03 March 2023 Roscommon People

Businesses in Roscommon town are looking forward to a significant trading boost this weekend with a number of events taking place. Some observers estimate that as many as 10,000 supporters will converge on Hyde Park this Sunday for the big Allianz National Football League game between Roscommon and Mayo (2.45 pm throw-in). This Friday evening, the 2023 Roscommon Drama Festival kicks off, welcoming drama groups (and their supporters)

from around the country. The festival will run from Friday, March 3rd to Saturday, March 11th (see details on pages 15-17).

Speaking at the recent launch of the popular event, festival chairperson Mary Finn said: “We are very confident that our programme will match the high standard patrons have come to expect from our festival, with only the very best in amateur drama on show in the Roscommon Arts Centre”. The influx of Mayo GAA fans and drama enthusiasts from different parts of the

country has resulted in most hotels and B&Bs in the region being booked out.

The 10th annual Roscommon Community Challenge, taking place on this Friday, 3rd of March, is expected to attract a very large entry. Featuring a 5k and 10k run, the event will start from Roscommon Community Sports Park in Lisnamult (8 pm).

Meanwhile, Local Enterprise Week in County Roscommon kicks off on Monday (March 6th) and runs until March 10th (details inside).

< PAUL HEALY

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys pictured with local councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice walking beside robotic dinosaurs, which were funded by the LEADER programme, at the announcement of funding of €2.4 million to develop 70 new walking trails across the country in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. Pic: Damien Eagers Photography

With PAUL HEALY

ACCIDENT AT WORK

I was injured in an accident at my workplace about two weeks ago. Thankfully I was not seriously injured but my work colleague told me afterwards that I should have reported the incident to management. Is this true? I would be interested in your opinion as to what a person should do if they were involved in a workplace accident.

If you have suffered an injury at work, there are certain steps you should follow: Report the injury to your employer: Inform your employer as soon as possible of the injury and how it happened. Your employer should record the injury in the accident book and give you a copy of the entry.

Seek medical attention: If necessary, seek medical attention for your injury. Your employer should pay for any medical treatment you need as a result of the injury.

If your injury prevents you from working for more than 3 days, you should report the injury to the Injuries Board. Your solicitor will assist you with this process if you wish. Your solicitor will also advise you is you are entitled to claim compensation for your injuries and any out-of-pocket expense to include loss of earnings if you are out of work for a period as result of your injury.

It is important to note that if you have suffered an injury at work, you should act quickly to protect your rights. The deadline for making a claim for compensation is 2 years from the date of the injury.

Please feel free to contact Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors Litigation Department if you would like further advice. Our specialist Personal Injury Solicitors will be happy to advise you.

This column is prepared by Dolores Gacquin, Solicitor. Byrne Carolan Cunningham have offices in Athlone, Moate, Lanesborough and Galway.

A person should always contact their solicitor to obtain legal advice specific to their own situation. The above column contains general information and cannot be relied upon as legal advice. * In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement

Byrne Carolan Cunningham Solicitors

Waffle to Leo? Actually, we had a very constructive meeting!

Wow! What a weekend!

You always say that…

Do I? Sorry!

So…what was so special?

Well, I mean, that rugby star…he glides like a…well, like someone who glides…

The Italian guy?

No! Shane Byrne! The ex-Ireland player! He was voted out of Dancing with the Stars, but what a sport he is!

That was your weekend highlight?

No!

So?

Well, I met Leo on Friday…

Mmnn…

He’s very cheerful!

Shane Byrne?

No, Leo!

So, you met him in Ballyleague-Lanesboro, I take it?

Yes! At the opening of the Lough Ree Access For All facility!

An excellent development!

Indeed!

A brief handshake?

Huh?

With Leo?

On the contrary, we…eh…joshed for a full ten minutes!

Never! We did!

On what?

On the boat!

Huh?

The committee took Leo and a few more guests out on the Shannon, on the boat. I…er…invited myself along!

PIC OF THE WEEK:

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, centre employee Mark McClean and centre Director Dorothy Coyle pictured out on the water during the official opening of the Lough Ree Access for All accessibility watersports centre in BallyleagueLanesboro last Friday.

Pic: Paul Molloy

Endangered Species

Thebarstoolboyos

(They pause to reflect on their enjoyable trip to Clones, albeit that Roscommon lost)

So…

How did you manage to smuggle yourself on to the boat?

I think they saw me as a VIP…

And you chatted to Leo?

Yes! I hinted to him about my political ambitions. As you know, I’m likely to run as an Independent, but I may also consider offers from some of the parties!

Oh dear…what will swing it for you? Policy?

Of course! Policy is everything. If there’s the odd perk, good and well!

How was Leo?

He couldn’t be sounder.

You actually waffled to him for ten minutes about your political ambitions?

Waffled! Please withdraw that! We had a very constructive meeting!

(They pause to speculate, with a touch of trepidation, about Roscommon’s chances against Mayo this Sunday)

It was a very enjoyable morning. That project’s a credit to everyone involved in setting up Access For All… Agreed!

Did you meet Ciaran Mullooly?

Yes, I went up to him and said ‘Ciaran Mullooly, ex-RTE News, on the banks of the River Shannon, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon’…

Hilarious. NOT! Speaking of your lame quips, does Leo have a sense of humour? I guess he must if he put up with you for ten minutes!

He has! And he enjoyed mine!

Go on…

Well, when we were on the boat trip, I advised him to chat with all the entourage… as they were floating voters!

Oh dear…

And you should have seen his face when I pointed into the distance and said… ‘That’s the hard border between Longford and Roscommon!’

Creggs RFC, with a sensational win over favourites Connemara delivering a first Connacht Junior League title triumph in 27 years

All involved with Lough Ree Access for All centre (the

first accessibility centre for watersports on the island of Ireland), which was officially opened by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in LanesboroBallyleague last Friday

Fans of the popular crime comedy-drama Death in Paradise, this after the BBC announced plans for two more series’ of the Carribbean-based ratings winners Manchester United, who won a first trophy in six years when

defeating Newcastle United 2-0 in Sunday’s Carabao Cup Final

Holly Cairns, with the Cork TD taking over as leader of the Social Democrats following the decision of the party’s joint leaders, Catherine Murphy and Róisín Shortall, to step down

The Irish rugby team, with victory over Italy in Rome and Scotland’s defeat in Paris meaning Andy Farrell’s team sit proudly on top of the Six Nations’ table, their Grand Slam

hopes still alive

Kildare footballers, who lost heavily to Derry in the Allianz Football League Division Two, a defeat which has not been well received by loyal fans of the Lilywhites

It’s been a GOOD week for… ☺

It’s been a BAD week for… ☹

Varadkar visits as Dolan eyes ‘Naughten seat’

< DAN DOONER

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s visit to Roscommon and Galway last Friday came just two weeks after Denis Naughten’s announcement that he would not be contesting the next general election. Coincidence? Local Fine Gael Senator Aisling Dolan certainly thinks so.

“It’s an honour to have the Taoiseach visit at any time and last week it was great to have him in Ballyleague to open the new national centre for accessible watersports,” she said.

“He was going to Galway so it was very fortunate that his diary allowed him to spend some time in Roscommon and Ballinasloe too”.

Senator Dolan makes no secret of the fact that she has her heart set on a seat in the next Dáil but claims the Taoiseach’s visit to the constituency wasn’t a Fine Gael show of strength.

“The Taoiseach is of course very keen to have

a senior Fine Gael voice for Roscommon-Galway and as Tánaiste he showed his support for us last year when he visited Roscommon and spent time visiting local businesses. Last Friday’s visit was a follow-up to that,” she said.

“It’s very clear that he is making this constituency a priority. I would certainly hope to contest the next general election. That is the plan anyway”.

As for an endorsement from the Taoiseach, the Ballinasloe woman says she’s just focusing on the job at hand.

“I want to continue to be a voice for RoscommonGalway and keep fighting for investment for this region and working with local groups to make sure their voices are heard,” she said.

“I see the next election as being a battle and I know this having contested the last election. When asking for someone’s vote you have to prove yourself and that’s what I am working hard to do”.

Harry Sheehy, Senator Aisling Dolan and Liam Grimes Manager out on the boat at the official opening of the Lough Ree Access for All accessibility water-sports centre in Lanesborough, Co. Roscommon. Photo Paul Molloy.

Mayo game or not, Strokestown Parade to stay on Easter Sunday!

< DAN DOONER

It has been confirmed this week that Strokestown’s Easter Parade will take place at 3 pm on Easter Sunday despite the Connacht Senior Football Championship clash between Roscommon and Mayo at Dr. Hyde Park being on the same day.

Last month, the Roscommon People reported that the Roscommon Town Easter Parade committee had taken the decision to

switch their annual parade from the Sunday to Easter Monday, in light of the big game.

In a statement to the Roscommon People this week, Strokestown Community Development Association Chairperson Eugene Murphy said the vast majority of people wanted the event to go ahead as usual.

The statement read: “Strokestown Community Development Association wishes to acknowledge Roscommon Town Parade

Committee who approached us with an arrangement that might have suited both parades going ahead on Easter Monday.

“However, because the Roscommon Parade would not be going ahead until 3 pm it would mean Strokestown would have to put its annual parade back to 5 pm and this would be too late.

“We are also having the County Fleadh in Strokestown on the Easter weekend and the two events always work very well together.

‘We are One’ to be Ballaghaderreen parade theme

“We feel our decision is the correct one for Strokestown as already we have quite an interest in participation in the event.

“As an avid Rossie fan, I will certainly miss attending the match but I’m sure there will be a huge Roscommon contingent on the day.

“For those wishing to find out about the parade, please call Mary at Strokestown Community Development Office on 071-9633759 or 087-1668775/087-1385821”.

The theme for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Ballaghaderreen has been announced as ‘We are One’, in a bid to encourage people from all over the world to come to the town to connect and celebrate together.

The Ballaghaderreen Town Team is now seeking entrants for the parade with the aim of making the event bigger and better than ever before.

The following prizes are up for grabs this year: Overall Winner €200, Best Float €100, Best Club €100, Best Community Effort €100, Best Children’s Effort €100, Most Topical €100, Best Creative Entry €100, Best School €100, Best Musical Entry €100, and Best Window Display €100.

This year the celebrations will also include a Children’s Art Competition and entries can be sent to stpatricksdayparadeballagh@gmail.com including full name, age and contact details.

This year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will start at 2.30 pm on Friday, March 17th, entering Ballaghaderreen from the Sligo Road before travelling through the town with stops at the Square and outside Imelda Towey’s premises for performances.

If you are interested in taking part in this year’s event, an application form is available at https:// forms.gle/jYmrmMaPu1bEGj4h9 or you can pick up/drop off a hard copy at the Community Resource Centre at the Shambles, Charlestown Road, Ballaghaderreen.

There is no entry fee, however donations can be made when submitting a paper entry form or visit our GoFundMe page to add a donation: https://gofund.me/48f49b50.

For further information, please email stpatricksdayparadeballagh@gmail.com or visit ‘Ballaghaderreen St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Facebook.

Pictured at last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division One match between Roscommon and Monaghan were Roscommon manager Davy Burke’s family: Aisling, Shea, Shauna, Lauren, June, Zach and Ciara. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

NewsPeople

Castlerea ICA meeting on Tuesday

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

Fundraiser for Elphin’s St Patrick’s Day Parade

There will be a fundraising table quiz in aid of the local St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 4th at 9.30 pm in An Bothar Rua, Elphin.

First prize is €400 and entry fee is €10 per person. There will also be a raffle and spot prizes on the night.

Your support would be greatly appreciated. We are again reaching out to our local businesses for their support. The committee looks forward to seeing you all for an enjoyable night of fun and craic.

Tulsk History Society Pub Quiz

Tulsk History Society are holding their second annual quiz night in O’Connor’s Bar, Tulsk this coming Saturday night, 4th of March at 9 pm. The society looks forward to another good social event and lots of spot prizes will again be up for grabs. Spot prizes are also welcome from anyone who wishes to contribute. Entry on the night is €10 per person.

In other society news, the Ogulla Shrine restoration project is well underway, with a new forecourt surface, new guttering on the chapel, wall building and painting having already been carried out.

The funds the History Society received as part of the Roscommon County Council and Boyle Municipal District Scheme 2022 have now been largely exhausted and the society hopes fundraising for phase 2 of the project will take place during the year. The end goal is to bring the Shrine back to its former glory.

A new THS website is being created and will be ready to launch in the coming weeks, while the next society newsletter will be circulated in mid-March. You can contact THS on historytulsk@gmail.com

Celebrate International Women’s Day with RWN

Drop in for a coffee and a chat to celebrate the AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival this International Women’s Day with the Roscommon

Women’s Network (RWN) CycleUp team and find out about their upcycling training opportunities. The event will take place at

RWN’s premises at the Riverside Centre in Athleague, Co. Roscommon (F42 K685), on Wednesday, March 8th, from 1 pm-3 pm. All are welcome.

Annual Oíche Gaelach in Clooneycolgan

The annual Oíche Gaelach will be held in Clooneycolgan Community Centre on Saturday, March 11th from 7 pm. The concert will consist of traditional music, Irish dance, and traditional singing and waltzing. We kindly ask the people of Oran to come out and support this concert. All welcome.

Daffodil Day coffee morning

To launch Daffodil Day fundraising in Roscommon Town, a coffee morning will take place in JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon Town, on Friday, March 10th, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, with all proceeds going in aid of Irish Cancer Society. Your support would be much appreciated. All are welcome to attend.

Tommy Cox and Charlie Reynolds from Rooskey pictured supporting Roscommon in St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones last Sunday. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

PAUL HEALY’S WEEK

THURSDAY Magic of Motson

For generations of followers of the beautiful game, John Motson was the voice of football in this part of the world.

There were other top commentators, but nobody quite like Motson, who so frequently exuded a contagious joyfulness when describing memorable moments on the pitch. We grew up entranced by the warmth and enthusiasm of his voice. Motson’s knowledge of the players he was commentating on underpinned the depth of his preparation. It gave him the platform with which to work his magic. Mic in hand, he delivered passionate, exciting commentaries over several decades.

A soundtrack to our young lives, his brilliant commentaries on Match of the Day elevated great goals and great games to even greater heights. We thought he would always be there. The BBC legend actually hung up his mic in 2017, meaning he sadly only had five years or so of retirement.

The People’s Commentator died today, aged 77. Mention of John Motson’s name, certainly hearing his voice, will always evoke nostalgic, happy memories for football fans. It just won’t be the same without him.

FRIDAY

Successful voyage

On that Friday afternoon a few years ago, I was having coffee with my friend, Ciaran Mullooly. With customary passion and enthusiasm, Ciaran – always a great man for a positive community project –informed me of exciting plans to acquire a boat to be located at the River Shannon in BallyleagueLanesboro, a vessel which would provide access to watersports for people with disabilities.

Ciaran and his fellow volunteers were on the job. The ‘Access for All’ boat concept sounded visionary – and very ambitious.

It turned out to be the beginning of an exciting ‘voyage’. From the outset, the project was a great success. Fast-forward a few years, and today, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar arrived to perform the official opening of the Access for All accessibility centre on the waterfront in Ballyleague-Lanesboro. Congratulations to all involved on the realisation of this project.

I had listened to Ciaran with great interest during that chat over coffee a few years ago, and remember being well impressed as he outlined the collective vision of the then just-formed Access for All committee.

Having wound down my own modest voluntary activity by then, I could offer nothing comparable in return. Well, I’m sure I paid for the coffee…

SUNDAY Shameless Bailey

Today’s Sunday Independent reports

that Ian Bailey, self-proclaimed main suspect in the unsolved Sophie Toscan du Plantier murder case, is releasing the first part of his podcast this week. The French filmmaker was murdered in Cork in 1996. We’re told that Bailey’s podcast will deal with his life before and after the murder, which sounds like a lame attempt to elevate this typically distasteful Bailey venture beyond the valid accusation that he’s cashing in on his notoriety. In classic Bailey style, it is of course grossly insensitive.

The self-proclaimed ‘chief suspect’ – who insists he is innocent of any involvement in the murder – is of course within his rights, but as usual his enthusiasm for media engagement to do with the case is deeply distasteful. Bailey always seems happy to cooperate with documentaries/podcasts, and now he’s going solo, revisiting it all ‘in his own words’.

All this unseemly attention-seeking, when the decent thing for Bailey to

do would be to show respect for Sophie’s family and convey a dignified silence. Sadly, that appears to be too much to ask of this very unpleasant individual.

SUNDAY Clones to the Hyde

It’s a beautiful day, as Bono sang. Today, we made a first trip to Clones in many years, Roscommon senior footballers facing Monaghan in the National Football League. There was a good turnout of Roscommon supporters. Unfortunately, Davy Burke’s team struggled to reproduce the form that had brought them very impressive wins against Tyrone, Galway and Armagh. On this occasion, Roscommon were off the pace. When they did find some rhythm, attacks broke down too often. There were misplaced passes and soft turnovers. It was an off day

(Monaghan deservedly won, 0-14 to 0-11).

Roscommon should not lack motivation this Sunday, when they host Mayo in Dr Hyde Park. Given their recent rampant form, the visitors will be raging hot favourites. There’s a lot of talk about both sides not wanting to show their hand, given that they will meet in the Connacht Championship in April. Talk too of neither county being that keen on progressing to the National League Final. Of course that’s only speculation; it could be misplaced, and either or both teams might have an open mind about the prospect of chasing down a national title.

MONDAY/TUESDAY Will Jeffrey dance?

And so, the interminable protocol saga is set to be consigned to history. Or is it? On Monday, the UK Government and the EU confirmed they have agreed a new deal – ‘The Windsor Framework’ – which we are told addresses the post-Brexit trading challenges faced in Northern Ireland.

Cue a rather breathlessly (suspiciously so?) excited Rishi Sunak flying in to Northern Ireland to tell business leaders they are now operating in “the world’s most exciting economic zone”. It’s not clear that the UK Prime Minister’s optimism is widely shared! In terms of political reaction –and the prospects of the long-dormant Assembly being restored to action – not for the first time, the ball is in the DUP’s court. Will they sign up to the new deal?

On the always superb Channel 4 News on Tuesday, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson briefly dispensed with the usual cliches and announced that he is “a warrior, not a dancer”. No, I don’t really know what he meant either. But it’s high time dancing Jeffrey and his colleagues waltzed back into power-sharing in the North.

A column by Roscommon People editor paul@roscommonpeople.ie

RIP, legend

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Mountbellew No Name Club up for regional awards

Best of luck to Luke Hardiman Chambers from Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon and Leanne Dolan from Brierfield, Co. Galway who will represent Mountbellew No Name Club at the Regional Youth Awards on Saturday, March 4th in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise. Luke is a transition year student in Coláiste an Chreagain and Leanne is a transition year student at Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew.

First Saturday devotions for world peace

A reminder that the First Saturday Devotions for ‘The conversion of Russia and world peace’ – taking place in any Catholic Church – begin this Saturday, March 4th and continue for five consecutive months. For more information, contact Chris O’Gara, Our Lady of Fatima Association, on 086-2255029.

Gospel Reflection

Sunday 5 March

Today’s Gospel portrays Jesus as a new and greater Moses. Moses also took three companions up a mountain and on the seventh day was overshadowed by the shining cloud of God’s presence. He too spoke with God and his face and clothing were made radiant in the encounter (see Exodus 24, 34).

But in today’s Lenten Liturgy, the Church wants us to look back past Moses. Indeed, we are asked to contemplate what today’s Epistle calls God’s “design… from before time began”.

With His promises to Abram in today’s First Reading, God formed the people through whom He would reveal Himself and bestow His blessings on all humanity.

He later elevated these promises to eternal covenants and changed Abram’s name to Abraham, promising that he would be father of a host nations (see Genesis 17:5). In remembrance of His covenant with Abraham, He raised up Moses (see Exodus 2:24; 3:8), and later swore an everlasting kingdom to David’s sons (see Jeremiah 33:26).

In Jesus’ transfiguration today, He is revealed as the One through whom God fulfils His divine plan from of old.

Not only a new Moses, Jesus is also the “beloved son” promised to Abraham and again to David (see Genesis 22:15–18; Psalm 2:7; Matthew 1:1).

Moses foretold a prophet like him to whom Israel would listen (see Deuteronomy 18:15, 18), and Isaiah foretold an anointed servant in whom God would be well pleased (see Isaiah 42:1). Jesus is this prophet and this servant, as the Voice on the mountain tells us today.

By faith we have been made children of the covenant with Abraham (see Galatians 3:7–9; Acts 3:25). He calls us, too, to a holy life, to follow His Son to the heavenly homeland He has promised. We know, as we sing in today’s Psalm, that we who hope in Him will be delivered from death.

So like our father in faith, we go forth as the Lord directs us: “Listen to Him!”

-Scott Hahn Ph.D., www.salvationhistory.com (courtesy of Sacred Heart Church, Roscommon)

Humphreys walks the walk in Castlerea!

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced funding of €2.4 million to develop 70 new walking trails across the country.

The major expansion of the Department’s Walks Scheme will see the number of outdoor trails increase from 80 to 150 over the next two years.

The initiative is designed to boost outdoor recreation and rural tourism and will see the scheme work with over 2,500 farmers to open up the countryside to walkers, hikers, cyclists and tourists.

Under the Walks Scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landowners to maintain the trails that travel through their holdings.

Making the announcement on the Lung Lough Gara Way in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, Minister Humphreys stated: “Our walkways and outdoor trails showcase the unique beauty of our rural towns and villages.

“They attract millions of visitors every single year and provide people of all ages with the opportunity to get out for some exercise and fresh air.

“So I’m delighted to announce a major expansion of my Department’s ‘Walks Scheme’ – which we expect will see an additional 70 trails brought on board”.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys pictured with local Rural Development Officer Ronan Bilbow in Castlerea recently following the announcement of funding of €2.4 million to develop 70 new walking trails across the country. Pic: Damien Eagers Photography

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL NEWS IN BRIEF

Tributes paid to the late Albert Looby

Many tributes have been paid to the late Albert Looby, whose death occurred. The deceased was a former Civil Engineer with Roscommon County Council where he was employed for many years and was a highly regarded individual. Paying tribute to the late Mr. Looby, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr.

Tom Crosby described the deceased as “a gentleman who worked hard for the people he served. Albert was a great family man and a great GAA man as well. To his wife Aileen, his sons, daughters and extended family on behalf of the management and staff of Roscommon County Council, I would like to extend my sincere sympathies.”

A naitve of Listowel, Co. Kerry, the late Albert Looby resided in Tully, Four-Mile-House where he is survived by his wife Aileen; sons John, Albert, Mark and Colin; daughters Susan and Michelle; sister Noreen and brother Michael, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, former colleagues, neighbours and friends.

The deceased reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon before being removed to St Brigid’s Church, Four-Mile-House where following Mass of the Resurrection, burial took place in Ballinderry Cemetery.

Tributes were also paid at last Monday’s plenary meeting of Roscommon County Council to former County Coroner, Vincent P. O’Connor, late of Nirvana, Convent Road, Ballaghaderreen; the late John Bruen, father of Marina Bruen, a member of Roscommon County Council Library staff and the late Danny Rogerson from Jamestown, Ballyforan, a former member of the Council’s outdoor staff.

Celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge

Marking Seachtain na Gaeilge, Leabharlann Ros Comáin or Roscommon Libraries are celebrating the event with a series of special events.

This Monday, March 6th, the Irish language book club for adult readers, Club Leabhar, will meet in Roscommon Library at 10am. Then on Friday, March 10th, Roscommon Branch Library will host award-winning writer and broadcaster Tadhg Mac Dhonnagáin.

Tadhg will be holding a special Storytime for primary school pupils at 10.30am and at 2pm he will be deliver a talk, aimed at adults, about his novel ‘Madame Lazare’, winner of the An Post Award 2021. His talk will be accompanied by a questions and answers session and some light refreshments.

Then on Saturday, March 11th, Roscommon Branch Library will be hosting a Family Fun Day, organized by the Parent’s Association of Gaelscoil de hÍde. There will be ceol, craic and facepainting.

Finallly, on Thursday, March 16th, Castlerea Branch Library will be hosting a Pop-Up Gaeltacht, where all interested, of whatever level, can visit for tea, coffee and a chat as Gaeilge. All events are free of charge and all are welcome to attend. Bígí Linn!

International Women’s Day

Marking International Women’s Day on this Wednesday, March 8th, Roscommon County Council is delighted to support a novel initiative which will highlight the shortfall of female representation in local politics whereby fourteen of the eighteen seats will be filled by women in a reversal of the current representation on the local authority.

At approximately 4pm, the current representation on Roscommon County Council will be ‘reversed’ in a simulated fashion to highlight the disparity in female representation in local authorities.

Proceedings will begin with an introduction by the Chairperson of proceedings on the day, Cllr. Emer Kelly followed by the personal testimonies of four women, all with diverse backgrounds, on the realities of female representation in public life.

This initiative, otherwise known as the ‘5 minute story’ will see four women from the group speaking as representatives on the topics of - young women’s mental health, reproductive rights, property rights and the economic challenges of everyday life.

There will be opportunities for discussion and questions on the practicalities of becoming involved and staying involved in

Heritage Research Bursary 2023

public life as well as a focus on the value and importance of equal representation of all genders and interests on the local authority.

Rita Kearney, who is a board member of Roscommon Women’s Network, who are supporting the event, is looking forward to next Wednesday: “We’re delighted to be able to host such an event marking International Women’s Day, which is supported by Roscommon County Council. Our purpose on the day is two-fold – to highlight the shortfall in women’s representation in public life, which does not reflect the equal demographic of men and women in society.

“Equally so, the day is also about empowering women, supporting and encouraging them to engage in public life, to have their voices heard in politics and in the corridors of power. It’s important women’s voices are heard to reflect the pivotal role they play in local society”, says Ms. Kearney.

Renewed appeal for Roscommon properties to house Ukrainian people

Roscommon County Council is appealing to those who have unoccupied properties to offer them as temporary homes for those fleeing war in Ukraine.

A tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available for properties used to house those arriving from Ukraine. This payment rate applied from December 1st 2022. Property owners can offer homes at offerahome.ie or by contacting the local author ity in which the property is located.

Those who of the local authority within 5 working days of making their offer and an assessment of the property will be carried out by the local authority shortly after. Properties should be in liveable condition and, ideally, available for at least 6 months. A tax-free recognition payment of €800 per month is available from the Department of Social Protection to those who offer accommodation to Ukrainian people in need of housing.

Further information can also be received by contacting Ukraine Response Support Team, of Roscommon County Coun cil on 090 6637249 co.ie Property owners can also offer homes at where they will be able to check the status of their offer at any stage through the website gov.ie/offerahome.

Under the ‘Of Council will take offers of houses, apartments or holiday homes for temporary accommodation, liaise with owners to assess suit ability, and arrange for their use by Ukrainian people and families.

This is a call for stand-alone properties that are not occupied by others. Properties should be in liveable condition and, ideally, available for at least 6 months.

Local Enterprise Week

Next week is Local Enterprise Week and Roscommon Local En terprise Office are hosting a series of events to support established, emerging and new businesses.

Local events will be supported by five key spotlight events which are being hosted online and are suitable for businesses na tionwide.

This Monday businesses will take place from 10am to 1pm while on Tuesday, there are three events, beginning with a Trading Online Voucher Webinar for local businesses from 11am to 1pm.

A tendering a procurement workshop for small and medium sized businesses in the county will take place from 2pm to 4pm followed later that evening by an online Start Your Own Business Course from 6pm to 9pm.

Next Wednesday, March 8 Clinic for local businesses will begin from 9.30am, concluding at 5pm. Then from 11am to 1pm there will seminar for businesses on the theme of ‘Creative Technology’ in Roscommon County Li brary. The evening will conclude with a Grow Remote Network ing Evening from 7pm to 8pm.

The penultimate day of activities on a Remote Business Advisory Clinic from 10am to 6pm while the winners of the County Enterprise Awards will be announced that day. The final engagement of the week will see a Business Break fast taking place in Hannon’s Hotel, Roscommon on the Friday morning, March 10

Booking to the aforementioned events is advisable at localenterprise.ie/Roscommon

Roscommon County Council is now inviting applications for the Heritage Research Bursary 2023. The research topic or site must be located in County Roscommon. The research project must be at MA, MSc or PhD level in a recognised third level college. There is one bursary award only and the maximum value of the award is €1,000. Bursary Report must be submitted by 27th October 2023.

Applications can only be accepted via My Online Services – register at www.roscommoncoco.ie

The closing date for receipt of completed application forms and accompanying information is 5pm on Friday 31st March 2023. Late applications will not be considered.

All enquiries to Heritage Office by telephone (090) 6637513 or e-mail: heritage@roscommoncoco.ie

This project is an action of the County Roscommon Heritage Plan 2017-2021.

Signed Majella Hunt Director of Services

Lots happening for Local Enterprise Week

(March 6th to 10th)

Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample no less than fifteen events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in County Roscommon.

The week-long series of events is an initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices network nationwide, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, taking place from March 6th to March 10th inclusive.

While there are hundreds of events taking place nationally during the week, there are plenty of events in County Roscommon which are open to all.

Among these events there will be focus on areas such as Photography Training for Businesses, Trading Online, Remote Business Advisory & Website/Social Media Review Clinics, Remote Start Your Own Business Course and a Tendering & Procurement Workshop.

There will also be workshops on opening potential Export Markets, Remote Working Job Opportunities and Spaces in County Roscommon, and Expanding Business using Creative Technologies. The final event is a Business Breakfast Networking Event with guest speakers and LEO Supports Talk.

Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week are available at www. LocalEnterprise.ie/Week

For details on all events taking place in Roscommon visit www.localenterprise.ie/roscommon or by telephoning 090-6626263 or 0906637100.

Speaking ahead of Local Enterprise Week, Louise Ward, Head of Enterprise at LEO Roscommon said: “Local Enterprise Week is an opportunity to take stock of where you are, see

where you can grow, where you can innovate or maybe become more sustainable and see what resources are available on your doorstep.

“There are hundreds of events taking place all over the country covering everything from exporting and digital to going green or just growing one’s business idea. So online or on one’s doorstep, I would encourage everyone to check out the schedule of events”.

The five national spotlight events are online and free to attend. The first of these events takes place on Monday, March 6th from 9.30 am to 11.30 am.

Entitled ‘First steps to export success’, this seminar will offer advice to businesses who are considering expanding into international markets or are early-stage exporters.

Then, on Tuesday, March 7th from 9.30 am to 1 pm, there will be a workshop entitled ‘You’re the Business’ which will focus on companies’ digital journeys and how best to advance on that journey. Google are hosting three online trainings, live from

Google in Dublin, for businesses that are looking to Get Online, Grow Online, or Go Global.

Then on Wednesday, March 8th from 11 am to 12.30 pm, there will be a workshop on ‘Green, Sustainability and Competitiveness’ which will inform, inspire, and engage owner managers and their key staff in how best they can implement Green technologies, processes and products to their business in order to be more competitive.

The penultimate event on Thursday, March 9th will take place from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm and focus on driving cost savings with LEAN. There will be a particular focus on businesses on how best to improve competitiveness and productivity. The workshop will feature an online panel discussion.

The final national spotlight event will take place from 10 am to 11.30 am on Friday, March 10th. Entitled ‘Innovate for business success’ the aim of the event is to introduce improvements through new methods, ideas or products.

€1m in funding for voluntary groups

< DAN DOONER

Local public representatives have welcomed funding of over €1 million (€1,028,563)) for voluntary and community health groups in County Roscommon which was announced by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly recently. The money comes from the Government inflation fund and the bulk of the allocation (over €800,000) will go towards the Brothers of Charity.

Additionally, some funds have been granted to the Melting Pot and Woodlands Evergreen Club, Loughglynn, as well as the Roscommon Association for People with Disabilities.

Senator Aisling Dolan said: “So many

groups across our county give real assistance to people in need.

This fund of over €1 million is to assist with cost of living pressures for community and voluntary groups in County Roscommon.

“It is incredible to think we have 26 organisations in County Roscommon that provide this type of support to vulnerable people with disability, older people, people with addiction, mental health concerns and life-limiting illnesses”.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy said the money would “help enormously in dealing with inflation costs” while local TD Frank Feighan also welcomed the allocation for groups across Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim.

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Ballaghaderreen Darkness Into Light

The Ballaghaderreen Darkness Into Light Walk 2023 takes place at sunrise (4.15 am) on the morning of Saturday, May 6th this year. Registration for the walk will open this month. New members are welcome to help organise the walk and a meeting will take place in CDP, The Shambles on Tuesday, March 7th at 7 pm. All support appreciated. Further details in future editions.

Family Fun Day to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge

To celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge there will be a Family Fun Day in Roscommon County Library on Saturday, March 11th from 11 am to 1 pm.

There will be face-painting, games and treats on the day, and entertainment will include dancing, singing, music and storytelling, all performed by pupils of Gaelscoil de hÍde. This is a free event and is funded by Roscommon County Council. Beidh fáilte roimh gach duine.

Meeting of Roscommon ICA

The next meeting of Roscommon ICA Town Guild takes place on Tuesday, March 7th at 8 pm in Hannon’s Hotel. The recent talk given by a dietician on ‘Eating for Health’ was most interesting and informative and was enjoyed by all. New members welcome. Contact townica@gmail. com for more information.

Ahead of the 2023 St Patrick’s Day Parade in Mountbellew, ‘Saint Patrick’ (Peadar Briggs) imparts his ‘blessing’ on Patrick Mannion, Chairperson of Mountbellew Parade Committee, while Paul Connaughton watches on.

NUI award for former Convent student

A former Convent of Mercy, Roscommon student received a coveted National University of Ireland (NUI) award for her achievements in education in 2022.

Shauna O’Neill, a native of Cloontuskert, Co. Roscommon, was awarded the NUI Prize in Education after she achieved the highest mark/ performance in the Professional Master of Education (PME) programme last year at NUI Galway.

The PME is a two-year, full-time programme for postgraduates and is accredited by the Teaching Council of Ireland for the purposes of registration as a post-primary teacher in Ireland. Shauna’s award follows her nomination by NUI Galway and a panel interview last summer.

Compton’s Central Bar Strokestown OPEN TRAD SESSION every Sunday night 8pm

Saturday 4th: GERRY KEENAN

Saturday 11th: CARMEL HACKETT

Saturday 18th: DARIN SWEENEY

Saturday 25th: TOM MORAN

Family Carers Ireland hosts Support Group

Meetings every

month

On the second Tuesday of every month in The Athlone Springs Hotel, Monksland, Athlone from 10.30 to 12.30

On the second Friday of every month in The Fiddlers Elbow in Ballaghadereen from 10.30 to 12.30

On the second Thursday of every month in Family Carers Ireland Office in Abbey Street, Roscommon from 10.30 to 12.30

On the second Wednesday Evening every month an on line course for Families Caring for a Hidden Disability from 7pm to 8pm email: bdowling@familycarers.ie

Annual Oíche Gaelach in Clooneycolgan

The annual Oíche Gaelach will be held in Clooneycolgan Community Centre on Saturday, March 11th from 7 pm. The concert will consist of traditional music, Irish dance, and traditional singing and waltzing. We kindly ask the people of Oran to come out and support this concert. All welcome.

Castlerea ICA meeting on Tuesday

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

Daffodil Day coffee morning

To launch Daffodil Day fundraising in Roscommon Town, a coffee morning will take place in JJ Harlow’s, Roscommon Town, on Friday, March 10th, from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm, with all proceeds going in aid of Irish Cancer Society. Your support would be much appreciated. All are welcome to attend.

The Dementia Café is a monthly meeting hosted in Ballaghadereen both face to face on line email: ciaranmullooly@ridc.ie

Phone: 090 66 24078

Various positions available for immediate employment across our Supermarket, from deli, shop floor merchandising and checkout.

MustbeabletoworkMondaytoFridaybuttimesand numberofdayswithinthatareveryflexible.

Expressions of interest to Oliver Holmes, Centra Ballygar, Co. Galway. Email: oholmes1974@gmail.com or ring 0906624078

THE BRIDGE CLUB

Roscommon Bridge Club

Anthony McCormack Memorial – 1st: Kitty Blighe and Mary McDermott; 2nd: Ann Flynn and Marie McSharry; Gross: Joan Donnellan and June Halliday.

1st Session: Mary and Terry O’Keeffe. 2nd Session: Valerie and Pat Finneran.

Happy ‘71 Bridge Club

1st: Judy Adamson and Olive Fahy; 2nd: Mary McDermott and Ann Kilduff; Gross: Phil and Seamus Cooney.

Ballymurray Bridge Club

Section A – 1st: George Bannon and John O’Gara; 2nd: Marion Dolan and Angela Carney; Gross: Kitty Gately and Mary Naughton. Section B – 1st: Kitty Blighe and Fiona Neilan; 2nd: Monica Fallon and Margaret Mullen; Gross: Susan Farrell and Mary Law. Kilbride Bridge Club

1st: Phil Murray O’Brien and Bernie Fallon; 2nd: Gertie McDermott and Pauline Leonard; 3rd: Frances Keane and Brid Gillooly.

Shauna O’Neill

Aoibheann and James McLoughlin, Corrigeenroe, Boyle pictured with RTE’s Marty Morrissey at the recent Roscommon-Armagh match in Dr Hyde Park.

FRANK BRANDON

FRANK BRANDON’S unique take on life ...

Local heroes end a 27-year famine

Our man Frank has the lowdown on a historic win for Creggs RFC last weekend…and some musings on mucking down and watching Clarkson’s Farm…

It’s about 10 am on Sunday morning and I go to Creggs for the Sunday paper and maybe a pint of milk. As I enter Mikeen’s shop, I meet a few of the Creggs rugby team coming out. They are about to board a bus to bring them to the Sportsground in Galway where they have an afternoon date with the Connemara All Blacks in the Connacht Junior League final.

Down through the years we have played the All Blacks in lots of important games, and up until this season, we lost all of them. I always felt that we might not have fully believed we could or would win against them. However,

on Sunday morning as I talked with our captain, Brian Diffley, I got the distinct impression that this team had total belief in themselves – belief but not cockiness – that they were utterly confident in their ability to get the job done.

Just before 12 midday, Carol and myself hit off for the 2 pm kick-off. I can’t deny that, despite the lads’ confidence, doubts began to creep into my mind. I needn’t have worried though because despite an early concession of a Connemara try, we produced a performance that was as good as any I have ever seen in the Sportsground and, in winning by 26 points to 15, scored four absolutely brilliant team tries. When the final whistle blew we had bridged a 27-year gap, and the huge Creggs contingent in attendance were – to use a soccer term – over the moon.

The team bus brought the lads to Mountbellew where they had a meal (and a few pints) in The Malt House. The victorious team arrived into Creggs to a heroes’ welcome shortly after 8 pm. Bonfires were lit, horns blew and a large crowd turned out to meet

them. I have to admit it was a sight I have dreamed about and longed for for many a year. And as I watched all the lads who had performed so well on the day and were now provincial champions, I thought of men like my own nephew, Kevin Brandon, and of Tom Callaghan, Chris Duignan, and many, many more, who gave their all over many years to keep the club alive in some very bad times, and who never got the rewards. And my mind went back to Brian Diffley’s acceptance speech and I thought how apt and proper it was when he said the cup was not only for the present bunch of players but also for all those who went before, and who unfortunately never got across the line.

Funny enough, Kevin told me an amazing statistic that in almost thirty years playing rugby for Creggs, from six years of age until a year or two ago, he only ever played once in the Sportsground! As it happens, it was in a loss to the All Blacks three or four years ago in the cup final. So the challenge now is for this team to regroup imme-

diately, because this Sunday they play Ballinrobe in the cup semi-final in Creggs and the danger of complacency has to be guarded against! There is no fixture as dangerous as the one that comes after winning and celebrating a trophy.

Many years ago, our bogey team Ballina made history in Connacht by becoming the first junior club to win the Senior Cup, a feat that got great prominence on the national papers. The following

Sunday they were playing us in the Junior League final, and they will tell you themselves to this day that their focus deserted them, and we took full advantage and deservedly beat them. And so as I congratulate the team and the extended panel, the management team and everyone involved, I want to warn them of the dangers of complacency, and knowing Ballinrobe I can guarantee they will come with all guns blaz-

Down on the farm with Jeremy

It’s amazing how many people there are in public life – and maybe everywhere else as well – that divide our opinion, whom we either love or hate, with no in between.

Piers Morgan, Chris Eubank Senior, Conor McGregor and Anne Robinson immediately spring to my mind, and also high upon my list is TV host and presenter Jeremy Clarkson. Now I know Clarkson’s recent uncouth and silly remarks about Meghan Markle have caused a lot of outrage over in England, and in other places as well, but they have done nothing to affect my opinion.

Long before this particular celebrity made those remarks that have cost him an awful lot in terms of money and popular-

ity, I regarded Clarkson as an arrogant, pompous and selfopinionated person!

For years I studiously avoided watching either ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’ or ‘Top Gear’. And so I have to admit that I was highly sceptical when a friend recently told me that a TV series about Clarkson’s new farming enterprise was a mustwatch.

However, the same person had previously advised me about ‘Heartland’, a series that turned out to be my absolute favourite of all time – and so I tuned into Clarkson’s Farm. I can honestly tell you that I have not enjoyed anything as much for a long time.

Pre-Covid, Clarkson bought a 1,000-acre farm in the

Cotswolds in England, without any farming experience and with very little knowledge of the business. This documentary series follows him as he comes to terms with all that’s involved in farming such a huge acreage. It’s as good a fly on the wall documentary as I have ever seen, and everything, good or bad, that happens is shown! I won’t spoil it on you by telling you what’s in store, but it really is an enthralling and highly entertaining series. All I can say is watch it (if you have something called Amazon Prime).

Funny enough, Clarkson the farmer is quite a pleasant fellow, and whatever else he is, he’s not afraid of long hours or hard work. Look it up if you can. I think you will really enjoy it.

ing. If we are any way ‘off’ they could do what we did to Ballina all those years ago. Before I leave Sunday’s game, I can honestly say I have never seen such unbridled joy as I did in Creggs on Sunday night. As we are waiting thirty years for the Junior Cup to come back, I can only imagine what it will be like when – not if – (I am confident now) we bring it home in a month or so! I can’t wait.

And finally…

Maria Fitzmaurice asks me to tell you about ‘Home Baking by the Fireside’, which is completely free and starts in Dowd’s, Glinsk on Friday, 3rd of March at 7.30 pm. It will last for one hour, and the classes will run for the month of March. At the event you will get a complimentary cuppa and some nice treats. Each week there will be a raffle where you can win the Baker’s Basket – sounds as if it would be nice to win it.

You can contact Maria at 086 3035766 and she will fill you in with all you need to know. So it’s ‘Baking by the Fireside’ and it’s on in Dowd’s, starting this Friday, 3rd of March at 7.30 pm. All are welcome to attend.

Our columnist and former Creggs RFC star Frank Brandon celebrates Sunday’s historic win with current team captain Brian Diffley.

Roscommon Community Challenge is this Friday!

There is great excitement building as we head towards the starting line for the 10th annual Roscommon Community Challenge. It’s all happening on this Friday, 3rd of March at 8 pm. Bring the whole family or just yourself; we cater for everyone.

Starting from Roscommon Community Sports Park in Lisnamult, Roscommon Town, this Moonlight Walk/Jog/Run is open to all abilities. It’s a 5k and 10k run or walk around beautiful Roscommon Town with a new 10k route on show also.

This community event is for everyone – walkers, runners, joggers, individuals, teams, and families… those looking to set a time

for 2022 and those that would like to improve on previous timings. Of course it is the chat in the Sports Park afterwards that is most important, so we look forward in anticipation to a great night on the March 3rd, as in previous years.

This challenge has proven extremely popular with a great response from people who signed up to be part of the training programme.

None of this would be possible without the encouragement and professionalism received from Roscommon Sports Partnership and we are extremely grateful to Coordinator Noel Feeley and his staff David Brady and Michael O’Donnell, with

a special word of thanks to Martin Hannon, for all their support.

Thank you to Roscommon Harriers for providing help with timings on the

Remembering the late Albert Looby

When we were ‘recruiting’ area correspondents for the Roscommon Champion back in the 1990s, the aim was to find people who were embedded in the heart of their parish.

Albert Looby was one such person. A passionate GAA man, he was already submitting match reports and club notes for the Kilbride Club, where he was a perfectly partisan PRO!

When Albert became our Fourmilehouse correspondent, we began to really get to know him. Typically, he would arrive

into the Champion office on a Monday, armed with scraps of papers which detailed the weekly rhythm of life in a rural parish… deaths, marriages, meetings…and of course GAA. (In those days, the Champion was produced in the very office in which the People is now based).

Albert’s match reports and community notes were usually only released to our typesetters after a good-humoured chat and proud overview of all that was happening in the parish.

Mostly, we talked GAA…unexpected wins,

night. Roscommon Special Olympics are a remarkable bunch of athletes, and the club are delighted to be the beneficiaries of this year’s Community Challenge.

There is a thriving club within the county with bowlers and swimmers meeting every week and the club are looking forward to resuming on the Astro pitch soon.

It has been extremely hard to go fundraising over the last few years so this event is especially important, and proceeds will enable the continued provision of these sports to a most wonderful bunch of fantastic athletes.

Every ounce of your support is very much appreciated. Please remember there will be no registration on the night. Participants can register online in advance using this link: http://bitly.ws/AVdm

Spring has arrived!

ALL BEE-KEEPING EQUIPMENT

AVAILABLE ... hives, wax, frames bee suits, extractors, bees ... Ring for our price

VEGETABLES

Just arrived - Early seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots, red onions, vegetable seeds are half the price of pre-packed seeds, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, leeks, and turnips.

FIREARMS

Fully licensed firearms dealer - No longer want to license your firearm? We can store or destroy it for a small fee. Shotgun cartridges, bullets, clay pigeons, and all accessories are available.

ANIMALS

2023 fishing season permitsLarge range of fishing tackle, rods, reels, spinners and spoons. Weak or orphaned lambs, you need Frisky by the bag or by the pound. Bottle tops, biestings, infra-red lamps. Wild-bird care, wide selection of peanuts, wild-bird seed, robin and songbird mix.

SPECIAL OFFER: 25kg peanuts only €49. Bird tables and feeders in stock.

unlucky defeats, players to watch…with the odd mutual agreement that a given official should perhaps have ‘gone to Specsavers’.

There was the essential analysis of the progress of Kilbride, and of the Roscommon teams. As a Kerry native, the Kingdom always got a mention too.

Professionally, he worked for many years as an engineer with Roscommon County Council, in which role he was very popular. A gentleman and a character, it was always a pleasure to meet Albert. News

of his passing last week saddened all who knew him. Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Aileen, sons John, Albert, Mark and Colin, daughters Susan and Michelle, sister Noreen and brother Michael, grandchildren, further relatives and friends. May he rest in peace. -PH

POTATOES

Early seed potatoes, Duke of York, British Queens, Kerr Pinks, Records, Roosters, Golden Wonders, Homegard – all available at Flynns Castlerea

GARDEN

Flower seeds and wild flower seeds - Hayseed acres and ½ acres, lawn seed, sulphate iron, or lawn sand for moss in lawns, all available. Summer flowering bulbs, gladiolus lily, and dahlia available. All

Keycutting service available for all types of keys – cylinder, mortice, padlock, etc. Watch battery and strap replacement service also offered, as well as a photocopying service.

Castlerea. 094 9620028.

Aoife and Sorcha Hegarty pictured with Anne Marie Donnelly and Bernadette Carr at training for the upcoming Roscommon Community Challenge.

Emma and Eabha Nally pictured at training for the upcoming Roscommon Community Challenge.

Miriam’s MUSINGS

Words of wit and wisdom with MIRIAM KERINS

Is it time to phase out single-sex schools?

Parents will know all about the ongoing debate regarding whether or not to send their child to either a singlesex, or a mixed-sex school – for the simple reason it’s a discussion which has been facing us for years, decades even. It’s also a subject which was very much in the national news last week, given the analysis carried out by The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) who examined the outcomes of single-sex schooling and gender and educational performance of ‘nearly 5,000 15 year olds in Ireland’.

I was educated in an all-girls primary school on Dublin’s northside, or as I affectionately call it ‘the people’s republic of Coolock’, a vast housing estate populated by a wonderful and decent community consisting mainly of inner-city families. After sixth class, I progressed to another all-girls secondary school. However, while my primary education was very pleasant, by comparison, my secondary school took part in a convent run

by an order of nuns who’d have put the guards at Guantanamo Bay to shame! Think Roald Dahl’s abusive, manipulative, antagonistic Agatha Trunchbull and you get the picture! Located in a so-called ‘highly desirable neighbourhood’, myself and my fellow primary school pals, all coming from outside ‘the deanery’ of said secondary school, were ripe for sneers and jibes by ‘the local clique’ who deemed us ‘unworthy’ of being among them. Students today would call them ‘the mean girls’. Having experienced this clique, or hierarchy, and let me tell you, I’m nobody’s victim – meaning the bullies were put firmly and swiftly back in their box – when I became a mother, I made the decision to have my own girls educated in a mixed-sex environment. I did this for both their primary and secondary years because I believed they’d have (and did have), a richer and less stressful educational experience, and, in fairness, it made them more confident and more

sophisticated when interacting with boys later down the line. While I did encounter a culture of exclusion in my own all-girls’ school, (as I said a few silly sods, encouraged by the nuns, thought they’d exclude ‘the Coolock crowd’), and we know there’s a somewhat machismo culture in a few all-boys’ schools, this is definitely not the case across the board. That said, as someone whose allgirls’ school experience stripped me of any savvy whatsoever regarding boys, affording me absolutely no guidance when it came to the opposite sex, I ended up being married at the ‘disgracefully’ young age of 17. Is it any wonder I was determined to provide my own two beauties with every opportunity possible to experience what I believe to be an all-inclusive and diverse educational environment? I especially thought this route was important regarding their secondary school years because, as adolescents, they would be at a developmental stage where their need

Being a grandparent is about knowing your role and respecting boundaries

I read an article in last week’s Irish Independent concerning a grandmother who admitted to ‘sneaking chicken and eggs’ into her vegan grandchildren’s meals ‘behind their parents’ backs’. This scheming woman wondered if what she was doing was ‘morally wrong’! Eh, yes!

In fact, not only are this interfering grandmother’s actions morally wrong because she’s deliberately lying and deceiving her grandchildren, she’s also ethically wrong because she’s displaying a disrespect and a disregard for the kids’ parents, thus harming their overall relationship. For the record, if that was done to me, I’d go ballistic!

If an individual follows a certain diet, be that by choice (as in my own experience, I choose

veganism due to my love for animals), for religious purposes, cultural purposes, or for dietary/health reasons, the fact of the matter is, it’s nobody’s business.

As a vegan, I still cook meat for my husband and family because I respect their choice to consume animal products. It’s that simple. Besides, I have absolutely no right to force my philosophy or my animal-free alternatives on anybody; and especially not on any parent who’s clearly acting in what they believe to be the best interest of their children.

In fact, the only thing this nosey, interfering, busybody of a grandmother should be doing right now, is asking her grandchildren what type of food and snacks they like to eat, making sure her fridge is stocked full of them for when they visit.

This woman should have enough trust in her grandchildren’s parents to bring up their kids in the way they see fit. While it’s obvious to her that raising kids on a vegan diet isn’t ideal, she needs to reel in the judgemental attitude and the dramatics ASAP, and instead, realise that her mendacious meddling could have far more serious consequences, as in, if the parents find out they could sever all ties. Being a grandparent is not just about spoiling the grandkids, it’s about knowing the role you have in their lives and respecting both theirs’ and their parents’ boundaries.

and their desire to establish mixedgender relationships would naturally expand. On another note, I believed a mixed-sex school would expose them to a wider variety of subjects, providing them with a choice of fun and interesting extracurricular activities; and it did!

For the record, my ‘extracurricular activity’ choices were sewing classes or a typing course. The second the head nun sniffed that the former would stand us ‘Coolock girls’ in ‘good stead when working in the sewing factory, and darning your husband’s socks’ I signed up for typing to enable me to get a job and stay out of what I called ‘the marital trap’. Clearly it didn’t work; I’d the ring on the finger and had my first child before I was out of my teens. May I add that working in a sewing factory, or making your living as a seamstress/tailor, is an entirely honourable and extremely wonderful profession… if you’re creative, crafty and take

joy in manufacturing hand-made items; it’s just not my thing. The above was only my personal experience of same-sex schools versus mixed-sex schools. It’s also my take as a parent of two girls, and of course many parents’ considerations will determine their own little darlings’ educational experiences. Things like subject choice, the performance of a particular school regarding Leaving Cert results, financial considerations, geographical location and availability, etc.

Ireland does have one of the highest proportions of second-level students attending single-sex schools, and I have to wonder if that’s because the majority of our institutions were founded and run by religious orders? However, given the PISA study shows that, on average, performancewise, there appears to be no difference when it comes to subjects like maths and science whatever type of schools our kids attend, I have to ask, is it time to phase out single-sex schools?

Oh dear…

Kerry’s airing her dirty laundry in public again

No stranger to airing her personal ‘issues’ in public, serial-wife, and er ‘singer’ Kerry Katona, possibly concerned that her ‘celebrity status’ was once more on the wane, has somehow managed to spark a debate and create a drama out of something as mundane as doing a bit of laundry.

Ah sure fair play to her, I suppose airing her dirty laundry in public is a great way of occupying Kerry’s time when she’s not getting her kit off for OnlyFans!

Mind you, given the fact herself and the red-tops have already treated us to tales of woe regarding the ex-boyfriends, the ex-husbands, the health issues, the cocaine controversies, the stint in rehab, the kids, oh and those cringy Iceland adverts, I suppose the fact she sleeps on mucky bed sheets is mild!

Kerry Katona

For the record Kerry, and this is just my opinion, (or perhaps it’s my OCD), but, as bed sheets and pillow cases become stained and smelly after we’ve slept in them, they should be changed at least, I repeat at least, once a week.

Roscommon Drama Festival

Roscommon Drama Festival kicks off this Friday

The Roscommon Drama Festival, which runs from Friday, March 3rd to Saturday, March 11th, was officially launched in Aras an Chontae, Roscommon, by Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Tom Crosby.

Also on the night, prizes were presented to all the winners in the story writing competition for primary schools, which has now become a regular and popular part of the festival.

Speaking before a large attendance, festival chairperson

Mary Finn welcomed all the guests, noting: “This year ladies and gentlemen, we are very confident that our programme will match the high standard patrons have come to expect from our festival, with only the very best in amateur drama on show in the Roscommon Arts Centre.

“I must say that it is a credit to Roscommon County Council that we have an absolutely superb facility at our disposal. A very special word of thanks to Stephen and the team in the Arts Centre”.

Mary proceeded to give a rundown on the plays presenting at the festival, ranging from Marina Carr’s ‘By the Bog of Cats’ on opening night to the John B Keane classic ‘Sive’ on the final night, commenting: “We are in for a feast of drama, which will touch on all our emotions in the course of the week”.

Mary went on to thank all those who hosted festival clubs around the town, as well as all the sponsors, CEO Shane Tiernan and all the council staff – especially Sean Carty and Siobhan Regan, who worked tirelessly to prepare the venue for the launch.

She also thanked Declan Molloy of Molloy’s in Abbeytown for providing the refreshments, and also Cormican’s in Abbey Street for sponsoring the story writing competition.

Roscommon County Council’s Arts Officer Rhona

McGrath paid special tribute to Mary Finn and her hard-

working committee, noting the significant contribution made by the committee to the cultural life of the county.

Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr.

Tom Crosby, who launched the festival for 2023, welcomed the large attendance, taking care to give special mention to all the “parents, teachers and children who have participated in the children’s story writing competition, which has become such an important and integral part of the festival itself”, noting that “every student who participated is a prize-winner”.

“This festival is a leading fixture on the amateur drama circuit”, continued Cllr. Crosby. “It attracts the cream of Irish amateur drama in both the open and confined sections. This a further testimony to the tireless efforts of a fine group of people who really love performing and staging top class drama”.

Festival attracts cream of Irish amateur drama, launch told

Noting the “very good” health of the drama scene in Ireland, Cllr. Crosby asked, “Where else can you get a better ‘slice of life’ than on the stage? This programme encompasses the whole gamut of human emotion and feelings, ranging from greed and betrayal to the joy of young love and hope”.

He also highlighted the significant boost events such as this give to the local economy. “Local businesses such as bars, restaurants, accommodation providers, etc. benefit from the influx of people –coming not just from Roscommon but also from neighbouring counties and further afield to attend the festival”.

Cllr. Crosby concluded, saying: “I have no doubt that the festival will provide us with great entertainment and I wish the committee every success, with full houses, great drama and groups who are willing to ‘break a leg’ on the night!”

The Vincent Mahon Memorial Award

During his address at last week’s launch, Cllr. Tom Crosby, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, referenced the Vincent Mahon Memorial Award, which will be presented on the final awards night of the festival. This award will be presented by the Mahon family in honour of the late Vincent (‘Vinny’) Mahon, a native of Roscommon town who

was one of the leading figures in local amateur drama and a founder of the festival in the 1960s.

Mr. Mahon enjoyed a stellar career in journalism, beginning in the former Roscommon Champion, later becoming chief sub-editor of the Irish Independent. Vincent passed away in 2018 and his loss is still keenly felt.

Roscommon Drama Festival Committee 2023: Back row (l-r) Anne Murphy, Frank Nally, Jimmy Hoban, Joe Nally, Tom Costello, Bernie Maher and Riona McGuinness. Front row (l-r) Mary Cox, Brigeen Fitzmaurice, Mairead Nally, Mary Finn, Marie McCrann and Caroline Cunningham. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Results of Roscommon Drama Festival schools’ story writing competition

The results of Roscommon Drama Festival’s story writing competition for primary school pupils were announced at the festival’s recent launch.

The overall competition winner was Seán Crean from St Coman’s Wood NS in Roscommon. In the sixth class category, Darragh O’Connachtáin (Gaeils-

coil de hIde) came in first and Ruth Dennigan (Scoil Bhride) came in second. In the fifth class category, Clodagh Fergus (Ballymurray NS) took first place and Finn O’Ruaric (Gaeilscoil de hIde) came second.

The pupils who submitted the best entries from their respective schools were also recognised; El-

len Cox won for Ballagh NS, Elysia O’Leary won for Ballyfeeney NS, Oscar Hauf won for Ballyleague NS, Emily Lynch won for Ballymurray NS, Harry Costello won for Feevagh NS, John O’Byrne won for Fuerty NS, Shauna Ni hEidhin won for Gaeilscoil de hIde, Mark Fox won for Kilteevan NS, Cian Beirne

won for Knockcroghery NS, Michael Tierney won for Lisaniskey NS, Anna O’Rourke won for Roxboro NS, Martin Bikoi won for Runnamoate NS, Tadhg Bracken won for Scoil Bhride, Madison Murray Corbally won for St Coman’s Wood NS, and Ella Rogerson won for Tisrara NS.

For more information…

For more information about Roscommon Drama Festival, visit roscommondramafestival. com. This year’s festival runs from March 3rd to 11th, with a jam- packed programme of performances in store. Let the drama begin!

Winners of the 2023 Roscommon Drama Festival Story Writing Competition pictured with Council Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tom Crosby last Friday evening. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival launch at Aras An Chontae were Mairead Nally, Marie McCrann, Anne Murphy, Caroline Cunningham and Bernie Maher. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival launch in Aras An Chontae last week were Shauna, David, Maria, Maresse, Tara and David Hynes. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival launch at Aras An Chontae were Ruth, Anne Marie and Ronan Dennigan. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Chairperson of Roscommon Drama Festival Mary Finn, Jimmy Hoban and Caroline Cunningham pictured at the launch of the Roscommon Drama Festival at Aras an Chontae. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival launch in Aras An Chontae last week were Oscar and Luiza Hauf. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Sandra, Tadhg and Tim Bracken pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival launch in Aras An Chontae last week. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival launch in Aras An Chontae last week were Sandra Turner and Darragh Kelly. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Cllr Kathleen Shanagher, Jimmy Hoban and Mary Finn (Chairperson of Roscommon Drama Festival) pictured at the Drama Festival launch at Arans an Chontae. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Mark Fox and Mark Fox Jr. pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival launch in Aras An Chontae last week. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Roscommon Drama Festival launch at Aras An Chontae were Frank and Mairead Nally. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Entertainment, Culture & Arts

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The Undertones to headline Boyle Arts Festival 2023

Boyle Arts Festival is delighted to announce that legendary rock ‘n’ roll band The Undertones will be one of the headliners at BAF 2023 this summer.

Making their first ever appearance in Boyle, the band will play a very special concert in St Joseph’s Hall on Friday, July 21st. Details of when tickets are due to go on sale will be announced shortly.

The Undertones (at the time, John O’Neill, Damian O’Neill, Feargal Sharkey, Billy Doherty and Michael Bradley) emerged from Derry in 1976. They recorded their first single ‘Teenage Kicks’ in 1978 and when BBC Radio 1 DJ John Peel received a copy, he liked it so much, he played it twice in a row on his radio show.

The band signed with Sire Records and over the next five years, crafted further pop gems such as ‘Here Comes The Summer’, ‘Jimmy Jimmy’,

‘You’ve Got My Number (Why Don’t You Use It)’, ‘Wednesday Week’ and ‘My Perfect Cousin’. They also recorded four highly acclaimed LPs before Feargal Sharkey left the band in 1983, to pursue a solo career.

The Undertones reconvened without Feargal

Sharkey in 1999 to once again perform their twominute, three and a half chord songs to a new generation. Fellow Derry man Paul McLoone replaced Sharkey on vocals and his vocal prowess and electric onstage presence soon convinced any doubters that he was more than capable of

Night and Day Song Contest launched

The organisers of Night and Day Festival 2023, in association with Lensmen Photography and Video Production, have announced the launch of this year’s song contest.

The contest supports up and coming artists by providing the resources needed to record their music, and a platform to perform at this year’s festival. The three winners will be provided with a choice of three recording studios – Hellfire Studios, Soundcaster Studios, and Paddy Jordan Recording – at which to spend a day recording.

Lensmen Photography and Video Production will provide two days’ filming and two days of editing to produce a music video to the overall winner, who will also be given the opportunity to play a set at Night and Day in Boyle on Sunday, June 25th.

doing the job.

2023 will see The Undertones roaring back with an extensive European tour that includes Boyle, to celebrate 45 years of ‘Teenage Kicks’ and promote the release of their new LP ‘Dig What You Need’.

For more information on Boyle Arts Festival, please

visit boylearts.com or follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram .For more information on The Undertones, please visit theundertones.com.

Boyle Arts Festival is supported by The Arts Council, local sponsors, Roscommon County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

Friel classic comes to Athlone Little Theatre this March

Athlone Little Theatre is delighted to kick off their 2023 season with an Irish theatre classic, ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come!’. Written by Brian Friel, the play will run from March 9th to 16th.

A talented cast of fourteen, under the expert direction of Billy Nott, will transport the audience back to Friel’s Ballybeg, Donegal of the 1960s, on the day before and the morning of Gar’s departure to Philadelphia.

Book your tickets now on athlonelittletheatre.ie or on the Eventbrite website. Please note the matinee at 3 pm on Sunday, March 12th, is the only performance on that day. All other performances take place at 8 pm.

This amateur production of ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come!’ is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd. For more, visit concordtheatricals.co.uk.

Creative Director at Night and Day Festival Declan Hurley said: “We’re delighted to be running the song contest again this year, after receiving so many great entries last year. It’s a very important part of our fest and it’s great to have so many amazing studios on board this year which I’m sure will attract songwriters from far and wide”.

For the purposes of the competition, a song must have both lyrics and music. All submitted songs must be original, unpublished (or self-published) songs that have been written or co-written by the entrant(s). Applicants can send their audio recordings to declan@nightandday.ie. The closing date for applications is April 30th.

Last year’s song contest was won by Patrick Stefan. Patrick and the other song contest finalists will feature in a five-part series on Night and Day being broadcast on TG4 later this year.

The 2023 Night and Day Festival takes place on June 24th and 25th on the grounds of Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle, Co. Roscommon.

Local comedian for TedFest competition

Roscommon town comedian Cathal Shanagher is set to take part in tonight’s (Thursday) TedFest ‘Toilet Duck Awards’ at the Roisin Dubh in Galway. The competition features 16 of Ireland’s finest up and coming comedians battling it out until there’s only one stand-up left standing.

The winner will walk away with the coveted Toilet Duck Awards trophy, €300 in cash, and hundreds of euro worth of paid comedy club and festival spots! Doors open at 8 pm and the show commences at 8.30 pm. Tickets are available from www.roisindubh. net.

Businesses: Reach your target market! 18,000 COPIES

Pictured are the cast and crew of Athlone Little Theatre’s production of ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come!’ by Brian Friel, which will run from March 9th to 16th. Pictured with director Billy Nott are Liam Sherringham, Alastair Beegan, Chrissie Killian, Aidan Ruane, Hélène Lepaon, Bróna McCormack, Pat Canty and Josh Earley.

Official opening of National Accessibility Centre for Watersport

Taoiseach opens national accessibility centre for watersports in Ballyleague

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An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar officially opened the first accessibility centre for watersports in Ireland at the Lough Ree Access For All facility in Ballyleague on Friday last.

The new centre is funded by the Just Transition fund and parcel delivery company DPD. It operates at the headquarters of the award-winning Lough Ree Access For

All boat and offers people with physical and intellectual disabilities the opportunity to take part in sports such as angling, sailing and power boating.

New facilities installed at the site include a state-of-theart Changing Places suite for those with disabilities.

Lough Ree Access For

All is the only provider of a licenced passenger boat service for people with a disability in Ireland and the UK.

The boat, which has featured on a National Lottery advertisement and earned a Pride of Place award, is designed to allow full access for wheelchair users and others onto the River Shannon.

Speaking at Friday’s official

opening, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the centre would benefit people from all over Ireland.

“I am delighted to officially open the new premises for Lough Ree Access For All accessibility watersports centre today,” he said.

“People with disabilities have already significantly benefitted from this great initiative, with over 3,000 people visiting last year alone. This centre will be of huge benefit to the local community, but also to people from all over the country who wish to take part in water sports, for future generations to come”.

The national accessibility centre employs nine people including Mark McClean, a young Longford man who was paralysed following a serious road accident in 2014 (see Roscommon People issue dated February 2nd).

Mark said he was delighted to be working at Lough Ree Access For All.

“People with disability have historically been discriminated against in boat transport services. In the past, I applied for different jobs but me being in a wheelchair was

an obstacle. I got to a point where I was just going to give up, but when I saw this job opening I jumped at the opportunity and thankfully I was successful. It is my dream job,” he said.

Parcel delivery company DPD has assisted in the creation of new jobs through the Lough Ree Access For All initiative.

DPD Chief Executive Des Travers told those present that the company’s involvement with the social initiative was “one of the most fulfilling charitable investments we have made as a company”.

“It is heartwarming to see the rewards that people with disabilities reap by visiting the centre, and for the staff that we have assisted in employment. We are delighted to be involved and pledge our ongoing support,” he said.

Lough Ree Access For All director and volunteer Ciaran Mullooly said the project had been established following three years of research into a boat design that would facilitate wheelchair users.

“In collaboration with Ro-

scommon

ability team, a design that allows wheelchair users enter the boat easily as the bow lowers was conceived – to ensure nobody with disabil-

Taoiseach plants cherry tree…

Last Friday was a wonderful day for Ballyleague as the community welcomed Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for the official opening of the Lough Ree Access for All HQ.

Ballyleague Tidy Towns are truly grateful for all the support they have received from the community, commenting that they couldn’t have asked for a better way to mark this special occasion. The ceremonial planting of a cherry tree in honour of the opening was done by Taoiseach Varadkar, Tidy Towns Chairperson Gerry Trimble, committee members, students from the local community college, and the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Tom Crosby. Ballyleague Tidy Towns are proud to have such community-minded leaders, leaders who value the importance of preserving and beautifying our local environment. The cherry tree, kindly supplied by Jim McCausland of Casey’s Londis in Roscommon, will stand as a symbol of our commitment to creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Thank you Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for taking the time to visit our community and for your dedication to making Ballyleague a better place to live.

facility

ity was left behind,” he explained.

As part of Friday’s official opening, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar took a trip on the

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pictured planting a cherry tree at the opening of the Lough Ree Access for All

on Friday. Pic: Lee Williamson

Marketing Manager of DPD Ireland Patrick O’Loughlin, Chief Executive of DPD Ireland Des Travers, Ciaran Mullooly (Lough Ree Access For All director and volunteer), Clive Guthrie, John Tobin, Deputy Frank Feighan and CIO of DPD Ireland Colin Kennedy pictured at the official opening of the Lough Ree Access for All accessibility watersports centre in Ballyleague-Lanesboro last Friday. Pic: Paul Molloy

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pictured with centre Manager Liam Grimes, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Tom Crosby, Chief Executive of DPD Ireland Des Travers, centre employee Mark McClean, centre Director Dorothy Coyle, Deputy Denis Naughten, Senator Aisling Dolan, Councillor Kathleen Shanagher and Senator Michael Carrigy at the official opening of the Lough Ree Access for All accessibility watersports centre in Ballyleague-Lanesboro last Friday Pic: Paul Molloy

Michael Goodwin, Kieran Mulvey, Ciaran Mullooly (Lough Ree Access For All director and volunteer), Martha Farrell, Mary Greally, Joan Farrell and Alan Farrell at the official opening of the Lough Ree Access for All accessibility watersports centre in Ballyleague-Lanesboro last Friday. Pic: Paul Molloy

LEADER Partnership, Waterways Ireland, Roscommon County Council, Inland Fisheries Ireland, and the HSE’s regional dis-

Lough Ree Access For All boat with centre director Dorothy Coyle, staff member Mark McClean and other invited guests.

GOING OUT

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Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Arnold and Niamh Donnelly.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Michael Byrne, Claire O’Brien, Tommy Hurley and Matthew Donnelly. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Molly Ann and Michael Feeley.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Margaret and Pat Hurley. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Daren Donnelly, Collette Donnelly Healy, Mary Dockery, Kyra Dockery and Fintan Dockery.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Jack, Katie, Michaela, Regina and Padraic Lohan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Fintan Martin, Adrienne Martin, Kitty Kelly, Lucy Dowling and Jason Martin. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Sean Kenny and Katie Colton. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were MJ, Katie, Aishling, Claudine and Michael O’Connor. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

GOING OUT

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Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Sandra and Johnny McDermott.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Lily, Anne Marie, Liam and Hannah Murray. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Ciara and Rachel Corcoran.

Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Caoimhe, Deirdre, Mark and Niamh Walsh. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Anna Campbell, Aine Cassidy, Niamh Watson, Aimee O’Connor and Niamh Fitzgerald. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Ali Campbell, Caoimhe Miley, Meabh McCormack, Aine O’Meara, Caoimhe McIntyre and Nicola Dolan. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the St Dominic’s GAA Club Dinner Dance in the Hodson Bay Hotel were Mae and Gerry Keane. Photo: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Maintaining support for Ukraine one year on from Putin’s invasion

Let’s talk about ...

Ukraine, one year on

While walking with my housemates along Middle Arch on Friday afternoon, we noticed a group of people gathered outside the Galway City Museum across the water in the distance, every other person in the huddle donning a yellow and blue flag in their hands or around their shoulders.

I hadn’t realised it until then, when we spotted them and made the connection, that a year has already passed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine took place, with last Friday, February 24th 2023, marking a year to the day since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced and put into motion a “special military operation” seeking the “demilitarisation” and “denazification” of the neighbouring country.

The fallout of this ongoing conflict has been devastating, with (at least) tens of thousands of deaths and even more injuries, in addition to the massive amount of infrastructural damage incurred over the past twelve months as a result of the invasion. The conflict has also led to the displacement of 2.9 million Ukrainians from their home country out of concern for their safety. And a year on, despite progress in some respects, unfortunately no near end to the war seems in sight, with Putin continuing his tirade in the face of united global opposition,

Hodson Bay Hotel marks

dwindling troop numbers, depleted resources, and the immeasurable damage already done over the course of the last year – not just on an infrastructural and human level, but also with respect to his own country itself.

The global reaction to the conflict has demonstrated a sweeping sentiment of support for Ukraine and condemnation of Putin’s actions – and rightly so. European countries have been taking in refugees in huge swathes (Poland and Germany alone have welcomed over a million refugees each since the invasion), NATO support has been amplified, and countries such as the US and the UK have provided Ukraine with millions in military assistance.

Here in Ireland, we have taken in over 70,000 Ukrainian refugees over the past twelve months, and we have continually been voicing steadfast support for Ukraine and all those whose lives are suffering as a direct result of Putin’s brutal actions. Evidence of this national support can be seen as recently as last week, when it was announced following a Cabinet decision that our Defence Forces will be training members of the Ukrainian armed forces as part of the newly-established European Union Military Assistance Mission.

On a community level, over the past several months, of the 70,000-odd refugees that have settled here from Ukraine, many have already secured jobs and their own accommodation in the country. And on the whole, Irish citizens have welcomed the Ukrainian refugees’ arrival, and have played an impressive role in facilitating their integration into local communities.

For example, the group we spotted gathered outside the museum on Friday was, as I understand it, part of a larger programme of events in support of Ukraine that took place across the city to mark the anniversary of Russia’s invasion, events which

30th anniversary

Hodson Bay Hotel recently celebrated 30 years in operation at their annual staff party, held jointly with the Galway Bay Hotel and hosted by the Sheraton Athlone Hotel.

Over 300 team members from Athlone and Galway joined for an evening of food, beverages

were organised in joint cooperation by local volunteer groups, Galway City Council, and Galway’s Ukrainian population. Here in Roscommon, we have seen several instances of residents coming together to organise events and welcome Ukrainians to the area, and we have also seen first-hand how seamlessly and openly refugees have been able to integrate into the local community despite how unimaginably difficult that transition must be.

Considering the amount of harmful rhetoric we saw spike with the East Wall protests earlier this year, it is a relief that anti-immigration sentiment hasn’t managed to overshadow solidarity with

Ukraine’s crisis and the challenges faced by those coming over here to Ireland. Our continued support – both in terms of welcoming refugees into our communities and providing Irish support for Ukraine during this time of conflict in general –is vital moving forward. We cannot afford to become complacent in our support of Ukraine and in our condemnation of Putin’s actions.

As Putin maintains his brutal tirade in the face of all logical and empathetic reason, it is more important than ever that we, in return, both nationally and with our local communities, maintain unwavering support for Ukraine, its citizens, and all those being affected by the ongoing conflict.

and entertainment by way of a thank you to all employees for their hard work and dedication.

In a separate event, Galway Bay Hotel hosted over 200 team members from the Sheraton Athlone Hotel and the Hyatt Centric Hotel for their annual staff party.

During both nights, Hodson

Bay Group awarded certificates of service for employees who had reached service from 5 years all the way up to a remarkable 30 years, a milestone reached by James Mannion and Noel Kilmartin at the Hodson Bay Hotel.

Hodson Bay Group CEO, Pa-

draig Sugrue commented: “It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate the dedication of all our employees but especially those that are with us a long time. We are honouring the long service of 115 people at these events which is a fantastic achievement in any industry”.

Alannah Ita Healy

(A student’s perspective)

Pictured are Hodson Bay Hotel staff celebrating 30 years (from left to right): Tim Hayes, Managing Director, Hodson Bay Hotel; Aidan O’Sullivan, Director, Hodson Bay Group; James Mannion, one of the hotel’s longest serving team members with over 30 years’ service; Ciara O’Sullivan, Director, Hodson Bay Group; Padraig Sugrue, CEO, Hodson Bay Group. Pic: Clare Frances Photography

Pictured were Sheraton Athlone Hotel team members celebrating over 10 and 15 years of service (from left to right): Garrett McGuinness, Johnny O’Sullivan, Anne Marie Hynes, Jana Zarina, Sinead Farrell, Karolina Pawlak, Marie McDonnell, Ciara O’Sullivan, Aidan O’Sullivan and Padraig Sugrue. Missing from the photo were Ross O’Callaghan, Anna Baltro, Rose O’Brien, Joe Carmody, Bhenty Dhurowa, Elaine Hannon-Garvey, Joanna Carr, Juraj Ptacin, Eva Micuchova and Sarah McCormack. Pic: John McMahon Photography

Pictured are Hodson Bay Hotel team members celebrating over 15 years of service (from left to right): William O’Reilly, Michelle Barrett, Aidan O’Sullivan, Marie Allen, Ciara O’Sullivan, Jocelyn Balota, Tim Hayes, Ciara Geraghty, Aija Erkmane, Caroline Walsh, Colleen Cunniffe, Padraig Sugrue, and Satiamourtee Sanyasi. Missing from the photo were Todor Tilev, James Duane, Rita Pavlova, Mariusz Dziubich, Jana Martin, Sandra Mulhall, and Louise Campbell. Pic: Clare Frances Photography

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Creggs Rugby Club President Adrian Leddy says the manner of the club’s victory over long-time foes Connemara was a fitting way to end the 27-year wait for Connacht League honours.

“To wait 27 years and to be coming up against the same opposition over and over again meant that there were very emotional scenes at the end the game. But when we did eventually win, we got over the line in some style,” he said.

“Any of the four tries we scored could have been ‘Try of the Month’. The lads played exceptionally well and stood up on the day. Connemara just weren’t able to stay with them; they were out on their feet”.

There remains a healthy rivalry between Creggs and Connemara, as there was in 1996 when the village team last won the Connacht League, beating the All Blacks in the final. This friendly rivalry was evident once again last Sunday.

“There was no doubt about this one and even the Connemara lads would (admit that). They were very gracious in defeat and there’s a great camaraderie and respect between the two clubs. Some of the lads play together for the Connacht juniors,” Adrian added. But this was Creggs’ day and it could very well be their year too with a Connacht Junior Cup semi-final to come this Sunday.

“It’s Ballinrobe this Sunday so the double is very much still on,” Adrian says, insisting that Sunday’s celebrations were muted.

“The lads are really focussed on this one on Sunday and they really want to go on and complete the double by adding the Junior Cup”.

On-field success follows plenty of hard work both within the club and the local community, and Adrian believes the best is yet to come ahead of Creggs RFC’s 50th anniversary next year.

“This success is the icing on the cake following all the development work off the field over the last few years with the new facilities and the 4G pitch.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the great management and coaching team as well as the staff and all those who have worked so hard for Creggs Rugby in both the club and in the schools and in Mini Rugby too. It’s really appreciated.

“This is a very young team with many of these lads still in their early 20s. They’ve all come through the system and all the club’s hard work over the last number of years is now really starting to reap rewards,” he concluded.

are

LEDDY: ‘LADS GOT OVER THE LINE IN STYLE’

Creggs RFC captain Brian Diffley pictured with President of Connacht Rugby Gerry O’Donnell and President of Creggs RFC Adrian Leddy after Creggs’ Bank of Ireland Junior League 1A Final win over Connemara RFC last Sunday. Pic: Steve Fahey

Creggs RFC crowned Connacht Champions

Creggs party like it’s 1996!

Connacht Rugby Bank of Ireland Junior League 1A Final Creggs 26 Connemara 15

Last Sunday at the Sportsground in Galway, Creggs ended a 27year famine when they secured their first Junior 1A league title since 1996.

Captained by Brian Diffley and led by a coaching team of Tony Dolan, Kolo Kiripati and Mike Diffley, this was a tremendous and historic win.

Initially, the occasion appeared to get to Creggs who were slow out of the blocks and trailed early on. A Ronan Dowd clearance went straight to Connemara’s talented full-back Henry O’Toole, who collected and ran at speed at the Creggs line. O’Toole slalomed to within five metres before off-loading to Eoin Burke who scored in the corner to silence the large Creggs following.

This early concession seemed to spark Creggs into life and within minutes of the restart a maroon and white wave had descended on the Connemara 22. The All Blacks appeared to have been given a reprieve

when Creggs were penalised for holding on. Connemara kicked to touch, but following the lineout Creggs were back on the hunt.

Having won a penalty and finding touch just five metres out, a massive drive and quick ball from Mark Dowd resulted in a side-stepping Shane Purcell scoring under the posts to bring Creggs level. Purcell then converted his own try to put his side 7-5 ahead. On 25 minutes, Mark Purcell produced a huge, wind-assisted kick deep into Connemara territory where a fumble resulted in another Creggs lineout.

Once again it was quick ball that did the damage as Creggs created an overlap on the right wing for Danny Arnold to cross for a second try, this one brilliantly converted by Shane Purcell.

Leading 14-5, Creggs were fully in control at this stage but the threat of another famous Connemara comeback still hung in the air as the teams made their way off at the break. Playing against the wind in the second half, it was another edgy start for Creggs before

Connemara were reduced to 14 for ten minutes following a high tackle by David McDonagh on Mark Dowd.

Smelling blood, Creggs went in search of a third try and were rewarded when Brian Donoghue went over following good work by Shane Dowd and Shane Purcell, with the pack now rampant. Purcell again added the extras to stretch Creggs’ lead to 21-5.

This latest Creggs score brought about the inevitable response from Connemara who reduced the arrears thanks to Burke’s second try of the afternoon, in the corner. With the conversion missed, Creggs still had an eleven-point lead, albeit with over 20 minutes still to play.

The replacements were to play a crucial role in seeing this one out and the fresh legs introduced helped Creggs gain a measure of control once again.

With ten minutes remaining, man of the match Eoghan Coyle once again broke through the centre of the field, and 30 metres out found Mark Dowd travelling at speed with an accurate pass. Dowd sprinted for the line to claim Creggs’

fourth try of the afternoon and all but put the game beyond the All Blacks.

Connemara did eventually get over for their third try of the game – through Ian Staunton – but it was a case of too little, too late as Creggs held on for a historic win.

This was a huge team performance from Creggs which saw a number of outstanding displays, most notably from Brian Donoghue, Ronan and Eoghan Cahill, Sean Óg Higgins, Aidan Leech, Tommy Fleming, the Dowds and the Purcells.

Captain Brian Diffley used his acceptance speech to praise the entire panel, and the ongoing commitment which saw up to 60 players fighting for a place on this well balanced team. Creggs RFC: Sean Óg Higgins, Danny Arnold, Eoghan Cahill, Brian Donoghue, Aidan Leech, Ciaran Purcell, Ronan Cahill, Brian Diffley (captain), Mark Dowd, Shane Purcell, Tom Fetherston, Shane Dowd, Eoghan Coyle, Mark Purcell, Ronan Dowd, Tom Fleming, Lee Kilcoyne, Peter Lohan, Ian Whittington, Michael Feeley, David Gacquin, Kevin Gavin, Tommy Devine.

Creggs RFC players Eoghan Cahill, Brian Donoghue and Aidan Leech get organised ahead of the Connacht Rugby Bank of Ireland Junior League 1A Final against Connemara RFC at the Sportsground in Galway. Pic: Steve Fahey

Creggs RFC crowned Connacht Champions

Captain Diffley coy on ‘Double Speak’

Creggs captain Brian Diffley says the newlycrowned Connacht Junior League champions won’t be getting carried away by talk of a possible double ahead of their cup semi-final showdown with Ballinrobe this Sunday.

“We enjoyed (the celebrations) Sunday night but said we’d be back to work this week. We trained Tuesday evening even though there were a few tired and bruised bodies from the weekend,” he said.

“Surreal” and “emotional” is how Diffley describes last Sunday’s long-awaited win over Connemara.

“It was definitely a little bit surreal really. It was a great feeling and great to see some of the older

heads enjoying it too. We’ve been lucky to be in this position before but just never managed to get over the line,” he said.

“In fairness, I think we got over the stigma of beating Connemara earlier in the season. In previous years there might have been a bit of fear but we’re maybe a little older this year and we showed up completely switched on from the first whistle.

“Even the Connemara lads admitted that they were outplayed. In fairness, they have set the standard for the last few years but we didn’t leave any doubt last Sunday”.

The Creggs captain paid tribute to the management team of Tony Dolan, Kolo Kiripati and Mike Diffley for their input this year.

“Great credit has to go to our coaching team of Tony, Kolo and Mike. They instilled in us a be-

Padraic Kelly

lief that we could beat Connemara this year and they’ve filled us with confidence,” he said.

“We’ve also been training really hard and with the numbers we have we’ve been able to play against each other in match situations too which has been a great help”.

‘Taking it one game at a time’ is the oft-used cliché of a winning team, but Brian insists the Creggs lads won’t be looking beyond Ballinrobe.

“We’re not looking past this Sunday. We play Ballinrobe and we have to beat Ballinrobe and not look beyond that,” he says.

“We know exactly what we’re capable of but we don’t want to slip up by getting too far ahead of ourselves. Sunday is the focus now and we’ll see where we are after that”.

The Creggs RFC squad pictured ahead of the Connacht Rugby Bank of Ireland Junior League 1A Final against Connemara RFC last Sunday at the Sportsground in Galway. Pic: Steve Fahey

Creggs RFC captain Brian Diffley pictured with Bank of Ireland sponsor after their Bank of Ireland Junior League 1A Final win over Connemara RFC last Sunday. Pic: Steve Fahey

Congratulations to Creggs RFC from

< DAN DOONER

‘The biggest match in Connacht for years’ was how the Irish Times described the meeting of Creggs and Connemara in the Junior League final of February 1996.

Not only was there a Connacht Junior League title at stake but the two rivals were facing each other for a place in the All-Ireland League too. The game itself proved to be a titanic struggle with Creggs holding firm in the face of intense All Black pressure in abysmal conditions at the Sportsground.

The final score of 9-3 tells its own story, but while it may not have been a game for purists of the oval ball, it was still compelling viewing according to those who were lucky enough to witness it.

Creggs’ victory was built on a platform of team effort but there were also a number of stand-out performances, most notably from Barry Kilcommins, Kevin O’Rourke, Kieran Canny, the Wards, and out-half Ger Dowd, who kicked all of Creggs’ points on the day.

Playing with a fierce wind at their backs in the opening half, Creggs managed to develop a 9-0 lead by the interval. The margin could and probably should have been even wider too but a number of try-scoring opportunities went amiss.

The second half proved to be one of the most nervewracking in Creggs Rugby history as the maroon and white were forced back into their own half where they defended their line manfully.

Connemara appeared to have lit the blue touch paper within two minutes of the restart when John Malone slotted over a penalty. Creggs’ worst fears appeared to be coming through.

From there to the full-time whistle, however, it was a tale of dogged Creggs resistance and wasteful Connemara finishing. According to the match report

Memories of ‘titanic struggle’ against the All Blacks

over the Connemara All Blacks in the Connacht Junior League final in February 1996. Pic: Joe O’Shaughnessy

from Noel Fallon of The Roscommon Champion, the Creggs tackles were “of the highest order” while Connemara’s woes were summed up when Malone missed a 20-metre penalty right in front of the posts.

The final whistle was greet-

ed with huge relief from all associated with Creggs Rugby and captain Kieran Dowd lifted the league trophy to spark huge celebrations at the Sportsground, which some say continued for many years back in the village of Creggs!

The team

The Creggs team was: Kieran Dowd (captain), Seamus Meehan, James Gavin, Sean Brandon, Paul Bradley, Ger Dowd (3 penalties), Kieran Canny, Brian Hanley, Niall Coen, Vincent Collins, Kevin O’Rourke, Barry Kilcommins, Robert Ward, Michael Ward, John Joe Kennedy.

FarmingPeople

McConalogue warns against illegal burning of land

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue has this week issued a warning to landowners and members of the public not to carry out any illegal burning of land during spring and summer.

“In recent days, we have witnessed uncontrolled burning events in various parts of the country, which not only puts lives and property at risk, but also has a massive environmental impact and it damages the lands due to the uncontrolled nature of these fires,” he said.

“Given the inherent fire risk in spring, it is important that no one should start an illegal fire in the countryside and give rise to unnecessary diversions of vital emergency service resources”.

The Agriculture Minister said late spring wildfires could put homes and livelihoods at risk and cause considerable disruption to rural communities, wildlife, and habitats.

“The farming community has a central role to play in the control of fire in our landscapes through the management of land,” he continued.

“Reduction and maintenance of high-risk vegetation (such purple moor grass, heather, and gorse/ whin) in high fire risk areas is critical to managing this risk. Some of these key preventative actions in known high risk areas are directly supported and demonstrated through the

ICMSA critical of Hen Harrier payments

The Deputy President of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association has noted that the 2022 payments due to farmers under the Hen Harrier scheme was now headed towards a fourth delay.

Denis Drennan, who also serves as Chair of the association’s Farm and Rural Affairs Committee, said a number of complaints have been received from affected farmers.

He said: “It didn’t bode well for the efforts being made by so many bodies to convince farmers that their efforts at preservation and biodiversity would be recognised and rewarded”.

‘Opportunity to embed Irish beef in Chinese market must be seized’

IFA Livestock Chairman Brendan Golden has said the opportunity presented by the suspension of Brazilian exports to China must now be seized by Irish meat processors and Bord Bia. He was responding to the recent announcement that Brazil has suspended beef exports due to a confirmed case of BSE.

Mr Golden added that the return of Irish beef to the Chinese market must also be reflected immediately in prices to farmers.

Meanwhile, ICSA Beef Chair Edmund Graham has echoed calls for better prices for Irish farmers. “We fought hard to get Irish beef back into the

network of EIP projects funded by my Department.

“We are asking for the cooperation of all countryside users in the prevention of wildfires and to join in the protection of these lands over the coming months”.

The Department has now activated its Fire Danger Rating System for the

season. The Minister has advised forest owners and managers to check and update fire plans and other relevant contingencies including insurance, access, water points, and private helicopter contracts etc., so as to be prepared well in advance of high fire risk phases.

Farmers and landowners are reminded that the exemption for the burning of agricultural green waste closed on March 1st and will reopen for a threemonth period on September 1st to allow the agricultural sector deal with waste accumulated in the interim.

Following a subsequent meeting with the Minister and Food Vision Group, Mr Comiskey said: “IFA made a clear case to Minister McConalogue that support of €30/ewe was needed for the sector. Instead, the Minister went with €12/ ewe, which is way too low given the impact of inflation on the sector,” he said.

“This is the fourth time our members have taken action and sounded the alarm bell in as many weeks. Let this Government and the processors be under no illusion; we will continue our campaign if support is not forthcoming”.

‘Dribble bars a glaring omission from TAMS list’

Chinese market and we have an opportunity now to really make that market count, and count for the primary producers of beef, not just the processors,” he said.

“This must lead to an increase in beef price as current price is not sufficient for winter finishing”.

Sheep farmers bring campaign to Minister

Sheep farmers have now brought their campaign for stronger supports to the Department of Agriculture following a recent protest in Roscommon town.

IFA Sheep Chairman Kevin Comiskey submitted a letter to Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue highlighting the deepening income crisis on sheep farms and setting out the urgent need for direct supports.

IFA Rural Development Chairman Michael Biggins has encouraged farmers considering on-farm investment to review the new TAMS 3 list.

The IFA had campaigned to have some farm upgrades added, including cattle underpasses, farm roadways and fencing.

However, Mr Biggins said the removal of dribble bars from the list “was one of the glaring omissions”.

The Rural Development Chair said “it beggars belief” that Government grant-aided dribble bars for farmers to meet their mandatory obligations using Low Emissions Slurry Spreading (LESS), yet now, as thresholds for using LESS lower, dribble bars are excluded.

He did say, however, that TAMS 3 appears more comprehensive than its predecessor and will lead to a significant increase in demand, which in turn would need to be matched by funding.

FarmingPeople

Reilly& Co.

l Accountancy

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T: 094 9620920 – E: reillyacca@gmail.com

Barrack St., Castlerea, Co. Roscommon

Minister for Agriculture visits Roscommon

Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Charlie McConalogue visited Lough Funshinagh, where he met with local families affected by flooding on Tuesday last before taking part in a public discussion at the Abbey Hotel.

“Minister McConalogue engaged with many local families in the area and commented that seeing the situation first hand gave him a real appreciation of the challenges and hardship faced by local residents.

Abbey Hotel, where there were over 100 people in attendance including local councillors.

TELEPHONE: 094 9620300

Email: info@castlerealivestockmart.com Web: www.castlerealivestockmart.com

THURSDAY WEEKLY:

SALE OF BULLOCKS, HEIFERS, COWS, CALVES, RUNNERS AND WEANLINGS

ALL SALES COMMENCE AT 11 A.M. YARD OPENS AT 7.30 A.M. VIEWING AT 10 A.M. ALL STOCK PRE BOOKED.

MONDAY, 13TH MARCH: BULLOCK SALE RESUMES ON MONDAYS

FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT MART OFFICE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

Castlerea MART WATCH

Larger numbers of stock presented for sale this week with all categories noticing increased lots on offer. Trade and prices remain very strong with a very good attendance of buyers present and exporters, agents, and northern customers anxious for stock.

Bullocks peaked at €2,390 while the heifers reached €2,690. The dry cow trade saw lots top out at €2,500 while in the weanling rings bulls peaked at €3.93 a kilo while the weanling heifers peaked at €4 a kilo, while a top price of the day was achieved for a BBx store heifers weighing 415kgs and she made €2,420 or €5.83 a kilo.

Sucklers made up to €2,350 while the calf ring witnessed a good clearance with prices peaking at €400. Cows with calves at foot made from €1,650 to €2,350. Springers made from €1,090 to €2,000.

Dairy cross calves made from €5 to €55 while AA and Hereford cross calves made from €65 to €360 with continental making up to €400, and runners made from €260 to €910.

Sales continue at Castlerea Mart on Thursday next (March 2nd) with our weekly sale of bullocks, heifers, cows, calves, runners, and weanlings. Monday bullock sale resumes on March 13th.

All sales commence at 11 AM with 3 rings in operation

Sample prices for bullocks: Ch 485kgs €1680, AA

480kgs €1500, Ch 458kgs €1440, Lm 545kgs €1840, Lm 510kgs €1740, Ch 530kgs €1670, AA 590kgs €1980, Lm 560kgs €1880, Ch 620kgs €1970, Lm 605kgs €1960, Ch 755kgs €2390, Ch 735kgs €2290.

Heifers: BBx 415kgs €2420, Ch 370kgs €1380, Ch 335kgs €1300, Lm 390kgs €1270, Lm 490kgs €1560, AA

475kgs €1550, Lm 840kgs €2690, Ch 680kgs €2450, Lm

565kgs €2080, AA 675kgs €2060, AA 680kgs €1950.

Dry cows: Lm 850kgs €2500, Six 875kgs €2470, Lm

700kgs €2170, AA 755kgs €1990, Hex 800kgs €1960, Fr

740kgs €1630, Fr 645kgs €1360, Fr 445kgs €780.

Weanling bulls: Chx 295kgs €1160, Lm 295kgs €1080, AA 275kgs €1030, Ch 295kgs €980, Lm 420kgs €1420, Ch 340kgs €1350, Lm 425kgs €1370, Lm 395kgs €1400, Lm 400kgs €1420.

Weanling heifers: Ch 295kgs €1180, Ch 290kgs €1060, Lm 290kgs €1000, Ch 375kgs €1300, Ch 315kgs €1260, Lm 325kgs €1180, Lm 410kgs €1210, BBx 280kgs €840, AA 375kgs €1050.

Expressing his satisfaction with the Minister’s visit, Senator Eugene Murphy said: “I was delighted to accompany the Minister to Rahara where he was shown the devastation caused to farmland by the flooding associated with Lough Funshinagh.

“The local people had an opportunity to express their frustration at the recent court decision that prevented planned remedial works taking place”.

Later on Tuesday evening, Minister McConalogue took part in a wider public discussion at the

“This type of local engagement with senior politicians is vital for progress in our county and is something that I have sought and encouraged over the lifetime of this Government as Spokesperson on Community and Rural Affairs,” Senator Murphy said.

“I look forward to hosting similar events with other colleagues in the coming months”.

Roscommon MART WATCH

There was a large entry of stock on offer at last Friday’s special heifer sale with a very strong trade for all classes. Bullocks fetched from an average of €3.12 per kilo up to €3.90 per kilo. Dry cows made an average of €2.57 per kilo up to €3.22 per kilo. There was a good attendance of customers at the ringside with online bidders also active.

There was a large entry of topquality weanlings on offer at our show and sale held on Tuesday evening last with a strong trade for both bulls and heifers.

Bull weanlings fetched from an average of €3.13 per kilo up to €4.29 per kilo, while heifer weanlings made from an average of €3.26 per kilo up to €8.56. There was a very good attendance of customers ringside with online

buyers also active.

We had a smaller number of sheep on offer at our weekly sale of lambs and cast ewes. Prices for finished hoggets peaked at €150. The tops for stag ewes fetched €198.

Please note all sheep must be tagged with a full yellow EID Tag set. The next sale of lambs and cast ewes is Wednesday next (March 8th) at 11 am. Yard opens at 8 am and all stock must be penned by 10 am. The sale can be viewed live on www.livestock-live.com.

Sample prices for dry cows: Char X 580kgs €1870, Lim X 885kgs €2740, Char X 875kgs €2690, BBX 820kgs €2340, Lim X 795kgs €2280, Lim X 705kgs €2100, Lim X 765kgs €2100, Lim X 695kgs €2000, Lim X 705kgs €2000, Char X 740kgs €2080,

Lim X 675kgs €1950, Char X 640kgs €1780.

Bullocks: Lim X 575kgs €2240, Char X 645kgs €2480, AAX 795kgs €2500, Char X 655kgs

€2420, Lim X 665kgs €2550, Lim X 650kgs €2360, Char X 630kgs €2380, Char X 670kgs

€2420, Char X 605kgs €2180, Char X 585kgs €2150, Lim X 625kgs €2180, Lim X 600kgs

€2180, Char X 615kgs €2140, Lim X 575kgs €2100, Char X 570kgs €2080, Lim X 595kgs

€1970, Char 570kgs €1980, Char X 560kgs €1940, Char X 545kgs

€1900, Char X 515kgs €1820, Char X 485kgs €1780, Char X 535kgs €1840.

Weanling heifers: BBX 425kgs

€3640 - €8.56 per kilo, BBX 445 kgs €1830 - €4.11 per kilo, Char X 470kgs €1960 - €4.17 per kilo,

Lim X 395 kgs €1780 - €4.51 per kilo, BBX 390kgs €1450 - €3.72 per kilo, Char X 350kgs €1390€3.97 per kilo, Char X 275kgs €1190 - €4.33 per kilo, Char X 210kgs €810 - €3.86 per kilo.

Weanling bulls: BBX 485kgs €2080 - €4.29 per kilo, Lim X 330kgs €1310 - €3.97 per kilo, Char X 375kgs €1460 - €3.89 per kilo, Char X 315kgs €1340 - €4.25 per kilo, Char X 315kgs €1330 - €4.22 per kilo, Char X 295kgs €1120 - €3.80 per kilo, Lim X 465kgs €1600 - €3.44 per kilo, Char X 270kgs €1110 - €4.11 per kilo.

Finished hoggets: 51.6kgs €150, 53.5kgs €150, 57.8kgs €148, 58.3kgs €148, 53kgs €148, 49.1kgs €145, 51.4kgs €145, 49.9kgs €144, 40kgs €100, 38kgs €86.

Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice, Senator Eugene Murphy, Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Charlie McConalogue, Padraig Burke, and Senator Neil Blaney pictured at the Working for Rural Ireland event in the Abbey Hotel on Tuesday evening. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Working for Rural Ireland event in the Abbey Hotel on Tuesday evening were Cllr. John Keogh, Seamus Kelly, Sean Mahon and Laurence Kelly. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Pictured at the Working for Rural Ireland event in the Abbey Hotel on Tuesday evening were David and Eimear Hunt. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Rachel Trimble and Caroline Kedian pictured at the Working for Rural Ireland event in the Abbey Hotel on Tuesday evening. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Alexander Lopez and Tom Hogan pictured at the Working for Rural Ireland event in the Abbey Hotel on Tuesday evening. Pic: Michelle Hughes Walsh

Bookings accepted until Thursday, 9th March at 5 p.m.

Councils launch Athlone economic strategy

A new economic strategy for Athlone has been launched by Roscommon and Westmeath County Councils. The strategy, jointly commissioned by both local authorities and prepared by consultancy firm Grant Thornton, is a blueprint for the economic development of the Midland’A biggest town.

Athlone has been designated as a Regional Growth Centre by the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Eastern and Midlands Regional Assembly Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (EMRARSES).

The economic strategy is one of the measures that will inform Westmeath and Roscommon County Council’s preparation of

the forthcoming a statutory joint plan for the future development of Athlone.

The ambitious strategy aims to capitalise on Athlone’s central location by creating a unique destination capable of attracting high quality talent, investors, businesses and tourists to the town. The plan will be overseen by an Implementation Advisory Group being set up specifically to oversee the economic strategy for Athlone.

The strategy will also provide a focus on promoting increased employment and enterprise opportunities in Athlone and its hinterland as part of the future development of the Regional Centre. The economic strategy was pre-

sented by Mary Grier, Senior Planner, Roscommon County Council and Cathaldus Hartin, Senior Planner, Westmeath County Council.

The launch which took place in Athlone Civic Offices recently was attended on behalf of Roscommon County Council by Cllr. John Naughten, Cathaoirleach, Athlone Municipal District, Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive and Greg O’Donnell, Director of Services of Roscommon County Council.

Representing Westmeath County Council were Cllr. Vinny McCormack, Mayor of the Athlone – Moate, Municipal District; Pat Gallagher, Chief Executive Westmeath County Council and Barry Kehoe, Director of Services also

with Westmeath County Council; Councillors and key stakeholders in both counties.

Speaking at the event, Cllr. McCormack remarked: “I am delighted to see the cooperation of both Councils in commissioning this strategy, which will be a valuable tool in guiding the future economic development of the regional centre of Athlone over the next 20 years”. Meanwhile, speaking at the conclusion of the event, Cllr. John Naughten commented: “This strategy has been eagerly awaited and will enable Athlone to further develop its potential as a regional economic centre, a vibrant community and an attractive place to work and live”.

AUTUMN

Friday

Thursday 29th Sep. at 12.00 noon

Sale of Store and Fat Lambs, Breeding Ewes and Rams

The Western Development Commission (WDC) has this week launched a new report titled ‘A Sustainability Mobility Index for Rural Towns in Ireland’s Western Region’.

Four towns in County Roscommon were included in the research: Roscommon town, Ballaghaderreen, Boyle, and Castlerea.

The Sustainable Mobility Index (SMI), developed by Dr Helen McHenry, is the first of its kind for rural Ireland and was developed to improve our understanding of the mobility needs of people living in towns and how this can be aligned with policy developments and changes.

‘Unemployment figures are encouraging’

The Chief Economist at Grant Thornton Ireland has described the unemployment figures for February, published this week by the CSO, as “encouraging”. Commenting on the latest numbers, Andrew Webb said: “The unemployment numbers provide yet more encouragement that the economy is weathering the challenges presented by inflation and doesn’t appear impacted by the tech jobs slowdown “The number of unem-

ployed people is now down to 116,500. Could this positive run continue to bring the number below 100,000, a figure last achieved in 2005? Economic headwinds suggest not, but I wouldn’t bet against it”.

New car registrations up 9.9%

According to the latest figures released by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), new car registrations for the year are up 9.4 per cent compared to this time last year.

Light commercial vehicles are up 12.8 per cent while HGVs are up 45.9 per cent.

So far this year, 5,893 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 4,311 over the same period 2022.

Electric Vehicle and Plugin Hybrids and Hybrids continue to increase their market share, with a combined market share now of 41 per cent. Internal combustion engine type vehicles remain dominant with petrol accounting for 32.48 per cent, Diesel 23.32 per cent, Hybrid 19.16 per cent, Electric 14.56 per cent and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 7.59 per cent.

Report: 63% of employers plan to hire in first half of 2023

Irish recruitment company, Morgan McKinley, has this week published its 2023 Irish Salary Guide, described as “Ireland’s most comprehensive analysis” of current pay across a range of professions and sectors.

Among the key findings was that 63 per cent of employers plan to hire permanent contract or temporary employees in the first half of this year.

Meanwhile, the report also found that five in ten employees plan on looking for a new job in the first half of 2023 while 57 per cent think they will receive a salary increase this year.

Pictured at the launch of the economic strategy for Athlone recently were Pat Gallagher, Chief Executive, Westmeath County Council; Cllr. Emer Kelly; Cllr. John Keogh; Cllr. John Naughten, Cathaoirleach, Athlone Municipal District; Cllr. Vinny McCormack, Mayor, Athlone-Moate Municipal District; Cllr. Aengus O’Rourke, Cathaoirleach, Westmeath County Council; Shane Tiernan, Chief Executive, Roscommon County Council; and Cllr. Louise Heavin, Athlone-Moate Municipal District, Westmeath County Council.

Civil War in the region 100 years ago

By the spring of 1923, the Civil War had been going on for eight months and the Republican resistance to the treaty was slowly being overcome. The Free State military were gaining the upperhand throughout the country as the conflict had developed into a guerrilla-type campaign. Despite the fact that the anti-treaty opposition was depleted, the Free State continued pursuing the war with relentless brutality. Known Republican activists were being hunted down and either killed or arrested. In the northwest, Republicans had mounted a serious challenge to General Seán Mac Eoin’s forces and succeeded in capturing his armoured car, ‘The Ballinalee’. However, the car had to be abandoned later near Benbulben when pro-treaty troops were surrounding the area.

Subsequent to the encirclement, which happened in September 1922, four prisoners were captured on the mountain by pro-treaty troops. After the capture, the officers commanding the troops, Captain Charles McGoohan, Leitrim and a Captain Sexton from Longford, had a discussion among themselves regarding the captured men. A decision was taken there and then to execute the four prisoners. When some of the soldiers were asked to form a firing squad, they voiced their opposition to the demand. McGoohan told them it didn’t matter as he would do it himself with a Lewis machine gun. The main body of troops were ordered to move away a distance and the four men were then machine-gunned to death on the mountainside.

Later that day, two more prisoners were captured at another location on the mountain and they were also shot dead. The six executed prisoners became

known as ‘Sligo’s Noble Six’. Their names were: Seamus Devins, a brigadier in the 3rd Western Division, IRA (he was also a TD for the constituency of Sligo/Mayo East); Brian McNeill, son of Eoin McNeill, who was a member of the Free State government; Patrick Carroll and Joseph Banks; Harry Benson and Thomas Langan.

This style of summary execution was repeated many times by government forces throughout the country in the last months of the civil war in 1923.

In Arigna, an active service unit drawn from the area had been active against the treaty forces in the north Roscommon/ Leitrim/west Cavan area earlier in the conflict and it was in this region that some brutal acts were carried out by government troops. On February 27th, 1923, a centenary ago this week, one of the most harrowing events took place during the Civil War in north Roscommon.

Two members of the active service unit, Seamus Cull and Paddy Tymon, had been involved in confrontations with Free State forces in the border region of Cavan and Fermanagh and it was here that Seamus Cull’s brother, Michael, lost his life in January 1923. Seamus Cull and Paddy Tymon had returned to the Arigna district to get some rest and respite in February of that year. They retired to a secret dugout deep in the hills northwest of the village, close to the Arigna River, which flows through the valley that lies between the Corry and Kilronan mountains.

Free State troops were combing out the region, hunting down the Republican resistance, when they came upon the hideout. Knowing there were men inside who refused to come out and

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NEW TO THE MARKET Rooskey, Bealnamulla, Athlone, Co. Roscommon

N37 C2N9

Seamus Cull

surrender, one of the soldiers threw a Mill’s hand grenade into the entrance of the dugout. A Mill’s hand grenade was a British make that was used in WWI.

It contained over a pound weight of explosive enclosed in a castiron casing and was designed to fragment on detonation. Therefore, the resulting explosion in the enclosed space of the dugout would cause multiple shrapnel wounds to anyone in close proximity to the blast. The explosion of the grenade which was heard all over the Arigna valley killed the two men instantly.

The badly disfigured corpses of the dead volunteers were retrieved later from the dugout; they were placed on a rail wagon, part of the Leitrim/ Cavan narrow gauge rail line that ran through the valley and transported to the village. The remains of the two were laid out in repose in the Arigna village hall that night and their burial took place the next day in the local cemetery.

Adding to the tragedy of the two deaths coming so close after the death of Michael Cull (Seamus’s brother), was the poignancy of the fact that the coffins for the two men were made by the Tymon family, who were coffin manufacturers in the locality and whose son had died in the explosion. Seamus Cull was aged 24 years and Paddy Tymon was just 22 years old at the time of their deaths. Today, a limestone memorial honouring the Cull brothers and Paddy Tymon stands on the hillside overlooking the Arigna River valley where the tragedy took place. More articles later, An Staraí Áitiuil

Charming 3-bedroom bungalow presented for sale in excellent condition set in a quiet countryside location just 7 minutes’ drive to Athlone town centre.

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NEW TO THE MARKET

Residential farm – 3 bedroom cottage on c. 11.82 acres

Erriff, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

Traditional 3 bedroom bungalow in need of refurbishment situated in a quiet countryside setting circa 2 miles from Ballyhaunis Town and approx. 5 miles to Knock village. The cottage sits on c 11.82 acres with benefit of PVC double glaze windows and doors, mains water supply and septic tank. This property will qualify for the vacant property refurbishment grant. Immediate enquiries to sole selling agent Oates Auctioneers Ltd.

Price Region: €150,000 Ber Rating G

NEW TO THE MARKET 1 Cnoc Na Gaoithe, Lanesborough, Co. Longford

N39 PY22

Luxury 4 bedroom detached property with the benefit of luxury self-contained 2 bedroom log cabin located in rear garden. Situated on an elevated site with excellent view over the surrounding countryside, this impressive property comprises entrance hallway, sitting room, living room, open plan kitchen/ dining room with utility and guest toilet off. First floor, 4 large bedrooms all with built in wardrobes (master ensuite) and family bathroom. There is a fully serviced attached garage with cobble lock drive and mature gardens.

Viewing is recommended by the sole selling agents.

Price Region: € 270,000 BER Rating: D1

Church Street, Roscommon Town, CO.

Patrick Tymon

PropertyPeople

Sean Naughton MIPAV

COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS, AUCTIONEERS, VALUERS, ESTATE AGENTS

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE

TREATY

Ballyleague Co. Roscommon & Barnacor Lanesborough Co. Longford

Sean Naughton Auctioneers is delighted to be able to bring to the market these exceptional prime development lands adjacent to the River Shannon in Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon and Lanesborough, Co. Longford. It is rare that such prime lands come to the market in this much sought after location. This is a great opportunity for Builders/Developers to acquire such lands especially with the shortage of houses across the country at this moment in time.

Copies of Maps on Request

TO LET (11 MONTHS): CIRCA 30 ACRES AT Ballinderry, Four Mile House, Co. Roscommon

Circa 30 acres of good quality land for letting at

Clooneygrasson, Ballymoe,

bedroomed residence set on C.2 acres at Clooneygrasson, Ballymoe, Co. Roscommon.

Located on

Ballyleague

For further information and price please contact the undersigned.

Offers now been accepted

Accommodation comprises of two bedrooms, kitchen/dining room, sitting room, bathroom/toilet and OFCH. Property is in need of complete renovation. (Grants Available)

When it comes to selling property there is no substitute for experience. If you are thinking of Selling, Buying, Renting or need a Valuation contact Sean Naughton for Best Prices, Best Rates and Complete Privacy Guaranteed. Sean can be contacted at any of the above details.

For further details on any of the above please contact Sean Naughton Auctioneers on 090 6625080/6625864, Mob: 087 2479486 or email seannaughton@eircom.net

Charming Old School House new to the market

This week, Oates Auctioneers have new to the market this charming three-bedroomed residence situated at Cloontogher (F42 FE42) in the picturesque village of Kilteevan, adjacent to the local school, church, pub, and GAA pitch.

Lanesboro service station new to the market with RE/MAX Team Earley

This week, Cathal Meares of RE/MAX Team Earley is pleased to present to market a most attractive filling station/retail unit with a two-bedroomed residence, all standing on approxi-

mately 0.74 of an acre, and superbly located beside Lanesboro town near all amenities.

The shop (approximately 1,000 square feet) is well appointed with modern

equipment and facilities, and the two-bedroomed residence offers an overall area of approximately 700 square feet and is in excellent condition throughout. Externally, the property

is serviced by a substantial forecourt with canopy, two fuel banks, a car wash area, gas and fuel cage, fuel bunker, secure storage shed with cold room and a substantial lock up yard surrounded by palisade fencing.

This property is situated on the main N63 Roscommon/ Longford route and is only 1 km from the town centre. The BER rating is E1 and the auctioneer highly recommends viewing of this ready-to-go property.

For further details or to arrange an appointment to view, please contact RE/MAX Team Earley, Stonecourt, Roscommon, on 090-6626579, email teamearley@remax.ie, or log onto teamearley.ie. Contact auctioneer Cathal directly on 086-1409158.

The Old School House comprises a Victorian style

residence which has been tastefully renovated and modernised by its present owners.

The property lies on approximately 0.5 acres of manicured grounds with large fully serviced work sheds to the rear. Roscommon town is just three miles away and Athlone Town

a 20-minute drive. This property offers a real sense of old world charm and viewing is a must. Price

Region: €230,000. BER

Rating: E1. For more information or to arrange a viewing, contact Oates Auctioneers on 0906627878, email info@oates.ie or visit www. oates.ie.

PropertyPeople

Over 12,300 premises in Roscommon now covered by high-speed broadband

Eir, Ireland’s largest telecommunications provider, has announced it has passed a record one million homes and businesses across Ireland with its new high-speed fibre-to-thehome (FFTH) network.

The announcement was made at an industry event this week at The Exo, which was attended by Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan, eir CEO Oliver Loomes, and David McRedmond, eir chairman.

In Roscommon, the roll-out programme is already 65 per cent complete, giving local communities and businesses access to internet speeds of up to 10gbps, roughly 100 times faster than the average connection.

eir has committed to rolling out its Gigabit Broadband network to 1.9 million front doors, or 84 per cent of homes and businesses in Ireland, by the end of 2026.

The project, it says, will be

completed two years ahead of the Government’s target to achieve nationwide high-speed broadband coverage of speeds in excess of 1,000 MB per second.

It is expected that National Broadband Ireland, which is also rolling out at speed, will deliver fibre connections to the remaining 16 per cent of premises in the country by 2028, resulting in total fibre coverage before the end of the decade.

PROPERTY 54

PROPERTY 54

MICHAELJ. O’ROURKE AUCTIONEER &VALUER

Creggs,Co.RoscommonF42C985

Email:Michaeljoroarke59@gmail.com

AUCTIONEER &VALUER

Phone 087 2242329 Creggs, Co. Roscommon F42C985 Email: Michaeljoroarke59@gmail.com • Mobile: 087 2242329 Licence number 003996

HOUSE &OLDSHOPUNIT ON C.3 ACRESFOR SALE AtCorgar ve,Glinsk,Castlerea.

HOUSE &OLDSHOPUNIT ON C.3 AtCorgar ve,Glinsk,Castlerea.

FIRST TIME LEASE: 5-6 YEAR TERM

70 acres of land at

Residencecontains3 bedrooms,sittingroom, livingroom,kitchen, rear &fronthall&toilet/ shower.Shopunithas beenclosedfor anumberof yearsandcontains originalcounterand shelving.

berof

BALLINCURRY, GLINSK, BALLYMOE

berof yearsandcontains originalcounterand shelving.

LANDFOR SALE: LARGEDEVELOPMENTSITE

LANDFOR SALE: LA

All in one unit to include Entitlements, 2 Slatted Houses and 1 Dry Shed

FIRST TIME LEASE: 5-6 YEAR TERM

ContainingC5.64acres 9milesfromRoscommonand23miles fromAthlone. C3.3acresatBallymacfarrane,Oran.

COTTAGEFOR SALE:

COTTAGEFOR SALE:

2bedroomcottageatGarraunNorth,Creggssuitatednearthevillage ofCreggs.

80 acres of land at CREGGS

SITEFOR SALE:

SITEFOR SALE:

FARMFOR

Circa30.6acresatKilmore,Ballygar Ballygar.Goodland &wellfencedincludingoutbuildingsof boxes,largeshedandsmallha

FARMFOR

LargecornersiteinthevillageofMoyloughin awellmaintained smallestate.

&Circa3.84acresatAghrane, Ballygar.Goodland &wellfencedincludingoutbuildingsof

LargecornersiteinthevillageofMoyloughin

Land in 3 divisions to include Entitlements, Slatted House and Hay Shed.

smallestate.

LANDFOR SALE:

C24.32acresatLisduff,Creggs.Landdividedin localfarmertoaddtoexistingholding.

LANDFOR SALE:

boxes,largeshedandsmallhayshed. LargecornersiteinthevillageofMoyloughin awellmaintained smallestate.

LANDFOR

C.11.6acresatGortnadeeveEast,Creggs.SuitatedonmainCreggs/ Glenamaddyroad.Goodlandallinoneunit.

C.11.6acresatGortnadeeveEast,Creggs.SuitatedonmainCreggs/

C6acresatKilbegnetCreggs.Goodqualitylandonmain

Pictured at the announcement that eir, has passed a record one million homes and businesses across Ireland with its new high-speed fibre-to-the-home network are Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eavann Murphy, MD of open eir Wholesale and Oliver Loomes, eir CEO. Pic: Chris Bellew/ Fennells

ACCOUNTS

McGOWAN ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES CPA

Catering for:

• Individuals

• Sole Traders, Partnerships

• VAT, RCT, PAYE/PRSI, Financial Control, Completion of annual tax returns

First consultation FREE, can meet clients outside office hours

Provides training for start your own business and basic computers and accounting.

Also training in Thesaurus accounting products

‘YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS’

Contact Nuala 090 66 25818 086 0352849

Email: mcgacco@gmail.com

Web: www.mcgowanaccounting.com

ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS

< ALCOHOLICS ANONY -

MOUS: Roscommon Town Group, Castle Street, Roscommon. Eir Code: F42 RP21 (1st Floor). Meet-

ings: Tuesday 8pm to 9pm, Wednesday 1pm to 2pm, Thursday 8pm to 9pm, Friday 8pm to 9pm, Saturday 8pm to 9pm, Sunday 12 noon to 1.pm.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CHIMNEY CLEANING

CONNAUGHT

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Chimneys Power Sweep ( no mess)

- Openfire - Stoves - Ranges

Chimney CCTV Inspection

OIL BOILERS SERVICED

Burners Repaired

CARPETS CLEANING

Satellite and Digital TV Installation

All areas covered

Mob: 086 2495851

www.connaughtchimney cleaning.com

Creighton

Chimney Cleaning

Fireplaces, Stoves, Ranges etc.

Modern Rotary Chimney Cleaning equipment used from the bottom up. Much cleaner than brushes, CCTV check if required.

Areas covered: Castlerea, Strokestown, Elphin, Castleplunkett, Tulsk, Lanesboro, Roscommon Town, Killashee, Carrickon-Shannon, Scramogue, Rooskey, Kenagh, Tarmonbarry, Ballymahon and all surrounding areas. No climbing on roofs, tiles or slates, no mess, no fuss.

Fully Registered. Call Dave on 085 8888833

CHIROPRACTOR

Kathleen’s Mobile

Footcare

Professional and friendly footcare in the comfort of your own home.

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

and vacuum technology for cleaning chimneys, stoves, ranges and open fires

• Removes up to 50% more than traditional methods

CCTV CAMERA INSPECTIONS

• Firebacks replaced and flues repaired

• Can be cleaned from the bottom up

• Chimney cowls and crow guards fitted Power washing and gutter cleaning services.

Telephone: 087 2798704

l Renovations

l Chimney CCTV Inspections

l Chimney Repair

- Insurance Claims

Strokestown, Co. Roscommon 087 9268424

stephenrockcasey@ gmail.com

FARMING

< FOR SALE: Excellent quality square bales of hay, delivered in lots to suit. Ideal hay for sheep and calves. Call Tom: 086 2628439

< FOR SALE: Round bales of silage, good loading space, Roscommon Town. Call: 086 2601438

BOOM SPRAYER TESTING SERVICE

• Sprayers tested on owners premises

• Test report & D.A.F.M. stickers provided.

• Small stock of parts available and can be fitted on sprayers

All sprayers tested in 2016/2017 are now due re-test

Contact: Thomas Neilan on 087 2395171 or 090 6663069

e-mail: thomasneilan4@ gmail.com

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

FOR SALE

< FOR SALE: 80 silage bales, Athleague area. Contact Edward: 086 8795782

FENCING/GATES

Des Kelly Fencing

GARDENING

JOE HEALY Tree Services

• Hedge Cutting

• Dangerous Tree Removal

• Wood Chipping

• Fully Insured

Phone: 087 2721193

GARDENING

GARDENING

• 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

Tommy’s Trees & Hedging

FOR SALE

We supply all types of trees and hedging, Laurel, Beech, Whitethorn, Oak, Elder Birch, Dog Rose, Gelder Rose, Crab Apple, Wild Cherry and Holly.

Suitable for ACRES & GLAS Scheme and REPS Scheme. Can be delivered Card payment accepted.

Phone: 087 4177148

GARDENING

Mop & Mow

Ballaghaderreen Garden & Property Services

l Grasscutting

l Strimming/ Brushcutting

l Hedge cutting

l Weeding/spraying

l Light chainsaw work

l Cleaning

l Pressure washing

Husband and wife team offering the help you need at a price you can afford

Email:

mopandmow@ icloud.com

Telephone:

085 868 4169

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

MM Equipment Services intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for Planning Permission to carry out alterations/ extend a dwelling house and to construct all ancillary site works to facilitate same at Castlesampson, Bellanamullia, Athlone, 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: MM Equipment Services.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I Keelan Daly intend to apply to Roscommon County Council for planning permission to construct 3 Bay Slatted shed with creep and associated site works at Clarary Td. Creagh, Ballinasloe, 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: Keelan Daly

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Planning permission is sought for retention of development consisting of amendments to the existing garage/storage building approved under Planning Ref: 04/262. Amendments include: (i) minor adjustments to the positioning of the garage on the site; (ii) ground floor area increased by 8 sq.m; (iii) first floor level attic storage space with 2 roof windows retained (29 sq.m); (iv) minor external elevational alterations retained; (v) increase in roof height retained; (vi) screen wall to west side of garage retained; all at New Park, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon, N37 D729 for Ken Fennell and Mark Degnan Joint Receivers over Certain Assets of Francis O’Hagan. 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.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Francis Grenham intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for revised site layout plan and to relocate dwelling and garages and adjustment to location of percolation area to that granted planning permission under planning Ref P&D 22/13 at Cornafulla, Athlone, 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, Fiona O’Byrne and Noel McGowan, intend to apply for Permission for the following (a) the demolition of a conservatory annex to the side of an existing dwelling house (b) to carry out internal renovations and elevational changes to the existing dwelling house together with the construction of extensions to the front, side and rear of the existing dwelling (c) along with all other associated site works. At Cloonshannagh Townland, Roosky, 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 submissions or observations will be considered by the 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:

Murtagh Engineering

Chartered Consulting Engineers, Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon.

Ph: (086) 3490965 www.mbeprojects.com

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Uisce Éireann intend to apply for full planning permission for the construction of an additional stormwater holding tank and kiosk, including all associated site development works, at the existing Uisce Éireann terminal pumping station, and an adjacent area to the north of the existing site in Ballaghaderreen, 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 Roscommon County Council, Planning Office, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, County Roscommon, F42 VR98, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to Roscommon County Council, Planning Office, Áras an Chontae, Roscommon, County Roscommon, F42 VR98 in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed:

Uisce Éireann, Colvill House, 24-26 Talbot St, Mountjoy, Dublin 1.

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

I, Dawid Zawadzki, intend applying to Roscommon County Council for Permission for modifications to the existing dwelling house including the provision of a new roof with first floor accommodation and elevational changes with all associated site development works at Cootehall Td, Cootehall, Boyle, Co. Roscommon F52 DY02

This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing, on payment of the prescribed fee within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the application by the planning authority.

Signed: Michael Hennessy Advanced Planning & Design Services Ltd, 15A North West Business & Technology Park, Castlecarra Road, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim Tel: 086 1701549

PLANNINGS

ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL

Tullys PLANNINGS

I, Frank Wall, intend to make application to Roscommon County Council for planning permission for change of house design from that previously granted permission under planning reference PD/20/562, and all ancillary works at Mount Prospect Lodge, Ardsallaghbeg, Golf Links Road, Roscommon, Co.

Roscommon

Signed:

MoleskinArchitecture

Mote Park, Roscommon

P: 086 3482387

E: info@moleskinarchitecture.com

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

PROPERTIES

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

PHYSICAL

Podiatrist/Chiropodist

Sarah Fleming

CB.Sc (Hons) Podiatry MScPI

Sarah will be in Tullys Totalhealth Pharmacy, Castlerea on Monday and Friday and Boyle Totalhealth Pharmacy on Tuesdays.

l HSE Trained and Approved l Home visits available

For any of your foot issues call: 094 9620009

For all foot ailments Corns, calluses, ingrown toenails, verruca, orthotics, diabetic assessments and treatment.

PLANT HIRE

CLEANING

All types of HOME IMPROVEMENTS

l

l

l

l All major ground works, driveway insulation, footpaths & tarmacadum

l Plastering & Skimming

l Patio Services & Powerwashing

GARDENING

www.westsidegardening.ie

GARDENING: Lawns mowed and seeded, Leylandi and Laurel Hedge Cut and Shaped, Tree Felling, Fencing, Posts and Panels, Decorative Stone, Bark Mulch, Power Washing and Waste Removal.

CONCRETE: Kerbing, Paving, Patios, Concrete Slabs and Base, Stone Walls and Plastering

Sheds, Gates, Cattle Crushes and Pens, all Welding repairs available C2 Registered & Insured. Free Quotations

HEATING

JJ Heating

Oil Boiler Service and Repair

All Brands Covered including:

• Grant

• Firebird

• Warmflow Call John 0879259734

ROOFING

l Gutters/Facia & Soffitts

l Painting & Decorating

l All major ground works, driveway insulation, footpaths & tarmacadum

l Plastering & Skimming

work

Mobile: 086 8874576

Appointments

CAISLEÁN ÓIR, CHILDCARE, FULL DAY CARE, PRE-SCHOOL

AND AFTERSCHOOL

GLINSK COMMUNITY CHILDCARE CENTRE, GLINSK, VIA CASTLEREA, CO GALWAY 094 9655885 EMAIL glinskchildcare@gmail.com F45 PX24

Caisleán Óir, Glinsk Community Childcare is currently seeking an Assistant Manager for our créche

Assistant Manager - Full-Time Post

Reporting to the Crèche Manager, the successful candidate will form part of a team which provides childcare, pre-school and after-school services to the children that attend our centre. We operate from a modern, purpose-built community crèche in Glinsk Village. We pride ourselves on offering a children first best practice centre with a welcoming atmosphere. We provide both children and staff with a happy ‘home from home’ environment, full of adventure, love, and education. The Assistant Manager will have responsibility for sharing the management duties, including the day to day running of the crèche, and to lead and inspire the staff team with best practice standards. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly driven, experienced, motivated individual, with a successful track record within the childcare sector.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary

• Support for further education and continuous professional development

• Childcare support

Qualifications and Skills

– Candidates must have the following:

• A minimum of QQI Level 6 in Childcare or equivalent.

• A minimum of 5 years in the childcare field.

• 2 years in a supervisory role within Childcare.

• A strong passion for the needs and development of the individual child.

• Garda vetting clearance (if successful)

• 2 validated references

• First Aid, Manual Handling and Child Protection is an advantage

Key Responsibilities of the Position:

• To support the Manager and the staff to work in accordance with the policies and procedures of the service and to always ensure best practices within the centre.

• To deputise for the manager in their absence.

• I.T. Skills (PIP & HIVE /NCS portal knowledge an advantage).

• Familiarise, maintain, and update all mandatory regulations as set out by Tusla.

• Ability to take responsibility to put in to affect all company policies, procedures, health, and safety/risk assessment as stipulated in the Childcare Regulations 2006. Help to maintain and update children’s records, financial records, staff records, and history of events of note such as accident and injury, illness, visits, and the signing in and out of children, staff and parents.

• Demonstrate effective People and Business Management skills with the confidence and skills to cover all business aspects of the role.

• Ensure the health and safety of the children and staff in our centre are always met.

• Promote and maintain positive relationships with all staff and families.

• Motivate and support the staff team.

• Display kindness, warmth, and responsiveness to the needs of children and parents.

• Be prompt and timely.

• Ensure rooms are kept clean and organised.

• Flexible and willing to substitute when required.

• Work as part of a team.

• Perform any other reasonable duties that may be assigned from time to time.

2 Early Years Educators

– Full-Time Posts

If you are looking for work in Childcare we would love to hear from you

Please email with a letter of application and C.V. to the Manager glinskchildcare@gmail.com by 5pm, Friday, March 13th, 2023

Glinsk Community Childcare Centre is an equal opportunities employer

SHANNON LODGE NURSING HOME

Rooskey, Co. Roscommon

We require the following staff: EXPERIENCED STAFF NURSE

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANTS

Fetac Level 5 – Care of the elderly.

• Premium for Sundays and Bank Holidays.

• Free meals, tea and coffee.

• Paid lunch breaks.

• Pension Scheme facilitated.

• Cycle to work scheme available

Applications, including CVs can be emailed to: shannonlodgenh@gmail.com

Garda vetting and references will be required.

Electrician

Required for Electrical work with local company

l Must have Safe Pass and Manual Handling

l Must be able to work on own initiative

Please apply to: PO Box No 3069 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

SITUATIONS WANTED

< PERSON REQUIRED: To spray fitted kitchen, Ballaghaderreen, Roscommon Tel: 087 1684580

< LADY AVAILABLE: Reliable and honest person looking for housekeeping duties. Reference available. Contact Margaret on: 089 2377157

SITUATIONS VACANT

< keep older person company for some time day time or night time, Carrick on Shannon area.

No 3068 c/o Roscommon People, Abbey Street, Roscommon

< PART-TIME BAR STAFF: Required for weekends only, experience required but not essential. Please apply with CV to: doorly196@gmail.com

< EXPERIENCED CHILDCARE PRO-

FESSIONAL: Wanted to look after three children (two school-going) Monday to Friday in their own home. Excellent pay and benefits on offer, including a car and fuel. Must have full, clean drivers licence and be trained in first aid. Ballyhaunis / Castlerea area. Contact Sarah on (087) 9459052.

McMANUS

Evelyn

Athlone Road, Roscommon Town

Who passed away on the 1st March 2014 (9th Anniversary)

CONNAUGHTON Thomas

Sandfield, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon (8th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Thomas who passed away on the 13th February 2015

KEEGAN Bridie

Muff, Castlecoote, Roscommon (25th Anniversary)

NEARY

Willie & Una Grange, Four Mile House.

(5th Anniversary) (28th Anniversary)

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.

Always treasured with love by her husband, Noel, daughters Deirdre, Rebecca and Judith.

Nonpareil. N.

Will those who think of Thomas today, a little prayer to Jesus say.

Forever in our hearts. Sadly missed by his brothers, sisters, brother-inlaw, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 4th March at 7pm.

GANNON

Stephen Carnagh, Kiltoom

Athlone, Co. Roscommon. (12th Anniversary)

In loving memory of our dear Aunt Bridie who passed away on 6th March 1998

Our hearts are full of memories, with pride we speak your name. Although life goes on without you, it will never be the same. Those special days will not return, when we were all together, but with love and memories in our hearts, you will walk with us forever.

Sadly missed by her nephews Canon Joe, Kevin, niece Moria, niece-in-law Bernie, nephew-in-law Christy and grandnieces and grandnephews.

Anniversary Mass will be held on Sunday, 5th March at 11.30 am in the Church of the Assumption, Castlecoote.

MANNION

In loving memory of our dear parents Una who died on 6th March, 2018 and Willie who died on 15th June 1995

We hold you close within our hearts, and there you shall remain. To walk with us throughout our lives, until we meet again. So Rest in Peace dear loved ones, and thanks for all you’ve done. May God grant you the place, you have truly won. Always remembered and sadly missed by their loving family. Anniversary Mass will be held in St. Brigid’s Church, Four Mile House on Sunday, 2nd April at 11am.

FINAN

Thomas

(1st Anniversary)

In loving memory of Thomas Finan, Brenamore, Loughglynn, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon who died on 24th February, 2022 R.I.P.

HEGARTY

Johnnie

Glinsk, Castlerea, Co. Galway (7th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Johnnie who passed away on the 1st March 2016 R.I.P.

GERAGHTY (née Doherty)

Noreen

Moneymore, Knockcroghery, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away on the 2nd February 2022 R.I.P

The sons, daughters, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, grandchildren, sister and extended family of the late Noreen Geraghty wish to express our heartfelt thanks to all who sympathised with us on the sudden death of our dear devoted mother, beloved sister and treasured grandmother.

We are deeply grateful to all who called to our home, attended the Wake, Requiem Mass and Burial. We would like to thank all who travelled long distances, telephoned, sent mass cards, left messages on RIP.ie and all who prayed for Noreen in her final days. To all our wonderful relatives, neighbours and friends who helped in every way possible, providing food, refreshments, assisted with the parking and anything that was needed.

A very special thank you to Fr. Donal Morris and Fr. Ray Milton for your prayers and concelebration of Noreen’s Funeral Mass. To Fr. Morris, your Eulogy, friendship and kind words provided comfort to us during this difficult time.

In loving memory of Stephen who died 7th March 2011

No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts, you are always there.

Anniversary Mass for Stephen and deceased family members of the Gannon family will be held in St. John’s Church, Lecarrow on Friday, 24th March at 7pm.

James (Jimmy)

Grove House, Kiltoom, Athlone (3rd Anniversary)

In loving memory of Jimmy Mannion who passed away on March 9th, 2020 R.I.P.

The blow was hard, the shock severe, to part with one we loved so dear. Our loss is great, we’ll not complain, but trust in God, to meet again.

Our family chain is broken, nothing seems the same, but as God calls us, one by one, the links shall join again.

Loved and sadly missed by his mother Mary and family.

a laugh, a joke, a time to care, a wonderful nature, kind and true, these are the memories we have of you.

Loved, remembered and sadly missed by your wife Kathleen and all your family.

Anniversary Mass in St. Michaels’ Church, Glinsk on Sunday, 5th March at 10am.

Thanks to Noreen’s neighbours, friends and members of Violet Hill ICA for providing a Guard of Honour. Thanks to our neighbours and friends who prepared her final resting place.

Thank you to Pat Smyth for your care, professionalism and understanding in handling all the arrangements. To the parish choir, the servers who took part in the Funeral Mass, thank you.

Thank you to Ursula and staff in Hannon’s Hotel who provided meal and refreshments. To Anne Harlow, thank you for the flower arrangements.

Thanks to Dr. John Keenan and staff of the Medical Centre, Roscommon, the Nurses and Doctors in the CICU in Galway University Hospital who cared for Noreen during her final days and showed us such compassion and kindness, we are truly grateful.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere deep appreciation and gratitude and that you remember Noreen in your prayers. The Holy Sacrifice of Mass will be offered for your kind intentions.

Sadly missed along life’s way quietly remembered every day. No longer in our life to share but in our hearts, he’s always there

Forever loved and sadly missed by the Mannion family and friends.

Anniversary Mass will be held in The Church of the Risen Christ, Ballybay, Kiltoom on Sunday, March 5th at 11.30am.

Anniversary Mass in Loughglynn Church on Sunday, 12th March, 2023 at 11.30am.

Noreen’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Knockcroghery on Saturday, 4th March at 7pm.

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FAMILYNOTICES ....ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

DEVINE Christy Creemully, Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon

Who passed away 7th October 2022.

As we remember Christy, Mona, Paddy, Fr. Liam, niece, nephews and extended family wish to thank you all who sympathised and supported us on our great loss. To all who attended the Funeral Home, Mass and Burial and who travelled long distances to be with us. Thanks to all who sent mass cards, enrolment cards, sympathy cards, letters, flowers and messages of condolence on R.I.P.ie. To our kind friends and neighbours who brought refreshments, to our home and helped in any way.

Thanks to Bishop Kevin Doran for his condolences. The priests Fr. Christopher and Fr. Pravin who came and concelebrated the Funeral Mass. Sean and Margaret for the beautiful music and hymns, our sacristans, readers and eucharistic ministers.

Thanks to Fuerty G.A.A club for the Guard of HonourThe Garda escort and the stewarts.

Thanks to all who cared for Christy - Dr. Harrison and Dr. Crosby and staff, Portiuncula and Roscommon Hospitals - Christy’s carers and Public Health NursesRoscommon Primary Care and Palliative Care Services. Ambulance team, McGuinness Pharmacy and Sonas Nursing Home, Cloverhill for their kindness in his last days.

Thanks to Smyth’s Funeral Directors for their professional service, Jimmy and Brian for preparing the grave and the Abbey Hotel for the nice meal.

As it is impossible to thank everybody individually we hope this acknowledgement will be accepted as a token of our gratitude.

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

MARTIN

Francie and John Bushfield, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon. (3rd and 21st Anniversaries)

BRENNAN

Claire

(9th Anniversary)

In loving memory of Claire, Lisgobbin, Roscommon who passed away on 4th March 2014.

SHALLY Paddy (James)

Tonlagee, Roscommon. In loving memory of Paddy who passed away on the 06th of March 2022. (1st Anniversary)

MENTON Bridgetta

Curraghboy, Athlone. Co. Roscommon (3rd Anniversary)

Your memories are so precious, your presence missed so much. You will always be remembered and loved by all of us.

Lovingly remembered and missed by Anne, Teresa, Noel, David and families.

Anniversary Mass in Ballinaheglish Church on Sunday, 5th March at 11am.

Softly the leaves of memory fall, gently we gather and treasure them all.

Lovingly remembered by her husband Sean, daughters Lorraine and Alma, sons John and Gary, granddaughter Laura, John’s partner Jannette, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends.

Anniversary Mass on Sunday, March 5th at 11.30am in Strokestown Parish Church.

GAVIN

Marianne

Late of Creggs and Ballygar (1st Anniversary)

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

Deeply loved, sadly missed and always remembered by his wife Mary, family and grandchildren.

Paddy’s First Anniversary Mass will take place on Sunday, the 5th of March at 11am at St. Brigid’s Parish Church, Four-Mile-House.

NEILAN

Paddy

Lough Ree Park, Ballyleague and Castlecoote, Co. Roscommon

BRIDGE OF LOVE

There is a bridge of memory, from earth to Heaven above. It keeps you always near us, it’s called the Bridge of Love. May you always walk in sunshine and God’s love around you flow, for happiness you gave us, no one will ever know. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

In loving memory of Marianne Gavin who passed away on 1st March 2022.

We hold you close within our hearts and there you shall remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.

So rest in peace dear Marianne and thanks for all you’ve done we pray that God has given you the crown you’ve truly won.

Forever loved and remembered by her daughters, husband, family, relatives and friends.

Marianne’s Anniversary Mass will take place in St. Mary’s Church, Kilbegnet, Creggs on Sunday, 5th March at 11.30am.

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In loving memory of Paddy, who passed away on the 6th of March 2020 (3rd Anniversary)

It doesn’t take a special day, to bring you to our minds. For days without a thought of you, are very hard to find. You always did your best, your heart was true and tender. You simply lived for those you loved, and those you loved remember.

Loved and very sadly missed by his wife Bernadette, sons Darren, Patrick and Michael, daughters Michelle and Sarah, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, brother, sisters and families.

Anniversary Mass will be held in Ballyleague Church on Sunday, 5th March at 11am.

Loved and remembered by her parents Gerard and Caroline, her sister Edel, her brothers Thomas and Eoin, her extended family and loyal friends.

Anniversary Mass in St. Brigids Church, Curraghboy on Sunday, 12th March at 10am.

CARR Michael

Caldra, Strokestown, (22nd Anniversary)

Gone are the days we used to share but in our hearts you are always there. The gates of memory will never close, we miss you more than anyone knows. With tender love and deep regret, we who love you will never forget.

Always loved, Genevieve, Emma, Ruth, Michael, Fergal and James.

Removal, Funeral and Burial.

A word of thanks to the staff at Beaumont and Mullingar Hospitals for the treatment and care given to Eileen especially in her final days.

A special word of thanks to all those who participated in the Mass, especially Fr. Larry, the readers, musicians Teresa Costello and Sean Sweeney and finally, Smyth Funeral Directors, for their sensitive and professional handling of the arrangments.

To all who helped in any way, your contribution will always be remembered. It is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Eileen’s First Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 4th March at 7pm in Church of The Holy Rosary, Ballyleague.

In Memory of Eileen O’Hara (1st Anniversary)

Cloontuskert, Ballyleague, Co. Roscommon. Friends are the family we get to choose. I thank God Eileen and I chose each other. Rest in Peace my beautiful friend, you are always in my thoughts and your love in my heart. Love as always, Dee.

THANKSGIVINGS

PRAYER

Lord Jesus by faith in your merits, I now take your precious blood and sprinkle it over myself and my family. Right from the crown of my head to the very soles of my feet. I claim total and complete protection for my life and my family. Lord Jesus, keep me free today from evil, sin and temptation. Satan’s attacks and afflictions, fear of darkness, fear of man, sickness, disease, doubts, anger, all calamities and from all that is not of thy kingdom. Fill me Lord Jesus with the gift of your Holy Spirit and grant me the gifts of wisdom. So that I will live today in your glory by doing that which is right. I praise you, Jesus. I thank you, Jesus. I love you, Jesus. I adore you, Jesus.

Pettronella - Sri Lanka

Holy Spirit you who makes me see everything and shows me the way to reach my ideals. You who gives me the divine gift to forgive and forget the wrong that is done to me. And you who are in all instances of my life with me, I in this short dialogue I want to thank you for everything and affirm once more that I never want to be separated from you, no matter how great the material desire may be. I want to be with you and my loved ones in your perpetual Glory. ( mention your request) Thank you Holy Spirit for your love towards me and to my loved ones. Amen. This prayer should be said for 6 consecutive days. After the 3rd day the request will be granted, no matter how difficult it may be. While making the request, one must either 1. Promise to publish on granting of the favour. 2. Promise to circulate copies of it to as many people as possible. O.R.

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days. E.B.

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. E.O.B.

UNFAILING NOVENA PRAYER TO ST. ANTHONY

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

PRAYER FOR A

SPECIAL REQUEST

Pray for 3 days. Publish on the 3rd day. See what will happen on the 4th day. Oh! Dear Mother of God, Our Lady of Conception Aparecida! Oh! Saint Rita of Cassia and Saint Jude worker of miracles and helper of impossible causes pray for me. Saint Expedite, Saint of urgent causes. Saint Edwiges the Saint of the needy, you know how desperate I feel, please ask Jesus to help me. (Here mention your request). May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored and glorified for ever. Pray 1 Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be... Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. E.B.

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. S.C.

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.K.

Sports PEOPLE

Creggs seeing double!

< DAN DOONER

Fresh from their superb victory over Connemara in last Sunday’s Connacht League showdown at the Sportsground in Galway, Creggs Rugby Club will be hoping to keep their dream of a league and cup double alive when they take on Sli- go side Ballinrobe RFC in Creggs at 2 pm this Sunday. Speaking to the Roscommon People this week, captain Brian Diffley said Creggs would not be look- ing beyond this weekend.

“We play Ballinrobe this Sunday and we have to beat Ballinrobe and won’t be looking beyond that,” he said.

“We know exactly what we’re capable of but we don’t want any slip ups caused by getting too far ahead of ourselves”. See more on pages 23-26 this week…

Provincial foes set for dress rehearsal

Rossies back down to earth for Mayo visit

Allianz National Football League Division One (Round 5): Roscommon v Mayo on Sunday at Dr Hyde Park at 2.45 pm

< SEAMUS DUKE

Any Roscommon football supporter who thought that there wouldn’t be a ‘bump in the road’ for the team after those three great wins at the start of the Division One campaign is not living in the real world.

In fact, for Davy Burke’s men to have won those three matches is a great achievement. But every game in this division is a huge test and they don’t come bigger than this Sunday against Roscommon’s great rivals Mayo.

This is also a tricky tie for the Roscommon players and man-

agement in terms of how to approach it. The championship clash between the two on April 9th is just six weeks away and that is a day of destiny for both sides.

But the last thing Roscommon need at this stage is to be well beaten by Mayo (or anyone else) so Davy Burke will be very determined that his charges produce a performance on Sunday.

Roscommon never really got going in Clones and that will be a worry, however the sight of the green and red jerseys should motivate them on Sunday and it should be a cracking match.

Davy Burke will probably try some new combinations. Niall Kilroy could be in from the start and Richard Hughes has certainly helped to nail down a starting place after his excellent display against Monaghan.

Up front, Roscommon will be hoping for more energy from

the Smiths, the Murtaghs, Ben O’Carroll and Daire Cregg because Mayo will arrive determined to tie down Roscommon’s danger men.

Mayo have been excellent in their last few games while against Kerry and Tyrone they cut loose up front. I have been so impressed with their full-forward line of Ryan O’Donoghue, James Carr and Aidan O’Shea.

Kevin McStay seems to have finally found the best position for O’Shea, who has been devastating as a target man.

Mayo seem to have overcame the loss of Lee Keegan and Oisin Mullen which is some achievement given their quality, and the bandwagon is on the roll again but their biggest tests are still to come.

Agatha Christie would be proud of the number of sub-plots that surround this fixture. We have Kevin McStay, who managed

Roscommon so recently, and who lives just yards from Hyde Park, taking on the ‘new kid on the block’ Davy Burke. The players know each other well and the shadow of that huge game on Easter Sunday will be ever present. Mayo are ahead at the top of the table on score difference but will they show their hand this Sunday?

Roscommon will be hoping to get back to the style that we saw in those first three wins while the visitors will want to continue the momentum they have built up over the past three weeks. There will be a massive crowd in attendance and an electric atmosphere for this fascinating clash. What Roscommon need is a good performance but Mayo have to be favourites to win and they should do so by three or four points.

Prediction: Mayo.

Richard Hughes was in fine form during last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division One match between Roscommon and Monaghan in St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Under pressure: Monaghan’s Ryan Wylie attempts to block this kick from Roscommon’s Dylan Ruane during last Sunday’s NFL Division One encounter in St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Cheltenham D-Day for Kennedy!

Horses for Courses

Jockey Jack Kennedy, side-lined with a broken leg since early January, hopes to get the all clear to ride at Cheltenham tomorrow, Friday. Following Kennedy’s injury, Davy Russell came out of retirement but has had only two rides after a heavy fall at Leopardstown earlier this month.

Whether one or both of the two leading riders will be in action for Gordon Elliott at Cheltenham remains to be seen. Elliott rates Kennedy’s chances of being available as “fifty-fifty”.

With less than two weeks left to the start of Cheltenham, two English riders were injured in falls last week. Yesterday week, Tom O’Brien dislocated his shoulder in a fall at Ludlow and this day week at Huntington, James Bowen broke his arm when unseated, and both will miss the festival.

On the whip front, Conor O’Farrell and Sam Twiston-Davis are among the nine riders suspended at the second sessions of the whip review committee on Tuesday. Both were suspended for four days starting on the 18th March, one day after the festival ends. The committee sits again tomorrow (Frday) when they will consider three further offences.

Short putts

Carrick

Congratulations to Anne McGourty (23 points) and Leo Noone (26 points) who were the standout players in the Ladies’ and Gents’ sections resepctively following the fourth round of the Flynn’s Bar Spring League last weekend.

The team results saw Team 13 (Patricia O’Hara) top the leaderboard with 375 points. Team 3 (Deirdre McGettrick) had 365 points while Team 1 (Albert Hogg) and Team 12 (Mary Molloy) both scored 352.

The results of the Seniors’ competition on Thursday last were as follows: 1st: Sean McMonagle (44 points); 2nd: John O’Mahoney (39, back nine); 3rd: Robbie Donaldson (38); Front nine: Dermot Monaghan (21); Back nine: PJ Sharkey (20).

Today (Thursday), there will be a nine-hole competition starting at 11 am and this will be followed at 1 pm by the Club’s AGM.

Well done to the Seniors’ team who recorded a 3-1 win over Dunmore at Dunmore Golf Club on Tuesday last.

Finally, the Ladies’ and Gents’ fixture list for 2023 is available on the club website www.carrickgolf.ie.

Roscommon

There was a great turnout for the club’s 2023 Drive-In last Sunday and our members wish President Mary Cunningham, Lady Captain Paula Miley and Captain PJ Moran good wishes for their year.

The three-person nine-hole scramble took place directly afterwards and the winners of the front nine were Ross Shannon, Tom Grealy Jnr and Liam McNeill. Back nine winners were David Kearney, Enda Daly and Aengus Oates.

The results of the Senior Men’s competition on Thursday last were as follows: Winner: N Sharkey (32 points); Cat 1: S Byrne (32); Cat 2: J Kilroy (30); Cat 3: C Doherty (30); Cat 4: J Earley (31).

Senior Ladies’ results: 1st: Mary Lalor, 2nd: Kay Ruane, 3rd: Jane Hunt, 4th: Mary O’Keeffe.

The Foursomes matches are now complete in the Ladies’ Spring Matchplay with Team C in the lead with three points. Fourball matches will be played this month.

There will be a CPR course running in the golf club on Wednesday, March 15th from 7 pm to 10 pm. Cost of course is €15. If you are interested in attending please put your name on the list in locker rooms.

by Tom Red

This weekend’s action

Horseracing this weekend starts today (Thursday) at Clonmel with the first race at 2.05 pm. Tomorrow evening, racing is under lights on the all-weather at Dundalk, first race at 4.55 pm.

On Saturday, the action at Navan features the Grade 3 Flyingbolt Novice Chase away at 2 pm. Sunday sees two meetings at Leopardstown with the Grade B Carrickmines Handicap Chase away at 2 pm and at Wexford at 1.40 pm. Leopardstown race again on Monday starting at 1.40 pm.

On Saturday, ITV Racing is covering nine races all over the jumps, five from Kelso, including the Grade A Morebattle Handicap Hurdle, a Cheltenham Bonus race, and the Grade 2 Premier Novice Hurdle, with two each from Doncaster and Newbury.

Cheltenham Corner

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Nusret won the Coral

Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton and will take his place in the Triumph Hurdle where he will probably meet the Willie Mullins’ trained pair Lossiemouth and Blood Destiny who have both beaten him this season. Ireland looks to have a very strong hand in the race again this year.

£100,000 Cheltenham Bonus

McTigue is one of 26 runners in contention for the Bet365 Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso on Saturday as trainer Emmet Mullins tries to replicate the success he had with The Shunter in 2021.

The Shunter collected the £100,000 bonus by winning the 2m handicap and following that up with success at the Cheltenham Festival. Mullins will be looking for more of the same from McTigue, who holds four entries for the festival in March.

He is joined by top weight Lorna Fowler’s Colonel Mustard and Stuart Crawford’s Hommes St George, who at No 23 needs a lot of non-runners.

Mullins’ Noble Yeats will probably tackle the Gold Cup before making a bid to retain his Grand National crown. The 8-Y-O has won at Wexford and a Grade 2 at Aintree before finishing third in a Grade 2 recently at Cheltenham this season and is ante post favourite for the National at 8/1.

Linda Russell’s Corah Rambler is a well backed second favourite at 12/1 alongside Willie Mullins’ Gaillard Du Mensil. Elliott’s main hope is probably last year’s third-placed Delta Work who will also run in Cheltenham’s Cross Country Race where he heads the 20 runners.

SPORTS DESK With Dan Dooner

RDFL pair’s ‘Epic Spin’ in aid of charities

Two Roscommon & District Football League officials are set to undertake a 300-kilometre round cycle in aid of Croí and Jigsaw as well as a donation towards the provision of a defibrillator at RDFL Headquarters in Lecarrow.

League Secretary Gerry Davies and Eddie Conroy of Boyle Celtic FC will visit every club ground in the RDFL starting on Saturday, May 20th at Celtic Park, Boyle before finishing up at the Roscommon &

District League grounds, Lecarrow on Sunday, 21st. To donate online, head to www. idonate.ie/fundraiser/RDFLCycleforCroiandJigsaw.

Tully bows out in semi-final

Fiona Tully bowed out of the Ladies’ Open Championship at the semifinal stage following defeat to Galway’s Ciana Ni Churraoin recently. Tully had defeated Aisling O’Keeffe in the quarter-finals on a scoreline of 21-1, 21-15 to set up another showdown with the girl who beat her in the She’s Ace final just a few weeks ago.

Willie Mullins trains 14 of the 44 entries for the Weatherbys Champion Bumper. The Closutton battalion is led by ante-post favourite Simon Munir and Isaac Souede’s It’s For Me, with stablemate and Leopardstown scorer Fun Fun Fun also well fancied.

In the Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase, Closutton’s Billaway, last year’s winner, and David Christie’s Winged Leader, runner-up 12 months ago, head the 35 entries for the amateur riders contest.

Unfortunately, Ni Churraoin once again proved too strong, winning 2120, 21-14 to end Fiona’s 2023 AllIreland Singles series.

Meanwhile, cross the Atlantic, Siobhan Treacy (UL) and Carragh Kennedy (ATU) travelled to Tucson, Arizona to take part in their first ever colleges competition.

Both girls enjoyed their first trip overseas for a handball competition, with Carragh eventually losing in the 9-16 place semi-final and Siobhan bowing out in the quarter-finals of the Open Grade to number two seed Clodagh Munroe (21-13, 21-14).

Siobhan and teammate Clodagh Neville were also defeated in the doubles at the quarter-finals stage

by Munroe and her partner Molly Chambereu.

Finally, Roscommon have two new Connacht champions in the shape of Rory Carthy and Glenn Walsh. Rory won the Minor Singles title while Glenn won the Masters ‘B’ title and now go on to compete in the All-Ireland semi-finals in Cavan this Saturday.

Hurlers held to a draw in Fermanagh

Seamus Qualter’s second term as Roscommon senior hurling manager started with a draw (1-14 to 1-14) away to Fermanagh in NHL Division 3A last Sunday.

The result still leaves Roscommon without a win in the league this year (two draws and defeat), though it does keep them a point above Mayo in the table.

A last-gasp Luca McCusker point, his tenth of the afternoon, denied the Rossies what would have been an invaluable win in their bid to avoid relegation to NHL Division 3B. Qaulter’s men now face the top two teams in this division, Monaghan and Armagh, in their remaining fixtures.

Historic win for Castlerea Celtic youngsters!

Castlerea Celtic’s U-12 side pulled off a historic win last weekend when they were 2-1 winners after extratime away to a fancied Wilton United side from Cork in the last 16 of the SFAI Subway Cup.

Celtic now march on to the quarterfinals of Ireland’s premier schoolboys competition thanks to a brilliant first-half free-kick from Ethan Neary and Alex Doyle’s winning goal in extra-time.

McTigue and Jim Bowen win at Sedgefield.

The Castlerea Celtic U-12s who reached the quarter-finals of the SFAI Subway Cup with a 2-1 extra-time win over Wilton United in Cork last weekend. Pic: Castlerea Celtic Facebook page

Missed chances cost Ladies in Cavan

Roscommon Ladies footballers came away from Kingspan Breffni Park last Sunday ruing a number of missed chances as they fell to an agonising 2-9 to 2-8 defeat to hosts Cavan in Lidl Ladies National Football League Division Two. There was nothing between the teams and Ollie Lennon’s team once again proved they are a match for opponents at this level. Unfortunately, however, despite a good Roscommon performance, it wasn’t enough to secure badly needed league points in their quest to avoid relegation back to Division Three.

Roscommon’s next game is on March 19th against Monaghan, and is very much a make or break fixture when it comes to their survival in Division Two.

Team: H Cummins; A McGrath, R Fitzmaurice, S Wynne; E Irwin, L O’Rourke, R Wynne; R Cox, C Cregg; L Fleming (1-2, 2 frees), A Galvin, M Hagan; A Hanly (0-5 0-3 frees), A Curran, N Feeney (0-1). Subs: A Feely (1-0) for A Curran, A Shanagher for M Hagan.

THE GAIN LINE

Seconds secure fourth spot

Creggs Seconds travelled to Tuam where they beat the hosts in a highly entertaining play-off match to secure fourth place in the Connacht J1C League on Saturday evening last.

Tuam took the lead after just eight minutes with a close-range penalty before prop forward Mattie Curley hit back with a try for Creggs shortly after.

A Mark Brandon penalty gave Creggs a five-point advantage approaching the half-hour mark before a controversial penalty try put Tuam back on top. Brandon then slotted another pen-

Buccs edge Malone to maintain winning streak

Energia All-Ireland League

Division 1B: Buccaneers

27 Malone 24. Buccaneers maintained their winning streak with a hard-fought victory over Malone under the Dubarry Park floodlights on Saturday evening.

Buccs were forced to make a handful of changes for this encounter and, similar to Ireland earlier on the day with their much-changed side, the Pirates found it difficult to produce a cohesive effort. Of course, the Belfast side, battling for survival in this division, played their part too in making life difficult for the home side.

Third Connacht League title!

BOI Connacht Junior League 2: Buccaneers 17

Corinthians 3. Buccaneers

Thirds and their Corinthians counterparts provided an absorbing contest to decide this season’s Bank of Ireland Connacht Junior 2 League champions at Loughrea on Sunday with a fitter and committed Pirates crew proving worthy winners on a 17-3 scoreline.

alty to send Creggs in at the break 11-10 to the good. Both sides enjoyed periods of dominance in a fast and furious second half but two more penalties from Brandon sealed a deserved 17-10 victory for the visitors.

This was proved to be a very useful game for Creggs with the J1C Cup final against Oughterard on March 12th.

Youth Rugby

Connacht U-14 Girls Cup: Loughrea RFC 24 Creggs RFC 68. Creggs travelled to Loughrea for the first round of the Con-

U-15 title for young Buccs

Connacht U-15 League: Buccaneers 10 Westport

8. Buccaneers U-15 Yellow team finished their Connacht League campaign in a dramatic final at a sunlit Corrib ground on Saturday, a last kick of the match penalty edging the young Buccs to a 10-8 victory over Westport.

Firsts travel to Belvedere

Buccaneers Seniors’ heavy fixtures schedule continues unabated with a massive test facing them on Saturday next when they square up to Old Belvedere in the Energia All-Ireland League at Ollie Campbell Park, Dublin. This crunch Division 1B match pitting second against third has a 2.30 pm kick-off. The current league table sees City of Armagh top with 52 points, with Buccaneers just one point behind in second and Old Belvedere (47) in third.

nacht Cup last weekend and came away with a very creditable 68-24 win.

Creggs led by 44-5 at half-time but Loughrea improved in the second half and scored three tries.

Try scorers on the day were Emily Kelly (2), Sarah Larkin (2), Emma Boyle, Abigail Quinn, Ruth King, Ally Hegarty, Jessica Glennon, Hanna Holmes, and Ella Dwyer. Conversions from Alice Featherstone (7) and Sarah Larkin (2).

Mini Rugby

Creggs Minis continued

their tour of Mayo on Saturday with a visit to gracious hosts Claremorris Colts RFC. It proved to be a real family day out with over 100 people travelling from Creggs.

Boys’ and Girls’ teams took part in some great matches and were served some delicious hot dogs by the hardworking and welcoming Colts organisers.

Creggs U-10 and U-12 Girls also enjoyed their day out at the Claremorris Blitz. The U-12s played some excellent rugby with all players getting a try or two. The U-10s started slowly but

turned on the style in their last two games. Thanks again to all at Claremorris Colts for a great day of rugby.

This weekend…

The Seniors take on Ballinrobe at home in the semifinal of the Connacht Junior Cup at 2 pm. The Boys’ U-14s also take on Ballinrobe in their cup match at Creggs. The Boys’ U-16s travel to Monivea on Friday night for a 7 pm kickoff and the Girls’ U-16s are away to Loughrea on Sunday at 11.30 am.

results

U-20s face league holders

Buccaneers U-20s take on league table toppers Terenure College in their final home fixture of the JP Fanagan Leinster League Premier 2 Division at 3 pm at Dubarry Park on Sunday afternoon.

Terenure are runaway leaders and defeated Buccs’ 34-17 at Lakelands earlier in the season. They will be fancied to continue

their winning ways but the young Pirates will be battling to maintain their position in the top four so a keenly contested tussle is anticipated.

Change of venue for auction

The venue for Buccaneers upcoming auction has been changed to The Bounty with the event still taking place on Sunday, March 26th, starting at 3.30 pm. Plenty of interesting and

varied items have already been confirmed for the auction, including an Ireland jersey signed by Jonny Sexton, four tickets to the Galway Races plus G Hotel stay, one night’s dinner and B&B for two at Barberstown Castle, a tonne of coal, a hot tub boat voucher and, rumour has it, a pair of Paul Mescal’s GAA shorts! Loads of nice vouchers are also on offer and more will be revealed next week. Watch this space!

Cuan’s Ahascragh United RDFL Women’s League Shiven Rovers v Boyle Celtic. 2 pm

C’mon The Town

(Roscommon Town Youth Soccer) In association with the

Final player registration

Our second and final registration night will take place today (Thursday) from 7 pm to 9 pm in the Community Sports Park, Lisnamult.

Please note: no player registration will be conducted after March 2nd. 7-8 pm: Boys and Girls U-7s, U-9s, and U-11s. 8 to 9 pm: Boys and Girls U-12s, U-14s, U-16s, and U-18s. Fees: 1 player €95, 2 players €170, 3+ players €240. Cash only please.

2023 schedule

Boys: Monday U-14s, Tuesday U-12s, Thursday U-16s, Friday U-11s, Saturday U-7s and U18s, Sunday U-9s. Girls: Wednesday U-12s, U-16s, Friday U-11s, Saturday U-7s, U-14s, and Sunday U-9s.

Connacht Shield

On Saturday afternoon last, our boys’ U-14 team progressed to the next round of the Connacht Shield after a comfortable away win against Coolaney United. Goals from Sam Walsh (3), Conor Keaveney, Andrej Anic and William Godfrey

ensured that the journey home was a pleasant one. Thanks to Coolaney for a sporting match and for their hospitality after the game.

Every Little Helps

As we welcome new and returning members to the club, we also encourage interested and enthusiastic people who wish to contribute in whatever way possible - coaching, shop, supervision, website/IT etc. Contact Michael 0877665993 or email info@ roscommontownyouthsoccer.ie.

Follow The Town

Check out our social media channels this seasonFacebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Help Hospice this Lent

Lent is seen as a time of giving up things but why not give? Our U-14 team wear the Hospice logo on their jersey and we encourage you to help the Hospice this Lent.

Wise words…

It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy.

The Roscommon Ladies footballers pictured prior to their Lidl Ladies National Football League match against Cavan in Kingspan Breffni Park last Sunday.

Roscommon Town U-14s.

The Buccaneers U-15s who were crowned Connacht League champions for 2023.

GAME ON…

Mayo view on Rossies!

Recently retired Mayo great Lee Keegan, writing for the RTE website prior to last weekend’s games, had some musings on Roscommon’s strong start to the Allianz National Football League campaign.

‘Roscommon are sitting pretty, looking down on everyone. The yo-yo tag has been buried for this year. They’re getting a great consistency of performance, which traditionally had been a problem.

‘In my time as a player, Roscommon were always an unknown quantity – which made them a very dangerous opponent. But often you were never sure whether you were going to encounter a confident bunch who were in the mood – or a rusty team who weren’t at the pitch of it’.

Noting how strongly Roscommon had finished in the fourth quarter during their wins over Tyrone, Galway and Armagh, Keegan added: “They’re playing with huge confidence as well, you can see the trust between Davy Burke’s management team and the players on the pitch. They’ve looked comfortable in tight games”.

Of course, even if he’s a playing legend turned pundit, we have to be wary of Mayo men bearing verbal gifts! In any event, last Sunday in Clones, Roscommon experienced their first defeat in this season’s league campaign. There is no suggestion that a new Mayo curse was involved…

Bandwagon toppled!

‘If ever a fixture was purpose-built to throw a bandwagon off course, it’s Monaghan in Clones in February. On a bone-cold day in front of a hopped-up crowd, Vinny Corey’s side ended Roscommon’s unbeaten run in Division One and jumped themselves up to mid-table respectability. They haven’t survived this long in Division One by quailing at the sight of the league leaders coming to town. They weren’t likely to start here’.

-Malachy Clerkin (Irish Times)

Davy saw it coming!

‘It’s probably the biggest trap of all time, in fairness, isn’t it? They’re a seasoned outfit. I had a fair idea what was coming our way. It’s a sore one because you can see it coming. Did you ever watch a car crash in slow motion, lads? I’m glad that this league-run-of-a-year-and-a-half nonsense is over with, to be honest. I’m glad we can move on now’.

-Straight talking from Roscommon manager Davy Burke after the final whistle last Sunday

Major Mayo test to

Allianz Football League Division One Monaghan 0-14 Roscommon 0-11

< PAUL HEALY IN CLONES

However reluctantly it may be, Davy Burke and Kevin McStay will begin the process of revealing some of their respective hands in public this Sunday as Roscommon and Mayo meet in a tasty league appetiser to a championship ‘main course’ next month.

An eagerly awaited Connacht

Championship showdown will be an Easter Weekend treat, but first the old rivals meet this Sunday in a top of the table league clash which will attract a huge crowd to Dr Hyde Park. It will also give further insights into the current wellbeing of the top two in Division One.

On the evidence of their recent wins against Kerry and Tyrone, Mayo have great momentum. Roscommon have made an excellent start to the league, but a sluggish performance against Monaghan last Sunday led to a first defeat of the campaign.

Roscommon’s great achievement in gathering six points from their first

three games has probably already secured them Division One status, and has certainly boosted confidence ahead of the newly-revamped championship.

That said, if Roscommon are to have any chance of keeping a dynamic Mayo at bay this weekend, they will have to play vastly better than they did against Monaghan.

Managers Burke (Roscommon) and McStay (Mayo) will want to hold back as many aces as possible ahead of the championship clash on April 9th, while still being tempted to vie for local bragging rights this Sunday.

It’s a moot point whether either or

both of the joint table-toppers actually want to progress into potential league final territory!

If anything, Davy Burke saw Sunday’s lacklustre display in Clones as a welcome tempering of expectations. Speaking to RTE Sport, Burke indicated that the ending of an unbeaten league run which stretched back to late 2021 was actually the lifting of a welcome weight off the team’s collective shoulders.

“I’m glad that whatever run that was is over now, to be honest with you. There’s a lot of talk (about Roscommon’s league start), a lot of unwarranted talk. We’re a good, hard-

Teams & scorers

Monaghan: Rory Beggan (0-1, free); Thomas McPhillips, Kieran Duffy, Ryan Wylie (0-1); Conor Boyle, Dessie Ward (0-1), Ryan O’Toole; Darren Hughes, Gary Mohan (0-1); Stephen O’Hanlon, Micheál Bannigan (0-3, 0-1 free), Conor McCarthy (0-1); Shane Carey, Karl Gallagher (0-1), Jack McCarron (0-4, 0-2 frees).

Subs: Karl O’Connell for Mohan (45 mins); Sean Jones (0-1) for Carey (48 mins); Conor McManus for Gallagher (57 mins); Fintan Kelly for McCarron (69 mins).

Wides: Monaghan 8; Roscommon 9

Yellow cards: Monaghan 0; Roscommon 3 (Richard Hughes, Ciaráin Murtagh, David Murray)

Red cards: 0

Black cards: 2 (Diarmuid Murtagh & Ben O’Carroll, Roscommon)

Man of the Match: Jack McCarron

Roscommon: Conor Carroll; Niall Daly, Conor Daly, David Murray; Dylan Ruane, Brian Stack (0-1), Richard Hughes (0-2); Tadhg O’Rourke, Keith Doyle; Robbie Dolan, Diarmuid Murtagh (0-2, 0-1 free), Ciarán Lennon; Ciaráin Murtagh (0-2, 0-2 frees), Ben O’Carroll (0-2), Enda Smith (0-1).

Subs: Daire Cregg for Doyle (42 mins); Niall Kilroy (0-1) for Ruane (49 mins); Donie Smith for Hughes (57 mins); Ruaidhri Fallon for Lennon (63 mins); Conor Cox for D Murtagh (65 mins).

Referee: Niall Cullen (Fermanagh).

Roscommon’s Dylan Ruane tries to fend off Monaghan’s Stephen O’Hanlon and Thomas McPhillips during last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division One clash in St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

Roscommon’s Keith Doyle in action during last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division One match against Monaghan in St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

working team, we’ve decent players, but we need to turn up every day and do it”.

Burke was hitting the nail on the head there – his team didn’t really turn up last Sunday. There were good passages of play from Roscommon, but few enough of them. Mostly, it was an uncharacteristically sluggish display, with Roscommon too pedestrian at times, often wayward with their shooting and sloppy with their passing.

Burke acknowledged how underwhelming the performance was. “We wouldn’t be happy with a lot of facets of our play. Poor execu-

The trap that was hiding in plain sight!

PAUL

HEALY

View from the Stand

This, as Roscommon manager Davy Burke ruefully observed when speaking to the media, was a trap that had essentially been hiding in plain sight. Monaghan were not so much lying in the long grass as sitting back on park benches in open daylight, waving a routine welcome as the Club Rossie bus arrived – before duly setting about dismantling the visitors’ winning run.

This was the ambush that you could see coming. Monaghan in Clones – when you’re flying and they’re ravenous for league points – is one tricky assignment. We arrived in town well over an hour before throwin. Fearful that I might cross to the ‘other side’ and suddenly become one of those people who arrives early at GAA grounds, I quickly agreed to a suggestion from within our travelling party that we pass a half an hour in one of Clones’ watering holes. There, in an old pub populated by a few dozen Roscommon supporters, we watched the closing stages of a cagey Donegal-Galway game – and mused about the risk (to reference that old Barry McGuigan nickname) of being blown over by a Clones cyclone.

The walk ‘downhill’ to the old ground was chilly but pleasant. On the meandering streets of Clones, Roscommon people appeared in pockets. A sign for his auctioneering business reminded us we were in Conor McManus country.

Roscommon captain Brian Stack in action during last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division One match between Roscommon and Monaghan in St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

tion, poor shot selection, we didn’t cut through them as we would have liked and hoped”.

Roscommon lost both halves, the failure to take control in the second period an unexpected break from recent convention. This was just a sloppy display, even the usually inspirational emptying of the bench yielding no decisive dividends.

Diarmuid Murtagh gave Roscommon a 5th minute lead, but Monaghan found their range, going 0-4 to 0-1 ahead by the 17th minute.

Richard Hughes, with two fine points, and scores from Ciaráin and Diarmuid Murtagh had Roscommon

level at 0-5 apiece, but Monaghan added two points to lead 0-7 to 0-5 at half-time.

Six early second-half attacks by Roscommon produced just one point, underlining the sense that, compared to the neat prose of earlier rounds, this was an unfolding rough draft. A goal would have lifted everything. On 43 minutes, Ben O’Carroll crossed to Robbie Dolan when he should perhaps have shot for goal himself. Alert defending meant the chance was lost.

Roscommon just couldn’t rein Monaghan in, the home side frustrating the visitors with efficient ‘keep

ball’ tactics. The issuing of black cards to Diarmuid Murtagh and Ben O’Carroll didn’t help Roscommon’s cause, but Monaghan were fully deserving winners. Burke voiced displeasure with those refereeing calls, claiming Roscommon had been “harshly done by”.

As to why his team were so flat this time around, Burke reckoned “you’d need a degree in psychology to work that one out!”

In all probability, those in the stands (on the sidelines too) at Hyde Park this Sunday who have degrees in psychology will have an advantage on the rest of us!

St Tiernach’s Park is quaint, old-fashioned, homely. It was evident from early on that Roscommon were struggling to find their rhythm. There was cause for concern, but Davy Burke’s team slowly roused themselves, mainly thanks to Richard Hughes having the ambition to shoot – his two fine points kept Roscommon in touch.

A bit of a dust-up just before half-time raised the temperatures of players and supporters alike. The game probably needed that injection of passion.

At half-time, Roscommon fans were confident. The team had played poorly, but wind advantage in the second half, plus the narrative of previous weeks, suggested Roscommon could use their bench and the experience of recent close finishes to edge this one. Monaghan had other ideas. After Roscommon made little or nothing of a few early second-half forays, the home team’s belief grew. Goalkeeper Rory Beggan patrolled the pitch – often beyond midfield – with the calm authority of a General surveying his obedient troops. Monaghan excelled at retaining possession. It frustrated Burke’s men, but was the right tactic for the home team.

Roscommon reached for the trump card which has been on regular display in recent weeks, but it proved elusive. A few promising attacks broke down, a goal chance was missed. Monaghan sensed blood.

When Diarmuid Murtagh was controversially blackcarded, the trap door went from being ajar to fully open…and Roscommon were hovering over it.

At the final whistle, frustration in abundance for travelling Rossies, not to mention the team and management. There was also a sense of perspective. Six points from eight (with a three-point loss in Clones) is a ‘return’ that Roscommon certainly won’t quibble with.

Monaghan. In Clones. The Rossies going well. We knew the trap door was there. We didn’t want to fall in, but cyclones can so easily blow you off course.

‘

Robbie Dolan’s effort to score a goal is cleared off the line during last Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division One clash against Monaghan in St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones. Pic: Bernie O’Farrell

follow first defeat