash buyers. For further details or to arrange a free consultation, please contact RE/ MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon on 090-6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie or log onto teamearley.ie.

Contact auctioneer Cormac directly on 086-3519492 or auctioneer Cathal on 086-1409158.

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

Drama Festival takes to stage in March

The Roscommon Drama Festival, which has become the highlight of the social calendar in Roscommon, takes place in the Arts Centre from Friday, 3rd of March to Saturday the 11th.

Once again this Festival boasts an imposing array of Ireland’s best amateur drama groups in both the Open and Confined sections. It has become synonymous with so many of the winning groups progressing to national honours in both sections, and many actors and actresses rightly receiving plaudits for the quality and professionalism of their performance.

The ever-popular Children’s Story Writing Competition is back with us once more. A shortlist of four plays in the pro-

gramme has been made available to the primary schools in the area and students in fifth and sixth classes are invited to write a short story based on any one of them. The winners will be presented with their awards at the Festival Launch in Aras an Chontae on Wednesday, 22nd of February at 7 pm.

Festival line-up

Friday 3rd March: By the Bog of Cats by Marina Carr (Dalkey Players)

Saturday 4th: The Welkin by Lucy Kirkwood (Ballyduff Drama Group)

Monday 6th: Proof by David Auburn (Glenamaddy Players)

Tuesday 7th: Stolen Child by Bairbre Ni

Chaoimh & Yvonne Quinn (Corofin Dramatic Society)

Wednesday 8th: The Kings of the Kilburn High Road by Jimmy Murphy (The Ray Leonard Players)

Thursday 9th: God of Carnage by Yasmine Reza (Harvest Moon Drama Group)

Friday 10th: The Night Alive by Conor McPherson (Bunclody/Kilmyshall Drama Group)

Saturday 11th: Sive by John B Keane (Kilmuckridge Drama Group)

Due to circumstances outside our control the performance scheduled for Sunday, 5th of March has been cancelled. The adjudicator for this year’s festival

is Anna Walker A.D.A. who is very well known and respected throughout drama circles in Ireland. Anna has adjudicated at the All-Ireland One Act Drama Finals in 2011, The Confined Drama Finals in 2016, The All-Ireland Drama Finals in 2018 and the One Act Drama Finals in 2019. Tickets are on sale at Roscommon Arts Centre priced at €15 with a concession of €13 for each evening performance. A special 5-night ticket costs €60 while a season ticket costs €85. See online at www. roscommonartscentre.ie. Demand for tickets to all performances is very brisk, and you are advised to book quickly in order to avoid disappointment.

Tedfest is back, taking place this year from Thursday, March 2nd, to Sunday, March 5th, as Aran Islands’ Inis Mór becomes the legendary ‘Craggy Island’ once more for a weekend of high jinks. With copious cups of tea and sandwiches, a lot of red tank-tops, nuns on the run, priests on the pull, madcap costumes and of course, a bishop getting a kick up the arse – Tedfest celebrates Fr Ted, described by the organisers as “Ireland’s best-loved TV show”. Visitors will enjoy all the ecumenical

craic that Craggy Island has to offer and the official programme has now been announced for the biggest ever Tedfest. Highlights include the annual Lovely Girls Competition, Blind Date with Eoin McLove (Patrick McDonnell), King of the Sheep, Pat Mustard Lip Sync Showdown, The Craggy Cup, Ted’s Got Talent, The Screeching Competition in a very Dark Cave, Matchmaking with Nellie, The Priests Dance Off, The Ghost Town Disco, The Craggy Comedy Craic Den…and much more!

Post-primary schools in Roscommon are being invited to join a new Irish language initiative, Spraoi’23, which is aimed at cultivating a love of the Irish language by engaging students in activities through the medium of Irish. The initiative is being run by Education and Training Boards Ireland, in conjunction with An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta.

Spraoi’23 invites schools to partake in a range of different competition categories, from blogging and rapping to art design and the creation of new seanfhocal.

The programme is open to all students in post-primary schools across the country, not just those under ETB patronage. The programme also welcomes engagement from both students in Irish-medium and English-medium schools.

Spraoi’23 will run through to the end of April with a celebratory prize-giving ceremony in May. All information can be found at events.etbi.ie/SPRAOI23.

Do you have a great singing voice? Are you between the ages of 9 and 14 years? Then this is your chance!

Adare Productions are putting a call out for talented young singers who will be aged between 9 and 14 years this autumn to represent Ireland in this year’s Junior Eurovision competition.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for a talented youngster or group to represent the country at international level.

The Irish heats will take place this March in Dublin. The winner will go on to represent Ireland at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023.

In 2022, Sophie Lennon came fourth in the contest with her song ‘Solas’. This year, could it be you?

To enter, all you need is an amazing singing voice! There is no original song necessary. The closing date for entries is the 15th of February 2023. To apply, all you need is a 40-second clip of the applicant singing.

Apply now at tg4.ie/junioreurovision. For further information, contact Adare Productions on 083 1322683 or email junioreurovision@adareproductions.ie.

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

Joe Rooney AKA Fr Damo pictured with Sr Kate Finnegan, Sr Jessie Ryan, Sr Hayley Maher and Sr Eimear O’Dea at Tedfest as Inis Mór, Aran Islands becomes the legendary ‘Craggy Island’ for a weekend of high jinks every year.

Photo: Doris Gerth

Sophie Lennon represented Ireland in Armenia during the 2022 Junior Eurovision competition, in which she placed fourth overall with her song ‘Solas’.

Mary Finn Chairperson.

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Kathleen Wynne MCFHP, MAFHP Foot Care Practitioner 086 3562718 kathleenwynne63@gmail.com www.kathleensmobilefootcare.ie

COUNSELLING

COUNSELLING & HYPNOTHERAPY

Are you affected byAnger 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

COUNSELLING

Are you experiencing difficulties in your life?

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

Online counselling available. Please call Glynis on 085 2514394

email: downeyglynis@yahoo.co.uk

web: www.psychotherapyglynisdowney.com

CONSTRUCTION

Stephen Casey Construction

l General Building

l Extensions & Roofing

l Groundworks

l Renovations

l Chimney CCTV Inspections

l Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

FARMING

< FOR SALE: Top quality round bales of hay for sale in Ballinaheglish/Ballymacurley area. Phone: 087 2207418

< FOR SALE: Small bales of hay for sale in Johnstown area. Phone: 086 0783333

FOR SALE

< FOR SALE: Cattle trailer, 7ft 10 inches (long) x 4ft 2 inches (wide), good condition also calving jack as new. Phone: 087 4093882

< FOR SALE: 12ft x 6ft 6” transport trailer, heavy duty new tyres with lights and brakes. €1,600 or nearest offer. Also four injectors for a diesel Opel Insignia €180 or can be sold separately. Phone: 083 8828882

FENCING/GATES

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

GARDENING

FRANCIS REGAN FENCING LTD

For all your fencing needs.

l GLAS Fencing

l Grant Fencing

l Post Rail

Tel: 087 2172281

GATELY GARDENING

Four Roads, Co. Roscommon

• Landscaping

• Timber Decking

• Patios

• General Maintenance Contact Liam on 086 8749550 or 090 66 27496

GARDENING

JOE HEALY Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Fully Insured

Phone: 087 2721193

GARDENING

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

CORBETT

• Tree Surgery

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Leylandii hedges

reduced and shaped

Comprehensive Insurance Cover. I.S.A. member.

Tel: 086 6077307 or 086 8125165

www.parklaw treeservices.com

Kerins Plant Ltd

Tree Care & Plant Hire

Residential & Commercial Tree Care

l Tree removal

l Tree crowning

l Site clearance and mulching

l Wood chipping

l Stump grinding

l Fully insured and certified

Telephone: 087-3477546

Email: kerinsplantcivilsltd @gmail.com

TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

l General Maintenance

l Dangerous Tree Removal

l Garden Hedges & Trees reduced and shaped

PLANNINGS PLANNINGS PLANNINGS PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Eoghan Keaveney intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to decommission existing septic tank and percolation area and install new waste water treatment system and percolation area and planning permission for retention of refurbishing works to existing dwelling and two storey extension to rear of dwelling, associated works and services at Granny, Ballinameen, Co. Roscommon.

Signed: Gaynor Architectural + Design Services Ltd.

Architects

Fallon Avenue, Roscommon.

Phone: 090 6626974

Mobile: 086 8115449

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

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We James Craughwell and Linda 0’Brien intend to apply for planning permission for development at Old Tuam Road, Monksland, Athlone, Co. Roscommon. The development will consist of the construction of a dwelling house, domestic garage and associated siteworks.

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: James Craughwell and Linda 0’Brien

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning Permission is being sought to retain a domestic garage and also site layout as constructed which is different from original grant of permission 00/1748 for dwellinghouse, garage and septic tank at Toberpatrick, 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 planning 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: John Tully

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Ronan Kildea intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to erect a dwelling house, a domestic garage, to install a septic tank with a percolation area and to construct all ancillary site works to facilitate same at Corraree and Ballygatta, Taughmaconnell, Ballinasloe, Roscommon.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observation will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Ronan Kildea.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

We, The Board of Management of Tarmon National School intend to apply for permission for Retention and Permission for the following:

(1) Permission for Retention is sought for existing Temporary Car Park.

(2) Permission is sought for the construction of a single storey extension to the rear (north-east) of existing school consisting of 1 Classroom SEN Base, Early intervention Classroom, Multisensory Room, 3 Mainstream Classrooms, Office, Storage Area and necessary circulation areas, demolition of existing storage areas, provision of additional car parking spaces, upgrading of foul and surface water treatment systems, together with all associated site works at Tarmon National School, Ballinphuill Td and Termon Beg Td, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

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

Signed:

Collins Boyd Engineering Ltd.

Engineers & Architects Galway Road, Roscommon, Co. Roscommon.

Ph: (090) 6634421

Fax: (090) 6634423

Email: info@collinsboydeng.com

PROPERTIES TO LET/ RENT/WANTED

< TO RENT: 2 bed house to rent in Portrunny area, O.F.C.H. and solid fuel, furnished, in good condition. Would be suitable for single or professional couple. Phone Pat: 086 8125140

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

POWERWASHING

PODIATRIST

at Tullys

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

• Roof repair

• New roofs

• Lead valleys

• New pvc gutters fascia soffit

• Gutter repairs

• Chimney repairs

PROFESSIONAL

For all your decorating needs CONTACT JOHN 086 4679798

USEFUL SERVICES

•

Do you have a house or shed that you want cleaned out and all unwanted items removed? If so ring: 087 9657933

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

•

•

*

*

JJ Heating

Oil Boiler Service and Repair All Brands Covered including:

• Grant

• Firebird

• Warmflow Call John 0879259734

l Pointing work l Leak detection

l All roofing repair work Mobile: 086 8874576

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

l New Roofs

l New Flat Roofs

l New PVC - soffits, gutters and facia

l All Roof repairs carried out

l All gutter repair and cleaning

l Cleaning - moss off roofs

l Cleaning driveways, patios and walls

l Chimney

MORAN

Patrick (Paddy)

Carrick, Curraghboy. Who passed away 8th of February 2022 (1st Anniversary)

We, the relatives of the late Patrick (Paddy) Moran wish to express our gratitude to everyone who supported us at our time of loss.

Thank you to those who attended the Resposing, Funeral Mass and Burial, sent mass cards and posted messages of condolences on RIP.ie.

We would especially like to thank Paddy’s neighbours and friends who prepared his final resting place. Our sincere thanks to Fr. Michael McManus for his meaningful Funeral Mass and to Deacon William Gacquin who assisted him. Thank you to Liam Gately and Maura O’Brien for the beautiful music and singing throughout the Mass.

A special thank you to all of the health professionals who treated Paddy and to Declan and staff of Oakwood Private Nursing Home who looked after Paddy during his later years.

We extend our thanks to Enda McHugh, Undertaker for his guidance and professionalism. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Patrick’s First Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Brigid’s Church, Curraghboy on Friday, 10th February at 7pm.

Notice re. Memoriams and Anniversaries

If you wish to place acknowledgements, memoriam notices, birthday and anniversary remembrances, please email them to advertising@roscommonpeople.ie or call us on 090 6634633 or by post, along with your name and contact details, to Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

Don’t worry if you do not have a credit card. We value your business over the years and will make arrangements for payment at a later stage.

RAFTERY Michael

Circular Road, Roscommon (9th Anniversary)

DAVIS Sonny (1st Anniversary)

“The Yard” Feeragh, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon. Returned home to Spirit on 9th January 2022, and was reunited with God and his loving family.

Silent memories keep you near as time unfolds another year. Out of our lives you may have gone but in our hearts you still live on.

Lovingly remembered by Mary and family.

DAD

Remembering you is easy, I do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away.

Lovingly remembered by Sandra.

GRANDDAD

Loving and kind gentle and true these are the memories we have of you.

Love Darcie and Daniel.

Anniversary Mass in the Sacred Heart Church Roscommon on Monday, 6th February at 11am.

McDERMOTT Benny

Ardsallaghmore, Roscommon and Aughris Templeboy, Sligo. (2nd Anniversary)

I will greet this day with love in my heart, and how will I do this. I will look upon all things with love, and I will be reborn again.

I will love the Sun for it warms my bones: I will love the Moon for it illuminates the night sky. I will love the rain for it cleanses my Spirit. I will love the Light for it shows me the way: Yet, I will love the darkness for it shows me the Stars I will welcome happiness for it enlarges my Heart: Yet I will endure sadness for it opens my Soul. And when the Heart weeps for what it has lost, the Spirit laughs for what it has truly found – Eternity Sonny forever held sacred in our hearts – nephews, Padraig, Gerry, Peter - nieces, Anna – Marie – Angela, precious friends, neighbours and faithful community.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Farewell Tribute to Sonny’s Community Family of Knockcroghery.

You were his true and trusted friends; you loved him as your own He drank sweetly from your cup of kindness and always felt at home.

Bless you all, for your loyalty, your love, your music, and nights of fun

You served him well – you showed you cared – now your work is done

The moon is now an angel’s wing, resting gently over Galey Bay, the regaling of stories and songs of old – will continue and be told –farewell for a while my friends - Auld Stock - Sonny

Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 11th February in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery at 7pm.

THANKSGIVINGS

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

LENEHAN

Dermot & Gertie

Late of Dean Cogan Place, Navan, formerly Carrislira, Strokestown Dermot’s 2nd Anniversary

Who passed away on 3rd February, 2021

Also remembering at this time his wife Gertie’s 8th Anniversay.. Memories are precious, they don’t fade away, we think of you always, especially today. From family and friends.

BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCE

DINEEN Breege (Brigid Catherine)

In loving memory of our wonderful Wife and Mother whose Birthday occurs on 2nd February.

A day that is filled with sadness returns to us today, to mark the day you left us in such a sudden way. But no special day is needed for us to think of you for you were someone special and we thought the world of you.

Sadly missed by your loving wife Gertie, Orlaith, Neil, Ethna, Sean, Claire and grandchildren.

Benny’s 2nd Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in The Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 4th of February 2023 at 11am.

Oh Holy St. Anthony, gentlest of saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers. Miracles waited on your word, which you were ever ready to speak for those in trouble or anxiety. Encouraged by this thought, I implore of you to obtain for me (request). The answer to my prayer may require a miracle, even so, you are the ‘Saint of Miracles’. O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the Sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms, and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours. Publication promised for a great favour received. A.M.K.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. M.C.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. B.N.

Prayer to St. Brigid Brigid, you were a woman of peace. You brought harmony where there was conflict. You brought light to the darkness. You brought hope to the downcast. May the mantle of your peace cover those who are troubled and anxious. And may peace be firmly rooted in our hearts and in our world.

Inspire us to act justly and to reverence all God has made. Brigid, you were a voice for the wounded and the weary. Strengthen what is weak within us. Calm us into a quietness that heals and listens. May we grow each day into greater wholeness in mind, body and spirit. Amen.

Always loved and fondly remembered by Christy, Lisa, Nigel, Lorraine, Olivia, Baby Vanessa, Cathal, Danielle, Christopher and Declan.

May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace that she so richly deserves.

Birthday Remembrance Mass for Breege and all the deceased adorers of Castlerea Eucharistic Adoration- Thursday, 2nd February at 7pm in Castlerea Church.

FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

KELLY Con

Marian Crescent, Lisnamult (formerly Tonlegee) (16th Anniversary)

Who passed away on 6th February 2007

HOARE Kathleen

12 Circular Road, Roscommon

Who passed away on 6th February 2015 (8th Anniversary)

FEERICK

John Kinnity, Four Mile House. Who passed away on 2nd February 2019 (4th Anniversary)

MONTH’S MIND MASS

NAUGHTON John

Shanballymore, Ballinamore Bridge, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway John passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on 7th January 2023.

THANKSGIVINGS

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. If Saint Expedite grants your request, place fresh flowers beside his statue in your home or in the church. Also place an ad in the newspaper thanking Saint Expedite, so that his name and fame will grow. M.C.

THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER

In loving memory of a wonderful father

DAD

They say there is a reason they say that time will heal but neither time or reason will change the way we feel. For no one knows the heartache that lies beyond our smile no one knows how many times we’ve broken down and cried. We want to tell you something Dad so there won’t be any doubt. You’re so wonderful to think of but so hard to live without.

Forever loved, sadly missed and always remembered by your son Tommy, daughter-in-law Nikita and grand-daughters Lacey and Lucia. XXXX

DEVINE

Michael Lisboy, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away on 8th February 2020 (3rd Anniversary)

As each day dawns we think of you, as each night falls we pray for you and throughout our lives no matter where, in our hearts you are always there.

Remembered by his wife Kathleen and family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea on Sunday, 5th February at 12 noon.

If we could write a story, it would be heartfelt and so true, about a very special person that person would be you. A thousand smiles on every page and in every memory that we share, so that when we need to read it back, it feels as if you are there. Chapters filled with stories, of happiness, joy and pain and every time we’re feeling down, we read it back again. Tears would fall on every page and on every word we had penned, but this story is like the love we shared Mam, it will never ever end.

So deeply loved and missed by all your family.

DALY

Patrick (Pat)

28 Beechgrove, Roscommon. (1st Anniversary)

Who passed away on 5th February 2022

Those we love don’t go away they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

Loved and sadly missed by Niall, Martina, James, Daire, Leah, Mikey, Ian and Jon.

Patrick’s Anniversary Mass will take place in the Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon on Saturday, 11th February at 7pm.

Deep in our hearts your memory is kept to love, to cherish and never forget.

May John Rest In Peace. Sadly missed by his loving family.

Anniversary Mass in Four Mile House Church on Friday, 3rd February at 8pm.

DELANEY

Johnny Drinane, Ballygar, Co. Galway (5th Anniversary)

Who passed away on 30th January 2018

Just a prayer from the family who loved you, just a memory fond and true. In our hearts you will live forever, because we thought the world of you.

Loved and sadly missed by his wife Ann and family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Ballygar on Saturday, 4th February at 7.30pm.

John’s wife Carmel, his sons Matt, Sean, Joe, Eugene, David and their families, his brothers Malachy and Paddy and his sisters Margaret, Lena, Nancy and Teresa, wish to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all who sympathised and supported us on the recent sad passing of our beloved John. We are forever grateful to our families, relatives, neighbours and many friends who called to the house, provided food, phoned and sent messages, Mass Cards, online condolences and to the many people who travelled from near and far, to attend the Funeral Removal, Mass and Burial and provided emotional and practical support at this difficult time. Thank you all for your kind and sincere words. Your friendship and support gave us great comfort.

To Dr. Martin Daly, Dr. Miriam Mangan and the staff of Ballygar Medical Centre and the Palliative Care Team and the staff of St. Joseph’s and St. John’s Wards Portiuncula Hospital, thank you for your care, kindness and compassion shown to John during his illness. A special word of thanks to Fr. Louis Lohan who celebrated the beautiful Mass, your words provided great comfort and strength to us.

Thank you to Bernie Moran who sang and played so beautifully at the Mass and to Sean Collins who sang at the graveside.

Sincere thank you to David Moran, Moran & Co. Funeral Directors for your sensitive and professional handling of John’s Funeral arrangements. A special thank you to the gravediggers for the careful attention given to preparing John’s final resting place.

Thank you to the staff of Fallon’s Ballygar for the lovely meal and hospitality shown to us.

To those who helped in any way, your contribution made our sad loss more bearable.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere gratitude and appreciation. We will be eternally grateful to you all.

In gratitude, a Mass of Thanksgiving will be offered for your intentions.

John’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place on Friday, 10th February 2023 at 8 pm at St. Brendan’s Church,Tohergar, Co. Galway.

Dear Heart of Jesus in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time I ask this special one. (mention it). Take it Dear Heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times, for three days, promise publication and favour will be granted. S.M.

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

Appointments

Tulsk Laundry & Drycleaners Laundry Assistant Required

We are looking to employ a new part time flexible staff member to add to our team. We are a busy laundry/dry cleaners and are looking for a confident, motivated person.

Main duties will include ironing, washing/drying and dealing with customers. Attention to detail is a must.

Experience is not essential as training will be provided. Must be flexible as you may be required to cover holidays/sick leave. Email CV’s to: tulskps@gmail.com or call Patricia at 071 9639065

Full-time/Part-time position available in Kearney’s Chemist, Castlerea Tel/whatsapp Barry on 086 6025758 KEARNEY’S CHEMIST

Roscommon West Business Park, 1st Floor, Tower Block A, Golf Links Rd, Roscommon, F42 TD98 Tel: 090 6628608 Email: info@rosemp.ie

Website: www.rosemp.ie

Your Home, Your Care, Your Choice

RHS Home Care

supplied.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday 26th of November 2021.

A panel may be formed as a result of this interview process.

360833 CHY19160

EmployAbility Roscommon is funded by:

EmployAbility Roscommon is an Equal Opportunities Employer County Roscommon Supported Employment Service CLG.

Registered in Ireland No.360833 CHV19160

A Non-Profit Cooperative providing quality driven community based home care services to hundreds of families across the West, North West and Midlands since 1996

Roscommon Primary Care Centre, Golf Links Road, Roscommon, F42 HY97 Call: 0906 625988 Email: jobs@rhshomecare.ie

Join Our Team - Full-Time Care Scheduler position available

RHS Home Care are a not for profit cooperative est. 1996

Due to increased demand in the community service, RHS Home Care are seeking a Full-Time Care Scheduler to join our team in the Head Office in the Primary Care Centre in Roscommon Town.

Choose RHS as your HSE Home Service Provider

This is a great opportunity to join an organisation that provides excellent care services within the healthcare sector.

You must be able to work supervised and unsupervised to strict deadlines and coordinate well with our team of carers and supervisors in the community.

The Home Support support for everyday

This position is a fast-paced critical role within the service we offer to clients in the community. The role involves having an open approach to problemsolving and a willingness to think outside the box is encouraged.

• Getting in and out

• Dressing and undressing

• Personal care such

**This role is office-based only in our head office in Roscommon Town.

The HSE Home Support Service (formerly called the Home Help Service or Home Care Package Scheme) aims to support older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and to support informal carers. The support you will receive depends on your individual needs.

• Mobility

• Food preparation

ECDL Certified and/or QQI Level 5 Qualification. Experience in a similar role. A min of 1 year of experience is desirable in an administration role.

Head Office, Roscommon Primary Care Centre

9am - 5pm Monday - Thursday, 9 am-4.30 pm Friday This is an office based role.

The Home Support Service is funded by the state and can be delivered to you free of charge by approved providers such as RHS Home Care. You do not need a medical card to apply and your income will not be assessed.

To be considered for this position apply by sending your CV to: jobs@rhshomecare.ie or call 090 6625988 for more info

Closing date for applications is COB Wednesday, 8th February 2023

• Medication prompting These services are over 65 who needs at home or to return hospital, or are staying wish to return home. are made for those need support.

www.rhshomecare.ie Your

Should you need further contact your

Sports PEOPLE

Seaside showdown!

Young Rossies hoping to continue bright start in Salthill

< SEAMUS

DUKE

Galway v Roscommon may be an age-old rivalry, but following the first round results of the new league season last weekend there is even more interest in this clash by the seaside on Sunday as Davy Burke’s side bid to continue their excellent start to the campaign.

Galway were probably unlucky to have only earned a point from their clash with Mayo on Saturday night and will be determined to not alone take the two points on offer here, but to lay down a marker for later in the season.

There are unlikely to be too many changes on the Roscommon team after Sunday’s heroics. Young guns like Ben O’Carroll, Daire Cregg, Robbie Dolan and Conor Carroll certainly deserve another chance to start.

It wasn’t all roses against Tyrone. The opening half display was very tentative and Roscommon struggled at midfield for long periods, so there may be a change in that sector. The biggest plus from last Sunday is evidence that the manager and his selectors are building a strong panel. To have players of the calibre of Enda and Donie Smith, Ciaráin Murtagh, Richard Hughes and Davy

Murray being introduced from the bench is a huge boost.

Sean Kelly, Dylan McHugh and John Daly in the Galway defence all impressed against Mayo. Paul Conroy and Cillian McDaid are a very competent midfield duo, with the talented Peter Cooke waiting in the wings to come on.

Up front, Matthew Tierney will most likely lead the line with Damien Comer at full-forward. However, Galway will again be without talisman Shane Walsh and it is likely that the talented Rob Finnerty will be out with an ankle injury sustained in Castlebar.

People Sport were in the minority who correctly predicted a Roscommon win last Sunday but there isn’t as much confidence in a similar result this weekend. Roscommon fans will be looking for another hard-working display in Salthill and this looks certain to be a close-fought game.

Galway are playing some great football at the moment while Roscommon tails are up after last Sunday’s great win and the pressure is off to a certain extent. Another good result for Davy Burke’s men cannot be ruled out, but a Galway win by a couple of points is more likely.

Prediction: Galway.

O’Halloran’s ‘underdogs’ away to Mayo in NHL opener

< SEAMUS DUKE

Roscommon hurlers face what is probably their toughest test in the league on Saturday as they begin their new campaign with a visit to take on Mayo, considered by many as the strongest team in Division 3A.

The visitors will be underdogs for this match with a young team setting out on what will be a very interesting year for the team.

Roscommon manager Francis O’Halloran told the Roscommon People this week that there will be a few notable absentees from the

Roscommon panel for this league opener.

“Daniel Glynn has transferred from Pádraig Pearses to Ballyboden St Enda’s and will not be with the panel in the short term but the door is open to him to return later in the year. Cathal Dolan won’t be involved and neither will Padraig Kelly and unfortunately team captain Peter Kellehan is out with an injury so we are working with a small panel,” he said.

Eight-time All-Ireland winner Richie Power has been with the panel a couple of times as an advisor and his input has been praised

by the Roscommon manager.

“There was great buy-in from the lads and it is invaluable to have a guy like him involved. He has been there and done that, and the players have great respect for him,” the manager said.

Looking ahead to Saturday, Francis says Mayo will provide a huge challenge.

“Mayo would probably be looked upon as the best team in this division and they will have all their Tooreen players back so they will have a very strong team out. Our side is very young - our average age is only about 21 - so we will

be going into this campaign short on experience but it is great for the younger players.

“We will be underdogs but that’s a good position to be in and we will give it our best shot on the day,” he concluded.

To be taking the field for such a tough game without so many experienced players will be a tough ask for Roscommon but a younger panel could be the way to go for the future. Having said that, it would be a surprise if Roscommon were to prevail.

Cathal Dolan will be among the absentees as Roscommon hurlers embark on their 2023 NHL campaign this weekend in Castlebar. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Prediction: Mayo.

Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A: Mayo v Roscommon on Saturday at Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar at 2 pm

Allianz National Football League Division One: Galway v Roscommon on Sunday in Pearse Stadium at 2 pm

Cavaliers win: Joseph Henry lays up for a two-pointer for Castlerea Cavaliers during last Saturday’s LLR League match against Athlone Basketball Club in The Hub in Castlerea. The Cavaliers emerged victorious on a 71-58 scoreline. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

THE GAIN LINE

Creggs power past Buccs in Athlone

Connacht J1A League:

Buccaneers RFC 3

Creggs 31. The Creggs Firsts, led by two ex-Buccs coaches in Tony Dolan and Kolo Kiripati, enjoyed a convincing away win over local rivals Buccaneers in their penultimate league match last Saturday night.

Trailing from a Buccs’ penalty, Shane Purcell kicked Creggs level before Ronan Dowd crossed for the visitors’ first try of the evening on the half-hour mark.

Creggs went in at the break 17-3 to the good after captain Brian Diffley ripped the ball from a maul and started a counter which resulted in Mark Purcell touching down. Brother Shane was on hand to add the extras to give Creggs a comfortable lead.

Shane Purcell punished Buccaneers’ indiscipline in the second half as he darted over for Creggs’ third try, which he converted, to leave the visitors 24-3 ahead.

It was the impressive Purcell who secured the bonus point with another converted try to confirm a 31-3 win

for Creggs. The final league game is away to Castlebar RFC next weekend.

Youth Rugby

Connacht Girls’ U-18

Division League Final: Tuam/Oughterard 19 Creggs 14. Creggs travelled to Ballyhaunis where they were narrowly beaten by the Galway amalgamation side last weekend.

A poor first half allowed the opposition in for three tries to give them a 19-7 lead at half-time with Creggs’ try coming from Roisin Maher.

Creggs improved after the break and Maher added her second try, which was converted by Eabha Dowd, to make it a one-score game late on.

Unfortunately, and despite a brave Creggs’ effort, Tuam/Oughterard emerged the winners. This was a superb performance from the U-18 girls and it gives them plenty to work on ahead of the cup campaign. Congratulations to Tuam/Oughterard on a hard-fought win.

Connacht Boys’ U-14 League: Creggs 19 Sligo

BUCCANEERS RFC

19. The hosts shared the spoils with Sligo on Saturday afternoon following an absorbing game of rugby.

Daniel Nerney put Creggs ahead with a try in the corner before pre-match favourites Sligo took control to run in three tries to give them a 19-5 lead at the break.

The second half was much better viewing from a Creggs’ point of view and Sam Walsh slalomed his way through the Sligo defence to score after 14 minutes. Harry Waldron’s conversion left just one score in it at 19-12.

Walsh wasn’t finished there, however, and he intercepted just five minutes later before sprinting to

the line. His conversion brought the sides level and Creggs held on to secure the draw.

Both sides have qualified for the league semi-final and play each other again in Sligo RFC next weekend.

Connacht Boys’ U-15 League Division Two: Creggs 5 Monivea 45. Monivea secured their semi-final place with a comprehensive win over the Maroons last Saturday in Creggs. The visitors were always in control and the game was effectively over by half-time. Credit to the Creggs lads who kept going and ensured that the try count was one apiece in the second half.

Connacht Boys’ U-15

Soccer League splits ahead of run in

The Roscommon & District Football League is gearing up for an exciting run in after the first round of fixtures were completed last weekend ahead of the split.

The top half to determine the 2022/2023 Premier Division champions will feature Boyle Celtic, Moore United, Castlerea Celtic, St. John’s Athletic and CP Ajax.

There are some surprising names in the bottom half which features Ballinasloe Town, Ballaghaderreen FC, Kilkerrin United, Moylough ’79 and Skyvalley Rovers. Those teams will be battling against relegation to the First Division.

Speaking of the First Division, Shiven Rovers, Cloonfad United, Ballinagare Manor United, Cam Celtic and Dunmore Town will be vying for the title, while Dysart FC, Ballymoe B, Roscommon United and Ballinasloe Town B will be hoping to avoid the drop.

League Division One: Sligo 12 Creggs 17. The White team enjoyed an impressive win away to Sligo last Sunday. The three Cians – Fitzmaurice, Trimble and Kiernan – proved the difference as their tries secured the victory. This win leaves Creggs top of the league. They face either Corinthians/Ballina in the semi-final in two weeks’ time.

Mini Rugby

Creggs welcomed Sligo RFC for a blitz on Saturday with large numbers involved in the action. Each team got a number of enjoyable games in. Thanks to the parents for the help and making it a memorable day out for your children.

Bonus point win has Buccs on top

Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B: Buccaneers 31 St. Mary’s College 24. Buccs returned to the top of the league following a bonus point win over St. Mary’s last Saturday.

came from Josh O’Connor (2), Steven Lombard, and man of the match Ciaran Booth.

unnecessarily nervous finish for home supporters.

Youth Rugby

Meanwhile, four teams are fighting it out to win the Second Division: St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United, Glen Celtic, Rahara Rovers, and St. John’s Athletic B.

Finally, Cam Celtic, Kilkerrin United, Shiven Rovers, Ballaghaderreen WFC and Boyle Celtic will be hoping to win the Women’s Premier Division. Castlerea Celtic, St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United, Colemanstown and Ballinasloe will play out the bottom half.

Soccer results

Joe’s Bar Challenge Cup (First Round) St. John’s Athletic B 1 Shiven Rovers 3 Ballymoe FC 5 Cam Celtic 1 Rahara Rovers 0 Cloonfad United 5 St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United 2 Dunmore Town 2 AET (St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United won 3-2 on penalties)

Norio’s Premier Division

Kilkerrin United 3 St. John’s Athletic 5

Joe Concannon Women’s Challenge Cup

Boyle Celtic 5 Colemanstown 0

Ballaghaderreen WFC 3 Ballinasloe Town 1

Kilkerrin United 0 Shiven Rovers 1

Cam Celtic 2 Castlerea Celtic 1 RDFL Reserve League

Ballinagare Manor United 2 Shiven Rovers 2 Moore United 1 Cloonfad United 1

Fixtures

Friday, February 3rd

Connacht FA Junior Shield (Second Round)

Ballymoe FC v Salthill Devon B. 8.15 pm

RDFL First Division Shiven Rovers v Dunmore Town. 11 am

With the bonus point in the bag early in the second half the margin of victory should have been a lot more comprehensive but a final quarter St. Mary’s revival earned the visitors a losing bonus point and made it an Audi Athlone Man of the Match Ciaran Booth and Buccaneers President Billy McMickan were in a happy mood following the Bucc’s win over St. Mary’s College last weekend.

U-20s back to winning ways

The Pirates hit the ground running, scoring two converted tries in the first seven minutes, to set the platform for victory. Buccs’ tries

JP Fanagan Leinster Premier League 2: Seapoint 5 Buccaneers 29. Buccaneers

U-20s got back to winning ways with a comprehensive win over Seapoint at Kilboggett Park, Killiney last Sunday. This bonus point win moves Buccs to within one point of third-placed Dublin University.

Seconds fail to halt Creggs Connacht J1A League:

Buccaneers Seconds 3

Creggs 31. Buccaneers were unable to halt Creggs’ march to the Connacht Junior title on Saturday night as the visitors came away with a 31-3 win.

Win in the Willow!

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer)

In association with the

On Sunday morning last, the boys’ U-14 team travelled to Athlone to take on Willow Park. Despite injuries and absences, the lads put in a solid shift to deservedly earn the win. Lewis Smyth and Rian Grogan finished fine team goals in a confidencebuilding win. We wish Willow well in the last 32 of the SFAI Cup. Training continues as we await our next competitive game in the Connacht Shield. Thanks to those who travelled to support the lads.

The U-15s finished their Connacht League campaign with a hard-fought win over last year’s cup final opponents Carrick-on-Shannon.

A try in each half by Hugo Hannon and Nathan Kelly, one of which was converted by Andrew Cotton, gave the Athlone team a 12-0 home win last Saturday.

The U-16s were trailing 12-0 away to Corinthians in their Connacht League Division One semi-final before pulling off a sensational comeback to win 17-12. Darragh Burke and Andrew Henson scored a try apiece with Henson adding one conversion and landing two penalties. They will now square up to Sligo in the final.

The U-17s are also through to a Connacht final follow-

Picture this… Photos from the 2022 season are available to view in the News section of our websitewww.roscommontownyouthsoccer.ie

Player Registration Night…

Our registration night will be held at the end of the month. Watch this space for details.

Support us this season…

If you are interested in supporting boys’ and

ing their storming 36-19 win over Sligo at Hamilton Park on Sunday. They now advance to a decider against table toppers Corinthians. It was also a good weekend for Athlone Schools in Connacht Junior Cup action. Coláiste Chiaráin defeated Athenry Vocational School, Athlone Community College overcame St. Paul’s, Oughterard, and Marist College were winners over Roscommon CBS.

Weekend fixtures

Buccaneers face Queen’s University in the Bateman Cup semi-final on Sunday at 12.30 pm. The U-20s are home to UCD in the league at 3 pm. The Seconds are away to Westport in the Connacht Junior 1A League at 2.30 pm while the Thirds are home to league leaders Corinthians at 2.30 pm.

Saturday, February 4th

RDFL Women’s Division (8 pm)

Boyle Celtic v Kilkerrin United Shiven Rovers v Ballaghaderreen WFC

Sunday, February 5th

Connacht FA Junior Cup (Fourth Round) (2 pm) CP Ajax v West United

Ballinasloe Town v Athenry FC A

Aughanagh Celtic v Moylough ‘79

MCR FC v Cloonfad United

Renmore A/Bearna na Forbacha v Castlerea Celtic

Connacht FA Junior Shield (Second Round) (2 pm)

Cam Celtic v Maree Oranmore B

Conn Rangers v Ballinagare Manor United Norio’s Premier Division (2 pm)

Ballaghaderreen v Skyvalley Rovers

Boyle Celtic v St. John’s Athletic

RDFL Second Division

Rahara Rovers v St. Cuan’s Ahascragh United. 11 am

St. John’s Athletic B v Glen Celtic. 11 am

RDFL Women’s Trophy Semi-Final First Leg (2 pm)

girls’ soccer in your local area, we would love to hear from you. Sponsorship of our teams from U-7 to U-18 is welcomed as we prepare for the 2023 season. Contact Mick 087-7665993 or email info@roscommontownyouthsoccer.ie.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the Lisnamult Residents’ Association on receiving their Pride of Place award recently from the local authority. Your efforts are evident for all to see as

Ballinasloe Town v Castlerea Celtic Colemanstown United v St. Cuan’s

you continue to enhance the local community.

Best wishes!

Best of luck to our players who are completing mock exams at this time. Put in the work and you will reap the rewards.

Wise Words…

The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply - Denis

Ronan Cahill pictured in action during Creggs convincing Connacht J1A League win over Buccaneers last weekend as captain Brian Diffley watches on. Pic: Steve Fahey

Authorities ‘deal’ ban and fine to McNally

‘Dreal Deal’ and ‘The Jam Man’ trainer Ronan McNally has been banned for 12 years and ordered to pay costs of €50,000 following an Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board investigation and hearing. The IHRB’s referrals committee ruled McNally breached a number of rules, including running and training his horses in a manner “prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation of horseracing”.

This weekend

Horseracing this weekend starts Friday under lights on the all-weather at Dundalk. First race at 4.30 pm. On Saturday and Sunday the Dublin Racing Festival takes place at Leopardstown starting at 1.20 pm on Saturday and 1.10 pm on Sunday (see below). On Saturday, ITV is covering 8 races from 3 tracks, 4 of them at Sandown. Some great action on the cards.

Dublin Racing Festival

At the Dublin Racing Festival, four Grade 1 races open the card on Saturday. Racing starts

Horses for Courses

with the Novice Hurdle, followed by the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, The Irish Arkle Chase and Irish Gold Cup. There are also 2 Grade B handicaps: the Leopardstown Hurdle and the Sandyford Chase rounded off with Grade 2 Future Stars bumper.

On Sunday the card opens with the Grade B EBF Paddy Mullins Mares Handicap followed by 4 more Grade 1 races: The Ladbrokes Novice Chase, the Ladbrokes Dublin Chase, the Irish Champion Hurdle and the Tattersalls Ireland Novice Hurdle.

The Grade A Bulmers Handicap Chase is the 4th race on the card, while the Grade B Liffey Handicap Hurdle and the Grade 2 Coolmore N.H. Sires ‘Santiago’ Irish EBF Mares Bumper brings the finest weekend of Irish racing to a close.

Saturday’s Gold Cup sees 7 go to post with WP Mullins training the first 3 in the betting. Galopin des Champ, long odds-on at 1/3, leads stablemates Stattler (7/2) and Kemboy (8/1). 14/1 bar.

Henry de Bromhead’s ‘wonder mare’ Honeysuckle is seeking a 4th successive Irish Champion Hurdle and is opposed by the Willie Mullins pair State Man, probable favourite, and Vauban, along with the Elliott pair Pied Piper and Zanahiyr, with Tom Mullins’ Takarengo completing the field in the Chanelle Pharma Irish Champion Hurdle. Heart rules and the mare to win.

Last week’s highlights

Last week 18 went to post in the Thyestes Chase in Gowran. Willie Mullins had three runners, and with Paul Townend opting to ride Carefully Selected, he duly obliged as well backed favourite at 9/2, with Gordon Elliott training the next three home. Second was Dunboyne under Sam Ewing, third Pencilfulloflead ridden by Rob James, and

Short putts

Carrick

The draw for the Flynn’s Bar Spring League took place in the clubhouse last Sunday evening and the full list is available from the clubhouse. The format for this competition is 9-hole Stableford with the best five cards from each team contributing to the team’s weekly score. At least one lady’s card must be included. Entry fee is €30 which will be taken from members’ competition purses.

Meanwhile, the winner of last weekend’s Gents’ competition was Brendan Boyle. Other results: Cat 1 Liam Bruen (23 points); Cat 2 Callum McGirl (21 points); Cat 3 Noel McKenna (20 points).

Roscommon

Last weekend’s Men’s 15-hole competition was won by James Reilly (34 points), with Michael Sharkey runner-up, also with 34 points. Michael Dolan was third with 33 while the gross prize went to Peter Farrell with 29.

Senior Men’s results (Thursday 26th): Winner: M Healy (36 points); Cat 1 W Doyle (35); Cat 2 N Connolly; Cat 3 S Hayden (35); Cat 4 S Brennan (33).

The Senior Ladies’ competition was won by Bernie Maher while Jackie Maxwell was runner-up, and Kay Ruane and Helen Earley were third and fourth respectively.

Lady members are invited to St. Brigid’s Day celebrations in the clubhouse this Sunday (5th) at 7 pm. There will be a meal and entertainment on the night. To be included, please put your name on the list in the locker room and pay a deposit.

Finally, the club drive-in will take place on Sunday, February 26th at 2 pm with a 9-hole three-person scramble to follow afterwards. The club looks forward to seeing you there and wishes President Mary and Captains PJ and Paula all the best for the year ahead.

by Tom Red

fourth the Ben Harvey-ridden Coko Beach.

It was a great performance by Mullins considering the winner was only having his second run after a two and a half year lay-off. Earlier Elliott won the Galmoy Hurdle with Teahupoo, giving Davy Russell his first big win since returning to action.

The Gordon Elliott-trained five-year-old Coachello ridden by Pat Dobbs caused a 20-1

shock on the flat at Meydan on Friday when beating odds-on Man Of Promise in the Listed Dubai Sprint. The Group 3 Nad Al Sheba Sprint Trophy at Meydan on Super Saturday, March 4, is now the plan for Coachello.

On Saturday in Fairyhouse Willie Mullins reached the milestone of 4,000 winners when his Bronn won the opening beginners chase under Daryl Jacob.

On Sunday at Punchestown Princess Zoe made her debut over hurdles and dead-heated with Henry de Bromhead’s 14/1 outsider Ladybank in the Bar One Racing Mares Maiden Hurdle.

SPORTS DESK With Dan Dooner

Collegiates title for Treacy

Siobhan Treacy was victorious in the ‘A’ grade at the Third Level Irish Collegiates Championships in Belfast, defeating Clare Conway of Ulster University in the final.

Carragh Kennedy was also in action, enjoying a good run to the semi-finals before she was eventually beaten by Conway.

Kilglass player Adam Coggeran was also defeated at the semi-finals stage of the Men’s ‘C’ Division, losing out to college teammate Adam O’Shea. Both girls will take part in the US Collegiates in Tuc-

Sinead Gannon, Hollie Kilroe and Frank Murphy pictured at the 2022 Connacht Athletics Awards, held recently in Gleeson’s, Roscommon.

son, Arizona in three weeks’ time, where Fiona Tully was successful in both Singles and Doubles last year. Meanwhile, Curraghboy’s John Kelly won an entertaining League Division Five final on Sunday in St. Coman’s. John emerged the 21-6, 21-9 victor over Lisacul’s Damien McDermott.

Athletics Awards for local athletes

The Connacht Athletics Awards 2022 were held in Gleeson’s Townhouse, Roscommon, on Saturday, January 21st last, with athletes from the county being presented with three awards on the night.

The Pride of Connacht Inspirational Award for 2022 was presented to Roscommon’s Sinead Gannon, Frank Murphy and Team Archie. The Connacht U-18 Athlete of the Year award was presented to Hollie Kilroe (Suck Valley AC), and the Connacht Honorary Award was presented to Roscommon County Board. Well done to everyone!

Carty hits Connacht milestone

Former Roscommon underage footballer, Jack Carty, made history last Saturday when he became Connacht Rugby’s all-time leading

Congratulations to Eoin Grehan and Niamh Hall (pictured) who were Kilglass Gaels’ first ever doubles pairing in the Connacht Gael Linn Championships in Abbeyknockmoy on Saturday last. They played over 20 games, producing some great rallies and getting valuable 40x20 experience before they go to the Junior Nationals next week.

points scorer.

Carty kicked 13 points during Connacht’s 43-24 win over Emirates Lions in the BKT United Rugby Championship at the Sportsground to take his total to 1,159, seven more that Eric Elwood’s 1,152.

Daniel is ‘Boden bound

Roscommon and Pádraig Pearses star, Daniel Glynn, will now be playing his club hurling in Dublin following

his transfer to Ballyboden St. Enda’s.

The transfer, which will be seen as a huge blow to the south Roscommon club, was confirmed recently. Glynn was a key member of the Pearses side which secured the club’s first senior hurling title in 30 years back in 2017.

While he is not expected to take part in Roscommon’s NHL Division 3A campaign, Glynn is part of the Roscommon senior hurling panel for 2023.

Ronan McNally

The grey Princess Zoe and Ladybank in dead heat at Punchestown.

Lennon: ‘Time to put points on the board’

Ladies face Tipp test after Armagh defeat

<

DAN DOONER

Roscommon Ladies football manager, Ollie Lennon, says there are plenty of reasons for optimism despite his side falling to defeat in both of their games in Lidl Ladies National Football League Division Two so far.

Speaking to the Roscommon People following last Sunday’s 2-13 to 0-12 defeat to Aimee Mackin-inspired Armagh at Kiltoom, Ollie said he was pleased with his

players’ efforts.

“We were very, very happy particularly with the firsthalf performance against Armagh and probably right up to around the 50th minute mark,” he said.

“We asked them lots of questions in that first half and it was just very unfortunate that we gave away that second-half penalty (converted by Mackin)…it was an uphill battle after that.

“I think we’ve learned a lot from the first two games and

the girls can now see that Division Two is very competitive.

“We’ve probably been a bit unfortunate not to take anything from the first two games but I think we’ve shown we’re well able to compete at this level. The girls have seen that there’s nothing to be afraid of”.

While there is some satisfaction with the level of performance following the step up to Division Two, Ollie knows that results are all important if Roscommon wish to stay there.

“It’s all well and good talking about performances and being competitive but we want to get points on the board. We’re focussed on Tipperary now and we will be looking to remain competitive while continuing to play our football,” Ollie said.

“We’re coming off the back of a Connacht U-16 ‘A’ title last year and we have three of those girls in training with us as well as four minor players.

“Like many counties in ladies’ football, we’ve had a huge turnover of players and this is basically a new team.

But already they’re putting it up to teams in Division Two,” he concluded.

Roscommon were indeed competitive last Sunday and but for the concession of a self-inflicted goal may have had a half-time cushion. As it was, Mackin pounced on a poor Sasha Lavin kickout and the sides went in level at 0-9 to 1-6.

There was a little more daylight between the sides in the second half but the hosts again gave a good account of themselves before Mackin struck from the penalty spot following a foul on Kelly Mallon.

While the result went the way of the Ulster side, Roscommon, who were best served by Laura Fleming, Aisling Hanly, Lisa O’Rourke, Aisling Feeley, and Róisín Wynne, can have reasons for optimism ahead of Sunday’s showdown with Tipperary in Fethard.

*Roscommon’s third round NFL Division Three match against Tipperary takes place at 2 pm in Fethard on Sunday. The game will be streamed on the LGFA website.

Exciting sporting year ahead!

FIFA Club World Cup

The Club World Cup commenced this week (February 1s) and will continue until February 11th. The respective winners of every continental Champions League and the runners-up of the African Champions League will play each other to see who will be crowned ‘Champion of the World’.

The Super Bowl

Another event taking place at the beginning of the year is the Super Bowl. This will be held on February 12th and is the 57th edition of the tournament. Over 100 million people watch the game globally, making it one of the most watched sporting events every year.

World Snooker Championship

The Snooker World Championships – held in the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from April 15th to May 1st – is the sport’s most famous event in which the top ranked players compete for the illustrious World Championship trophy. The event seems to bring in more and more fans every year. The prize pool increases each year, and the winner will receive a whopping £500,000.

The Grand National

The Grand National is the most famous National Hunt horse race in the world, held at Aintree Racecourse every year. The event

is watched by 500-600 million people in over 140 countries. The race takes place on April 15th.

NBA Finals

The best 16 teams in basketballget seeded and placed into a tournament-based competition. Eventually when two teams remain, a 7-game series is played to decide the NBA champions. The current champions are the Golden State Warriors; they beat the Boston Celtics in a major upset last year. This year the league is very balanced with several teams in contention for the title.

Tour de France

The Tour de France is the world’s most high profile bicycle race. It is held over three weeks every July and sees approximately 20 cycling teams (each comprised of 9 riders) race around 3,600km travelling through France and bordering countries. It is one of cycling’s three grand tours. It will start in Bilbao, Spain on July 1st

and end with the final stage at Champs-Élysées, Paris on July 23rd.

All-Ireland finals

Kerry and Limerick will be hoping to retain their respective titles. Last year, football champions Kerry beat Galway by four points to win their first All-Ireland since 2014. In hurling, Limerick beat Kilkenny by two points to win their fourth title in five years. The Treaty County also succeeded in achieving their first ever three-ina-row.

Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup, held every four years, will be hosted by hot favourites France this year. Ireland are considered serious contenders for the trophy following their rise to world number one last year. The tournament begins on the September 8th and finishes on the October 28th.

With a mouth-watering sporting 2023 to look forward to, DANIEL TIERNAN selected some anticipated highlights…

Ryder Cup

24 of the best American and European golf professionals go head-to-head in match play competition. The competition is set to take place in Italy for the first time ever. Ireland’s Shane Lowry, Rory McIllroy and Seamus Power could all figure. Luke Donald captains Team Europe while Zach

Johnson captains Team USA.

PDC World Darts Championships

2023 will end with the World Darts Championships. Held in the Alexandra Palace (Ally Pally) in London, current champion Michael Smith will hope to make it back-to-back titles.

Roscommon goalkeeper Sasha Lavin comes under pressure during the Lidl Ladies NFL Division

Two tussle with Armagh at Kiltoom last Sunday. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Roscommon’s Ruth Cox attempts to get away from Armagh’s Eve Lavery during the Lidl Ladies NFL Division Two clash in Kiltoom on Sunday last. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Tour de France: Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard (Jumbo-Visma) won the yellow jersey as the overall winner of the 2022 Tour de France.

Super Bowl LVII: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be hoping to lead the Kansas City Chiefs to victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, February 12th. Can Kerry retain the All-Ireland Senior Football title they won so impressively last year?

Number one in the world, Ireland will be dreaming of Rugby World Cup glory in France this year.

GAME ON…

An eye on April!

Trying to keep his team in Division 1 of the NFL will be uppermost in Davy Burke’s mind just now, but the new Roscommon manager is also focussed on a certain big championship date in April.

Speaking moments after Sunday’s win over Tyrone, Burke told the Roscommon People how he’s determined to arrive at a large and settled panel.

“I want to get new lads through and (also get) minutes into our senior players. By the end of the league I want 25/26 players who can play against Mayo on the 9th of April”.

How the Irish News saw it…

‘Three points up, with the wind at their backs and in their sails, Tyrone had victory in their grasp but Sunday was one that got away… they could regret it at the final reckoning of this nip-and-tuck division’ – The Irish News

One Sun pun…

‘My subs Burked a treat’ – headline in the Irish Sun on Monday

Ben or Niall?

Some media entities gave the man of the match award to the rampaging Niall Daly, while many more opted for flying debutant Ben O’Carroll. Here’s what popular website The42 had to say:

‘Ben O’Carroll’s goal deep into additional time sealed victory for Roscommon in Davy Burke’s first league game as manager. On his league debut, O’Carroll capped his 1-2 individual tally and man of the match performance with a 74th-minute goal in a 3-11 to 1-12 win against Tyrone’

Diarmuid Murtagh on the ball during last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Roscommon and Tyrone in Dr. Hyde Park.

Stat Attack

Wides: Roscommon 7 (2, first half); Tyrone 10 (5, first half)

Red cards: 0

Black cards: Roscommon 0; Tyrone 1 Cormac Munroe (59)

Yellow cards: Roscommon 1 (Daire Cregg); Tyrone 1 (Mattie Donnelly)

Man of the Match: Niall Daly (Roscommon)

Attendance: Approx. 4,750

Roscommon buoyed

Allianz National Football League Division 1

Roscommon 3-11

Tyrone 1-12

< SEAMUS DUKE

New Roscommon manager Davy Burke is demanding more of the same as his team face Galway this weekend on the heels of a superb win against Tyrone in the opening round of the National Football League last Sunday.

Burke was delighted with a performance which saw

a new era for Roscommon football begin in spectacular fashion. A brilliant fourth-quarter display, boosted by the appearance of a number of subs who all made a huge impact, was key as the Rossies swept to victory in a thrilling finish to the game.

“I loved that today” the Kildare man told the Roscommon People shortly after the final whistle. “With the Hyde crowd behind us in full flight, that was a very enjoyable hour”.

While pleased with how experienced players and a number of debutants

fashioned a great openingday win, the new manager is under no illusions about the challenges to come – beginning with 2022 AllIreland finalists Galway this weekend.

“Nearly every game in this division is 50-50. I knew we had a chance today. We have two points on the board now, which is brilliant, but Galway won’t think too much of that this time next week. We have a lot of work to do to keep going…many facets of the game we need to get better in”.

Burke was full of praise for both his young guns

and the older experienced players. “We blooded the ‘keeper there…Conor Carroll’s debut, Robbie Dolan’s debut, Ben O’Carroll, Daire Cregg. We had four starting debuts, I think, and experience coming off the bench then.

“Ciaráin and Diarmuid (Murtagh) are two stalwarts of the team for a long time now and it was brilliant to see them playing well. Diarmuid Murtagh has been training like an animal since the first day we’ve been back so I was delighted to see him put in that shift today.

Niall Daly was immense. It’s a privilege to work with these boys”.

With three changes to the initial 15 – Conor Carroll, Daire Cregg and Ben O’Carroll all starting – it was a young Roscommon team that took the field against the 2021 AllIreland champions last Sunday.

Aided by the strong wind in the first half, Roscommon started well. While O’Carroll and Cregg were prominent, the experienced Niall Daly led the home charge, kicking two long-range points as Roscommon led by 0-8 to

Donie Smith squares up to Cormac Quinn during last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Roscommon and Tyrone in Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon’s Niall Daly in action during last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division 1 opener against Tyrone in Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Brian Carroll, Chairperson of Roscommon GAA, celebrates Roscommon’s 3-11 to 1-12 win over Tyrone last Sunday in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Goal-den second half has the Hyde rocking

PAUL HEALY View from the Stand

That line between joy and heartbreak is sometimes so thin as to be almost invisible.

Roscommon were excellent throughout this terrific league opener on Sunday, but once Tyrone got their turn at playing the ‘wind advantage’ joker, a noble home defeat seemed the most likely outcome –particularly when the Ulster team fired over three quick-fire points after half-time.

When Kieran McGeary’s goal put Tyrone three clear, you sensed that ‘honourable defeat’ might be the soundbite reserved for Davy Burke in his first major outing as Roscommon manager.

for Galway trip

0-5 at half-time.

Given the strength of the breeze, it didn’t look like a three-point lead would suffice, particularly when the Red Hand scored three points within four minutes of the restart (two from impressive sub Darren McCurry). Then on 47 minutes Kieran McGeary flicked home a long-range Niall Morgan free to put Tyrone 1-9 to 0-9 ahead. Two minutes later Tyrone carved the Roscommon defence open again, but Darren McCurry lost possession of the ball when a goal looked certain. Conor Carroll cleared.

Roscommon brought on a number of subs, all of whom made a huge impact, not least Enda Smith. In the 51st minute a superb team move saw the Boyle man play a fabulous pass to Ciaráin Murtagh, who finished brilliantly. Game on now. Six minutes later a slick passing move saw Diarmuid Murtagh just get his fist to the ball ahead of the Tyrone defenders. Suddenly Roscommon were 2-9 to 1-9 ahead.

The tension was at fever pitch now and the Roscommon fans were sensing an upset. In the

Teams & scorers

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Conor Hussey, Conor Daly, Eoin McCormack; Dylan Ruane, Brian Stack (0-1), Niall Daly (0-3); Tadhg O’Rourke, Keith Doyle; Robbie Dolan, Daire Cregg (0-1), Ciarán Lennon; Diarmuid Murtagh (1-1), Conor Cox (0-2, 2 frees), Ben O’Carroll (1-2).

Subs: Enda Smith for Lennon (43), Ciaráin Murtagh (1-1) for Cox (48), Richard Hughes for Ruane (48), David Murray for McCormack (53), Donie Smith for Diarmuid Murtagh (60).

Tyrone: Niall Morgan (0-1, free); Michael McKernan, Cormac Munroe, Padraig Hampsey; Cormac Quinn, Peter Harte (0-1, free), Niall Devlin (0-1); Brian Kennedy, Conn Kilpatrick; David Mulgrew (0-1), Kieran McGeary (1-1), Conor Meyler; Cathal McShane, Mattie Donnelly, Darragh Canavan (0-2, 1 free).

Subs: Darren McCurry (0-3, 1 free) for McShane (h/t), Ryan Jones for Mattie Donnelly (51), Richie Donnelly (0-1) for Mulgrew (58), Niall Sludden (0-1) for McGeary (58).

Referee: David Coldrick (Meath).

59th minute Tyrone fullback Cormac Munroe was black-carded for a high tackle. Darragh Canavan (free) and Ciaráin Murtagh exchanged points before Tyrone subs Richie Donnelly and Niall Sludden reduced the margin to one (2-10 to 1-12) in the final minute of normal time.

Roscommon were not to be denied. The superb Niall Daly kicked a great point, then in the 5th minute of injury-time Ben O’Carroll finished another brilliant team move to seal a memorable win. It was no more than the secondhalf display deserved.

Then came a defining moment. With Roscommon briefly rattled, Tyrone broke at pace, and suddenly the ball was travelling towards two unmarked forwards. Darren McCurry fumbled the ball, possibly because he had already seen ‘goal’ in his imagination. His powerless colleague looked across in dismay to see the promised gold turn to dust. Roscommon ‘keeper Conor Carroll must have felt like a child let loose in a sweet shop as he stepped in to claim the ball.

Having somehow survived this scare, Roscommon hit the net themselves two minutes later, and went on to produce a clinical spell of play which had the Hyde rocking and left the pre-match script in shreds. There was a great buzz in town all Sunday morning as top flight football – in front of spectators, postrestrictions – returned to the Hyde.

The first quarter belonged to Ben O’Carroll, who was a revelation. The young St Brigid’s man had the Tyrone defence run ragged at times. Daire Cregg was proving to be a handful too. Two great scores from Niall Daly were typically inspirational. What a warrior he is! With a strong wind at their backs, Roscommon went 8-3 in front, but when Tyrone reeled two of those points in, they looked the better-placed side at the half-time break.

The second half was an absolute cracker, vintage league entertainment. Tyrone looked very likely winners, but Roscommon never abandoned their game plan, playing with composure and great spirit, their ‘young guns’ excelling. Crucially, household names bounced off the bench and made a huge impact. Enda Smith came on and turbo-charged Roscommon’s bid to upset the odds. His superb crossfield pass to Ciaráin Murtagh was assist number one of three, the Faithleach’s man firing home Roscommon’s first goal. Then, like an elusive eel, Smith wriggled free of a few Tyrone defenders before deftly transferring the ball to O’Carroll. At home on this stage, fleet-footed Ben passed to Diarmuid Murtagh. Goal number two, Roscommon three in front.

Tense minutes followed, Tyrone very much still in the hunt, Daly partly settling Roscommon nerves with his third point. Then came O’Carroll’s calm and classy coup de grace, the debutant scoring Roscommon’s third goal after a great move (Smith again involved).

Roscommon won by 3-11 to 1-12. It was a magnificent performance, established players and the ‘young guns’ combining to wrestle two very precious league points from this most streetwise of opposition. The Hyde was bubbling at the end of this thrilling opener to the new season.

Household names bounced off the bench and made a huge impact. Enda Smith came on and turbo-charged Roscommon’s bid to upset the odds

Roscommon’s Ben O’Carroll evades Tyrone’s Cathal McShane during last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division 1 opener in Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Enda Smith lays off a key pass during last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division 1 opener against Tyrone in Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon manager, Davy Burke encouraging his team during last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division 1 opener against Tyrone in Dr. Hyde Park. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell